Bunmi George is the founder and CEO of ShredderGang, a fitness and nutrition company that has assisted over eighty-five thousand people in reaching their personal fitness goals. For George, ShredderGang started as something personal—her own story. She shed 55kg and felt called to help others experience that same freedom. With no capital, just passion and purpose, she began offering guidance, first to individuals and eventually to a growing community. Over the years, her brand has evolved from a personal wellness journey into Nigeria’s leading health and fitness community. According to George, it’s not just about weight loss; it’s about confidence, healing and giving people the right tools to take ownership of their health, especially women navigating seasons like PCOS, postpartum recovery, and hormonal imbalance. George believes she has built more than a solid brand, but a movement that says: Your wellness journey is valid, your body is capable, and you are not alone.
Read Bunmi George’s inspiring story on pages 8 to 10.
Pants are a true game-changer. They affect how your ensemble looks. While an incorrect pair can make the most decent shirt look unflattering, the right pair can help you look put together. This week, our fashion pages are for men. We discuss five essential pants every fashionable man should have and how to style them.
With all the noise about the movie Sinners, I haven’t been interested in seeing it. In my opinion, nothing about the blues and vampires screams, ‘Go see it now,’ and although our movie review correspondent scores it a high 8.5 out of 10, I still won’t be seeing it. But that’s my prerogative. Will you go and see it?
Until next week, enjoy your read.
Photo: Kola Oshalusi
@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
OnahNwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN
THEWILLNIGERIA THEWILLNG THEWILLNIGERIA
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
THEWILLNIGERIA
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
THEWILL NEWSPAPER • www.thewillnews.com
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
ACHIEVEMENTS of Snapsho t
NCDMB in collabora on ith Petrole m Technolog De elopment F nd(PTDF), Shell Petrole m De elopment Compan
NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS PARKS (NOGaPS)
The Board seeks to establish Oil and Gas Parks that ill ser e as man fact ring h bs f o r t h e m a n f a c t r e o f e q i p m e n t components, spare parts and chemicals for the oil and gas ind str The scheme is e pected to create abo t , direct, indirect and ind ced jobs on each site at opera ons phase and , at constr c on phase. The Board appro ed a pilot scheme f o r t h e n i n e ( ) o i l p r o d c i n g s t a t e s (Ba elsa, Cross Ri er, Ak a Ibom, Imo, Delta, Abia, Edo, Ondo, and Ri ers) for the establishment of the Nigeria oil and gas parks.
(NOGAPS) parks o ld be completed b the end of . Site prepara ons and p l a n n i n g a re i n p ro g re s s i n t
Nine Loca ons ere iden fied, and the Board has alread acq ired eight loca onsBa elsa Cross Ri er Ak a Ibom Imo Ondo, Delta, Abia, and Edo. T o of the N
loca ons. The oil and gas parks ill be operated sing the sites and ser ice model ith pro ision of electric po er ro nd the clock to enhance man fact ring ac i es.
opport ni es for indigeno s companies and represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's Decade of Gas Ini a e. These i
direct and indirect jobs.
signed an MoU with the Bank of Industry to enhance access to facilities for local service companies in the oil and gas sector
N
Monitoring Board (NCDMB) la nched the Nigerian Content Inter en on F nd (NCI F nd), hich is managed b the Bank of Ind str (BoI). It is aimed at s ppor ng l o c a l c o n t r a c t o r s , m a n f a c t r e r s a n d ser ice pro iders ith long tenor facilit and single digit interest rate Similarl , NCDMB, in partnership ith the Nigerian E port-Import (NEXIM) Bank, la nched the million inter en on f nd for omen in the oil and gas ind str , as ell as orking capital & capacit b ilding f nd.
The prod cts nder the scheme incl de l o a n s f o r m a n f a c t r i n g , a s s e t s a c q i s i o n p r o j e c t fi n a n c i n g l o a n r e fi n a n c i n g , a m o n g o t h e r s , a n d h a s embarked on se eral ini a es, incl ding f n d i n g s p p o r t a n d o t h e r i n i a e s ske ed to ard de eloping both h man capital and infrastr ct re. Some of these f nding ini a es incl de the million Nigerian Content Inter en on F nd ith BoI, the million matched f nd ith N E X I M B a n k , t h e m i l l i o n R & D Inter en on F nd and the million NOGAPS man fact ring f nd to pro ide f nding s pport for local companies.
T h e B o a r d g r e t h e N C I F n d a n d disb rsed it effec el as credit to Nigerian o i l a n d g a s s e r i c e c o m p a n i e s a n d
comm nit contractors ith single interest. It is important to highlight that the er first disb rsement nder the Inter en on F nd as sed b the beneficiar for sec rit essel acq isi on - MV Tam no-Dein IIacq ired b BGAM Ser ices Limited.
The Board is also pro iding affordable credit to oil and gas comm nit contractors to enable them scale p and e ec te small to medi m scale contracts. As part of the plan, t h e B o a r d r e p a c k a g e d t h e C o m m n i t Contractors F nd Scheme, one of the fi e prod cts nder the NCI F nd. The objec e is to make the Comm nit Contractors F nd more accessible to q alified oil and gas local contractors hile sec ring the f nd and ens ring repa ment. In the re ised feat re, the Comm nit F nd has gro n to N billion and the ne obligor limit is N m i l l i o n n a i ra T h e B a n k
a n d commercial banks ill be responsible for
Comm nit Contra ctors F nd paper as la nched in at the Prac cal Nigerian Content Conference.
Commissioning of NEDOGAS 300MMscfd capacity Gas Gathering (KGG) and Injection facility
Kwale, Delta State.
NCDMB signed an MOU with UBEC for smart schools development initiative.
NCDMB
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2025
NCDMB CONFERENCE HOTEL
The Board is constr c ng a -store conference hotel facilit ith Rooms in Yenagoa.
The Federal E ec e Co ncil (FEC) appro ed the constr c on of the conference hotel facilit The facilit is to be located adjacent the Nigerian Content To ers - NCDMB HQ B ilding in Yenagoa, Ba elsa State. The Board is on co rse to deli er the Conference Hotel in . Upon take off, the hotel ill be managed b Radison Bl , an interna onal hotel brand brand.
HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT (HCD)
In line ith sec ons , and of the NOGICD Act, the Board has a responsibilit to ini ate and promote HCD programmes
f o r s k i l l s a c q i s i o n a n d c o n n o s professional de elopment. In this regard, the Board has trained , grad ates
n d e r t h e P r o j e c t - b a s e d a n d D i r e c t Inter en ons Trainings ith , manho rs lised, bet een Ma ll date. The ario s programmes embarked pon b the Board incl de:
a) Direct training inter en on: The Board embarks on direct training and cer fica on programmes to enhance emplo abilit of Nigerians in the oil and gas ind str , s ch as Oil Spill Management and En ironmental
Re m e d i a o n , G e o s c i e n c e s , M a c h i n i st s , Ar sans, nder ater elding , American Societ of Non-destr c e tes ng (ASDT NDT) Le el III, sea- me for marine cadets, ITF technical training, GSM phone repairs (Yobe, Ba chi, Kad na, Kano Cross Ri ers, etc.), NOGTECH-Hackathon andteachers training to impro e ed ca on in STEM, teachers de elopment training and other skills gaps clos re trainings. The Board has also commenced cadetship training for cadets on-board foreign-going essels to s pport opera ons and ser ices in the Nigerian oil and gas Ind str , as ell as Train Project Nigerian Content H man
C a p i t a l D e e l o p m e n t ( N C - H C D ) B a s i c Training for Nigerians.
b ) P r o j e c t - B a s e d Tr a i n i n g : T h e s e a r e trainings and cer fica on carried o t on
t h e b a c k o f p ro j e c t s e e c t e d i n t h e ind str Engineering HSSE, Geosciences, U n d e r a t e r e l d i n g , P r o j e c t Management, as ell as Instr menta on and Controls.
c) Yo th empo erment: The Board seeks to empo er o ths to be self-reliant and emplo ers of labo r Specificall o ths are trained b the Board and empo ered in the follo ing skill areas: basic elding,
Back to the Creek ini
a strategic project aimed at re italising
infrastr ct re in Nigeria's
the
ini a e aligns closel ith the mandate of H i s E c e l l e n c , P r e s i d e n t B o l a A h m e d T i n b , G C F R t o c r e a t e a n e n a b l i n g en ironment for b sinesses to thri e. The Ini a e is eq all pi otal to mee ng fo r ke i t e m s o n M r P r e s i d e n t ' s - p o i n t economic Agenda - po ert eradica on, job crea on, access to capital and gro th, among others.
pipeline maintenance, laborator anal sis, tailoring (protec e clothing) and pain ng, GSM repairs, etc.
d) Sensi sa on Workshops: The Board
a l s o o r g a n i s e d s e n s i s a o n a n d enlightenment orkshops for contractors, o ths, the p blic and stakeholders on the a
deli er of ICT Labs in schools. e
schools and ICT Centres to Go ernment Technical Colleges in En g , Ba elsa, Ondo, Delta, Cross Ri er, En g , Kad na, K ara, Platea , Ba chi, Lagos and other states. The Board also commissioned
( ) ICT centres from Ma ll date.
f ) Collabora on ith UBEC: The Board partnered the Uni ersal Basic Ed ca on
to
(
NCDMB-UBEC Smart Schools De elopment
Ini a e (NUSSDI) NCDMB and UBEC agreed to collaborate to ards pgrading basic ed ca on in Nigeria and b ilding ca p a c i e s o f o n g N i ge r i a n s to a rd s mee ng the needs of the e er-changing oil and gas ind str and the linkages sectors. A joint commi ee as set p to finalise details of the collabora on, ith the o erall goal of contrib ng meaningf ll to the f t re of the Nigerian econom The programme is aimed at enhancing basic ed ca on in Nigeria. The primar goal of this collabora on is to la nch a pilot phase
o f s i ( ) s m a r t s c h o o l s , s t ra t e g i c a l l located across Nigeria's geopoli cal ones.
S bseq entl , in , the Board signed a Memorand m of Understanding (MoU) ith UBEC Smart Schools De elopment
Ini a e (NUSSDI). The Board also handed o er the b ilding site to contractors for the constr c on of the DRC Inno a on H b & Laboratories Comple
NCDMB ini ated the Project in to recognise the resilience of indigeno s oil and gas ser ice pro iders and help n rt re holl o ned Nigerian companies to interna onal standard thro gh Capacit B ilding, F nding and Access. There are fi e b ckets that the PMO ill foc s on:
Inter en on Strateg to manage the ongoing process and refinement of Project strateg . Beneficiar management to manage the s e l e c o n , a c c e l e ra o n , a n d g ra d a o n process of Project beneficiaries. Inter en on management to manage implementa on of inter en ons plans for the ario s target beneficiar I n s i g h t s t o d e e l o p f a c t - b a s e d doc menta on of performance of Project inter en ons, and Stakeholder management to manage ide rela onships and partnerships ith p b l ic a n d p r i ate s e c to r e n e s t h at s p p o r t t h e d e l i e r o f P r o j e c t ini a es and inter en ons.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
As part of efforts aimed at de eloping local R&D capabili es in the Nigerian oil and gas ind str , NCDMB
a) Commissioned Amal Technologies Gas Leak Detec on De ice and Printed Circ it Board man fact ring facilit at Id , Ab ja. In , the Board signed a Memorand m of Understanding ith Amal Technolog for the de elopment of technological sol ons for commercial p rposes.
b) De eloped R&D plan implementa on frame ork on the establishment of CoE at FUTA
c) Held the Northern and So thern legs of
(R&D) Workshop and Training of research
Research and De elopment as a Springboard
De elopment.
d) Hosted the follo ing organisa ons in
content polic and its implementa on in Africa:
· Uganda Na onal Oil Compan · Petrole m Commission Ghana · Delegates from Mo ambiq e facilitated b Aberdeen Commercials · Rep blic of G inea delegates
e) The Board signed a Memorand m of U
and
ICT centre built by NCDMB at the Northern Annag Secondary Commercial School, Etim Ekpo.
NCDMB signed a construction contract for Oloiribi Museum and Research Centre.
Aerial pictures showing progress of construction work on site of NCDMB Conference Hotel from January to December 2024
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
In line ith the dri e to shorten long contrac ng c cle and enhance the o erall polic thr st on Ease of Doing B siness, NCDMB signed Ser ice Le el Agreement (SLA) ith se eral stakeholder gro ps.
As part of ini a es to streamline the contrac ng and reg lator appro al c cles to si months or less, the Board re ised its internal processes to ens re it completes each phase of contrac ng process, for e ample, re ie of Nigerian Content Plan,
ard to a record-breaking
Compliance for the
This ini a e as the first bet een a reg lator and its ke stakeholders in the
and
the agreements.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Ne NCDMB Contrac ng C cle G ideline
Comple on of ne NCDMB
G idelines on Contrac ng C cle sho ing red c on of o r to chpoints from nine ( ) to fi e ( ) and comple on ithin the months target.
Timel Appro als Leading to Increased Oil Prod c on Achie ement of 1.6mmbpd of oil prod c on ith prompt response b NCDMB to ind str req ests.
Pro ided Local Content
Enablers to A ract In estments Local Content Enablers for major oil and gas projects to a ract in estment and f rther increase prod c on.
DATA CENTRE, DIGITAL CENTRE AND NOGIC JQS
The Board established the Nigeria Oil and Gas Ind str Joint Q alifica on S stem for informa on management and data capt re for indi id als ser ice companies and o p e rato rs i n t h e o i l a n d
s i n d st r NCDMB is also sing biometrics s stem to manage lisa on of e patriates orking in the oil and gas ind str So far, NCDMB has • D e p l o e d b i o m et r i c
d ata ca p t re s stem as repositor for e patriate q ota management in the oil and gas ind str E patriate Biometric Data
Capt re - fi e h ndred and si ( ) ne e patriates ere listed from Ma ll date. From hen the s c h e m
capt red , foreign orkers.
• The NOGIC JQS portal has a total of , indi id al acco nts, , Ser ice Companies and Opera ng companies acco nts.
• From Ma , , indi id al acco nts, , Ser ice Companies and Opera ng Companies ere created.
ASSET OWNERSHIP - MARINE VESSELS
The Board is promo ng Nigerian o nership o f a s s et s o p e ra n g i n t h
tenders to Nigerians ho acq ire marine essels and rigs, or Nigerians that b ild e s s e l s i n N i g e r i a n
S i
e incep on of the Board, Nigerian marine ser ice companies ha e gro n from leasing marine essels from foreign essel o ners to direct o nership of essels.
Also, Nigerian o ned essels opera ng in the oil and gas ind str has increased from less than % in , . % in to . % in as a res lt of implemen ng Marine Ser ice Sector Strateg , hich entailed categorisa on to Nigerian o ned essels.
· Marine Vessel Cer ficate (MVC) applica ons.
· Appro ed one ( ) Nigerian Content Rig Cer ficate.
· Total appro ed marine essel records is . O t of the appro ed marine essels, are Nigerian-b ilt and onl are foreign.
· Percentage of Nigerian o ned is . %
· Percentage of foreign o ned is . %
Driving local content adoption in Africa: NCDMB signed an MoU with the Petroleum Commission Ghana.
Commissioning of one of Butane Energy LPG plants.
Commissioning of Amal Technology Gas Leak Detection and Printed Circuit Board
ESELE, NGIEAGBA AKAGU, LADI DAPSON AND IORVE ABELEGA
It was a visibly relieved Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State who welcomed a high-level Federal Government delegation to the Council Chamber of Government House in Maiduguri on Friday. Comprising the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen Chris Musa, representatives of the service chiefs; outgoing and incoming Theatre Commanders of Operation Hadin Kai, as well as Principal Staff Officers and senior military personnel, the delegation was on a reassuring visit to a state that is perpetually under attack by terrorists.
While welcoming his august visitors, the outspoken governor, Zulum canvassed renewed military offensive in Lake Chad Islands, the Tumbus and Madara Mountains, as well as the deployment of weaponry to end terrorism in Borno.
What was quite obvious was the feeling that the state had been neglected, in terms of security, since the attention of the armed forces was redirected to the troubled North-West geo-political zone following a September 2024 presidential directive.
That singular act, THEWILL investigation shows, has contributed to weakening the required military response to the renewed onslaught by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP and other terrorists in Borno, amid other factors such as the hostile terrain and the superior fire power of the terrorists.
THEWILL checks can confirm that if these challenges are left unaddressed urgently, the deadly attacks and killings will continue, even on a higher scale. What is true of Borno State where the situation is so bad that only the higher numbers that get killed in continued attacks appears worth reporting, is also correct about Benue where repeated attacks have continued unchecked as at the time of filing this report.
But unlike Borno where Governor Zulum identified the major
causes of violence, Benue presents an interesting interplay of local politics and attacks by ‘strangers’, such that the issues at stake appear unsolvable, at least on the surface, according to THEWILL’s findings. In Plateau State where the killings have surged into a carnage, community resistance in information gathering may hamper the push for respite and eventual solution as communities accuse the security agencies of looking the other way, even when provided with information on places targeted for attacks by gunmen.
In addition, the mercantile class are deviously at work in the state, given its mining capacity. It is one of the most widely recognised states with a capacity for mining in Nigeria and having a significant proportion of tin, silver and gold deposits besides coal, emeralds, fluoride, granite, iron ore, kaolin, lead and zinc.
The suspension of mining activities by Governor Caleb Mutfwang through an executive order early this year, citing environmental degradation and heightened insecurity, has infuriated the mercantile class, who have been engaged in illegal mining for decades. Thus, the strong undercurrents of lack of adequate fire power, difficult terrain, requisite weaponry, local politics and lack of trust may combine to undermine solutions to continued attacks and killings in Benue, Borno and Plateau, if left unaddressed.
BENUE STATE
While Benue State and the federal authorities are mapping strategies to contain the ongoing bloodshed in the state, the attackers are still unleashing mayhem. At least, seven persons were reportedly killed by unknown gunmen on Thursday night in Agbo Vengav Udam, a community in Gwer West Local Government Area, just hours after gunmen hijacked two commercial vehicles and abducted about 14 passengers near Naka, the headquarters of the local government area.
The assailants were said to have stormed the community early in
the morning and opened fire indiscriminately on some residents, leaving seven dead and many others injured.
Although Governor Hyacinth Alia has claimed that the attackers, “according to intelligence from locals” may be foreign nationals who just come and hit, kill and run back, marking a new and more dangerous phase of violence in the area, compared to previous confrontations with traditional herders,” THEWILL investigation shows that recent killings, especially in the notorious Sankera axis, which includes Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Logo LGAs, is being fuelled and sustained by supremacy battles among local gangsters.
What this newspaper would describe as the ‘insider connection’ to the current killings in the state, started almost a decade ago. Before 2015, the security situation in Benue State, especially in Sankera Federal Constituency comprising Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala was at an alarming stage.
A dreaded bandit leader from the Sankera axis, Terwase Akwaza, alias Gana, an indigene, was the lord whose word must be obeyed. He terrorised the people so much that the then governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, who made efforts towards reducing the menace to its minimum level, had to strike a deal with the bandit. With his both the carrot and stick approach, Ortom first granted amnesty to criminals in the state with a condition for them to surrender illegal arms in their possession. Akwaza and his lieutenants surrendered to the government of the day to pave the way for resettlement. The state government then promised to place them on a monthly stipend of N15,000 but later reneged on this agreement.
Many members of the gang returned to their old ways. When ‘Gana’ was intercepted by the military and killed in the course of amnesty, his lieutenants that survived him engaged in a bloody fight to succeed their late leader. Thus, many factional leaders
Benue, Borno, Plateau: Why the Killings...
sprang up in the area and started carrying out attacks beyond their enclave to neighbouring towns in the state. Several militia groups leader like Terhemen Mzaga, alias ‘Full Fire’; others simply known as ‘Ichen’; ‘Overall Konyo’ and ‘Anyogo Tamen’, emerged as group leaders. While alive, ‘Gana’ was in the forefront of protecting the natives against criminal herders and other invaders. However, the emergence of factional leaders following ‘Gana’s’ death has worsened hostilities as a result of frequent territorial fights.
An elder who knows these factional leaders, John Abya, told THEWILL that some of them align with attackers to terrorise the people in an attempt to dislodge their rivals and gain control over territories. Abya, added that ‘Fullfire’ and his group, for instance, has links in Taraba State from where they return to kill and maim rivals and their supporters.
“In the recent past, the invasion and killings in Logo and Gbagir in Ukum LGA left over 72 persons dead. From Agatu, Gwer West, Kwande and Makurdi, the state capital, no day passes without one incident of killings by these bandits,” Abya said.
Yet at a recent stakeholders meeting held at Government House in Makurdi during the visit of National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu over the rising insecurity in the state, Governor Alia blamed foreign mercenaries for attacks on Sankera.
He urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene to restore order as the increasing number of Internally Displaced Persons is having a negative effect on the finances of the state.
PLATEAU STATE
Most of the villages sacked and annexed by the said murderous land grabbers are in Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Riyom local government areas. For instance, in Garshish District of Barkin Ladi, most of the villages have been sacked, leaving the original natives to be languishing in Internally Displaced Persons Camps, IDPs or other makeshift homes.
The situation is so deplorable that one village, Mahanga, in Barkin Ladi LGA, has been renamed by the usurpers as ‘Palestine’, a nogo area where local reports claim unidentified helicopters and choppers often drop in the nights possibly to drop sophisticated weapons and other high calibre warfare facilitators and foreign militia groups, as locals say the attacks are normally carried out by ‘strangers’.
Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs have significant mining activities in Tin for which Plateau State in famous. Mahanga village became a victim for those who want to use it as a base for their nefarious mining activities, THEWILL checks can confirm.
Governor Mutfwang’s ban on mining activities in the state including this area has not gone down well with the mercantile class, who are hiding under the perceived inter-ethnic conflict, to unleash mayhem, thus compounding the situation that makes for unanimity in arriving at a consensus on the way forward.
However, according the Governor Mutfwang, the scales are beginning to fall from the eyes of doubters and reveal the true picture of the sustained killings in Plateau State. “We are left with the suggestion that this is about land grabbing,” he said. He argued that though people dispute that land grabbing is not the motive “but we are yet to find evidence to the contrary.”
“These communities have lived in peace with other ethnic nationalities, with other people of religious persuasions. The interesting thing you will know on the plateau is that many families are inter-religious and so religion is not so much the issue. I think that here we are dealing with some powerful forces who mobilise these faceless people and come and unleash it on these natives. And at the end of the day, the natives are left defenseless because they never envisaged that this kind of attack will happen,” he said.
Mutfwang has since revived the state security outfit, Operation Rainbow, which was politicised and rendered moribund by his predecessor, Simon Bako Lalong, to become a major player in peace initiatives, especially in gathering and sharing security intelligence with agencies of state security.
As part of efforts aimed at managing the aftermath of the recent attacks, Operation Rainbow has been further strengthened, amidst stakeholder engagements, meeting with religious elders and leaders, the constituting of an inter-religious council, holding of security council meetings, making a state-wide broadcast to reassure the citizens and pledge that “Plateau State will not fall” to its aggressors and enemies.
He has, in reaction to the attacks, outlawed night grazing, transportation of cattle after 7pm and the restriction of motorcycle movement from 7pm to 6am state-wide. Community vigilante has been activated to work in synergy with conventional security. BORNO
The upsurge in terrorism- linked killings in Borno State is owing to three major challenges that may worsen the situation if left unaddressed urgently. The first is terrain, the second is manpower and the third is weaponry. Fortunately, Governor Zulum agreed to the danger posed to the state by all of these problems during the weekend visit of the Federal Government delegation to the state.
According to Governor Zulum, three local government areas are currently controlled by the terrorists. They include Abbadam, Marte and Guzamala. The third issue that leaves Borno State vulnerable to further attacks and killings is inadequate weaponry. There is no gainsaying the fact that the terrorists have sophisticated weapons that embolden their assertiveness. Apart from the regular AK-47 rifle, they have Rocket Propelled Guns, RPGs in quantity, enabling their attacking strength and reach.
Describing the Tumbus islands in the Lake Chad region, as a safe haven for Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, Zulum called on the military to launch an aggressive offensive in the area to flush out insurgents from their enclaves. The governor described the Tumbus as critical havens for insurgents where they regroup and sustain their activities, calling for a special military operation to be carried out in the area.
“These islands serve as breeding grounds for insurgents who depend on the area for sustenance. It is imperative to consider launching coordinated operations to flush them out,” Governor Zulum stated.
The Tumbus region of Borno State is considered a safe haven for terrorists, who are known to occasionally relocate from the NorthWest, North-Central and North-East because its mountains and forest, sharing borders with Cameroun, Chad and Niger, presents an ungoverned space that provides terrorists with shelter and cover.
Similarly, Gwoza Hills, which is over 1,300 metres above sea level, with the Mandara Mountains, provides a buffer between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Then, there is the area known as Timbuktu Triangle, which is located in four local governments areas of the state, namely, Damba, Jere, Konduga and Koga and one LGA in neighbouring Yobe State, Gubja. Finally, there is Sambisa Forest, which has remained a stronghold of terrorists for over two decades. These four terrains have proved formidable enclaves for terrorists within Borno in Nigeria and others arriving from Niger, Mali and Chad. Because of the presence of these ungoverned spaces in the state, terrorists find it easy to migrate to any of them anytime they are displaced from any of them. “If the Sahel is not secured, the entire country remains vulnerable. There is a pressing need to fortify the Sahel region to end insecurity,” the governor lamented at the weekend. That is why he pressed his august visitors for increased troop deployment to areas such as the Mandara Mountains and for continuous and sustained military operations to prevent the reoccupation of previously reclaimed territories.
For example, the Nigerian Army on April 8, 2025 eliminated six terrorists following an intelligence operation, recovering a cache of arms. Then on the next day, Boko Haram terrorists ambushed an army vehicle heading to Damaturu, the Yobe capital for fuel on the Biu-Buratai-Buni Yadi Road. The road is so bad that terrorists are known to often set up checkpoints on it and collect levies from the people.
“ If the Sahel is not secured, the entire country remains vulnerable. There is a pressing need to fortify the Sahel region to end insecurity
Praising the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and Service Chiefs for their unwavering support, Zulum further requested the deployment of more military hardware, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and additional personnel to improve surveillance and fortify vulnerable zones.
“There should be forces that will keep the ground, otherwise they will come back. What brought about the recent situation is we felt everything was okay, but they are regrouping now and I believe the Nigerian military will not allow them to regroup,” Governor Zulum told the visiting Federal Government security team at the weekend.
WAY FORWARD
Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during the weekend visit to Borno State gave the assurance that the Federal Government was committed to providing the necessary personnel and equipment to combat insurgency and facilitate the resettlement of affected communities in the country.
“The President has directed that we provide the military with all necessary manpower and equipment to halt the recent resurgence of insecurity in Borno and the North-East as a whole,” the Minister added. Despite the havoc, Governor Mutfwang and his Borno and Benue counterparts are optimistic that with determination, adequate weaponry and manpower deployment, good will eventually triumph over evil.
Mutfwang expressed hope that the Federal Government “will continue to collaborate with us, cooperate with us to bring the perpetrators to book. Like the Chief of Army Staff confirmed, a few arrests have been made. They are making useful disclosures to the security agencies. We’ll take it up from there. For once, we are determined that people who are found to be guilty will be prosecuted, and we want to ensure that external forces are not allowed to interfere in this matter.”
The National Security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu urged Nigerians to rest assured that the government is handling the challenging insecurity with all sincerity During his visit to Benue State in response to the recent spate of killings in the Sankera axis, Ribadu appealed to Nigerians to give the goverment understanding and appreciate that there are people who are working. It’s a matter of time.”
“We need help – like yesterday. The president has shown support, and we are hopeful more will come,” Governor Alia said. The government appeared to have heard him. The National Economic Council meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja last week, passed some resolutions, which, among others on the economy, dealt with the current state of insecurity.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, was said to have made “an innovative security initiative aimed at strengthening national and subnational capacity for early threat detection and coordinated response.
“The project envisions the phased deployment of advanced technology and infrastructure to improve surveillance, crisis management, and public safety.” The government also plans to move against open grazing, while the Minister on Livestock Development is expected to expedite action on ranching.
In a note to THEWILL Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Dr. Kabir Adamu, made some suggestions. He said that to ensure that President Tinubu’s ‘enough is enough’ directive on insecurity, and indeed, all subsequent directives and the NGF’s commitments deliver tangible results meet their desired targets, “we must prioritise the following recommendations:
“Strengthening the Administrative Machinery; Enhancing Accountability Mechanisms; Performance Monitoring and Evaluation; Legislative Oversight; Active Citizen Engagement: “By strengthening the administrative machinery, enhancing accountability, leveraging technology responsibly and fostering active citizen engagement, we can translate presidential directives into tangible security gains and build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.”
EFCC Declares Four Suspects Wanted Over CBEX Crypto Fraud
BY FELIX IFIJEH
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared four persons wanted over their alleged roles in a fraudulent scheme linked to the online trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange, better known as CBEX.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, ordered the Commission to arrest and detain six promoters of CBEX, including Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim, over alleged fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme to the tune of $1 billion.
However, a public notice issued on Friday by the anti-graft agency, declared only four suspects, including Seyi Oloyede, Emmanuel Uko,
Adefowora Oluwanisola, and Adefowora Abiodun Olaonipekun, wanted.
According to the notice signed by EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, while Oloyede and Uko were last traced to No. 166, Idimu Egbeda Road, Lagos State, Oluwanisola and Olaonipekun were last known to reside at 13, Jimoh Odutola, Ogunpa, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the four suspects were urged by the commission to reach out to the EFCC through its offices in Ibadan, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja.
The commission restated its commitment to fighting financial crimes, particularly in the increasingly exploited crypto space.
Akpabio Leads High Level Nigerian Delegation to Pope Francis’ Funeral
Senate President Godswill Akpabio would lead a high-level Nigerian delegation to attend the funeral ceremony of late Pope Francis, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement on Friday.
Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.
Ibas Appears Before NASS Panel, Seeks More Time
Rivers Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has finally appeared before the Julius Ihonvbere-led House of Representatives ad hoc committee.
THEWILL reported earlier that Ibas (rtd) had failed to honour an invitation by the Committee twice.
Reps Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, had on April 15, inaugurated the 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee to oversee the emergency rule under Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd) as administrator in Rivers State. Speaking when he appeared before the Committee on Friday, Ibas acknowledged the critical role the committee plays in preserving the democratic and constitutional integrity, and assured members of his willingness to fully cooperate in their ongoing assignment.
Emphasising that he is still settling down in his new role, Ibas apologised for not attending the previous meeting and requested for additional time to prepare to brief the committee “Today is exactly ten days after the first invitation, and in between we’ve had four days that were off calendar as public holidays, plus the weekends inclusive”, he said.
Ibas said his absence was not intended as a slight on the committee but due to the pressing and urgent demands of stabilising governance in a deeply troubled environment.
“The absence, of course, was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in a state under a declared emergency. I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard. I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers State”, he said.
While he assured the committee of his cooperation, Ibas appealed for more time to properly gather and prepare a comprehensive report on the state’s affairs.
“I only request your understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing.
THEWILL reports that the funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican. He “died on Easter Monday at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta” at age 88.
Onanuga said the five-member delegation includes Senate President Akpabio; the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, joined the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who he described as “a humble servant of God, a tireless champion of the poor, and a guiding light for millions”.
“The delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu’s sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis’ passing to the Acting Head of the Vatican”, the statement added.
“Given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in Rivers State, it is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.
“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work”, he said.
Ibas also emphasised that despite the return of a degree of order in Rivers, the state remains in a fragile condition, pointing to the need for careful and measured interventions.
Global leaders paid tribute and sought to associate themselves with the legacy of the late Pope Francis, highlighting his role in key global conflicts at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.(Bloomberg)
L–R: Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso; Group Managing Director/CEO, NGX Group, Mr. Temi Popoola; and Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, at the Nigerian Investment Forum organized by the CBN in collaboration with NGX Group, JPMorgan, and AVCA, held at Nasdaq, New York City at the weekend.
NEWS
Royals, World Leaders, Catholic Faithful Bid Farewell to Pope Francis
BY FELIX IFIJEH
Royals, world leaders, on Saturday, joined hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, to bid farewell to late Pope Francis.
US President, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden, along with Sir Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Taoiseach Micheál Martin of Ireland; President of Poland, Andrzej Duda; Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and its prime minister, Luís Montenegro; Mexican Interior Minister, Rosa Icela Rodríguez; headlined a huge selection of global leaders and dignitaries at the funeral.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday led a high-level Nigerian delegation, including Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama, to the funeral ceremony.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to immigrant parents who fled
T he abducted Parish Priest of St. Gerald Quasi Parish, Kurmin Risga in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Rev. Fr Ibrahim Amos, has regained freedom from his abductors. Rev. Fr Amos was kidnapped from his residence by bandits in the early hours of Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr Jacob Shanet, said Amos returned home unharmed at about 10pm on Thursday. Commending security agencies and members of the public for their overwhelming show
Italy’s fascist government under Benito Mussolini, Francis educated as a chemical technician, worked in the food processing sector, and briefly worked as a bouncer in a Cordoba nightclub before becoming a priest in 1969. He was Chosen as 266th pope after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in March 2013.
Known for his humility and reform initiatives, Francis was the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas, specifically South America. His papacy was marked by a focus on social justice, environmental protection, and a more inclusive approach to church doctrine.
Francis championed the cause of the poor and marginalized, advocating for migrants, refugees, and victims of injustice and advocated urgent action to address climate change and promote ecological stewardship.
“Francis left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and of universal fatherhood”, said a formal summary of his papacy, placed next to his body.
The 88-year-old Pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta”.
Abducted Kaduna Catholic Priest Regains Freedom
of concern, Shanet said their “kind gestures, love and prayers are a testament to the fact that we are not alone in the struggle to respect and promote the dignity of human life.
“While we appreciate God for everything, we equally want to thank everyone for walking and praying with us in such a dark and terrible moment.
“May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of priests, religious, and all the angels, intercede for those in captivity and bring them back to their families and communities safe and sound.”
Court Remands Musician, Terry Apala for Alleged Naira Mutilation in Lagos
Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, remanded a musician, Terry Alexander Ejeh, otherwise known as Terry Apala, in a Correctional Centre for alleged mutilation of the Naira notes.
He was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, April 25, 2025, on a one-count charge of mutilating the Naira notes.
The charge reads: “That you, TERRY ALEXANDER EJEH, on the 5th day of January, 2025, at La Madison Place, Oniru, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with Naira notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by marching on the same and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
He pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was read to him. In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, prayed for a trial date and also urged the court to remand him in a Correctional Centre.
The defence counsel, Felix Nwabuda, informed the court of a bail application dated April 23, 2025 and prayed the court for a short date for the hearing of the application.
“Whilst praying the court for a short date for the hearing of the bail application, I will be craving the indulgence of the court to release the defendant to the defence.
“We undertake to produce him in court. He will not evade hearing. He came in from the United Kingdom on April 23, 2025; and on the invitation of the EFCC, he came on his own.” The prosecution counsel, however, opposed the application, saying, “ the application is alien and unheard of.”
“I urge the court to afford us the opportunity to look at the application and respond properly so that the court can make a well -informed ruling,” he said.
In a short ruling, Justice Aluko refused the application of the defence.
Justice Aluko adjourned till May 5, 2025 and ordered the remand of the defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the determination of the bail application.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Regulation (NGX RegCo), Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo; Group Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Mr. Temi Popoola; Non-Executive Director, Legend Internet Plc, Mr. Suleman Muhammad Arzika; Chief Executive Officer, Legend Internet Plc, Ms. Aisha Abdulaziz; Non-Executive Director, Legend Internet Plc, Mr. Bruce Brai Ayonote; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; Chairman, Legend Internet Plc, Dr. Oladimeji Mobolaji Bada; CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka; Non-Executive Director, Legend Internet Plc, Chief Ebhohimhen Ehianeta Mondritz; Head, Primary Market, NGX, Mr. Tony Ibeziako, during the closing Gong Ceremony and Facts Behind the Listing of Legend Internet Plc at the Exchange in Lagos on April 24, 2025.
Nigerians’ Health at Risk, Only 20 Million Enrolled in Health Insurance – NHIA DG
BY SEGUN AYINDE, ABEOKUTA
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has raised the alarm over the low enrollment of Nigerians in health insurance schemes, warning that the health of citizens is at risk.
Speaking on Friday at the 47th International Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ohiri revealed that only about 20 million Nigerians — just 10% of the country’s estimated 200 million population — have enrolled in federal, state, or private health insurance schemes.
The conference, themed *”The Nigerian Healthcare System: Unlocking the Value Chain: The Role of Government and Private Medical Practitioners,”* was held at the Conference Hotel.
Ohiri stressed that enrollment in health insurance schemes has become even more critical amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges, where the cost of drugs and quality healthcare services continues to skyrocket.
He urged the federal and state governments to step up awareness campaigns about NHIA and state-level insurance agencies to encourage citizens to take advantage of subsidized healthcare services.
“Only about 20 million Nigerians are enrolled, meaning just 10% of the population. Some are with NHIA, some with state schemes, and some with private insurance. Part of the problem is that enrollment was voluntary, but now it has been made mandatory, and we expect the numbers to increase,” Ohiri said.
He emphasised that insurance is a better alternative to out-of-pocket payments during health emergencies.
“Poor economic conditions should make people want
to buy into health insurance. Without it, a medical emergency can worsen poverty. Insurance should be seen as a solution, not a luxury,” he added.
Also speaking, ANPMP National President, Dr. Kay Adesola, urged Nigerians to enroll in proper health insurance schemes to avoid falling into the hands of quack medical practitioners, warning that such encounters could endanger their lives.
Adesola described quackery as a “bad omen” that must be collectively stamped out. He lauded the progress made in health insurance enrollment, noting that the rise from 3.5% in 2005 to 10% in 2025 was a major achievement.
He also commended the NHIA boss for implementing measures to monitor Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), addressing issues such as delayed authorization codes and poor treatment of patients.
Adesola, however, lamented the low allocation to the health sector in the 2025 national budget, noting that only 5.5% of the budget was devoted to health, far below the 15% target set by African leaders in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
“The budget allocated to the health sector is still too low. In 2001, African countries agreed that no less than 15% of their annual budgets should go to health. Today, we are still at 5.5%. We must continue to push for improvement because Rome was not built in a day,” he said.
Earlier, the Ogun State Chairman of ANPMP, Dr. Oluwakayode Oyelade, reiterated the association’s commitment to partnering with the state government to combat quackery. He revealed that several substandard hospitals in the state had been shut down to safeguard public health.
UNICEF, Partners Donate 3.5m Polio Vaccines to Borno, Yobe
The governments of Borno and Yobe states have received over 3.5 million doses of polio vaccines from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other global health partners as part of efforts to protect children in the region against the poliovirus.
According to officials, Borno State received 2,534,037 doses for its 2025 World Immunization Campaign, while Yobe State was allocated 1,291,501 doses.
UNICEF, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, said the donation was aimed at boosting immunization efforts and strengthening routine vaccination structures in the North-East.
In a joint statement, the organisations called for renewed political commitment and increased investment to prevent a resurgence of vaccinepreventable diseases.
“Vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives over the past five decades.
“But funding cuts to global health have put these hard-won gains in jeopardy. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases are rising globally, threatening lives and increasing response costs,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, warned that the global funding crisis was already affecting vaccination efforts, especially in fragile and conflict-hit nations.
“Vaccines save an estimated 4.2 million lives annually against 14 diseases. Yet, over 15 million vulnerable children, especially in conflict zones, are at risk of missing measles vaccinations,” Russell said.
She added that immunization services, disease surveillance, and outbreak response in nearly 50 countries were already facing severe disruptions comparable to the setbacks seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BY LADI DAPSON
L-R: Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye; Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule; Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Media & Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle, during the Ministry of Tertiary Education Ministerial Press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja on April 24, 2025.
2027 Election Not About Parties
But Nigerians vs APC, Says Atiku
BY FELIX IFIJEH
FormerVice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has accused some party leaders of aligning with President Bola Tinubu, warning that the 2027 general election would be a battle between Nigerians and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), not a contest among political parties.
Atiku made the remarks on Friday in a statement reacting to the recent defection of his 2023 running mate and former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the PDP political structure in Delta State, to the APC.
THEWILL earlier reported the political realignment in Delta, which saw key PDP figures switch allegiance to the ruling party. In his response, Atiku said he holds no grudge against Okowa and others, describing their decision as an exercise of their constitutional rights.
He said, “Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights. Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.
Kaduna?
“When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called a strategic alliance. But the moment I greet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency. Hypocrisy and the politics of selective outrage have never been this fashionable!”
He insisted that the real political battle in 2027 would not be between the APC, PDP, or Labour Party but between
the Nigerian people and an administration that has, according to him, failed disastrously.
“The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so,” he said. Atiku warned against divisive political rhetoric and urged Nigerians to remain focused.
He said, “We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer.
“The Tinubu administration has no achievements to stand on, no credible record to defend. Its only strategy is chaos and division, because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent. And make no mistake— an incompetent captain does not only wreck his ship; he endangers the lives of everyone on board.”
Wike Orders Crackdown On Quack Hospitals, Doctors in FCT
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed a total clampdown on unregistered hospital and quack medical personnel operating in the FCT, saying “henceforth, anyone found to be operating or working in an unregistered health facilities should be arrested and prosecuted.”
Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEONC) centers. These facilities also offer cesarean sections free of charge.
“Our pregnant women are once again urged to take advantage of this free health insurance scheme and stop visiting quack medical personnel and unregistered health facilities.”
“Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics. We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again,” he added.
Atiku, however, criticised what he described as double standards within the PDP, questioning why his recent visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari drew public backlash, while other PDP leaders engage freely with President Tinubu.
He said, “Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape.
“During the 2013 opposition merger, leaders consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now sacrilegious for me to visit Buhari in
The FCT gave this directive while reacting to the death of a pregnant woman, at Afolmi Hospital, a private health facility located in Durumi, Abuja, following a caesarean section.
Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, saidon Saturday, that it was unfortunate that despite the free registration of pregnant women into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), most pregnant women were still not taking advantage of the scheme.
He said; “In the FCT, vulnerable persons, including pregnant women enjoy free enrollment into the FHIS, which allows them free access, through the Primary Health Care (PHC) Centres, to all services covered in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS).
“Also, in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstration the Wike-led FCTA zero tolerance for maternalmortality, several hospitals in the FCT, including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals, have been designated as Comprehensive
It should be recalled that yesterday, Chekwube Chinagorom, a 35-year-old woman, was brought in dead to Asokoro District Hospital. She was reported to have died, following a Caesarean section, at Afolmi Hospital, Durumi, Abuja, an unregistered private facility operating in a substandard and unsafe medical environment.
She had been delivered of a live baby, who was subsequently referred to Asokoro District Hospital for care.
Investigation conducted by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) revealed that Afolmi Hospital was not duly registered. At the time of inspection, only one staff member, Mr. Simon Elisha Godiya, who identified himself as a Junior Community Health Extension Worker (JCHEW) was present on duty.
Mr. Godiya reported that the surgical operation was performed by one Murtala Jumma in conjunction with another unidentified individual. All attempts to reach Murtala Jumma via phone were unsuccessful.
POLITICS
PDP Goes Soul Searching After Oborevwori’s Defection
BY FELIX IFIJEH
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, alongside members of his cabinet, local government chairmen and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, last Wednesday, appears to be the tonic that the major opposition party needed to start looking inwards for solutions to the crisis within.
Although outsiders like presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga have mocked the party over the defection, while former APC North-West Vice-Chairman, Dr Lukman Salihu said it was an expected development giving the prolonged crisis in the party, adding that it would not affect the ongoing party coalition talks, PDP party leaders and elected members have called on the party to use the defection as a wake-up call for a through in-house cleansing.
Elected members, such as Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and media spokesperson for the 2019 presidential candidate of the party, Segun Sowunmi, among other leaders, have urged the party’s leadership to scale up on measures to arrest the drift away of members in the party and sanction those who trade party platform for selfinterest.
According to Ugochinyere, it is time for the party’s leadership to sack those they consider to be saboteurs; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Sunday Anyanwu and acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun.
He condemned the Chairman, Damagun’s reaction to Oborevwori’s statement that God would help the party to overcome its current challenges, asking where was the Chairman when the crisis in the party escalated to its current level to warrant the gale of defections going on in the party. Sowunmi on his own, said it was condemnable for someone of Oborevwori’s calibre to defect “just like that,” without regard for the party and its platform that give him the governorship position, adding that the occurrence should serve as a chance for the party to reinvent itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Former President of the Senate, Dr. Saraki has also reacted to the PDP’s misfortune in Delta State, describing it as a temporary setback for the opposition party, giving it the chance to reboot for the greater task ahead.
He said, “I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.
“My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.
“I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes.
“Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show
commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.” Saraki also warned against having a one-party system in the country. According to him, a country with diverse cultures, languages and traditions cannot afford to head towards such a route.
“A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multicultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.
“Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to members of our party is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth.
“This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to,” he stated.
The former Senate president appealed to the party’s supporters and loyalists not to engage in the blame game or go after perceived traitors for the dwindling fortune of the PDP.
“My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months, he said, adding that “We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left. Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.
“Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.
“We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission.”
Chairman of the party in Plateau State stated that the party remains unshaken by the defection urging members to take it in their stride, because, “defections are not new in political party processes of this nature.”
“The PDP remains the party of our people and for the people. Together, we shall continue to March towards the greater heights of our beloved state. May God bless us all,” he concluded.
My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party “
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Postponing the Evil Day Without State Police
AWith a centralised military and state governors acting as chief security officers in name in a nation that is under policed, the situation of insecurity in the country can only get worse
“
mid the ongoing genocidal killings across Nigeria, particularly in Benue, Borno and Plateau States Nigeria, the news report that the National Economic Council on Thursday postponed talks on state police came as not only a surprise but a sad reminder of how elected leaders make policy statements in a haste.
More than a year ago, President Bola Tinubu and state governors agreed to the need for state police as part of measures to check the increased insecurity in the country.
Addressing State House Correspondents after the emergency meeting summoned by the President on February 16, 2024, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “The Federal Government and state governments are mulling the possibility of setting up state police. Of course, this is still going to be further discussed, a lot of work still has to be done in that direction. But the Federal Government and state governments are agreeing to the necessity of having state police. This is a significant shift.”
How significant a shift that agreement has become can be viewed against the backdrop of the worsening insecurity in the country and the attendant shedding of innocent blood almost daily.
In fact, Governor Duoye Diri’s press statement after the meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2025 paints the sad reality of the situation.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the National Economic Council’s 149th meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, the Bayelsa State governor, said, “State police was part of our agenda today, but unfortunately the presentations could not get to that point. So, I assure you that in our next meeting, that issue will be exhaustively discussed.”
We were not told when that meeting will take place. Recall that it was the same Governor Diri who a few months ago said action on the issue was delayed because some state governors were yet to deliver their reports on the state police.
Then in December, 2024, his Kaduna counterpart, Uba Sani affirmed that all the 36 states had done so. That December was the last time any discussion was had about the issue of state police. Ordinarily, NEC meetings ought to be held every last Thursday of the month. Indeed, one was held in February. But the issue of state police was not on its agenda.
It appears that this is a case of he who feels the pain knows where the shoe pinches, when a governor like Sani of Kaduna State that is at the epicentre of ongoing killings would continue to canvass state police in interviews and statements. “The possibility of the creation of state policing in Nigeria, for me would go a long way in addressing insecurity, particularly at the subnational level,” he said recently.
We know that fears have been
expressed about possible misuse of the police by state governors. But that fear appears to pale in significance for the need to stop the ongoing killings across the country. The present danger demands drastic action and state police is one such way to arrest the obvious dilemma. Calling on the government to recruit more policemen to boost the disgracefully low number of 300,000 or less than that for the army in a country with a population of over 200 million, is a refrain that has been made for decades.
In any case, under what authority did President Tinubu expect Governor Caleb Mutfwang to act when he directed him to take action against insecurity in Plateau State last week?
With a centralised military and state governors acting as chief security officers in name in a nation that is under policed, the situation of insecurity in the country can only get worse.
We urge the Federal Government to expedite action on state police with the necessary safeguards against abuse and misuse put in place.
According to the Constitution, “The primary purpose of government as stated in Section 14(2)(b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is to provide welfare and security to the citizens of Nigeria.” This provision has been observed in the breech for too long and Nigerians have paid the price with their lives for too long. Enough is Enough.
OPINION
Of Mandate Group, Delta Unity Group and Delta 2027
BY JEROME-MARIO UTOMI
The April 12, 2025, defection of members of the Delta Unity Group (DUG) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has signaled a major political shift in Delta State’s political landscape. Political analysts believe that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which currently controls the state, may now require a miracle to retain power in the 2027 governorship election, following the mass exodus that has hit its ranks.
More than 10,000 members of the DUG and their supporters—many of whom were seasoned grassroots PDP chieftains—officially defected to the APC. They were received by the National Chairman of the APC, H.E. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Governor of Edo State, H.E. Senator Monday Okpebholo; and Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, alongside other prominent political figures in Delta State.
Deltans have largely welcomed the development, with many describing it as a political earthquake that was long overdue. Due to its grassroots orientation, DUG has often been likened to the Mandate Group, the independent political pressure group that played a pivotal role in the emergence of Bola Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State in the early 1990s.
The Mandate Group, which aims to defend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate and promote democracy, unity, justice, and liberty, has structures in all 36 states and claims 580,000 members in Lagos alone. The group also targets various segments of society, including students, workers, artisans, teachers, fishermen, farmers, and women. It plans to reach 40 million members nationwide within the next year. Similarly, the DUG has emerged as a potent third force in Delta politics. Although not a new group, it has, over the years, quietly shaped the state’s political direction. DUG is not a political party but a Delta-based pressure group founded by the visionary trio of Mr. Olu-Tokunbo (Lulu) Enaboifo, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and Sir Itiako (Malik) Ikpokpo. Its original mission was to modernize Delta State and serve as the brainbox for Olorogun David Edevbie’s 2023 PDP governorship campaign.
Though that aspiration was curtailed by the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, DUG remained a formidable political movement. It boasts a solid organizational structure, including 17 National Executive Council members, a Board of Trustees, local government executives in all 25 LGAs, and ward executives across the state. Its grassroots penetration is deep and cell-like.
Before the 2023 general elections, a faction of DUG declared its support for the APC at the Obinoba Declaration. The then-APC governorship candidate, H.E. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, described the group as the “intelligent wing” of the PDP. While many DUG members in Delta North remained in the PDP at the time, they later pledged their support for the APC’s governorship candidate and other party aspirants—despite not having formally defected. This led to the suspension or alienation of many of them by the PDP.
Their progressive mindset made it easy for DUG members to integrate into the APC fold. Following the 2023 elections, DUG members in Ika Federal Constituency continued working closely with the APC, helping to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence with the goal of converting Ika into an APC stronghold by 2027.
In recognition of his contributions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed DUG Co-founder and Convener, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, as Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board in 2023. That appointment invigorated the DUG further, enabling it to project the Renewed Hope Agenda across Delta State. Ika Federal Constituency became the group’s epicenter, and its influence has since spread to Ndokwa/Ukwuani and Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituencies in Delta North.
THE DUG HAS EMERGED AS A POTENT THIRD FORCE IN DELTA POLITICS. ALTHOUGH NOT A NEW GROUP, IT HAS, OVER THE YEARS, QUIETLY SHAPED THE STATE’S POLITICAL DIRECTION
This momentum has triggered a wave of defections from both the PDP and Labour Party into the DUG, as well as the reactivation of dormant APC loyalists. Even non-partisan individuals and recently retired civil servants have joined the APC, drawn by the visible impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Therefore, the massive crowd that converged in Agbor, Ika Federal Constituency, on April 12, 2025, to formally join the APC did not come as a surprise. The group’s readiness to align Delta State with the progressive vision of the APC has been clear for some time.
Given this development, many believe that the 2027 elections will witness the dethronement of the PDP in Delta State and the rise of a people-centered leadership under the APC—one aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
•Utomi, a media specialist, writes from Lagos
Gov Diri: Unlocking Bayelsa’s Development Through the Assured Prosperity Agenda
BY DENNIS ALEMU
In the words of Booker T. Washington, “Excellence is doing common things in an uncommon way”.
Of course, excellence is the necessary leadership ingredient required in a great measure to recalibrate the metrics of development in a predominantly swampy, littoral state like Bayelsa, which sits in the heart of the Niger Delta region, making it one of the most difficult states to develop because of its peculiar terrain.
The current administration has since relegated the cliche of “difficult terrain”, which has been inadvertently used to justify the slow pace of development in the state.
It is clearly a new order since the Prosperity Administration of Governor Douye Diri came into office in 2020, in the area of infrastructural development, where bulldozers are tearing down once dreaded swamps and creeks to construct strategic roads and other infrastructures.
Governor Diri and his amiable Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, have been united in one voice, changing the narrative, and the Governor has dared to take on ambitious projects, some hitherto considered impossible, thus completely erasing the concept of “difficult terrain” in Bayelsa State.
The new message of hope is that, yes, the terrain is challenging, but it can be conquered with determination and sincerity of purpose.
Aware of the fact that the government is a continuum, Governor Diri vowed to continue with inherited and abandoned big-ticket projects, including the three pivotal senatorial road projects.
Today, the decision of the Governor to continue from where his predecessors stopped has paid off as Bayelsans can now comfortably drive to Ekeremor main town and other riverine communities in Ekeremor LGA, as well as communities like Angiama, Aguobiri in the Southern Ijaw LGA.
In 2022, Governor Diri braved the odds and proved the naysayers wrong when the Prosperity Administration flagged off the construction of the historic NembeBrass road project in the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.
To consolidate the many achievements recorded in the first term that ensured his reelection, the Governor launched yet another road map, tagged: ASSURED Prosperity, to drive the second-term development agenda in the State.
The Governor is very deliberate about the economic future of the state, and he is embarking on landmark projects which include: The 9-storey iconic State Secretariat Complex, a 25,000 capacity Ultra-modern stadium, 60mw gas turbines, the New Yenagoa City, and the Glory Drive Phase III.
Other projects captured in the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda for continuation include: the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road project, Akaba-Okodi Road, the Oxbow-Lake-Agbura Road, Toru-Ebeni-Okumbiri-Kabeama-Bulou-Orua Road, the commencement of the Ekeremor-Agge Road, the Agge Deep Seaport, etc.
Furthermore, to effectively unlock the development potential of Bayelsa, the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda encapsulates the Agricultural Revolution and the Blue Economy. The overarching goal here is to transform the agricultural sector through mechanisation, partnerships and provision of grants; as well as take full advantage of the economic opportunities that abound in the marine sector that are currently untapped.
IT IS NO LONGER NEWS THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS INVESTED HEAVILY IN THE SECURITY INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE STATE, AND THE POSITIVE RETURNS ON INVESTMENT IN THE SECTOR ARE EVIDENT AS BAYELSA IS UNARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST PEACEFUL AND SECURE STATES IN NIGERIA
In the second term, the new agenda is also focusing on sports and youth development to engage the young population more meaningfully.
Security, peace-building and tourism are also captured in the ASSURED Prosperity Agenda. Of course, it is no longer news that this administration has invested heavily in the security infrastructure of the state, and the positive returns on investment in the sector are evident as Bayelsa is unarguably one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria.
So much attention is being given to the health and education sectors. While the government is building a strong primary healthcare system to achieve wider access to healthcare even in the far-flung riverine communities, in education, the Diri Administration has placed a high premium on technical and vocational education. To this end, new science, technical and vocational colleges have been built and equipped to provide new skills to young Bayelsa students.
From the foregoing, it is evident that the Assured Prosperity Agenda is on track with visible developments in virtually all
Go For More Tax, IMF Tells OthersNigeria,
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Nigeria and other African countries, amid their dwindling economic fortune, to raise tax revenue by expanding the tax base and curtailing tax evasion.
Briefing the press at the just concluded Spring Meetings of the Fund and the World Bank in Washington, the Managing Director of the IMF, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, emphasised that those steps were crucial for Nigeria and the entire region to navigate the current global economic challenges. Already, the harsh economic situation has brought enormous hardship to the people.
She said, “We have seen that over the past years, the African continent having some of the fastest growing economies, but we also have seen low-income countries primarily and among the fragile conflict- affected countries falling further behind, this is a shock for the continent.
“The direct impact of tariffs on most of Africa, not on all of Africa, but on most of Africa, is relatively small, but the indirect impact is quite significant.
EDITOR Sam Diala
TCN Unbundling Signals No Relief from Energy Pains
Contrary to claims by the authorities, there is an indication that the recent unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into two distinct entities will not alter the lingering energy challenge that has plagued Nigeria for decades – at least in the near future.
Stakeholders and industry experts also affirm that the new nomenclature will be quicker at creating jobs “for the boys” than it will lead to a new phase of life for businesses and an economy that has battled with epileptic energy supply for which Nigeria is notorious in the international community.
DUAL LICENCE
In 2013, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) was issued two licenses: for electricity transmission and system operations. Since then, the TCN has been saddled with the responsibility of transmitting power across the nation and, also, operating as an independent system operator (“ISO”).
This dual mandate granted the TCN oversight of the national grid and the authority to manage Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure, including substations and transmission lines.
THE UNBUNDLING
On April 30, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) officially unbundled the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), thereby terminating the existence of the entity called TCN. This process was mandated by the Electricity Act 2023 and resulted in the creation of two distinct entities: the Nigerian Independent System Operator Nigeria Limited (NISO) and the Transmission Service Provider (TSP).
In simple terms, the Independent System Operator (ISO) in Nigeria’s electricity sector manages and controls the entire electricity grid, ensuring reliable and efficient power delivery. It’s like the traffic controller of the electricity system, making sure the right amount of power is delivered to the right places at the right time.
On the other hand, the Transmission Service Provider (TSP), which used to be a unit within the now defunct Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is primarily responsible for building, maintaining, and operating the national electricity transmission network. This includes the transmission lines and substations that carry electricity from power plants to distribution companies, According to the authorities, the unbundling was intended to improve the efficiency and reliability of the electricity grid. Since then, many commentators have escalated the premise that unbundling of the TCN into NISO and TSP would facilitate improved operational efficiency and grid reliability.
on infrastructure development and maintenance, potentially leading to improved overall operational performance.
“The specialised focus of NISO on system operations should significantly enhance grid reliability. Through improved monitoring, proactive maintenance, and optimised operational strategies, the NISO can ensure minimal downtime and disruptions in power supply, thereby improving overall grid reliability,” said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
THE FLIPSIDE
However, industry experts and insider sources who spoke to THEWILL emphasised that the recent unbundling of TCN which gave effect to the stipulated legal framework under the Electricity Act of 2023, will have little or no impact on the energy efficiency that has eluded Nigeria for many decades.
THEWILL findings showed that both units had operated as divisions under the same TCN management. Inside sources noted, however, that while the TCN held the dual licence of system management and transmission, the underperforming energy sector which has been the bane of Nigeria’s economic development does not have its cure in the unbundling exercise.
“There is so much corruption in the system. It is endemic and pierces through the entire organisation’s setup. The unbundling is not going to impact positively on the shameful underperforming electricity sector, because the problem is not in unbundling or not,” said a top management member of staff who would not want her name published because she does not have the authority to speak on the matter.
The sources maintained that inadequate supply remains the major challenge in the problematic electricity sector. They argued that the generating companies (GenCos) are not producing enough to feed the transmission system for supply to the distribution companies (DisCos).
“The GenCos are complaining of inadequate gas supply. The government seems to lay more emphasis on gas export to earn foreign exchange to address the nation’s mounting debt stock. There is little investment in the power industry and many international oil and gas companies are divesting from the country and relocating to other parts of the continent,” said Engr Caleb Ailemen, a Port Harcourt-based oil and gas operator.
“Slowing global growth means that all other things equal, they would see a downgrade.
‘POTENTIAL
BENEFITS’
“And actually, we have downgraded the growth prospects for the continent.
“For oil producers like Nigeria, falling oil prices create additional Continues on page 39
The authorities emphasise that the unbundling of TCN into the NISO and TSP presents significant opportunities for Nigeria’s power sector, some of which include operational focus, access to financing, and grid reliability.
“With distinct roles and responsibilities, the NISO can focus solely on system operations, ensuring better coordination, efficiency, and grid stability while the TSP can concentrate
It would amount to a national embarrassment if, in the next two or three years, we are still celebrating the unbundling of TCN without counting the benefits by way of improved electricity supply
According to Ailemen, “How can a country of over 200 million people depend on 4,000 megawatts of electricity, yet the government is combing the globe for foreign investors as if they do not know that we operate a generator economy, which is antithetical to economic development?”
“Unbundling without expansion in power generation amounts to celebrating business as usual in a different style. That is not what Nigeria needs for now. It would amount to a
TCN Unbundling Signals No Relief from... BUSINESS WEEKLY
Continues from page 38
national embarrassment if, in the next two or three years, we are still celebrating the unbundling of TCN without counting the benefits by way of improved electricity supply.”
‘JOB FOR THE BOYS’
The unbundling of TCN will lead to reorganizing the two new entities and creating new staff positions – to fill occurring vacancies or repositioning the existing employees according to the organisations’ structure.
Insider sources said the employees are already jostling for positions, especially in NISO which manages the revenue of the system, and that powerful lobbying has started from the outside – especially the political class. This is why many people believe that filling the vacancies now would be higher in the list of policy choices of the government than aligning the unbundling exercise with the economic realities of the country.
When asked for comments, the General Manager Public Affairs in the defunct TCN now TSP, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, asked the inquirer to contact the Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). She noted that the ministry and the commission are the supervising and regulatory authorities to speak on the matter. “They speak for the government and have the right to speak for Nigeria,” she said in a note.
LINGERING
LITANY
Nigeria’s underperforming power sector has been characterised by frequent grid collapse over the years. In Nigeria, the national electricity grid has experienced frequent collapses, causing widespread power outages and affecting citizens and businesses.
The grid has collapsed 107 times in the past 10 years. It collapsed 12 times in 2024 and has collapsed two times in 2025 as of March 7, including a string of disturbances leading to a complete shutdown. These collapses result in financial losses for power generation companies and inconvenience for the public.
COUNTING THE COST
In Nigeria, power can account for a significant portion of business operating costs, sometimes reaching up to 40 per cent or even 50 per
cent of production costs. Some estimates suggest that up to 60 per cent of operating costs for businesses in Nigeria are attributed to power generation.
Continues from page 38
Go For More Tax, IMF...
tax’, because, yes, you can.
Nigerian Breweries Plc has released its results for the first quarter (Q1) period ended March 31.
Building on the strong momentum from the last quarter of 2024, the Group recorded a 69 percent year-onyear revenue growth in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
“This performance was driven by deeper market penetration, sustained innovation, strong commercial execution, and improved customer engagement. Strategic pricing initiatives and enhanced supply chain efficiencies further contributed to the topline expansion”, the company said in its earnings release.
Despite Nigeria’s volatile macroeconomic environment marked by high inflation and constrained disposable income, the Company delivered a strong performance in the quarter, driven by a continued focus on agility, innovation, and disciplined execution.
Notably, the group operating profit
This high percentage is due to factors like unstable power supply, reliance on generators, and the costs associated with those generators. Nigerian manufacturers are expressing serious concern about the rising cost of energy, which they say is significantly impacting their production costs and competitiveness.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stated that energy costs, particularly electricity tariffs and fuel prices, can account for a substantial portion of their total operating expenses. These escalating costs are viewed as a major challenge, potentially leading to increased production costs, decreased profit margins, and even business closures.
Power generating companies in Nigeria are experiencing hardship due to a shortage of gas supply, impacting their ability to operate at full capacity and leading to revenue losses. This shortage is a significant issue as many power plants rely on gas for electricity generation. The NERC reports that over 70 per cent of generation companies in Nigeria depend on gas for production.
Stakeholders and industry experts emphasise that the gas shortage is directly affecting the amount of electricity being generated as many power plants are unable to operate at their full capacity, leading to reduced power output.
Recently, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned as outrageous the statement credited to Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, claiming that 150 million Nigerians now enjoyed adequate electricity with 5,500MW.
The NLC said it was an insult and a joke taken too far for a government to make such a wild claim in a country that still struggled to generate a meagre and inconsistent 5,000 megawatts—far below the global benchmark of 1,000MW per one million people.
In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour movement urged the minister to stop making such unsubstantiated claims, adding that Nigerians are “tired of propaganda and sophisticated gymnastics”.
It said it was disheartening that in the last 12 years of privatisation of the power sector, no significant capacity had been added to the existing facilities.
pressure on their budgets.
“On the other hand, for the oil importers, this is a breath of fresh air. In other words, different countries face different challenges.
“If I were to come with some basic recommendations that apply to Africa, I would say, and actually, they apply to Nigeria, they apply to Egypt, they apply to Ghana, they apply to Cote d’Ivoire.
“First, continue on the path of strengthening your buffer levels.
“There is still a lot that can be done on the fiscal side, to have strength, as I was talking about ASEAN, to have the buffers for a moment of shock, and don’t use any excuses around, ‘oh, it’s difficult. We can’t really go for more
“There is a lot that can be done to broaden the tax base, and a lot that can be done to reduce tax evasion and tax avoidance, using technology, as some countries are doing, to chase the tax dollars when there is the foundation for that is a very good thing to do.”
Ms. Georgieva charged Africans to change the corruption image that hangs on many countries in the continent.
“But above all, make it so that the image of the whole continent changes, because now everybody suffers from wrong-doing, from corruption or for conflict in one country, it throws a shadow on the rest of the continent,” she added.
Nigerian Breweries Reports N69.99bn Pre-tax Profit in Q1 2025
rose by 238 percent, underscoring the Company’s relentless focus on cost discipline and productivity enhancement. The significant improvement in the operating profit reflects both volume and value growth, as well as the benefits from the business recovery and process optimisation initiatives undertaken in 2024.
The brewer reported N69.99billion profit before tax (PBT) in Q1 2025 as against group Loss Before Tax of N65.580 billion in Q1 2024.
Also, its revenue in the review quarter rose to N383.635 billion from a low of N227.120 billion in Q1’24.
The Group also recorded a 186 percent increase in net profit, sustaining the return to profitability that started in the last quarter of 2024, and reflecting the full impact of financial restructuring and cost-saving initiatives implemented as part of its business recovery plan.
Importantly, net finance expenses dropped by 83 percent , a direct result of the prudent utilisation of proceeds
from the 2024 Rights Issue, which were used to reduce foreign currency liabilities and optimise the Company’s capital structure.
“This substantial reduction in finance costs has materially strengthened the bottom line and enhanced financial resilience. The strategic initiatives introduced in 2024, including portfolio optimisation, rightsizing of operations,
and disciplined working capital management, continue to yield strong results. The Company is firmly on track in the execution of its turnaround plan, including restoring long-term profitability, and building a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
The Board expresses appreciation to shareholders for their unwavering support, particularly on the Rights Issue, which was 92 percent subscribed. Their commitment has been instrumental in repositioning the Company for long-term success and growth,” Nigerian Breweries noted further in its earnings release at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
While the operating environment remains uncertain and the low season approaches, the Company is confident of its ability to navigate ongoing macroeconomic pressures.
“With a clear focus on agility, innovation, the integration of Distell, and financial discipline, the Company remains well-positioned to drive continued growth and deliver value to all stakeholders,” it noted.
SOLID MINERALS
Lessons from Zambia: How Nigeria Can Manage Its Solid Minerals for Sustainable Development
BY OLAJIDE ABIOLA
Nigeria’s economy has long been dominated by oil, but it is sitting on a wealth of untapped opportunities in the solid minerals sector.
From gold to limestone, tin, and iron ore, Nigeria is richly endowed with resources that can transform its economic fortunes. However, the critical question remains: how can Nigeria manage its solid minerals for a long-term, sustainable growth?
Zambia’s experience in copper mining offers a valuable case study. From my visits to the East African nation, it is evident that it has relied heavily on copper for decades. While the industry has brought significant benefits, it has also exposed the country to a host of economic vulnerabilities and social challenges.
Nigeria would do well to examine both Zambia’s achievements and its shortcomings to develop a more balanced, inclusive, and sustainable strategy for its own mineral wealth.
ZAMBIA’S COPPER: A PILLAR OF THE ECONOMY
From economic records, copper is to Zambia what oil is to Nigeria. The metal forms the bedrock of Za mbia’s economy, accounting for an estimated 70% to 80% of export earnings. In 2022 alone, Zambia earned $6.6 billion from copper exports, making it the world’s top exporter of raw copper. These earnings are critical for financing imports, paying off foreign debt, and supporting national development efforts. Beyond foreign exchange, the copper mining industry provides a substantial number of jobs and contributes significantly to Zambia’s GDP.
It is also a major source of government revenue, through corporate taxes, mineral royalties, and other fiscal instruments. These revenues help finance public services, infrastructure, and social programmes.
THE COST OF OVERRELIANCE
But this success story comes with caveats. Zambia’s deep dependence on copper has exposed it to the wild swings of global commodity prices. When copper prices drop, so does Zambia’s economic stability. Revenues shrink, foreign exchange becomes scarce, and budget deficits widen. Sounds familiar? This boom-and-bust cycle has long hindered consistent economic planning and poverty reduction.
Despite the billions earned from copper, a large portion of Zambia’s population, like in Nigeria, continues to live in poverty. Inequality remains stubbornly high, and many communities affected by mining activities see little benefit from the sector.
Meanwhile, environmental degradation, pollution, and displacement caused by mining operations have become points of contention between companies, communities, and the government.
GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY: A MIXED RECORD
Zambia’s experience also underscores the importance of governance and transparency. Issues such as tax avoidance by multinational mining companies, weak regulatory oversight, and limited capacity to monitor environmental standards have plagued the industry. While there have been efforts to reform mining laws and improve revenue collection, implementation remains inconsistent.
WHAT NIGERIA CAN LEARN
Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is still in its infancy compared to Zambia’s copper industry, which presents a golden opportunity to get things right from the start. I am
particularly excited by the reforms of the current Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake. Going forward, here are some of the key lessons Nigeria can draw from Zambia:
DIVERSIFICATION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
Zambia’s overdependence on copper should serve as a warning. Nigeria must avoid replicating this mistake by ensuring that its solid minerals sector is part of a broader strategy for economic diversification.
Mining should complement, not replace, efforts to boost agriculture, manufacturing, and services. A multi-sectoral approach will help reduce vulnerability to commodity price shocks and foster more stable, inclusive growth.
GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY MUST BE FRONT AND CENTRE
Nigeria must prioritize strong institutions, clear regulations, and transparency in its solid minerals sector. This includes ensuring that mining licenses are granted through transparent processes, revenues are properly tracked and used, and environmental regulations are strictly enforced.
The establishment of an independent regulatory body and public disclosure of mining revenues—possibly through initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)—can build investor confidence and public trust.
LOCAL COMMUNITIES DESERVE A FAIR SHARE
A major lesson from Zambia is the need to ensure that mining benefits reach local populations. Nigeria should implement policies that promote local content, including job creation, skills training, and infrastructure development in host communities.
Revenue-sharing arrangements, community development agreements, and participatory decision-making processes can help prevent conflicts and ensure that mining contributes to local well-being.
ADD VALUE AT HOME
Zambia remains largely an exporter of raw copper, missing
The establishment of an independent regulatory body and public disclosure of mining revenues—possibly through initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)—can build investor confidence and public trust
out on the higher value that comes from refining and manufacturing. Nigeria should strive to avoid this pitfall by investing in value-added activities such as mineral processing, smelting, and manufacturing. This approach not only creates more jobs but also helps build industrial capacity and retain more value within the country.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IS ESSENTIAL
Mining inevitably impacts the environment, but these impacts can be minimised with proper planning, regulation, and oversight. Nigeria should adopt strict environmental standards, require environmental impact assessments, and enforce restoration obligations for mining companies. Integrating sustainability from the outset can prevent long-term damage and protect the livelihoods of affected communities.
THE PATH FORWARD FOR NIGERIA
To unlock the full potential of its solid minerals sector, Nigeria must pursue a well-coordinated, forward-looking strategy that integrates lessons from countries like Zambia. This includes:
• Creating a clear legal and regulatory framework that encourages responsible investment;
• Building institutional capacity to monitor and enforce compliance;
• Encouraging public-private partnerships in infrastructure and skills development;
• Strengthening data collection and geological mapping to attract investors;
• Promoting public awareness and community participation in mining governance.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. It can either fall into the same trap of commodity dependence -replacing oil with metals or forge a new path where solid minerals become part of a diversified, resilient, and inclusive economy.
Zambia’s experience with copper is a valuable case study of both the potential and the pitfalls of relying on natural resources. For Nigeria, the message is clear: managing solid minerals wisely requires more than just extracting and exporting.
It demands strategic planning, private sector-led initiatives, inclusive policies, strong governance, and a commitment to sustainability. By learning from Zambia’s journey, Nigeria can ensure that its mineral wealth becomes a blessing, not a burden, for future generations.
•Abiola is an Abuja-based entrepreneur.
OIL & GAS
Nigeria’s Oil Sector and the ‘Very Bad People’
BY ABIODUN ALADE
Ihave read a number of compelling accounts that depict the unfortunate state of Nigeria’s oil sector, but none does so with as much piercing clarity as ‘Very Bad People’ by Patrick Alley.
This non-fiction work explores how powerful individuals and corporations have systematically exploited vulnerable nations for profit, often with devastating consequences for both the environment and local communities. Is there a more fitting example than Nigeria – a country endowed with immense oil wealth, yet mired in mass poverty, with only a select few reaping the rewards?
In Nigeria, proximity to power or a fortuitous appointment to public office can turn individuals into instant billionaires, complete with private jets and opulent lifestyles – all while doing little or nothing of substance.
We witness a system where billions of dollars are allocated for the so-called “turnaround maintenance” of oil facilities, yet no tangible outcome is achieved. Where people serve as group CEOs of dormant, moribund companies, drawing enormous salaries from recurrent expenditure without delivering any value.
Even more baffling is the case of a state corporation, built to refine petroleum products, now functioning primarily as an importer – despite the billions spent to revive our state-owned refineries.
In a country that consumes an average of 30 million litres of petrol daily, we somehow manage to import over 600 million litres, with subsidies paid on every litre. Even with an insufficient storage capacity, documents have surfaced alleging imports of over four billion litres – a figure that defies both logic and logistics.
This is a system where regulators lack basic testing infrastructure or, worse still, blatantly ignore their own rules. Where the laws of the land are deliberately bent to favour importers, while environmental and health standards are consistently compromised.
Various investigations – both domestic and international – have repeatedly laid bare the extensive corruption entrenched in Nigeria’s oil sector. Government-led probes have done the same. Yet, those implicated remain undeterred, continuing their deceit with impunity. No sectoral investigation in Nigeria has ever been as sordid as those linked to oil; the revelations are too grim to believe, yet tragically accurate.
It is a national shame that despite possessing the much-coveted Bonny Light crude – highly prized for its low sulphur content and high yield – Nigeria remains a dumping ground for carcinogenic, lowquality petroleum products. The environmental and human cost has been catastrophic.
We still recall the notorious ‘foul fuel’ scandal
of 1997 that wrecked countless vehicle engines. Similar incidents followed in 2008 and again in 2022, when off-spec petrol wreaked havoc on homes and vehicles nationwide. Ironically, the regulators – the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) – alongside the main importer, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), stood idle. It was only when the Netherlands and Belgium, appalled by the consequences, banned their ports from exporting such substandard products to Nigeria and the West African region that a marginal shift occurred, as the cabals found solace in Malta.
Should it then come as a surprise when former NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, brazenly described Nigerian crude as “Lamborghini crude”, only to assert that it was not economically viable for Nigerians to enjoy such quality because “Nigerians are driving KekeNAPEP”?
That statement, made before an international audience at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists’ conference in Lagos – ironically themed “Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability” – epitomised the tragic absurdity of Nigeria’s oil sector.
This is what a nation of over 220 million people – the so-called Giant of Africa – has been reduced to: a “Keke economy”. A country blessed with Lamborghini-level crude oil, yet condemned to survive on tricycle-grade petrol, thanks to the greed of the “very bad people”.
Thankfully, with the advent of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, Nigerians are now gaining access to premium refined
It
is a national shame that despite possessing the muchcoveted Bonny Light crude –highly prized for its low sulphur content and high yield – Nigeria remains a dumping ground for carcinogenic, low-quality petroleum products
products, which have also garnered international demand.
Left to Kyari and his ilk, Nigerians would have continued to receive only the most inferior of fuels, despite sitting on a vast pool of high-quality crude. Kyari’s notorious “Keke-NAPEP” remark showcased disdain for the plight of everyday Nigerians – people forced to bear the brunt of systemic failure and elite avarice.
It felt like a collective sigh of relief when President Bola Tinubu finally relieved Kyari of his duties at the helm of NNPCL. But beyond his dismissal lies an urgent call for a comprehensive, independent forensic audit of the corporation under his leadership.
Allegations abound – from the Auditor-General’s annual reports – of claims that between 2017 and 2021, over N2.68 trillion and $9.77 million were diverted, in violation of both the Nigerian Constitution and the Financial Regulations Act of 2009.
While Nigeria’s oil cabal has long remained untouchable – like the individuals exposed in Very Bad People – Patrick Alley reminds us that change, while difficult, is not impossible. But it demands courage. It demands collective action. It demands the will to confront entrenched interests and end the culture of impunity.
For Nigeria, this means going beyond mere rhetoric. It involves dismantling the structures of corruption within the oil import industry, investing in domestic refining capacity, and enforcing regulations that protect both citizens and the environment.
Only then can the true promise of Nigeria’s oil wealth be realised – not for the few, but for the many. Only then can the fame resource curse syndrome be averted.
•Abiodun is a Lagos-based communications specialist.
SHOTS OF THE WEEK
Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, during the opening ceremony of the 4th Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Summit 2025, held at Protea Hotel,
Owerri, Imo state on April 23, 2025.
L-R: Chairman of Enugu West Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State, Chief John Ogbodo; Igwe Elect of Umueze Awkunanaw Community of Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State, Chief Emeka Ani and wife, Elochukwu; Deputy Chairman, Nkanu West, Mr. Friday Nnam and Chairman Umueze Awkunanaw Town Union Committee, during the official presentation of the Igwe Elect to the Chairman in Nkanu West LGA Headquarters of Enugu State on April 22, 2025.
L-R:
New
L-R: Member, Enugu State Local Government Services Commission, Mrs. Amaka Nweke; Chairman, Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Gender Affairs, Mrs Jane Eneh and the Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, Mrs. Rita Mba, during the Enugu State Women Prayer Rally organized by wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Chinyere Mbah, in Enugu on April 21, 2025.
L-R: Supply Chain Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Federico Agressi; Corporate Affairs Director, NB Plc, Mrs. Sade Morgan; Managing Director, NB Plc, Mr. Hans Essaadi; Deputy Governor, Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe; District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani and Wakili Bai Zazzau, Alhaji Nurudeen Ibrahim, during the commissioning of the Maltina Skills Acquisition Centre in Kakuri, Kaduna State on April 23, 2025.
L-R: Deputy President, West, Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Dr. Kunle Sogbein; Executive Council Member of NPA, Mrs. Folakemi Bademosi and President of NPA, Alhaji Lukman Dauda, during a news conference to commemorate the 2025 World Book and Copyright Day in Ibadan on April 23, 2025.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim (r), with the Managing Director, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDITCORP), Uzoma Nwagba, during a multi-stakeholder engagement to discuss critical issues affecting women and girls in Nigeria, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with CREDITCORP in Abuja on April 23, 2025.
Amusan Leads Nigerian Squad, Eyes Redemption at Tokyo Championship
BY JUDE OBAFEMI
The 2025 World Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place in Tokyo from September 13 - 21, will mark a significant moment for Nigerian athletics. Seven Nigerian athletes have already qualified for eight individual events, with redemption of the country’s famed competitiveness on the global stage at the back of their minds. This follows a period of mixed results for Nigeria in recent championships, including disappointing medal droughts at the 2023 Budapest event and the 2024 Paris Olympics. The upcoming competition presents an opportunity for Nigeria to reassert itself as a force in track and field, particularly in sprinting and hurdling disciplines.
Among the qualified athletes, Tobi Amusan stands out as a leading medal contender. Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100-metre hurdles, earned her place at the championships with a time of 12.49 seconds during the Paris Olympics, well below the required standard of 12.73 seconds. Her victory at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon made her the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the event, and her work under new coach Glen Mills, famous for training Usain Bolt, makes her one of the favourites at the Tokyo competition. Amusan’s primary rival will be Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, the reigning world champion, setting the stage for a highly
anticipated showdown.
Favour Ofili, another key figure in Nigeria’s team, has qualified for the women’s 200 metres. Her time of 22.05 seconds at the Paris Olympics comfortably met the entry standard of 22.57 seconds.
Ofili, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, has shown steady improvement and will aim to challenge for a podium finish in Tokyo. Her journey has not been without setbacks, including administrative errors that excluded her from the 100-metre event at the Olympics, adding motivation for her to perform well at the World Championships.
In the men’s events, Ezekiel Nathaniel has qualified for both the 400 metres and the 400-metre hurdles. His time of 48.38 seconds in the hurdles at the Paris Olympics surpassed the required 48.50 seconds, while his 44.74-second performance in the flat 400 metres at the Big 12 Indoor Championships also secured his place. Nathaniel’s versatility makes him a unique asset for Nigeria, and his ability to compete in two demanding events increases the country’s chances of success.
Samuel Ogazi and Ella Onojuvwevwo will represent Nigeria in the men’s and women’s 400 metres, respectively. Ogazi’s time of 44.41 seconds at the Paris Olympics was notably faster than the 44.85-second standard, highlighting his potential to compete with the world’s best.
Onojuvwevwo, who studies and trains in the United States, met the qualification mark with a time of 50.59 seconds, just under the 50.75-second requirement. Both athletes bring youth and promise to Nigeria’s squad, with Ogazi in particular emerging as one of the country’s most exciting sprint talents.
The younger generation of Nigerian athletes is also making an impact. Tima Godbless, aged 20, qualified for the women’s 200 metres with a time of 22.55 seconds at the Tom Jones Memorial meet in April 2025. Kayinsola Ajayi, also 20, secured his place in the men’s 100 metres with a personal best of 9.96 seconds at the same event, making him the second-fastest man in the world that year.
Beyond individual events, Nigeria is also focusing on relay qualifications. The World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, scheduled for May 10 and 11, will determine which teams advance to Tokyo. Nigeria is participating in four relay events: the men’s and women’s 4x100 metres, the men’s 4x400 metres, and the mixed 4x400 metres. The top 14 teams in each event will earn automatic qualification, with additional spots available based on world rankings.
The Nigerian team includes Amusan and Ofili, alongside emerging talents like Udodi Onwuzurike and Favour Ashe. The relay squads have been carefully selected to maximise Nigeria’s chances of securing places in Tokyo, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria emphasising competitive performance over mere participation.
The broader context of Nigeria’s preparations reveals both opportunities and challenges. The country has a strong tradition in sprinting and hurdling, with past successes including Olympic medals and world titles. However, inconsistent administrative support and logistical issues have sometimes hindered progress. The current team benefits from a mix of domestic and foreign-based athletes, with several competitors training at universities in the United States. This exposure to high-level coaching and competition has contributed to improved performances, as seen in the qualification times achieved by athletes like Ogazi and Onojuvwevwo.
The Tokyo championships will be the third held in Japan, following events in 1991 and 2007. The National Stadium, rebuilt for the 2020 Olympics, will serve as the main venue, offering athletes a world-class facility. For Nigeria, the goal will be to surpass recent disappointments and return to the podium. The last major championship medal came from Tobi Amusan in 2022, and the team will aim to build on her success. With a combination of experienced competitors and rising stars, Nigeria has the potential to achieve multiple topeight finishes and possibly medal in several events.
The significance of the World Championships extends beyond immediate results. Strong performances in Tokyo could inspire younger athletes in Nigeria, where track and field remains a popular sport. Increased visibility for the team may also attract
Tobi
ogannah@thewillnews.com
Ponzi Schemes and Failure of Financial Regulation in Nigeria
The collapse of CBEX is the latest example of financial fraud in Nigeria that has left thousands of individuals with significant losses. The scheme promised quick, substantial returns on cash investments and attracted large numbers before abruptly shutting down. The sudden disappearance of the operators and the avalanche of unpaid claims has again spotlighted the dangers of unregulated investment platforms and the persistent failure of Nigeria’s financial regulators, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to act swiftly.
Ponzi schemes are not new to Nigeria. Though their presentation may change, the structure remains the same: funds from new investors are used to pay earlier ones, without any legitimate underlying investment. The cycle collapses when new investors dry up. Despite this well-known pattern, Nigerians continue to fall for such schemes.
CBEX followed this model. Promising returns of a staggering 100 percent, it appealed to many struggling under economic hardship. With unemployment high, inflation surging and the naira weakening, the lure of quick financial relief was strong, even if the risk was evident.
A significant factor driving the success of such schemes is poor financial literacy. Many Nigerians lack a basic understanding of investment principles, making them vulnerable to fraud. The rise of social media has only made things worse. Influencers and online marketers, some incentivised by the schemes themselves, promote these platforms through testimonials and “proofs” of payment, often without due diligence.
The SEC is mandated to protect the public by licensing investment operators, monitoring their activities and warning the public about illegal outfits. In CBEX’s case, the SEC later confirmed that neither CBEX nor its known affiliates, such as ST Technologies International Ltd and Smart Treasure/Super Technology were registered to operate as a Digital Assets Exchange or solicit investments.
Preliminary SEC findings revealed that CBEX promoted itself as a legitimate platform, using flashy marketing to lure investors with promises of guaranteed, unrealistic returns. The SEC has since cited Section 196 of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, pledging to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to take enforcement action. It urged the public to avoid platforms promising implausible profits and to verify the registration status of any investment company on its online portal.
Yet, the core issue remains: why did the SEC not intervene earlier? In my view, the leadership of the SEC is incompetent, weak and incapable of protecting the public from these illegal investment schemes.
CBEX is only the latest in a string of such schemes. Previous examples, MMM, MBA Forex, Chinmark, Baraza, also involved significant public losses. Victims of these schemes often reported concerns early, but scarcely received any effective
support. In many instances, these operators ran visible public campaigns, staged large events, and advertised widely, yet regulators failed to act. The signs were not hidden.
On a more hopeful note, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made public commitments to hold CBEX operators accountable. Spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the EFCC had been tracking the platform even before the public backlash and had issued warnings about suspected Ponzi schemes. In March 2025, the agency listed 58 such companies to caution the public, although CBEX was not one of them.
The CBEX crisis came to a head when users were unable to withdraw their funds. Outrage erupted on social media, culminating in angry investors looting the office of Smart Treasure in Ibadan. The EFCC has assured that recovery efforts are underway and it is working with Interpol and international partners to locate and prosecute the operators and recover “invested” funds.
The damage caused by these schemes extends beyond financial loss. They erode trust in legitimate financial institutions. When victims are abandoned by regulators and
the justice system, even genuine investment advice becomes suspect. This weakens the financial ecosystem and discourages long-term saving and investing.
There is also a cultural angle. In Nigeria, quick success is often admired. The pressure to appear successful among peers, particularly on social media, drives many to take reckless risks. When others appear to be benefiting, the fear of missing out overrides rational caution.
Despite official promises to improve financial education and regulation, the results have been minimal. Public campaigns are rare, schools do not teach financial basics and when regulators do speak, their warnings are buried in technical jargon. Coordination between agencies such as the SEC, CBN, EFCC and the Police is limited, reducing overall effectiveness. Even when perpetrators are caught, justice is rarely swift. Many disappear without trace, while others are arrested and quietly released. There are no public blacklists of banned operators, which would help prevent repeat offences. The absence of such measures enables fraudsters to return under new names and continue defrauding the public. Frustrating right!
To reverse this trend, I am convinced that a comprehensive approach is needed—rooted in education, regulation and enforcement.
Financial literacy must be prioritised. Nigerians need to understand the basics: that high returns often mean high risk. This knowledge should be spread not just online, but through schools, community forums, and the media. Education must be localised and relatable, delivered in accessible formats and languages.
Regulators must also step up. The SEC under Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama must expand its capacity to monitor digital and informal financial activities. It must work closely with payment providers, banks, and social media platforms to flag these fraudulent schemes.
Equally important is enforcement. When fraud is committed, culprits must face the law. Prosecutions must be transparent and swift, and outcomes must be publicised. This serves both as a deterrent and a reassurance to the public that fraud has consequences.
The media also has a crucial role. Journalists must investigate these schemes and explain their risks clearly. They must ask tough questions of regulators and press for accountability. The CBEX case should not fade into just another headline; it must catalyse a rethinking of how fraud is prevented and punished in Nigeria.
Financial fraud may never disappear entirely, but its impact can be minimised. The EFCC’s commitment to recovering investor funds is a good start, but broader reform is essential. Unless Nigeria builds a system grounded in proactive regulation, public education, and visible enforcement, Ponzi schemes will continue to thrive—and Nigerians will continue to pay the price.
In Nigeria, quick success is often admired. The pressure to appear successful among peers, particularly on social media, drives many to take reckless risks. When others appear to be benefiting, the fear of missing out overrides rational caution.
