American delegation tours Benue, visits IDPs, meets with governor, others
pledging deeper collaboration to
Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, meeting with a delegation of Congressmen from the United States. Continued on page 5
www.thisdaylive.com
Sent in air, ground troops FG: It was direct assault on democracy Move represents a subversion of the will of the people, declares ECOWAS, deploys forces Fix bad leadership or expect more military takeovers, CD warns regional body It's concerning, Atiku expresses worry
Story on page 5
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Hollywood unions and theatre owners at the weekend sounded the alarm over Netflix's proposed $72 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, warning the deal would cut jobs, concentrate power and reduce theatrical movie releases if the
Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Responding to an emergency call in a manner characteristic of the place of Nigeria on the continent, President Bola Tinubu’s timely reaction to a distress call by President Patrice Tallon of the Republic of Benin saved the country from the hands of rogue officers, who attempted to seize power in the early hours of yesterday.
Tinubu, following the call for help, sent in both air and ground troops from Nigeria, who helped to secure the neighbouring country and rally the coup plotters, paving the way for the loyal local military men to reclaim power and
deal passes regulatory review.
The deal would place the streaming giant's HBO brands under the Netflix umbrella and also hand control of the historic Warner Bros studio over to Netflix, which has already upended Hollywood by hastening the shift from movie releases in cinemas to
restore democracy.
The federal government described the failed coup in the Republic of Benin as a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who had consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transition.
The government maintained that unconstitutional changes of government were unacceptable, and a retrogressive step that threatened the hard-earned democratic gains and socioeconomic progress of the sub-region.
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also condemned the attempted military takeover of government in Benin Republic, saying the
presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to make up his mind about joining the party.
The party said although Obi was an important political leader needed in its coalition, it would not compel him to join its fold.
The party said the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru el Rufai, who made similar position to declare for ADC after off-seasons election, had done the needful. This is coming on the heels of Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar's visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja on
Macron stated that President Bola Tinubu had sought help from the Western European country in a telephone conversation earlier yesterday, explaining that no one should sit on the fence and “remain a spectator” in the goings-on in Africa's most populous country.
The French president made the disclosure weeks after the United States threatened to intervene in Nigeria's security challenge, alleging “Christian Genocide”, an imputation that the Nigerian government vehemently rejected.
Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has witnessed an upsurge in attacks in volatile northern areas, including mass kidnappings from schools and churches.
Equally yesterday, Ribadu
home streaming.
Netflix, the force behind "Stranger Things" and "Squid Game," could gain control of marquee Warner Bros titles such as "Batman" and "Casablanca." "This merger must be blocked," the Writers Guild of America East and West said in a statement.
move represents a subversion of the will of the people.
But Campaign for Democracy (CD), a Nigerian-based nongovernmental organisation (NGO), warned ECOWAS that its routine condemnation of coups would no longer deter military takeovers unless African leaders embraced genuine good governance that would improve the lives of their citizens.
A faction of the military in Benin Republic had attempted to oust Tallon in the early hours of Sunday. The soldiers appeared on Benin’s state television, claiming to have ousted Talon from office and dissolved all state institutions.
The coup attempt began with an attack on Talon’s official residence in the capital,
Saturday.
The meeting between Atiku and the former President was believed to be part of consultations ahead of the 2027 election.
Posting on his verified Facebook page, Atiku wrote: “It was a pleasure catching up with former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday evening, following his recent return from Guinea-Bissau.”
The spokesman of ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, who didn't want to force Obi to hasten his position since almost all off-seasons elections were over, said the priority of the party was to convince Nigerians that it was a credible alternative.
hosted a high-level US Congressional delegation in Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism and regional security.
Aside from the visit to the NSA, the US team visited Benue State, where they met with Governor Hyacinth Alia, and the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and also visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state. Alia, after the visit, said the deliberations focused on sustaining peace in the Northcentral state as well as ramping up humanitarian activities for displaced persons.
He said in a post on his Facebook page, “Today, I received a delegation from the U.S. Congress, the U.S.
"The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent," the organisation stated.
The deal faces antitrust reviews in the United States and Europe, and American politicians have already
Porto-Novo.
The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo”, near Talon’s home, and advised French citizens to remain indoors for security.
In their television appearance, the soldiers, allegedly led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, read out a statement, and declared that they had removed the president from power.
"The army solemnly commits to give the Beninese people the hope of a truly new era, where fraternity, justice and work prevail," they had stated.
Buy the loyal military group, with the help of Nigerian troops, later rallied round the president to ward off the threat of the
“We’re not talking about zoning or no zoning now. Nigerians are still waiting for us to tell them what we will do differently. So, zoning or no zoning is not on the table now. If that is the condition for Obi to join us, maybe he should wait till that time.
“I understand what Peter has been saying. But I will encourage him to make up his mind if he wants to be part of the coalition or not. Because the most important thing for us is how we can convince Nigerians that we represent the credible alternative, and this is without prejudice to where the candidate will come from,” he said.
Assistant Secretary of State, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, at Government House, Makurdi. Our discussions focused on the security and humanitarian challenges in Benue and the North-central region, and the urgent need for sustainable peace, justice, and security for our people.”
THISDAY recalls that the visit to Nigeria followed earlier engagements between Ribadu and US officials in Washington, D.C., where both sides discussed shared security priorities, as well as attempts to douse rising tensions between both nations.
Members of the US congressional team on the factfinding mission included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart; Rep. Norma Torres; Rep. Scott Franklin; Rep. Juan Ciscomani; and Rep. Riley
expressed skepticism.
The Writers Guild, which represents writers in motion pictures, television, cable, broadcast news, podcasts and online media, raised concerns over job cuts, wage reductions, higher prices for consumers and worsening conditions for entertainment workers.
dissident soldiers and restore democracy.
Acting on two separate requests from the government of Benin, Tinubu had, first, ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the national TV station and a military camp, where they had regrouped.
The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had in a note verbale, requested immediate Nigerian air support "in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population".
The Benin government also
The ADC spokesperson said the party wanted Obi and encouraged him to be part of the coalition.
Abdullahi explained that, “For us, we want Peter Obi to join us in building a political party that can reset Nigerian politics and provide a credible alternative to Nigerians. When we get to that point of deciding what he considers to be his priority, then we will take that decision.
“But if that is the condition on which he is going to continue to be part of the coalition or make up his mind about the coalition, he should probably wait until we get to that point and make that decision.
Moore.
Equally, on security, Imo State Governor and National Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Senator Hope Uzodimma, expressed optimism that Nigeria will win the war against terrorism.
Uzodimma spoke during the South-west zonal All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders meeting, as well as a two-day meeting of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Lagos, a statement from his media team said.
In a similar vein, there was a report last night by a national television station that the federal government had secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in
Netflix said it expects to generate at least $2 billion to $3 billion in annual cost savings by the third year after the
requested Nigerian ground forces, "strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups."
Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests were fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.
"Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-inChief of our armed forces, President Tinubu," he said. President Tinubu, however, commended the gallantry of Nigeria's military for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin
“But we will encourage him to make up his mind to join the party now. For us, we have other priorities, which include developing our party. We are making progress in that regard.”
He decried the use of the word “unstable” to describe the coalition, saying the ADC was stable and spreading across the country.
“It’s unfortunate that he (Obi) used a word like unstable, because instability is not contingent on whether we are able to make certain decisions on zoning at this point or not. We are stable. Within five months, we have offices in 27 or 28 states as of last count without a single
Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State. THISDAY could not independently confirm the information last night.
Bandits had attacked the school on November 21, in the remote community of Papiri, arriving around 2am on motorbikes and, reportedly, abducting 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers.
In the immediate aftermath, 50 pupils escaped within the first day and were reunited with their families. However, 265, including 253 children and all 12 teachers, remained in captivity, until last night when the release of some was reported.
Furthermore, in one of his most forceful public interventions in recent times, former Abia State Governor
political officeholder. That’s a major achievement.
“We would like to see Peter Obi go to Anambra and support efforts to build the party like other leaders have done in their respective states. The party will continue to encourage him. We want him to be part of our journey. We want him to be part of building the party.”
However, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, urged the ADC to give the former Anambra governor more time to consult.
and current Senate Chief Whip, Senator Uzor Kalu, used his appearance on Arise Television’s THISDAYLIVE programme on Sunday to issue a blistering assessment of separatist violence in the South-east.
Kalu insisted that saboteurs, and not President Bola Tinubu, were undermining national security, and challenged the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to “stop hiding behind anonymity” and embrace political dialogue.
Macron: France to Intensify Counterterrorism Support to Nigeria
Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 08074010580
Dike Onwuamaeze
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE)
has commended the federal government for presenting the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework
(MTEF) whose highlights showed a welcome and deliberate shift toward more conservative, realistic, and
credible fiscal planning.
The CPPE gave this commendation in its policy brief titled “2026–2028 Medium-
term Expenditure Framework: A Shift Toward Fiscal Realism and Budget Credibility.”
The policy brief, which was
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Chevening Alumni Association Nigeria (CAAN), in partnership with DO Take Action, with support from the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is set to host a high-level stakeholders engagement forum in Rivers state.
The occasion will feature two landmark events: a train-thetrainers workshop and a highlevel stakeholders engagement forum and graduation ceremony, a statement from the organisation said.
The Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement (SWEEAP)
programme, is a flagship initiative designed to strengthen institutional capacity, promote gender-inclusive reforms, and enhance women’s participation in public procurement.
The programme focuses on building the technical competence of government institutions in GenderResponsive Budgeting (GRB) and Gender-Responsive Procurement (GRP) while empowering Women-owned and Led Businesses (WOLBs) to successfully access government contract opportunities.
The train-the-trainers workshop scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 9:00 am, will bring together procurement officers, gender desk officers, and civil society representatives to undergo
intensive training on integrating GRB and GRP into government systems to promote inclusive development across Rivers State, the statement said.
The stakeholders engagement forum themed: “Advancing Gender-Responsive Budgeting and Affirmative Procurement for Inclusive Development in Nigeria”, will convene senior government officials, policymakers, development partners, women entrepreneurs, private sector actors, and civil society organisations on Friday, December 12, 2025.
The goal, according to the statement, is to deepen policy dialogue, foster public–private collaboration, and chart a sustainable roadmap for institutionalising affirmative procurement practices in
Rivers state.
As part of the forum, SWEEAP beneficiaries who have completed the capacity-building programme will be officially graduated, celebrating their readiness to leverage public procurement opportunities and drive inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on the forthcoming event, Oluwafunmilayo Ladepo, Chevening Programme Officer at British High Commission in Nigeria, noted: “The UK, through the FCDO’s Chevening Alumni Programme Fund, is proud to support the SWEEAP initiative.
“This project embodies our commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and fostering policy dialogue necessary for inclusive
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has restated the federal government's commitment to supporting the film industry, as the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival ended at the weekend in Abuja. Speaking at the closing and award ceremony, Mahmoud described the festival as a key platform
for talent development and cultural projection. She noted that the theme: "Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force", underscored cinema’s expanding role in diplomacy and national identity.
“This festival has affirmed its reputation as Nigeria’s most prestigious platform for celebrating creativity, talent and the transformative power of storytelling. Our
stories have travelled far beyond our borders, carrying with them our humour, resilience and collective spirit,” she said.
Mahmoud said the creative industry remains central to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in job creation and digital economy growth. “The creative sector generates employment, fuels entrepreneurship, expands
the digital economy and opens doors for youth innovation,” she added.
She emphasised Abuja’s rising cultural profile and said the administration will continue to strengthen infrastructure and policies that support filmmakers.
“The FCT is not just the political capital; it is a growing hub for arts, culture and creative expression,”
said.
economic growth and gender equality in Nigeria. We look forward to the tangible policy outcomes this Forum will yield in Rivers State.”
Kester Osahenye, President CAAN, added: “The SWEEAP initiative exemplifies how strategic alumni-led initiatives can contribute meaningfully to advancing the development agenda in Nigeria. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of both government institutions and women-owned businesses so that gender-responsive procurement becomes a norm, not an aspiration”
Precious Ebere Chinonso, CEO of DO Take Action, stated: "Scaling Women Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement is about breaking barriers that have kept women at the margins of public procurement for too long. We're leveraging capacity-building, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to ensure women are not just included but prioritised in procurement systems”
The SWEEAP programme is a Chevening-supported initiative aimed at advancing gender equality, inclusive governance, and economic empowerment by embedding gender-responsive reforms across public procurement systems.
signed by the Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, also tasked the National Assembly to resist any pressure to inflate the expenditure estimates by expanding the budget without cogent need and reintroducing unrealistic macroeconomic assumptions. Yusuf said: “The 2026–2028 MTEF marks a positive step toward embedding fiscal realism, strengthening budget credibility, and aligning national expenditure with Nigeria’s real implementation capacity.
“For Nigeria’s budget process to evolve into a truly effective tool of governance rather than an annual procedural formality, both the executive and the legislature must uphold the principles of realistic and evidence-based assumptions, transparent and credible fiscal planning, discipline in public expenditure and improved implementation efficiency.
“If sustained, these reforms will help entrench macroeconomic stability, rebuild public confidence and enhance the credibility of the budget process.”
He said that the recently presented highlights of the 2026–2028 MTEF by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, responded to heightened global uncertainties, Nigeria’s domestic fiscal pressures, recurring missed revenue targets, the pre-election dynamics that are expected in 2026, and the longstanding challenges around oil production and oil-price volatility.
Nigeria’s deep insecurity demands more than an emergency declaration, but requires massive investment in strengthening the intelligence and technological capacities of the police and military, a report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), an independent, nonprofit African think tank, has said. The organisation stated that ongoing challenges are evident in the repeated failure of security services to detect, disrupt or prevent attacks, even when fighters travel many kilometres on motorcycles, eluding detection largely because of limited intelligence and surveillance capacity at various levels.
Despite the potential to work with communities who could provide valuable information about insurgents' movements and activities, the research group said that deficiencies in detection and prevention enabled Boko Haram’s factions to overrun more than 15 military outposts in 2025 alone.
The Institute researches and supports policies on peace, security, governance and development across the continent. Founded in 1991 in South Africa, it now has offices in Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Dakar, among others.
Its work focuses on conflict prevention, governance, crime and justice reform, violent extremism, climate-related security risks, and long-term
UniZik VC: Lecturers Petition Education Minister, Demand Odoh’s Immediate
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Lecturers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have petitioned the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, demanding full enforcement and implementation of a binding judgment of the National Industrial Court, which reinstated Professor Benard Odoh as the duly appointed Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The lecturers urged the minister to direct the Governing Council to halt the ongoing illegal appointment process and enforce strict obedience to the Court order reinstating Odoh, stressing that in law, judgments remain binding until set aside.
Controversy had trailed Odoh’s appointment as the seventh substantive Vice
Chancellor on 29 October, 2024, when some individuals within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) alleged he was not yet a full professor at the time of his selection.
The lecturers under the aegis of the Concerned Lecturers of UNIZIK, led by Prof. Anthony Okoye, insisted that flagrant disobedience to court orders by the university’s management and governing council constitutes a direct assault on the rule of law, which is threatening to plunge the institution into a damaging governance crisis.
Acting on the allegations, the Federal Ministry of Education directed the dissolution of the Governing Council, removed Odoh from office and appointed a less than two-year PhD holder, Prof. Ikechebelu, as Acting Vice Chancellor.
development forecasting. ISS combines research with direct policy advice, training and capacity building for governments, regional bodies and civil society.
However, it stated in the report that Nigeria's security forces’ capacity is constrained partly due to the limited use of technology for operational planning, surveillance, and reconnaissance. For instance, it said that this, together with
weak human intelligence, forced the troops in Brig. Gen. Musa Uba’s convoy into hurried defensive positions.
“Limited use of technology for planning, surveillance and reconnaissance constrains security force capacity. The situation was compounded by a lack of secure communication during the failed attempt to rescue Uba. Security forces relied on commercial cellphone
networks and WhatsApp messaging to coordinate their movements, making them vulnerable to interception.
“On top of this, the Lake Chad Basin’s forests, mountains and islands make navigation by security forces difficult and provide hideouts for groups. There is also evidence that some groups, particularly Boko Haram’s Islamic State West Africa Province faction, are
increasingly using modified commercial drones and other technologies for their operations.
“To effectively tackle the country’s violence and insecurity, Nigeria must go beyond declaring a national emergency and recruiting more security personnel. Investments are needed in strengthening the intelligence and technological capacities of the police and military.
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
A philanthropist and the largest collector of art in Africa, Prince (Dr.) Yemisi Shyllon, has called on private individuals and corporate organisations to invest in Nigeria’s visual arts sector.
Dr. Shyllon made the call shortly after delivering a distinguished lecture and receiving an award of excellence organised by Obafemi Awolowo University in his honour, in recognition of his contributions to the development of the institution.
He said the intervention
of private individuals and organisations would unlock the industry’s full potential.
Prince Shyllon noted the film industry rose to global prominence largely due to private and corporate contributions, stressing that a similar approach would transform the visual arts sector and attract stronger government involvement.
Prince Shyllon reiterated that the visual arts industry remains a powerful tool for national development, urging stakeholders to play their part in securing its future.
According to him, “I think we should encourage private individuals and corporate organizations to invest more in art. You remember when Nollywood started; the film industry grew because of the contributions of private individuals and corporations.
"Today, it is a cynosure of Nigeria. I can assure you that if private individuals and corporate entities put more effort and contribute to the development of visual art, then the government will step in too.
"When art started over the years, very few Nigerians
appreciated it. Thanks to religion, religion in Christianity, in Exodus chapter 20 verse 4 states that we should not make any work in God's image, but went ahead in verse 5 that as long as you don't worship this work.
"The religious followers who stopped at Exodus chapter 20 verse 4 did not read Exodus chapter 5 along with it. Also, the Muslims in the Quran chapter 21 verse 52–54 were misguided because they didn't look at the provision of the Quran that as long as you do not worship those works, you have not offended God Almighty.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has advocated intensified crossborder collaboration to combat Africa’s growing cancer crises, The minister also said the federal government is implementing reforms, expanded cancer infrastructure and ambitious prevention strategies.
A statement signed by Deputy
Director/Head, Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun said the minister spoke at the Africa Oncology Collaboration and Innovation Forum held in Luxor, Egypt.
Salako said Africa must urgently unite to address what he described as a silent epidemic claiming more lives than war, AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined on the continent.
Quoting GLOBACAN 2022 data, the minister revealed that
Africa recorded 1,185,216 new cancer cases and 763,843 related deaths, figures largely driven by lifestyle and environmental risk factors, ageing populations, late detection and weak treatment infrastructure.
He noted that Nigeria alone accounts for 10.5 per cent of Africa’s cancer burden, ranking among the top three on the continent alongside Egypt and South Africa.
“These unacceptable figures demand that we bridge borders,
share resources and establish a coordinated, Pan-African response. This is the essence of healthcare Pan-Africanism,” Salako stated
The new Cancer Control Plan, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2026, is aligned with global frameworks such as the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer and the Global Cancer Declaration by the Union for International Cancer Control.
MAN seeks audit of FTZs, calls for special task force to sanitise operations Adewoye: operators exploit loopholes, import finished or semi-finished goods under the guise of raw materials, sell at unfairly low prices
James Emejo in Abuja
The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has called for a 10-year tax relief for operators of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He said investors should be exempted from the country’s new tax regime for at least 10 years to give them time to adjust their operations to the new regulations.
He spoke at a virtual stakeholder dialogue hosted by the Federal Ministry of
Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja.
However, Ogunjimi’s appeal came as the Basic Metals, Iron and Steel Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) also called for a comprehensive audit of all Free Trade Zones (FTZs) operations in the country, especially in the metals and steel segment.
Chairman of the Group, Prince Lekan Adewoye, also called for the recovery of lost government revenue in the past 10 years as well as prosecution of offenders engaged in under-invoicing or
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja
The University of Maidugiri (UNIMAID), Alumni Forum, Abuja Chapter, has called on all graduates of the school who are resident in Abuja to identify with the Alumni, as well as to unite in order to impact on their alma mater and students.
President, UNIMAID Alumni Forum Abuja Chapter, Shettima Kukawa made the call during the forum's 2025 quarterly walk-out and networking in Abuja, tagged, "Re-Awakening 2.0" Kukawa said there was the need for them to come together, unite and make impact in both the institution and students.
"What we are doing are in two stages which are building the Alumni and building unity.
"We're trying to bring our people together. It's only when
you achieve that that you are able to make the necessary impact on the people, the university, and the students
"Most of them who graduated from UNIMAID that are in this town have never met themselves.
"This is what we do as part of our programmes to bring our members together," he said.
He added: "This is the ninth edition, even though we call it 'Re-Awakening 2.0'. But it's the ninth session that we had to bring our members together. You see, everybody is here. Some people have not seen themselves for almost 10, 15, 20 years and we're reconnecting.
"And those of us in Abuja, it's just for us to also socialise, build an established network that we can be able to build on ourselves and also build on our alumni association and even the university itself.
diversion of imports among others.
Adewoye, raised the alarm in Abuja, asserting that the sector remained the backbone of industrial development.
He said these operators exploit loopholes in the FTZ process to import finished or semi-finished goods under the guise of raw materials,
selling them locally at unfairly low prices and undermining genuine local manufacturers. Nonetheless, Ogunyemi said the advocacy for tax relief became expedient following the continued reverberation of the operators' concerns across various local and global platforms, noting that such campaigns were deleterious
to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the scheme.
He said the proposed tax relief, if granted, would provide stability, predictability, and seamless backward linkages with the local business environment, adding that the reprieves constituted the nucleus of the scheme.
Represented by Director, Corporate Service, NEPZA, Mrs. Haleema Sani Kamba, Ogunjimi further explained that the country would strike the right balance between revenue collection and the promised incentives for the scheme if at least a 10-year “sunset period” of tax relief was granted.
Peter Uzoho
In a bizarre turn of events, subsidy has crept into Nigeria's oil and gas production activity, caused by the Local Content policy implementation, plunging the cost of providing technical services in the industry to the cheapest in Africa and most uncompetitive in the world.
The Chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the umbrella body of technical service companies in the industry, Mr.
Wole Ogunsanya, disclosed this during the Townhall Session at the just-concluded 14th Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) forum in Yenagoa.
Ogunsanya provided a detailed analysis of project costs across Africa and elsewhere.
Ogunsanya insisted that a distinction must be made between the capital expenditures (CAPEX) of the oil industry and operating expenditures (OPEX), stressing that Nigeria’s
Capex rates were arguably the lowest in Africa.
He attributed what some industry observers refer to as Nigeria’s uncompetitive costs of production to challenges of evacuation, security costs and the activities of portfolio companies that habitually manipulate their clientele.
According to him, PETAN, the umbrella body of reputable indigenous technical oilfield service companies, has been analysing production costs in different countries over time, using CAPEX
and OPEX, and, in the case of Nigeria, carefully identifying cost elements at successive stages of oil and gas production.
“The number one cost driver in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry operations is evacuation of crude oil and gas. Our pipelines are vandalised, and some companies use vessels, barges to move crude oil, at a cost of US$12 per barrel. Costs include payments to security agents as guards or escorts", Ogunsanya said.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday departed the nation's capital, Abuja for Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Mr. Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term in office as President of that country.
Shettima, according to a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Stanley Nkwocha, is expected to join other
leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.
Quatara was re-elected for a fourth term in office on October 25, 2025 as President of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country that shares cordial diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
Both nations collaborate
significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development, formalized by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements covering areas like antitrafficking, agriculture, and digital economy, with strong informal trade and significant Nigerian diaspora in Côte d'Ivoire, fostering deep bilateral economic and social connections.
The Vice President is accompanied by Omar Aliyu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Hon. Usman Zannah, member representing Kaga/ Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Shettima is expected back in Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.
ACCOUNT MANAGERS (Ref: AM)
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
• Minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in Engineering, Finance, or Business Administration from a reputable University
At least 5 years in the IT/Telecoms industry, SME industry managing B2B markets products and services.
• Knowledge of FTTX, Learning Management System and other digital solutions is an advantage
• Relationship management and Very good in Microsoft suites.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tele-Sales and marketing skills.
Key Responsibilities
• Ensue sale of company's products and services in allocated sector
• Manage corporate accounts and customers within vertical.
• Acquire new customers to meet customers acquisition target
• Ensure customer expectations regarding the standard of procured services are met, working collaboratively with other enterprise units (finance, technical, service management)
PROJECT MANAGER (Ref: PM)
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
• Minimum of Second Class Upper (2.1) in Engineering, Electronics, Telecommunication or Computer Science from a reputable University Professional certification in Project Management is desired.
5 to 10 years of cognate experience
Knowledge of IP/MPLS, microwave and fiber optics technology
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Relationship management and very good in Microsoft suites.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the project life cycle from initiation to closure
Ensure that the project is delivered within scope, cost and time
Attend project meetings with customers to update on the projects.
Initiate the LOS survey with the OEM vendor and ensure prompt feedback of the survey reports and link budgets
• Request for the Work Order from Planning for subsequent configuration
We are a leading Telecommunications Connectivity Solution Provider and we desire to engage highly competent professionals with excellent track record of achievement in their respective fields to fill the following positions:
• Interact with the Backend team for the implementation of the work orders
• Prepare the required documents for the dispatch of equipment to site for installation and commissioning
• Ensure the successful completion of the User Acceptance Test with the customer
• Provide the Finance team the project completion documents to commence billing.
SALES MANAGERS (Ref: SM)
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
• University degree in Engineering, Telecommunication, Computer Science, Economic, Business Administration from a reputable University
Minimum of 8 years sales experience within Telecoms or IT Industry
Relevant experience in wholesale/ carriers sales/ enterprise sales/ business development for a Telecoms/ IT Company Experience with management of complex sales cycle
Key Responsibilities
• Manage existing Wholesale clients (Internet Service Providers, Telco's, Global Carriers, OTT providers and Internet Data Centers) by building strong relationships through world class customer service
Grow and retain clients through strategic structured conversations to identify connectivity, security, cloud and other needs of the clients.
• Aggressively generate and pursue sales to develop new sources of revenue from wholesale/ISP customers to meet or
exceed given targets
• Manage all stages of the sales cycle including post-sales processes to ensure customers' requirements are met
• Maintain accurate records of all pricings, sales, and activity reports submitted
Quantity Surveyors (QS)
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
• A good degree in Quantity Surveying or Surveying Engineering from a reputable University
• Masters degree in Building Technology/ Quantity Surveying will be added advantage
• Membership of Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) will be an advantage
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with a construction company or Estate Management/ Valuation firm.
Key Responsibilities
• Prepare Bill of Quantities for all building developments / design.
• Prepare Bid Evaluation Reports from returned tenders.
• Prepare priced Bill/ tender
• Carry out periodic price survey of key building materials and going rates for specific work packages for various cadre of building contractors.
Review all payment request/ certification/ valuations, confirm correctness of claims and ascertain in line with contract terms. Verify all variation claims. Prepare and Review final project accounts.
• Only candidates who meet the above criteria need apply
• Qualified candidates should e-mail their CVs (giving e-mail address and telephone number) within two-weeks from the date of this publication to: professionals238@gmail.com
IFB Number: PHWSSP/AFDB/G/NCB/2025/004
Employer: Port Harcourt Water Corporation, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Project: Urban Water Sector Reform and Port-Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project
Contract title: Procurement and Installation of ICT Equipment and Networking Systems at Rumuola for Port Harcourt Water Corporation
Country: Nigeria
Loan No. / Grant No.: 2000130011585
Procurement Method: Open Competitive Bidding (National) (OCBN)
LCBN No: PHWSSP/AFDB/G/NCB/2025/004
Issued on: December 8, 2025
1.The Federal Republic of Nigeria has received Financing from the African Development Bank towards the cost of Urban Water Sector Reform and Port Harcourt Water Supply and Sanitation Project. It is intended that part of the proceeds of this loan will be applied to eligible payments under the contract for the Procurement and Installation of ICT Equipment and Networking Systems at Rumuola for Port Harcourt Water Corporation
2. The Port Harcourt Water Corporation now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the execution of the Procurement and Installation of ICT Equipment and Networking Systems at Rumuola for Port Harcourt Water Corporation
3. Bidding will be conducted through the Open Competitive Bidding (National) (OCBN) procedures as specified in the Bank's [African Development Procurement Framework Bank, Standard Bidding Document Goods (Two-Envelope Bidding Process) August 2021] and is open to all Bidders as defined in the Procurement Framework.
4. Interested eligible Bidders may obtain further information f r o m C h i e f I b i b i a O ; Wa l t e r w i t h e m a i l a d d r e s s : watsanworks.phwssp@gmail.com and inspect the Bidding document during office hours (8:00 A.M. - 4 P.M.) on weekdays only at the address given below
5. The Bidding document in English may be purchased by all eligible Bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of US$400.00 or its equivalent in a freely convertible currency. The method of payment will be in Cheque or Bank Draft, made out in favor of PORT-HARCOURT WATER CORPORATION. The document will be sent by courier on demand.
6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on or before Wednesday January 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Electronic Bidding will not be permitted. Late Bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly opened in the presence of the Bidders' designated representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address below on Wednesday January 21, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
7. All Bids must be accompanied by Bid Security of:
8. Attention is drawn to the Procurement Framework requiring the Borrower to disclose information on the successful bidder's beneficial ownership, as part of the Contract Award Notice, using the Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Form as included in the bidding document.
9. The address referred to above is: The Managing Director Attention: Chief Ibibia O' Walter JP Port-Harcourt Water Corporation, 6 Water Works Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
E-mail: watsanworks.phwssp@gmail.com
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THE COUP TREMORS IN BENIN
The incident underscores the growing fragility across West African democracies, argues FELIX OLADEJI
Kaduna State is transforming the education landscape through global partnerships, argues UMARU SARKI JATAU
opinion@thisdaylive.com
More women are stepping into top positions, and rewriting a story many thought would take decades to change, writes LINUS OKORIE
There is a shift rising in Nigeria’s corporate world. It does not arrive with noise. It spreads through boardrooms, echoes in conversations about power, and shows up in the faces that now appear in executive portraits. For a long time, leadership in these spaces carried a familiar pattern. One kind of person was expected to lead, and everyone acted like this was normal. But the ground has begun to move. More women are stepping into top positions, especially in the banking sector, and their presence is rewriting a story many thought would take another generation to change.
For years, the problem stayed in the open. Women drove teams, stabilized departments, and rescued failing projects. They carried responsibilities that shaped entire organizations. Yet when the talk shifted to who would take the highest seat, their names quietly disappeared. People saw the contradiction. They felt it. They avoided talking about it. And because no one talked about it, the ceiling held firm.
The agitation built in silence. Young women looked at the highest offices and sensed that they were not meant to enter. Boards recycled the same kind of candidate. Executives praised female talent but rarely trusted it with full authority. Many women reached mid management and paused, not because they lacked ambition, but because the path above them looked closed.
But this moment is different. The rise of women at the top of Nigerian banks is a cultural shift that has slowly gathered weight. It shows a country wrestling with old expectations and learning to embrace a wider idea of leadership.
The impact on younger talent is immediate. When a young analyst walks into a banking hall and sees a woman smiling back at her from the framed leadership portraits, she feels the limit move. It is no longer a story about whether women can lead. It becomes a story about how far she can go. Visibility has a way of whispering truth into the minds of people who are still shaping their dreams. When you see someone who looks like you at the top, you stop waiting for permission to grow.
Behind every appointment sits a decision by a board that finally decided to take leadership seriously. Not leadership as a performance. Leadership as capacity. Leadership as track record. For a long time, the idea of a bank CEO in Nigeria followed a template. He usually carried the same background, the same tone, the same
network, the same air of familiarity. But global trends pressed Nigerian corporate leadership to rethink what competence looks like. Investors wanted balance. Younger employees expected fairness. Shareholders wanted stable performance that did not depend on outdated instincts.
The change inside these banks is not only symbolic. It shows up in the way people now work. Staff members in several institutions say communication has become clearer, collaboration stronger, and the leadership atmosphere less rigid. One senior manager described it this way: “People are less afraid of saying what they really think.” That single sentence says a lot. When honesty becomes normal, progress becomes possible.
Real stories sit behind these women. Many started their careers surrounded by doubt. Some faced subtle resistance from colleagues who felt uncomfortable with a woman in authority. Others watched their peers get promoted while they were asked to wait. They worked through assumptions, silence, and pressure, often carrying more responsibility than their titles suggested. Their journeys tell a story of grit and steady preparation. When they stepped into the highest office, they stepped in ready.
Their rise is not about replacing men. It is about expanding leadership so the most capable people can lead. The future of leadership in Nigeria will be more balanced because the pipeline is shifting. More women are studying finance and business. More are becoming analysts, strategists, and bankers who understand the pulse of the economy. Mentorship networks for young women are stronger than ever. Society is slowly learning to allow ambition without suspicion.
Still, this progress will not last on its own. Many organizations celebrate one female appointment and relax immediately after. That is not how inclusion works. Inclusion grows through the choices leaders make
every day. It grows in the way companies identify potential, in the way they train new managers, and in the way they respond to the quiet ambition sitting in junior roles.
Companies that want to keep this shift alive must be intentional. They need to pay attention to women early in their careers. They need to offer roles that stretch capacity instead of locking women into the same supportive positions for years. They need to treat inclusion not as a public statement but as a cultural discipline. Boards must take responsibility for the choices they make. Leadership teams must give mentorship the seriousness it deserves. And organizations must avoid the habit of celebrating diversity only when the cameras are on.
This moment offers lessons for every sector. The banking industry has shown what is possible when competence is taken seriously and when old assumptions lose their grip. It tells us that leadership becomes stronger when a wider range of voices is allowed to rise. It reminds us that talent is not limited to any gender, and that progress often begins with one simple act to let the right people lead.
There is also a wider story about society. Over the last 30 years, Nigerian women are gaining greater access to education, networks, and opportunities that used to be far away. Social expectations are shifting. Families are learning to support daughters with the same energy they give to sons. Men are becoming more comfortable with women who carry ambition. The next generation will grow up in a world where female leadership is not an anomaly but a normal feature of professional life.
Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.
Kaduna State is transforming the education landscape through global partnerships, argues
In a country grappling with one of the world's highest numbers of out-of-school children, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has emerged as a relentless advocate for educational reforms and inclusivity. The recent high-level engagement in Kuwait City with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) bears ample testament to this commitment. A commitment which goes beyond rhetoric but far into ensuring that every child in Kaduna has access to quality education and that none is left behind.
The meeting, detailed in a post by the governor himself on his verified social media handle, builds directly on a foundational partnership announced in early August, specifically August 5th, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Finance. That prior announcement lend huge credence to the governor's updates, highlighting the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Programme as a beacon of hope amid Nigeria's near educational crisis. A thorough and dispassionate examination of both announcements by the two tiers of government reveals how Governor Uba Sani's leadership is driving tangible progress, fostering international collaborations, and addressing broader developmental needs in Kaduna State.
The ROOSC Programme, a multi-partner initiative valued at $62.8 million, represents a strategic results oriented intervention in educational exclusion in Kaduna State. As Governor Sani put it in the recent December 3 post: “This transformative initiative, jointly supported by the Kuwait Fund, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Above All (EAA), and Save the Children International, represents a combined investment of $62.8 million.” And, to say the least, that is huge.
This re-echoes the Federal Ministry of Finance's August announcement, which described the program as “a significant step towards improving access to quality education in Nigeria” through a “US$62.8 million blended package with international partners that will expand access to quality, inclusive education and improve learning outcomes for some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.”
Through the ministry of finance, the federal government provided the genesis of this partnership, as it acknowledged the signing of a “US$25.35 million concessionary loan agreement” between the Federal Government, on behalf of Kaduna State, and the KFAED. This loan forms the cornerstone of the funding structure, supplemented by contributions from other entities. According to the federal ministry of finance, “The financing partners and indicative contributions include Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development with a US$25.35 million concessionary loan, Islamic Development Bank with US$10.5 million, Global Partnership for Education with a US$15.45 million grant, Education Above All Foundation
with a US$10 million grant, Save the Children International with a US$0.5 million technical assistance grant, and Kaduna State Government with a US$1 million counterpart funding.”
This breakdown not only illustrates the program’s financial robustness but also Kaduna’s own skin in the game, with the state committing $1 million in counterpart funding—a point the governor proudly reaffirmed in his post: “Kaduna has provided its counterpart contribution in full”.
Governor Uba Sani’s meeting in Kuwait City served as a progress review and also a pitch for accelerated support. During the meeting, Governor Sani revealed key milestones already covered to KFAED’s Director General, Dr. Waleed Al-Bahar, which he listed to include: “Identification and mapping of 79,275 out-of-school children across 14 LGAs; Enrollment of 13,756 learners — surpassing our Year One target of 10,000; Training of 1,300 teachers and distribution of more than 35,000 learning kits; Ongoing civil works to rehabilitate 170 schools and construct 102 new ones."
These achievements demonstrate the program’s momentum since the August signing. The ministry’s earlier announcement had set ambitious goals, including “the construction of new, climate-resilient schools and rehabilitation of existing facilities across hard-to-reach communities; re-enrolment of out-of-school children into safe, inclusive and quality learning environments; teacher development to strengthen pedagogy and improve learning outcomes, and community-based solutions that lower barriers to attendance and completion, particularly for girls and children with disabilities.”
The updates provided by Uba Sani confirmed beyond doubts that these objectives are being met, with enrollment exceeding targets and infrastructure projects underway.
This collaboration between the federal ministry of finance and the Kaduna State government highlights a rare synergy between federal oversight and state-level execution. The ministry emphasized fiduciary responsibility when it declared that: “The Federal Ministry of Finance will oversee fiduciary assurance and results reporting in close collaboration with Kaduna State and participating partners.
Jatau, a legal practitioner and Good Governance Advocate, writes from Kaduna, Kaduna State
The incident underscores the growing fragility across West African democracies, argues FELIX OLADEJI
THE COUP TREMORS IN BENIN
In the last two decades, periodic elections had become the norm rather than an exception in West Africa—a region previously adjudged as the most coupprone in the world. There had been notable progress with heads of states being elected, incumbents unseated, and alternations of power. Despite these positives, the enjoyment of dividends of democracy in the forms of public goods and services and rights continued to elude many residents. Instead, corruption and insecurity remained rife with scant respect for constitutionalism and the rule of law. In fact, some of these countries could be described as deliberative authoritarian states who use elections as a means of legitimizing themselves in office.
The August 2020 military takeover in Mali brought to the fore the fragility of West African democracy.
Since that coup d'état in Mali, there has been an uptick in democratic backsliding in the region with coups in Guinea and Burkina Faso, a military-led succession in Chad, and an aborted coup in Guinea-Bissau.
This instability has been mainly driven by the leaders' inability to govern effectively.
When Alpha Condé became Guinea's first democratically elected leader in 2010, his victory was widely heralded as the start of a new political era. However, by 2020 Condé became increasingly unpopular, and his decision to push through a constitutional referendum that allowed him to extend his rule to an unconstitutional third term did not reflect the people's will. According to Afrobarometer, more than eight out of ten Guineans support a two-term limit on presidential mandates. Condé's decision, along with economic missteps, set the stage for the military putsch.
This troubling trend of democratic reversal worsened with the latest development in Benin Republic on December 7, 2025, when a group of soldiers appeared on national television announcing the dissolution of President Patrice Talon’s government, the suspension of the constitution, and the takeover of state institutions. Although government forces later insisted that the situation was under control and described the soldiers as a small mutinous faction, the incident underscores the growing fragility across West African democracies. Benin, once regarded as one of the region’s most stable democracies, now joins the expanding list of states grappling with attempted or successful military interventions—further deepening concerns about the region's political direction.
The inability to effectively deal with prevailing insecurity is another regional challenge. In Mali and Burkina Faso, this created an increasing lack of trust in democracy as an effective system of government. In the months leading up to the coups in both countries, both governments had lost control of large swathes of territory to insurgents and jihadists. The state was no longer able to protect its citizens. This partly explains why citizens were seen on the street celebrating the ouster of the
government in both countries.
Coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea have been orchestrated by middle-aged officers of the elite or special forces trained to protect the regime and not national security. Assimi Goita, 39, Mamady Doumbouya, 42, and Paul Henri Damiba, 41, all led coups in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso, respectively. These actors have benefited from the US and French government training. This time around, the coup leaders are innovating and, importantly, learning from one another. Across the board, they are consulting with citizens to present a veneer of popular participation. Furthermore, each has an elongated transition agenda—30 months for Burkina, between 9 and 60 months for Mali, and unspecified for Guinea. This emphasizes the need for state-building over elections.
Regional geopolitics is also shifting. The importance of France, the United States, and other European governments has dwindled in the region. The inability of the French military, G5 Sahel or Operation Takuba, to bring about improvements in the security situation in the Sahel, driven in part by disinformation campaigns, has delegitimized western powers. Instead, Russia, China, Turkey, and other Gulf countries wield more influence as the go-to partners. These are states who support noninterference in the internal affairs of the country and whom African leaders believe offer them more respect. But importantly, they give arms, drive development and give unconditional aid.
At the regional level, ECOWAS is fast losing its reputation as a credible actor, and the Commission's legitimacy is increasingly in question. When Alpha Condé, Alassane Ouattara and Gnassingbe Eyadema committed constitutional coup d'états in Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo respectively, ECOWAS was notably silent. The ECOWAS response to coup d'état has been to slam sanctions on the country, including suspending them from the community. These sanctions are always ineffective save for the recent sanctions imposed on Mali, which included the suspension of non-essential financial transactions, closure of land and air borders, and the freezing of state assets, amongst others. This translates to adding economic to political sanctions.
Oladeji writes Lagos
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
The minister should make a difference in securing the country
Following his confirmation by the Senate last Wednesday, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christoper Musa was sworn in by President Bola Tinubu the next day as the new Defence Minister. The fact that this was a standalone confirmation amid a flurry of ongoing ambassadorial nominations indicates that this could be the most consequential appointment under the current administration. The immediate backdrop of Musa’s appointment was the dramatic resignation of Abubakar Badaru who had held the position. Whether he was pushed out or jumped off the cabinet wagon is unimportant. But this may also be the time to find something else for the Minister of State, Bello Matawalle considering his unedifying profile.
The Tinubu administration is faced with existential insecurity challenges. Nigerians and concerned foreigners alike have expressed overwhelming fears and anxieties. Massive bandit attacks, school closures, abductions and attacks on places of worship have of late become rampant and unnerving. Some foreign interests have seen sectarian genocide in the many killings. In response, President Tinubu has declared a wide-ranging national security emergency.
a direct synergy between ministerial bureaucracy and the command-and-control structure of our defense establishment. This is the synergy and decisive urgency that defines Musa’s appointment. He has to hit the ground running. He cannot pass the buck. He must translate the president’s anxiety into demonstrable outcomes. Nigerians must, in the shortest time, resume a life of safety and security irrespective of faith, location, region or ethnicity.
Musa must translate the president’s anxiety into demonstrable outcomes. Nigerians must, in the shortest time, resume a life of safety and security irrespective of faith, location, region or ethnicity
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
Understandably, drastic security measures are called for. The most urgent is perhaps a change in the leadership of the nation’s defence and security establishment. Prior to now, there was a dysfunction and misalignment. Two former governors who were not distinguished in any way presided over defence and security matters over and above senior armed forces personnel. Quite often, professional security and national defence decisions were subjugated to political considerations. At other times, the civilian ministers may not have appreciated the urgency and expediency of certain security situations and the orders they necessitated.
On those scores, the president’s decision to replace Badaru with Musa is right on target. The current state of insecurity in the country requires
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
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GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
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In his inauguration speech on 29th May 2023, the president had promised to make security a top priority and to “effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security doctrine and its architecture.” For this to happen, there must be a change in strategies to keep abreast of the sophistication in the methods of the agents of insecurity. While the recent declaration of emergency in the security sector is a good political body movement, translating the wishes in the declaration into practical measures will require more commitment and hard work. And that is where the appointment of General Musa comes in.
On the fresh recruitment ordered in both the police and the army, the president spoke as though the involvement of the armed forces in internal security operations is axiomatic. We subscribe to strengthening the Nigeria police to be effective and efficient – both in terms of its professionalism and structure, so that it sustains the capacity to carry out its constitutional responsibility of maintaining law and order. But the contentious issue of political office holders at different levels negotiating some hazy deals with criminals cannot be allowed to continue if we are to successfully address the insecurity challenge. On this, Musa’s position is in alignment with that of most Nigerians.
Now, he has an overarching responsibility to the nation as a democratic state. Freedom from fear of insecurity is fundamental to democratic life. The protection of life and property remains one of the critical requirements of a democratic state and national sovereignty. We wish the General success in his assignment.
Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.
The late sage Mahatma Gandhi captured a profound truth when he said, “Poverty is the worst form of violence.” Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress in the fight against insecurity without addressing the deeper causes that fuel it.For too long, we have mobilised for defence. What we truly need is to mobilise for development. Since the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009, insurgency has steadily expanded. What began as isolated attacks by a handful of poorly equipped fighters in the North-East, using improvised explosives at the risk of their own lives, has grown into open confrontation with state forces. Beyond Boko Haram, whose motivations appear superficially ideological, a wider network of armed groups has spread across the country. Their operations now span
regions like a swarm of bees, overwhelming national security from all angles.
At the heart of this violence is poverty. We must not forget that Mohammed Yusuf, the founder of Boko Haram, did not attract followers with superior ideology. He recruited from the poor and unemployed, offering economic incentives, start-up capital,welfare, and even paying marriage expenses for young couples. These gestures drew thousands into his fold, some crossing state and even national borders to pledge allegiance.The uncomfortable truth, which government often avoids, is that a purely military solution will only escalate an already fragile situation. Conventional warfare cannot defeat unconventional enemies. Increasing troop numbers will only
increase casualties on both sides.If Nigeria truly intends to end banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, arson, extremism, rustling, and the many conflicts tearing the nation apart, then it must wage a war on poverty. This requires mass employment opportunities, major investment in public works, a fair wage system and reduced income inequality free and quality education, free and quality healthcare and the economic empowerment of women.Once these pragmatic solutions are pursued with sincerity and consistency, violence will fade as shadows disappearing at daybreak.
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ON
Nigerians across the country are rallying around new Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, presenting him with a bold agenda for strengthening national security, writes linus Aleke
Nigerians from across the country have outlined their expectations for the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, calling on him to spearhead reforms capable of revitalising the nation’s security framework. Citizens and security experts alike believe that his extensive military background places him in a unique position to confront long-standing threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and the proliferation of illegal arms. They stressed the importance of enhancing coordination among security agencies, strengthening intelligence gathering, and ensuring that frontline troops receive adequate welfare, equipment, and operational support.
Beyond these immediate priorities, many Nigerians are urging the new Minister to adopt innovative defence strategies that leverage advanced technology, intelligence-led operations, and stronger international partnerships. There is also a growing demand for improved transparency, better civil–military relations, and measures that will rebuild public confidence in the defence sector.
As General Musa steps into his role at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s security history, citizens are hopeful that his leadership will usher in a more effective, accountable, and forward-looking security architecture for the country.
Setting the agenda for the new Minister of Defence, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, Pine Atah, stressed that Nigeria already has a security architecture, and the new Minister will need to operate within it. He noted that no matter his patriotism and good intentions, if the security architecture does not provide him with the enabling environment to operate, he cannot succeed.
His ambitions and desires, Prof. Pine added, will come to nought if the security architecture is not conducive. “Therefore, he must engage with the policy environment. The security policy environment must be such that it supports his willingness to tackle the situation seamlessly. By this, I am referring to the fact that the National Security Adviser (NSA) is central. We may have a Minister of Defence, but the central figure is the National Security Adviser. He is the political head; he is not restricted to a ministry. He is the National Security Adviser to the President. The security architecture of this country, and the policy environment around security, must be recalibrated to reflect the desire, the intention, and the new spirit of confronting security threats.”
He further stated, “A critical study must also be carried out to identify regional peculiarities of criminality and the types of security threats that we face. Therefore, the new Minister should diversify the strategies aimed at addressing those threats according to their specific nature. I do not think the strategy for fighting jihadism should be the same as that for fighting kidnapping. Kidnappers are essentially economic criminals, whereas jihadists are ideologically driven. In the same vein, the new Minister must sit down with his team, examine the peculiarities of the security situation, and develop separate policy measures to address each threat accordingly.
“He must also push for government-togovernment collaboration with advanced nations that possess high-level intelligence capabilities. In this instance, I have America in mind, because security is intelligence-driven. Nigeria’s intelligence architecture must therefore be upgraded, and one such upgrade should involve establishing intelligence-sharing agreements with countries that have the capacity to obtain real-time, actionable intelligence. Some nations can sit in America and know what is happening in Zamfara, while our own soldiers on the ground may not, due to limited technology.”
He added, “I would encourage the govern-
ment to explore the use of technology in the fight against terrorism and other emerging security threats. Lastly, citizens must be carried along and given confidence in the confidentiality of the information they provide to security agencies. Currently, citizens are often unwilling to share information about criminal syndicates because state forces may leak it to criminal networks, revealing that Mr A provided the information, after which criminals may target Mr A. Therefore, citizens must have confidence in the confidentiality of the information they share with security agencies. This trust does not develop overnight; the government must create an environment that encourages people to volunteer information without fear of retaliation.
“Above all, the government must demonstrate political will to fight insecurity. No matter how good a policy is, how sound the security architecture may be, or how competent the individuals involved, if the political will is lacking, nothing will happen. It will be a case of the body being willing but the spirit weak.”
Chief of Administration (Navy), Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said: “Musa is an exemplary leader who has instilled in us—his protégés—the discipline required to excel in military service,
particularly at the strategic leadership level. I believe he will perform tremendously well as Minister of Defence. We are not in a position to set an agenda for him because he is our boss, but I can assure you that he will undoubtedly bring significant transformation.
“For instance, he is likely to address the problems of bureaucracy between the Ministry and the Services Headquarters. He operated from the inside, and now he is operating from the outside as a political head. He therefore understands the peculiarities of both sides and will be able to midwife a perfect synergy that will solve many of the challenges. He is the best choice for the nation.”
Chairman of the Board of Amnesty International, Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, urged Nigerians not to have excessive expectations that the new Minister will immediately address all security challenges confronting the nation.
He said: “Of course, there are several things he can do to ensure that the level of insecurity is minimised. First, he needs to ensure that corruption in defence procurement is blocked, at least at his own level. Secondly, he must intensify coordination, cooperation, partnership, and collaboration—issues that have long posed major challenges within Nigeria’s security sector. If, as Minister, he can achieve this, it will deserve commendation.
“He also needs to restore the dignity of the Nigerian Army. We cannot continue deploying the Army for every internal security operation
Many Nigerians are urging the new Minister to adopt innovative defence strategies that leverage advanced technology, intelligence-led operations, and stronger international partnerships. There is also a growing demand for improved transparency, better civil–military relations, and measures that will rebuild public confidence in the defence sector.
when we have the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies. The Army should be deployed only as a last resort, not stationed at checkpoints in communities. This practice has contributed to the erosion of public trust in the Army, especially when cases of extortion and human rights violations are recorded.
“Another critical area that requires the Minister’s attention is the welfare of troops. We cannot expect people who risk their lives defending the nation to return home with inadequate salaries and allowances. They must be properly cared for. He must also ensure that policies preventing soldiers from accessing their retirement benefits are eliminated. As a retired officer himself, he should understand the pain his fellow servicemen face.
“Promotions must be based on merit. The commercialisation and selective approach to promotions must be discouraged. The Minister must also prevent soldiers from being used by politicians to carry out dubious activities. We have seen situations where Army personnel visibly escort individuals who are not government officials—particularly internet fraudsters and disgruntled politicians who use them to harass opponents and innocent citizens.
“Another priority should be strengthening accountability. If soldiers commit atrocities, there must be a proper process to hold those responsible to account. Additionally, budgetary allocation is crucial. He must demonstrate to the public that he can succeed in tackling security threats when troops are provided with adequate facilities and equipment.
“Lastly, it would be a welcome development if soldiers were no longer used for election rigging or other forms of political involvement. The military’s role in past elections has damaged its credibility and public image. This must not be allowed to continue. Civil–military relations should also be significantly improved. These are the key priorities which, if addressed, will go a long way towards enhancing peace in Nigeria.”
Chairman of the Command Secondary School Kaduna Old Students’ Association (COMKADOSA), Abuja Chapter, Aaron Ogah, urged the Minister to go all out against the bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers disturbing the nation’s peace. “I urge him to replicate what he achieved as Chief of Defence Staff, now that he has even more authority as a Minister. He must ensure that the defence chiefs and commanders boost the morale of frontline troops so they can give their best in defending the nation. If the genuine needs of personnel are met, I believe insecurity will soon become a thing of the past.”
Expressing joy over Musa’s appointment as Minister, another old student, Philips Okwara, said: “General Musa is on board; he is back. I cried deep inside my heart when he was retired, and the joy returned to me when he was appointed Minister of Defence. He knows what to do. All we need is the right person in the right place, and he is a square peg in a square hole.”
Senator representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Senator Salihu Mustapha, said: “The new Minister was, at one point, a theatre commander before becoming Chief of Defence Staff, and today he serves as Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic. I am confident that he will develop new strategies to further enhance the proactiveness of the military and other security agencies, placing us in a safer environment. All hands must be on deck to combat insecurity in our land. Whatever measures we must take as lawmakers to support him, we will take.”
As Nigeria confronts escalating security challenges, citizens have wasted no time in outlining their expectations for the new Defence Minister.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) stepped into his new role as Minister of Defence with a solemn oath that now shapes the expectations of a nation in need of firm, credible security leadership. His pledge to “preserve, protect and defend” the Constitution comes at a time when Nigeria faces a volatile mix of terrorism, banditry, separatist violence and economic sabotage. With Nigerians and the Federal Government looking to him for stronger coordination, improved troop welfare and a smarter, intelligence-driven approach, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that General Musa carries the hopes of a country yearning for stability, one he must steer with courage, discipline and integrity
When General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) stepped forward to accept his appointment and be sworn in as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence last week, he did not begin with policy statements, political assurances, or broad promises.
Instead, he anchored his very first public commitment in the solemnity of the oath he swore, a declaration of allegiance and duty that now frames the expectations of a nation grappling with complex security challenges.
His appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one that was heralded with joy by majority of Nigerians, who felt the lacuna in the security sector had given room for rising cases of insecurity across the nation.
Speaking with clarity and composure, the newly appointed minister delivered the constitutional oath of office, affirming that “I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that I will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so help me God.
“That as Minister of the Government of the Federation, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, and solidarity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“That I will strive to preserve the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy contained in the Constitution; that I will not allow my personal interests to influence my official conduct or decisions; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct in the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
“That in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to the law, without fear or favour; and that I will not directly or indirectly communicate or reveal to any person any matter brought under my consideration as Minister of the Government of the Federation, except as required for my duties. So help me God.”
With this declaration, General Musa not only signalled his entry into office; he laid down the moral and constitutional framework by which he wishes to be judged.
General Musa assumes responsibility at one of the most volatile moments in Nigeria’s contemporary security history. The country faces what is arguably its most complex mix of threats since the return to democracy in 1999, a layered conflict landscape with multiple, evolving dimensions.
Terrorism remains a persistent challenge, despite significant gains by the military. Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to stage attacks in Borno and Yobe, while splinter cells and
sleeper elements disrupt vulnerable communities. Though major territories have been reclaimed, the ideological and asymmetric nature of these groups means the conflict endures.
Banditry and kidnappings have transformed from isolated incidents into an organised criminal economy across the North-West and NorthCentral regions. Entire communities in Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Katsina live under the constant threat of raids, abductions, and forced displacement. These criminal networks now possess sophisticated weapons, communications tools, and financial channels that rival formal structures.
The South-East faces the recurring cycle of violent agitations, with unknown gunmen, separatist-linked attacks, and targeted assaults on security personnel and public facilities. The region’s insecurity carries economic and political consequences that ripple across the federation.
Oil theft and maritime crimes in the Niger Delta continue to drain billions of dollars annually from Nigeria’s revenue stream. Despite increased operations by the Navy and joint task forces, illegal refining sites, pipeline vandalism, and sea piracy persist, undermining national economic stability.
Across board, other forms insecurity including cultism, armed robbery, cyber-enabled crime, and drug-related violence, has further complicated the national outlook, threatening public confidence in security institutions.
This is the landscape General Musa inherits: a nation confronting threats on every axis, with an urgent need for strategic coordination across the Armed Forces, the intelligence community, law enforcement agencies,
and local authorities.
With General Musa’s decorated military record and his experience as Chief of Defence Staff, expectations from Nigerians and the Federal Government are undeniably high.
First, there is a demand for resultsdriven leadership. Nigerians want a Defence Minister who will not only articulate policy but drive coordinated action, one who understands the terrain, the enemy, and the psychology of conflict.
Second, there is a growing call for inter-agency synergy. For years, gaps between the military, police, intelligence services, and paramilitary agencies have hindered operations. Musa is expected to leverage his background to unify these structures, ensuring information-sharing, joint planning, and a coherent national security strategy.
Third, citizens want improved protection for communities, particularly in rural areas where government presence is often minimal. Farmers want to return to their fields; children need to return to school without fear; markets and roads should no longer be battlegrounds.
Fourth, there is hope for a defence sector that is transparent, accountable, and free from waste. As global and local pressures push for responsible public spending, Musa is expected to drive reforms that improve procurement processes, enhance welfare for service personnel, and strengthen oversight.
Fifth, the military family, serving and retired, expects better welfare, equipment, and morale for troops. Decades of fighting have taken a toll, and the operational strength of
the Armed Forces depends heavily on the well-being of those serving at the frontlines.
Finally, from the Federal Government, the expectation is simple but significant: deliver measurable improvement in security across all regions, restore confidence in Nigeria’s defence architecture, and provide the leadership required to translate policy into peace.
The Road Ahead for General Musa
As General Christopher Musa begins this new and weighty chapter, several guiding principles may serve him well because he must lead with firm resolve but also with humility, recognising that modern security management requires partnership, with communities, governors, civil society, and international allies.
Essentially, he must insist on discipline and professionalism, ensuring that the military remains a respected institution anchored in law, ethics, and service to the nation.
He must prioritise intelligence-driven operations, technological modernisation, and the restructuring of response units to match the unconventional threats Nigeria faces, just as he must also guard against political distractions, remain guided by the Constitution he has sworn to defend, and remember that the true measure of his leadership will be the safety of the millions of Nigerians who look to the government for protection.
Above all, he must stay rooted in the solemn vow he made on the day of his appointment, a promise not only to the state but to every citizen whose security, dignity, and hope depend on the strength of Nigeria’s defence leadership.
If he keeps that promise, history will record him not merely as a Defence Minister that was loved by Nigerians, but also as a leader who helped steer Nigeria toward a safer, more united future.
The ongoing drop oil prices is being cushioned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led FX reforms as seen in the flexible foreign exchange (FX) regime, rising non oil exports, and growing services trade. The CBN deployment of the Electronic Forex Market Surveillance System, shift to a single, market determined exchange rate regime, and enhanced risk based banking are expanding Nigeria’s capacity to earn more income outside oil, and support macroeconomic stability. Precious Ugwuzor reports
Nigeria’s economic diversification project is gaining ground. Oil is now accounting for a smaller share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 33 per cent of government revenue, and 51 per cent of exports.
Findings show that after nearly a decade in which real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth averaged about two per cent, economic reforms embarked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have restored momentum and confidence in Nigeria’s broad macroeconomic environment.
Already, the economy grew by 4.23 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, the strongest pace in four years, driven by improvements in telecommunications, financial services, and oil production.
The introduction of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Code has established clear rules for transparency, ethics, governance, and fair dealing among authorised dealers. The deployment of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Management System (EFEMS) system, powered by Bloomberg BMatch, has equally transformed FX trading through mandatory order submission, real‑time regulatory visibility, and enhanced price discovery.
Together, these reforms have reduced opacity and manipulation, and restored discipline to the market. The naira now trades within a narrow, stable range. The once‑substantial gap between the official and parallel markets has shrunk to under two per cent, down from over 60 per cent.
Foreign capital inflows reached US$20.98 billion in the first 10 months of 2025, a 70 per cent increase over total inflows for 2024 and a 428 per cent surge compared to the US$3.9 billion recorded in 2023, reflecting a clear resurgence in investor confidence.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso explained that naira now trades within a narrow, stable range. The huge gap between the official and parallel markets has shrunk to under two per cent, from over 60 per cent.
For him, macroeconomic indicators show that Nigeria is more resilient to external shocks today than at any point in our recent history.
For instance, Nigeria’s external sector strengthened decisively in 2025, with the current account balance rising over 85 per cent to US$5.28 billion in Q2, up from US$2.85 billion in Q1. Bolstering our external buffers, foreign reserves reached US$46.7 billion by mid November, the highest in nearly seven years, providing over 10 months of forward import cover and significantly enhancing the economy’s resilience.
Cardoso explained that what is most important here is that our FX reserves are being rebuilt organically, not by borrowing, but through improved market functioning, stronger non‑oil exports, and robust capital inflows.
“While oil production improved modestly to an average of 1.45–1.52 million barrels per day in 2025, the truly encouraging development is the strong performance of non oil exports. Supported by ongoing reforms and greater exchange rate flexibility, non oil exports have grown by more than 18 per cent year on year, reflecting rising competitiveness under a truly market driven FX framework,” he said.
He disclosed that as with foreign investor inflows, diaspora remittances have also strengthened with confidence returning to
official channels following enhancements in transparency, settlement efficiency, and reporting. Remittances increased by approximately 12 per cent this year, and we expect this momentum to continue as the Non Resident BVN, launched earlier this year, becomes more widely adopted in 2026.
Flexible exchange rate to be sustained
The CBN boss said the apex bank is committed to maintaining the current flexible exchange‑rate framework that allows the naira to act as a shock absorber while limiting excessive volatility.
“To strengthen this framework further, we will shortly be unveiling the revised FX Manual to expand market participation and tighten documentation standards, enhance EFEMS surveillance, and ensure consistent implementation to avoid any possibility of policy reversal. Recent assessments by rating agencies have provided significant external validation of Nigeria’s reform trajectory,” he said.
Already, Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s have all acknowledged the positive impact of Nigeria’s reforms, from stronger reserves to improved fiscal discipline and greater FX transparency. Across all three agencies, the direction is consistent: fundamentals are strengthening, reform credibility is rising, and Nigeria’s risk profile is improving.
Fitch upgraded Nigeria from B to B (stable), recognising our commitment to orthodox policies including FX reform, monetary tightening, and ending deficit monetisation. Moody’s also raised its rating from Caa1 to B3 in May, citing improved fundamentals and a stronger outlook. And just this November, S&P affirmed B /B and revised its outlook to positive, underscoring sustained reform momentum, rising reserves, and enhanced macroeconomic resilience.
Moody’s has also further concluded its periodic review and while headlines may highlight risks, as rating agencies are mandated to do, the substance of the report reaffirms ongoing improvements, including stronger fiscal metrics and deeper diversification.
“These endorsements of Nigeria’s policy direction have translated directly into improved borrowing terms, increased investment inflows, and enhanced credibility. Underscoring this progress, Nigeria this month successfully raised US$2.35 billion through a Eurobond issuance, attracting US$13 billion in orders, the largest in the nation’s history,” he said.
Major policy shifts lifting economy
Prof. ‘Abiodun Adedipe, founder and Chief Consultant of B. Adedipe Associates Limited (BAA Consult), listed major policy shifts yielding positive results for the economy. He said that the CBN has eliminated strange arbitraging and roundtripping opportunity through the forex market reforms; through petrol subsidy removal, the Federal Government Remove crippling annual waste of US$10.7 billion and created environment for competition; bank recapitalisation is creating stronger and more capable banks to fund US$1 trillion economy while fiscal consolidation is plugging leakages, deploying technology and making government agencies more accountable and expanding fiscal space at sub national.
Continuing, Adedipe said the real game changer remains the tax reforms, capable of igniting regional competition (the secret behind Chinese economic renaissance) while the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Consumer Credit Corporation, Recapitalized Bank of Agriculture, National Credit Guarantee Company Ltd, Single digit interest rate mortgage loans are major steps that should be taken to support
sustainable economic growth.
Support for domestic economy
Adedipe said that Nigeria’s economy is supported by large, youthful and rapidly growing population (estimated at 237.53 million in July 2025 and sixth largest in the world, median age at 18.1 years).
The country, he said, also benefits from rapid urbanization with 54.28 per cent in December 2023, up from 46.12 per cent in 2013 and 51.96 per cent in 2020, deepening internet penetration which is at 48.15% in April 2025, up from 45.57 per cent in August 2023 and 31.48 per cent in December 2018.
Nigeria’s tele density at 79.65 per cent in May 2025, from 76.08 per cent in December 2024 and 102.97 per cent in Dec 2023, due to data cleanup at end of April 2024.
“On global internet users, shows that Nigeria with 123 million ranks 11th and 7th with over 84 per cent on mobile devices. Local oil refining continues to expand and prospects of new refineries, manufacturing is reviving and there is expanding interest in non oil exports. Improvement in infrastructure will begin to positively impact the cost of doing business,” he said.
He added that sustained deep reforms will enhance global competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business, plug leakages and shrink the space for economic rent.
The CBN explained that monetary reform cannot be effective in a vacuum. Alignment with fiscal policy has strengthened Nigeria’s macro stability and yielded tangible results including reduced domestic borrowing costs, improved liquidity conditions, and more predictable fiscal operations.
For instance, the discontinuation of direct deficit financing signals one prong in our commitment to discipline.
“This stance is unequivocal as there will be no return to the practice of financing fiscal deficits by the Central Bank. In parallel, the fiscal authorities have embarked on key institutional reforms – including the implementation of a Revenue Optimisation (RevOp) framework, the establishment of a new National Revenue Agency, and upgrades to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) – to strengthen revenue mobilisation and public financial management,” Cardoso said.
“As we transition towards a full‑fledged inflation‑targeting framework, this partnership will deepen, ensuring fiscal and monetary policies reinforce each other in delivering durable price stability,” he added.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) reported a significant surge in revenue, hitting N5.08 trillion in October 2025, up from N4.27 trillion recorded in September. The figures are contained in the company’s Monthly Report Summary for October 2025.
According to the report, NNPC Ltd’s profit after tax (PAT) rose sharply to N447 billion in October, compared to N216 billion in September, stronger operational efficiency, improved market conditions, and enhanced cost optimisation strategies deployed by the national oil company.
The report shows that production hit
Malachy Agbo
In recent times, Enugu State has witnessed an extraordinary surge in human and economic traffic. Flights into the state— especially during the Yuletide— are often fully booked regardless of the airfare, which typically spikes due to high demand. “Going east” is now the rave as more Nigerians choose Enugu as their preferred destination. The same pattern repeats across land transport: more visitors, more businesspeople, more returning families.
This renewed confidence is not accidental. It is a direct testament to the marvellous and visionary leadership of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, whose strategic, courageous, and unprecedented reforms have repositioned Enugu as one of Nigeria’s safest and most economically vibrant states.
On assuming office, Dr. Mbah made it quite clear that insecurity, which had deeply affected the social and economic life of the state, was unacceptable. He approached the challenge with a clarity of purpose and an unshakeable resolve, implementing a well-thought-out blend of kinetic and non-kinetic measures aimed at restoring peace while tackling the root causes of crime.
Central to his security philosophy was the recognition that growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, as he had envisioned, was contingent on building a safe, predictable, and stable environment for residents and investors.
Today, that vision is no longer an aspiration, it is a lived reality.
One of Dr. Mbah’s earliest and most courageous actions was the decisive termination of the illegal Monday sit-at-home order. Effective June 5, 2023, he announced that Enugu would no longer surrender its economic life to non-state actors. He rallied market leaders, businesses, civil servants, schools, and industries to reclaim their sense of enterprise and dignity. Though the decision initially stirred mixed reactions, it soon proved visionary. Within months, Mondays in Enugu fully bounced back to life. To many back then, it sounded too good to be true; but it is a reality – markets, banks, schools, and industries now operate with confidence, putting behind them years of fear and paralysis.
In a similar fashion, Mbah signed Executive Order 002, mandating the removal of illegal street barricades that once made parts of Enugu
almost inaccessible. The move restored free movement, defeated criminal control of local spaces, and revitalized urban commerce.
Driven by the understanding that modern security requires speed, intelligence, and technology, Dr. Mbah replaced the largely inactive urban patrol with a new, agile force by launching the Distress Response Squad (DRS), with 150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-enabled cameras, aiding 24/7 surveillance operations and spearheading a rapid response capability across the entire state. This bold step restored public trust and signalled a shift to data-driven policing.
In early 2024, the governor established the Enugu State Security Trust Fund, a mechanism modelled after global best practices for sustainable security financing. The Fund has since mobilized private-sector support for security operations, equipment, and logistics, reinforcing the state’s long-term commitment to peace.
On January 6, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned Enugu’s ultramodern Command and
Control Centre, an AI-powered hub linked to hundreds of surveillance cameras and the DRS patrol network.
This facility has fundamentally transformed crime prevention and response through automated threat detection, real-time crime monitoring, rapid deployment of officers and evidence-based policing. As a result, the state has recorded over 80% reduction in violent crimes, a figure unprecedented in the region.
Last week, Dr. Mbah inaugurated new ESSTF-procured security assets, including 2 advanced VTOL drones with 100km range, 10 Hilux patrol vehicles, 40 motorcycles for difficult terrains, 400 bulletproof vests and 400 bulletproof helmets.
These two special purpose drones equipped with thermal, night, and AI-assisted cameras, now extend surveillance beyond Enugu’s borders, literally leaving no hiding place for criminals.
Dr. Mbah’s genius lies in understanding that lasting peace requires more than policing. His administration has therefore vigorously pursued poverty reduction and youth engagement
through agricultural transformation.
With over 200-hectare farm estates, 300,000-hectare land bank for commercial farming, revival of the Tractor Assembly Plant with 1000 tractors expected within one year, agro-industrialisation programmes, technical/vocational training for thousands of youths, enhanced rural development through the 260 Smart Schools, 1,000km of rehabilitated and new roads, 260 Type-2 hospitals, ongoing construction of 300-bed International Hospital as well as numerous other impactful projects, to mention just a few, Enugu is experiencing a rebirth – in a literal and metaphorical sense. These programmes not only create jobs but agricultural initiatives turning vast swathes of forests – once criminal hideouts – into productive economic zones.
The governor has equally strengthened the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guard networks, integrating them into a coordinated community policing strategy that draws citizens into the collective effort to keep Enugu safe.
Today, Enugu can confidently host large scale conferences like the 2025 NBA Conference, and boasts vibrant nightlife across New Haven, Ogui, Presidential Road, Damija Avenue, as residents no longer fret over their safety. The result is an all-time increase in investor confidence, bustling economy and renewed sense of safety and pride among Ndi-Enugu.
The sense of assurance that Enugu’s strengthened security stirs can be glimpsed in this comment by Rt. Rev. Onyekachi Onyia, Trustee of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund: “If terrorists are able to get through Enugu, the entire South East is finished. We cannot afford to leave Enugu porous.”
The transformation of Enugu State’s security architecture under Dr. Peter Mbah is a study in courage, innovation, and visionary governance. By combining technology with community engagement, policy reforms with enforcement, and economic expansion with social stability, he has delivered what many thought impossible – a peaceful, secure, and thriving Enugu State. Under Dr. Mbah, Enugu is not just safer—it is becoming a model for Nigeria and a beacon for the entire South East. Truly, tomorrow is here.
•Dr. Malachy Agbo, is the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Enugu State
Kayode tokede
Investors in the Nigeria equities market have continued to take flight as the January 2026 take off of the newly introduced capital gain tax draws closer. At the close of trades for the month of November, the market value of 10 blue-chip firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) dropped by a whooping N4.95 trillion with analysts predicting further downturn.
The 10 companies are: Nestle Nigeria Plc, Aradel
Holdings Plc, Airtel Africa Plc, Dangote Cement Plc and Seplat Energy Plc. Others are: MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, Transcorp Power Plc, Presco Plc and BUA Cement Plc.
Cumulatively, the 10 firms contribute about N46.66 trillion or 51.1per cent to the overall N91.286 trillion market value of listed stocks during the period review.
Over the years, the 10 companies have been preferred by foreign investors because of their
Traded Fund (ETF).
Amid growing investors confidence, the overall market capitalisation of listed securities on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), added N35.3 trillion Year-on-Year ((YoY) to N141.3 trillion as of November 2025 from N106.03 trillion it was in November 2024.
Listed securities on NGX include debt, stocks and Exchange
The stability in the foreign exchange market, companies recovering from foreign exchange losses, improved market liquidity, capital inflow, dominance of domestic investors, increasing portfolio investment, Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) banking sector recapitalisation and insurance sector reforms have played a critical role in overall market capitalisation growth so far in 2025.
strong fundamentals, improved corporate earnings and dividend payout to shareholders.
The Nigerian stock market in November 2025 experienced its worst monthly performance, dropping by N6.54 trillion in market capitalisation, driven by intensified profit-taking triggered by mounting investor apprehension over the impending implementation of a 30 per cent tax from January 1, 2026.
Under the Nigeria Tax Act of 2025, capital gain tax has been raised to 30
According to the Exchange, the debt market is made up of corporate Bonds/Debentures, FGN Bonds and State and Local Bonds.
There are 25 FG bonds listed on NGX with four state/local government bonds and 19 corporate Bonds/Debentures.
As of November 2025, a total of 150 stocks and over 10 EFTs are listed on the NGX. In addition, the Exchange has in total
per cent from 10 per cent.
An investigation by THISDAY revealed Dangote Cement suffered the highest decline, followed by MTN Nigeria and BUA Cement Plc.
Dangote Cement’s stock price dropped by 19 per cent to close at N534.60 per share from N660.00 per share, its market value fell by N2.12 trillion in November 2025.
Consequently, the NGX Industrial Goods Index led the monthly decline, falling 13.80 per cent month-onmonth (MoM) to 5,133.60 basis points, followed by
seven Eurobonds issued by CBN and federal government.
The stock market is responsible for about N91.086 trillion or 64.47 per cent of the N141.3 trillion total market capitalisation and continues to dominate transactions on NGX.
In the period under review, the stock market has added nearly N32 trillion YoY from N59.119 trillion November 2024
NGX Consumer Goods Index, though relatively resilient, but dropped 3.20 per cent MoM.
The stock price of MTN Nigeria depreciated by N49.50 per share or 9.5 per cent to close November 28, 2025 at N470.60 per share from N520.10 per share the previous month.
This impacted on the telecommunication company’s market value that dropped by N1.04 trillion to bring its overall market capitalisation to N9.88 trillion.
In addition, the market value of BUA Cement
to N91.086 trillion as of November 2025.
The debt market came second, contributing about N50.168 or 35.5 per cent of the overall N141.3 trillion market capitalisation as of November 2025, while the ETF ranked third with N34.5 billion or 0.024 per cent contribution.
As the debt market added N3.3 trillion YoY from N46.884 trillion November 2024 to N50.168 trillion as of November
fell by N20.00 per share or 11.11 per cent to close November 2025 at N160.00 per share from N180. 00 per share. Other major declines in market value include: Aradel Holdings, N399.73 billion; Transcorp Power, N263 billion, Airtel Africa, N152.21 billion, and Nestle Nigeria, N107 billion. Nigeria’s capital market has faced massive headwind following fresh concerns over the impending 30 per cent CGT on share disposals.
2025, the ETF moved from N28.628 billion November 2024 to N34.581 billion as of November 2025, gaining N5.95 billion YoY.
The stock market growth of N32 trillion YoY can be attributed to strong g earnings by listed companies, massive inflow from retail investors and foreign investors surge demand for fundamental listed stocks on NGX.
Emma Okonji
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, has released a new report, showing how global manufacturers are stopping more ransomware attacks before data can be encrypted.
The report also revealed that adversaries are now increasingly stealing data and using extortion-only tactics to maintain pressure.
The report, themed: ‘Sophos State of Ransomware in Manufacturing and Production 2025’, explained that more
than half of manufacturing organisations impacted by encryption paid the ransom despite progress in defensive measures. The report is based on an independent survey of 332 manufacturing organisations that were hit by ransomware in the last year.
According to the report, encryption rates are falling, but adversaries are shifting tactics, as 40 per cent of attacks on manufacturers resulted in data encryption, the lowest level in five years and down from 74 per cent last year. However, extortion only attacks surged to 10 per cent from just three
In the bid to strengthen regional integration, facilitate cross-border agricultural trade, and expand opportunities for micro-small and mediumsized enterprises (MSMEs), the National Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has partnered with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
At the launch of
NACCIMA activities under the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade Programme themed: “Strengthening ECOWAs Agricultural Market to Drive Food Security and Regional Prosperity,” NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim noted that agriculture continues to play a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, adding that in Q4 2024, the sector contributed about 24.64% to GDP.
“With the recent GDP rebasing, the share of agriculture in national output has risen. Early 2025 estimates show agriculture’s share of GDP at around 27.8%.”
Group Business Editor
Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
Chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji
Asst. Editor, Energy
Emmanuel Addeh
Asst. Editor, Money Market
Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
Ebere Nwoji (Insurance)
Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
Ibrahim however noted that despite its large role in the economy and its sustenance of livelihoods, Nigeria’s agricultural exports remain modest.
He disclosed that it is against this backdrop that the EAT Project and NACCIMA’s role take on special relevance.
He said for NACCIMA, this initiative aligns perfectly with the association’s mandate to empower the private sector, promote enabling policies, and strengthen export competitiveness.
per cent in 2024 as attackers increase reliance on data theft for leverage.
The report also said data theft remained a significant concern, as 39 per cent of manufacturers that experienced encryption also had data stolen, one of
the highest rates across all surveyed sectors.
The report said 50 per cent of manufacturing organisations stopped the attack before data could be encrypted, more than double last year’s 24 per cent.
The report cited lack of expertise by 42.5 per cent of organisations for security gaps. Unknown security gaps were cited by 41.6 per cent, and a lack of protection by 41 per cent. Respondents identified an average of three internal factors that contributed to the attack.
Analysing the report, Director of Threat Research, Sophos Counter Threat Unit, Alexandra Rose, said: Manufacturing depends on interconnected systems where even brief downtime can stop production and ripple across supply chains.”
‘Nigeria Has Chance of Becoming Rallying-point for Africa’s Digital Trade’
Raheem Akingbolu
Nigeria has been described by the Chief Economist of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr. Yemi Kale, as a natural frontrunner in the Africa’s transition towards technology-driven commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking in Abuja recently at the inauguration of the Africa Trade Center (ATC)
in Abuja, with the theme; “Unlocking Nigeria’s Trade and Investment Potential Through Digital Innovation and the Abuja Africa Trade Centre (AATC),” Kale pointed out that Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead the continent’s emerging digital trade revolution.
While stating that digital transformation was critical to unlocking trade and investment potential under
the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Kale said the AfCFTA had created the world’s largest new trading bloc, representing a unified market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of more than 3.4 trillion dollars.
“This integration goes beyond a symbolic milestone. It is a strategic platform capable of redefining how African economies produce,
trade and compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
The AfCFTA presents a unique once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand and strengthen regional value chains,” Kale said Also speaking at the vent, the manager of real estate and administration at Afreximbank, Oluwaseun Alabi, said ATC is a key tool for transforming trade across the continent.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has commissioned the new Access Bank Plc Regional Office in Owerri, a facility named in honour of renowned economist and business icon Sir Pascal Gabriel Dozie, describing the project as a strategic investment that will deepen economic activity and strengthen the state’s financial ecosystem.
In a statement, Governor
Uzodimma also commended Access Bank Plc for achieving this milestone. He paid special tribute to the late Managing Director, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, recalling his personal commitment to establishing this partnership with the Imo State Government. The governor expressed confidence that the collaboration will continue to yield mutual benefits for both the bank and the people of Imo State.
Deputy Managing Director,
Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli, reiterated that the bank growth story is one of vision, resilience and commitment to service, stressed that it is most fitting that the new regional office is being named in honour of a man whose life’s work embodies these values.
According to the Deputy Managing Director who appreciated greatly the support Governor Hope Uzodimma is given to private sector, noted
that the governor’s style of leadership has introduced policies that encourage enterprise development, strengthen financial inclusion and create opportunities for business to grow. She disclosed that Uzodimma’s focus on infrastructure, security and ease of doing business has given institutions like theirs the confidence to invest, innovate and provide services that benefit the people.
Nume Ekeghe
AG Mortgage Bank Plc (AGMB) has rolled out a new five-year transformational plan designed to strengthen its business model and expand opportunities for Nigerians seeking affordable housing. The blueprint, spanning 2025 to 2030, is built around the bank’s High 5s agenda: organisational transformation, sustainable capitalisation,
accelerated growth, increased impact, and improved shareholder value.
According to the institution, in a statement, the strategy charts a clear pathway for AGMB to evolve into Nigeria’s foremost housing finance group by 2030. The bank said the plan captures priority initiatives and targets that will guide its expansion drive and
enhance its role in bridging the country’s housing finance gap.
Commenting on this journey, MD/CEO, AG Mortgage Bank Plc, Mr Ngozi Anyogu, said: “The transformation is worth it, and this is why. As CEO, I am convinced that Nigerians desiring to own homes are making too many financial trade-offs to realise their dreams of home ownership.
AGMB as the category leader for affordable housing mortgage delivery has to bring a radical change in performance to the consumer.
“Our strategy as a National Mortgage Bank is to increase the volume housing with our set goal of one million Mortgages by 2030. This way, we can create wealth for all our investors, customers and help reduce the 20 million housing deficit in Nigeria.
Jeff Ukachukwu
If you stand in Ogbete Main Market long enough, you can almost feel the story of Enugu changing around you. There was a time when the city moved to a single rhythm: Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Day. People spoke of “what came from Abuja” the way farmers talk about rain. Development was episodic – a road patched here, a repainted school block there, a borehole that worked for one season and died quietly after the commissioning plaque had faded. The government behaved like a caretaker, not a builder. Enugu, like many states, lived from allocation to allocation, from hand to mouth, trapped in a survival mindset.
What is unfolding now is something different – and frankly audacious: an economic reset that inspires hope. When Governor Peter Mbah walked into the House of Assembly with a 2026 budget of about N1.62 trillion, it wasn’t just the size that jarred people; it was what it implied. A 66.5 per cent jump from the previous year is a statement of confidence. More revealing than the headline figure is the structure: 80 per cent of the budget is devoted to capital expenditure and 20 per cent to recurrent expenditure. In a political culture where salaries and overheads usually swallow most of the pie, that ratio is a quiet revolt. It says, in effect, we are done merely keeping the lights on; we are now wiring the future. Instructively, it was not his first time - 79 per cent capital expenditure to 21 per cent recurrent expenditure in 2024 and 86 per cent to 14 per cent in 2025.
Of course, resets never begin with applause; they begin with doubt. When this administration started talking about a $30 billion state economy, AI-supported security, smart schools in every ward, a government driven more by internally generated revenue (IGR) than by FAAC, most people reacted the way long-disappointed citizens do – with guarded politeness. The trader pushing a wheelbarrow through Ogbete, the mechanic in Abakpa, the farmer in Nkanu East still woke up every morning to broken roads, dry taps, fragile security and public institutions that felt distant and unreliable. Big talk had come and gone before.
But has Enugu resolved its problems? It hasn’t. What has changed is that you can now attach numbers and concrete images
to the rhetoric. Over 1,000 kilometres of roads have reportedly been completed or fixed, showing tangible progress.
260 Smart Green Primary Schools are at completion or near completion, one in every ward, reflecting real investment.
260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, designed to run 24 hours and powered by solar, are on stream. New state-of-the-art bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Abakpa, Garriki and Nsukka have begun to impose order on chaotic transport flows. Water now runs again in many parts of Enugu from the 9th Mile and Oji River Schemes after decades of scarcity. It is still work in progress. An intelligence-led security network has made Monday markets feel normal instead of a suicidal mission, giving citizens a sense of safety and stability.
The fiscal story matches the physical one. In 2025, Enugu worked with a budget of about N971 billion and is on track to implement roughly 83 per cent of it.
About N806 billion will have been spent by year-end, representing around 97.5 per cent of all funds that actually came into the state. FAAC inflows, projected at N150 billion, came in closer to N230 billion.
IGR is set to exceed N400 billion – the highest in the state’s history and more than triple the previous year’s figure. These are not the statistics of a complacent government; they are the footprint of a state stretching itself and, for the most part, holding its balance.
None of this came without pain. Economic resets are rarely romantic. Expanding the tax net, automating payments, insisting on digital receipts, shutting down leakages and informal “arrangements” – all of this stung. For many months, citizens felt the enforcement before they saw the benefits. Traders in Ogbete and Abakpa heard talk of smart schools and modern hospitals, but still battled the same dust, the same potholes, the same petty officialdom. The natural question was, “When will all this touch my own life?” If that question feels less sharp now, it is because some of the promised changes have finally become touchable. Ask residents of Idaw River, New Haven, New Layout, among a host of others.
The most radical choice buried in all these numbers may be the one that has attracted the least drama: the decision to
put education at the centre of the reset. Thrice in a row, Enugu has devoted over 30 per cent of its entire budget to education – 32 per cent in 2024, 33 per cent in 2025, and now 32.27 per in 2026. In a country where education is often the first line to be trimmed when revenues fall, this is a deliberate act of defiance. The 260 Smart Green Schools across are not just about beauty; they represent a different assumption about what a child in a village classroom deserves – digital tools, laboratories, stable power, and teachers prepared for a tech-driven curriculum. The next movement is already queued in the 2026 budget: Smart Secondary Schools and serious Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Colleges that treat skills as a core economic asset. An imposing example is now standing magnificently on the hitherto ruins of Government Technical School, GTC, Enugu. Behind this is a stark calculation: whatever Enugu spends on education today is modest compared to the future cost of an army of out-of-school, unemployable young people.
The same move from fragments to systems is visible in other sectors. Agriculture is being reimagined from scattered interventions into a network of 260 Farm Estates, every 200 hectares, with central warehouses, tractor sheds, irrigation, power and water – connected to a 300,000-hectare Land Bank and a Tractor Assembly Plant. This is an attempt to drag farming out of subsistence and into scale and value addition. Housing, with more than 15 per cent of the budget, is not treated as a side project: 15,000 mass housing units are planned for 2026 as the first phase of a 30,000-unit target, backed by the New Enugu Smart City whose infrastructure is expected to be completed next year and projected to generate over N300 billion through its development assets. Tourism, often dismissed as soft spending, is being structured as a real industry: the completion of the ongoing International Conference Centre 5-Star Hotel, the completion/upgrade of Awhum, Okpatu, Nsude, Ngwo and Akwuke tourism sites, and the rebirth of Awgu Games Village – plus novel attractions like Nigeria’s first zip-line – are all pieces of a visitor economy designed to put money in the hands of
hoteliers, transporters, artisans and creatives. Infrastructure is the spine tying this together. Roads are not just about ease of movement; they are arteries for commerce. Strategic routes like the Owo–Ubahu–Amankanu–Neke–Ikem dual carriageway, the Abakpa Nike–Ugwogo–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka corridor and the Enugu–Abakaliki expressway are economic statements as much as engineering projects. The plan to pave 1,200 urban roads in 2026 and extend rural networks so that every local government has at least one major project is an attempt to weave the state into a single economic space rather than a map of disconnected pockets. Bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Abakpa, Garriki, Nsukka – and new ones planned in Emene, Udi, Awgu, 4-Corners and Obollo Afor – along with CNG buses, 2,000 city taxis and an Enugu Air fleet targeted at 20 aircraft are the practical expressions of a belief that if people and goods move better, money moves better. Yet the most decisive part of this reset may be the least visible: the work on institutions and trust. The Enugu State Citizens’ Charter is a simple but powerful gesture – a written promise of service standards against which government can be measured. Digitised land records and revenue platforms, automated receipts, bank-linked payment systems, stricter procurement rules, performance-based budgeting – these are the unglamorous reforms that determine whether big budgets leak away or translate into real projects. The administration has been unusually frank about capacity: the structures built to manage N200 billion annually are not automatically fit to handle over a trillion. Rapid recruitment and expansion of oversight units come with risks of politicisation, lowered standards and pressure to cut corners. Whether those risks are resisted or indulged will show up not in press releases but in the quality of projects and services delivered.
All of this sits on the bedrock of security.
A tech-driven, intelligence-led framework, anchored in a central Command and Control Centre and supported by AI-driven surveillance and coordinated response units, has significantly reduced violent crime. • Dr. Ukachukwu, a public affairs analyst, writes from jeffukagmail.com
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) Jude Chiemeka; Managing Director, NASD Plc, Eguarekhide Longe; 2nd Vice Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Oluwadare Adejumo; 1st Vice Chairman, Ifeyinwa Ejezie; Immediate Past President, Sam Onukwue; Group Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Umaru Kwairanga; President ASHON, Sehinde Adenagbe, his wife, Modupe; Past President, ASHON, Onyewenchukwu Ezeagu; 13th President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Oluropo Dada and Chief Executive Officer, NGX Regulation, Olufemi Shobanjo during Investiture of Adenagbe as the 6th Chairman, ASHON in Lagos...recently
A faith-based platform, FaithStream, is set to compete in a $4 billion faith-based global Stream market. It’s founders said, the platform will address Africa’s most underserved digital market: as 700+ million Christians are seeking culturally relevant, high-quality entertainment. FaithStream combines AI personalisation, mobilefirst architecture, and donor-backed model to serve 700M+ underserved Christians across Africa.
An initiative of Christian media organisation, House Of Faith, the
founders said, FaithStream represents a bold entry into the rapidly growing Christian streaming sector, projected to reach $4 billion globally by 2028 at a 10per cent compound annual growth rate.
Co-founders, Kunle Falodun (former Sony Pictures Television executive with 23+ years in global entertainment) and Hakeem Condotti (serial tech and media entrepreneur), identified a massive market gap through data: less than 500,000 hours of localised, high-quality faith-based content exists for African audiences, compared to over 2 billion
In a renewed effort to strengthen environmental protection nationwide, the Sterling One Foundation, in partnership with Sterling Bank, Sunbeth, key government agencies, community groups, and other supporting organisations, recently, led a coordinated nationwide Environmental Cleanup and Beach Adoption exercise.
The initiative aligned with the United Nations Decade of Action mobilised activities across 17 states, from Wuse Market in Abuja to Alpha Beach in Lagos and numerous communities nationwide.
Speaking in Abuja, Tunde Akande, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, noted: “Maintaining a clean and safe city depends heavily on sustained local participation. The effort in Abuja, where residents and institutions work handin-hand, truly embodies communal responsibility and environmental pride.”
Director of the Abuja
Environmental Protection Board, Braimah Osilama, represented by Omenta Rachael Chinenye, Head of Community Sanitation & Education (Environmental Health & Safety), added: “This partnership-driven initiative is vital for long-term environmental progress. We deeply appreciate the volunteers’ commitment because lasting change requires continuous education, community engagement, and strong institutional support.”
At the Lagos cleanup, Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank, highlighted the momentum behind the campaign: “The collective energy from residents and stakeholders is inspiring. Sterling Bank remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that protect public spaces and elevate quality of life. Our Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) programme has thrived for over a decade, and we will continue prioritising environmental sustainability in all our actions.”
hours of secular global streaming content.
“The infrastructure is
Ebere Nwoji
AIICO Insurance Plc, said it has launched its latest product for farmers and rural dwellers - AIICO Allin-One Financial Protection.
The company said the product was a bundled insurance solution designed to address the longstanding financial vulnerabilities faced by Nigeria’s smallholder farmers, rural families, and underserved populations.
there. The audience is there. The demand is there. What’s been missing is a
platform that understands both the market and the mission—and the
technology to deliver it efficiently, “ Condotti explained.
The product unveiling took place in Lagos recently after an extensive countrywide engagement tour across Ibadan, Kano, and Calabar.
Speaking at the launch AIICO’s Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, explained that launching of the product this time was informed by the fact that for decades, millions of hardworking Nigerians in the informal sector; market traders, smallholder farmers,
artisans, transporters, and micro-entrepreneurs have remained exposed to huge financial shocks.
“A single illness, accident or emergency can erode years of savings, destabilise households, and push families deeper into poverty. Without structured retirement support, many also face the risk of hardship after their active working years”, he observed.
He said AIICO’s All-in-One Financial Protection was a
direct response to these socio-economic realities. According to the AIICO boss, supported by AIICO’s international partners, LeapFrog Investments (UK) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the solution brings together three essential covers in one accessible, affordable package.
These include Personal Accident Insurance which provides compensation for accidental injury, permanent disability, or death.
Ebere Nwoji
The 65 disengaged workers of Premium Pension Limited, have instituted multi- billion Naira lawsuit against the firm at the National Industrial Court, seeking redress over what they described as ‘wrongful, illegal and unconscionable termination of their employment without notice or payment
of agreed benefits.’
In the suit marked NICN/ABJ/2025, the claimants led by Ibrahim Usman Raji, Emmanuel Folorunsho, Mustapha Ibrahim, Saidu Sulaiman, Muhammed Baba Ibrahim, among others, are suing in a representative capacity on behalf of themselves and 61 others whose employments were terminated in August 2025.
The claimants are asking the court to declare that valid employment contracts existed between them and Premium Pension up to the date of their disengagement and that their abrupt sack “without notice and without salary in lieu of notice” violated their employment terms and international best labour practices.
According to court filings made available to
THISDAY by the aggrieved workers, the former employees alleged that they were issued disengagement letters on August 4, 2025, but that the letters were back-dated to July 29, 2025 and made effective from August 1 in a deliberate attempt to deny them earned benefits, including the mandatory three-month notice period and August education subsidies.
As part of its commitment to fostering inclusive growth by empowering individuals with technical skills, Chemical and Allied Products (CAP) Plc, has completed a transformative two-week training programme for inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and the Nigeria Correctional
Service (NCoS), trained 78 inmates and officers in professional painting and decoration to expand opportunities for underserved groups, including individuals preparing for reintegration into society.
The training programme forms part of CAP Plc’s broader commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s human capital by closing
skills gaps in the painting profession, improving quality standards across the value chain, and expanding access to technical training. It equips inmates with market-ready competencies that enhance their potential for self-reliance and entrepreneurial pursuits upon reintegration.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, Managing Director at CAP Plc, Bolarin
Okunowo, stated: “By extending technical training to correctional facilities, we are not only shaping professionals but giving individuals a renewed sense of purpose, dignity, and the tools they need to rebuild their futures. CAP remains committed to widening access to skillbased education across all segments of society.”
Oriarehu Bonny
The Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria/midAfrica business unit, Mr. Jim Swartz, has disclosed that Chevron has recorded zero incidents of sabotage in the last one year.
Swartz stated this when he visited the corporate headquarters of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Abuja at the weekend.
“Chevron has not recorded any oil theft or attacks on our pipelines this year. This is the longest we’ve gone without oil theft,”Swartz said.
Chevron is a member of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), a subgroup of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. OPTS is a private industry group that is dedicated to the
exploration, development, and production of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner for the Nigerian people.
It represents the interests of approximately 31 oil and gas companies that collectively operate approximately 85 per cent of Nigeria’s oil.
The record breaking success story of Chevron may not be unconnected with the giant strides recorded by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited(TSSNL), a private pipeline security surveillance company owned by Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.
The proactive approach taken by TSSNL, using technology, local intelligence, has not only enhanced monitoring and control of activities in the region but has
also contributed to the increase in the nation’s oil production output from 2022 to the present.
Further investigation revealed that the NNPCL and the International Oil Companies (IOCs) have been able to ramp up its production to 1.8m barrels per day unlike in previous past when production was trapped at 600,00 barrels per day.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, also expressed delight over Chevron’s testimony on recording zero incidents pertaining to oil theft.
He attributed the feat achieved to the initiatives by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
TSSNL has played crucial a role in ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure vital to the nation’s economic prosperity.
TAJBank Limited, Nigeria’s biggest non-interest bank by assets base and innovative products and services delivery has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) in furtherance of its ethical banking drive to support worthy causes in Nigeria’s sustainable development.
The Managing Director/ CEO of TAJBank Limited, Mr. Hamid Joda, who spoke on the pact at the weekend during a virtual chat with journalists, maintained that the pact would further enable TAJBank to extend
the frontiers of its socioeconomic interventions to aspiring pilgrims nationwide, particularly at a time when airfares are surging and potential pilgrims are finding it challenging to cope with the rising costs of pilgrimage.
He enthused: “Let me say that the MoU with the NAHCON on the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) aligns with our mission to support the needy in Nigeria. So, with this deal, TAJBank will explore its strong digital platforms and physical networks in our branches to take the HSS to the grassroots and enable intending pilgrims to access funds at ease for their travels,” Joda assured.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, the NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman noted that the HSS had created a structured pathway for pilgrims in the country, recalling that in the past, many prospective pilgrims are eager to enroll but limited by inadequate awareness to funding. According to him, with the collaboration with TAJBank and other non-interest banks on the HSS, the commission will rev up its sensitization efforts through the Ulama, traditional and digital media platforms, to enlighten the public on the long-term benefits of the scheme.
Bennett Oghifo
Nigeria’s leading nutrition and regulatory stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger laboratory capacity, improved premix testing, and tighter industry compliance to safeguard the quality of fortified foods across the country. Fortified foods have one or more vitamin or mineral added when they are made. These calls for tighter regulations were made at the 2025 National Fortification Alliance (NFA) meeting, held on Tuesday in Lagos, and attended by representatives from government ministries, regulatory agencies, development partners, industry groups, academia,civil society, and the media.
Hosted by the NFA
in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Helen Keller International (HKI) and TechnoServe, the meeting reviewed national progress in the fortification of widely consumed foods such as sugar, flour, vegetable oil, salt, and rice, key vehicles used to combat micronutrient deficiencies affecting millions of Nigerians.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Renaissance Africa Company Limited has inaugurated its Southern Swamp Associated Gas Solutions (SSAGS) Project in Delta State, injecting
approximately 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMScf/d gas) to the domestic market and about 820 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMboe).
In a statement yesterday, by the Renaissance spokesperson, Michael Adande, explained that the the project is successful implementation of
the company’s strategy for ending routine flaring in its Tunu Node operations and boosting industrialisation. The project is within oil mining leases 35 and 46 fields, located in the coastal swamp region, south of Warri, and establishes anchor infrastructure necessary for future development of
substantial discovered and undiscovered potential within the node, currently estimated at about 820 million barrels of oil equivalent.
Adande said “when used for electricity, 100 million standard cubic feet of natural gas will power about 6,700 Nigerian households for one year, with an expected ripple
effect that benefits businesses, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across different phases of the gas supply chain”.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance, Mr. Tony Attah, described the inauguration as, “A milestone that marks a significant achievement in our
commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions and advancing associated gas utilisation. It highlights our vision to ensure energy security and industrialisation in the nation delivered through our core values of Collaboration, Respect, Integrity, Safety, and Performance”.
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Seinde Adenagbe, has called for a standard reset in the
Nigerian capital market, insisting that professional discipline, ethics, and stronger governance must define the next phase of the industry.
Adenagbe, who was officially decorated as ASHON’s 6th Chairman in Lagos, said the market cannot grow on weak structures or
compromised values. He urged operators to recommit to transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct, describing these as the pillars on which
investor confidence is built.
“Whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report should define our conduct,” he
said. “Our word must remain our bond.”
Adenagbe warned that recent policy headwinds risk undermining the confidence ASHON seeks to strengthen.
By Ibrahim Dosara (Former Commissioner for Information, Zamfara State)
n recent days, a familiar patter n has resurfaced in our public discourse: the recycling of politically Imotivated allegations against Dr Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence The latest example comes from Farooq Kperogi’s Saturday Tribune column, whic h attempts to reconstr uct a longdiscredited narrative using conjecture, par tisan opinion, and unveried claims
Criticism is healthy in a democracy
Misinfor mation is not. And when the subject concer ns national security, careless commentary tur ns from mere rhetoric into a threat to public tr ust and operational morale
For the sake of balance, reason and national interest, the record m ust be set straight.
1. Alle ga tions Ar e Not Facts — and Repea ting Them Does Not Make Them True
The allegations hur led at Dr Matawalle have been par t of Zamfara’s political theatre since 2019. They have been investigated, revisited, and subjected to scr utiny without producing a single indictment, c harge, or ofcial recommendation of wrongdoing
If any of the individuals cited—for mer aides with grievances, political opponents seeking relevance, or clerics inuenced by par tisan tensions—possessed credible evidence, the law provides clear avenues: the police, the intelligence agencies, the EFCC or ICPC, or a cour t of competent jurisdiction.
Yet none has ever taken this path. Instead, the accusations sur vive only as sound bites, weaponised and recycled whenever political motivations demand it. In a constitutional democracy, due process—not speculation—remains the only acceptable test of integrity
2. Ma tawalle’s Tenur e in Zamfara Has Been Grossly Distor ted
It is easy—convenient, even—to ignore the realities of leading Zamfara during its most volatile period. What critics call “complicity” was, in fact, the burden of confronting an inherited crisis that had grown over a decade
Under Dr Ma tawalle’s leadership:
Military and police deployments expanded across r ural corridors
Local intelligence networ ks were strengthened and coordinated with federal agencies
Numerous captives were rescued without the theatrics of media publicity
Critical roads r eopened after years under criminal control.
Most impor tantly, the so-called “dialogues” now twisted out of context were, at the time, a nationally endorsed strategy recommended by security exper ts, nor ther n elders, and federal authorities Near ly every state in the Nor thwest and Nor th-Central experimented with similar models
Those who now weaponise history forget that policy evolves Peace initiatives ceased the moment intelligence agencies deemed them counterproductive That is what responsible leadership looks like—not the simplistic caricature painted by detractors
3. The Viral Video Is a Misr epr esentation, Not a Revela tion
The resurfaced 2021 clip of Dr. Matawalle explaining the socio-economic roots of r ural banditry has been grossly manipulated to imply sympathy for criminals
This is dishonest.
Understanding the complexities of conict is not endorsement of crime Gover nors, military ofcers, researc hers and comm unity leaders have all made similar contextual analyses
Reducing nuanced security commentary to a scandal is not only unfair—it is irresponsible
4. On the Question of Political Value: Facts Ma tter
The claim that Dr Matawalle “never won an election” is historically false
He ser ved three consecutive ter ms in the House of Representatives—clear evidence of political legitimacy conferred by his constituents
His ascent as gover nor in 2019 emerged from a legal process triggered by par ty irregularities, not
Political value cannot be reduced to a single electoral cycle, especially in a region where political dynamics are uid, complex, and deeply contested.
5. Civilian Leadership in Defence Is Interna tional Best Practice
Kperogi’s criticism of civilian defence ministers reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of moder n security gover nance
The Ministry of Defence, in Nigeria and globally, is str uctured to balance:
civilian oversight, military exper tise, policy coordination, and strategic diplomacy
Countries with wor ld-class militaries—from the United States to the United Kingdom—appoint civilian defence ministers
Dr Matawalle’s role aligns perfectly with this universally accepted model.
Operational command rests with the military high command; political leadership and coordination rest with the ministerial team.
The fact that critics do not see the behind-the-scenes coordination, engagements, and policy wor k perfor med by the Minister of State does not diminish its impor tance
6. Pr esidential Condence Is Based on Intelligence, Not Newspaper Columns
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wor ks with:
real-time intelligence, inter nal security assessments, m ulti-agency repor ts, and operational briengs unavailable to the media.
He retains Dr Matawalle because he knows his value—value that ar mc hair analysts cannot perceive from afar
It is inconsistent for commentators to praise the President’s restr ucturing of the defence hierarc hy while presuming he lac ks judgment in retaining his junior minister
Consistency demands recognising that national appointments are not guided by newspaper speculation but by strategic considerations
7. Nigeria’s Security Demands Balance, Not Smear Campaigns
At a time when the gover nment has intensied operations against terrorists, criminals and insurgents, politically c harged smear campaigns are distractions Nigeria cannot afford.
They feed public cynicism, under mine tr ust in institutions, and offer moral oxygen to criminals who benet from division at the top
Na tional security r equir es unity of purpose—not personalised a ttacks based on unproven allega tions
Conclusion: Sensationalism Cannot Replace Substance
Dr Bello Matawalle remains Minister of State for Defence because he is par t of a coordinated national security arc hitecture that values his experience, commitment and strategic contributions
To insist otherwise is to substitute par tisan sentiment for reality
Nigeria deser ves a security discourse grounded in facts, fair ness and responsibility—not a resurrection of long-discarded r umours
As the country confronts one of the most complex security c hallenges in its history, we m ust resist the temptation to allow smear campaigns to overshadow substance
The stakes are too high.
Our troops deser ve clarity, our citizens deser ve honesty, and our nation deser ves leadership—not division.
Ibrahim Dosara was the commissioner of infor mation, during
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 04 December 2025, unless otherwise stated.
Offer price:
Oluchi Chibuzor
Africa’s fast-rising virtual cinema platform, Circuits, has sparked a new economic conversation in Nollywood after revealing a welfare intervention that delivers monthly pay for life and comprehensive health insurance to ageing screen icons.
The initiative, the company said, is aimed at correcting decades of financial injustice in Nigeria’s multi-billion-naira film sector.
Speaking at a roundtable with senior journalists in Lagos, Chief Operating Officer of Circuits, Mrs Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, said the pension-style support for three industry pioneers, Chief Pete Edochie, Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow) and Chief Lere Paimo, signals a structural shift in how African cinema accounts for those who built its cultural and commercial value but grew old without institutional protection.
She said, “This is not charity, it is an economic responsibility. The men and women who built Nollywood’s cultural
wealth deserve lifetime dignity, not abandonment. We designed the Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund to correct a longstanding economic injustice in the creative industry.”
Bibowei-Osuobeni described the Fund as the first privatesector, recurring welfare mechanism in Nollywood’s history, specifically for veterans about 70 years with a life time approach- not one off. “For years, the industry depended on informal structures. Contracts were weak, royalties were inconsistent, and piracy wiped out incomes,” BiboweiOsuobeni said. “We believe the new economy must honour the old creators and create a sustainable economic pathway for the new.”
She added that the fund will scale in phases, with more veterans joining in the coming months as partnerships deepen. “No Nollywood trailblazer should grow old in financial distress,” she said. Bibowei-Osuobeni said Circuits’ broader strategy is to position African cinema as a platform for economic growth, job creation and global market expansion.
She described Circuits as “Africa’s first true pan-african virtual cinema scheduled, pay-per-view, and designed to protect intellectual property while expanding revenue channels for filmmakers. With content library from Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia etc, we have shown that we are a truly Pan-African company. “Films premiere on the platform at specific times, mirroring the experience of physical cinema attendance. When you buy a film on Circuits, you are paying for a scheduled seat, not random access,” she said. “That ensures creators receive real-time, measurable income.”
She noted that the platform’s limited-release model, in which films remain available only for a set period, has increased scarcity value and improved yield for producers.
She said the rollout begins in January, with projections that thousands of young people across participating states will enter creative and technical employment pipelines.
In December, Circuits will debut its most ambitious distribution experiment, working with its theatrical
The organiser of the second Nigeria Supply Chain Leadership Summit in Victoria Island, Lagos, themed, ‘’Unlocking Nigeria’s Supply Chain growth for trade and investment success’’, Mr. Emeka Eboagwu, has explained why he held the event.
He said it was aimed at building a better future for the subsector of the economy.
He said the summit is ‘’a movement, a call to action for us to think, rebuild, and reimagine how supply chains power Nigeria’s future. From energy to agriculture, from logistics to technology, our discussions will define how Nigeria positions
itself as the engine of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.”
He said the theme reflected ‘’our collective belief that sustainable progress demands collaboration, innovation, resilience. We must move from conversations to solutions, from protectionism to glocalisation, where local strength meets global opportunity.”
General Manager, Global Sustainable Supply Chain, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Adeola Oduntan, in his presentation, entitled, Nigeria at the crossroads: Protectionism or Pan-African trade integration?’’ listed the major challenges facing supply chain globally, especially in
Nigeria, as that of infrastructure and foreign exchange (FX).
He said: “If only we can focus on developing infrastructure, then it makes the ease of doing business very seamless. And, then, also, if we look at the maturity level of the supply chain in Nigeria, it has a stage where you’re basically struggling with a lot of activities ranging from clearing, importing and, of course, the FX challenge.
Earlier, Dangerous Goods Academy, Lagos founder, Dr Aiban Igwe, urged the Federal Government to establish the ministry of logistics and supply chain to fully appropriate the benefits in the sector.
Rotary International District 9111 concluded its Public Image Seminar last week with a clear resolution to revamp its communication strategy, emphasizing digital storytelling as a means to authentically showcase the breadth of its humanitarian impact held in Lagos.
The seminar held at Keystone Bank Hall Rotary Centre, GRA Ikeja, Lagos centered on the theme: “Strengthening Rotary’s Credibility and Visibility Through Strategic Communication.”
District leadership acknowledged a critical challenge, despite the effectiveness of its service projects, Rotary’s public visibility in the digital space remains limited.
District 9111 Governor,
Rotarian Prince Henry Akinyele, set the tone for the seminar by underscoring that public image extends beyond popularity.
“Public image is not just about visibility; it is about authenticity and transparency,” he said, urging Rotarians to communicate their impact truthfully to bridge the gap between the organization’s extensive service and public perception.
Chairman of the District 9111 Public Image Committee and Past President Rotary Club of Ewutuntun, Otun Olalekan recounted the founding history of Rotary International and highlighted its signature initiative— the End Polio Now
Campaign, which has eradicated polio globally and saved millions of children. A proud story for Rotary brand.
“Today’s seminar aims to strengthen Rotary’s external perception by equipping leaders with the tools to effectively communicate Rotary’s value, credibility, and impact,” Otun stated.
The Publisher Marketing Edge Magazine, Mr John Ajayi represented by the Deputy Editor-in Chief, Mr Ralph Tathagatga in his contribution posits that “in response to low digital engagement, the image makers should emphasized the adoption of highimpact content formats, especially short videos and reels, over lengthy reports.”
Dike Onwuamaeze and Kayode Tokede
A capital market expert over the weekend has hinted that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1trillion economy by 2030 can only be realised through the strategic, disciplined, and collaborative implementation of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.
Speaking at the 2025 conference of the Capital
Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) in Lagos, Group Managing Director of GTI Capital, Abubakar Lawal, stated that the ISA 2025 must transition from a policy document into a practical instrument for driving national economic growth.
He was represented at the event by the Managing Director of GTI Capital, Mr. Kehinde Hassan.
Lawal stressed that clarity, consistency and synergy among regulators, operators and market stakeholders are vital if the Act is to serve as the bedrock of Nigeria’s trillion-dollar ambition.
According to him, the country has reached a critical phase where fragmented efforts and isolated initiatives can no longer be accommodated.
He noted that the
implementation of ISA 2025 must be aligned with the Revised Capital Market Master Plan to prevent policy dissonance and institutional overlap.
“What Nigeria requires now is a unified roadmap, one that integrates ISA 2025 into the broader architecture of the nation’s economic vision,” he said.
Lawal maintained that with disciplined execution,
cross-institutional cooperation, sustained public education, and responsible innovation, Nigeria could not only meet but surpass its $1trn economic target while achieving long-term socioeconomic benefits.
He added that coordinated action would position the country as a continental and global model for innovationdriven and inclusive growth.
Describing ISA 2025 as
a transformational reform, he said the legislation offers more than regulatory rules, providing structure, tools, and opportunities for national development. However, he cautioned that even the best-crafted laws remain ineffective without intentional follow-through. He urged regulators to apply fairness and foresight, while operators embrace innovation anchored on responsibility.
Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO)’s investments in air cargo and ground handling operations are facilitating impressive growths in non-oil exports and boosting returns to investors, writes Kayode Tokede
The latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria’s economy rose by 3.98 per cent in third quarter 2025. This compared with 3.9 per cent recorded in third quarter 2024 and 4.2 per cent recorded in second quarter 2025. The report underlined sustained economic growth and recovery.
Sectoral analysis showed that the third quarter 2025 growth was driven by both oil and non-oil sectors. Particularly, non-oil sector contributed 96.6 per cent while oil sector accounted for 3.4 per cent of the economic activities. The oil sector expanded by 5.8 per cent, with oil production averaging 1.64mbpd in third quarter 2025.
Notably, growths across the three primary sectors- agriculture, industry, and services were the main drivers of the non-oil sector’s performance. Agricultural output rose by 3.8 per cent. Analysts at Afrinvest West Africa noted that growth in agriculture sector was driven by the main harvest season and cash and food crops export earnings. The industrial sector expanded by 3.2 per cent while the services sector improved by 4.2 per cent.
According to analysts at Afrinvest, Nigeria’s economic growth “remains heavily anchored on non-oil sectors, reflecting both the resilience and structural diversification of the Nigerian economy.”
However, industry analysts said at the heart of Nigeria’s expansive growth in non-oil sector is the upsurge in air cargo exports. With the NAHCO Export Processing and Packaging Centre (NEPPC), owned by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, agricultural exports have become increasingly standardised and seamless. Same for other cargoes.
The NEPPC serves as a state-of-the-art value-added operational centre designed to strengthen Nigeria’s air-export capacity; particularly perishable commodities.
Operationally, NEPPC functions as a one-stop export centre, working in close coordination with key regulatory and facilitation agencies such as the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, NDLEA, and the airlines. This coordinated process ensures that all shipments passing through the centre are safe, compliant, and export-ready before dispatch. The result is a measurable reduction in cargo dwell time, minimization of re-handling, and a consistent improvement in the integrity and traceability of perishable air freight shipments.
From a strategic standpoint, NEPPC bridges a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s export logistics value chain — providing the infrastructure and technical support that many small and medium-scale exporters have historically lacked. By centralizing export processing and introducing global best practices in handling, inspection, NEPPC not only raises the operational standards of Nigerian exporters to meet international regulatory requirements such as European Union and GCC standards, but also enhances the country’s credibility and competitiveness in the global perishables market.
In essence, NEPPC transforms the export experience from fragmented and reactive to integrated, compliant, and efficient — positioning Nigeria to capture greater value
from its agro-export sector through reliable air cargo connectivity.
Analysts noted that there has been a surge in activities at the NAHCO’s export drop-off zone since the commencement of operations at NEPPC in July 2025.
Speaking on this development, Group Managing Director, NAHCO, Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said the company has positioned itself at the growth end of the Nigeria’s economy with its expansive investments in export processing and warehouses across the country.
He noted that the massive NEPPC in Lagos was a first of its kind in Nigeria and a deliberate strategy for sustainable benefits to all stakeholders.
According to him, across its operations, NAHCO is adding values to the Nigerian economy and all stakeholders, while ensuring competitive returns to shareholders.
He said the group remains focused on four areas of sustained growth, equipment re-fleeting, digitisation and environmental social governance (ESG) to ensure better performance in the period ahead.
He explained that the diversified nature of the group and the onboarding of new business ventures would ensure that the group sustains its growth trajectory.
“Since transiting from being the foremost ground handling service provider in the entire sub-region to being a diversified, total logistics group, we have been driven by the earnest desire to provide unmatched level of excellent service delivery to our
clients. This commitment has become more urgent as we seek to satisfy new demands for excellence and to improve shareholder value,” Olumekun said.
He noted that NAHCO is a leader in Nigeria’s aviation environmental, social, governance (ESG)’s compliance.
Experts have noted the need for air cargo hubs to consider green freight initiatives such as sustainable aviation fuels, carbon-offset programmes and efficient handling as global supply-chains increasingly embed ESG metrics. With this, NAHCO is clearly well positioned to drive Nigeria’s non-oil sector sustainably.
In the last quarter, NAHCO launched additional multi-million dollar equipment in the quest to support national economic rebirth.
Chairman of NAHCO Plc, Dr. Seinde Fadeni, said the essence of these equipment was not just for the company alone, but as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s economy.
The new batch of multi-million-dollar ground support equipment (GSE) were expected to enhance ground handling operations countrywide.
He reiterated the plan of the board to ensure that the company boasts of more than adequate equipment by the end of this year.
Fadeni disclosed that the process for acquiring the new equipment started last year, but the company had to endure delivery delays while the manufacturer finishes producing and shipping to Nigeria.
He said: “The essence of these equipment
is not just for the company alone or for the customers, it is also to make life easier for the workers. I can confirm to you that we have a lot in our cap, and we’re bringing them out one by one.”
Chief Operating Officer, NAHCO Plc, Mr. Didier Stuellet, said the huge investments demonstrated the commitment of the company to long-term growth.
“It’s a huge investment. We’re talking about millions, not in naira, but in dollars, and so this is always difficult for the owners of a company like this to take a decision like this; to take the best decision. This is the best decision for NAHCO,” Stuellet said.
He said the company would make complete re-fleeting of equipment happen in the long term, adding that NAHCO is more than halfway into that process.
He said: “We still have some equipment coming in the coming months, years.”
Head, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), NAHCO) Plc, Mr. Charles Karinga, noted that the acquisition of nine brand new high loaders by NAHCO was a huge one in the history of Nigerian aviation and that not many ground handling service providers in the region could acquire so many equipment at the same time.
He described a high loader as a ground support equipment, equipped with a high-reach lift mechanism to load or unload items, cargo, food, drinks, cleared for air transportation.
“Buying this number of high loaders at this same time is not something that is normally done by many handlers in this clime because they are very expensive. This is the first time this would be happening,” Karinga said.
He also pointed out that the brand of the equipment deployed by the company is one of the very best in the industry and would serve the Company and its airline clients for several years.
The increased economic and operational activities have also impacted the corporate results of NAHCO.
The nine-month results of NAHCO for the period ended September 30, 2025 showed strong growths across sales and profitability, with a 47 per cent increase in net earnings underlining the increased capacity of the leading aviation handling and logistics group to sustain improved returns to shareholders. The report showed that total revenue rose by 40.7 per cent from N33.95 billion in third quarter(Q3) 2024 to N47.76 billion in third quarter 2025, driven by renewed and new business contracts and expanding business activities across the subsidiaries. Gross profit rose by 37.1 per cent to N28.43 billion in Q3 2025 as against N20.74 billion in third quarter 2024, showing top-line cost efficiency despite domestic and global inflationary pressures. Operating profit jumped by 40.8 per cent from N12.88 billion to N18.14 billion, underlining the fact that the performance of the company was driven by business operations rather than financial or structural management. Profit before tax leapt by 46 per cent to N17.94 billion in third quarter 2025 compared with N12.29 billion in Q3 2024.
The Ogun s tate Property and i nvestment Corporation (OP i C) Tower is an unmistakable edifice in the heart of g ateway City. i t serves as the headquarters of the corporation and has lettable office spaces. Bennett o ghifo writes
OPIC Tower is a 12-storey multi-let building that provides flexible office spaces of various sizes. It was inaugurated in May 2011. The development consists of two high-rise buildings: a six-floor office building known as DIYA HOUSE, which serves as the corporation’s
headquarters, inaugurated in September 1984.
OPIC headquarters and towers are located within the OPIC roundabout, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a statutory corporation focusing on developing
residential, commercial and industrial real estate hubs and new cities in Nigeria.
OPIC was established by Edict 10 of 1984 laws of Ogun State, Nigeria and by its mandate, it is empowered to create new towns and cities across Ogun and beyond.
OPIC’s finished and upcoming
development pipeline varies across locations and is designed to meet international standards.
As a result of its expertise and robust balance sheet, the corporation has “built a diverse portfolio of urban developments in both the residential and commercial sectors” in Lagos and Ogun.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The recent constitution of the boards for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) by President Bola Tinubu represents a major step in recalibrating Nigeria’s human-capital and agricultural financing architecture. Coming from diverse professional and regional backgrounds, the appointments signal a deliberate attempt to reflect Nigeria’s geo-political zones and institutional needs as well as reinvigorate the critical agencies for better service delivery. The newly constituted boards bring together an unusually diverse blend of technocrats, administrators, bankers, academics, engineers, entrepreneurs and diaspora professionals whose individual trajectories reflect the evolving character of public service in Nigeria. In this piece, THISDAY profiles each of the appointees, grouped by institution, who, taken together, represent a cross-section of professionals whose careers span several continents and who now converge on a shared task to provide direction, ensure accountability and strengthen the institutions placed under their stewardship.
The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is the federal agency charged with supporting and coordinating basic (primary and junior secondary) education across Nigeria.
As chairman of the board of UBEC, the two-term governor of Nasarawa State and former senator for Nasarawa South, Al-Makura brings decades of political and administrative experience to UBEC. He previously chaired committees on solid minerals.
Gift Ngo was named by the government of Bola Tinubu as the representative of the South-south zone on the UBEC Governing Board, as part of a full reconstitution of the board, with an initial term of four years.
With over 30 years of experience in financial services, oil & gas, healthcare, and large scale manufacturing industries, Ngo holds an MBA and MS degrees with expertise in strategic planning, financial engineering, product development, and risk management.
Mbaegbulem, a public policy professional and education advocate with experience in community-based development initiatives, hails from the South-east. Mbaegbulem has been involved in several human capital development projects and state-level advisory work. Named as an UBEC board member representing the zone, his role will mostly be to ensure that formal and informal education considerations for the zone are conveyed at the federal level.
Ibiwunmi Akinnola, who represents the South-west on the UBEC board, blends classroom experience, institutional development, policy engagement, with a career that spans more than two decades. Throughout that time, she has built a reputation as an early-years specialist. She is the founder and lead consultant at Child Centre Limited, a preschool and after-school institution that has served as a model for what early childhood spaces can become and is an educational consultant.
A globally recognised public health expert, Dr. Meiro Mandara served as Country Representative for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and was once a senior adviser with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She has deep expertise in social development, girl-child education, and maternal health. She represents the North-east on the board of UBEC.
Not much information about Abdu Imam Saulawa is available in the public space. But Saulawa is said to be a lecturer and education policy analyst with several publications on curriculum reform and teacher quality. Available information also shows he has served in various state education task teams in Katsina and the wider North-west region.
A professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture, he earned his Ph.D. in 2004 from the University of Ibadan and became a full professor in 2007. Over the years, he has supervised many postgraduate students. His research interests include aquaculture production, fisheries economics and extension, climate-smart fisheries production, value addition to fish products, and agricultural innovation systems.
Essentially, BOA is Nigeria’s state-owned development bank charged with providing credit facilities, loans, and agricultural financing to small and large scale farmers and agribusinesses, especially in rural areas. The new board has the task to reinvigorate the bank’s role in national food security, agricultural modernisation, and rural economic development. The Chairman of BOA, Muhammad Babangida is the son of former military President Ibrahim Babangida.
Ayo Sotinrin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, BOA, holds an Executive MBA from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford; a Master’s in Engineering Business Management from University of Warwick; and an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation. His professional record spans investment banking, agribusiness, infrastructure finance, and publicsector advisory. Before joining BOA, Sotinrin served as Group CEO of SAO Group.
The Executive Director, Corporate Services, who hails from Sokoto in the North-west region was among those recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu. As head of that department, Garba will be responsible for the internal functioning of BOA, including its human resources, administration, compliance, and internal controls. Her appointment from Sokoto helps ensure representation from the North-west.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi, the organisation’s Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy, hails from Borno State. Given BOA’s history of non-performing loans and the risk inherent in agricultural financing, Khadi’s role as executive director, risk management & strategy is critical. Khadi is expected to help attract agro-investment in a region with need for agricultural revitalisation and development.
Executive Director, Operations, Salami from Kwara in the North-central region, will oversee day-to-day operations, loan disbursement, branch network, vital for translating policy into action, especially in North-central which forms a major agricultural belt.
AMINU MALAMI
A non-executive director (North-east), Mohammed is engaged in agribusiness. He has participated in several value-chain development programmes in the North-east.
A Non-executive Director appointed to represent the South-east under the latest board constitutions done by the federal government, he is described as the Chief Executive/Founder of VIRCO Group, which is an agribusiness firm involved in rice production, processing, and distribution.
OLADEJO ODUNUGA:Non-Executive Director (South-west)
He’s a Non-executive Director representing the South-west on the BOA Board.
Non-Executive Director (North-west), Rabiu Funtua represents the North-west in the Board of the bank.
KOCHI DONALD IORGYER: Non-Executive Director (North-central)
Non-Executive Director (North-central), Iorgyer’s appointment was part of a larger reconstitution of BOA’s governing board by the President.
Conceived to provide affordable capital to farmers and agripreneurs, the National Agricultural Development Fund addresses a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s agriculture financing ecosystem. On December 5, 2025, Tinubu constituted its full governing board. At the head of NADF is Bello Maccido, a distinguished veteran of Nigeria’s banking and investment sector. Maccido is well known for his long tenure in multiple senior roles across major financial institutions.
A Board Member representing Akwa Ibom and the South-south, Nelson Henry Essien is a financial consultant, former banker and development finance specialist with engagements across commercial banking, SME advisory and financial literacy projects. His past roles span major institutions such as Citibank Nigeria, Citibank Angola, Stanbic Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and Ecobank Nigeria.
AMINA AHMED HABIB: Chartered Accountant
Representing Jigawa and North-west on the NADF Board, Habib is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an experienced finance manager.
Board Member, South-west, Akinnola is an engineer and entrepreneur with diversified interests. He is also into agriculture.
HASSAN TANIMU MUSA USMAN: Capital Market Expert
Board Member of NADF (North-east), Musa Usman is the founder of New Frontier Developments Ltd and a former non-executive director of Access Bank, with extensive experience in investment advisory, capital markets and corporate governance. He studied Economics at the University of Sussex (BA) and later earned an MPhil in Development Economics from University of Cambridge.
He represents the North-central on the board of the NADF. As Benue is a major agricultural hub (often referred to as Nigeria’s food basket), his representation may help ensure NADF funds reach small and large agribusinesses in a key production region.
FELIX ACHIBIRI: Investor
Achibiri is group director at Genesis Energy Holdings and CEO of DFC Holdings. He has interests in power, oil and gas services, and real estate, and is recognised for his involvement in energy infrastructure projects across Nigeria. An alumnus of Harvard Business School USA and University of Port-Harcourt, his business background and demonstrable experience in national, international and multi-cultural environments spans over two decades.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, alongside members of the National Assembly and other stakeholders at the weekend visited sections 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.
The multi-trillion piece of infrastructure is being handled by Messrs Hitech Africa Construction Company,
including the 71.4-kilometre segment as well as part of the 750-kilometre highway. The two projects were flagged-off in April, 2025. Umahi praised the contractor for maintaining quality standards, utilising advanced equipment, and employing skilled workers. He also commended them for completing and commissioning Section I, Phase I (Ahmadu Bello
Way-Eleko Village) in Lagos State, in June 2025, ahead of schedule.
Umahi urged them to replicate the performance on Sections 3A and 3B, directing that construction should proceed both during the day and at night, a statement by the Director of Press, Mohammed Ahmed, stated yesterday.
He highlighted that features such as relief stations, solar
lighting, and CCTV cameras will be included along the highway, with emergency response times not exceeding 10 minutes.
Umahi encouraged the people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, and indeed all Nigerians, to support President Bola Tinubu in realising his 27-year-old dream of building a Coastal Highway, similar to those in other countries with coastlines.
The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Badagry Branch, Lady Edith Uduji, weekend, called for a total crackdown on digital violence against women and girls.
She warned that online abuse has become one of the fastest-growing and most harmful forms of gender-based violence in Nigeria and globally.
Speaking during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, in
Lagos, Uduji said digital platforms, despite their potential for development, have increasingly become spaces of fear, harm, harassment, intimidation, and psychological damage for many women and girls.
“Digital violence is real. It is rising quickly, and it destroys dignity, silences women and girls, and must not be tolerated,” she stated.
Uduji noted that women; ranging from politicians and journalists to employees, widows, housewives and young girls, are frequently targeted with
hate speech, impersonation, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, doxxing, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and other online violations.
She warned that digital abuse is rooted in social inequality and worsens longstanding power imbalances, further hindering women’s participation in public and private life.
While commending the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2024, especially Sections 24–27, the chairperson said enforcement remains a
major challenge due to low awareness among minors, parents, educators and even law enforcement officers.
She added that the borderless nature of the internet makes prosecuting offenders difficult, especially when perpetrators hide their identity.
“It is one thing to have an opinion; it is another to know when you have crossed the line,” she said, noting that freedom of expression does not give anyone the right to humiliate or violate others’ privacy.
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole
Abuja
The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, raised alarm on the health risks arising from inadequate water supply at the Kano State orientation camp.
Nafiu stated this while appealing to the Kano State
governor, Abba Yusuf, in his office in Kano.
A press statement issued by the scheme on Saturday and signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Caroline Embu, said, "The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to the Kano State Government to help address the inadequate water supply at its permanent
Orientation Camp located in Karaye town.
"The Director-General (DG) of the Scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the plea during a visit to the state governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Government House, Kano.
"He pointed out that inadequate water supply was not only a hindrance
to the smooth running of the Camp activities, but also a potential health risk.
"Nafiu also urged the governor to facilitate the expansion of the Camp's multi-purpose hall, saying its current capacity was grossly inadequate, and not conducive for the conduct of orientation lectures and other indoor activities organized for Corps Members.
“He is the actualiser of dreams, including that of former President Shehu Shagari of blessed memory, who about 47 years ago envisioned constructing the 1,068-kilometre SokotoBadagry Superhighway, and the colonial-era 465-kilometre Calabar-Ebonyi-BenueNasarawa-Kogi-Abuja and the Trans-Saharan Highway, which connects with the fourth Legacy Project at Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe,” he stated.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Dany Aboud, assured that the company would work day and night, deploying more personnel and resources, pledging that construction on both segments would be completed within the 36-month contract period.
Speaking on behalf of the members and leadership
of the National Assembly, Senate Committee Chairman on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada, urged Nigerians to appreciate the significant earthwork involved, especially given the swampy terrain, which justifies the project’s huge capital outlay.
He assured the public that they will get value for their money and reaffirmed the partnership between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works to realise the President’s vision. The newly deployed Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, who previously served as Director of Procurement at the Ministry, emphasised that the quality of work is high, expressing confidence that with the contractor’s commitment and the minister's leadership, this project can be completed on time.
Bennett Oghifo
Human resource and notable business leader, Dr. Omotola Dayo-Adedapo, have urged organisations to prioritise employee wellbeing, embrace purposedriven technology, and adopt policies that enable both workers and employers to thrive.
Speaking at the at the 2025 HR Conference and Excellence Awards, in Lagos, Convener, HRTalenthub.ng, Dr. Dayo-Adedapo, said workplaces must urgently address emerging challenges such as toxic leadership, employee burnout and declining mental wellbeing, especially within the current
economic realities in Nigeria. She said improving employee experience requires organisations to develop healthier cultures, recognise staff contributions, and ensure everyone feels valued and connected to the mission of the organisation.
According to her, forums such as the conference help HR professionals learn global best practices, recognise excellence and strengthen leadership capacity across industries.
On the role of government, Dr. DayoAdedapo noted the importance of supportive labour and business policies that encourage productivity and enterprise growth.
As Customs seizes N720m worth of Tramadol, Indian hemp
Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recovered over 7.6 million pills of tramadol and a total of 76,273.4 kilograms of different strains of cannabis including Colorado, Loud and Skunk with several members of drug trafficking organisations
linked to the seizures arrested.
Meanwhile, the Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 698,600 tabs of tramadol and 174 wraps of Indian hemp worth N720 million in the state.
The NCS revealed this Sunday while showcasing the achievements of the command's outgoing Controller who has been promoted to Assistant
Comptroller General, Idriss Abba-Aji.
On its part, a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi said the success was recorded via series of intelligence-led operations across the country.
Babafemi said out of the total opioids seized during the raids, not less than 3,874,000 pills of tramadol 225mg and 100mg,
and others as well as 252.2 litres of codeine syrup were recovered from a warehouse at Oko Market, Asaba, Delta State on Saturday, while no fewer than 1.2 million tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from a suspect Kelechi Nwako last Wednesday when NDLEA operatives on patrol at Orogwe, along Onitsha-Owerri Road, Imo State, intercepted his vehicle conveying the consignment
which was loaded at Aba, Abia state, heading to Onitsha, Anambra State.
In Adamawa State, NDLEA officers last Monday intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus marked MGU 554 XB along MarabaMubi coming from Jos, Plateau State, going to Mubi with a total of 1, 577,112 capsules of tramadol and exol-5 tablets, all concealed inside jumbo bags mixed with new rubber sandals and slippers.
Two suspects: Kabiru Buba, 25, and Hamza Abubakar, 32, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Barring any change in schedule, members of the National Assembly will pass their verdict on the Special Seats Bill meant to ensure greater inclusivity and involvement of Nigeria women in governance.
The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) which has been leading advocacy campaigns on the Bill said at the weekend
that the Special Seats Bill will be voted on by both Chambers of the National Assembly this week.
Speaking at an event to amplify support for the women representation initiative, Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo said: "The clock is almost counting down in the sense that, if we go by the schedule decided by the leadership of the National Assembly - voting on the Bill will either happen on
the 8th or 9th of December which is really next week."
Nwankwo said the passage of the Bill will no doubt prove a test case on the ability of the 10th National Assembly to listen to the popular demand of Nigerians.
He described this week's consideration of the Bill as a defining moment for both the National Assembly and Nigerian women.
"In my conversations with members of the
National Assembly, I say to them that I have worked with you since 2010 on constitutional review. I joined you to have the first-ever amendment to Nigeria’s Constitution in 2010. It is 15 years since then.
"This would be my last involvement in constitutional review if this bill is not passed. And I think a lot of them are understanding the seriousness of it.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Minister Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is to be honoured with the 'Nigeria Infrastructure Minister of the Year' award by aborigines of the FCT for his enormous contribution to the development of outer city districts and satellite towns in Abuja.
A statement signed yesterday by the Secretary General of
the Karu Gbagyi Development Association (KAGBADA), Peter Samuel Aye, said FCT indigenes had never witnessed huge infrastructure developments all at once in the outer city districts and satellite towns like that currently being undertaken under the Tinubu administration and the current minister.
The statement noted that the award conferment on Wike and other awardees comes up
on Saturday 13th December 2025 at a grand reception at Jummai Aduda Townhall in Karu District, Abuja.
It added that the event will also feature a public lecture on FCT 2026 elections to be delivered by Nigeria's former Ambassador to Gambia, Ambassador Ayuba Jacob Ngbako, including a scholarship award for indigent people as well as an empowerment scheme
for Karu Chiefdom residents. He stressed that the community decided to honour Wike for the great infrastructure projects drawn to their community like the completed rehabilitation of the Nyanya-Karu-JikwoyiKarshi road, the completed Kugbo Bus Terminal, Kugbo International Market and award of contracts for the reconstruction of Karu township roads.
Similarly, another suspect, Mudansir Rabiu, 27, was nabbed along Zaria-Kano Road, Kano
State with 197,000 pills of exol-5. Babafemi added that operatives of a special operations unit of NDLEA stormed forests in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State where they destroyed 14,654 kilogrammes of skunk and arrested two suspects: Yusuf Iliyasu, 50, and Okumu Chinedu, 26. In another operation, the operatives last Tuesday stormed the forests in Asin-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, Ekiti State, where they destroyed 54,300 kilogrammes of skunk in two large warehouses that were razed while 28.3 kilogrammes of the same psychoactive substance were recovered for the purpose of prosecution.
Mary Nnah
In a bold move to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainability, Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC) recently hosted its 2025 Green Skills Bootcamp in Lagos, Nigeria.
The programme brought together students, educators, environmental advocates, and government representatives to showcase innovative solutions to plastic waste pollution.
SBC's commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility is evident in its efforts to empower young leaders and drive positive environmental change in Nigeria.
The students showcased creative products made from recycled materials, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.
SBC's Managing Director, Sari El-Khalil, praised the students' ingenuity, saying, "Your ideas today can shape a better world tomorrow."
The bootcamp provided students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in environmental sustainability, recycling, and green innovation.
Each participant received a comprehensive recycling toolkit to support their learning.
Lovelyn Okoye, SBC's Head of Sustainability, emphasized that the program aims to translate environmental awareness into action, equipping students with the tools to drive sustainability in their communities.
The bootcamp, which was part of SBC's 2025 Sustainability Week, saw 36 students from 18 shortlisted schools participate in a comprehensive program designed to enhance their upcycling and entrepreneurial skills.
Humanitarian affairs minister hails appointment of Gen. Musa as defence minister Retired army chief, Yahaya, denies alleged links to terrorism financing Two Chinese nationals kidnapped in Kwara
John Shiklam in Kaduna, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Linus Aleke in Abuja
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said investing in advanced training technologies was essential to staying ahead of adversaries and enhancing Nigerian Army’s capability for effective deployment across theatres of operation. Shaibu stated this while commissioning the state-of-the-art Wargaming Centre at the Department of Land Warfare, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna.
He said the Wargaming centre would serve as a critical asset for sharpening commanders’ ability to plan, rehearse, and execute operations with precision.
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said, in a statement, that the Nigerian Army had taken a major leap in strengthening its operational readiness with the commissioning of the state-of-the-art Wargaming Centre.
The army chief reaffirmed the strategic role of AFCSC as a centre of excellence for shaping officers’ capability to meet Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
He reiterated his vision to upgrade and modernise all existing military training infrastructure to meet global standards, adding that AFCSC is a reputable institution attracting officers from across the world, making cutting-edge facilities, such as the Wargaming Centre, indispensable.
The COAS charged the students to maximise the use of the facility as the army continued to operate in fluid, unpredictable, and technologydriven environments.
He also appreciated the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu, whose commitment to strengthening national security, he said, had continued to empower Nigerian Army’s transformational drive.
Shaibu equally applauded the commandant and the entire college community for their dedication.
Commandant of AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, stated that the college was committed to producing officers that would be intellectually prepared for command, instructional, and staff duties across complex security environments.
Alhaji stated that the new Wargaming Centre –conceptualised and driven by the Chief of Army Staff – would significantly enhance the capacity of personnel to develop modern operational concepts, refine strategic thinking, and improve combat decision-making processes essential for today’s dynamic battlefield.
The commandant commended the Chief of Army Staff for the facility and assured him that the college would continue to support the Department of Land Warfare in delivering world-class professional military education.
Doro Hails Musa’s Appointment
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty
Welcomes Gen. Musa’s appointment as defence minister
Chuks Okocha in
A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Presidential aspirant and renowned businessman, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged Northern political and social elites to take responsibility for the intensifying insecurity in the region.
He also applauded the appointment of General Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence, describing it as a crucial opportunity that must yield concrete results.
In a statement issued on
Sunday Hashim said he closely followed Musa’s Senate screening and was impressed by what he called the nominee’s sincerity, clarity and commitment to national service.
“I watched General Musa’s Senate clearance session. He sounded like someone genuinely committed to Nigeria. I hope he receives the full executive support needed to succeed in this critical assignment,” he said. Hashim cautioned that Nigerians—and global
security observers—are increasingly losing patience with political promises, stressing that citizens now expect decisive, immediate action to halt killings, kidnappings and the territorial ambitions of extremist groups in Northern Nigeria.
“This is not the season for symbolism. This is the season for action. Nigerians want to see immediate steps. This appointment must not become another publicity stunt. We want to see policies,
programmes and results,” he warned.
He called on both the executive and the National Assembly to fast-track legislation enabling state and local government policing structures, insisting that no lasting security reform is possible without a strong local security framework.
Hashim further argued that the North must acknowledge the internal governance failures that have fueled extremist recruitment across the region.
Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, congratulated the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu and confirmation by Senate. Doro, in a congratulatory statement made available to reporters in Jos, said Musa’s appointment was a good choice for the country at this time.
He stated, "I extend my warmest congratulations to Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) on his nomination, confirmation and swearing-in as the Honourable Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
"This appointment is a clear reflection of the President’s keen ability to recognise exceptional talent and to place individuals in positions where their experience and character will best serve the national interest.
"In choosing General Musa, Mr. President has once again demonstrated his commitment to strengthening key institutions with men and women who have proven their dedication to Nigeria.
"General Musa’s record of service speaks for itself. He is a disciplined officer, a strategist and a patriot whose leadership is certain to bring renewed vigour to our nation’s defence architecture.”
Doro added, "I am confident that his presence at the helm will contribute significantly to reducing the insecurity that has affected communities across our country.
"As Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and
Poverty Reduction, I look forward to close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant agencies.
“Working together, we will advance the Renewed Hope Agenda and ensure a safer, more stable environment where Nigerians can rebuild livelihoods, pursue opportunities and live with dignity.
"His appointment is good for the country, timely for the moment and reassuring for all who desire a more secure Nigeria."
Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd), denied allegations linking him to individuals involved in financing terrorism, following statements made by Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd).
In response to the allegations, former spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), in a statement, described the claims as “false, malicious and baseless”.
The statement read, "Our attention has been drawn to spurious allegations by Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd), claiming to link Lieutenant General (Dr) Faruk Yahaya (rtd) CFR, Zaruman Sokoto, former Chief of Army Staff, to individuals allegedly involved in terrorism financing.
L–R: Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi
Says joy of Nigeria has come, hopeful of 2026 First lady is new Yeye Asiwaju of Oodua, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye, declares
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday, boasted that those wondering how the administration of her husband, President Bola Tinubu, was going to get things done would be shown how things were done,
adding, “Nigeria's joy has come.”
Speaking in Ile-Ife, where she was conferred with the title of Yeye Asiwaju Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Mrs. Tinubu was optimistic that the new year would be better.
She declared that the country was on the path of renewed hope and prosperity, assuring that Nigeria would witness remarkable economic transformation by 2026. She described the present moment as a new chapter of joy and reassurance for Nigerians, stressing that the
expectations of naysayers would soon be answered through visible results.
The first lady expressed optimism that Nigeria’s economic fortunes would significantly improve under the current administration, stating that other countries would start seeking financial
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) reaffirmed its commitment to organising congresses in states where they were yet to be held. Chairman of the factional BoT, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, disclosed this yesterday in his opening address at the BoT meeting at the official residence of
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at Lifecamp, Abuja.
Ohuabunwa outlined the party’s roadmap to include conduct of overdue state congresses, consolidation of ongoing achievements, and support for the national leadership to steer the party back on course.
He said the steps were critical to ensuring unity, transparency and strong
grassroots engagement.
He added that by holding timely congresses and reinforcing organisational discipline, PDP hoped to rebuild trust among members and present a more organised, credible front ahead of future elections.
Ohuabunwa reaffirmed the commitment of the body to restoring confidence within the party while assuring members of the readiness of the national
Macron, on Sunday pledged his country's support for Nigeria in tackling terrorism and other security challenges. This was sequel to a telephone discussion Maron had with his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu.
In a tweet on his verified X handle, @Emmanuel Macron, the French president said he had conveyed France’s solidarity with Nigeria in the face of “various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the north”.
Macron, in the tweet, stated, "I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria, @officialABAT. I conveyed France’s solidarity in the face of the various security challenges, particularly the terrorist threat in the North.
"At his request, we will
strengthen our partnership with the authorities and our support for the affected populations. We call on all our partners to step up their engagement. No one can remain a spectator.”
A United States Congressional delegation yesterday met with National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, in Abuja as part of intensified diplomatic engagements following renewed allegation of Christian genocide in the country. Ribadu confirmed the meeting in a post on his X handle. He stated that the lawmakers were in Nigeria
on a fact-finding mission. He also explained that the visit was a continuation of earlier discussions held in Washington, DC, where both sides examined shared security priorities.
According to the NSA, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, attended the meeting, a development he said underscored the significance both countries attach to the ongoing consultations.
Ribadu said the talks focused on enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation, promoting regional stability, and strengthening the broader security partnership between Abuja and Washington. He expressed confidence that the engagement would “deepen trust, collaboration, and the shared commitment to peace
leadership to work collaboratively with all state chapters to bring fresh leadership and stability across the country.
He asserted the readiness of the BoT to provide encourgement and work with the National Working Committee (NWC) as well as to support them to ensure that the right things were done in line with the law and the guidance of the party.
and security”.
The diplomatic visit comes at a sensitive moment in Nigeria–US relations, following the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to re-designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over allegations of religious freedom violations — allegations that critics described as tantamount to claims of a Christian genocide.
The re-designation fuelled tensions, especially with accompanying suggestions in Washington about possible punitive measures, including military intervention.
The Nigerian government consistently rejected accusations of systematic persecution of Christians, insisting that
help from the country.
She stated, “Today is a not a day of long speeches. I want to thank the people of Ile-Ife, I also thank the Ooni of Ile-Ife for bestowing such honour. Nigeria's joy has come. Those wondering how we want to do it, we will show them how things are being done.
“By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity, other countries will come and borrow money from us. It is important to say it here at the source of the Yoruba cradle today, that during this present administration led by President Bola Tinubu, they will wonder how he was able to achieve such milestone.”
The Ooni conferred the title of Yeye Asiwaju of Oodua Land on her.
Speaking at the conferment held at Enuwa Square, IleIfe, the Ooni of Ife said the first lady was a pillar of support for national unity, women empowerment and the preservation of Nigerian
Nigeria’s security challenges affect both Muslims and Christians alike.
With growing international scrutiny, Nigeria expanded diplomatic outreach to address concerns and secure support from key global partners.
Earlier, Ribadu met with US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, at the Pentagon for further discussions on coordinated strategies to tackle the country’s worsening insecurity.
Nigeria Will Defeat Terrorism, Says Uzodimma
Imo State Governor and National Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Senator Hope Uzodimma, was
cultural values.
According to the monarch, “Yeye Asiwaju Oodua is a title that reflects leadership, service, compassion and commitment to the progress of the Yoruba race and the Nigerian nation at large.
“The first lady has been a mother since I ascended the throne. Obasanjo spent 16 hours with me through the natural habitat when I was declared Ooni. The first lady has been very nice to everyone, she is indeed a mother."
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, hailing the Ooni, said, “The last one decade has witnessed dramatic revival of tradition and culture of Yoruba people.
“Our father, the Ooni of Ife is leading the charge with elegance. His Imperial Majesty brought a touch of class to royalty. He rebranded the tradition and made Yoruba a proud nation all over the world.
upbeat that Nigeria will win the war against terrorism. Uzodimma assured that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will ensure delivery of 1,000 active businesses in each of the 8,809 electoral wards across the country.
He spoke during the Southwest Zone APC Stakeholders meeting as well as the twoday meeting of Progressive Governors Forum in Lagos. According to him, the economic reforms introduced by Tinubu are designed to stimulate growth, expand productivity, and multiply opportunities across all sectors.
On the recent wave of kidnappings and terrorist attacks, Uzodimma declared that Nigeria will overcome.
L–R: Vice President, Issuing and
Wins best bank in nine out of 20 African
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has once again, reaffirmed its leadership as one of the continent’s most innovative and resilient financial institutions, as the bank has, for the third time in five years, been named the African Bank of the year 2025 by the Banker. com.
UBA also won the Best Bank of the Year awards in nine of its 20 African subsidiaries, bringing its total awards this year to ten as UBA Benin, UBA Chad, UBA Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville),
UBA Liberia, UBA Mali, UBA Mozambique, UBA Senegal, UBA Sierra Leone, and UBA Zambia, all came out tops as the best banks in their respective countries, underscoring the bank’s strength across West, Central and Southern Africa and highlighting the depth of its Pan-African franchise.
The Banker.com, a leading global finance news publication published by the Financial Times of London, organises the annual Bank of the Year Awards, and this year’s edition was held at a grand ceremony
at the Peninsula, London, on Wednesday.
The Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK, Deji Adeyelure, received the awards on behalf of the bank, representing the Group Managing Director/ CEO, Oliver Alawuba, and was accompanied by the bank’s Head Business Development, Mark Ifashe, and Head, Financial Institutions, Shilpam Jha.
The Banker’s awards are widely regarded as the most respected and rigorous in the global banking industry, celebrating institutions that
demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation and strategic execution.
In its remarks on UBA’s winnings, the banker.com said, “For the third time in five years, UBA Group has won the coveted Bank of the Year award for Africa. UBA Group time after time punches above its weight against its larger African rivals. The bank this year also takes home nine separate country awards (one more than it gained for its last continental win in 2024), equivalent to around a quarter of the awards for the continent,
and more than any of its continent-wide rivals.”
Continuing, it said, “Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the awards were won across a broad geographic spread, going to lenders based in the Economic Community of West African States (Benin, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and former member Mali), the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (Chad, Republic of Congo) and the Southern African Development Community (Mozambique, Zambia). Its award wins were particularly notable in the
Republic to save itsj 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn.
Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy, a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated.
“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin," he stated.
Also, condemning the development, a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, read: “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms
the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin, in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.
“This act of destabilisation represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions.
“Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.
“We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.
“Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars
for peace, development and regional stability.
“Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socioeconomic progress of our sub-region.
“As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
“We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy
and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.”
The ECOWAS has condemned the attempted military takeover of government in Benin Republic, saying the move represented a subversion of the will of the people of Benin
A statement by the ECOWAS office in Abuja read: “ECOWAS Commission has received with consternation, reports of an attempted military take-over in the Republic of Benin.
“ECOWAS strongly condemns this unconstitutional move that represents a subversion of the will of the people of Benin.
“ECOWAS calls for the full respect of the Constitution of Benin and salutes the efforts of the Government and the Republican Army in bringing the situation under control.
“ECOWAS holds the leaders of the plot both individually and collectively responsible for any loss to life and property occasioned by their action.
“ECOWAS will support the Government and the people in
all forms necessary, including the deployment of the regional standby force, to defend the Constitution and the territorial integrity of Benin.”
Meanwhile, the ECOWAS has deployed a standby force in Benin Republic to forestall law and order and safeguard constitutional democracy.
ECOWAS, in its second statement, highlighted action taken to forestall democracy in Benin Republic.
The statement read: “Further to its earlier statement on the Republic of Benin, the ECOWAS Commission hereby informs the general public that:
“1. Pursuant to the provisions of relevant ECOWAS instruments, in particular Article 25(e) of the 1999 Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution Peacekeeping and Security, and
“2. After consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, a. The Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of state and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with
highly competitive categories for Benin and Mozambique.” The Banker also highlighted UBA’s strong financial performance and commitment to future growth. In 2024, the Group recorded a 46.8 per cent increase in assets and a 6.1 per cent rise in pretax profits in local currency terms, while continuing to invest significantly in talent and technology. West Africa remains UBA’s heartland, with operating revenue and profit increasing by 87 per cent and 89 per cent respectively in H1 2025.
immediate effect.
“b. The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Cote Divoire, and Republic of Ghana.
“c. The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”
Fix Bad Leadership or Expect More Military Takeovers, CD Advises ECOWAS
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has warned ECOWAS that its routine condemnations of coups would no longer deter military takeovers unless African leaders embraced genuine good governance that would improve the lives of their citizens.
Reacting to the failed coup attempt in the Republic of Benin in the early hours of yesterday, the pro-democracy group said ECOWAS had reduced itself to issuing statements after every military incursion instead of confronting the root causes of the rising appetite for soldiers in politics.
in stoves and lamps. A lot of lives were lost in many parts of the country.
In the days when Nigeria Airways was the only domestic airline operating in Nigeria, boarding a plane was a nightmare in Nigeria. One day in 1979, I was sitting at Lagos airport, waiting for my flight to Sokoto, when the Lagos to Port Harcourt flight was called. Come and see chaos; passengers jumped over seats, dragging huge bags, rushing through the gates, pushing and shoving up the plane’s ladder. I heard that before the Obasanjo military regime brought KLM in the late 1970s to manage Nigeria Airways, there was nothing like seat number on boarding pass, hence the stampede to get into a plane.
Or, for that matter, to get onboard a train. Nigeria Railways was very busy up until the early 1990s, with its trains crisscrossing the country at all hours. Getting into its Third Class coaches was however a nightmare. Beggars and physically challenged persons had free rides, which enabled them to move up and down the country. Even the First Class coaches were something else; in 1985 I bought a Zaria to Nsukka First Class coach for N20 but in the middle of the journey, six hefty NRC staffers left their Third Class coach and smuggled themselves into my coach.
In the early 1980s, we queued up to buy newspapers. Vendors were very imperious in those days; they knew which newspapers were much sought after, so they hoarded them and forced a customer to buy two or three other less desirable newspapers before he could get the one
that he wanted most.
The longest queues in the 1980s were at the Nigeria National Supply Company [NNSC] depots. “Essenco” [i.e. essential commodities such as rice, sugar, milk and detergents] were so precious that people spent days on end in queues in order to get them. At the tail end of the Second Republic, essenco virtually disappeared from the shops. They were being horded; when the Buhari/Idiagbon regime arrived on the scene in December 1983, soldiers entered markets, forced open shops and stalls, people formed long queues in front of shops and soldiers sold essenco to them.
Entering a football stadium was a nightmare in the 1970s and 1980s. Before Nigerian youths migrated with the coming of satellite tv to becoming fans of foreign football clubs, there was a crush in local stadiums whenever popular Nigerian football teams such as Enugu Rangers, Mighty Jets of Jos, IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Bendel Insurance of Benin, Kaduna Bees, Stationery Stores and P&T Vasco da Gama of Lagos were playing, not to mention the national football team, Green Eagles. One day in 1979, there was a crush to enter a stadium in Lagos, the wall collapsed and dozens of people died. Daily Times featured a photo of a mountain of shoes left behind by fans. Even worse than entering a stadium, was entering a cinema theatre. Before many states established television stations in Nigeria, cinema theatres were the best place for entertainment, with their staple of Indian, American and Chinese films. Some of my secondary school classmates
watched so many Indian films that they spoke a smattering of Hindi. Our cinema houses had three compartments: cushion, chair and bench. There was no rush to enter the first two because they were expensive but there was a crush, jumping, pushing, shoving and fighting to enter the bench side, which was the cheapest. Once inside, there was a lot of shouting, curses, profane words and a huge cloud of cigarette smoke. Seventy-four years ago in Kano, El Duniya cinema mysteriously caught fire and hundreds of people died in the stampede. Some clerics said it was God’s punishment for the immorality of cinema houses.
Young folks will be surprised to hear this, but in Kaduna in 2002, buying a GSM SIM card was a nightmare. Mobile phone service had just debuted, and during that year’s Kaduna Trade Fair, MTN and Econet [the only service providers then] opened stalls and were selling a SIM card for N16,000. Only the city’s toughest thugs could get one; the rest of us stood at a safe distance and bought it from them at a premium. Young folks will however remember the days of Post-UME screening by universities. I witnessed one, where tens of thousands of aspiring students jostled to get “screened” for admission into a university.
Crossing the Jebba bridge was a nightmare in the late 1960s. As a small boy I sat in my father’s car when we set out from Ilorin at dawn. It took seven hours to cross the Jebba bridge; it was single lane, trucks and trailers blocked the road; and it was with great effort that small cars
Raina, had asked me an interesting question thus: why is it that many Nigerians I have met are very successful individually, brilliant and hardworking, but a look at where they come from leaves one with confusion and reconciliation challenges. He was curious to know how a country with a critical mass of bright people remains stuck in a persistent cycle of underdevelopment. I did not respond promptly in order not to be seen as endorsing an uncomplimentary remark against my country by a foreigner but within me, I knew that he may not be the only one asking the question. I spent the rest of my time at Boston reflecting on the poser raised by my course mate: how do you explain the paradox of very successful people operating from a country that is everything but successful? Then I thought about my place of birth, Abia, and its development reality at the time. The more deeply I thought, the more worried I became. Nigeria is a nation of multiple constituencies and wherever you go, there are no shortage of intelligent, hardworking and passionate individuals. The question then is: why are we failing at even the most basic matters of civilisation? Why are elementary concerns like waste disposal, access to potable water, electricity, roads, primary healthcare and basic education still a challenge here?
After considering all the foundational structures that propelled other nations to greatness, I realised that our problem was never about the size of the treasury box nor the appetite for progress but in the fact that those who ought to have taken the lead were often absent in the decision-making room. Like myself, they were busy chasing after career success, looking to hit the next million dollar or to publish their paper in a reputable journal. To these incredibly-smart people, government is treated as a minor irritation. Ultimately, while we were at Harvard, Cambridge, MIT, Oxford and in other elite universities topping the result charts and winning all the laurels, barely-educated individuals were taking decisions that influence how the world sees Nigeria in our various local government headquarters, state capitals and in Abuja.
For obvious reasons, our friends in the USA and across Europe never saw Nigeria from the brilliance of our performance in the classrooms; they found economic statistics and social reports coming from this place as a more reliable measure of the development realities of the country. Now to be clear, I am not by any means suggesting that there were no spaces for highflyers in the public sector because that would be untrue. The question is: where are you most likely to find a superior number of ethical and result-driven leaders: at the board meeting of an NSE-listed company or at a gathering of political stakeholders in our states? You can probe further to ask: where would a First-Class graduate from an elite university be keener to start his professional life: at a regular government agency in Umuahia or in a blue-chip company?
Again, it would be unfair to suggest that we do not have brilliant young people who would voluntarily elect to teach in a public primary school
over the attractions of hard currency overseas but the concern is: how many are they? How many of our children, relatives and friends can we encourage to choose a job opportunity in a rural hospital over the prestige of working overseas? The summary of it is that our disinterest in public affairs offered an extended invitation to persons of questionable development orientation to step in and produce outcomes that are generally unsatisfactory.
After carefully evaluating the intriguing paradox of dominantly-successful people coming from a largely-unsuccessful country, it occurred to me that I would be putting my conscience through interminable misery if I refused to do something, at least in my home State knowing how bad things had become at the time. I appreciate that I am not perfect but I was also certain that at the very least, I could lead the charge in the restoration of collapsed public infrastructure, human capital development and the resuscitation of the education and health sectors which lay in ruins. Again, nothing is ever certain but I knew that it would be impossible for me to be the governor of a state where salaries are left unpaid— where refuse heaps accumulate until entire roads are blocked as was the case at the time. As a matter of fact, I found it quite disturbing that it took a foreigner to point me to something I should have paid closer attention to. At any rate, I was grateful that the conversation stirred something in me and my life never remained the same.
When I returned to Nigeria at the end of my programme at Boston, I paid a visit to a confidant, someone with great influence in the politics of the nation at the time, to share my resolve to get more involved in the politics of my State. The big man listened and agreed that indeed, I would make a difference in the public sector but advised that I spend some more time in banking to reach the top and then make a smooth transition into the political arena. His advice was logical so I went back to my regular job, became the Group Managing
were allowed to crawl through. There was no Dangote in those days to assure us of an end to the queue, and there was no Dave Umahi to build a ten lane highway by the Niger riverside. Some of the most depressing queues of the olden days were seen at Area Courts. Before many of their youths took to banditry, elderly pastoralists were the most patient people in Nigeria. On our way to and from primary school, we saw pastoral elders sitting patiently in front of Alkali courts for days on end, because a farmer reported them for destroying his crops. Each elder had a mat, a blanket and a water gourd to ease himself and to pray. No surprise perhaps that their less patient descendants have resorted to self-help.
The mother of all Nigerian queues occurred during the currency change exercise of 1984. At dusk one evening, Major General Tunde Idiagbon suddenly appeared on NTA, closed all land, air and sea borders and announced a change of naira’s colours. For the next one month, miles-long queues formed in front of every bank branch in the country as citizens struggled to exchange old money for new ones. When banks closed in the evening, no one dared to leave the queue, until they reopened the following morning. It was such a tough task that in every city ward, money was pooled together and given to a tough guy to go and enter the queue. Food was brought to him in the queue. Because thugs handled the money, court cases arising from that exercise went on for many years. There was no Dangote in those days to promise an end to the queues.
Director (GMD) and when the window for the 2015 gubernatorial campaign opened, I quietly informed my board that the time had come for me to move on to something else. It was not something they were expecting but I was only following through on a decision I made about 5 years earlier. Weeks after leaving my job as the GMD of a fast-growing bank, I publicly announced my interest to run for the governorship position in Abia. I went ahead to set up a team of grassroots mobilisers and opinion influencers and we all went to work. After about 15 months of gruelling campaigns that took us to hundreds of communities where we interacted with individuals and groups, the election Saturday arrived and overwhelmingly, we won as the Court of Appeal in Owerri affirmed. Sadly, part of the challenges in our political system is the dearth of courage in the verdict room. Well, our opponent who had forced the electoral officers to announce them victors against the expressed wish of the people finally had their way on appeal. Staying true to our conviction, we refused to give up. 4 years later, we returned to the field once again but this time, with a more compelling message following the multiplication of miseries. Unfortunately, the old system won again but we refused to be defeated. We rose again in 2023, determined to fight harder and more strategically. Eventually, we were declared winner almost one week after the close of polls as entrenched interests attempted to scuttle and steal our victory like they had consistently done. Unfortunately for them, the vigilance of the electorates, the courage of the electoral officers and drastic changes in the electoral law made their plots difficult to execute.
In the last 30 months, we have done nothing but try to resolve intractable problems because in our book, the only reason government exists is to solve the problems affecting the community —make the environment safe and conducive for individuals to chase their dreams. It does not matter the nature and dimension of the problem; a government begins to lose legitimacy once certain problems continue to fester. Years before we came to power, a few local government areas were in the firm control of criminal elements, refuse heaps littered the streets and clearly, nothing worked. Again, those were not my assessment but the assessment of almost everyone who visited the State at the time. Today, much of those problems are significantly addressed — Abia now ranks as one of the most secure destinations in the country and the road network, once in the league of the worst, is now rated by independent development researchers as amongst the best. Across critical development frontiers — education, health, land administration, public transportation and procurement systems — we are setting new standards that would open the doors of social prosperity across communities. The evidence of Abia’s ascent can be found in the streets of Aba where order has replaced chaos, in public schools where students and pupils know with certainty that if they work hard, they will make something out of their lives and in the civil service where inefficiency is quietly being replaced with the growing appetite to be part of the New
Abia story.
Recall that I announced last week that we shall, beginning from this month, start defraying gratuity arrears accumulated from 2001 amounting to more than N60 billion. Just yesterday at the Convocation Ceremony of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba, I formally institutionalised the enterprise support initiative for young graduates. Under the scheme, the government would offer business grants to outstanding graduates of the State-owned tertiary institution who submit feasible, bankable and scalable business plans. This is coming on the heels of the recent disbursement of N150 million to graduates of the Polytechnic to enable the beneficiaries set up their businesses and create employment for others. In Abia, the days of sending off graduates of higher institutions to wander into the streets without support or guidance are gone forever. At this point, it may be necessary to inform us that these achievements are recorded, not because we have access to limitless supply of funds because if you check all the revenue charts, even after we had raised the State IGR profile — from around N20 billion per annum only a few years ago to about N100 billion in the 2025 fiscal year — you will still not find Abia in the list of top 18 revenue earners. Our modest success comes in large part from a conscious decision to commit every penny that comes into the treasury to programmes and projects that are connected to our development objectives.
I had gone to great length to tell the story of our journey thus far for 2 reasons: one, to let us appreciate that the entry path to the decisionmaking room in the public sector is challenging even as nothing is guaranteed. We could tell this story because we succeeded, unfortunately, many other good-intentioned individuals who sought to serve their communities through the political system were sabotaged and their dreams cut short, many lost their lives and others simply disappeared. Our own journey could have also ended in the same way but for God’s direct interventions at several occasion when assassins came knocking or when they attempted to take me out through poisoning and other heinous plots. One must, therefore, appreciate that this is not for the fainthearted and I’m yet to find out what is. Even crime has not been described as being for the fainthearted! You have to be prepared to fight very tough battles to stand a chance. But again, if we could do it, who says you can’t? The second reason is to point us to the fulfilment that comes from serving the people, applying public resources to investments that yield development returns and of course, giving hope to those who otherwise could have been stuck in misery. Again, while having not done a perfect job, it is beyond dispute that much of the matters that troubled my heart at Boston in 2009 regarding the state of our State have continued to receive attention and it is still early days.
L-r: Partnerships manager, Seamfix, Samuel akpaniko; Head of Sales, Seamfix, ebuka oguno; Group chief executive officer, Seamfix, chimezie emewulu; chief executive officer, PaPSS, mike ogbalu lll, and executive Vice President, Global trade bank, afreximbank, Haytham el maayergi, during the successful signing of a memorandum of Understanding (moU) with PaPSS in Lagos…recently
Chuks Okocha inabuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday said it is prepared to join the ongoing protests by local contractors and pensioners across the country if the federal government fails to respond to their plight.
Install Kosoko as
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the federal government over its staggering debts to indigenous contractors and federal pensioners, saying it is a clear sign that the APC government does not care about the suffering of ordinary
A Lagos Ruling House, the Akinsanya Olojo Family, a branch of the King Kosoko Royal Dynasty, has appealed to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to approve the installation of Prince Abiola Olojo-Kosoko as the next Oloja of Lagos.
The family said Prince Abiola was duly selected as the Oloja-elect on December 12, 2020, but has remained uninstalled four years after his emergence.
In a statement addressed to the governor and copied the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney
General, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government Area, and the Council of Heads of Kosoko Royal Family, the General Secretary of the Akinsanya OlojoKosoko Ruling House, Prince Theophilus OlojoKosoko, reaffirmed the family’s position.
He noted that a followup letter dated November 28, 2025, had also been submitted to all relevant authorities, seeking urgent action on the matter.
According to the statement, the stool became vacant following the death of Chief Adebola Idris Disu Ige on December 23, 2017.
Daji Sani in yola
The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA) is set to launch the National Immunisation Plus Days, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s healthcare delivery system.
The Executive Chairman of the agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir Sa’idu, disclosed this during a media engagement in Yola, emphasising that the exercise is designed to build defense mechanisms against various diseases.
Sa’idu stressed that the
immunisation drive is a vital component of the agency’s efforts to improve routine immunization and overall healthcare services in the state. He expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly UNICEF, for their unwavering support and cooperation.
The agency’s chairman noted that the increasing mobility of people, especially Nigerians traveling globally, heightens the risk of disease transmission, underscoring the need for vaccination to protect citizens, especially children.
Nigerians.
The ADC said that it is deeply concerned by the plight of indigenous contractors who for several weeks have camped at the Federal Ministry of Finance with coffins, demanding to be paid for the work they have done.
According to the spokesman of ADC, ‘’We also stand in strong solidarity with
pensioners who are now threatening to march naked in protest if the federal government fails to pay what it owed to them in long arrears of pensions.
‘’No serious government allows things to deteriorate to the point where citizens must resort to coffins and naked protests before they are taken seriously.”
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has been commended for his government’s developmental strides on infrastructure projects, health, education, and others across communities in the state.
The commendation was made yesterday by landlords
in the state under the aegis of Rumuokania II New Layout Landlords Association while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Led by the Chairman, Pastor Joel Gbandi, and Secretary, Lucky Atiegoba, the group appreciated Governor Fubara for the construction of the Rumuoke/Pipeline internal roads. They stated that the visible impact of Fubara’s
administration across all sectors, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of new roads, has rekindled hope among the people and brought prosperity to their communities.
They further acknowledged with gratitude the transformative governance going on in Rivers State under what they described as the impactful leadership of Governor Fubara.
The group said: “We are particularly thankful to the governor for the successful completion of the construction of the Rumuoke Road from Okilton junction off Ada George Road to Road 9-2nd and 3rd Avenue, Road 10-2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Pipeline Road up to the canal, expertly executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC).”
‘No Grassroots Devt without Liberation of LGs from States’ Control’
The Senator representing Oyo North, Oyo State, in the Senate, AbdulFatai Buhari, has raised an alarm that the country will not achieve genuine grassroots development without liberating the local government areas
from the control of state governments.
This is just as he called for sweeping constitutional and fiscal reforms to strengthen local government autonomy.
The federal lawmaker gave the warning while delivering the anniversary lecture to mark the
3rd anniversary grand finale and award day of Ibadan Mega Voice (IMV), an affiliate of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), titled: ‘Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: The Impact, Prospects, and Challenges’. According to him,
autonomy remains a vital but highly contested pillar of Nigeria’s federal system, noting that although the constitution recognises local government as the third tier, their actual empowerment has been eroded by legal ambiguity, financial dependence, and political interference.
Ayodeji Ake
To reshape international investment trends, Golden Gate Investments Inc., has opened a new pathways for Nigerian investors to access high-growth and secure opportunities in Canada’s real estate market.
With over 20 years of experience in real estate and
private lending, Golden Gate Investments has built a reputation for delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns while guiding investors toward sustainable wealth creation. The company offers Nigerian investors a professional gateway to one of the world’s most stable and rewarding property markets.
“Canada has always been a land of opportunity, and now Nigerian investors have a trusted partner to help them access it. We are proud to open this door for international investors seeking security, diversification, and long-term growth,” the Founder of Golden Gate Investments Inc., Andrew
Enofe, said. The Director at Golden Gate Investments Inc., Elizabeth Eiremiokhae, added that “investing in Canada is more than a financial decision, it’s an opportunity to create lasting security for your family while gaining access to one of the world’s most robust real estate markets.
Raheem Akingbolu
As part of the activities commemorating the 2025 edition of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA), in collaboration with the African Women Leaders
Network (AWLN-Nigeria) and Womanifesto, will convene the Beijing+30 Women’s Summit on December 9, 2025 in Abuja.
It is a landmark national gathering to reflect on three decades of progress, challenges, and unfinished commitments under the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA).
Organised to strengthen women’s movements in Nigeria, the event is coming up 30 years after the historic Beijing, China, International Women’s Conference of 1995, as a platform to review the decades past while projecting for the years ahead. Themed, “Beijing+30 Women’s Summit - Holding the
Line for Women’s Rights: Looking Back and Marching Forward,” the event aims to re-examine the pivotal roles played by African women, both on the continent and in the Diaspora, in shaping the agenda, while facilitating intergenerational exchange and galvanising collective agency to advance feminist sensitive rights issues.
Duro Ikhazuagbe
With the Egyptian FA formally confirming the international friendly between the Pharaohs and the Super Eagles for December 16, there are speculations that the bulk of Nigerian senior national team’s first XI may not be available for the clash.
The match was moved forward by two days due to FIFA’s notice to clubs to release African players selected by their various countries for the 2025 Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) on December 15. The friendly was initially slated for December 14.
However, with Eagles Coach,
Eric Chelle, scheduled to release his final 28-man squad before the CAF deadline of Thursday December 11, 2025, most of the top players, it was learnt at the weekend, may not be available for the Egypt friendly.
“The high profile friendly is too close to the December 21 kickoff date of the AFCON 2025. Some of the top players are already complaining that they may not be a available to avoid injuries that may prevent them from going to Morocco for the African football fiesta,” observed a FIFA football agent managing one of the top players to THISDAY at the weekend.
Already, Super Eagles backline has suffered the absence of top defenders who are down with injuries copped during the botched World Cup qualifiers and playoffs.
Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu are key players to be missed. The retirement of William Troost-Ekong from international duty for Nigeria last Thursday has further compounded the situation.
Upfront, Nigeria’s talisman, Victor Osimhen, is not 100 per cent fit. His absence
from the qualifiers due to injuries, largely, costs Nigeria qualification for the Mundial as Eagles lost most of the matches he was absent and only won those that he played.
When viewed against the backdrop of Super Eagles failing to make the cut to the 2026 World Cup, the AFCON in Morocco is the only chance for the top players to shine and possibly redeem their image. Nigeria is going to miss the World Cup back-to-back, after similarly missing out of Qatar 2022.
Chelle who released a bogus
MacTay Professional and Amateur Golf tournament marks its debut with the successful hosting of its maiden edition at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 last Thursday.
The 18-hole competition which featured professional and amateur golfers was also used to showcase the youth development initiatives being embarked upon by MacTay Group.
Themed “Heritage of Champions,” the tournament brought together elite professional golfers and dedicated amateur players of Ikoyi Club in a spirited Pro-Am format that honoured the Club’s legacy of excellence, discipline, and sporting mastery
The debut edition delivered a memorable blend of competition, camaraderie, and community impact-highlighted by two major unveilings that underscore MacTay’s continued investment in the growth of golf in Nigeria: The MacTay Pro-Am Tournament 2026, a full-scale annual tournament designed to elevate professional and amateur golf and The MacTay Golfers Grassroots Initiative, an inclusive development programme launched with five outstanding
students from Ansar-Ud-Deen Nursery and Primary School.
Meanwhile, Mike Makinde has emerged winner of the maiden MacTay Golfers Proam, shooting 67-net score to win by 3-shots over the hard hitting Ikoyi Club 1938 Vice Chairman, Bolaji Martins, who carded 90-gross for 70-net to duck in the second position.
Femi Feyide was further down on the winners chart after 71-net while Sunkanmi Iyiola with a score of 74-net completed the Top-4 in the net category for men.
Tim Ayomike won in the Gross category after carding 75 followed by Paul Tijani in the second position.
Emmanuel Samuel won
in the Pro category shooting 68 followed by Monday Eze also 68 and Vincent Ikemefuna 69-gross. Other winners include: Ronke Iyiola, Ladies Gross winner, Candy Agu, Ladies net winner and Jerome Bello, Veteran Winner.
Chairman of MacTay Group, Tayo Rotimi, expressed satisfaction at the competition.
“The Heritage of Champions speaks to both history and responsibility. Today, we honoured Ikoyi Club’s enduring legacy while investing in the next generation through our grassroots initiative. Supporting this Pro-Am through MacTay Group is our way of giving back to the golf community that has shaped us.”
54-man provisional list barely 20 days to the kickoff of the AFCON, have between today and the next 72 hours to decide his final squad.
It is not yet certain what he is going to make of some of the fresh faces he is believed to be interested in injecting to the team.
According to SCORENigeria
sources, “Chelle is planning to freshen his squad with “four, five new players.” It reported that high on the new additions would be Blackburn Rovers right back Ryan Alebiosu, an Arsenal academy graduate who is flying this season in the English Championship. Injury has ruled Ola Aina from the AFCON,
while Bright Osayi-Samuel has struggled for game time at his English Championship club Birmingham City. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder has found his groove at Pisa on loan from Inter Milan so much so that the promoted club look set to make his loan deal permanent at the end of the Serie A season.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their eighth Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) adventure in North Africa, there is cheery news from the elite Igbo socio - cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, pointing to a medal around the corner.
In a statement personally signed by the President General of the body, Senator John Azuta - Mbata, the Eagles remain favourites to grab a medal at the Morocco 2025 edition of the African football showpiece.
“There is nothing to fear. North Africa is a favourable ground. The Eagles finished as silver medalists the last time Morocco hosted, in 1988. They bagged another silver, two years later at Algeria 1990. The big one
came at Tunisia 1994 when Nigeria lifted the trophy, for the second time. Bronze came at Tunisia 2004, two more bronze medals followed at Egypt 2006 and Egypt 2019, respectively,” Azuta - Mbata recalled.
The Ohaneze leader reeled out more. “The first time the Eagles qualified for the World Cup, their ticket was confirmed in Algeria.
The first time the national team won the Africa Nations Cup, outside our shores, it happened in Tunisia.
Curiously, Libya 1982 cost Nigeria, then defending champions, the trophy.
“Let us not forget that when Nigeria emerged Africa Nations Cup champions, for the first time, in 1980, three
North African power houses fell. Egypt lost in the group stage. Morocco slumped in the semi finals before Algeria crumbled in the grand finale,” he said.
The Ohaneze PresidentGeneral’s statement harped on Eagles first African Nations Cup medal, a bronze, which was achieved at Ethiopia 1976. “To win bronze, Nigeria defeated Egypt 3-2 on a day Haruna Ilerika hit a brace.”
One word from the statesman to Nigerians: “We must find a way to use Sports to change the polity. If you mention politics, every where is heated up. Soccer brings us together. We must apply the spirit of Fair-Play and the nation will be smelling sweet.”
The Group Chief Executive Officer NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has acknowledged the power of sports as a tool to connect and bring people together.
He affirmed this over the weekend in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the 14th NNPC Sports Fiesta held in Abuja.
Ojulari also applauded the 450 athletes who completed in 13 sports at the fiesta for representing NNPC core values
of integrity, excellence and sustainability.
He described the performance of the contingent as a brilliant reminder that NNPC can win on the field and in the market place through old fashioned virtues of resilience, team work and excellence- the same qualities that will secure its place as a world-class energy company.
“As we celebrate the medal winners and our colleagues who competed with courage, commitment and good sportsmanship, I
would also like us to celebrate strengthened relationships, broken silos and the bridges we built. That is the power of sports and the spirit of the fiesta.
“Let the unity you have built here strengthen our teamwork on a day-to-day basis across departments and across projects. Let the discipline you showed throughout these games elevate your performance and let the excellence you demonstrated become our daily standard,” Ojulari said.
Short of the capture of top terrorist and bandit kingpins and putting an end to their reign of carnage, there cannot be a more pleasing story in Nigeria than the one attributed last Friday to Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, reputed to be Africa’s richest man. According to one screaming newspaper headline, he said at the State House, Abuja after a meeting with the President that fuel queues are gone from our stations forever. Dangote said we have been having on-and-off fuel queues in Nigeria since 1972 but that his refinery, which he said now has the capacity to supply 50 million litres of petrol to Nigeria every day, will bring that sorry era to an end. Disappearance of fuel queues in Nigeria almost sounds like the disappearance of bandits from our bushes. In 1973-74, during the Gowon era, this country experienced a devastating fuel shortage with motorists spending days, if not weeks, in petrol stations. In early 1974, New Nigerian newspaper had a screaming
Power as saying that fuel queues would end in May. There was a huge cartoon in, I think, Daily Times, of the Perm Sec holding a megaphone and announcing to motorists in a miles-long queue, to come back in May to get fuel. Come and see sadness all over Nigeria that day.
In October 1981, I accompanied my elder brothers to the fuel station and we were there from 6am to sunset. We were in that queue when we heard that Egyptian President Anwar Sadat had been assassinated. Our immediate fear was that Sadat’s killing could lead to turmoil in the Middle East and lengthen our fuel queues. Luckily it didn’t. I also recall a period of acute fuel scarcity in 1991 when I spent a whole day at a Kaduna station. There was chaos all over the place; the queue was moving at a snail’s pace, and an elderly Kombi bus driver and his child conductor, pushing their bus all the way because it had run out of fuel, finally arrived at the pump. As the attendant began dispensing fuel to him, we saw that his
tank was leaking and the fuel was gushing out. The conductor ran to the back of the bus and brought out two jerry cans, but the attendant said he was not allowed to dispense fuel in jerry cans. The elderly driver burst into tears; he said he had been in the queue for two whole days! Desperate though we all were, we intervened and pleaded with the station manager to make an exception of that case, and he reluctantly did. In the 1980s, we read stories in the newspapers nearly every day about “kerosene explosion” in one town or another. Kerosene queues at petrol stations were as long as petrol queues. While adult males dominated fuel queues, women and children dominated kerosene queues, which they turned around and hawked at street corners. Petrol was cheaper than kerosene, so unscrupulous hawkers mixed petrol with kerosene, which then exploded
Continued on page 45
Iwould like to begin on a note of sincere gratitude to the decision-makers at the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria (HBSAN) for the great honour of inviting me to take the podium as the keynote speaker for this special event. Permit me to respectfully thank the chairman of the Association, Mr. Collins Onuegbu, and members of his team, and everyone else involved in putting together the 2025 Dinner and Award ceremony of this great body of thinkers, visionaries and torchbearers. I am pleased that you have continued the longstanding tradition of consistently setting up fora for regular leadership interactions to shape opinions, provide clarity on seemingly complex issues and to guide decision-making. The beauty of events like this is the opportunity it provides for the broadening of perspectives and widening of the scope of knowledge. We may not all agree on any particular issue and never will our reading of events be uniform considering our diverse backgrounds but when we come together in a warm atmosphere like this to speak and listen to each other, we ventilate opinions and gain new
understanding into matters of importance to us and the society we live in. Thank you for inviting me to share in the joy and lessons of this great evening.
I have spent the last 2 days speaking at convocation ceremonies, engaging with fresh graduates and sharing hopes of a brighter future. Starting at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri where I was the guest lecturer at the 37th Convocation ceremony of the Institution on Thursday, I returned to Aba to attend the 22nd Convocation ceremony of the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic. My message was the same in both institutions although the roles were different. In Owerri and Aba, I spoke to thousands of young people who had anxiety written all over their faces as majority of them were unsure of what to do with the certificates that had been acquired at great cost in time, material resources and opportunities forgone. After rightly acknowledging their fears about what lay in store for them, I invited them to rise in hope and fight for the dreams that originally fuelled their pursuit of higher education. I pointed them
to the dangers of defeatism and eternal shame of quiet surrender. While I treasured the opportunity to offer hope, I was also glad that I found the courage to acknowledge that we are in a difficult place, for the true essence of optimism is not in denying reality but in acknowledging it and pushing harder still because our destiny is the silent echo of our thoughts.
This evening, I have come to Lagos to interact with another group of Nigerians whose realities are in sharp contrast with the suppressed and expressed doubts many of the young people in our university campuses, at workshops and across the streets where they wander in search of the road and vehicle to take them to the destination of their dreams. Unfortunately, we all share in a common destiny so it does not matter what you ride to work or if you have a job at all for in the eyes of the world, we are all Nigerians. The 1% of the population who can afford everything money can buy are actually not superior to the majority who are unable to tell where their next meal will come from. To our friends in Boston,
London, New York and across major centres of influence around the world, we are a community of poor people. The few outliers who managed to beat the prevailing odds of poverty and material wretchedness do not take away from the facts of our reality.
Our responsibility as leaders, members of an elite class who have had the benefit of sound education at different levels, built successful businesses and achieved fame in other frontlines of human enterprises, is to now extend our outlook to think, not of self but of the wider community. This evening distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have come to invite us to turn our development orientation to a community-centred worldview in the light of our common heritage as Nigerians. I once had an interesting conversation that redirected the course of my life and career in 2009 during my participation at the Advanced Management Programme (AMP 177) at Harvard Business School. An American course mate of Indian decent, Samvit