Okusaga “Saga” Adeoluwa is a multi-hyphenate. He is an artist, actor, fitness coach, engineer, and reality TV star. You might wonder how he balances all these roles without losing himself. He does so by focusing on one thing at a time instead of juggling all at once. He was first an engineer for a couple of years, balancing it with art. He worked as an engineer during the day and as an artist at night. He has a rather interesting story of how he became an artist, but I’ll let you read about it. Then there was COVID, and everyone was home, so he started his fitness training. After a while, the opportunity came for him to go into the Big Brother house; he auditioned and got in. At the time, he was still working as an engineer. Adeoluwa later quit his job and followed his creative side, which he has always had. Right now, his focus is on influencing, acting and painting.
Read Saga’s story on pages 8 to 10.
This week’s fashion pages focus on silk scarves. If you own one, you will know that it is one of the most fashionable and versatile accessories in your closet. Whether you are getting all dressed up or adding something extra to your outfit, a scarf is a great way to transform your outfit from regular to chic in seconds. Scroll to pages 4 and 5 to learn more.
Many people shampoo their hair without thinking about it. However, you can shampoo your hair in a way that will lead to hair breakage. We discuss this on page 12.
Scroll to page 16 to download our playlist; you’ll love it.
Two years to the next general elections in 2027, politicking has unexpectedly gone up several decibels in Nigeria, no thanks to a combination of factors and power play between President Bola Tinubu and opposition interests within his ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties.
In the event, both divides are leaving nothing to chance. They can be so cold-blooded in their calculations and so deft in their moves that only those directly involved in the scheme of things are in the know of their plans.
President Tinubu wants to reduce opposition to its lowest ahead of his reelection bid; the opposition wants to take advantage of the worsening social and economic conditions to consolidate its coalition plans in what is shaping up to be fought along ethnic lines – North vs South.
The lingering leadership crisis rocking the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, together with the battle cry that the presidency must reside in the South in fulfillment of the unwritten power sharing deal between the the political class that presidential power should rotate every eight years between the North and South zones, have enabled easy poaching of key leaders in the crisis-ridden parties.
THEWILL writes that the Tinubu camp’s strategy is to capture the entire oil-rich South-south, the cash cow of the PDP and then move to consolidate the South-west, the president’s home region.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent defection from the PDP to the APC provides an explanation of the deft moves being made by the President and his men.
THEWILL learnt that only President Bola Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State (Chairman of APC Governors’ Forum) and his Kwara counterpart, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum) were involved in the plan. National Chairman of the Party, Abdullahi Ganduje, was in the dark of developments until the night before Oborevwori announced his defection when he was informed.
The governor blamed his defection on the prolonged, weary leadership crisis in the PDP. Splintered by the divisive party primaries in 2022, where it broke its unwritten power sharing arrangement between the north and southern Nigeria and handed its presidential ticket to Atiku Abubakar.
THEWILL however notes that the most significant consideration was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) aggressive investigation of Governor Oborevwori’s mentor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was also the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, over billions of naira he allegedly stole from the state’s treasury.
Thus, with the PDP crisis threatening to leave it in comatose, the APC in the state was waxing stronger with the support of the federal government leaving no option for the governor and his mentor in their calculations ahead of 2027 politics.
Undaunted, the governor, who defected with all Local Government chairmen, his cabinet, and major figures of the PDP in the state, is moving ahead to consolidate his hold on the APC after his new party leaders recognized him as their leader in the state. Sources close to Oborevwori told THEWILL that he would expand the state cabinet to accommodate APC interests and appoint more Special Advisers from his new party.
One of the sources dismissed the idea of a cabinet dissolution. “That option is not on the table,” the reliable source said. What is true for Oborevwori is also true for many governors who are eyeing the APC wagon to pursue their ambition in 2027 for safety. The circumstances and conditions may differ from one geo-political zone to the other, but the goal, which is to consummate their political ambition, is the same.
SOUTH SOUTH ZONE
After Governor Oborevwori’s defection, the next in line is likely Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state, another long-standing PDP state, like Delta, since 1999.
He is said to be disappointed with his party over the protracted leadership crisis that appears to make progress impossible. He recently disclosed his intention to support President Tinubu’s second term bid and used the occasion of a party event last week to haul a barb at the state of his party’s structure.
Speaking at the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency town square meeting held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Eno likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft.
He said, “What Akwa Ibom people want is good governance, not the name of the party. If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination? Whether Ibom Air or Air Peace, board the flight that is ready to take you to your destination. Board the flight and forget the name of the airline.”
His mentor and predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, is currently
COVER
DEFECTIONS: Who’s Next?
on the EFCC watch list too over alleged theft of billions of naira from the state’s coffers. Moreover, Governor Eno is also a pal to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, whom he “allowed” to maintain a foothold in the state when APC “won” in Akpabio’s LGA, Essien Udim LGA, during the October 7, 2024 Local Government polls in the state. PDP won in the remaining 30 LGAs.
Bayelsa and Rivers States, however, present a different set of political calculations that cloud talks about defection.
Though Governor Siminalayi Fubara met with President Tinubu in London recently, fueling speculations of his defection as part of the bargain to set aside emergency rule and return him to power, the objective conditions are putting things in check. General public opinion both within and outside the state is in support of his reinstatement unconditionally.
For now, the common enemy is the administrator, Ibok EtteIbas, seen by many as the usurper. Still, as Fubara submits himself to ongoing peace talks with his rival, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), there is no guarantee that defection would not be on the cards if the PDP fails to resolve its crisis during its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 15, 2025.
Of all the PDP governors in the South-south, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State appears to be the last man standing on the party platform, come what may. Also, the state is one of the most homogenous in Nigeria with a majority Ijaw population, which has been further united by the political travails of Governor Fubara, an Ijaw, and the perceived ethnic slur against them by Wike.
Better still, Diri is currently Chairman of the South-south PDP Governors Forum. He is also an influential member of the party. While inaugurating the South-south zonal caretaker committee last week, he said he would fulfill the responsibility expected of him by the National Working Committee, which mandated him to look into the affairs of the party as it affects the zone.
SOUTH WEST ZONE
Among the six states in the South-west zone, PDP controls two, Oyo and Osun. The rest are APC-led. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is serving his second term, is keen on taking a shot at the presidency in 2027.
Reacting to questions about his eligibility for the Presidency, Makinde said he has the capacity to be Nigeria’s President. “I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes...” he said. He is only waiting for the party to overcome its current crisis before stepping into the ring.
The question of his defection is clearly not in the cards. But whether the party will retain that state in 2027 is debatable. The governor won his election by the grace of President Tinubu, who brokered a deal between APC members and Makinde.
APC holds the three Senate seats and eight Reps seats against four for PDP in the state. The party will likely fall to the APC in 2027. Moreover, Makinde is a Wike ally, and if he were to get the party ticket, he would be a walkover for Tinubu because of his antecedents and weaker platform.
In Osun state, where an off-cycle governorship election will be held in 2026, Governor Ademola Adeleke may be able to hold on to his weekend vow not to defect from the PDP to APC.
“My people, party elders and chiefs, I declare before you today that I am not defecting to APC or any other political party. I remain in PDP,” the governor last week told the Osun Stakeholders Forum, who later passed a vote of confidence on his ability to govern the state and endorsed him for a second term.
SOUTH EAST ZONE
Apart from Abia, governed by Governor Alex Otti of the LP, and Enugu by Peter Mbah of the PDP, the other three states of Ebonyi and Imo are governed by Francis Nwifuru and Hope Uzodinma of the APC, respectively. The fifth state, Anambra, is governed by Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
For the party whose foundation and principles are linked to the iconic Igbo leader Odimegwu Ojukwu, APGA has been able to retain its Anambra foothold since winning the governorship there in 2003, a year after it was formed.
the platform of the PDP in 1999, the aging Gen. Danjuma has continued to support the party in his state.
In Plateau, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has ruled out defection. Conveying the governor’s stand, party Chairman in the state, Chris Hassan, said that though many members have defected from the party and a few persons from other parties have defected to the PDP across the country, Plateau remains PDP. “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.”
Governor Otti of Abia said that considering the “existential realities,” both in his state and his party, LP, he would not defect. The recent Supreme Court ruling on party supremacy over matters affecting political parties has given the crisisridden LP a second chance to redeem its image, he said, adding that as a former member of APC, APGA, and PDP before joining LP and winning the governorship election on its platform, he has chosen to settle down with the party that helped him fulfill his ambition.
“We are in a democracy which encourages multi-partyism, so why should I defect to another party just because others are doing it or because of my personal interest?”
Unlike his Abia counterpart, Governor Mbah of Enugu state, who recently received two House of Representatives defectors from the LP alongside a member in the House of Assembly into the PDP, is basking in the glory of the defections considering that he narrowly defeated the LP candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, in the 2023 governorship polls. Besides, APC is weak in the state to mount sufficient pressure on him.
Still, Governor Mbah, who openly praised the President’s reform policies and “statesmanship” during the president’s visit to Enugu to commission projects early this year, will not hesitate to defect to the APC and succumb to the political gimmick of ‘belonging to the center’ mantra if the PDP’s upcoming NEC meeting fails to resolve the crisis in the party.
NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
Among the six states in this zone, Plateau and Taraba states are the only PDP-controlled states. The others, namely Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa, are controlled by the APC.
With Gen. Theophilus Danjuma still the ultimate godfather in Taraba politics, the state will remain PDP. His radical stand on insecurity, to the effect that Nigerians should collectively and individually arm themselves to deal a decisive blow to insecurity as the Federal Government has failed to do the needful, has coloured the politics in the state.
Taraba has witnessed and continues to witness attacks from ruthless Fulani herdsmen. As one of the retired generals that sponsored Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidential candidacy on
“ If the forces loyal to Wike and Atiku maintain their mutually exclusive grounds and fail to reach consensus or make some compromise, the party may split down the middle
NORTHWEST, NORTHEAST ZONE
In the seven states in the Northwest, the PDP reigns in Zamfara state only, while Kano is governed by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kaduna are all APC-compliant. In the Northeast, however, the PDP reigns in Bauchi and Adamawa.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara has been having a running battle with his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, currently Minister of State for Defence, an APC leader. He continues to accuse Matawalle, who governed on the platform of the APC, of running the state aground, as well as openly giving support to bandits during his tenure. The Minister has denied the allegations. Their quarrel has an element of territoriality to it, making defection impossible, for now.
Like Governor Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, who is serving his second term, is keen on running for president in 2027 on the platform of the PDP.
Adamawa State, where Governor Usman Fintiri governs, is home to the party’s main opposition leader Atiku Abubakar. The governor would not forget in a hurry how the APC almost snatched victory from him through the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa Ari, who colluded with the APC to falsify results.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later dismissed the REC for electoral offenses. Here, PDP and APC are poles apart in the state. Besides, Abubakar wields significant influence in the state, where he holds the chieftaincy title of Waziri, which makes him second-in-command to the traditional ruler, the Lamido.
Interestingly, the defections at present are one-directional from the PDP to the APC. None from the APC has indicated interest to defect to a rival party or the PDP.
So, for the PDP, the challenge in the coming days is great. The battle cry that the presidency must remain in the South is working in favour of the President and his party for now. His determination to battle the opposition to the ground in the face of mounting socioeconomic challenges is gaining ground as his foot soldiers seize the momentum presented by a disorganized opposition.
PDP MAY 11 NEC MEETING
This crucial meeting holds a key to a turn-around in the fortunes of the opposition ahead of 2027. At present, the NWC’s appointment of Arch. Sekoni Koshoedo as Acting National Secretary has helped the party regain some stability ahead of its crucial NEC meeting scheduled for May 11, 2025.
It can make uninterrupted contact with relevant agencies such as INEC. Sources say the generality of its members are waiting eagerly for the outcome of the meeting meant to resolve all the lingering administrative, leadership, and disciplinary issues in the party.
On the other hand, there is the fear that the outcome may be an anti-climax. If the forces loyal to Wike and Atiku maintain their mutually exclusive grounds and fail to reach consensus or make some compromise, the party may split down the middle. Then, the plane story painted by Governor Eno of Akwa Ibom State will come to pass.
OUR ERROR: In the front page photo of our April 28, 2025 edition, we erroneously addressed the CBN Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy as Oscar Onyema. The error is regretted. Below is the correct caption.
L-R: Executive Director, World Bank, Zainab Ahmed, Governor of Central Bank Olayemi Cardoso, Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi and Director General of Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha at the just concluded 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held April 21-26, 2025 in Washington DC.
NEWS
Foreign Visitors Who Overstay Visas Face Fine,
Five-Year, Permanent Ban - FG
BY FELIX IFIJEH
Foreign visitors to Nigeria who overstay their visas will now face strict penalties beginning August 2, 2025, the Federal government has announced.
A statement signed on Friday by Akinsola Akinlabi, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), said the penalties include a fine of $15 per day. While those “Overstaying beyond three months attract a fine plus a five-year entry ban, and those overstaying by more than one year, face blacklisting and a permanent entry ban.”
The new regulations were unveiled in the new e-visa regime, which became effective on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Akinlabi said the implementation will begin with a new e-Visa Application System and the Automated Landing and Exit Card regulations, adding that the initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Service, is a key component of the broader visa reform strategy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
designed to be fully digital, eliminating in-person visits. Processing time is now capped at 48 hours or less, while approved visas will be sent electronically, along with QR codes, to applicants via email.
Additionally, all visas issued through this digital channel are non-extendable, adding further clarity to visitor timelines. These changes are part of the larger Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, designed to improve efficiency and eliminate loopholes.
Alongside the e-Visa is the digital replacement for the traditional immigration forms. The automated landing and exit card is now mandatory for all nonNigerian inbound and outbound travellers. The cards must be completed online via (https://lecard. immigration.gov.ng](https://lecard.immigration. gov.ng) before arrival or departure.
Terrorism Trial: No Weapon Found on Kanu During Arrest — Prosecution Witness
The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, resumed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu is facing a seven-count amended charge bordering on treason and terrorism filed by the Federal Government, following a Supreme Court ruling on December 15, 2023, which overturned the judgment of the Court of Appeal.
The appellate court had on October 13, 2022, dismissed the charges and ordered his release. Kanu has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his rearrest and extradition from Kenya on June 27, 2021.
At the resumed trial on Friday, the prosecution’s first witness, a DSS operative identified as PWAAA, told the court under cross-examination that no weapon of terrorism or violence was recovered from Kanu at the time of his arrest in a Lagos hotel on October 15, 2015. He also confirmed that no items suggesting a breach of public peace were recovered from the woman who was arrested alongside Kanu.
Noting that the digital systems were designed to streamline visa processing, improve border control, and align Nigeria’s immigration practices with international standards, Akinlabi explained that the new e-Visa system, which officially replaces the traditional Visa on Arrival regime as of May 1, 2025, is faster, more secure, and entirely digital. It introduces 13 types of Short Visit Visas (SVVs), processed entirely online within 48 hours or less, and delivered electronically with secure QR codes. He added that the Visa on Arrival option is now discontinued, though previously issued visas remain valid until May 30, 2025. The new e-Visas are nonextendable. Full details are available at https:// evisa.immigration.gov.ng.
The system syncs with the Visa Processing Centre, applying penalties like visa bans where applicable. Outbound travellers must complete the exit card before departing Nigeria. Inbound non-Nigerian travellers are also required to complete their landing cards online before boarding their flights. This move aims to speed up border procedures while ensuring legal compliance.
The Immigration Service has announced a temporary grace period between May 1 and August 1, 2025. During this period, foreigners currently in Nigeria with expired visas are permitted to return to their home countries voluntarily, without incurring any penalties.
This followed Justice James Omotosho’s Tuesday ruling allowing the Federal Government’s request for its witnesses to testify behind screens. Earlier in the week, the court admitted into evidence items recovered from Kanu during his 2015 arrest.
The items included a black laptop; two multi-mix transmitters; two Apple iPads with pouches; two MacBooks; several Glo, MTN, and Etisalat modems; flash drives; a camcorder; microphones and headphones; multiple phones; Nigerian and British passports; several wristwatches; perfumes; shoes; and other personal effects. Documents recovered also included IPOB-related materials and multiple bank cards.
During cross-examination by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the DSS operative acknowledged that all items were Kanu’s personal belongings.
The e-Visa platform has introduced thirteen categories under the Short Visit Visa (SVV). It is
Stakeholders, including airlines and border control agencies, are urged to align their operations with the new immigration processes. This will ensure smooth implementation and minimise disruptions. “These reforms underscore our commitment to a transparent, efficient, and secure immigration system. We urge all travellers, residents, and stakeholders to comply fully with the new policies and timelines”, Akinlabi directed.
He added that he was not responsible for analyzing the devices, as his mandate was limited to making the arrest and obtaining a statement. He further admitted that although he analyzed Kanu’s cell phone, the report was not submitted to the court as it was deemed irrelevant.
When asked about the status of the seized items, the witness said they may have lost their value over the years.
The witness also told the court that Kanu’s statement was obtained without legal representation and that no individual had been brought forward to confront Kanu with any specific terrorism-related allegation.
Tinubu Must Call His Family to Order: Nigeria is not a Private Estate, Says Atiku
Former Vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently rein in his family members, particularly his son, Seyi Tinubu, who “appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary, including coercion, violence, and intimidation.”
Abubakar was reacting to the allegations made by the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Isah that he was physically assaulted and abducted at the hands of Seyi Tinubu, saying the allegations “are deeply alarming and strike at the core of democratic norms and civil liberty.”
“That such grave accusations are being levelled against a member of the first family is both disturbing and dangerous. Had this incident ended fatally, it would have been recorded among the growing list of atrocities committed by criminal elements in the country,” said Abubakar.
He said that the fact that the allegations are tied to the President’s own son makes it even more horrifying.
“What’s worse is the emerging suggestion that even top security officials are not beyond Seyi Tinubu’s overreaching influence — an unacceptable compromise of state institutions.
“It is intolerable that the first family would seek to subjugate the NANS — or any civil society group — through threats, bribes, or brute force. Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy handed down to one family.
Award-winning broadcast journalist, leadership coach, and gender advocate Funke Treasure Akintoye has earned three major recognitions at the 2024 Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Awards, a flagship initiative by Business Engage, in partnership with Accenture.
Funke Treasure was honoured with the Positive Role Model Award for West Africa. Her organisation, Illuminate Nigeria Development Network, also secured the Mainstream Development and Disability Award and the Investing in Young Women Award, all for West Africa. This marks the second consecutive year of recognition for Funke Treasure, who continues to impact lives through initiatives such
“Well-meaning Nigerians must rise to speak out. The actions of the President’s family — specifically their rabid drive to consolidate political power through manipulation and fear — must be condemned unequivocally. We must remind them that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance.
“Attempts to drag former Vice President Atiku Abubakar into this scandal by alleging a political alliance with Comrade Isah are baseless, malicious, and desperate. Atiku Abubakar’s meeting with Isah was centered solely on education reform and improving student welfare, which also includes institutions he founded, like the American University of Nigeria and AUN Academy.
“Comrade Isah’s advocacy and public stance must be evaluated based on fact, not fiction. The allegations of abuse he has made demand an independent investigation, especially since the very agencies meant to protect citizens appear complicit in his ordeal.
“We issue a clear warning: nothing must happen to this young man. Any harm to him will not go unnoticed or unchallenged. Nigerians deserve truth, accountability, and a leadership that respects the rule of law — not a regime that weaponizes power to silence dissent.
Atiku Abubakar further added that he remains firmly committed to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and the use of education as a cornerstone for national progress and development. He will not be distracted by false narratives or cowardly intimidation.
as the Media Mentoring Initiative (MMI), the Sanitary Pad Media Campaign, and the Funke Treasure Table Tennis Championship (F3TC).
Business Engage Founder Colleen Larsen highlighted that the awards aim to “drive real change — by recognizing and rewarding companies and individuals committed to advancing diversity, fostering inclusion, and cultivating a true sense of belonging in the mainstream of business.”
Funke Treasure remains a beacon of transformative leadership, using media, mentorship, and advocacy to drive progress for women and youth across West Africa.
Customs Deploys E-Currency Declaration Form at Abuja Airport
BY FELIX IFIJEH
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the successful pilot deployment of the Electronic Currency Declaration Form (e-CDF) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Spokesperson of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Friday, said the initiative is part of the service’s ongoing digital transformation and modernisation initiatives aimed at strengthening border controls and enhancing transparency in financial disclosures.
The e-CDF platform, according to Maiwada, was developed to align with the best international practices in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) protocols. It provides real-time data that supports intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation.
He explained that “the pilot exercise, which commenced on 9th April, 2025, was implemented without issues. It showcased the system’s effectiveness in digitally capturing both inbound and outbound currency declarations, offering a more secure, efficient, and accountable process for cross-border travellers.
“During the pilot period, the e-CDF system recorded a total of 69 currency declaration transactions. Outbound declarations accounted for fifty-one (51) transactions with a total declared value of One Million, Two Hundred Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty-One Dollars and TwentyTwo Cents ($1,200,281.22). Inbound declarations stood at eighteen (18) with a total declared value of One Hundred and Seventy-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Six Dollars and Eighty-Eight Cents ($177,786.88).
“Following the success of this pilot phase, plans are underway to replicate the deployment of the e-CDF system at other international airports and border posts across the country.”
L-R: Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, Massad Boulus, President Donald Trump’s Adviser on Africa (m) and Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun during a visit to Boulus at the State Department in Washington DC recently.
Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Agnes Sessi and the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, during Workers Day celebration, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on May 1, 2025.
Police Smash Trans-Border Kidnapping Syndicate, Rescue Two Ghanaians
BY FELIX IFIJEH
The Nigeria Police Force, through its Intelligence Response Team (IRT), has successfully rescued 2 kidnapped Ghanaian nationals and apprehended a key kidnapping syndicate operating across international borders.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the rescue operation followed a report filed with the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja on April 27th, 2025, regarding the kidnapping of one Anastasia Arthur, aka Baidoo, a 48-year-old Ghanaian national.
While “Initial investigations revealed that Ms. Baidoo’s abduction stemmed from a sophisticated Facebook love scam”, Adejobi said advanced technical analysis provided a lead to a key location connected to the perpetrators, and operatives were deployed for immediate action.
Working in close collaboration with the Ghanaian Police Service, the IRT operatives identified a criminal syndicate with members operating in both Ghana and Nigeria.
Key breakthroughs in the investigation included the arrest of one Emeka Christian, a 27-year-old Nigerian national residing in Bolgatanga, Upper Eastern Ghana, who confessed to receiving GH 10,000 Cedis as ransom money for the victim through his Ghanaian mobile account. He further admitted to transferring
the Naira equivalent to a Nigerian bank account belonging to one Peter Okoye. “On May 1st, 2025, at approximately 1:22 PM, IRT operatives successfully tracked Peter Okoye, the prime suspect, to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The suspect was apprehended along with members of his syndicate: Paulinus Chidokwe, 35, and Chinonso Okafor, 35. Two Ghanaian women, Ms. Anastasia Arthur, aka Baidoo and Amaseerwaa Konadu, who were victims of these abductors, were rescued in the process.
“The victims have been taken to the hospital for proper treatment, having been held under dehumanising circumstances, while the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and upon conclusion, those involved will be made to face the full wrath of the law”, the statement explained.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the officers for their swift and coordinated operation, “which led to the successful rescue of these foreign nationals”. He urged the public to be wary of online romance scams and report any suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency, “particularly the Nigeria Police Force via our contact handles:
The Federal Government has announced plans to revert all Federal Science and Technical Colleges (FSTCs) to their original names—Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs)—starting from September 2025.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with principals of Federal Unity Colleges, saying the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen technical and vocational education across the country.
“It’s more than a name change,” Alausa said. “It signals a real shift in educational priorities, preparing students for a changing workforce, reducing youth unemployment, creating jobs, and promoting a technology-driven society. We are returning to a system that worked over 40 years ago.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with industry-relevant skills to align education with the country’s economic goals.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging teachers and administrators directly, stressing the importance of their roles in improving the education system.
“You are on the frontlines, teaching our students and identifying areas that need attention. Education authorities will no longer remain distant from realities on the ground,” he said.
On the issue of overcrowding in schools, Alausa issued a stern warning against admitting students beyond approved capacities.
“If any school admits just one student over its current capacity, the principal will be removed the next day,” he warned.
He cited Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, as a case where nearly 3,800 students were crammed into a facility not equipped to handle them. Even elite schools like King’s College, Lagos—originally built for fewer than 600 students—now house almost 2,500.
Alausa also directed principals to resist political interference during admissions.
Stakeholders Defend Journalists’ Right to Truthful Information
BY AMOS OKIOMA
As the global society marks World Press Freedom Day 2025, the Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub of the International Press Centre, Lagos – Nigeria has called on stakeholders to defend the right to truthful information.
The IPC-SPJ Hub said it recognises that the media is confronted with the defining challenge of the time — the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound implications for journalism, democracy, and the free flow of information.
It said this year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” compels the media to examine how AI is reshaping truth, trust, and transparency in the media landscape while demanding urgent action to safeguard press freedom in Nigeria and across the globe.
The IPC-SPJ Hub call is contained in a statement announcing its activity to commemorate the 2025 edition of World Press Freedom Day through an event taking place in Lagos on Wednesday, May 7. Commenting on the theme for WPFD 2025“Reporting in the Brave World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, the International Press Centre, said: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought unprecedented efficiencies to newsrooms, from automated factchecking to data-driven investigative reporting. In Nigeria, media outlets leverage on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to track corruption and amplify underreported stories, demonstrating its potential as a tool for accountability.”
In spite of this Mr. Arogundade stated that, “the risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are escalating at an alarming pace: AI – Generated Disinformation is outpacing traditional journalism.
A 2024 Report by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) found that AI-powered fake news spreads faster than human-generated falsehoods, with Nigeria ranked among the top 10 African nations targeted by AI-driven disinformation campaigns.”.
L-R; President, Middle East Pakistan and Africa Business Group, Royal FrieslandCampina, Ali Khan; Supervisory Board Member, Royal FrieslandCampina, Wietse Duursma; Chief Executive Office, Royal FrieslandCampina, Jan Derck van Karnebeek; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Roger Adou; Vice Chairman and Supervisory Board Member, Royal FrieslandCampina, Nils den Besten, during the industry and institution engagement session with students of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, as part of activities of the visit of Royal FrieslandCampina Team to Nigeria at the weekend.
Governor Diri Canvasses Partnership for Agge Deep Seaport Development
BY AMOS OKIOMA
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has again appealed to the Federal Government to make good its promise of supporting the state in developing the Agge Deep Seaport.
Governor Diri, made the appeal at the flag-off of the Marine Safety Sensitization and Distribution of Life Jackets for Inland Water Travels at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, at the weekend.
Represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor described the Agge Seaport project as a gateway to regional and international trade that would be of immense benefit to the state and the country at large.
Governor Diri, who assured the federal government of his administration’s commitment to actualising the project, called for effective collaboration from all critical stakeholders including development partners.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for selecting Bayelsa as one of the inaugural states for the marine safety initiative.
The Bayelsa Governor urged the people of the state, particularly boat drivers and their passengers to be more safety conscious by always making use of the life jackets, describing safety as a collective endeavour.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, acknowledged the Diri-led prosperity administration’s alignment with the federal government’s vision on marine economy.
Seyi Tinubu Denies Bribery, Abduction Allegations by NANS President
BY FELIX IFIJEH
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has denied allegations that he abducted and tortured the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Atiku Abubakar Isah.
Isah had on Wednesday alleged during a press conference that Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, offered him a N100 million bribe to promote President Tinubu’s image, which he claimed to have rejected.
He further alleged that his refusal led to his abduction and torture.
“I was abducted on April 15, stripped naked, and severely beaten with the involvement of the MD of NTA
“I was forced to release a statement under duress. They threatened to release the video and claimed Seyi Tinubu could cover up anything, even murder. One Ladoja also said he could order the IGP to suppress the case.”
He said,” We are happy that you have spoken profusely about the Agge Deep Seaport. But we will be happier if all of us work together in pursuing this endeavour to its completion and use.
“We need complementation and not competition; collaboration and not confrontation because we believe that it is in collaborating and complementing each other that we can achieve the Agge Deep Seaport project
“The Agge Deep Seaport is not only important to Bayelsa. It will not only open the gateway to Bayelsa, but also open the gateway to the Nigerian economy in several ways.”
Chief Oyetola pledged the federal government’s commitment towards the actualisation of the Agge Deep Seaport project to engender job creation, economic development and attract local and foreign investments to the Niger Delta region and beyond.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, called on the federal government to establish marine safety corps to make the nation’s waterways safer and more secure.
Highpoint of the ceremony which had in attendance, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and several government officials, including the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Faith ZibsGodwin, was the flag- off and distribution of safety materials.
Despite the ordeal, Isah said he proceeded with the NANS inauguration and was formally announced as president.
Reacting to the claims on Friday via his verified Instagram account, Seyi Tinubu described the allegations as false and defamatory.
“Wow… how can someone lie with so much confidence? An attempt to defame my character. May God be with you, Comrade Atiku Isah,” he wrote.
In another post, he added, “I have never held any meeting with Comrade Isah in Lagos or anywhere else in the world. I have never knowingly met him. I did not visit any location with thugs. These allegations are entirely fictional.”
POLITICS
Seyi Tinubu in Eye of the Storm
BY FELIX IFIJEH
Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has denied allegations that he was involved in the assault and abduction of the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Atiku Isah.
According to Isah, Seyi Tinubu and the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, offered him a N100 million bribe in Lagos to promote the president. The NANS president alleged that he rejected the bribe for the reason that he could not promote a President whom he considered had failed to keep his electoral promises.
Following his refusal to accept the bribe, he was stripped naked, attacked, and abducted by hoodlums linked to the younger Tinubu on 15 April. He alleged that thugs loyal to Seyi Tinubu stormed the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja and disrupted the students’ body’s inauguration.
The student leader claimed the attackers stabbed attendees, looted property, and forced dignitaries such as former Governors of Kano and Kogi States, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and former Governor Idris Wada, to flee.
He said, “I was abducted on the 15th of April. I was stripped naked and seriously beaten. They threatened to release a video. “They told me nothing would happen if they released the video, and even if they killed me, Seyi Tinubu would order a cover-up.
“I made it clear that even if I were shot, I would still come to this hall. The inauguration proceeded, and I was announced as president. I want Nigerians to know what happened and that we will not give up. Seyi Tinubu can do anything he wants, but we are determined.”
In his reaction on his Instagram page at the weekend, Seyi Tinubu described the allegations as fictional and an attempt to defame his character. He denied ever meeting Isah or holding any meeting with him to discuss any NANS related.
He said, “Wow… how can someone lie with so much confidence? An attempt to defame my character. May God be with you, Comrade Atiku Isah,“ adding that, “I have never held a meeting to discuss any subject matter with Comrade Isah in Lagos or anywhere else in the world. I have never knowingly met him before, nor did I visit any location with thugs. All these allegations made by Atiku Isah are completely fictional.”
Interpreting the allegation in a political context, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said it was part of ongoing ploy to tarnish President Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
National Organising Secretary of the organisation, Abagun Kole Omololu, at the weekend described Isah’s allegations as “salacious, fallacious, and completely unfounded.” Omololu said Isah was and an impostor and an agent of opposition politicians.
“First, this individual apparently has a political motive, as clearly seen in the banner he hoisted outside the venue of his supposed inauguration, “ he said and further stated that, “That banner proudly displays the photos of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and other prominent members of the so-called anti-Tinubu coalition.
“This is prima facie evidence that Mr. Isah is being sponsored by the political enemies of Seyi Tinubu’s father and will, therefore, say anything to tarnish the President, which is what he is doing by attacking the son.”
On that premise, Omololu claimed that, “The obvious conclusion the public should, therefore, draw is that this is a proxy war against the President, his government, and his family by surrogates of the coalition of strange bedfellows cobbled together not for the benefit of Nigeria but to seize power by any means necessary, including sponsoring a vocal local actor like Isah to throw arrows that they are too cowardly to throw using their own names.”
Rising to his defence, former Vice-President and presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, said that any attempt to link him to the incident was a deliberate falsehood designed to score cheap political points. He instead said Seyi Tinubu’s behaviour was condemnable and called on the
The obvious conclusion the public should, therefore, draw is that this is a proxy war against the President, his government, and his family by surrogates of the coalition of strange bedfellows “
President to rein in his son.
According to Abubakar, Seyi Tinubu, “appears determined to purchase political loyalty for his father by any means necessary, including coercion, violence, and intimidation.” He said that the fact that the allegations are tied to the President’s own son makes it even more horrifying.
“What’s worse is the emerging suggestion that even top security officials are not beyond Seyi Tinubu’s overreaching influence — an unacceptable compromise of state institutions.
“It is intolerable that the first family would seek to subjugate the NANS — or any civil society group — through threats, bribes, or brute force. Nigeria is a democratic republic, not a monarchy handed down to one family.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians to rise to speak out, claiming that the actions of the President’s family — “specifically their rabid drive to consolidate political power through manipulation and fear — must be condemned unequivocally. We must remind them that the presidency is a public trust, not a private inheritance.”
On his relationship with Isah, Attempts to drag former Vice President said that “a political alliance with Comrade Isah are baseless, malicious, and desperate. Atiku Abubakar’s meeting with Isah was centered solely on education reform and improving student welfare, which also includes institutions he founded, like the American University of Nigeria and AUN Academy.
According to him, Comrade Isah’s advocacy and public stance must be evaluated based on fact, not fiction. The allegations of abuse he has made demand an independent investigation, especially since the very agencies meant to protect citizens appear complicit in his ordeal.
Abubakar further added that he remains firmly committed to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and the use of education as a cornerstone for national progress and development. He will not be distracted by false narratives or cowardly intimidation. Meanwhile, NANS, has dismissed allegations that the organisation has been hijacked by politicians, including the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi.
National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, disowned Isah as its National President. “We want to clearly state that Mr Abubakr is in no way the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. The legitimate and duly elected President of NANS, representing the Nigerian student populace, is Comrade Olushola Oladoja.”
Even so, one Henry Okunomu who claimed to have held the position of Senate President within our organisation alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, had been meddling in the internal affairs of NANS and questioned his interest and stake in the students’ union.
Okunomu said, “With the involvement of the President’s son for the past one year, he has done everything to make sure that the organisation is porous. What he stands to gain, I don’t know. What he wants to achieve, I don’t know. But the question I want the general public to ask him is, what is his interest in NANS?” Okunomu said during his TV appearance. As at press time, the issue was still generating public interests and comments for and against.
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Tackling Corruption in MDAs
TIf we can do 50 percent of capital budget implementation, Nigeria will be fine infrastructure wise. So far, the first quarter has gone, and we are working to stop budget allocations of MDAs from being stolen. In sane societies, budget allocations are not stolen
he Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede recently disclosed that the anti-graft agency was closely monitoring the 2025 budget implementation by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to ensure that releases made to them are not stolen.
This is a welcome development. If the agency can accomplish this rather onerous task, institutional corruption would have been dealt a major blow at its root. For several years, relevant civil society organisations, public spirited persons, some stakeholders including the Senate have made similar cases with documented facts about the cesspool of corruption that the MDAs have become over the years.
The EFCC’s prolonged N109 billion corruption case against former Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, Ahmed Idris, is a case in point. Almost every year, the National Assembly and the MDAs go through this route without fail, particularly during yearly budgetary defence.
But with his current stand, Mr Olukoyede appears to be ready to translate theory into practice. We say so because in July last year the anti-graft agency’s boss lamented how the MDAs literally stole the country blind personally and collectively and stripped the treasury of requisite funds for developmental purposes.
Coming at a time that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, had set up Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units, ACTUs, at the MDAs to promote accountability and transparency, the EFCC
Chairman should be able to realise his set goal with determination.
Like any other institutions, MDAs are rule based but over the years, they have been found wanting. They breach regulations, wilfully violate set rules such as the Public Procurement Act and fail to submit audited accounts.
Indeed, on October 23, 2023, the Senate at the end of its two-day retreat at IkotEkpene, Akwa Ibom State, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies NILDS, lamented this sordid affair of corruption and unfolded what they termed a comprehensive strategy to prevent it.
Among others, they called for clear, transparent guidelines for revenue generation, retention, spending efficiency by the MDAs as well as adopting technology in expenditure management and driving adherence to fiscal rules and benchmarks.
Even so, these calls for prevention and detection of corruption have failed to see the light of the day
On his part, Olukoyede had taken notice of these sordid inclinations of the MDAs, when, almost a year ago, he complained bitterly about it.
While receiving the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) management team led by the Chairman, Mohammed Shehu, in July last year, Olukoyede lamented that, “When I look at some case files and see the humongous amount of money stolen, I wonder how we are still surviving. If you see some case files, you will weep. The way they move unspent budget allocation to private accounts in
commercial banks before midnight at the end of a budget circle, you will wonder what kind of spirit drives us as Nigerians.”
Almost a year later, we hope he has seen and heard enough about this matter and he is ready to walk his talk. Nigerians are tired of hearing beautiful anti-corruption speeches by public officers that make headlines and nothing happens afterwards.
With his renewed commitment, we hope he will do as he said. Well, he said the Commission has put sound measures in place to prevent budgetary allocations to MDAs from being stolen. That is where the Commission’s new department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, FRAC, comes in. Coupled with its collaboration with the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, Ministry of Solid Ministry Development which has been very imaginative and creative in dealing with illegal mining in the country, the EFCC should be able to fulfil its ambition to reduce significantly, if not eliminate corruption in the MDAs.
“If we can do 50 percent of capital budget implementation, Nigeria will be fine infrastructure wise. So far, the first quarter has gone, and we are working to stop budget allocations of MDAs from being stolen. In sane societies, budget allocations are not stolen. So, this year you’ll be seeing more prevention. In the event that people have less to steal, there will be less for us to recover. That’s one of the areas where we’re trying to hone our skills and build our commitment, “ Olukoyede said. We agree with this position and expected to see him deliver on his promise.
OPINION
Obi: The Marketing and Demarketing of Nigeria
BY PROMISE ADIELE
Marketing and demarketing are major semantic categories in Business, Economics, Public Relations, and Advertising-related discourses. However, these days of cross-pollination of ideas and interdisciplinary approaches in almost every enlightened engagement, words and phrases have become nomads, sauntering in and out of various public exchanges with gusto. Today, ‘marketing and demarketing’ are in Nigeria’s political register, maintaining a focal presence that connotes different meanings depending on one’s contemporary political leaning. Nigerians will never miss any opportunity to dismember phrases that drop into their political menu, stretching them to buttress one point or another. Well, I have decided to exercise my analytical prerogatives to dissect ‘marketing and demarketing’ of Nigeria as I understand them. Everyone is free to do so.
Recently, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections and unarguably Nigeria’s political hurricane, Mr. Peter Obi, was accused by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of demarketing Nigeria at faraway Johns Hopkins University in the US. Mr. Obi delivered a lecture on Politics and Change in Nigeria at the renowned university.
The Lagos State governor advised the former presidential candidate and other Nigerians to ‘market’ the country abroad and not ‘demarket’ it. Undoubtedly, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is an intelligent man and a patriot. Except when he was recently arm-twisted like a schoolboy, his executive authority undermined, and a recalcitrant speaker reinstated in the state, the governor has managed to stay out of controversy, obeying instructions, focusing on his errands, and committing to delivering the dividends of democracy to Lagosians. Surely, Mr Sanwo-Olu is a dutiful, responsible governor.
To market a product or service in layman’s terms simply means to identify its strength and outline its importance in order to convince people to patronise it. Of course, there are strategies to rely on to achieve a successful marketing objective. In the same vein, to demarket a product or service means to say negative things about it that would expose its weaknesses and dissuade people from patronising it.
Every day, millions of people engage in marketing or demarketing of various items of innumerable classifications, sometimes unconsciously. People market and demarket other people. Colleagues at work market and demarket one another. Companies, corporate entities, churches, and institutions market and demarket one another. Politicians and their supporters market and demarket one another. Marketing and demarketing are present realities in a competitive world.
The question is, did Mr. Peter Obi market or demarket Nigeria while speaking at Johns Hopkins University in the US? During his speech, Mr. Obi highlighted the irrefutable truths about Nigeria, ranging from incremental poverty, a moribund health sector, insecurity, and a viciously polarised social structure along ethnic divides.
Sadly, many apologists of the present government seem to suffer from
Tsome kind of inexplicable neurosis which drives them to attack anyone who identifies the true, deteriorating situations in Nigeria, including poverty, insecurity, mass evisceration, and
Not too long ago, it was music sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, who received a backlash for saying that economic situations in Nigeria were life-threatening. Mortar and pestle and the land upon which we all stand are witnesses to the excruciating poverty that the current administration has plunged Nigerians into since 2023.
The wind, ocean, animals in the jungle, angels, and all the demons that populate our spiritual spaces are witnesses to the agonising inflation in the land, which has forced people into desperate, urgent need for survival. The killing fields in Borno, Benue and Plateau States are testimonies of Nigeria’s security challenges, coming on the heels of different kidnappings and killings of citizens. How speaking truth to power about the exact conditions in Nigeria equates to demarketing the country is a puzzle that can only be solved by advocates of the present grotesque, macabre procession which we all like to call a government.
As a Christian, I am aware my moral compass, the Holy Book, frowns at lying. It captures the Ananias and Sapphira narrative as a timely warning for humanity to desist from peddling falsehood. It would be a mortal sin for anyone to declare that the conditions in Nigeria deserve
The fate of Ananias and Sapphira would summarily come upon anyone who stands on occasion to declare that there is no poverty, no security challenges, no inflation, and no mass suffering in the country. The fury of heaven would visit anyone who asserts that Nigeria’s health sector is one of the best in the world. Indeed, how stating the facts about Nigeria equates to demarketing the country is one of the most unintelligent arguments I have ever witnessed.
THE QUESTION IS, DID MR. PETER OBI MARKET OR DEMARKET NIGERIA WHILE SPEAKING AT JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY IN THE US? DURING HIS SPEECH
According to information released by StatiSense Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have wiped away 48.3% of Nigeria’s economy in just two years. According to the report, Nigeria’s GDP in 2023, before the present administration came to power, was $363.82 billion, but in 2025, Nigeria’s GDP has declined to $188.27 billion.
The World Bank has recently predicted that more Nigerians will become poor in 2027. These are verifiable facts but unfortunately, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his gang want Nigerians to travel abroad and tell lies about the country. It will amount to scamming of an elevated proportion if Nigerians deceive the world with wrong information about the country and attract patronage from the international community. Isn’t it best to say the truth about conditions in
What Qatar Cannot Do, Exists
BY PRINCE CHARLES DICKSON
he easiest and most attractive national pastime is buck-passing, especially with the bunch of leaders that we have, who can hardly peel a banana or wash an already white handkerchief. Not many of us want to take responsibility for anything, from personal to family or national life. The blame is on the system. We do not need to create demons out of our leaders because they are already specimens of demons, so we hang our sins on them appropriately and inappropriately, too. And unfortunately, their behavior has made it easy for the critics to descend on them.
We, at most, talk, write, and discuss the Nigerian myth with a sense of fatalism. If everyone thought as much as I did about justice and fairness, life would be better. Iam a critic, but I am also the critics’ critic, the unrepentant believer that the best way to keep the government on its toes is to keep harping on their flaws so they can improve.
Often, I say I believe the things I write about are as important for our nation as they are for other nations, but when it appears to me, Nigerians, especially those in authority, do not react to these issues as people in other lands do, I repeat them in new essays to remind old readers and recruit new ones to participate in the continuing dialogue.
So today, I address the real nonsense people…citizens, apologists, and crooks called politicians in Nigeria where nothing works and no one cares, when it works, it is because someone’s interest is about to be served or being served, not the people’s interest.
We talk about our institutions despairingly. Our leaders do not watch network news any longer except when their faces are there on the occasion of their sons/daughters’ weddings or such. They do not need the newspapers anymore because it is full of their lies, paid adverts, and the critics’ truth, the bitter truth.
Government bashing is a national issue, and every drinking joint and any suya spot has a sitting parliament with an expert on every and any issue, but we forget that no matter the input, if the politicians and actors in our national scene have questionable lives both on a personal and domestic level, nothing will change, the best
government policy cannot change the individual. It is because the policies are formulated on a bad foundation and by people with warped thinking.
We do not need the government to teach us to stop treating ourselves like animals. Do we need the government to teach us that we demand responsible leadership and representation? Certainly not, we should know that and act in a fashion that depicts that we demand more than what we are getting. So I’ll tell us a short story of my recent trip to Doha—In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula lies Doha, a city that has defied the limits of imagination.
Over the past decade, Qatar has transformed from a quiet Gulf state into a global powerhouse, a metamorphosis symbolized by its glittering skyline, world-class infrastructure, and audacious ambition. Yet, this progress exists alongside persistent human rights critiques, particularly regarding migrant labor conditions. How did Qatar achieve so much so quickly? And why does Nigeria, a nation brimming with potential, remain trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled promises?
When Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, skeptics questioned its capacity. A decade later, the world watched in awe as Doha unveiled state-of-the-art stadiums, a seamless metro system, and the architectural marvel that is Hamad International Airport.
OVER THE PAST DECADE, QATAR HAS TRANSFORMED FROM A QUIET GULF STATE INTO A GLOBAL POWERHOUSE, A METAMORPHOSIS SYMBOLIZED BY ITS GLITTERING SKYLINE, WORLD-CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE, AND AUDACIOUS AMBITION. YET, THIS PROGRESS EXISTS ALONGSIDE PERSISTENT HUMAN RIGHTS CRITIQUES, PARTICULARLY REGARDING MIGRANT LABOR CONDITIONS
This airport, with its futuristic design, indoor gardens, and 40,000-square-meter retail space, is more than a transit hub—it’s a statement. Qatar invested over $200 billion in infrastructure, diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas into tourism, finance, and education.
Yet, this progress came at a cost. Reports of exploited migrant workers, restrictive labor laws, and censorship cast shadows over Qatar’s triumphs. However, the nation’s leadership demonstrated an unwavering vision: a willingness to spend, plan, and execute projects that transcended short-term politics. Qatar’s success lies not in perfection but in its ability to align resources, ambition, and global branding—flaws notwithstanding.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, mirrors Qatar in potential. With vast oil reserves, a youthful population, and cultural influence, it could be a continental beacon. Yet, decades of
Equity Investors Gain
N3.73trn in Four Months
Investors in the Nigerian equity market gained N3.73 trillion in four months (January – April 2025), fueled by robust sectoral earnings and the stability the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monetary policies offered.
A review of the trading activities on the Nigerian Exchange revealed that the local bourse appreciated by N3.73 trillion by market capitalisation in the first four months of 2025 to close at N66.496 trillion as of April, 30, 2025.
Capital market analysts attributed the stock market N3.7 trillion growth to impressive 2024 performance by listed companies and the recovery of some companies in their first quarter ended March 31, 2025 corporate earnings released on the Exchange.
The stock market has seen the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) retaining the benchmark interest rate at 27.50 per cent, inflation moving to 24.23 per cent as of March 2025.
In addition, it gained N239.03 billion in April 2025 from N66.257 trillion it opened for trading to close at N66.496 trillion.
EDITOR Sam Diala
Seplat’s Success Paves Way for Expanded Local Content
Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, has announced its interim unaudited results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 -- showing strong performance in all metrics.
Seplat Energy Plc started the year on a strong footing as its first quarter (Q1 2025) performance reflects a growth trajectory that could surpass last year’s results.
This points to the opportunities for local content initiatives widening during the year and beyond on the windows of activities offered by the foremost energy firm.
THE FIGURES
Seplat, which delivered robust production and cost performance during Q1 2025 at a new scale, is firmly on track to deliver FY 2025 guidance, according to the details of the results.
Financial highlights revealed that revenue was $809 million, up approximately 350 percent on prior year (Q1 2024: $180 million). On this account, unit production operating cost of $12.6/boe (1Q 2024: $9.5/boe) was better than guidance of $14-$15/boe, due to timing of planned maintenance activities.
Furthermore, adjusted EBITDA of $401 million rose up 226 percent on prior year (Q1 2024: $123 million). Cash generated from operations of $306.5 million was up materially from $16.8 million in 1Q 2024.
Also, cash capital expenditure of $40.2 million was recorded (Q1 2024: $47 million) while onshore drilling activity is to ramp up from Q2 2025.
The declared dividend of US$ 4.6c/share in Q1 2025 was an increase on the prior quarter dividend (US$ 3.6c/share), reflecting the strength of its financial position and confidence in their outlook.
The company disclosed that “Strong cash position supports early repayment of $250 million reducing the RCF (Revolving Credit Facility) to $100 million, and an increase in our quarterly dividend to US$ 4.6c/share.”
Seplat Energy plans to set out a revised capital allocation policy in the Capital Markets Day scheduled for September 2025.
PRODUCTION SURGE
Speaking on the production performance, Seplat disclosed that production averaged 131,561 boepd, up 167 percent from Q1 2024 (49,258 boepd), above the midpoint of 2025 guidance (120 - 140 kboepd).
Also, onshore production contribution of 56,196 boepd was 14 percent higher than Q1 2024, and above 2025 guidance. Within this, liquids increased 10 percent and gas 21 percent vs 1Q 2024, following strong performance at Oben Gas Plant and first contribution from Sapele Gas Plant.
CEO SPEAKS
Commenting on the Q1 2025 performance, Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“2025 has started positively for Seplat. As we deliver the business at a significantly enhanced scale, our focus is on the successful integration of the combined companies, and I am pleased to report that we are making good progress. It is clear that we can benefit greatly from the combined expertise of our onshore and offshore workforce.
“Production has been strong, showing the benefit of the continuous drilling programme, investment in asset integrity and the availability of multiple evacuation routes. Financial performance was also strong, allowing us to be proactive in materially reducing gross debt, maintaining low balance sheet leverage, and further strengthening our company as the near term global economic outlook becomes less predictable.
“We remain conservative in our approach, but our confidence in the future trajectory for our business, combined with our strong financial position, means that we are delighted to increase our quarterly dividend to $ 4.6c/share, a 28 percent increase in our quarterly dividend versus 4Q 2024.
“Our assets are high quality, and while we will remain agile to the prevailing oil price environment, our business plan is designed to be robust at lower oil prices and our gas revenues, which are largely delinked to oil prices, provide long-term stability for the business.
“We are committed to our plan of growth and maximising value for our stakeholders.”
EXXONMOBIL ACQUISITION
In naira terms, Seplat had earlier stated that its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s onshore business helped lift quarterly profit to N35 billion. Revenue for the quarter sped up more than four times to N1.3 trillion, compared to the same period of last year.
Seplat Energy’s buyout of ExxonMobil’s Nigeria onshore asset last year, a deal worth $1.3 billion at initial consideration, was the cornerstone on which it built its latest quarterly profit of N35.4 billion.
The company’s earnings report, out on Monday, acknowledged the acquisition contributed nearly three-fifths of the average production for the period, driving turnover in addition to helping reverse a N2.9 billion loss recorded a year earlier.
NCDMB, INDUSTRY IMPACT
The NGX All-Share Index closed April 30, 2025 at 105,800.85 basis points, representing an increase of 2,874.45 basis points or 2.8 per cent from 102,926.40 basis points the equities market closed for trading in 2024.
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SEPNU production contribution of 75,365 boepd, within guidance, of which 88 percent was crude and condensate, 4 percent NGL and 8 percent gas.
SEPNU idle well restoration programme added approximately 11 kbopd gross JV production from the first 10 wells restored to production.
Sapele Integrated Gas Plant was commissioned and achieved first commercial gas sales in February 2025. The plant is delivering high quality processed gas, and condensate yields of approximately 2 kbopd.
Seplat Energy’s buyout of ExxonMobil’s Nigeria onshore asset last year, a deal worth $1.3 billion at initial consideration, was the cornerstone on which it built its latest quarterly profit of N35.4 billion
Industry experts emphasise that the strategic acquisition of the formerly owned international oil companies’ (IOC) facilities by Nigerian investors marks a landmark achievement by the indigenous oil and gas operators. They also consider it a huge opportunity for the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCDMB).
The primary objective of NCDMB is to promote and develop Nigerian content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, ensuring the growth and utilisation of local capabilities, goods, and services.
This year, April 22, 2025, marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Nigerian Content Policy through the Local Content Law signed by former
Seplat’s Success Paves Way for Expanded... BUSINESS
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President Goodluck Jonathan on April 22, 2010.
During this period, the scheme has recorded remarkable success that portends rapid economic development through expanding local capacity, creating jobs and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
The NCDMB success story includes the recent groundbreaking ceremony for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station at Iwhreken, Ughelli South, Delta State.
It has been documented that the earlier phase of this scheme was marked by capital flight amounting to an estimated US$380 billion, loss of two million jobs as a result of human capital deficits, and less than five per cent in local content.
In sharp contrast is the post-NOGICD Act era which has witnessed phenomenal development of in-country capacity and capabilities as a result of creative enforcement and monitoring of industry operations as well as strategic interventions by the NCDMB.
Data by the NCDMB revealed that local content hit 56 per cent at the end of 2023, which translates into in-country retention of 56 per cent of oil and gas industry yearly spend on operations.
Today, the NCDMB is on the fast lane to the 70 percent local content target in 2027, ensuring that equipment and tools as well as services required for oil and gas operations are made and procured in Nigeria.
OPPORTUNITY WINDOWS
The expertise acquired by the Nigerian operators in Engineering, Procurement, Installation, Operation and Maintenance (EPICOM) space equips them to undertake a wide range of technical jobs in the regions.
These include installation and servicing of the metering system, construction of loading bay, LPG installation, tank farm construction, installation of actuators, colons, mechanical seals, valves, steam trap and other process equipment.
HUMAN CAPITAL DRIVE
The NCDMB is partnering with educational institutions and skill acquisition centres towards equipping Nigerian youths for the challenge
of managing the facilities acquired by indigenous operators. For instance, the NCDMB and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), with its joint venture (JV) partners, last year unveiled a worldclass engineering design studio and an information and communication technology (ICT) hub at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
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Equity Investors Gain...
In January, the NGX ASI increased by 1.53 percent, rising from 102,926.40 to 104,496.12 points. February saw a more substantial gain of 3.09 percent, closing at 107,723.22 points.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released its 2024 financial statements.
The results reflect the Bank’s commitment to economic stability, sound policy implementation, and strategic financial management, highlighting improvements in external reserves, asset quality, cost efficiency and overall bottom-line improvement.
1. External Reserves Position
The External Reserves recorded an increased from $36.6bn in 2023 to $38.8bn in 2024. This is largely attributable to improvement in accretion to external reserves from portfolio investors, diaspora remittances and Federal Government receipts following improvement in the confidence in the economy. facilitated by better coordination with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and diaspora engagement strategies. Also, proper investment management decisions aimed at boosting the reserves of the Bank. This performance reflects the CBN’s firm commitment to external sector stability, ensuring Nigeria is better positioned to meet its international obligations, stabilize the Naira, and boost macroeconomic confidence.
2. Improved Bottom-line Performance
The bottom-line improved from a deficit position of ₦1.3trn in 2023 to a surplus of ₦165bn in 2024. This turnaround is a direct consequence of effective containment of expenditure, gains on investments made by the Bank and increased income from foreign exchange transactions.
3. Reduction in Loans and Receivables
The financial statements also show a notable
The facilities were conceived and donated in furtherance of the Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (HCD) programme which had focused lately on institutional strengthening, equipping universities and revamping select technical and vocational schools across the country. It was in a bid to develop competent technical manpower and craftsmen needed in the oil and gas industry and the linkage sectors.
The new facilities include two state-of-the-art Engineering Design Studios and a fully furnished 100-seater Main ICT Lecture Hall, equipped with computers and smartboards. The studios are designed to serve as a “visually stimulating collaborative workspace that fosters an environment where students can engage in group work, brainstorming sessions, and ideation meetings.”
Other facilities are a 200KVA diesel generator, diesel storage tank, generator house, borehole, overhead water tank, perimeter mesh wire fence, a car park, as well as shallow drains and landscaping.
According to the NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Board’s Director in charge of Capacity Building, Dr. Ama Ikuru, “We shall keep enhancing institutional capacity to equip our students with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to compete globally in the wake of the 4th industrial revolution where Artificial Intelligence, data science, Internet of Things, robotics dominate.”
Recalling several interventions by the NCDMB in academic institutions to boost acquisition of contemporary skills, Engr. Ogbe said, “the Board has carried out the upgrade of many vocational schools and universities under its Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centres (TVETs) upgrade programme” and that it believes in “the significance of education particularly the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses.”
The recent acquisition of the facilities of divested IOCs by local investors will lead to increased participation by Nigerians for rapid economic development of the country.
However, in March, the index dropped 1.91 percent, bringing the index down to 105,660.64 points as of the end of the first quarter of 2025. Despite the minor correction, the overall market performance in Q1 remained positive, reflecting investor confidence and sectoral resilience.
The sectoral performance in Q1 2025 reflected mixed sentiments, shaped by evolving market and macroeconomic events. The CBN-led banking sector recapitalisation sparked heightened investor interest in the banking stocks leading to a 6.96% increase in Q1 2025.
During this period, banks collectively raised approximately N2.4 trillion in fresh capital, reinforcing market confidence and driving sectoral growth. This has driven a rally in the sector and contributed to the broader market uptrend, as most banks are currently in the second phase of their recapitalisation plans.
With inflation rate at 24.23 per cent as of March 2025— driven by the CPI rebasing — and the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to hold rates in line with expectations, capital market analysts have hinted at further stock market appreciation in the remaining months of second quarter of 2025.
CBN Reports Strong Financial Performance in 2024
reduction in loans and receivables from ₦16.1trn to ₦11.9trn. This is primarily attributed to significant recoveries from earlier intervention lending programs, a deliberate policy shift away from intervention lending and monetary financing through ways and means in line with the Bank’s new stance on allowing market mechanisms to drive credit allocation and financial sector development.
4. Other Operating Expenses
Operating expenses in 2024 were well-managed and optimized, reflecting a cost-conscious culture. This was achieved through strategic cost rationalization initiatives, including reduction in non-essential spending and streamlined operations across regional branches and departments.
5. Timely and successful adoption of Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
In line with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) regulatory requirement on ICFR, it is worthy to note that the Central Bank was able to carry out an assessment of its internal controls which was further certified effective by the joint external audit team.
• Enhancing transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
• Strengthening institutional governance and internal risk controls.
Aligning with international best practices in central bank operations
As a testament to the effectiveness of this initiative, the joint external auditors issued an independent assurance report declaring the Bank’s ICFR framework to be “effective” for the 2024 reporting period.
While the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2024 financial
results reflect operational improvements, some expenditure lines posed challenges.
1. Increased Liquidity Management Expenses
One of the notable upticks in the Bank’s expenses in 2024 was related to liquidity management operations. These costs rose to ₦4.5trn from ₦1.5trn in 2023.
This increase was in tandem with the tightening monetary policy stance adopted to combat inflationary pressures throughout the year.
In pursuit of that the Bank conducted more frequent and higher-value Open Market Operations (OMO) to mop up excess liquidity arising from fiscal injections
at a significant cost. This is a responsibility CBN is carrying out on behalf of the Federation, in some jurisdictions, this cost is borne by the Government.
2. Loss on Settled Derivative Contracts: A Strategic Move to Reduce FX Liabilities
The financial statements also reflect an increase in the loss on settled derivative contracts during the year from ₦6.3trn in 2023 to ₦13.9trn in 2024. This development is a direct consequence of the high volume of derivative contracts settled by the Bank in 2024.
These are legacy transactions which the current management met on resumption of their office. This proactive settlement effort was undertaken as part of management’s broader strategy to Reduce outstanding foreign exchange liabilities, thus lowering its FX exposure, boost net foreign reserves, thereby improving Nigeria’s external buffer and investor confidence, restore credibility to Nigeria’s forward markets and address legacy obligations transparently. Conclusion:
The improved performance of the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2024 is not coincidental but a product of deliberate, and strategic management efforts. The Bank’s leadership has:
• Reinforced governance and accountability, instilling operational discipline.
• Pursued a balanced monetary policy stance, ensuring price and financial system stability. These reforms have collectively repositioned the CBN as a credible monetary authority, with its 2024 financial results serving as proof of its unwavering resolve to support economic recovery, safeguard financial stability, and build public trust.
Nigeria Bad Roads Are Taking a Toll on the Economy
BY BABATUNDE YUSUF
Drive anywhere in Nigeria, and it won’t take you long to find evidence of a broken system: cracked highways, cratered city streets, and rural roads that are somehow impassable. For decades, the conversation around bad roads has centred on inconvenience and traffic. But there’s a deeper and less talkedabout consequence, and this is the toll these bad roads are taking on our economy.
Road transportation remains the backbone of commerce in Nigeria, and over 90 percent of goods and passengers are moved by roads, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Yet, many of these roads are in poor condition, making delivery times slow, increasing fuel costs, and the lifespan of vehicles drops dramatically. So, who pays for this inefficiency? The consumers, business owners, and the government all lose in different ways, albeit.
A 2022 report by the World Bank estimated that Nigeria loses about $1 billion annually due to poor road infrastructure. This includes losses from increased travel times, higher vehicle operating costs, and goods damaged in transit.
Can a developing economy afford such a loss year after year? Especially when capital budgets are shrinking and inflation is rising? This is clearly NO.
Let’s even consider the agricultural sector. Farmers in Benue or Taraba often struggle to get their produce to markets in Lagos or Port Harcourt due to inaccessible rural roads. And the result of that is definitely food waste. The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute even estimates that up to 40 percent of food produced in the country never reaches the final consumer, largely due to transportation and logistics challenges.
Isn’t this concerning for a country not free from food shortages? In urban areas, the economic cost translates to
lost productivity. Workers spend hours in traffic jams caused by bad roads. This isn’t just about time; it’s about GDP. How many work hours are lost daily due to roads that were either poorly constructed or left unrepaired for decades? How much value is drained from the economy by this everyday inefficiency?
Logistics companies are among the hardest hit. Businesses like GIG Logistics or Jumia spend heavily on vehicle maintenance and fuel because of rough terrains. These extra costs are passed on to customers. Is it any wonder that intra-country shipping in Nigeria costs more than in many other West African countries with better road networks? We all know this is another factor skyrocketing the interstate movement cost.
Foreign investment also suffers from our bad roads. Investors visiting Nigeria for the first time will definitely judge the state of the country by its infrastructure. When road travel between major cities becomes a gamble, the overall investment climate is tainted. In 2023, Nigeria attracted just $3.7 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), a significant drop from previous years.
Road transportation remains the backbone of commerce in Nigeria, and over 90 percent of goods and passengers are moved by roads, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
Poor infrastructure is a glaring reason for this. The effects ripple into security.
Bad roads slow down emergency responses; ambulances, police patrols, and even the military find it difficult to access volatile areas. In regions plagued by banditry or communal clashes, poor road networks complicate enforcement and evacuation. Isn’t national security also an economic issue? Obviously, it is. We need to talk about inaction.
The Federal Government and state governments often announce ambitious road projects, but completion rates remain low. According to BudgIT’s 2023 report on capital projects, over 50 percent of road projects funded between 2015 and 2022 were either abandoned or under-delivered. Yet mouth-watering amounts were budgeted for these roads. At this point accountability should not be elusive in such a critical sector.
To surmise, fixing Nigeria’s roads is not just a matter of convenience; it’s an economic imperative. The country’s future competitiveness depends on how efficiently goods, services, and people can move.
Shall we continue to tolerate the quiet economic sabotage that these bad roads inflict, or will we finally see infrastructure as the foundation of growth it truly is?
•Yusuf is the CEO of Mapleby Autos
Electricity Sector: Unveiling Hidden Dimensions in States’ Regulatory Autonomy
BY NAPOLEON D. OKOSU
The unprecedented quest for electricity regulatory autonomy by state governments warrants critical reflections, specifically, as to whether states understand the dynamics and intricacies of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
A thorough grasp of the NESI’s structure, challenges and operational dynamics should be a prerequisite for seeking electricity regulatory autonomy from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The NESI is bedeviled by deep-rooted systemic challenges, including but not limited to wide liquidity constraints, a high debt profile, obsolete and dilapidated infrastructure and persistent operational inefficiencies.
Another cardinal issue is tariff shortfall, as the market is currently not charging a cost-reflective tariff. This shortfall imposes a huge financial burden on the Federal Government, which bridges the gaps through subsidy payments. As recently disclosed by the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the tariff shortfall for Financial Year 2024 alone exceeds N450 billion.
Following the enactment of the Electricity Act, 2023 on June 8, 2023, significant expectations have arisen within the Nigerian electricity landscape. The overarching aim of this landmark legislation is to enhance electricity availability, affordability, and environmental sustainability, ultimately driving industrial growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
The Act repealed the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005 and other related enactments, consolidating existing laws into a unified legal and institutional framework for NESI. It introduced a progressive and liberalised regime, empowering state governments, companies, and individuals to participate in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.
Whilst these provisions are laudable, the truth is that state governments need to properly evaluate their individual markets before jumping into the fray of having a state agency that regulates and supervises the market. As the saying goes, “All that glitters is not gold.” A strong note of caution needs to be employed while determining whether to seek state regulatory autonomy from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The cardinal issues to review before opting for a regulatory license encompass the infrastructure and technical analysis, but include commercial and financial analysis of the tariff structure to be adopted by each state.
Most states appear preoccupied with the prospects of revenue from licensing, taxes and levies on DisCos and GenCos while overlooking the fundamental issue of tariff shortfall. This omission underscores a fundamental misunderstanding of NESI’s structural deficits.
It is expedient for state governments to exercise caution and prudently assess their readiness for the implementation of this provision of the EA 2023 Act. It should be noted that adopting the provision will come with huge costs, which may range from engaging legal, technical and commercial advisors to investing in human resources, technology and establishing state-level structures.
To ensure optimal cost and engender maximum potential benefits, it is recommended that states conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the current regulatory regime in their electricity market, review network infrastructure, and accompany these with thorough technical and commercial feasibility studies, as well as consider the profitability of the business.
A holistic appraisal of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is non-negotiable and paramount, as this would expose all the landmines embedded in the operations of the self-regulatory status.
One is of the opinion that the issues of tariff shortfall, which is the substratum of the debate on the viability of self-regulation by states, should not be treated with kid gloves or downplayed. It would be recalled that in May 2024, the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, temporarily suspended the issuance of regulatory autonomy to state governments, stating that states and other stakeholders have yet to sufficiently understand what it takes to operate within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. The market, in his assessment, is not yet mature enough for indiscriminate decentralisation.
As of the time of writing this piece, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has
The cardinal issues to review before opting for a regulatory license encompass the infrastructure and technical analysis, but include commercial and financial analysis of the tariff structure to be adopted by each state
transferred regulatory oversight functions to 11 state governments.
These include Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, Niger and Plateau states. Of the 11 states, Enugu State tends to have started off with speed, whilst the others are still experiencing teething problems, with some just being ambivalent about what to do next after obtaining the licence.
One wonders how governors or state governments will feel if a neighbouring state’s tariff for Band B is N68 per kWh, whilst in his state the tariff is N80 or N85. States are therefore required to diligently elevate the quest for regulatory autonomy: “As the proof of the pudding is in the eating, oh taste and see, as it is not a tea party for all.”
Although the NERC has recently released a regulation on asset and liabilities delineation, the implementation hurdles persist, as it is still not an easy rope to climb.
A plethora of impediments still exists in the autonomy status; these include a lack of adequate manpower, as the requisite skills and capacities are not easily found in various states, and generation of below 6,000 MW as against the estimated required 33,000 MW.
In conclusion, utmost caution should be taken before venturing into seeking regulatory autonomy by a state government. For states that have hitherto obtained regulatory approval derogation for extension of the period for full implementation of the autonomy may be required for a holistic appraisal of the pros and cons of the licence as well as enable states to seek proper guidance from experts and ensure the right staff are recruited for the new regulatory body.
The issue of rate casing should, during the period, be properly evaluated, and a clear path for the payment of the tariff shortfall should be adequately put in place before going ahead with the autonomy.
• Okosu is Chief Financial Officer, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc.
SHOTS OF THE WEEK
Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (r), presenting a souvenir to the Chairman of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa, during the inauguration of Defence Holdings Company Limited in Abuja on April 30, 2025.
L-R: Coordinating Diector, People Service Group, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Anthony Okonkwo; Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan SuleimanIbrahim, during the inauguration of the FIRS’ Gender Desk and Women Network in Abuja on April 29,2025.
L-R: Chief of Party, Mr. Ibrahim Sessay; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, during the Interministerial Committee meeting on ending violence against children in Abuja on April 30, 2025.
L-R: Host and MC, Oluwatomilola Omotosho; Actor, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Bamike Actor and TAFTA Ambassador, ‘Bam Bam’ Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, during the Women Kreatives Connect Summit hosted by TAFTA held recently in Lagos.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma (l), exchanges pleasantries with Sultan of Sokoto and President of Nigerian Council on Islamic Affairs, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (r) while the SGF, Sen. George Akume (m) watches during the First Triannual Meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), held in Owerri on April 30, 2025.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari (m), with directors in the ministry and officials of the HarvestPlus Group, after a news conference on the release of Bio-fortified Zinc Rice Varieties, Faro 71 and 72 in Nigeria, to enhance national food and nutrition safety, in Abuja on April 30, 2025.
Osimhen’s Gift: A Blueprint for Nigerian Football’s Renaissance
BY JUDE OBAFEMI
In a nation where football pulses through the collective consciousness, Victor Osimhen’s N10 million donation to newly-crowned Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars represents far more than mere philanthropy. It stands as a watershed moment that illuminates both the long-standing deficiencies of domestic football and a promising path forward. The Super Eagles striker’s gesture, dividing the sum equally between players and technical staff, transcends its monetary value to become something more profound: a template for meaningful investment in Nigerian football’s future.
The significance of Remo Stars’ achievement cannot be overstated. As the first privately-owned club to claim the NPFL title since Julius Berger’s triumph in 2000 and the first Southwest Nigerian team to do so in a quarter-century, their success marks a pivotal shift in the league’s competitive landscape. Yet this milestone unfolds against a backdrop of systemic challenges that have long relegated the NPFL to an afterthought in a country that paradoxically produces worldclass talent while struggling to sustain a vibrant domestic competition.
Osimhen’s contribution resonates precisely because it
The title-clinching match against Niger Tornadoes bore evidence of Remo Stars’ season-long determination
emerges from authentic connection rather than obligation. His relationship with Remo Stars’ coach Daniel Ogunmodede speaks to the organic networks that underpin Nigerian football, networks that have too often been underutilised in service of the domestic game. The spontaneous nature of his generosity offers a stark contrast to the bureaucratic inertia and performative commitments that have characterised much of the support for the NPFL.
The chasm between Nigeria’s domestic league and Europe’s footballing cathedrals extends far beyond talent or tactics. It is fundamentally a question of resources. While Europe’s elite clubs command revenues in the hundreds of millions, NPFL organisations frequently contend with rudimentary facilities, irregular salary payments, and minimal broadcast exposure. A single comparison illuminates this disparity: the annual budget of many NPFL clubs would barely cover a week’s operational costs for a mid-table English Premier League outfit.
Yet within this stark inequality lies opportunity. Osimhen’s gesture demonstrates that incremental, targeted investment can catalyse meaningful change. His N10 million contribution will not transform Remo Stars overnight, but it provides something equally valuable: validation. It tells players toiling in domestic obscurity that their achievements matter, that excellence need not be exclusively recognised abroad.
This recognition holds transformative potential. Nigerian football’s greatest challenge has been talent retention, convincing promising players that domestic development need not be sacrificed for financial security. When stars like Osimhen acknowledge the NPFL’s value, they create psychological bridges between local aspirations and international possibilities.
The responsibility for elevating Nigerian football, however, cannot rest on players’ shoulders alone. Corporate entities that eagerly associate themselves with European football while neglecting domestic opportunities engage in a form of commercial myopia in the face of the potential for deeper local engagement and brand loyalty.
Government intervention, too, requires recalibration. Presidential congratulations and ministerial pronouncements provide symbolic support but fail to address fundamental infrastructure deficiencies. True commitment would manifest in modernised facilities, transparent administration, and policies that incentivise both spectatorship and investment. The path from political rhetoric to substantive action remains largely untravelled.
Fan engagement represents another critical element in this ecosystem. Empty stands communicate indifference to potential sponsors and undermine players’ motivation. The passion Nigerians display for European football demonstrates an appetite for quality competition, an appetite that could be redirected toward domestic fixtures through improved match experiences, enhanced security, and more compelling narratives around local talent.
Osimhen’s contribution offers a blueprint for a more holistic approach to NPFL development, one where stakeholders across the spectrum recognise their interconnected responsibilities. Imagine a scenario where Nigeria’s European-based stars collectively establish a development fund for their former NPFL clubs. Envision corporate Nigeria viewing domestic football not as a charitable endeavor but as an undervalued asset with significant growth potential. Consider government agencies approaching football infrastructure as essential public works rather than discretionary luxuries.
The renaissance of Nigerian domestic football requires not just isolated acts of generosity, but a fundamental reorientation of how we value local competition. Osimhen’s gift is meaningful precisely because it recognises the NPFL not as a lost cause but as an untapped reservoir of potential. His investment acknowledges that Nigerian football’s future cannot be outsourced to European development systems. It must be nurtured at home and supported by those who understand its unique challenges and possibilities.
Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season and their journey exemplifies both the promise and the precarity of Nigerian club football.
Beyond Minimum Wage: The Crumbling Foundations of Work in Nigeria
On 1 May 2025, workers across Nigeria joined the world in marking Labour Day amid deepening concerns over the country’s economic direction, the quality of its workforce, and the actions, or inactions, of both government and labour unions. At the centre of public discourse is a growing sentiment that the foundational purpose of labour activism has been eroded over the years by internal decay, a misaligned national economy, and an apparent collapse in the moral and technical foundations of work in the country. The challenge of safeguarding workers’ rights is no longer only about minimum wage increments or protest marches; it is about the fundamental question of whether work in Nigeria can still provide dignity, purpose, and sustenance for the majority.
Recent government intervention to revise the minimum wage to N70,000 has been hailed by some as progress, yet the substance behind the move invites scrutiny. The increase came after months of agitation, negotiation, and the real threat of a nationwide shutdown.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had earlier proposed a minimum wage as high as N200,000, citing the near-collapse of purchasing power due to inflation. Currently, Nigeria’s inflation rate is the highest it has been in nearly three decades. Prices of food, transportation, and basic services had spiralled beyond the reach of the average worker. Against this background, the increase to N70,000, while double the previous threshold, remains below what is necessary for the average Nigerian family to afford food, rent, schooling, healthcare, and transport.
Even more troubling is the inconsistent application of the new wage across states. Many state governments have argued that their monthly federal allocations cannot support the adjustment, while others are still paying the previous N30,000 or even less in contravention of national policy. This contradiction between policy and implementation has led labour unions to threaten industrial actions and legal battles against non-compliant states. The uneven enforcement undermines the very idea of a national wage floor and reflects the broader dysfunction in Nigeria’s federal structure.
The state of labour cannot be understood purely through economics. The quality of the workforce has declined markedly in recent years. Employers across sectors, public and private, report an alarming drop in basic skills, professional ethics, and trainability. Much of this stems from a hollow education system that no longer prepares individuals for the realities of modern work. Universities churn out graduates with limited practical knowledge and little exposure to critical thinking, while vocational training remains neglected. Agencies like the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) have struggled to make a lasting impact due to poor funding, corruption, and outdated training modules.
Curriculum reform remains slow and disjointed, even as global economies pivot towards skills such as coding, digital literacy, and advanced manufacturing. Nigeria’s outdated syllabuses continue to prioritise theoretical knowledge over practical application. Meanwhile, schools lack electricity, libraries, laboratories, and qualified teachers. Even when the curriculum is updated, there are limited investments in teacher retraining or infrastructure upgrades to ensure those changes translate to improved outcomes. In rural and peri-urban areas, the problem is worse, with many schools doubling as community meeting halls due to a lack of purpose-built classrooms.
At the core of these challenges is a public sector that has become
synonymous with inefficiency, favouritism, and self-interest. Positions in ministries and agencies are awarded not based on merit but on personal relationships, ethnic considerations, and loyalty to political patrons. This culture of cronyism undermines any effort to professionalise public institutions or enforce accountability. Those in leadership roles often perpetuate these norms because they benefit from them, even if the long-term consequence is institutional collapse. This is evident in the performance of key government agencies charged with education, employment, infrastructure, and industry. Rather than serve the public interest, many of these bodies function as platforms for patronage.
Labour unions themselves are not blameless. The NLC and TUC have been accused of focusing narrowly on wage increases while ignoring deeper structural issues. Their silence on the degradation of public schools, the decay of technical colleges, and the growing irrelevance of local manufacturing calls into question their commitment to the longterm interests of workers. When labour leadership is seen cosying up to political power or spending more time in courtrooms than at factory gates, workers lose faith in the institutions that claim to represent them. The government has a responsibility not just to legislate minimum wage laws but to create an economic and institutional environment in which jobs are meaningful and livelihoods are stable. This means investing
heavily in education, revamping industrial policy, and improving the ease of doing business. Nigeria’s local industries are dying due to a combination of high energy costs, multiple taxation, and import dependency. Without deliberate policies to revive manufacturing, the economy will continue to rely on unstable sources of income such as oil rents and informal trade. A weakened industrial base leaves workers exposed, poorly paid, and underutilised.
Education policy must prioritise practical skills that are relevant to current global and local markets. This includes retooling polytechnics, supporting apprenticeship programmes, and creating incentives for businesses to absorb and train young workers. Collaboration between industries and educational institutions is essential. For instance, in countries like Germany, the dual education system connects classroom learning directly with industry placement. Nigeria can adopt similar models but must first reform regulatory agencies, ensure curriculum relevance, and eliminate fraud in certification processes.
Anti-corruption efforts also have a direct bearing on labour outcomes. Embezzlement of funds allocated to training, education, and infrastructure development means fewer classrooms, poorer roads, unreliable electricity, and unsafe workplaces. Workers cannot be productive in an environment where the tools of work are absent or where access to opportunity is based on political allegiance rather than competence. Efforts to fight corruption must go beyond headlines and show visible results. Investigations must lead to convictions, and convicted officials must face consequences. Only then will the culture of impunity begin to shift.
The private sector, while often portrayed as a victim of government policy, also has responsibilities. Many companies underpay workers, offer poor conditions of service, and actively avoid contributing to worker welfare through pensions, healthcare, and upskilling. The informal sector, which employs over 80 percent of Nigeria’s workforce, remains outside the regulatory reach of the government. Bringing structure to this space through cooperative models, tax incentives, and microcredit schemes can help formalise businesses and improve conditions for millions.
Labour in Nigeria today finds itself at a crossroads. The historic role of unions in defending workers’ rights remains vital, but the new terrain requires more than protest slogans. It requires thought leadership, policy engagement, and an honest appraisal of the internal weaknesses within labour structures themselves. It also requires a government that moves beyond announcements and begins to tackle the hard questions about education reform, job creation, and public sector accountability.
The average Nigerian worker deserves more than symbolic gestures or temporary fixes. Dignity in work cannot exist where wages cannot feed families, where appointments are bought rather than earned, and where skills go unrecognised or unused. To restore meaning to work in Nigeria, there must be a collective rethinking of values, policies, and institutional practices that affect both the quality and outcomes of labour.
Only when the government, employers, labour leaders, and the workers themselves commit to a shared standard of fairness, competence, and responsibility will Labour Day in Nigeria move from symbolism to substance. Until then, annual commemorations will continue to ring hollow for millions whose experience of work remains insecure, unproductive, and unfulfilling.
The quality of the workforce has declined markedly in recent years. Employers across sectors, public and private, report an alarming drop in basic skills, professional ethics, and trainability.
