Inya Lawal is a social entrepreneur who has a passion for capacity building and sustainable economic empowerment. She is a beneficiary of capacity building herself, through the Fortune Most Powerful Women’s Mentoring Program, where she was paired with leading executives at Goldman Sachs for a month. It was through conversations with her mentor that she truly understood what sustainable economic empowerment means and how vital it is to growing ecosystems. At the time of the experience, she was already immersed in supporting entrepreneurs and young creatives, but it ignited a more profound passion for the work. As she continued to engage with them, it became clear that providing the opportunity wasn’t enough; it was a must to ensure that all the critical elements were included, such as structures, training, access, and systems. She realised that talent without those foundations remains underutilised, and that realisation ignited her commitment to build capacity, design ecosystems, and create platforms that transform raw potential into sustainable prosperity.
Read Inya Lawal’s inspiring story on pages 8 to 10 of this issue.
Our fashion pages discuss what it takes to have a healthy wardrobe. It isn’t necessarily buying the most clothes or spending a lot of money; it’s more about building a collection that serves you and saves you stress and money. If you are one of those people with a wardrobe full of clothes but still can’t find anything to wear, then this article is for you. Scroll on to pages 4 and 5 to get tips on how to build the perfect wardrobe.
Have you been downloading the playlist on page 16? Let us know what you think of the selection so far. We’d love to read your comments.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
Photo: Kola Oshalusi
@insignamedia Makeup: Zaron
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025
THEWILLNIGERIA
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025
THEWILLNIGERIA
DANGOTE/NUPENG FACE-OFF:
A Battle Between Union’s Interest and Free Enterprise
BY SAM DIALA
Fearing a possible breakdown of law and order if the lingering dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and Dangote Refinery leads to fuel scarcity nationwide, the Directorate of State Services, DSS, summoned both parties to another roundtable at the weekend.
In a disturbing twist of events, NUPENG, on Friday, September 12, mobilised its petroleum tanker drivers to block Dangote Refinery's entrance in Lagos with their trucks.
This was barely 48 hours after the Department of State Services brokered an agreement between the parties, suggesting that the reconciliatory deal collapsed.
suspend the nationwide industrial action earlier embarked upon to protest Dangote Group’s decision against unionism in the organisation.
The latest development followed the directive by NUPENG’s leadership to its members to halt loading of fuel at the loading bay of the refinery on Thursday in response to Dangote Refinery’s directive to its drivers to remove all the union stickers pasted on their trucks on Wednesday – signaling a decision to renege on the agreement reached at the peace deal. This has sparked a worrying dimension that could create severe economic challenges in a country that was held in the claws of corruption and impunity as the nation’s four refineries remained moribund for over two decades.
The DSS had on Tuesday brokered peace between the duo after the first reconciliatory meeting that was held last Monday at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja ended in a stalemate over a dispute that borders on unionisation.
However, following a closed-door meeting that was held at the headquarters of the secret police in Abuja, the leadership of NUPENG directed its members to
According to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, after the Friday meeting, “President Bola Tinubu directed the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi to join hands with him to ensure that NUPENG’s actions did not cause untold hardship for Nigerians.
The Dangote Group, led by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata of MRS Oil who led the Dangote Group and the NUPENG team led by its
Dangote/NUPENG Face-off: A Battle Between Union’s Interest and Free Enterprise
President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government failed to privatise the state refineries, leading to almost $20 billion wasted in their maintenance over the years, organisations like NUPENG, which has been part of the rotten system, will always rise to maintain the status quo.
In the same vein, the new order as it is being championed by the likes of Dangote Refinery under the favourable prevailing open market policy enabled by deregulation and liberalisation of the sector, would want to insist on having its way to the point of protection against interference as shown in its planned deployment of private petrol tanker drivers for the 4,000 CNG trucks it aims to use for the distribution of fuel nationwide.
This clash of interests between both warring parties has been captured in the signed MoU supervised by the DSS after a peace deal brokered by stakeholders that included Labour Minister, Dingyadi; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; the Management of Dangote Group led by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata; Akporeha Williams and Olawale Afolabi, NUPENG President and the General Secretary respectively; Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress; and Nuhu Toro of the Trade Union Congress.
SIGNED MoU BY NUPENG, NLC, TUC, NMDPRA, DANGOTE
According to the three-page Memorandum of Understanding signed by the five parties, a two-week timeline was given for its implementation, beginning from September 9 and ending on September 22, 2025.
It was also agreed that Dangote Group would not set up any other union to rival NUPENG, PENGASSAN and other unions in the oil and gas sector. The MoU partly read, “After exhaustive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached by both parties:
“That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals who are willing.
“That the process of unionisation shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th – 22nd September 2025) and it was agreed that the employer should not set up any other union.
“Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote refinery and
Petrochemicals will be victimised. Parties will revert to the Honourable Minister of Labour a week after the conclusion of the engagement.
“Based on the MOU, NUPENG agreed to suspend the industrial action with immediate effect.”
Onyejeocha, in the highest regard, and reject any suggestion that we have acted in a manner that would undermine their involvement. The minister granted Mallam Sayyu Dantata the permit to enable him to attend to his medication.”
In his intervention, a petroleum engineering expert, Prof Izielien Agbon urged both parties to respect the law for the sake of industrial harmony in the sector.
He said that the law recognises PENGASSAN, dedicated to safeguarding the welfare and interest of upper and middle level employees and NUPENG, dedicated to the interest of the lower group of workers, within the sector.
DANGOTE, NUPENG REACTS
Reacting to the development, the management of Dangote Group said the refinery maintains a cordial and cooperative relationship with all recognised trade unions, including NUPENG.
“We have consistently supported their legitimate activities within our facility, including providing office space and enabling member engagement and dues collection without interference.
“Since the refinery became operational, our activities have contributed positively to union revenue and engagement. While we remain open to constructive dialogue, we will not tolerate economic sabotage, coercion or blackmail under the guise of labour activism,” the group said in a statement.
While acknowledging the intervention of the federal government, Dangote Refinery said it remains fully supportive of ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.
“We hold both the minister, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi (Katuka Sokoto) and Mrs. Nkiruka
“
That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals who are willing
Dangote Group drew attention to the fact that in just over a year since its commissioning, the Dangote Refinery has significantly transformed Nigeria by shifting the nation from a fuel importer to a net exporter of refined products, stabilising currency, slashing fuel costs, and stimulating industrial growth through new products and infrastructure development.
Dangote stresses that its operations have stabilised fuel availability and driven down costs, saying, “Diesel prices have dropped by over 30 per cent in the past year, and petrol prices in Nigeria are now reportedly lower than in oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and 40 per cent cheaper than neighbouring West African countries.”
The refinery is credited with creating over 570,000 jobs, boosting local economies, reducing household energy costs with increased LPG supply, and developing skilled labour. The widely celebrated stability of the Nigerian economy is largely attributed to the relief that local production of petroleum products by Dangote has brought to halt the massive outflow of foreign exchange through fuel importation.
Commenting on the development, the NUPENG President, Akporegha described the MoU as a victory for the entire workforce in the country and the masses at large, while thanking the media and other unions for solidarity.
He said, “Victory is ours finally. We have won. We are calling off the strike and resume work. Communique granting recognition for unionisation in Dangote group has been finally signed by all parties. Thank you all for the support and solidarity.”
WAY FORWARD
For many Nigerians, the Dangote/NUPENG face-off is not just a battle between a union and a private company; it is a fight over the future of fuel distribution, efficiency, and the nation’s economic direction. At the time that Nigeria is battling with a huge population under multidimensional poverty and is branded the poverty capital of the world, disrupting the relief that local production of petroleum products by Dangote has provided, could be counterproductive.
L-R: Former Director General of NISER, NES, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, former Alternate Executive Director, IMF, Washington DC, and former DG, Economic Policy, Dr. Kingsley Obiora; former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo and Fellow NES, Prof Akpan Ekpo at the conferment of the society’s Fellowship Award on Dr Obiora during the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society, recently.
Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Warning Strike
BY FELIX IFIJEH
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), on Friday, commenced a five-day warning strike to push for better welfare and working conditions.
This came after the expiration of its fresh ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears and unresolved welfare issues.
The association conveyed its decision in a message sent to members by the Secretary-General, Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku.
Titled: “Declaration of strike action”, the message reads: “Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding.
"As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday). “All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course."
The General Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Agbor Affiong, also confirmed the strike following the NARD E-NEC meeting on Thursday.
“Arising from the NARD E-NEC meeting held yesterday, which extended into the early hours of today, the NEC members unanimously resolved to embark on a five-day warning strike. The strike will commence at 8 am tomorrow and will end on
Tuesday, September 16.
“All centres are hereby directed to duly inform their hospital managements and continue to press home our collective demands”, Affiong said.
Earlier on Tuesday, NARD President, Osundara Zenith, disclosed that members planned to shut down public hospitals nationwide over poor working conditions, shortage of power, downgrading of certificates, poor remuneration, and other grievances.
The strike comes even as the Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory is already observing a seven-day warning strike that began on Monday.
Police, NDLEA Synergise Against Drug Abuse, Crimes in Sokoto
BY TUNDE OMOLEHIN, SOKOTO
The State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Sokoto State, Mustapha Muhammand Gidado, has promised to collaborate with the Police in the fight against drug trafficking, substance abuse, and related crimes in Sokoto State.
Gidado made the promise while paying a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police in the State, Ahmed Musa, at the Police Command Headquarters. DSP Ahmad Rufai, Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement, described the visit as a traditional gesture to foster inter-agency harmony.
During the meeting, Gidado commended the Sokoto State Police Command for its longstanding support and
collaboration. He emphasised the intrinsic link between drug abuse and the escalation of criminal activities, including banditry, kidnapping, and theft.
The Commander outlined his vision for a more robust and intelligence-driven partnership to dismantle drug distribution networks and curb the menace of illicit substances in the state.
In his response, CP Ahmed Musa, psc, warmly received the NDLEA Commander and congratulated him on his new posting. The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto Command, to providing unwavering support to the NDLEA. He stated that a collaborative approach is essential to winning
the war against drugs and, by extension, improving overall security in the state. The statement focuses on strengthening the existing partnership between the two agencies in the fight against drug trafficking, substance abuse, and related crimes in Sokoto State.
"Both commanders resolved to enhance intelligence sharing, conduct joint operations, and implement strategic preventive measures. "They underscored that this synergy is critical to safeguarding the youth and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens of Sokoto State.
"The visit concluded with a mutual agreement to maintain open channels of communication and to regularly review the joint security strategies for maximum impact", he stated.
Kano Govt Announces Step Towards LG Autonomy
BY ABDULLAHI YUSUF
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano has announced a step to grant full Autonomy to the 44 Local Government Councils in the State.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said the move is aimed at strengthening grassroots governance in the state.
Tofa issued the statement shortly after the 31st State Executive Council meeting presided over by the governor at the Government House Annexe, Kwankwasiyya City, Kano.
According to the statement, the council approved the
transmission of the bill to the State House of Assembly for legislative consideration.
It quoted the Governor as explaining that the proposed law is designed to empower the local councils with both financial and administrative independence, "thereby enabling them to manage their resources directly, implement projects without undue bureaucratic delays, and take decisions that reflect the priorities of their people.
“Local government autonomy is essential for good governance, accountability, and rapid development at the grassroots. This reform is a necessary step in deepening democracy in Kano
State”, the governor stated. He said the bill, once passed, would foster transparency, reduce duplication of responsibilities between the state and local governments, and accelerate development across the 44 councils.
He expressed confidence that members of the State House of Assembly would support the bill, as it aligned with the overall interests and aspirations of the people.
"The administration’s move signals a commitment to democratizing governance and ensuring that resources directly serve the communities they are meant for", the statement added.
L-R: Member, House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Rep. Benjamin Olabinjo; Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Sunday Makanjuola; Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Jonathan Gaza and the representative of the Speaker, Rep. Mark Useni, during the committee’s public hearing on 12 Bills, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on September 11, 2025.
Air Peace Restates Strict Adherence to Alcohol Use Policy, Grounds Captain
BY ANTHONY AWUNOR
Largest West Africa airline, Air Peace, says the captain involved in the serious incident involving a Boeing 737-524 aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-BQQ, operated by the airline, has been grounded and relieved from further flight duty for failure to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and for disregarding standard go-around procedures as advised by his co-pilot.
The airline insisted that the grounding of the pilot was not for testing positive on a breathalyser test, as the result was not communicated to the airline by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to date.
In an official statement issued on Friday, signed by the management, Air Peace stated that the airline is yet to receive any official communications from
the NSIB on such findings over a month after the incident and after the testing of the crew for alcohol, which took place within an hour of the incident.
The airline further stated that they conduct frequent alcohol and drug tests on their crew and that the carrier has a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight, as provided in the regulations.
Contrary to reports in the media, the airline informed that the First Officer (Co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a goaround to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Noting that the NCAA cleared him, Air Peace reasoned that if he was involved in drug or alcohol
use, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would not have cleared him to resume flight duties.
"However, if the relieved captain tests positive for the breathalyser test, then we must increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew.
"Again, the importance of Enhanced Crew Resource Management Training can not be overemphasised.
"We will intensify strict Fitness-for-Duty checks and Stronger Internal Monitoring to prevent any breach of our zero-tolerance safety policy.
"Air Peace has consistently maintained a strong safety record and strictly implements global best practices in all aspects of its operations, and we reassure our esteemed passengers and the Nigerian public that safety will never be compromised in Air Peace", the airline emphasised.
Experts Highlight Danger of Suicidal Thoughts
BY KAJO MARTINS, MAKURDI
Two Clinical Psychologists in Benue State have stressed the need to address underlying factors contributing to suicidal thoughts, such as depression, anxiety and social isolation.
They pointed out that societal idiotion could be precipitated by a range of factors such as financial crisis, marital issues, mental disorder, among others.
Doctor Iorlumun Shimakaa of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, emphasised that identifying and supporting individuals with such behaviours is crucial to enable them to have mental health services, as well as a supportive environment that encourages open conversation about mental health.
"It is unfortunate that members of the same family circle sit in the same room and cannot have verbal communication. The father, the mother and the
children are buried in the telephone. Gradually, this is eroding our social support network", he stated.
Doctor Shimakaa, who is the chairman of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Benue State chapter, noted that reducing stigma and encouraging open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention could go a long way in shifting societal attitudes toward greater understanding and support services that are essential to effective prevention.
Another Clinical Psychologist at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Aboje Ojebe, held that suicide is a major public health concern globally, with over 700 deaths recorded annually, which requires concerted efforts to tackle the scourge.
He also highlighted the impact of social and
economic factors on mental health, stating that poverty, unemployment and lack of access to economic opportunities can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and advised people to have a reason to overcome suicide ideation.
"By the time an individual is unable to keep his head above water financially, we cannot doubt the fact that economically, things are not working in this country, and it has been a source of depression", Ojebe declared.
He argued that people can no longer meet the basic needs of life, pointing out that anything that erodes takes individuals toward committing suicide.
The Psychologist, therefore, emphasises the need for families to promote mental health awareness to reduce stigma, advising individuals with challenges not to shy away from seeking support services from mental health facilities.
and DCP, Finance, Mr David Alalade, during a news conference on the activities of the Command in Enugu on September 11, 2025.
NEWS
Ogun SDP Accuses Suspended Chieftain, Jimi Lawal of Fraud
BY SEUN, SHOTUNDE, ABEOKUTA
Social Democratic Party(SDP) in Ogun, yesterday accused suspended Chieftain of the party, Jimi Lawal, for allegedly issuing party cards to over 300 members without the consent of the state executive describing it as 'party card fraud'.
The party strongly condemned Lawal's actions, accusing him of violating the party's constitution and engaging in anti-party activities. Specifically, they alleged that he campaigned for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and urged the 300 members he issued party cards to vote for ADC during the August 16 by-election for Remo Federal Constituency.
SDP's Deputy Chairman, Olusola Coker, who disclosed this in an exclusive interview in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, accused Lawal for allegedly issuing illegal SDP membership cards to ADC members without authorisation from the state leadership.
Coker, criticized the ex-aide to former Kaduna State
Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of impersonating SDP despite his alleged defection to ADC's coalition, insisting that the party remain independent political entity with no merger or coalition agreement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He said " Jimi Lawal has been officially and constitutionally expelled from SDP. He was specifically dismissed for anti-party activities. This man tried to become an aphrodite politician when we went to do a party primary in Sagamu for the constituency by-election."
"When got there and saw party members and we said everybody show their members card and over 300 people show their party cards and we said where did they get the cards and they say it was Jimi Lawal who gave it to them whereas only party executive has the right to give membership cards. Now during the By-election somebody who brought 300 people was then campaigning for ADC."
"A man who forge our cards and give it to 300 people
and I believe he forge them through illegal means, if not let him come out and tell us how he got them. But if these 300 people had voted for we would have had more votes in the by-election."
" Despite this, I had come to our attention that Hon. Jimi Adebisi Lawal continues to present himself as a member of the ADC coalition in Ogun State. He has also been issuing SDP members cards illegally without the authority of the state organ of the party.
" We consider as illegal the possession of the party cards. All these activities are a breach of the party's constitution"
"Since he had not paid any membership dues which is prerequisite for joining the party, we consider that he is impersonating as a member of our party, SDP, with this he is not qualified to or recognized to represent our party at all levels" he added.
Efforts to reach Lawal proved abortive as he couldn't pick or return calls, as he also refused to return text messages sent to him.
FBN vs GHL: Court Directs Registrar to Secure, Sell Crude Oil on Board FPSO Cargo
BY FELIX IFIJEH
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has directed its chief registrar, in liaison with the Admiralty Marshal to take charge, possession and secure any cargo of crude oil on board FPSO Tamara Tokoni against expropriation, waste, dissipation and or fraudulent disposition by any of the parties (FBN & GHL) pending the hearing and determination of a suit before the trial court and court of arbitration.
A three-member panel, led by Justice Polycap Tema Kwahar, gave the directive following a case between First Bank of Nigeria and General Hydrocarbons Limited and others. GHL is the operator of the Oil Mining Licence, OML120, owned and operated by Media mogul, Nduka Obaigbena.
Both FBN and GHL have been in dispute since January, following a court order allegedly freezing
accounts of General Hydrocarbon over $225m debt being owed to FirstBank, with the two parties still in arbitration. While allowing the appeal filed by First Bank, the appellate court said the interest of justice in the case demanded that the rest be preserved pending the determination of the case still pending at the high court and before an arbitration panel. The court also issued an order directing the sale of the cargo of crude oil on board FPSO Tamara Tokoni upon the storage tanks on board FSPO Tamara Tokoni becoming full and to pay the proceeds of each sale into a single interest yielding escrow account in the name of the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal pending the hearing of the suit before the trial court and or before the court of arbitration. The FPSO has crude oil belonging to GHL, Conoil/ NNPCL.
First Bank claimed that legal GHL owed it $225.8 million in debt; the allegation that the company denied.
In the Appeal, GHL accused FBN of abusing an ex parte freezing order when it selectively released part of the crude in the FPSO to Conoil and NNPC, but the Court of Appeal has now stopped all that, giving all possession and control of all crude in the FPSO to the Chief Registrar, assisted by the Admiralty Marshal of the Court of Appeal.
In its ruling on Thursday, the appeal court stated that the main issue in contention was the need to preserve the rest, specifically the crude oil in the FPSO. It also ordered that the proceeds from the sale of the cargo be paid to an escrow account in the name of the Chief Registrar.
L-R: Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Criminal Investigation Department, Enugu State Command, Mr Umar Muhammad; Commissioner of Police of the State Command, Mr Mamman Giwa; DCP, Operations, Mr Gregory Itoboro
FEATURES
Hilda Baci Cooks Her Way to another Guinness World Record
BY EZAGA EVI-BEN
On a vibrant Friday afternoon at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, over 20,000 Nigerians gathered to witness the cooking of the world's biggest pot of Jollof rice by Hilda Baci. Already a household name since she set a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023 after 93 hours and 11 minutes of relentless culinary activity and passion, Baci was back again, this time around she was aiming to claim the title for the largest pot of jollof rice ever made.
The atmosphere at the venue of the cooking was electric, charged with anticipation, music and the unmistakable aroma of tomatorich spices rising into the Lagos heat. This was more than a record attempt; it was a cultural milestone, a moment where food, identity and ambition simmered together in a giant pot of national significance. Originally scheduled to take place at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event had to be relocated to Eko Hotels due to overwhelming public interest. Registrations had exceeded 20,000, prompting a venue change that reflected not only the scale of the event but also the magnitude of national enthusiasm. Among those present were top dignitaries and celebrities, including Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State; His Royal Highness, the Oniru of Iruland Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II; and Nollywood icon, Funke Akindele. Also in attendance were influencers and content creators such as Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Tomike Adeoye, who served as the event’s host, celebrity fashion designer Veekee James and her husband Femi Atere, TikTok star Peller and a host of others. Their presence amplified the cultural resonance of Baci’s quest—uniting government, traditional institutions, entertainment and youth culture in a single, powerful moment.
The event opened with a prayer led by Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters Church, a moment that grounded the spectacle in reflection and purpose. When Baci arrived, the crowd erupted—a roar of approval so heartfelt it brought tears to the eyes of the celebrated chef. Throughout the event, the crowd’s energy never waned. Chants of “Go Hilda!” and “Jollof Queen!” echoed through the air, bouncing off the walls of the hotel complex, turning the record attempt into a rallying cry for national pride.
Celebs wore t-shirts, emblazoned with Baci’s face beside pots of rice, paired with coordinated Ankara prints. Supporters danced to Afrobeat anthems and cheered every attempt to stir the monumental pot as if it were a goal scored in a championship football match. The numbers behind the attempt were as staggering as the ambition itself. A custom-built pot, constructed over three months in Gbagada with materials sourced from Southwest Nigeria, measured 6 meters wide and 1.3 meters deep. With a capacity of 22,619 litres, it was designed to hold 250 bags of rice. However, due to a lack of weighing equipment capable of
handling such a scale, no crane large enough could weigh the full pot simultaneously. Baci and her team adjusted her plan, eventually settling for 200 bags of Basmati brand rice weighing 4,000 kg.
Baci explained, “I had a very ambitious dream to do 5,000 kilogrammes of raw rice... but we don’t have a crane that can weigh it all at the same time, so I cut it down by a thousand kilogramme.
“Now I’m doing 4,000kg of raw rice... that is supposed to give us about 14 or 15,000 kg of cooked rice. We might stretch it to 16,000 kg because we are making asun jollof rice and some goat meat will be infused in it. It is a very robust and a very expensive pot of rice.”
She added. The final ingredient list was a jaw-dropping display of scale: 4,000 kg of Basmati rice; 1,200 kg of tomato paste; 600 kg of onions; 700 kg of oil; 168 kg of goat meat; 6,000 liters of water.
Hearty portions of Gino seasoning cubes and turkey stock
The result was asun jollof—a spicy, goat-infused variant that speaks directly to the depth and diversity of Nigerian culinary tradition. While the cooking was the centerpiece, the event unfolded as a full-bodied celebration of Nigerian culture. Attendees were treated to hype and dance competitions with winners receiving products from Gino, the event’s partner brand. Live performances from the Loud Urban Choir, singer Spyro, and dance legend Kaffy elevated the energy, while food vendors lined the venue, offering a variety of local dishes to complement the historic jollof. In a symbolic gesture, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Abiodun, Akindele, the Oniru of Iruland, and Baci’s mother each took turns stirring the pot—a powerful visual of communal support and shared investment in the success of the endeavor.
As the pot simmered, so did X, Instagram, and TikTok. The hashtags #HildaBaci, #JollofQueen, and #LargestPotOfJollof trended nationwide and began to attract global attention. “Nigerians don’t play when it comes to jollof! Big up Hilda Baci. This is not just food— it’s national identity in a pot,” tweeted one user. “Only Hilda Baci can cook 4 tons of rice and still look camera-ready,” joked another, accompanied by a photo of the chef smiling mid-stir.
TikTok was flooded with reaction videos from Nigerians, with many pledging to host watch parties when the Guinness verdict is finally announced. The federal government took note. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, represented by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), praised Baci’s effort as “another demonstration of Nigeria’s global excellence.”
Idris emphasised that “Baci’s dedication exemplifies the Nigerian spirit—the relentless pursuit of greatness.” He added that the government “celebrates Nigerians like Hilda who serve as ambassadors of our nation’s capabilities, talents, and culture.”
Beyond the spectacle and the staggering statistics, what unfolded was a narrative of cultural reaffirmation. Jollof rice—a dish with origins in the Wolof Empire of the 14th century—has long been a point of pride and playful contention across West Africa. By attempting this record, Baci did more than aim for a title; she engaged in the “Jollof Wars” with unmistakable Nigerian flair. “This is a joint venture, and it needs to make sense because a lot of effort has gone into it. I’m hoping it works out even more than we anticipate. I am nervous and excited to see the outcome of the food.”
After a day of near-perfect execution, the event took an unexpected turn. The cooking concluded around midnight, after ten hours of meticulous effort—but as engineers attempted to lift the massive pot for its final weighing, disaster struck. The bottom of the vessel dented under its own weight, compromising the accuracy of the measurement and casting a shadow of uncertainty over the record attempt.
Fortunately, the rice had already been measured and documented in incremental batches throughout the cooking process, with video and photographic evidence collected under the strict guidelines required by Guinness World Records. Still, the pot’s partial collapse made the final weighing far more challenging than anticipated. Yet, spirits remained high. The pot may have bent, but the pride of a nation stood firm. The result was a dish so abundant it fed all 20,000 attendees— with generous portions left over for wider distribution.
Now, the world watches and waits. With evidence submitted to Guinness World Records for verification, Baci—and the nation— stand on the brink of another historic achievement. Whether the record is officially confirmed or not, one thing is certain: Hilda Baci has once again stirred more than just rice. She has stirred a nation’s pride, and in doing so, has already made history.
“
Now I’m doing 4,000kg of raw rice... that is supposed to give us about 14 or 15,000 kg of cooked rice. We might stretch it to 16,000 kg because we are making asun jollof rice and some goat meat will be infused in it
POLITICS
Natasha-Akpoti See-saws with Senate as NLC, Lawyers, Parties Raise Alarm
BY FELIX IFIJEH
Between now and September 23, 2025 when the Senate resumes from its two -months recess, the legal and political fireworks will continue to trail the rejection of the Upper Chamber’s resumption request by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senator representing Kogi Central who was suspended on March 6, wrote to the leadership of the Assembly, notifying them of her plan to resume at the expiration of her suspension.
The Senate rejected her bid to return to plenary, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of her appeal. In a letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate confirmed receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification that she intended to resume legislative duties on September 4, 2025, which she argued marked the end of her suspension.
However, the Senate maintained that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, is still valid and cannot be lifted while the case is before the Court of Appeal. “The matter remains sub judice and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption”, the letter read.
According to the National Assembly, no administrative action will be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision. It stressed that her suspension cannot be reviewed until the judicial process was fully concluded. Akpoti-Uduaghan was assured that she would be officially informed of the Senate’s final position once the case is resolved.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March over alleged breaches of Senate standing orders. The senator approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, to seek redress. The court ruled that the Senate acted beyond its powers by suspending Senator Natasha for six months and ordered for her recall.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgement, described the duration of the suspension as “excessive” and without a clear legal foundation. The judge pointed out that since the National Assembly is only required to sit for 181 days in a legislative year, suspending a lawmaker for roughly that same length of time effectively silences the voice of an entire constituency—a move she described as unconstitutional.
Since then Natasha has been making attempts to resume her legislative duties. On July 2, she was prevented from gaining entry into the National Assembly Complex to attend plenary. The Senate stated that her suspension would only be reviewed after the appellate court delivers its judgement.
Reactions from lawyers, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, political pundits and political parties have been quick, mostly against the Senate. Some say the Senate is breaking its own rule, which imposed a six-months ban on the Senator, without regard to interference by the Judiciary. That to turn around and reject her request to resume plenary on the basis of a pending suit amounts to double standard.
President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero said the continued denial of the Senator’s resumption is a threat to democracy and “not merely an error in judgement but a brazen, premeditated assault on democracy itself, a direct threat to the social contract and a dangerous slide towards fascism masquerading as governance.”
voter tomorrow,” he said, adding, “That you suspended a fellow Senator from her constitutional roles, depriving her people proper representation, is not sinful enough but you went ahead to ignore the rulings of the Court that voided her suspension and at the expiration of your illegal suspension, you are still denying her a return is the height of impunity and morally reprehensible. This is no longer a democracy.”
Political parties like her party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, have accused the Senate President and the All Progressives Congress, APCled Senate leadership of trying to stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to the Senate after serving a six-month suspension, saying the move was aimed at denying the people of Kogi Central senatorial district their voice in the National Assembly and weakening the opposition.
National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba faulted the position of the Clerk of the National Assembly saying, “This reported action by the Clerk of the National Assembly smacks of a calculated attempt being orchestrated by the Akpabio-led APC Senate leadership to abridge the right of representation of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and deny them a voice at the highest law-making body in the country.”
The PDP said the decision violated the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Standing Rules of the Senate. It described it as a serious threat to democracy and national stability.
Three lawyers, including a former Attorney-General of Kaduna State, Mark Jacobs; former state publicity secretary of the Edo State branch of the Nigeria Bar Association, Douglas Ogbakwa and Teejani Jimoh, Esq., argued that the Kogi Central lawmaker did not need the finalisation of a judicial process to resume sitting at the National Assembly.
Jacobs said, “What I see is a further display of impunity gone wild. The Senate has always insisted that nobody, including the courts, should interfere with its constitutional powers to discipline members, yet, the same Senate suspended this woman for six months and when those six months expired, there should be no confusion; she should have been allowed to resume her seat.”
He accused the Senate of double standards, citing a court verdict that ruled her suspension as unconstitutional. Jimoh, Esq., noted that the suspension lapsed on September 6, 2025, and said the clerk’s office had told the senator she could not return because the matter is pending at the Court of Appeal. Jimoh argued that the absence of a court order staying the senator’s return, the expiry of a fixed-term suspension should permit her resumption of duties.
“In our view, the fixed suspension imposed on March 6 had expired by September 6. A pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, without a specific stay order, does not automatically prevent her from resuming,” Jimoh said. Jimoh cited past judicial rulings that examined lengthy legislative suspensions and said those precedents support the principle that constituents should not be left without representation for extended periods.
For Ogbakwa, the “Senate cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. You made the suspension order based on your rule. There should be no ambiguity at all in the matter. This is without prejudice to the pending cases in the court.”
The Senate is yet to issue a formal resolution on the matter. But judging from the Clerk’s statement, the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly may delay Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption. She may have recourse to the law courts to assert her right. In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, her lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), demanded that the senator be allowed to resume her legislative duties by Monday, September 15, 2025. The letter warned that failure to comply would compel Akpoti-Uduaghan to take legal action against the Clerk personally and in his official capacity.
"We strongly advise that you reconsider your untenable stance and comply with the Constitution and extant judicial orders. Take notice that failure to comply by Monday, 15th September 2025, will leave us with no alternative but to initiate proceedings against you,” the counsel wrote.
“
“We warn the leadership of the National Assembly and their enablers: The Nigerian people, united across ethnic and religious lines, will not stand idly by while you cannibalise our democracy. The labour movement, as the historic defender of justice and the common good, will mobilise its immense membership and moral authority to resist this slide into autocracy. An attack on one senator today is an attack on the sovereignty of every Nigerian
On the other hand, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi of the ADC, accused the Senate leadership of acting illegally and immorally by refusing to allow the Kogi Central lawmaker to resume her duties after completing a six-month suspension. He said, “The African Democratic Congress, ADC, observes with deep concern the continued obstruction of Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan from resuming her seat in the Nigerian Senate after the completion of her six-month suspension. “We consider this development not only malicious, but also deeply injurious to the spirit of our constitutional democracy, especially the right to dissent,” Abdullahi said.
The party argued that the suspension, having been imposed by the Senate and not a court of law, had fully lapsed and could no longer justify barring the senator.
We strongly advise that you reconsider your untenable stance and comply with the Constitution and extant judicial orders. Take notice that failure to comply by Monday, 15th September 2025, will leave us with no alternative but to initiate proceedings against you
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Farmers at the Mercy of Bandits
Last week's report that farmers in agrarian communities of the northern part of Nigeria are in "a precarious dilemma" as suspected bandits imposed hefty taxes and levies on them before they could assess their farms or harvest their crops sounds familiar, yet unbelievable.
Unbelievable because in August 2024 the Federal Government reportedly deployed specialized units to combat insecurity and secure the farms for enhanced food security.
Allowing bandits and terrorists to roam free, impose levies on farming is an act that strikes at the core of the peoples livelihood; this is more than a threat to their very existence and the ultimate survival of the country. It strikes at the heart of one trillion dollar economy as planned by the federal government“
Familiar because since July 2019 through March 1, 2024 when it was reported that farmers pay between N70,000 and N100,000 to bandits for permission to plant their crops and August 1, 2025 when farmers reportedly lamented that despite paying the levies the bandits still invaded their villages to rustle livestock and loot food supplies, reports abounded that bandits carry out a form of extortion by taxing farming activities in some states in the Northeast as a way to gain revenue.
In fact, a report, titled ‘Levies or Lives – The Dilemma of Farmers in Northern Nigeria’ by SBM Intelligence, an Africafocused geopolitical research firm, lamented that the affected farmers have paid a total of said a total of N224.9 million to within a 2020-2023 period.
“For farmers in these areas, working on their farms poses a dual risk: either they attempt to harvest their crops with hopes of earning a living, or they pay hefty ransoms to save themselves from abductors,” it said.
In that campaign, the government deployed 10,000 Agro Rangers through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Additionally, the Nigerian Army deployed troops to protect farmers from herder-farmer conflict and bandits, particularly in the Northwest and North Central geo-political zones.
One year down the line, the old story is not only the same but has worsened. The result has been a lamentable dilemma for farmers and lost hope of ever securing agriculture as a lucrative occupation. This has led to malnourishment, rotted farm produce and displaced farming communities from the villages to headquarters of Local Government Areas in the affected states.
Worst-hit local government areas are in Benue, Borno, Niger, Plateau, Zamfara, Taraba, Benue states.
“Imagine a levy of N5 million on a farmer whose farm is not worth N2 million, and in most cases, farmers are grouped together to pay such a levy.” The levy you pay sometimes depends on the type of crop you plant. The
The recent outburst by Mr Omoyele Sowore, wherein he described the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “regime” and alleged that “President Tinubu is a criminal,” is not only reckless but also a calculated attempt to mislead Nigerians and the international community. Such careless utterances diminish the sanctity of public discourse and undermine the nation’s democratic values.
First and foremost, Nigeria is not under a “regime.” The government of President Tinubu emerged through a credible, transparent, and democratic electoral process. The mandate given to him by millions of Nigerians cannot be trivialised by the rhetoric of those who lost at the polls.
The Federal Government operates strictly within the dictates of constitutional democracy and has never weaponised the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or any other security agency against Mr Sowore or his African Action Congress (AAC).
It is also imperative to correct the false narrative that the DSS are lawless. Contrary to Sowore’s claims, the DSS has acted within the ambit of the law. In every democracy, security agencies are empowered to protect national interests, ensure law and order, and investigate allegations. As the legal maxim goes, he who alleges must prove.
If Mr Sowore insists that President Tinubu is a criminal, then the burden of proof rests on him, not on unfounded propaganda. Until then, such accusations remain baseless and malicious.
Furthermore, Sowore’s attempt to portray President Tinubu as having “exported disgrace to the United
FStates” is misplaced and mischievous. On the contrary, President Tinubu has consistently upheld Nigeria’s image as a nation that practices constitutional democracy and respects international partnerships.
His engagements on the global stage are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy, democracy, and international standing—not tarnishing it.
Equally misleading is Sowore’s description of Nigeria as being “held hostage by a tiny, wicked band of rogues.” This statement is not only insulting to the millions of Nigerians who freely elected their leaders but also an affront to the democratic process itself.
Nigeria is governed by a democratically elected government that enjoys the support and confidence of its citizens. Despite challenges, as is normal with every democracy, Nigerians remain optimistic and committed to the present government’s drive toward national development.
Mr Sowore must understand that freedom of speech does not equate to freedom to slander or malign. Political disagreements should be expressed responsibly, not through reckless statements that threaten national unity and international perception.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH DOES NOT EQUATE TO FREEDOM TO SLANDER OR MALIGN
In conclusion, Nigerians and the global community must dismiss Sowore’s baseless attacks for what they are: a desperate attempt to stay politically relevant. President Tinubu’s government remains a democratic administration, committed to the rule of law, good governance, and the welfare of all Nigerians.
Arase and Finality of Death
or want of appropriate coinage, the passing of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase on August 31, 2025, without mincing words, compounded my eternal mystery over the last 73 days. I had lost my immediate elder sibling, Ras Johnson Ikhide, the music activist, maestro, on the 19th of July, 2025, whose sudden and untimely demise at age 53 I was still nursing before the sad news of Arase's painful transition occurred. It was followed by a near-miss ghastly accident, having had my car tumbled thrice — smitten and crushed by Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s murderous truck driver on August 27, 2025, on our hellish — decrepit death-trap called roads. I have been to real hell and back!
For a fact, I have never been afraid of death and its untimeliness, life's vanity and its vanishing entrapment, death's piercing ferocity or the stillness and the crushing emotional paralysis that goes with it. But I'm dreadful of death's irreversibility, the morbid conclusion and its absolute finality.
Death's finality can have a profound impact on those who are left behind. The irreversible nature of death, where an individual's life comes to an end and there is no possibility of revival or return, can be a difficult concept to grasp. The solace in the irreversibility of death — if any — is the universal truth of our helplessness as we endure the dripping agony, the lingering pang and pains, knowing that 'man is a useless passion'.
The moment of grief and bereavement are natural responses to death, as I'm experiencing the range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and acceptance over the passing of these two great souls. This moment of truth about the irreversibility of death has prompted my existential reflections on the meaning and purpose of life — my own mortality — and the importance of making the most of the time I have left.
Surviving this grief-soaked, bitter moment of my life reinforces my belief in families and friendship, without which, navigating the emotional and psychological impact of loss in the labyrinth of death would have been hugely depressing and traumatising. Reflecting on the legacy of Dr Solomon Ehigiator Arase and Ras Johnson, Friday Ikhide is the finest way to honour the cherished memories I shared with them for my weakened bones, soul and spirit, in order to make the most out of life and the existential implications of death.
The shocking and sudden demise of Ras Johnson Ikhide reminds me of our shared belief system and parallelism of transiting from the physical sphere into the spiritual realm as he roams and reincarnates nine or ten times in a new form without inhibitions, in the vision of his prophecy, as a mirror through which humanity sees itself.
Losing Dr Arase's philanthropic initiatives, which have thousands of indigent students as beneficiaries of his free scholarship programme and having had one of the very best Inspector-Generals of Police (IGP) Nigeria has ever had, is literally devastating. Having such an extremely forensic, ultra-brilliant individual, demonstrably experienced, shed professionalism, selfless, humble, mature and a naturally liberated soul whose blemishes resonated in adorning the objectionable Nigeria Police uniform for 35 years in service, should be a study in the nation's security architecture.
THE IRREVERSIBLE NATURE OF DEATH, WHERE AN INDIVIDUAL'S LIFE COMES TO AN END AND THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF REVIVAL OR RETURN, CAN BE A DIFFICULT CONCEPT TO GRASP
Dr Solomon Ehigiator Arase had respect for the dignity of all the individuals he came in contact with in the course of his duties. In his interface with people, he was an embodiment of integrity. His dedication to his job and fantastic motivation for self-improvement, which are characteristics of a very great police officer right from the beginning of his career, made him well-suited to function as Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three former IGPs. May their illustrious souls rest in the bosom of eternal time till we meet to part no more. Adieu!
BY ERASMUS IKHIDE
26 Dormant Stocks Hold NGX... BUSINESS WEEKLY
Continues from page 34
consistent valuation.
· Nigerian Enamelware Plc: In 2020, the share price was N22.10. The share price remained the same at N19.90 in 2021, while it declined to N16.20 in 2022 but rose to N17.75 in 2023, before hitting N19.30 in 2024.
for five years.
· Premier Paints Plc carried a share price of N3.00 for the review period.
· Austin Laz and Company Plc brandished a share price of N2.00 during the review period.
Continues from page 34
Planned Privatisation...
refineries. This has earned Ojulari a huge backlash from the system as he is seen to have played the ‘spoiler’ game.
the rehabilitation of the four moribund refineries in the country, without results.
Royal Exchange Plc: The price remained constant
The share price opened at N0.20 in 2020 and remained the same price throughout the five-year period.
The share price
The share maintained a
· Universal Insurance Plc opened with N0.22 in 2020 and remained at that price through 2024.
The share price opened at N0.50 in 2020 and closed at N0.50 in 2024.
Share Price opened in the year 2020 at N1.20 and remained through 2024.
Chams Holding Company Plc: Share price opened in 2020 at N0.25 and remained through th
e-Tranzact International Plc: 2020 opened with the share price of N4.50 and recorded no
Opened the year 2020 with the share price of N4.10 and maintained the same through
Opened the year 2020 at N0.50 and recorded no movement all through
· Pharma-Deko Plc recorded a share price of N1.50
· Greif Nigeria Plc: The Share price remained the same at N6.00 from 2020-2024.
· Aso Savings and Loans Plc: 2020 opened with the share price standing at N0.65. This price stayed the same through to 2024.
· Deep Capital Management and Trust Plc: Maintained a share price of N0.50 from 2020-2024.
· Secure Electronics Plc: Carried N1.00 share price throughout the five-year dividend drought period.
· Thomas Wyatt Plc: Maintained a share price of N2.00 from 2020-2024.
· Daar Communications Plc: Opened the year 2020 at N0.50 with the price unchanged through 2024.
Mike Igiebor, a finance expert, said that investors are beginning to show interest in the penny stocks because it affords them an opportunity to buy when the price is low and sell when it is high. “Investors are not looking at dividends, but price valuation which would earn them capital gains.
At the end of the last weekday of trading on the NGX on Friday, September 12, a total of 434,708,854 shares in 23,689 deals, corresponding to a market value of N16,163,654,159.42, were traded. Compared with the previous NGX trading day (Thursday, September 11), last Friday's data shows 15% improvement in volume, 30% improvement in turnover, and 3% improvement in deals. The current market capitalization of the Nigerian Stock Exchange is NGN 88.9 trillion.
Under the former President Muhammadu Buhari-led 8-year administration, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the NNPCL showcased itself as a theatre of bazaar where Nigerian taxpayers’ money was burnt on the crest of waste and corruption.
Before Ojulari’s tenure, the Port Harcourt Refinery was on an endless stream of rehabilitation and constituted a window for massive treasury looting. Different arms of government devised a means to take their own share –ministers, lawmakers, party chieftains, political appointees … Just mention Port Harcourt Refinery. You are on course.
THEWILL recalls that NNPC Ltd had in July 2023 promised that the Port Harcourt Refinery would resume production in December of that year, later shifted to April, August, September ... without results.
While Nigerians awaited the outcome of the promises, the Senate on October 24, 2023 constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate all contracts estimated at over N11.35 trillion awarded for
Ten months after the Senate embarked on the elusive probe of the endless maintenance of Nigeria’s moribund refineries, the upper and lower legislative chambers jointly commenced a similar exercise in August, 2024.
Following fresh controversies trailing the nation’s oil and gas industry, especially in the aspects of sabotage, corruption and oil theft, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, named a seven-member committee to probe alleged economic sabotage in the oil and gas sector.
On its part, the Senate also raised an Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate the Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. The upper legislative chamber expressed concerns over the $1.5 billion approved in 2021 for the turn-around maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery with little or no result.
In a dramatic twist, the Senate ad-hoc Committee eventually suspended its assignment indefinitely citing the need for broader consultation “in the nation’s interest”. The exercises entered into a voicemail thereafter.
explained that at rebased GDP nominal size of
would only deliver, at best, uneven and subpar
leaders, also highlighted the role of monetary policy tightening in achieving subdued inflation rate figures, restoring market confidence and stabilising the forex rate.
According to the report, monetary policy under the Olayemi Cardoso-led Central Bank of Nigeria showed successive hikes in the benchmark rate by a cumulative of 875 basis points to 27.5 per cent between February 2024 and November 2024, and this, alongside other variables, was left unchanged throughout the first half of this year.
It showed that the ongoing recapitalisation of the banking industry had shown that several banks initiated or completed a capital raise to strengthen their buffer.
“As of mid-2025, our estimate suggests that banks have collectively raised over N2.5tn through rights issues, public offerings and private placements,” it noted.
Also, at least four lenders – Access Corporation, Zenith Bank, Ecobank and Lotus Bank – reportedly met the new capital thresholds, while several others are on track to meet the June 2026 deadline.
“A few institutions are exploring merger and acquisition options as a compliance strategy. Overall, the growth of the banking sector (proxied by financial institution GDP) has remained resilient, clearing at 15 per cent
in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 and ranking among the top 10 contributors to the GDP in the period,” the report said.
realities.
“From the return to democracy in 1999, to the dot-com bust of 2000 to 2002, Nigeria’s banking reforms between 2004 and 2005, the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2009, the oil price crash of 2014 to 2016 and, more recently, the COVID-19 shock of 2020, as well as the global inflation surge of 2021 to 2023, each era tested resilience but also opened new opportunities.
“Afrinvest has grown through these cycles, always adapting, always innovating,” Chioke stated.
He said the Banking Sector Report, first published in 2006, remained a trusted compass for policymakers, investors and financial institutions navigating the changes in Nigeria’s economy.
According to him, each of the past 20 editions provides clarity in moments of uncertainty and ambition in times of reform. He described the 20th edition as both a call to action and a framework for Nigeria’s growth.
The Chairman, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Donald Lawson, who was represented by Professor of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Co-Chair, Nigerian Economic Summit Group National Advisory Council, Osita Ogbu, said that great institutions were
Speaking during the unveiling, the Group Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Dr Ike Chioke, described the company’s 30 years of operations as a journey of resilience, innovation, and leadership meant to shape Nigeria’s financial markets. He said the 30-year journey unfolded against a backdrop of shifting global and domestic political, macroeconomic and capital markets *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com
Shadow Networks: Advisors, Aides, and Whisperers Behind Major Reforms
There are no great reforms without great relationships - some visible, most invisible
THE POWER BEHIND THE CURTAIN
In Nigeria, as in many places, power is not always where it appears to be. The press conference, the ministerial address, the legislative bill - these are the visible surfaces of statecraft. But beneath them lies a more fluid, informal world of influence: the advisors, aides, back-channel intermediaries, family members, and trusted allies who shape what leaders know, what they decide, and how they act.
These actors form what we might call shadow networks - not in the conspiratorial sense, but in the sociological sense. They are the relational infrastructure of policy and reform, and in Nigeria, their role is especially critical in a context where trust, access, and personal networks often determine the fate of ideas. STATECRAFT IS PERSONAL: WHY SHADOW NETWORKS MATTER
Nigeria's political and bureaucratic system is deeply relational. While official hierarchies and institutions exist, personal networks frequently override formal authority. Civil servants may defer not to a minister, but to the aide who speaks with him daily. Governors may be more influenced by long-standing political godfathers or spiritual advisors than by technocrats.
This is not a uniquely Nigerian problem; it is a feature of many postcolonial and hybrid political systems where informal power structures compensate for weak formal institutions. In Nigeria, these structures are especially pronounced because of factors like:
•`Patronage politics
• Ethno-regional balancing and gatekeeping
• Low institutional trust
• A political elite that is socially interconnected but administratively fragmented Shadow networks are therefore not just accidental, they are adaptive responses to a system where relationships are the most reliable currency.
WHO REALLY MOVES THE NEEDLE?
But what does a Nigerian shadow network look like in practice? Consider a governor launching a major agricultural reform. The visible actors might be the Ministry of Agriculture, relevant donor agencies, and policy teams. But the invisible actors might include:
• A former classmate who now serves as an informal economic advisor
• A media consultant who controls narrative framing
• A religious leader who helps build grassroots legitimacy
• An inner-circle aide who filters proposals before they reach the boss
• A business ally funding back-end operations or lobbying state houses
These actors are not always on payroll or inside the building. But they are trusted, listened to, and strategically positioned. Their influence comes not from formal rank, but from relational capital: trust, access, loyalty, and sometimes shared survival.
HISTORICAL EXAMPLE: PRESIDENT OBASANJO’S REFORM ERA
During President Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term (1999 to 2007), Nigeria saw some of the most significant economic and anti-corruption reforms in its postindependence history. Much of the credit goes to high-profile ministers. But behind them was a relational scaffolding of aides, technocrats, private sector allies, and reform-minded insiders who were not all in the spotlight.
Some were diaspora returnees with relationships that cut across ministries and sectors. Others were bureaucrats who had earned quiet reputations for competence. Some were family friends of the president with access to his ear. Together, they formed a distributed, trust-based ecosystem that allowed reform ideas to survive the usual kill zones of bureaucracy and politics.
This was not just technocratic governance; it was networked governance.
CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLE: SHADOW NETWORKS AND THE NIGERIAN STARTUP ACT
In 2022, Nigeria passed its long-anticipated Startup Act to create a more enabling environment for tech innovation. While the presidency, NITDA, and various stakeholders played formal roles, the engine behind the act was powered by a tight-knit network of young ecosystem leaders, policy entrepreneurs, and diaspora advisors.
Many had no formal government titles. They met on Telegram groups, WhatsApp chats, and at pitch events. They translated tech language into legislative proposals, built consensus across ministries, and brought political capital from both tech and civil society. This was a modern, decentralized shadow network: nimble, trustbased, and results-oriented.
WHEN INFLUENCE ESCAPES OVERSIGHT
While shadow networks can catalyse reform, they also raise risks.
• Opacity: Who is influencing decisions, and on what basis?
• Elitism: Networks may exclude the very populations policies are meant to serve.
• Capture: Power brokers may shape reforms to serve narrow interests.
In Nigeria, where state capture by elite interests is often a documented concern, shadow networks can both help and hinder. Reformers must ask: Is this network inclusive? Accountable? Mission-aligned?
REFORMING THE INFORMAL
Rather than trying to eliminate shadow networks (which is neither possible nor necessarily desirable), Nigerian policymakers and reformers should aim to cultivate healthy, transparent, and strategic ones by:
1. Build Around Shared Purpose, Not Personal Loyalty
Nigeria's political and bureaucratic system is deeply relational. While official hierarchies and institutions exist, personal networks frequently override formal authority. Civil servants may defer not to a minister
Networks should be anchored in mission, not in proximity to power.
2. Cross-Pollinate Sectors
Include voices from civil society, academia, youth movements, and informal sectors.
3. Institutionalise the Wisdom of Networks
Bring whisperers into visible advisory boards or working groups where they can be heard and held accountable. While this transition may pose real risks, including professional or even personal threats in high-stakes environments, it is a necessary step toward transparency and shared responsibility. Reform requires courage, and someone must begin.
4. Make Access Equitable
Open channels for marginalised voices to become part of policy conversations, not just the usual elite echo chambers.
NAVIGATING INFLUENCE WITHOUT LOSING INTEGRITY
Whether you’re a public servant, development professional, or movement organizer, here’s how to navigate and shape shadow networks constructively:
• Identify the real influencers: These are not always the title-holders.
• Map your trust ecosystem: Who do you call at midnight with a policy crisis?
• Invest in your bridge-builders: Those who can translate between grassroots and government, North and South, old and young.
• Stay accountable to the public interest: Ask who benefits from each whisper, each access point. THE FUTURE IS NETWORKED
In Nigeria’s complex political terrain, shadow networks are not bugs in the system. They are features. But like any infrastructure, they require maintenance, thoughtful design, and ethical reflection. The challenge for progressive thinkers and doers is not to destroy the informal, but to harness it - strategically, inclusively, and accountably.
Because in the end, great reforms are never solo acts. They are orchestrated, quietly, by networks of trust, voice, and strategic presence.
“If you want to go far, go with your shadow network. But if you want to go right, choose your whisperers well.”
Aramide Abe is a networking expert and a professional in international development. She is the convener of an African business leader network - Naija Startups. Follow arams on Twitter, Website - www.aramide.ng
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Policy and Strategy: Drivers of Business Growth, Sustainability
In today’s unpredictable business climate, survival and growth are no longer guaranteed by capital strength or market dominance alone. They depend heavily on the clarity, quality, and implementation of a company’s policies and strategies. Yet many businesses operate without a well-defined direction or purpose.
The absence of a guiding framework often results in financial losses, declining profitability, poor earnings, and weakened returns on capital employed (ROCE) or returns on shareholders’ capital (ROSC). A clear and actionable policy, backed by a dynamic strategy, is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for businesses to thrive in turbulent times.
“A comprehensive policy captures the full scope of an organisation’s needs while maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity”
Business policy serves as the compass of an organisation. It establishes boundaries within which lower-level managers can make decisions without needing constant approval from senior executives.
By doing so, policies empower operational teams to act decisively and consistently, while ensuring alignment with the organisation’s overall vision and goals.
Without this structure, businesses often find themselves in a reactive posture, constantly firefighting instead of executing well-planned initiatives that secure long-term stability.
UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS POLICY
Business policy refers to carefully crafted guidelines that govern an organisation’s operations and decisionmaking processes. These policies ensure predictability, streamline actions, and provide a framework within which all levels of management can function effectively.
An effective policy is characterised by several core attributes. It must be stable, offering consistent direction, yet flexible enough to adapt to evolving circumstances. It should be specific, simple, and easy for all stakeholders to understand. A comprehensive policy captures the full scope of an organisation’s needs while maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity.
Above all, it must be appropriate, reliable, and aligned with the entity’s objectives. These attributes transform policy from a bureaucratic document into a practical tool for growth and resilience.
POLICY AND STRATEGY: A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP
While policy provides the “what” and “why” of business actions, strategy delivers the “how”. Both are interdependent. Policies create the foundation for day-to-day decision-making, while strategies chart the course for achieving long-term objectives.
Policy is thought-driven, focusing on defining principles of action, while strategy is action-orientated, emphasising execution and adaptability.
Policies are typically uniform, designed to govern
internal operations, while strategies are dynamic, evolving in response to external market forces. Policies act as a blueprint for routine operations, whereas strategies tackle novel challenges and complex decisions.
In practice, strategic managers, such as directors and CEOs, are responsible for setting policies, while tactical and operational managers develop and execute strategies to achieve these policies’ objectives.
This division of labour ensures organisational coherence, allowing companies to respond effectively to changing environments while maintaining internal stability.
LAYERS OF STRATEGY: FROM VISION TO EXECUTION
To understand a strategy’s impact on growth and sustainability, it is useful to examine its layers:
Corporate strategy: Defined by senior executives, this sets the overall vision for the organisation. It identifies the industries or markets in which the company will compete and articulates long-term aspirations.
Business strategy: Crafted by general managers, this focuses on achieving competitive success in a specific line of business. It bridges corporate goals with market realities.
Functional strategy: Developed at the departmental level, this outlines actions within specific functions, such as finance, marketing, or operations, to support business strategies.
Operational strategy: This level focuses on the execution of tasks at individual plants, distribution centres, or geographic units. It ensures that every operational unit contributes to the larger strategic goals. Together, these layers create a cascading system of
strategy formulation and implementation, ensuring alignment across every level of the organisation.
DRIVING
GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY
Well-formulated policies and strategies are catalysts for business transformation. They establish effective communication channels, enhance production and service delivery, and create a culture of accountability. By defining clear expectations and empowering employees, policies reduce decision-making bottlenecks, while strategies offer the agility to respond to market shifts.
Moreover, businesses that prioritise strategic planning are better positioned to manage risks and seize emerging opportunities. A strong policy framework ensures consistency and compliance, while strategy encourages innovation and competitiveness. The synergy of both elements is critical to building resilience in a world where economic shocks, regulatory changes, and technological disruptions are constant threats. Businesses without a coherent policy and strategy often find themselves vulnerable, unable to adapt, compete, or grow sustainably. Conversely, organisations that integrate these two elements enjoy improved profitability, stronger stakeholder confidence, and the ability to achieve long-term success.
CONCLUSION
In an era where uncertainty is the only certainty, businesses must treat policy and strategy as central pillars, not afterthoughts. Policy provides a roadmap, offering structure and stability. Strategy breathes life into that roadmap, ensuring adaptability and relevance. Together, they serve as twin drivers of growth, competitiveness, and sustainability.
For Nigerian businesses in particular, where economic instability and regulatory unpredictability are frequent challenges, adopting a robust policy and strategy framework is not optional; it is the only viable path forward. Organisations that fail to embrace this reality risk stagnation, while those that commit to deliberate planning and execution will secure their place in an increasingly competitive global economy.
•Ayozie is a chartered accountant and public affairs analyst.
For Nigerian businesses in particular, where economic instability and regulatory unpredictability are frequent challenges, adopting a robust policy and strategy framework is not optional; it is the only viable path forward
KINGSLEY NDUBUEZE AYOZIE
FIRS, CBN, Others Back FICAN Conference on Digital Economy
The theme for this year is: “Bracing for the Digital Economy in Nigeria: Taxation, Banking and Finance.”
Organizers say that apart from the convergence of ideas from regulatory and operations perspectives, the event will provide fresh insights and practical strategies for
The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST) has endorsed the first National Science, Technology and Innovation Communication Conference (STICOMMS'25).
The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji expressed his Ministry's interest and endorsement describing it as a unique conference and first of its kind.
Chief Nnaji further assured the organizers – African University of Science and Technology (AUST) and partners led by the AUST President, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS and STICOMMS'25 local organizing committee (LOC), that the Ministry will collaborate with them to achieve the desired goals of the conference, adding that the
navigating the fast-changing digital landscape.
The conference will feature Dr Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of FIRS, as Guest Speaker. Dr Adedeji is expected to shed light on how Nigeria can harness technology to strengthen tax administration and improve government revenues in the digital era.
Also billed to speak are Dr Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, and Mr Babatunde Olofin, Managing Director of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Limited, who will deliver keynote addresses. Both executives are anticipated to share perspectives on how financial institutions can adapt their operations, products, and services to a digital-first economy while
A panel session will follow, featuring top industry players and academics who will expand on the guest speaker’s presentation and engage with sub-themes of the conference. Panelists will include representatives from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), NDIC, NAIA, AMC ON, Dangote Group, PalmPay, and the Nigeria Customs Service. Dr Yinka David-West of the Lagos Business School will also bring an academic perspective to the discussions.
According to FICAN executive led by Mr. Chima Titus
Nwokoji, the goal of the conference is twofold: to build the capacity of financial journalists and to serve as an agenda-setting forum for stakeholders in the economy. By equipping journalists with deeper knowledge of emerging issues in digital finance, the association aims to enhance the quality and accuracy of reporting in the economy.
FICAN, the umbrella body for journalists and editors covering the financial sector, has more than 150 members drawn from print, broadcast, and online platforms. Over the years, its annual conference has become a vital gathering for promoting dialogue between policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and the media.
“This year’s edition is particularly significant because it coincides with our 35th anniversary,” the association noted in a statement. “As Nigeria navigates the complexities of a digital economy, this platform will provide critical ideas and solutions that can guide stakeholders in taxation, banking, and finance.”
With the active participation of government agencies, regulators, bankers, fintech leaders, academics, and the media, the 2025 FICAN Conference is expected to make far-reaching contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy roadmap.
FG Endorses STICOMMS'25, Pledges Collaboration
conference is coming at the right time when the ministry is working tirelessly to promote Research and Innovation outputs from various research agencies.
The Minister also pledged to deploy two senior staff of the Ministry to join the LOC to ensure full representation of the Ministry in the planning and participation in the conference.
Earlier, the President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS who led the STICOMMS'25 LOC on a visit to the Honourable Minister, highlighted that the purpose of the visit was to seek the Ministry’s support for the forthcoming 1st National Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation Communication (STICOMMS 2025), scheduled for October 21–23,
2025, at AUST.
During the engagement, the AUST President highlighted areas of collaboration, which includes: Endorsement of the conference by the Honourable Minister; Delivery of a Keynote Address at the opening session; nomination and sponsorship of Ministry staff, alongside showcasing selected innovations.
Others are: Mobilization of the Research Agencies under the Ministry to participate actively; and Featuring the Ministry’s profiles and achievements in the official conference programme.
No doubt, the visit opens a way forward to a fruitful partnership with the Ministry and its agencies in working together to advance the communication of science, technology, and innovation for national development.
Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]
Chairman, Nigeria Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; Chief Executive Officer, Azura Power West Africa Ltd, Mr. Edu Okeke; Chief Executive Officer, EnergyInc Advisors, Mrs Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; Chief Executive Officer, Outsource Global, Amal Hassan; and Group Managing Director, Afrinvest, Mr Ike Chioke, during the 30th Anniversary of Afrinvest and Presentation of the 20th Nigerian Banking Sector Report in Lagos, recently.
L-R: Minister of Health for Cape Verde, Dr Jorge Figueiredo; Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate and the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Temitope Ogunwusi, during the dialogue on the ministry’s Big Push Against Malaria 2025 ‘Theme: Harnessing Africa’s Central Role for the Big Push Against Malaria’, at Abuja Continental Hotel, in Abuja on September 11, 2025.
Group Managing Director, Dangote
Kwairanga; Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mariya Dangote; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Jude Chiemeka during the presentation of the replica of Closing Gong Ceremony and Facts Behind the Figures Presentation at NGX Group in Lagos recently.
L-R: Opeluwa Onido of Lagos, Chief Aderibigbe Ajose; former Lagos Commissioner, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN); Admin Judge of the Lagos State Judiciary, Justice (Mrs) Modupe Nicol-Clay; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu; Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu and others, during the inaugural Lagos State Waterfront Summit, themed “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience”, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island on September 11, 2025.
L-R: Member, JAMB Equal Opportunity Group, Prof. Muhammad Bello; Chairman of the Special Committee on Examination Infraction, Dr Jake Epelle and the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, during the submission of the committee report on examination malpractice to the JAMB Registrar in Abuja on September 8, 2025.
L-R: Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Uzo Odenigbo; State Chairman, National Youth Council Nigeria, Engr. Olalekan Adigun; FRSC Sector Commander, Lagos State, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat; Convener, Strap and Safe Child Foundation, Mrs. Bolanle Edwards; Communications and Sustainability Manager, International Breweries Plc, Mr. Damian Igwe; Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), Mrs. Abiola Laseinde and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, ; Mr. Rotimi Odusola at the BSG/FRSC Townhall Meeting, held at the FRSC Lagos Sector Command, recently.
L-R:
L-R:
Cement Plc, Arvind Pathak; Group Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Temi Popoola; Chairman, Dangote Cement Plc, Emmanuel Ikhazoboh; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru
SPORTSLIVE
Losing Favour:What Ofili’s Switch Means for Nigerian Athletics
BY JUDE OBAFEMI
Favour Ofili has confirmed that she will no longer compete for Nigeria and will represent Turkey, a decision she linked to a series of administrative failures by Nigerian sport bodies that have affected her Olympic chances. She made the change public on her social media account and gave a brief statement saying that repeated lapses by national officials had left her with little choice but to seek a different path.
The most visible complaint from Ofili came after the Paris Olympic Games, when she posted that she had not been entered for the women’s 100 metres despite meeting the qualifying standard. That omission forced her to miss a race for which she had prepared, while she still competed in the 200 metres and the 4x100m relay. This was unfortunate for an athlete that had worked for four years toward that opportunity. It was a serious breach of duty by the responsible Federations.
The Paris incident followed another high-profile administrative failure that affected Nigerian athletes at the Tokyo Games. In 2021 the Athletics Integrity Unit identified a group of athletes who were not cleared to compete because mandatory out-ofcompetition drug tests had not been completed in line with international rules. Nigeria was the most affected nation in that action, with multiple competitors ruled ineligible after the testing requirements were not met. That episode remains a reference point in public discussion about governance and compliance inside Nigerian athletics.
The loss of an elite performer has effects that go beyond a single
The athletics authorities have reacted to the reports of Ofili’s change of national allegiance with a mixture of surprise and deflection. In earlier reports, the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,Tonobok Okowa, said the Federation was waiting to receive formal notification from the athlete or from the global federation while suggesting that financial offers played a part in the decision. He later confirmed that both World Athletics and the athlete herself had officially informed the AFN of the decision. Other federation statements stressed that they have been trying to repair the nationwide athletics system and that they regard athletes who move away with regret. Those comments shown a gap between the tone of the athlete’s account and the tone of official replies.
The international body for the sport has a formal process for changes of sporting nationality. World Athletics confirmed that it had received applications from the Turkish member federation requesting transfers for a small group of elite athletes and that those applications had not yet been reviewed or approved by the Nationality Review Panel. The Federation’s rules require evidence of citizenship and a waiting period before an athlete may represent
a new country at major championships, though the panel may consider requests for exceptions in specified circumstances. Those technical rules frame the legal steps that follow a public report of a nationality change.
Reports in the international press about moves to Turkey have emphasised that the country has been actively recruiting elite athletes from other nations. Major news agencies covered offers that were said to include substantial sign-on payments and ongoing financial support for selected competitors, citing figures that were widely reported in the athletics media. Those reports have helped explain why some athletes consult other Federations and why national governing bodies face new pressure to show they can offer stable conditions and clear administration.
The status quo raises some questions such as what problems exist within Nigeria’s system that can help to explain why a top athlete might consider changing national allegiance. One issue is weak administrative capacity in critical moments, including the preparation and submission of entries for major events and the management of anti-doping obligations for athletes living overseas. Another problem is the gap between what athletes need for training and competition and the level of financial and medical support they actually receive.
The loss of an elite performer has effects that go beyond a single event result. When a leading athlete changes sporting nationality there is a direct impact on a country’s medal prospects and on the morale of younger competitors who are watching the pathway to elite sport. There is also reputational damage, which can make it harder for national bodies to attract sponsors, to negotiate international training exchanges, or to win hosting rights for events. The cumulative effect of administrative errors and weak support can therefore
ogannah@thewillnews.com
Resident Doctors’ Strike and the Convergence of Nigeria’s Crises
Last Friday, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) initiated a five-day warning strike. The doctors want the government to release the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settle arrears in salary under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), pay outstanding accoutrement and hazard allowances and address problems with certification from postgraduate medical councils. The warning strike followed earlier ultimatums and a 10-day deadline which the government failed to meet.
Resident doctors form a crucial part of the country’s health workforce. They are medical graduates undergoing specialist training, often responsible for handling emergency wards, specialist departments, teaching hospital rotations and supervision of juniors. NARD claims that around 15,000 resident doctors are part of their membership, out of over 40,000 doctors in the national public medical system.
Hospitals in Lagos, such as the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos University Teaching Hospital and National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi reported full compliance with the strike. Departments outside emergency care have shut down and only lifethreatening or urgent cases are being attended to. The doctors say that five months of arrears from the revised pay structure remain outstanding. They also say that specialist and hazard allowances are unpaid.
A similar situation is playing out in the education sector, which is also under severe stress. The Academic Staff Union of Universities has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum in relation to unmet agreements involving salaries, funding, infrastructure, autonomy and working conditions. Universities have suffered multiple closures. Delays in curricula completion, postponement of practical classes, disruption of research activity and loss of contact hours are among the negative effects.
Extended duration of study arising from repeated academic disruptions is an all too familiar consequence of these strikes. Students in multiple institutions lose almost a semester or more in a year whenever ASUU goes on strike. For example, the 2022 ASUU strike lasted over eight months forcing students to sit at home as valuable study time was wasted away. Repeated interruptions to academic calendars reduce educational outcomes. Students miss lectures and practicals, examinations are delayed, and sometimes whole
semesters are condensed or lost. Employers worry about gaps in graduates’ preparation. The credibility of some degrees has suffered, especially compared with those from countries where academic disruption is far less frequent.
In healthcare, the moral of resident doctors has been undermined by working conditions. Overwork, poor welfare, inadequate staffing are frequently cited. Many doctors complain that shortage of manpower forces them to shoulder multiple responsibilities without sufficient support and that many exit to practice abroad. The financial stress on the sector is real, but funds remain undisbursed. The Medical Residency Training Fund, designed to ensure efficient specialist training, is not yet released for many doctors. Allowances such as accoutrement, hazard and others have been delayed for months.
Nigeria’s health sector receives less than the 15 percent share of the national budget promised under the Abuja Declaration, a target long missed. Many health facilities lack basic infrastructure, equipment or supplies and dependence on out-of-pocket payments remains high. Patient safety suffers where doctor availability is reduced,
local clinics are understaffed and emergency services are disrupted.
Strikes by doctors and academic staff overlap with economic pressures: Inflation, weakening currency, rising cost of food and transport make life harder for students, healthcare workers and ordinary citizens. Where monthly wages are delayed or allowances unpaid, purchasing power drops further. Many of those in the health and education sectors must also pay out of pocket for equipment, materials or even basic transport to work.
Repeated breakdowns in healthcare and education reduce public confidence. When people expect that services may be unavailable, they delay seeking care or shift to private alternatives. Families incur costs that they cannot always meet. Some patients suffer worsening of conditions due to delays in diagnosis or treatment. In education, young people lose time and money, sometimes dropping out or moving abroad for studies. The long-term human cost is large.
The typical government responses, such as a promise to negotiate, occasional disbursements of some allowances, setting up of committees have been overplayed and viewed with suspicion. Many of these have failed to yield full implementation in the past. Agreements made in previous strikes have often remained partly unfulfilled. Trust between unions and government today appears low.
The convergence of these crises in health and education overlaps with security challenges. Regions affected by conflict or insurgency have a harder time maintaining health facilities, transporting patients and keeping schools open. More often than not, displacement worsens shortages of trained professionals. Economic hardship often worsens security risks.
The convergence of these crises, in health, education, economy and security, is pushing Nigeria into a fragile state where one failure in public policy can cascade into a larger breakdown of service delivery and public trust.
Unless the government acts with urgency to meet the essential demands of resident doctors and university staff, the cyclical pattern of crisis will continue. The cost in lives, learning and social trust is rising. Without credible, transparent, enforceable policy change, the warning strike by NARD may become one of many future episodes rather than a turning point.
Unless the government acts with urgency to meet the essential demands of resident doctors and university staff, the cyclical pattern of crisis will continue
