THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER 2026

Alake: Tinubu Risked Re-election Bid to Restructure Nigeria’s Damaged Economy Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said President Bola Tinubu put

his re-election bid on the line to restructure the “badly damaged” economy.

Alake, who is also the Spokesperson of the All Progressives

Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 presidential election, said the administration’s decision to take difficult measures were

necessary to rescue Nigeria from long standing economic distortions.

The minister stated this yesterday in Abuja during

an interactive session with journalists.

He said previous governments were aware of the reforms required to correct the country’s

economic challenges but often avoided them because of their potential political consequences.

Alake posited that at a time Continued on page 8

NUPRC: Awardees of Gas Flare Sites May Lose Unutilised Permits... Page 9 Thursday 10 September, 2026 Vol 31. No 11477. Price: N400

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CBN Demands Collective Defence Against Cyber, Technology Risks in Financial Sector... Page 5

Oyetola, APM Terminals Sign MoU to Develop Badagry Deep-Seaport Minister leads FG delegation to strike deal in Denmark Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government and APM Terminals have signed a Memoran-

dum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport, marking a major step towards

establishing a new deepwater gateway for Nigeria and the wider West African market.

The agreement was signed in

Copenhagen, Denmark, during a visit by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who led a federal govern-

ment delegation to strengthen maritime cooperation and attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s port infrastructure.

Under the agreement, APM Terminals will enter into exclusive negotiations with Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn Continued on page 8

Dangote Refinery Cuts Debt by N798bn to N7.9 Trillion in First Half of 2026 Aliko to retain 84.34% control of refinery after planned N2.15tn IPO Report: Proposed Kenyan oil facility may face crude hurdles Brent crude crosses $100 for first time since July US military says it destroyed 5 more Iranian oil tankers

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals cut its secured debt by about N798 billion ($570 million) in the first half of 2026, bringing its outstanding obligations down to approximately N7.9 trillion ($.67 billion) as the 700,000-barrel-perday facility ramped up production and strengthened cash generation ahead of its planned Initial Public Offering (IPO).

According to the company’s prospectus, its total debt fell from $6.24 billion at the end of December 2025 to $5.67 billion by the end of June 2026, representing a reduction of $570 million, equivalent to about N798 billion Continued on page 8

REMI TINUBU CONFERRED WITH TITLE OF OSO DI EME OF IMO...

L-R: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and the wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, after the First Lady was conferred with the chieftancy title of Oso Di Eme of Imo by the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers in Owerri Imo State, yesterday

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THISDAY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

SANWO-OLU VISITS OLUSOSUN DUMPSITE IN OJOTA...

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, flanked by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (right); Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; and others, during an inspection visit to the Olusosun Dumpsite, Ojota, Lagos, yesterday

CBN Demands Collective Defence Against Cyber, Technology Risks in Financial Sector Warns weakness in one institution could trigger system-wide crisis Says financial institutions’ increasing reliance on fintechs, payment service providers, cloud operators, other technology vendors, has expanded channels through which operational failures and cyber incidents can spread James Emejo in Abuja Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, warned that cybersecurity could no longer be treated as an internal responsibility of individual banks, stressing that a vulnerability in one institution or technology provider can cascade through the country’s increasingly interconnected financial system.

CBN urged banks, fintechs, payment service providers, and other financial institutions to adopt a collective approach to cybersecurity, third-party technology risks, and business continuity to prevent isolated incidents from developing into threats to financial stability.

Director, Payments System Supervision Department of CBN/ Chairperson, Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, Dr. Rakiya Opemi Yusuf, gave the warning during a panel session at the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja.

The session was titled, “Navigating Cyber and Systemic Risks in

the AI-Driven Future of Banking: Implications for Financial Stability and Business Resilience.”

It examined the growing exposure of the financial system to cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and technology-driven interconnectedness.

Yusuf said the increasing dependence of financial institutions on fintechs, payment service providers, cloud operators, and other technology vendors had created more pathways for the spread of operational failures and cyber incidents.

She stressed that a weakness in a bank, fintech, payment provider, or technology vendor could have consequences beyond the affected organisation, creating what she described as a “one-fire” effect across interconnected institutions.

According to her, financial institutions must consequently look beyond their own systems and understand the vulnerabilities embedded in their wider technology and service-provider networks.

Yusuf urged institutions to regu-

larly assess their dependencies and third-party relationships, particularly the ability of technology partners to withstand cyberattacks, operational failures, and other disruptions.

She stressed that resilience should not be measured only by an institution’s ability to prevent an attack, but also by its capacity to maintain critical services during a disruption and restore normal operations within the shortest time

possible.

She said CBN was responding to the emerging risks through stronger policies, regulations, and supervisory frameworks aimed at detecting vulnerabilities capable of threatening financial stability before they materialised.

The CBN director added that systemic-risk considerations were increasingly being incorporated into the approval of new financial

Peter Uzoho Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has officially issued an electricity generation licence to Elektron Energy Development Strategies Limited, authorising the company to generate electricity within the state.

The licence, according to a state-

ment, reflects LASERC’s confidence in Elektron’s technical, operational, and regulatory capabilities to contribute meaningfully to power generation within the state.

The authorisation strengthens Elektron’s role in shaping Lagos State’s decentralised electricity market as the flagship Victoria Island Power project moves closer to commercial

As South African producers, Nigerian distributor battle over brand ownership The legal battle over ownership and control of the Jigsimur health drink brand in Nigeria is set to move to the Federal High Court following a ruling by the Administrative Panel Division of the Patents and Designs Registry in favour of Jigsimur SA (Pty) Limited.

The dispute pits the South African company against Jigsimur SA Original Pty Limited, another South African entity, and its Nigerian representative, Jigsimur Plus Limited, over competing claims to

the Jigsimur trademark, industrial design, packaging, and distribution rights in Nigeria.

The Administrative Panel, in its ruling delivered on September 2, affirmed the right of Jigsimur SA (Pty) Limited to distribute the health drink in Nigeria and restrained Jigsimur Plus from relying on the disputed patent rights.

The panel, however, described its decision as a first-level alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process intended to resolve the dispute without prolonged litigation.

It also stated that any party

ligence and information sharing across the industry, saying financial institutions can collectively respond to emerging threats more effectively if they shared relevant information on attacks, vulnerabilities, and evolving methods used by cybercriminals.

Yusuf equally pushed for stronger Security Operations Centres capable of providing real-time monitoring of threats across the financial ecosystem.

Lagos Electricity Regulator Issues Power Generation Licence to Elektron Energy

Jigsimur Trademark War Moves to Federal High Court After Registry Panel Ruling Wale Igbintade

products, reflecting the regulator’s focus on preventing vulnerabilities from being embedded in the financial system.

Yusuf also called for faster reporting of cyber incidents and vulnerabilities by financial institutions, stressing that early notification would give regulators and other stakeholders a better chance of containing threats before they spread.

She advocated stronger intel-

dissatisfied with the decision could challenge it before the Federal High Court.

Jigsimur Plus, which insists that it introduced and developed the Jigsimur product in the Nigerian market, has taken steps to challenge the panel’s decision.

At the centre of the dispute is the question of who first acquired enforceable rights to the Jigsimur brand in Nigeria, whether the rights claimed by the parties in South Africa can affect ownership in Nigeria, and the legal significance of competing trademark applications, registrations,

assignments, and distribution arrangements.

In its written address before the panel, counsel to Jigsimur Plus, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli, SAN, argued that his client’s rights in Nigeria predated those claimed by the opposing parties.

George-Ikoli maintained that Jigsimur Plus applied to register the Jigsimur trademark in Nigeria in 2018. He stated that the application date was significant because it preceded subsequent registrations and assignments relied upon by the opposing side.

operation.

The licence also aligns with Lagos State’s broader ambition to decentralise electricity delivery, encourage privatesector investment, and expand access to reliable, affordable power across its commercial ecosystems, an ambition strengthened by ongoing reforms in the Nigerian power sector.

Commenting on the milestone, Chief Executive Officer of Elektron Energy, Tola Talabi, said, “This licence represents an important step forward for Elektron and for the businesses and communities we serve.

“It affirms Lagos State’s confidence in our platform and gives us the regulatory foundation to continue delivering the kind of dependable, purpose-built power infrastructure that Nigeria’s commercial and industrial ecosystems increasingly require.

Reliable, professionally-managed power is central to how Lagos will grow. We are proud to play a role in building it.”

The licence issuance coincides with a defining phase for Elektron’s flagship project, Victoria Island Power (VIPL), which remains on track for scheduled commercial operation date in December 2026.

Developed by Elektron, in partnership with Eko Power (formerly

EKEDC), VIPL Phase 1 is a 40-megawatt gas-fired embedded power plant, scalable to an eventual 70 MW at full build-out, purpose-built to serve Victoria Island’s most operationally demanding businesses, including banking headquarters, hospitality groups, telecommunications infrastructure, and multinational offices.

Several key construction milestones have already been achieved, the company said.

It added that the project was progressing in line with this timeline, and several critical milestones had already been achieved.

According to Elektron, the plant’s Wärtsilä generation engines have been installed while critical supporting infrastructure are at an advanced stage of construction.

Once operational, the company assured that VIPL will deliver 24/7 dedicated electricity to connected customers through 12.6 kilometres of underground feeder network.

Elektron Energy has been developing and operating embedded power infrastructure across Nigeria for over 14 years and its existing portfolio includes the Alausa Independent Power Project, a 10.6 MW gas-fired plant with a 15-kilometre distribution network that has powered Lagos State government facilities since 2013.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

33RD HEAD OF NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AFRICA MEETING...

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) (left), with the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nigeria to Austria and International Organisations in Vienna, Dr. Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, at the ongoing 33rd meeting of Heads of National Law Enforcement Agencies Africa (HONLAF) in Vienna, Austria on Tuesday

Shettima: NELFUND Has Provided Crucial Financial Relief to Indigent Students Says Nigeria is firmly on path of sustainable economic development under Tinubu Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) established by the administration of President Bola Tinubu as a landmark initiative that had provided crucial financial relief to the children of the poor and removed the financial barriers to higher education.

Shettima said the Tinubu administration positioned the fund as a vital social equaliser and a primary mechanism for poverty alleviation as well the advancement of education in Nigeria.

Shettima, made the comments in Abuja during an audience with the management team of the University of Abuja, led by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

He said by ensuring tuition fees were covered and providing monthly upkeep allowances, the scheme—which targets students from less-privileged backgrounds who would otherwise be excluded from tertiary education—had ensured that poverty was no longer an excuse for not going to school.

Recalling his days as a student at the University of Maiduguri, when the price of food surged at

the cafeteria, he said, “NELFUND is a very beautiful initiative by the leadership of this country under President Bola Tinubu, created to give respite breathing space to the children of the poor.”

The vice president also observed that Nigeria had crossed the Rubicon and was firmly on the path of sustainable economic development under the Tinubu administration.

EU, EIB Invest €108m to Boost African Entrepreneurship, Create 15,000 Jobs Michael Olugbode in Abuja The European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have invested €108 million through the Boost Africa initiative to support entrepreneurs across Africa, leveraging the funding to attract an additional €400 million and create up to 15,000 jobs.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, disclosed this yesterday, in Abuja, at a media briefing on the Boost Africa Impact Forum, with the theme, “Investing in Africa’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: From Investment to Impact.”

Mignot said the initiative reflected the EU’s long-term partnership with Africa under its Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to promote sustainable growth, leverage private investment, create jobs and strengthen local value chains.

He said the EU was working with its member states and development banks as “Team Europe” to develop quality partnerships capable of generating sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for young people.

According to him, the significance of Boost Africa goes beyond the amount of money invested, as its ultimate objective was to create tangible improvements in the lives of people through entrepreneurship, innovation

and job creation.

He said, “What matters most is the impact on people. And today’s event is precisely about more than investment figures: it’s about people, it’s about entrepreneurs, it’s about innovation, it’s about jobs and opportunities created when Africa’s talent is matched with the right partners and the right financing.”

Mignot described Africa’s young entrepreneurs as among the continent’s greatest assets, saying their ideas could transform economies, strengthen communities and create sustainable prosperity.

He said Boost Africa demonstrated how collaboration among the EU, EIB, African Development Bank, venture capital partners and African entrepreneurs could produce measurable results.

“Nigeria is one of Africa’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems, and we believe that supporting innovation and enterprise is essential for sustainable economic growth and job creation. So, this is really the core of our partnership in Nigeria,” he said.

The ambassador, however, urged stakeholders to look beyond the achievements recorded under Boost Africa and focus on expanding opportunities for the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

He noted that the EIB recently

launched several operations in Nigeria aimed at continuing support for entrepreneurs across the country.

Also speaking, EIB Country Relationship Manager for Nigeria, Moussa Nkoulima, said Boost Africa was not simply an investment in entrepreneurs but an investment in the entire ecosystem surrounding them.

Nkoulima said Africa had a large pool of young and talented entrepreneurs developing solutions

in sectors including financial services, healthcare, the digital economy and renewable energy, but many were constrained by lack of capital, particularly at the earliest and riskiest stages of business development.

He said this financing gap was the reason Boost Africa was launched in 2016 by the EIB and African Development Bank, with support from the EU and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

He cited the recent upgrade of Nigeria’s sovereign credit ratings and outlooks by global rating agencies, attributing the success to stronger foreign exchange reserves, higher oil production, increased federal allocation following the removal of oil subsidy, and the ongoing macroeconomic reforms undertaken under the Renewed Hope administration.

Shettima applauded the management of the University of Abuja, under the leadership of Fawehinmi, saying the vice chancellor has provided leadership that surmounted the challenges that confronted the school in the past.

He observed that University of Abuja was now standing on a solid pedestal, as real stability had been restored in the institution, even as he pledged that the federal government will do everything within its ability to give the school the needed support.

Earlier, Fawehinmi commended the vice president for supporting and spearheading the growth and developmental strides of the Tinubu administration.

He described Shettima as a mentor whose leadership qualities had assisted the university’s

Governing Board to manage the school, even as he sought the institution’s partnership with the government to move the country forward.

Shettima said, “We have always known you to be a highly cerebral and dynamic leader. We appreciate the generous strides you are making in the country.

“We are not surprised at your intellectual agility.”

Fawehinmi said NELFUND, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu, had assisted immensely in bringing relative stability in the country’s education sector, pointing out that students are able to go to school and are able to sustain their stay in the school.

According to him, the management as well as Governing Council of the University of Abuja deemed it necessary to thank the vice president for the support he had always given to the school.

The vice chancellor explained, “Our recent history in terms of leadership has not been very palatable. There have been issues to do with our chequered history, but in the last eight months when we came on board, we tried our very best to stabilise the university.”

NCC Moves to Strengthen Type Approval Compliance for SIM-enabled Devices Emma Okonji Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the process of strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of its Type Approval requirements through a technology enabled framework.

The move, according to NCC, is in line with its mandate to ensure that communications devices imported, sold, and used in Nigeria meet applicable technical and regulatory standards. NCC disclosed this in a statement it issued yesterday, signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.

According to the statement, the initiative is intended to make Type Approval compliance more efficient, consistent, and effective by enabling the commission to electronically determine Type Approval compliance of SIM enabled devices.

It stated, “The Device Management System (DMS) will serve as the technology platform supporting this automated compliance framework, allowing the commission to improve oversight of the device ecosystem.

“Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufactur-

ers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment may be sold or used in Nigeria.

“The implementation of the DMS supports the commission’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem by improving compliance with applicable technical and regulatory standards, enhancing network performance, facilitating the identification of non-compliant devices, and strengthening consumer confidence in devices sold and used in Nigeria.”

According to the statement, NCC has commenced the first

phase of implementation of the automated type approval compliance framework and was working closely with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations.

The phase focuses on on-boarding existing devices currently held in stock and ensuring that devices imported into the country, going forward, are appropriately registered and authenticated. This will provide the commission with a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they enter widespread use.

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THISDAY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

NEWS

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ON THE ‘BENEFIT OF RFID FOR FLIGHT STATUS...

L-R: Special Senior Assistant to the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ifueko Abdulmalik; World Tracer Coordinator, Nacho Aviance, Michael Raimi; Station Manager, Lagos Domestic, SAHCO Plc, Awuamhobor Paul; Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu; General Manager, ICT, FAAN, Mr. Enyinna Onyeukwu; CEO, Slim Autos, Mr. Mathas Ituah; and NCAA Lagos Regional Head, Alhaji Ibrahim Jafare, during a stakeholders’ engagement on the ‘Benefit of RFID for Flight Status, Luggage and Cargo Tracking by NCAA and FAAN’, held in Lagos...recently

UK Backs Nigeria’s Future Leaders with 68 Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Kingdom Government has strengthened its investment in Nigeria’s human capital development by awarding the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to 68 Nigerians for postgraduate studies in the UK. The beneficiaries, selected through highly competitive processes, will undertake master’s and PhD programmes across a broad range of disciplines during the 2026 academic session, with pre-departure ceremonies held in Abuja and Lagos to honour the scholars.

Of the 68 Nigerians selected, 12 secured the Chevening Scholarship, while 56 had so far been awarded Commonwealth scholarships.

Speaking at the pre-departure reception in Abuja, Chargée d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Ms. Vicky Seymour, described the scholarship scheme as an investment not only in the individual beneficiaries but also in Nigeria’s future.

Seymour congratulated the scholars for emerging successfully from what she described as a highly competitive application and interview process. She urged them to leverage their experience in the UK to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development upon

their return.

She said the scholars had bright futures ahead of them, stressing that their exposure to world-class education, professional networks, and diverse experiences should ultimately translate into positive impact at home.

The British envoy expressed confidence that the beneficiaries would follow in the footsteps of previous Chevening and Commonwealth alumni, who had made significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.

She urged the scholars to return to Nigeria equipped with new knowledge and experiences and use them to make a lasting contribution to the country.

Among the beneficiaries is Sarah Nathaniel Yanayork, a Chevening Scholar who will study International Human Rights Law at the University of Essex.

Yanayork described her selection as the culmination of a three-year journey of resilience and personal growth, saying the scholarship has given her an opportunity to deepen her commitment to human rights, good governance, and inclusive development.

Another beneficiary, Abubakar Umar, who has a hearing impairment, will study Special Educational Needs at the University of Exeter under the Commonwealth

Scholarship.

Umar said the award was particularly significant because of its emphasis on inclusion, describing the scholarship journey as a reflection of resilience and the possibility of building more inclusive systems.

The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, have signed a Cooperation Protocol aimed at strengthening global collaboration on peacebuilding, cultural exchange and social inclusion.

The agreement was signed during an event at the AIM Congress 2026, themed, ‘World Governments as Incubators for Tolerance and Shared Growth’.

The protocol, executed between the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and

Coexistence and the Royal Iwere Foundation, an initiative of the Olu of Warri, is expected to promote dialogue among institutions and nations while advancing initiatives that foster peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the event, the Olu of Warri delivered a guest lecture titled, “Tolerance as a Tool for Advancing Peace, Social Cohesion and Shared Prosperity: The Case of Africa.”

The monarch advocated greater investment in tolerance, inclusion and dialogue, describing them as critical pillars for sustainable development in Africa and beyond.

According to him, Africa

having passed through the Chevening and Commonwealth programmes.

Many of the alumni have gone on to occupy influential positions and contribute to national development across various sectors, reinforcing the scholarships’ role as an avenue for building Nigeria’s next generation

of leaders and professionals.

Meanwhile, applications for the 2027–2028 Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes are already open, offering another opportunity for qualified Nigerians seeking advanced education and professional development in the United Kingdom.

NCAA, NAICOM Sign Landmark MoU to Deepen Aviation Insurance, Safety Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Wednesday in Abuja, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and collaboration in the regulation and oversight of aviation insurance in Nigeria.

The MoU was signed by the Director-General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, and the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin.

Speaking at the ceremony, Capt.

Najomo said the epoch-making event culminated from a long-standing collaborative relationship between

Olu of Warri, UAE Minister Sign Cooperation Protocol to Deepen Global Tolerance Sunday Ehigiator

are designed to support individuals with demonstrated intellectual ability, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to the development of their home countries.

The UK government said Nigeria had built a substantial network of scholarship alumni, with more than 5,237 Nigerians

possesses enormous potential to leverage tolerance, dialogue and unity to drive economic growth, strengthen social cohesion and promote lasting peace across the continent.

He said embracing diversity and mutual respect would not only help reduce conflicts but also create an enabling environment for innovation, investment and shared prosperity among African nations.

Illustrating his approach to tolerance and social cohesion in the Warri Kingdom, the monarch said his administration had prioritised reconciliation and unity among the diverse communities and ethnic groups residing in the kingdom.

the two regulatory institutions and reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening aviation safety, financial resilience, regulatory compliance, and the protection of the travelling public and other aviation stakeholders.

The MoU also gave birth to the formal establishment of a Joint Technical Committee on Aviation Insurance co-chaired by representatives from the NCAA and NAICOM. The DGCA noted that Aviation remains a paradoxical industry that is globally recognised as the safest mode of transportation, yet characterised by high-impact operational risks.

“As the Authority statutorily responsible for regulating and mitigating these risks at the State level, our safety mandate must be complemented by a robust, transparent, and verifiable insurance framework.

“This partnership with NAICOM strengthens that foundation and

reinforces the operational safety and financial resilience of the Nigerian aviation sector. “ For several years, NCAA and NAICOM have worked closely, with NAICOM providing expert assessments on the adequacy and viability of insurance policies procured by aviation operators in compliance with Part 18.14 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023,” he explained.

The MoU, he further said, deepens the cooperation, enhances stakeholder confidence, and supports cost-efficient operations while addressing challenges faced by Nigerian operators.

He stated that the collaboration will promote sustainable insurance practices, minimise avoidable regulatory and operational challenges, while supporting the long-term growth and resilience of Nigeria’s aviation industry, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal

Government.

He commended the Joint Technical Teams of the NCAA and NAICOM for the diligence and professionalism demonstrated in developing the MoU. He expressed confidence that the Joint Technical Committee established under this framework will discharge its responsibilities diligently and ensure that the objectives of this partnership translate into measurable improvements in aviation insurance compliance and oversight.

“This partnership provides a stronger institutional framework for achieving both aviation safety and adequate financial protection.

In his remarks, the NAICOM CEO, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin said the occasion represents not only the strengthening of institutional cooperation, but also a clear affirmation of a shared regulatory commitment to the safety, integrity, and resilience of the Nigerian aviation ecosystem.

Quintessence to Launch ‘Collector Studies’ with Prof. Ebun Clark’s Alimi Collection on Sept 12 Sunday Ehigiator Quintessence Gallery is set to launch a new initiative, Quintessence Collector Studies, with an exhibition exploring the relationship between renowned art collector Prof. Ebun Clark and Nigerian artist Alimi.

Titled ‘A Collector’s Eye: Prof. Ebun Clark x Alimi’, the presentation will open on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Quintessence Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the organisers, the new series will examine collectors who have played significant roles in sustaining Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem, while exploring what private collections can reveal about artistic practice and cultural memory over time.

The initiative seeks to shift some attention from artists to the collectors who acquire, live with and preserve their works over many years.

“For this first edition, works by Alimi from the private collection of

Prof. Ebun Clark are brought together to consider one central question: What can a private collection reveal about an artist over time?” Quintessence said.

The gallery explained that the works, when viewed together, offer a perspective on Alimi through the sustained attention of a single collector, demonstrating how collecting can extend beyond ownership to become a means of preserving artistic moments, changes and relationships that could otherwise remain undocumented.

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FG, Austria Float SPV to Fund Investments, Target Vienna Bond Market Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government revealed yesterday that, in collaboration with the Austrian Stock Exchange, it had floated a company, ESME Limited, as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to fund investments in Nigeria. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, disclosed this while addressing the GPF Global Vienna Meeting in Vienna, Austria, virtually.

Bagudu said there were plans for a bond issuance on the Vienna stock market, to raise capital for investments in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

According to a statement issued by Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Bagudu’s address to the meeting dwelt on, “Financing Africa’s Future: The Vienna Stock Exchange as a Gateway to European Capital Markets for African Government Projects.”

The minister said his ministry and Federal Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with Austrian officials and the Austrian Stock Exchange, had established ESME Limited as a special purpose vehicle to fund investments in Nigeria.

According to him, the company would issue bonds on the Vienna stock market to finance investments in Nigeria by Austrian and other companies in green technology, waste-to-energy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and water.

The proposed financing would target green technology, waste-toenergy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and water projects, among other sectors.

The facility is also expected to provide financing for companies seeking to expand existing operations in Nigeria.

On the planned bond issuance through the Austrian capital market, Bagudu said the federal government expected the exercise to open another financing channel

for companies interested in investing in Nigeria while supporting the country’s push to attract private capital into productive sectors.

He explained that ESME Limited had two representatives from Ministry of Finance Incorporated and Austrian businessmen on its board.

Bagudu said the President Bola Tinubu administration welcomed the progress made by the company towards the impending bond issuance, expressing confidence that it would strengthen business relations between Nigeria and Austria.

He stated that the initiative was expected to deepen business relations between Nigeria and Austria.

Bagudu said the similarities and comparative economic advantages between both countries provided opportunities for stronger investment relations.

The minister urged Austrian businesses to take advantage of Nigeria’s large domestic market

and investment requirements as the government pursued its economic expansion programme.

He told Austrian investors that businesses operating in Nigeria were posting handsome returns, assuring that prospective investors would not regret investing in the country, as existing investors earn over 20 per cent return on investment in US dollars.

Bagudu stated that Nigeria’s large population and demand for capital provided opportunities for Austrian companies, particularly those with expertise in technology.

He said, “We are confident that Nigeria is a proven market of choice with strong absorptive capacity, with over 200 million people. So, Austrian companies and businesses well-rooted in technology can operate profitably in Nigeria.”

Bagudu said Nigeria and Austria shared similar demographics and comparative economic advantages that made the Austrian stock

market attractive to Nigeria According to him, movements in Nigeria’s bond spreads reflected improved confidence in the economy.

Bagudu said achieving the government’s $1 billion economy target by 2030 would require greater access to foreign capital, saying the government considers the Austrian capital market an important potential source of financing.

He stressed that economic reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration over the past three years had improved macroeconomic predictability and investor confidence.

He added that the reforms were designed to remove distortions in the economy, including in the foreign exchange market, and provide a rules-based environment for private capital.

The minister stated that the measures had stabilised the macroeconomy and made the

OYETOLA, APM TERMINALS SIGN MOU TO DEVELOP BADAGRY DEEP-SEAPORT McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited to explore the development of the greenfield port project.

The MoU was signed by the Group Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller-Maersk, Vincent Clerc, on behalf of APM Terminals, and the Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited, Didi Ndiomu.

The proposed port is expected to provide additional deepwater capacity, accommodate larger container vessels and create new opportunities for transshipment, potentially strengthening Nigeria’s

position as a regional maritime hub.

The development was one of the major outcomes of Oyetola’s engagements in Denmark, where the minister and his delegation held discussions with senior Danish government officials and representatives of the country’s maritime industry.

During the visit, the Nigerian delegation and APM Terminals also discussed the possible extension of the company’s port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne.

Oyetola said the federal government remained committed to developing Nigeria’s maritime

infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for long-term private-sector investment.

The minister’s engagement formed part of the administration’s broader efforts to position the marine and blue economy as a major contributor to economic growth, investment and employment.

Managing Director, Africa and Europe, APM Terminals, Igor van den Essen, said the company was interested in contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and strengthening the country’s position as a trade hub in West Africa.

“APM Terminals is keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic

growth and position as a trade hub in West Africa. We believe further investing long-term in our concessions in Apapa and Onne helps doing that, and we were pleased to have a constructive dialogue about this today,” he said.

Van den Essen said developing Badagry as a greenfield port would create additional capacity while helping to reduce congestion at existing city ports.

“Additionally, developing Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestion in city ports and further open new opportunities,” he added.

He also welcomed the federal

government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa.

“APM Terminals is encouraged by the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa, and we are proud to play a part in that ambition,” van den Essen said.

According to him, public-private partnerships would be critical to delivering the long-term investment required to improve infrastructure, the business environment and Nigeria’s

DANGOTE REFINERY CUTS DEBT BY N798BN TO N7.9 TRILLION IN FIRST HALF OF 2026 at an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar.

The debt reduction comes as the refinery has moved into full-scale commercial operations, with stronger sales and refining margins significantly improving its financial position.

The company’s net debt-toearnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ratio stood at 0.27 times at the end of June, according to the prospectus, with the company expecting the ratio to decline further as operations stabilise and cash-flow generation improves.

The improvement in the refinery’s financial position comes ahead of the September 14 opening of its proposed IPO, through which it plans to offer 4.1 billion new shares at N525 each.

But despite the planned share sale, Africa’s largest refinery will remain overwhelmingly controlled by its founder, Aliko Dangote, with his beneficial ownership projected to decline only marginally to 84.34 per cent if the offer is fully subscribed. Bloomberg, Nairametrics and Reuters first extracted the figures.

The prospectus showed that Dangote currently has a disclosed beneficial interest of 87.27 per cent through Dangote Oil Refining Company Limited (DORCL), Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Greenview International Corporation and a beneficial interest in Salamad Ventures Limited.

The refinery currently has 120.13 billion issued and fully

paid ordinary shares. DORCL holds 65.835 per cent, DIL 14.904 per cent, Greenview 6.496 per cent, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) 6.815 per cent, while other shareholders account for 5.950 per cent.

Because the IPO involves the issuance of new shares rather than a sell-down by existing shareholders, Dangote’s beneficial interest would remain above 84 per cent after the transaction.

NNPC Limited’s stake would also be diluted only marginally, from 6.815 per cent to about 6.59 per cent. The ownership structure underscores Dangote’s stated objective of using the IPO to widen participation in the refinery rather than relinquish control.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos after an IPO-related signing event, Dangote said the share offering was not primarily intended to raise funds, arguing that the refinery had strong cash generation and had already accessed bonds and private placements.

He also disclosed that strategic investors, including Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), had expressed interest in investing in the refinery, but declined to provide details because of nondisclosure agreements.

The refinery is also taking advantage of disruptions in global petroleum-product markets caused by the continuing conflict involving the United States and Iran.

The refinery is currently operating at its full 700,000 barrels per day capacity and is maximising

production of diesel and aviation fuel for the European market, where supplies from the Middle East have been severely disrupted.

David Bird, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, said the facility was “running flat out” at 700,000 barrels per day and had the flexibility to adjust its output depending on market conditions.

“Right now we’re very much maximising our diesel, but the jet is still extremely significant from a yield perspective,” Bird said.

Bloomberg reported that the premium for diesel over crude had risen to its highest level in at least 15 years, making the refinery’s ability to alter its product mix particularly valuable.

Bird said the company remained “extremely bullish” about refining margins over the medium term, although a prolonged Iran conflict could eventually weaken demand and create broader economic consequences.

Despite the unusually strong refining margins generated by the crisis, Dangote said the refinery’s long-term financial projections were not based on the current geopolitical disruption.

“Our own basis of calculation is based on normal days,” he said, stressing that the company had begun preparations for the IPO long before the Middle East crisis.

According to him, temporary disruptions could not provide the basis for a business expected to

operate for decades.

Besides, Dangote’s proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lamu, Kenya, could face major difficulties securing adequate crude supplies because Kenya currently has no commercial-scale oil production, Reuters reported.

The proposed facility, expected to cost between $15 billion and $16 billion, is scheduled for groundbreaking later this month and is targeted for completion in 2030.

The project has evolved rapidly, with Tanzania initially considered before the company shifted its attention to Mombasa and subsequently Lamu, where the refinery is now expected to Continued on page 28

Sen Abubakar Bagudu foreign exchange market more predictable for investors seeking to move capital in and out of Nigeria.

He said, “The forex market has stabilised, with free entry and exit. Foreign reserves have risen significantly to over $50bn, providing over 11 months of import cover.” Bagudu cited increased revenues accruing to the three tiers of government as part of the gains from the economic reforms. competitiveness.

“We strongly believe that publicprivate partnerships help us deliver results that support growth because they drive long-term investment, a better business environment and, thereby, competitiveness in a rapidly developing market,” he said.

For Ndiomu, the agreement represented the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development, particularly with the involvement of a major global port operator.

“Investing in maritime infrastructure and especially in Badagry as a greenfield port project together with APM Terminals is the beginning of Nigeria becoming the true maritime capital of sub-Saharan Africa in full alignment with the government’s ambitious maritime growth strategy,” he said.

The proposed Badagry DeepSeaport is expected to complement existing port infrastructure by providing a deepwater facility capable of handling larger container vessels and increased cargo volumes.

Beyond serving Nigeria’s domestic cargo needs, the project is expected to create additional transshipment opportunities, enabling Nigeria to handle cargo destined for other West African markets and potentially strengthening its role in regional supply chains.

The development of the greenfield facility could also reduce pressure on existing ports located within densely populated urban areas, while creating new opportunities for investment, logistics and maritime-related activities.

ALAKE: TINUBU RISKED RE-ELECTION BID TO RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA’S DAMAGED ECONOMY Tinubu assumed office, there was no shortcut to restructuring an economy that had been badly damaged by years of policy inconsistencies and reluctance by successive administrations to take difficult decisions.

While admitting that the reforms had brought significant short-term difficulties, he said they were necessary to prevent the economy from sinking deeper into crisis.

The minister emphasised that successive administrations had recognised the need to end the subsidy regime but were forced to postpone the decision because of fears of public backlash which could

affect their electoral fortune.

His words: “Somebody came and decided to swallow the bitter pill, to take the bullets on behalf of Nigerians. You must go through the pain, and then the gains will start to manifest.”

Alake said every major policy had a gestation period involving formulation, mobilisation of resources, implementation and monitoring, saying the benefits of government policies could not always be expected immediately He also defended the subsidy removal against claims that ordinary Nigerians were its major beneficiaries, arguing that the biggest beneficiaries

were fuel cartels and wealthy individuals who consumed significantly more petroleum products.

Alake noted that the stiff opposition to the removal of petrol subsidy was expected, adding that some beneficiaries of the subsidy regime had built businesses around the system.

He added: “Subsidising fuel meant that households with several vehicles received greater benefits than poorer Nigerians who owned no vehicles.

“When the fuel subsidy was removed, did you think that they would fold their arms and be looking? No! They will fight back.”

The minister also rejected calls for the government to reverse the reforms, insisting that Nigeria needed consistency rather than another economic reset.

Alake said the experience demonstrated that difficult reforms, when consistently implemented, could produce significant long-term results.

According to him, “What Nigeria needs is consistency.

We don’t need a reset now.

Because the reforms have come.

They are in place. And they are moving ahead.”

Alake recalled the experience of Lagos State under President Continued on page 9

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THISDAY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

NEWS

DAY-2 LAGOS ISLAND DIVISION OF THE 2027 BUDGET CONSULTATIVE FORUM...

L-R: Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot; House Committee Chairman on Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mr. Ope George; Permanent Secretary, MEPB, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo; World Bank Specialist and Team Lead NG-Cares, Dr. Lere Esardo; and the Executive Assistant to the Lagos Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Mr. Olusegun Sanwo-Olu, during the Day-2 Lagos Island division of the 2027 Budget Consultative Forum, held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos ...recently

NUPRC: Awardees of Gas Flare Sites May Lose Unutilised Permits 27 of 43 locations successfully given out Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said awardees of its flare gas sites could have their permits revoked if they do not utilise them.

NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs.

Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, gave the warning during a working visit to Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, in Abuja.

Eyesan presented an update on the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) at the meeting, a statement in Abuja yesterday

Says host community development trust curbed oil theft

by the commission’s spokesman, Eniola Akinkuotu, said.

Eyesan stated, “One year after an award has been granted, the commission conducts an evaluation to determine whether there has been considerable progress.

“Where there is insufficient progress, the commission will take appropriate regulatory

action, including revocation of the award where necessary.”

According to her, despite initial resistance from some operators, NGFCP had continued to record significant progress.

She stated that 43 flare gas sites were originally identified for award.

So far, 27 sites, she explained,

NHIA’s Health Financing Scheme Grants Over 63,000 Women Access to Maternal Healthcare The National Health Insurance Authority’s (NHIA) financing scheme has enabled over 63,000 women to benefit from the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) programme.

The CEmONC was rolled out 18 months ago by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by providing free emergency obstetric care, including caesarean sections, for vulnerable pregnant women.

This is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s

progress towards universal health coverage.

The NHIA described the number of beneficiaries as a milestone, noting that they represent 63,000 stories of resilience in which the government stepped in to ensure that financial constraints did not result in the loss of life.

It said: “Since the programme was launched, over 63,000 women and 5,300 newborn babies have benefited from emergency obstetric and neonatal services.

“This remarkable milestone represents real families spared from the adverse consequences of out-of-pocket expenses.

“More importantly, it represents lives saved, families preserved, dignity restored and, ultimately, a nation thriving.”

NHIA noted that over 250 medical facilities are currently implementing the programme across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It said: “Across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, a wide network of facilities now offers free emergency obstetric interventions.

“Additional facilities have been approved and are at various stages of activation, while more accredited hospitals continue to join the programme as the government expands geographic access to emergency care.

“This growing network of hospitals ensures that more women in urban and rural areas have access to essential medical and surgical support when every minute counts.”

It added: “Behind every number is a mother whose life was saved, a family kept whole and a community strengthened.

“What began as a policy announcement has translated into multiple tangible stories of lives reached and essential services delivered.

“As implementation continues to expand, so will the programme’s impact in ensuring safer childbirth for more women across Nigeria.”

Ex-Lagos Gov’s Counsel, TNP Boss, Baba Alokolaro Sworn in as 10th NBA-SBL Chairman, Vows to Redefine Business Law Mary Nnah The power shifted in Nigeria’s boardrooms on Wednesday as Baba Alokolaro, Managing Partner of The New Practice (TNP), was sworn in as the 10th Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law, NBA-SBL. In a ceremony that signaled a new era for corporate law in the country, he takes over from Mrs. Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, after spending the last two years as her Vice Chairman and learning the ropes from the inside.

According to a press release made available to THISDAY, the handover in Port Harcourt was more than ceremonial. It was the passing of the baton in the most influential legal

room in Nigeria’s business space.

For 22 years, the NBA-SBL has been the country’s principal forum for business law policy, practice standards and cross-border investment dialogue.

Founded in 2004 by Mr. George Etomi, it has grown to be a standout in the legal community, hosting an Annual Business Law Conference that brings together government officials, regulators, investors, and leading commercial lawyers across the region.

Now that room has a new voice at the head of the table. Alokolaro steps into a lineage that reads like a who’s who of Nigerian law: Etomi, Mfon Usoro, Gbenga Oyebode MFR, Asue Ighodalo, Olumide Akpata, Seni Adio SAN, Ayuli Jemide, Adeoye

Adefulu, and now Ogiemudia. The expectations are massive, and he isn’t pretending otherwise.

Speaking after his swearing-in for the 2026 to 2028 term, Alokolaro declared that Nigerian business law is at an inflection point. His mission, he said, is to drag practice standards into the future by modernizing how lawyers transact, by embedding technology and ESG into everyday advisory work, and by making sure the next generation of lawyers are carried along in the shift, not left behind while the established names take the lead. But he went further.

He wants the NBA-SBL’s voice to matter where it counts, in how investors and businesses read Nigeria’s regulatory landscape.

“When businesses and investors look at Nigeria, what they will see should reflect the seriousness and sophistication of how we actually practice here. That is the NBA-SBL standard and one I am holding myself to”, he said.

The resume behind the promise is weighty. As Managing Partner at TNP, Alokolaro leads the firm’s Corporate Finance and Business Advisory Groups.

He previously headed the Corporate Commercial Africa Service Line at Andersen Global, TNP’s collaborating firm. He earned his LL.B from the University of Warwick in 1997, his LL.M from the University of East Anglia in 1998, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001.

had been successfully awarded, and implementation efforts were ongoing.

NUPRC said Nigeria currently had over 215 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven gas reserves and an estimated total reserve base of about 600 TCF. “These resources provide a strong foundation for power generation, industrialisation, exports and broader economic development,” Eyesan said.

On host community development, Eyesan said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) introduced the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework to address longstanding concerns in host communities and ensure that petroleum resources were utilised for sustainable development.

According to her, available data indicates that the implementation of the trusts has resulted in significant reductions in oil theft and oil spillage while fostering more harmonious relationships

between operators and host communities.

She disclosed that significant progress had been recorded since the implementation of the initiative.

“To date, 173 Host Community Development Trusts have been incorporated, 147 have been funded, over 1,001 projects are currently ongoing, while more than 200 projects have been successfully commissioned across host communities,” she said.

In his remarks, Ekpo called for a deliberate and aggressive implementation of Nigeria’s gas commercialisation programme to ensure the country achieved its 2030 target of eliminating routine gas flare.

He stated, “The core objective is to add value to our gas resources by converting them into critical products and services. We must move away from environmental pollution and toward productive resource utilisation.”

ALAKE: TINUBU RISKED RE-ELECTION BID TO RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA’S DAMAGED ECONOMY Tinubu when he was governor, arguing that similar reforms had helped transform the state’s finances.

He further recalled that Lagos generated about N600 million monthly in internally generated revenue when Tinubu assumed office in 1999, while the state’s civil service wage bill was more than N1 billion.

The minister added that the administration subsequently embarked on measures to block leakages and improve revenue collection, including the computerisation and biometric verification of the state payroll.

“The exercise saved about N350 million in its first month by identifying fictitious workers and irregularities on the payroll,” he said.

Alake dismissed criticisms that the benefits of the reforms had not reached ordinary Nigerians, saying some interventions were already producing direct and

indirect benefits across different sectors.

He cited the student loan scheme as an example, stressing that students and families paying tertiary education fees could benefit from reduced financial pressure.

On the controversies surrounding the composition of the campaign council of the ruling party, Alake described it as an internal mechanism of the ruling party rather than an issue of direct concern to Nigerians.

He urged the media to focus more on the party’s manifesto, policy proposals and campaign messaging than on the internal structure of its campaign council.

Alake noted: “The public requires what is the messaging of the campaign, the manifesto, the policies, the projections and all that. Not the internal constitution of the campaign council.”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

SIGNING OF DANGOTE PETROLEUM REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICALS FZE IPO...

L-R: Ernest Ebi, Chairman, Board of Directors, Coronation Asset Management; Emmanuel Ikazoboh, Chairman, Board of Directors at Dangote Cement; Aliko Dangote, Founder, Dangote Group; and Aigbovbiose Aig-Imoukhuede, MD/CEO, Coronation Asset Management, at the signing of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE Initial Public Offering, which was held in Lagos...recently

FG Pays 8-Month Tools Allowance to University, Poly Lecturers Alausa threatens sack, licence withdrawal over accreditation fraud Directs federal varsities to move advancement offices under VCs Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Funmi Ogundare The federal government yesterday said it had released full payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to academic staff of federal universities, polytechnics, and Colleges of Education for January to August 2026.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the payment shortly after inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation.

Alausa warned heads of tertiary institutions against compromising the integrity of accreditation exercises, saying officials who manipulate the process risk losing their jobs while private institutions could have their licences revoked.

Alausa, also yesterday, directed all federal universities in Nigeria to move their advancement offices from the offices of registrars to the direct supervision of the vice chancellors.

CATA is a financial allowance provided to academic staff to support the purchase of essential tools and materials required for teaching, research, and other academic activities.

Alausa said the payment was in accordance with the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government–Academic

Staff Union of Universities (FGN/ ASUU) agreement and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to its implementation.

He said, “The Office of the Minister of Education is happy to announce that the full CATA payment has now been released by the federal government from January to August 2026 to all universities, all polytechnics and colleges of education.

“All these institutions should have received notification to start paying CATA to all academic staff.”

The minister added that payment to non-academic staff was also being processed.

“And also, the payment to nonacademic staff, we’re hoping that these funds will be made available, hopefully, in the next few weeks,” he added.

Alausa said the payment was another indication of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in the country’s tertiary institutions.

“President Bola Tinubu made a commitment to ensuring that the quality and welfare of our staff are prioritised.

He has prioritised the welfare of our staff,” he said.

Alausa said the administration’s education reforms extended beyond staff welfare, stating that significant

investments are also being made in infrastructure across tertiary institutions, as well as in basic and postgraduate education.

“Beyond prioritising the welfare of our staff, he has also significantly invested in infrastructure at all our tertiary institutions and also basic and postgraduate education,” the minister said.

He added that the administration was committed to ensuring that Nigerian children received quality education that could compete with standards anywhere in the world.

Alausa said, “This is a president that believes so much in education.

He has delivered beyond his promises to ensure that every single child in this country gets the highest quality

Fidelis David in Akure At least 24 people have died in two communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State after consuming a herbal liquid substance.

President: He is a friend, ally who sacrificed for democracy the nation now enjoys President Bola ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State have felicitated renowned scholar, columnist and novelist, Prof. Adebayo Williams, on his 75th birthday.

The president, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Prof. Williams as a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to scholarship, literature, journalism, and intellectual discourse have enriched Nigerian society and

beyond.

Tinubu also acknowledged Prof.

Williams’ remarkable career as a university teacher and scholar, particularly his contributions to the study of African literature, culture and society.

Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, commended Prof. Adebayo Williams’ remarkable impact in the country.

The governor said the scholar, who is a specialist in the field of African

institutions must reflect the standards approved by regulatory agencies.

According to him, the consequences of weak accreditation are already evident in the difficulty employers face in finding qualified graduates.

He stated, “People say they want to hire engineers. They will have 500 candidates, but they wouldn’t be able to get two, three, four or five qualified applicants. That’s the damage we’re doing to this university.

“But guess what? This Ministry of Education is not going to let this continue. Other presidents, other governments may have allowed this to continue, but we are not going to let this continue.”

The minister also announced that the federal government would end the

practice whereby institutions temporarily borrow academic staff, equipment and facilities from other institutions to meet accreditation requirements.

His position comes amid controversy surrounding the accreditation of the law programme at Atiba University, Oyo State.

In August, the Council of Legal Education imposed a 10-year moratorium on the university’s law programme, citing inadequate facilities as well as the admission and graduation of students without the requisite approval.

The development has left affected students and their parents seeking government intervention, including possible transfers to accredited law faculties to prevent years of study and financial investments being lost.

Panic in Ondo as 24 Die, Many Hospitalised After Consuming Herbal Concoction

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Felicitate Renowned Columnist, Adebayo Williams at 75 Deji Elumoye in Abuja

of education comparable to anywhere in the world.”

Meanwhile, Alausa warned heads of tertiary institutions against compromising the integrity of accreditation exercises, saying officials who manipulate the process risk losing their jobs while private institutions could have their licences revoked.

Alausa issued the warning yesterday in Abuja, at the inauguration of the Ministerial Committee on Strengthening the Accreditation and Quality Assurance System for Tertiary Institutions.

He said the government would no longer tolerate institutions that presented inflated or misleading records of their academic capacity during accreditation exercises, stressing that the quality of graduates produced by Nigerian tertiary

literature and a respected columnist, has contributed positively to political developments in Nigeria and the African continent.

On his part, the president while highlighting his longstanding commitment to democracy and good governance, the President described him as a friend and ally who also sacrificed for the democracy the country presently enjoys.

According to Tinubu: “Prof.

Williams has, through his writings, teaching and intellectual engagements, inspired generations of students, academics, writers and readers.

The deaths, recorded in Odigbo town and Araromi-Obu, have sparked tension and mourning in the communities, with several other residents who consumed the substance said to be receiving treatment in various hospitals.

THISDAY gathered on Wednesday that the incident, which occurred on Saturday, became a major concern after some of the affected persons allegedly became unconscious and subsequently died at different locations.

A source in the area said eight people had died in Araromi-Obu, while 16 others reportedly lost their lives in Odigbo town: “They drank the herbal substance and started dying. Eight people died in Araromi-Obu while 16 lost their lives in Odigbo town,” the source said.

“Some of the people died in their sleep, while some died when they got home. Many are still in the hospital as I am talking to you. However, we are yet to confirm if what they drank actually caused the deaths.”

Confirming the death toll, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government, Mr. Taiwo Adegoroye, said the

victims had consumed the substance before the incident, but stressed that the actual cause of death had yet to be established.

“We can confirm the death of 24 people, eight in Araromi-Obu and 16 in Odigbo town, and many are still on admission at hospitals. But we are yet to ascertain the cause of the death and we are still waiting for the team from the state Ministry of Health to carry out the test on the deceased.

That is why we can’t specifically say the real cause,” Adegoroye said.

Adegoroye said the local government had, as a precautionary measure, placed a ban on the sale and consumption of locally brewed alcoholic drinks in the affected area pending the outcome of investigations.

He added that a preliminary verbal autopsy conducted by the local government health team had indicated a possible link between the deaths and consumption of the substances, although further medical examinations were required to establish the facts.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, also confirmed the

incident, saying the government had commenced investigations to determine what led to the deaths.

Ajaka, who did not identify the specific substance suspected to be involved, said medical and health officials would carry out further assessments in the affected communities.

“The government is taking the matter seriously and we will provide more details after the ongoing investigation has established the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the commissioner said.

The development also triggered a mini protest by some youths in Odigbo, who marched to the palace of the traditional ruler to demand explanations and urgent intervention to prevent further deaths.

Addressing the youths, the monarch, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, appealed for calm, assuring them that efforts were being made to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and find a lasting solution.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the deaths.

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FOCUS Contractor Says His Barge, Not Nembe E&P Caused ‘Minor’ Bayelsa Vessel Accident Dismisses claims of operational failure of oil firm’s equipment Says his vessel struck debris during movement Describes incident as ‘small’ Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

F

resh details have emerged over the reported barge accident at the Nembe Creek facility in Bayelsa State, with the owner of the vessel involved in the incident revealing that it was caused by a minor mishap involving his barge.

He explained that the incident was in no way connected to the operations of Nembe Exploration and Production Ltd., formerly Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Ltd, contrary to some media reports.

Principal of Fazal Environmental Company, Mr Ebikeme Sokere, in a chat with THISDAY yesterday said the vessel was moving when it struck a broken block or debris, resulting in the incident, which he described as ‘minor’.

He specifically rejected any suggestion that Nembe Exploration or its predecessor, Aiteo, was responsible for the accident, stressing that the vessel belonged to his company and was not an operational crude-loading asset of the oil producer.

“It wasn’t really a big issue. It was a small accident. It wasn’t a serious matter. The barge was moving, then it hit a broken block or debris,” Sokere said. “It had nothing to do with Aiteo. It’s my barge, nothing to do with Aiteo,” he added.

His account is significant as the incident had initially been linked by the communities to crude-loading activities at the Nembe Creek facility operated by Nembe Exploration within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29.

Environmental concerns surrounding the incident were heightened after the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) said it visited communities in the area and reported crude oil in waterways and along mangrove banks.

HOMEF subsequently demanded immediate cleanup, compensation for affected residents and full accountability, citing complaints from fishing communities over damaged equipment, reduced catches and restricted access to fishing grounds.

But the account from the vessel owner, supported by sources familiar with the incident, presented a different picture of what happened and the identity of the party responsible, with the vessel involved being a contractor’s remediation barge deployed for activities separate from Nembe Exploration’s crude production and evacuation operations.

Persons familiar with the incident described it as misleading any attempt to directly associate the incident with Nembe Exploration’s crudeloading operations without first establishing the contractual relationship, operational assignment and circumstances under which the barge was deployed.

“This is just very misleading. Nembe Exploration and Production Limited has no business with whatever happened to that barge.

Whoever made that assertion needs to check again,” a person familiar with the incident said.

Sokere, for his part, said he was prepared to provide additional information to Nembe Exploration or other interested parties seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

“If Aiteo needs me to come and explain to these people, I will come. It was a small incident, not a major issue,” he said, expressing surprise that such a minor incident was being blown

Fazal Environmental Limited’s Barge that caused the spill

out of proportion.

He also offered to take interested representatives to the location where the incident occurred, saying an inspection of the site would make the circumstances clearer. “If you come anytime or any of your representatives can come, I will show them to the place,” he said.

Sokere further emphasised that the barge was his company’s property, dismissing any suggestion that it was an asset belonging to Aiteo or Nembe Exploration.

“It was my barge. The name has an Izon name meaning ‘my heart is my refuge’. These are my people,” he said.

But HOMEF had demanded an assessment, which it said should be followed by compensation for verified economic and livelihood losses, particularly for fishing households whose nets, fishing equipment and access to fishing grounds were affected.

According to HOMEF, the incident spread through interconnected waterways as a result

of tidal movements, raising concerns among communities that depend substantially on fishing for food and income.

Vice-Chair of Nembe Creek women, Mrs Love Mark, specifically said residents were struggling to replace damaged fishing equipment.

HOMEF Executive Director, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, had also called for affected communities and fishing camps to be incorporated into investigations, damage assessments, cleanup and subsequent environmental monitoring.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

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Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

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0.24%

FTTH Connectivity Improved in Q2 as Internet Subscribers on Core ISP Networks Hit 420,989

Stories by Emma Okonji The call to invest more in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology that will connect homes, offices, tech hubs and streets to the internet, in order to boost internet connectivity, is already yielding result.

This is evident from the recent statistics on the growth of FTTH in Nigeria, released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

A breakdown of the statistics showed increased growth in the number of

licensed FTTH operators in the country to 99, recording 319,735 fibre subscriptions in Q2, 2026, up from 214,750 fibre subscriptions recorded in Q1, 2026.

The numbers also showed growth in internet subscribers that are connected by the 148 licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs), which reached 420,989 connected subscribers in Q2, 2026.

Stakeholders had in the past, called for more investment in FTTH technology in Nigeria in order to increase internet

access, and to also boost broadband penetration in the country.

The call, no doubt, has increased the number of licensed FTTH operators, with a corresponding growth in the number of FTTH subscriptions, according to NCC’s statistics.

Further analysis revealed that MTN FibreX is leading in the number of connected FTTH subscribers, with 176,468 FTTH subscriptions, followed by FiberOne Broadband with 56,486 FTTH subscriptions.

Next on the list is ipNX with 14,698 FTTH subscriptions, followed by Broadbased Communication with 10,761 FTTH subscriptions.

Ngcom has 5,958 FTTH subscriptions, while Airtel has 4,417 FTTH subscriptions, followed by Luli Fibra Cables Solutions with 4,412 FTTH subscriptions.

Layer3 has 3,613 FTTH subscriptions, while Choice2mobile Technology has 3,492 FTTH subscriptions, and Legend Internet has 3,101 FTTH subscriptions.

Amdeetel has 2,824 FTTH subscriptions, while Swift Networks has 2,509 FTTH subscriptions, followed by Kkon Technologies with 2,289 FTTH subscriptions.

Ciudad Infrastructure has 2.144 FTTH subscriptions, while MangoNet Integrated Technologies has 1,878 FTTH subscriptions, followed by Dotmac Technologies with 1,690 FTTH subscriptions and Wow Networks has 1,641 FTTH subscriptions.

Next is MainOne Cable Company with 1,503 FTTH subscriptions, while

Spectranet has 1,344 FTTH subscriptions, followed by Smart City Technology Company with 1,336 FTTH subscriptions, and Fibreworld Internet Services with 1,300 FTTH subscriptions.

Pronto Broadband Solutions has 908 FTTH subscriptions, followed

by Cobranet with 864 FTTH subscriptions, while Connect Surf & Smile has 818 FTTH subscriptions, and E Lapariah Technologies has 721 FTTH subscriptions.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

LASG, Tech Experts Woo Foreign Investors, Challenge Local Innovators on Digital Solutions The Lagos State Government (LASG) and technology experts in Nigeria, have called on foreign technology companies operating in Nigeria to invest and build in Nigeria, while urging local innovators to develop solutions that will attract investors.

They made the call during the opening ceremony of the recently concluded two-day GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2026, which held in Lagos.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the conference by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the theme: ‘Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign AI and Innovation’, was apt, considering the state government’s readiness and the commitment of the federal government to further drive Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

Sanwo-Olu therefore urged foreign technology companies to establish engineering

operations, data centres, regional headquarters and training pipelines in Lagos.

He said the state wanted to move from exporting technology talent to becoming a place where global companies would build and scale solutions.

Sanwo-Olu urged investors to see Lagos as a launchpad into Africa rather than only as a market for Nigerian consumers.

He said Lagos was ready to partner with investors, technology companies,

universities and innovators to build solutions capable of serving global markets.

“We have enacted the Lagos State Electricity Law and established the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission to strengthen electricity regulation. We have also licensed independent operators across off grid generation, embedded generation, independent distribution, metering and mini grids. The state has also signed power purchase agreements with independent

power producers to increase electricity, and the state is targeting between 200 megawatts and 400 megawatts of state procured electricity capacity, up from less than 60 megawatts.

These are part of the state’s readiness to support investment in the state,” Sanwo-Olu said.

In his paper presentation at the conference, the DirectorGeneral, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, outlined

government’s measures to prepare Nigerians for the emerging technology-driven economy.

Abdullahi identified human intelligence as Nigeria’s greatest resource and pointed to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoTs), Robotics, Blockchain Technology and other emerging technologies as tools for increasing productivity across critical sectors.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 9 , 2 0 2 6 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price Yield Change Updated Time (%) September ^13.98 230.00 9, 2026 96.21 16.98 FEB-2028 ^21.00 20105.35 16.90 0.00 September MAR-2028 9, 2026 ^19.30 170.06 September 104.53 17.05 9, 2026 APR-2029 ^14.55 26September 95.28 16.80 0.00 APR-2029 9, 2026 ^18.50 21September 104.48 17.02 -0.12 FEB-2031 9, 2026

BILLS MATURITY NTB 8-Oct26 NTB 5-Nov26 NTB 3-Dec26 NTB 7-Jan27 NTB 4-Feb27

Discount Yield

CPS

Change (%) Updated Time

17.00

17.30

0.00 September 9, 2026

17.30

17.85

0.00 September 9, 2026

17.79

18.63

0.00 September 9, 2026

18.54

19.83

0.00 September 9, 2026

19.83

0.00 September 9, 2026

17.10

MATURITY HAAI CP X 7-SEP-26 PCLL CP V 25-SEP-26 AGRO CP IV 7-DEC-26 DAIL CP II 26-NOV-26 JVIL CP XXIV 29-DEC-26

Discount Yield 22.85

22.92

22.79

23.12

22.80

24.25

21.22

22.32

22.20

23.91

CLEARED NAIRA-SETTLED NDFS Change (%)

Updated Time

-0.01 September 9, 2026 0.00 September 9, 2026 0.01 September 9, 2026 0.00 September 9, 2026 0.01 September 9, 2026

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH)

Current Rate ($/₦)

Updated Time

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

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20

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

L-R: Head, Infrastructure Fund, Coronation Asset Management Limited, Mayowa Ikotun; Head of Sales, Coronation Securities Limited, Ikechukwu Okugo; CEO, Daba Markets Inc., Boum III Jr.; CEO, Coronation Wealth, Izekeo Adegoke; Managing Director, Coronation Asset Management Limited, Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede and Chief operating Officer, Coronation Asset Management Limited, Yemi Soneye, at the Coronation–Daba Digital Distribution Arrangement Signing Ceremony in Lagos… recently

Airtel Africa to Invest $1.1bn for Network Expansion across Africa Jessica Erobomhan The Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa, Sunil Kumar Taldar, has said that the company has earmarked $1.1 billion for expansion and upgrade of its network across its operations in Africa.

Taldar, who disclosed this while speaking on Arise News’ Global Business Report, explained that the company has already increased its spending from about $120 million to $390 million across 14 markets and in Nigeria, which is its biggest market.

He added that the telecoms company’s investment has almost doubled over the years.

“We’ve significantly stepped up our capital investment from about $120 million to

$390 million at an overall Africa level. In Nigeria, our capital investment has doubled significantly, and we see this investment as paramount for network expansion and upgrade to enhance customer experience on our network,” Taldar said.

He noted that only about half of the population in Airtel’s markets currently uses telecom services or smartphones, leaving substantial room for growth.

Data consumption, according to him, is rising by more than 50 per cent as more people rely on the internet for work, education, healthcare and entertainment.

Taldar identified unreliable electricity and vandalism of telecoms infrastructure as

Coy Gets SEC’s ARIP Recognition Yellow Card Financial Nigeria Limited, a global stablecoin infrastructure provider, has been admitted by Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), into the commission’s Accelerated Regulatory Incubation

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)

Programme (ARIP) on a conditional approval-inprinciple basis, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued regulatory progress in one of its founding markets.

Speaking about recognition, Group VP of Operations and MD of Yellow Card Financial Nigeria Limited, Lasbery Chioma Oludimu, said: “We are pleased to receive the SEC’s conditional approval for admission into the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Programme.

Nigeria isn’t just one of our markets; it’s where Yellow Card started and remains one of the most important markets we operate in today.”

As we move through the programme, we remain committed to operating with high standards of compliance and professionalism, while ensuring that customer protection and regulatory compliance remain central to our approach, she added.

the industry’s two biggest operational challenges, adding that most of the company’s base stations still operate on diesel generators,

because of inconsistent national power supply.

According to him, running on diesel costs almost four times more than using grid

electricity, and explained that in Nigeria, diesel prices have risen sharply from about N900 to N1,800 per litre in recent months.

“Telecoms’ network and power are two sides of the same economic equation, and that’s one challenge that we need to solve,” he said.

ISPON Inaugurates NEC, Harps on National Software Industry Registry Stories by Emma Okonji The Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), has promised to launch a National Software Industry Registry within the next six months that will further promote software development in Nigeria.

The registry, which will document software achievements and celebrate software developers in the country, is expected to add value to Nigeria’s software industry, and make it globally visible.

President of ISPON, Mr. James Agada, who disclosed

this in Lagos during the inauguration of the 2026/2028 National Executive Council (NEC) of ISPON, frowned at the situation where milestones achieved by brilliant minds in the software industry were rarely recognised, celebrated, or even properly documented for history.

Director, South West Zone, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Mr. Lawrence Dirisu, and President, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Muhammad Aliyu Sirajo, were among those present at the inauguration.

Firm Showcases Latest Networking Solutions at Partners Connect Tenda Technology, a global provider of networking devices and solutions, recently held its 2026 Tenda Partners Connect forum in Lagos, bringing together distribution partners, resellers and industry professionals to exchange market insights and explore the company’s latest networking technologies and solutions.

Speaking at the forum,

Tenda’s Director for West Africa, Mr. Coy Yao, said the event was organised to strengthen engagement with channel partners, reflect on the brand’s development in the region over the past three years, and introduce Tenda’s latest products and technologies.

“We value the relationships we have built with our channel partners and believe

that long-term collaboration is essential to sustainable growth. The 2026 Tenda Partners Connect provides an opportunity to engage with our partners, share our progress over the past three years, and introduce our latest networking solutions and technologies,” Yao said.

The SMB Manager for West Africa, Tenda, Mr. Alexis Yang, highlighted

the importance of product knowledge and technical expertise within the networking industry.

According to him, Tenda regularly shares technical knowledge and product information with channel partners and industry professionals to support a better understanding of networking technologies and applications.

Saviynt Appoints Heus VP Sales for Middle East, Africa

Saviynt, a leading provider of identity security solutions, has announced the appointment of Kamel Heus as Vice President of Sales for the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Based in Dubai, Heus will lead Saviynt’s business across the MEA region, including Turkey, as the company

advances its growth and strengthens its presence in key markets.

In his new role, Heus will drive new business, renewals and customer expansion across MEA, while leading Saviynt’s regional channel strategy, expanding its partner ecosystem, and building out the

company’s local go-to-market team.

Chief Commercial Officer at Saviynt, Pete Angstadt, said: “MEA represents a significant opportunity for Saviynt as organizations across the region accelerate their digital transformation and increasingly look to AI to transform how

they operate and grow.”

Responding to the appointment, Heus said: “The Middle East and Africa have become one of the fastestgrowing cybersecurity markets in the world, and Identity sits right at the center of it, especially as AI agents enter the enterprise”

Akano Named Global Finalist for 2026 Humanity Flourish Prize Founder/CEO of New Horizons Africa Group and one of Africa’s technopreneurs, Mr. Timothy Olukayode Akano, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Humanity Flourishing Prize.

The nomination places Akano among what organizers described as “an extraordinary group

of nominees working across many countries and fields of endeavor,” selected for contributions, making a measurable difference in the lives of people, communities, and the world.

“This nomination is not about me. It is a spotlight on 100 million children the world has not yet found a

way to reach, and proof that we already know how,” Akano said, while reacting to the news.

For more than two decades, Akano has operated on a single premise: human potential should never be wasted because of poverty, disability, lack of access to education, or

the circumstances of one’s birth. That conviction has translated into concrete, measurable interventions across Nigeria and the African continent, most urgently, into the lives of the 100 million children currently out of school across Africa, a crisis Akano has built his life’s work around solving.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

21

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com,

Protecting N12.9tr Q2 Oil Windfall: Tantita Pushes for Stronger Infrastructure Security Undoubtedly, securing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure has always been central to sustaining crude production, exports and government revenue. With crude oil accounting for N12.91 trillion, or 47.79 per cent of total exports in Q2 2026, stakeholders say protecting pipelines and other critical assets from oil theft and vandalism remains essential. Victoria Ojiako reports that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) has emerged as a key player in the effort, combining pipeline surveillance with increased investment in technology to strengthen the protection of oil assets across the Niger Delta

T

he National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report shows crude oil remained the largest single export commodity in the second quarter of 2026. Crude oil exports stood at N12.91 trillion, representing 47.79 per cent of total exports for the country. Oil prices have soared to $98 per barrel due to US/Iran war in the Gulf region. Experts insist that sustainaning surge in oil export proceeds requires sustaining and supporting oil pipeline protection operations led by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) , new oil sector investments and continued stability in the Niger Delta.

Oil prices have soared to $98 per barrel due to ongoing war between the US and Iran in the Gulf region. There are also concerns over potential disruptions to key oil transit routes.

For Nigeria, the current oil prices rally is already impacting positively on export proceeds as seen in the second quarter performance.

The strong export performance, especially the N12.91 trillion (approximately N13 trillion) export earnings in the second quarter showed that Nigeria maintained a sizeable merchandise trade surplus during the quarter, with exports significantly exceeding imports.

The NBS data fuerther showed that Asia emerged as Nigeria’s largest export market, receiving goods worth N8.72 trillion, or 32.29 per cent of total exports.

Europe followed with N8.07 trillion, representing 29.87 per cent, while exports to Africa stood at N6.65 trillion, or 24.62 per cent. Exports to the Americas were valued at N3.11 trillion, representing 11.52 per cent, while Oceania accounted for N459.96 billion, or 1.70 per cent.

Of Nigeria’s exports to Africa, ECOWAS member states accounted for N3.75 trillion, representing 56.39 per cent.

India was Nigeria’s leading individual export destination during the quarter, receiving goods valued at N3.29 trillion, equivalent to 12.17 per cent of total exports.

What rallying oil prices means for economy With Brent crude trading above $98 per barrel—well above Nigeria’s 2026 federal budget benchmark of $64.85—the current rally in global oil prices is expected to strengthen the country’s fiscal revenues, foreign exchange reserves, and exchange rate stability.

Analysts say that if tensions continue to escalate into a full-scale conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route that carries roughly 20 per cent of global oil supply—Brent prices could rise far beyond $100 per barrel.

“Higher oil prices typically strengthen Nigeria’s current account balance , improve foreign exchange liquidity and export proceeds,” the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, stated in a recent policy brief titled ‘Implications of the Iran–US–Israel Conflict on the Nigerian Economy’.

“This could reduce short-term pressure on the naira and reinforce investor confidence,” Yusuf, a renowned economist, further explained.

For Nigeria, such a surge in crude

Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo

prices would sustain ongoing stronger export earnings and improved external balances.

Nigeria’s Q2 export windfalls Other statistics point that Nigeria’s total merchandise trade rose to N41.44 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, the performance represents representing a 5.61 per cent increase from the N39.24 trillion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

The latest figure represents a 19.13 per cent increase from the N34.79 trillion recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

Exports accounted for 65.20 per cent of total trade during the quarter, valued at N27.02 trillion, while imports stood at N14.42 trillion, representing 34.80 per cent of total trade.

Nigeria’s exports increased by 18.77 per cent year-on-year from N22.75 trillion in Q2 2025 and rose 27.64 per cent quarter-on-quarter from N21.17 trillion in Q1 2026.

Tantita steps in Sustaining surge in export proceeds gains would require sustaining the oil assets protection project by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL).

Already, the battle against oil theft requires not only robust security measures. It extends to assigning criritcal surveillance roles to institutiuons with tested expertise and commitment to taming the scourge.

That was what the Federal Government of Nigeria did when it appointed TSSNL to protect oil pipelines and other assets, ensuring peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

had appointed TSSNL led by High Chief, Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to protect Nigeria’s oil assets in the Niger Delta region.

The apointment was to enable TSSNL, through its security operations, support the national economy in getting the full benefits of oil resources.

The TSSNL works in collaboration with other security outfits to achive its goals of securing oil assets and ensuring peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

Tantita’s operations had ensured the security of oil pipelines, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of petroleum resources, and ensuring that Nigeria migrated from a position of constant loss management to stability, planning, growth and development.

The TSSNL operations have transformed the oil and gas landscape and allowed Nigeria to expand oil production quota and significantly cut rampant oil theft.

Its track record in mitigating risks associated with oil pipelines has positioned it as a reliable partner in preserving Nigeria’s economic backbone.

As stakeholders advocate for the continued collaboration with TSSNL, the imperative of securing oil infrastructure remains at the forefront of efforts to ensure the nation’s sustainable development.

In the development process of any society, certain assets contribute to the advancement of society and its people. These assets ensure economic or monetary benefits for the people. These assets could be regarded as operating assets, non-operating assets or leased assets, among others.

TSSNL’s tech-based operations Tantita, recently contracted a hi- tech security company, Textron Systems, to deliver three uncrewed aircraft that

would enhance the company’s capacity to carry out its surveillance operations on Nigeria’ s oil.

Under the contract agreement, which was signed and sealed late last year, mandates Textron Systems, USA, to deliver three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to the surveillance company.

The systems will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration designed for ease of export to international customers.

These aircraft will significantly enhance security operations for the protection of Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure.

The sale also includes options for training and additional aircraft to support planned capability expansion, building on a previous Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract to the country.

The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a runway-independent configuration powered by Hybrid Quadrotor technology, enabling vertical takeoff and landing.

Its proven performance and benchmarksetting reliability make it an adaptable solution for security operations across Nigeria’s high-risk sectors.

“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable, and industryproven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with transformational capability to execute their security operations,” said David Phillips, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems.

“The Aerosonde system’s demonstrated performance and benchmark-setting reliability will enable the Tantita team to expand its capabilities to protect the oil and gas infrastructure essential to Nigerian security and prosperity.”

The system has conducted operations across the globe and currently operates on over 10 U.S. Navy ships. The system is equipped for multiple payload configurations with both VTOL and fixed-wing options.

Higher oil prices and economic gains The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted significant recovery in Nigeria’s Balance of Payment (BoP) following ongoing surge in crude oil prices.

In an interview transcript with Director of the Communications Department at the IMF, Ms. Julie Kozack said oil exporters may witness improvement in balance of payments because of higher oil prices.

She said: “For countries that are energy importers, they may face pressures on their balance of payments. For countries that are oil exporters, their balance of payments may improve because of higher prices.

So, we may see a differential effect there.

Changes to global financial conditions are likely to affect all countries”.

Nigeria earns over 90 per cent of its forex from crude oil exports, and with Brent Crude trading above $80, Nigeria’s earnings through crude oil export is bound to rise.

Murban crude, also hit $85 and sped past it, reflecting the continued freeze of most tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz over Middle East crisis.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

MARCHSEPTEMBER 11, 2026 ˾ T H10, I S2026 D AY T H I WEDNESDAY, S D AY ˾ THURSDAY,

22

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

YEDI Empowers 150 Youths on Digital, Textile Skills Oluchi Chibuzor

The Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI), has empowered about 150 youths with digital and textile making skills aimed at teaching them talents they can further develop their career on.

Speaking at the end of the eight days summer camp held in Lagos, the Programme Manager, YEDI, Olasode Abiola, said their intervention is an annual

event aimed at helping participants make informed decisions.

“YEDI is driving towards a future that is whole,where these 150 youths trained on coding and Adire textile design making can independently make decisions for themselves,” she said Speaking, Founder, Mo Glam Concepts, Monica Affia, said their facilitation of Adire making is a CSR targeted at “giving more youths skills they can use to improve their

livelihoods.”

Commending the NGO, 13 year-old Ojoye Samuel Akorede, who is dreaming to become a surgeon said the programme exposed him to team work which is critical in the surgical room.

The Abeokuta North indigene, who is entering SS1 in the upcoming academic session called for “more corporate organisations to get involved in rural development.”

‘Dorman Long Management not Aware of CAC Public Notice’ Dorman Long Engineering Company Limited has said that it is not aware of the Public Notice issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on September 8, 2026, concerning the company’s membership, ownership and management.

“Dorman Long Engineering Company Limited is engaging with

the relevant authorities and taking the necessary steps to address the matter through the appropriate regulatory and legal processes.

We will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and comply with applicable regulatory requirements as the matter progresses.

“Throughout this

process, our priority is to maintain business continuity, continued engagement with our stakeholders and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of our operations and services. We will provide further information when appropriate and as developments permit,” the company said in a statement.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) October 2025

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

HBM Nigeria Commissions High-Capacity CNG Station

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

HBM Nigeria Plc has commissioned a highcapacity Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station at its Mfamosing Plant, marking a significant step in the company’s drive to build a cleaner, faster and more efficient logistics network.

In his keynote remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpeyong Ene Cobhams, congratulated HBM Nigeria Plc on the landmark achievement.

He noted that the state government remains committed to creating an investment-friendly environment that will ensure investors get value for their investments.

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

“This is an era of not just mobility but also of efficiency in the choice of power sources used to deliver goods and services. We are proud of HBM Nigeria Plc, especially for its commitment to corporate social responsibility,” he added.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu AladeAkinyemi, described the inauguration of the CNG facility as an important milestone that demonstrates the company’s commitment to efficiency, operational excellence, and

sustainability.

“Energy and logistics remain significant cost drivers for the company and its value chain. By increasing the use of CNG, we are creating more efficient and more cost-effective operations,” Alade-Akinyemi said.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Logistics Director of HBM Nigeria, Osaze Aghatise, said the significance of the investment goes beyond the physical infrastructure adding, “We have been using CNG in our logistics operations in the last nine years, but what changes today is the scale of deployment. With Phase One, we can serve up to 150 trucks every day.”

PHED Distributes Free Meters to Rivers Schools, Writes Off Debts Blessing Ibunge ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has distributed free electricity meters to selected government schools in Rivers State and sensitised students on electrical safety as part of its 2026 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

The initiative, which was carried out at Government Model Secondary School, GRA, Port Harcourt, is aimed at improving the learning environment while reducing incidents of electric shock and other

hazards associated with unsafe electricity use.

Speaking with journalists after the exercise on Tuesday, PHED Head of Communications, Mrs Olubukola Olawale, said the programme demonstrated the company’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

“Being a socially responsible organisation, one of the things we do at PHED is to ensure that we touch the lives of our customers. It is not only about collecting bills; we also think about what we can do to impact society,” she said.

Olawale explained that the beneficiary schools were carefully selected based on identified needs

and their demonstrated commitment to protecting the facilities provided.

“We didn’t just select schools randomly. We carried out sensitisation and developed indices to identify schools that we considered responsible enough to take care of the meters,” she said.

She added that school authorities were educated on meter preservation and warned against tampering with the equipment or engaging unqualified personnel.

According to her, PHED, which operates across Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, would extend similar interventions to schools in the other states.

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

0.9% (29%Y/D) ˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ Ͱ͵ϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $63.14 a barrel on Monday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

23

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Drops by N1.65tn Ahead of Dangote Refinery IPO Kayode Tokede The Nigerian stock market yesterday extended its downward trend, shedding N1.67 trillion by market capitalisation days to the Initial Public Offer (IPO) of Dangote Refinery.

The All-Share Index declined by 2,579.01 basis points or 1.05 per cent to close at 242,223.10 basis points. Similarly, the overall

market capitalisation value shed N1.67 trillion to close at N157.050 trillion.

The market negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are; Nestle Nigeria, BUA Cement, Nigerian Breweries, Cadbury Nigeria and Oando.

The decline marked a second consecutive bearish session and reduced the

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

year-to-date (YtD) return to 55.66 per cent. Selling pressure remained broadbased, with heavyweight consumer and industrial names contributing to the weakness.

Investor sentiment remained negative, as 43 losers largely outpaced 11 gainers. Champion Breweries recorded the highest price gain of 9.90 per cent to close at N11.10, per share. VFD Group followed

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

with a gain of 9.52 per cent to close at N11.50, while UPDC up by 5.88 per cent to close at N3.60, per share.

Ikeja Hotel appreciated by 4.58 per cent to close at N44.50, while Cutix rose by 3.06 per cent to close at N2.36, per share.

On the other hand, FTN Cocoa Processors, Japaul Gold & Ventures, McNichols, Omatek Ventures, Secure Electronic Technology, Zichis Agro-

T R A D E D

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A S

O F

Allied Industries and BUA Cement led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent each to close at N7.65, N2.34, N4.50, N1.35, 63 kobo, 15.39 and N278.10 respectively, per share.

Cadbury Nigeria down by 9.94 per cent to close at N58.45, while International Energy Insurance declined by 9.88 per cent to close at N2.28, per share.

The total volume traded declined by 29.0 per cent

S E P T E M B E R DEALS

MARKET PRICE

to 534.45 million units, valued at N22.28 billion, and exchanged in 46,943 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Mutual Benefits Assurance topped the activity chart with 75.336 million shares valued at N215.432 million.

Sterling Financial Holdings Company followed with 62.466 million shares worth N462.319 million, while Access Holdings traded 20.929 million shares valued at N562.963 million.

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24

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, t T H I S D AY

25

THISDAY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

NEWS

UNVEILING A COMPENDIUM OF 10,000 MILESTONES...

L-R: Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu; Head of Service, Dr. Godwin Anigbo, mni; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh; Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Ben Nwoye; and the Enugu State Chairman of the party, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, during the unveiling of a compendium of over 10,000 milestone achievements of the Governor Peter Mbah Administration in Enugu, yesterday

FG Defies Benin-Asaba Highway Concessionaire, Orders Emergency Action Umahi: Over 80% of inherited federal roads under rehabilitation Tinubu approves redesign of 400km Lokoja-Benin-Warri road Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road to be completed by December Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the immediate deployment of major contractors to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Federal Road, overriding the objections of the road’s concessionaire to emergency intervention by the federal government.

The minister said the worsening

condition of the road had reached a point where the overall public interest must take precedence over the existing concession agreement, directing contractors to restore failed sections of the strategic highway at the expense of the federal government.

The directive came after the concessionaire, according to the minister, declined three options proposed by the federal government to enable

it to intervene on the road, which has deteriorated significantly in recent months, causing hardship for motorists and other road users.

Umahi had visited the BeninAsaba Road about a week ago and assembled contractors to prepare for immediate palliative works on the worst sections. However, the concession agreement reportedly requires the consent of the concessionaire

before the federal government can intervene on the road.

According to a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, that permission was not granted by the concessionaire.

The statement said the minister subsequently presented three options to the concessionaire, “any one of which would have enabled the federal

Dangote-NMDPRA LPG Dispute: Court Extends Interim Order Despite Jurisdiction Challenge Regulator asks court to set aside order Case file sent to registry for reassignment to regular court Wale Igbintade Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has ordered that an interim order made on August 31, 2026 in the legal dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.

Aluko also deferred arguments challenging the validity and jurisdictional basis of the August 31 order, holding that the issue would be determined when the relevant applications become ripe for hearing.

The judge gave the ruling after hearing submissions by counsel on applications seeking to discharge the interim order and on whether the matter should proceed directly to the substantive issues.

NMDPRA, through its counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, had urged the court to set aside the interim order restraining the regulator from enforcing its directive suspending the loading and truck-out of propane from the Dangote refinery.

Burkaa argued that the order had significant implications for the LPG industry, particularly because propane and other gas products were distributed for domestic use across the country.

He submitted that prolonged enforcement of the order could have far-reaching consequences for the industry and urged the court to abridge time and hear NMDPRA’s application expeditiously in view of its public importance.

He further argued that the August 31 ex-parte order was made before the motion on notice was filed, stating that the court record shows that the motion on notice was filed on September 1.

He contended that the interim order was made without jurisdiction and should not be extended.

Burkaa also raised concerns over public health and safety, arguing that the products involved are highly inflammable and widely used in homes, thereby making the matter one requiring urgent judicial intervention.

However, counsel to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Wale Akoni, SAN, urged the court to proceed directly to the substantive issues, given the urgency and public interest involved.

Akoni argued that the central question was whether NMDPRA possessed the statutory authority to regulate the refinery’s LPG operations and take enforcement measures against it.

He maintained that the concerns raised by the regulator regarding propane and LPG safety were substantive matters that should

be addressed during the hearing of the main suit rather than at the interlocutory stage.

During the proceedings, counsel agreed that, if the court considered it appropriate, the application seeking to discharge the interim order and the motion for interlocutory injunction could be heard together.

Akoni, however, urged the court to disregard arguments touching on the merits of the substantive applications, insisting that the issues were not ripe for determination at that stage.

In his ruling, Aluko stated that

the parties agreed that NMDPRA’s application to discharge the interim order was not yet ripe for hearing.

The judge held that the appropriate procedure was for the motion seeking to discharge the interim order and the motion for interlocutory injunction to be heard together, after which the court would deliver its ruling.

He further held that the question of whether the court had jurisdiction to grant the August 31 interim order would be determined when the relevant applications became ripe for hearing.

government to move in and address the worsening condition of the road.”

“Unfortunately, none of the options was accepted by the concessionaire,” it added.

The ministry further alleged that shortly after Umahi left Asaba, the already limited equipment deployed by the concessionaire to the road was reduced to just one machine, worsening the condition and increasing the suffering of motorists.

The minister, according to the statement, has therefore directed the immediate deployment of major contractors within the corridor to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Road to restore the failed portions.

“The honourable minister of works has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors within the corridor to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Road to restore the failed sections and bring relief to the people, with the cost of the emergency intervention being borne by the federal government,” the statement said.

Beyond the emergency repairs, Umahi has directed the immediate redesign of the entire route for reconstruction with reinforced concrete pavement.

The ministry said the immediate intervention would restore the failed portions of the road, after which the entire sections would be rehabilitated

using reinforced concrete pavement.

The development represents a direct intervention by the federal government in a road concession where the existing agreement had restricted its ability to respond quickly to emergencies.

The ministry blamed the constraint partly on the concession agreement entered into by the previous administration, saying its terms “weigh heavily against the federal government’s ability to intervene quickly in the interest of the public in a situation like this.”

The statement said Umahi had accepted responsibility for the concerns and suffering of Nigerians using the road, but faulted the concessionaire for failing to sufficiently take into account the hardship being experienced by motorists and residents of Edo State.

The Benin-Asaba Road is one of the major highways linking the Southwest and South-south regions with the South-east, carrying substantial passenger and commercial traffic.

On the Benin-Sapele Road, the ministry said the governments of Edo and Delta States, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the federal government were intervening on different sections of the highway, with palliative and permanent works ongoing on various portions.

AFSNET 2026: Otu Seeks FAAN Partnership to Boost Flight Efficiency, Airport Capacity Bassey Inyang in Calabar Governor Bassey Edet Out of Cross River State has called for a stronger and more strategic partnership between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Cross River State Government to enhance flight efficiency, upgrade airport facilities and improve passenger experience ahead of the 6th African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference.

The conference, scheduled for

November 12–14, 2026, is expected to attract participants from across Africa and the Caribbean, placing Cross River State at the centre of a major international investment and economic diplomacy engagement.

Governor Otu made the call in Calabar when the Governing Board of FAAN, led by its chairman and former governor of Kano State, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, paid a courtesy visit to the governor.

The governor described the visit as strategically significant, noting that the growing profile of Cross River as a tourism, investment and

diplomatic destination required corresponding improvements in its aviation infrastructure.

He said the state was preparing to receive a significant number of visitors in connection with the AfSNET conference and other forthcoming activities, including the visit of the president.

According to him, visitors from about 19 African countries are expected in Cross River, while the overall number of guests associated with the forthcoming engagements could rise to approximately 2,000.

“We are expecting people from

about 19 African countries, and we are looking at almost 2,000 people coming into Cross River State,” Otu said, stressing that such an influx required deliberate preparation and seamless coordination among all relevant agencies.

The governor said the expected increase in passenger traffic made it imperative for FAAN and the state government to immediately begin preparations to ensure that the Margaret Ekpo International Airport was adequately equipped to handle the anticipated volume of passengers and dignitaries.

26

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

OPENING CEREMONY OF A TWO DAY CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME...

L-R: Bisi Kazeem rtd, CEO TDB Media; Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director General, Voice of Nigeria; Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal, FRSC; Alli Mohammed Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria; and Ibrahim Wada, General Manager, Nigeria Television Authority 24, at the opening ceremony of a two-day capacity building programme facilitated by CEO TDB Media Ventures in Lagos, yesterday

Atiku Slams Federal Allocations Boom as Scam of Numbers Without Economic Value Says it means more naira, less value, mounting debts

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the federal government of dressing economic decline in bigger naira figures.

Atiku declared that the muchcelebrated federal allocations “boom” represented economic monetary illusion that collapsed once the figures were tested against currency depreciation, inflation, purchasing power, and the mounting liabilities of state governments.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigerians should not be deceived by the spectacle of trillions being announced every month when the naira in which those trillions were denominated had lost enormous value and ordinary citizens were paying substantially more for virtually everything.

Atiku stated, “The arithmetic is brutal. In 2019, FAAC distribution was approximately N7.85 trillion, worth about $25.6 billion at the prevailing exchange rate.

“By 2025, FAAC had risen on paper to approximately N21.9 trillion, yet its dollar value had fallen to roughly $14.6 billion.

“So while government parades almost three times as many naira, the underlying dollar value is more than 40 per cent lower.

“That is not an economic miracle.

That is money illusion. You cannot batter the currency, allow inflation to ravage purchasing power and then wave bigger naira figures before Nigerians as evidence that the country has become richer.

Bigger numbers do not cancel smaller value.”

Atiku said the deception became even clearer when translated into the everyday experience of the Nigerian worker, where salaries might have increased nominally while their real value and purchasing power had deteriorated.

He said, “Take the minimum wage as the simplest example. In 2019, N30,000 was worth roughly $83.

By May 2023, that same N30,000 was worth about $65.

“Today, government boasts that the minimum wage has more than doubled to N70,000, yet at an exchange rate of around N1,320 to the dollar, that N70,000 is worth only about $53.

“Think about that: the number written on the worker’s payslip has risen from N30,000 to N70,000, but

its dollar value has fallen from about $83 to about $53.

“That is Tinubu’s money illusion in its simplest form. The figure in your hand is bigger, but the value in your pocket is smaller. A worker can earn more naira today and still afford less food, less transport, less electricity, less medicine and less housing than before. Government counts the naira but conveniently refuses to count what the naira can buy.”

Atiku said the proper test of an economy was not the size of the figures announced after FAAC meetings, but what those allocations could actually purchase and what obligations they were capable of meeting.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has received six winners of the maiden National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Innovation Assessment and Awards (NIAA), commending the agency for promoting innovation and the rapid commercialisation of research outcomes.

The six innovators, drawn from the Inter-Agency and Intra-Agency categories of the competition, were formally presented to the SGF by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

The competition, organised under the theme, “Driving Innovation, Accelerating Industrialization, Transforming Nigeria,” provided N140 million in development grants to the top three Inter-Agency projects and N22.5 million in cash prizes to the top three Intra-Agency winners.

Speaking during the presentation, Halilu said the initiative was designed to recognise and support public servants whose innovations were contributing to Nigeria’s technological and industrial development.

He said NASENI’s growing footprint, including the facilitation of more than 20 factories and development of over 40 indigenous products, had been driven significantly by the

in unprecedented revenues, why are they still drowning in debt?

“A September 2026 report based on Debt Management Office data shows that just 12 states whose governors are approaching the end of their tenures carry a combined debt burden of approximately N5.3 trillion, comprising N2.16 trillion in domestic debt and about $2.33 billion in foreign obligations.”

Atiku declared, “So spare Nigerians the victory parade.

You cannot boast endlessly about unprecedented FAAC allocations while states remain heavily indebted, pension and gratuity obligations persist, contractors chase payments and governments continue to carry enormous liabilities.

“If the money is as unprecedented as we are constantly told, Nigerians have every right to ask the most elementary question: where has the money gone?

“What is the purpose of a revenue boom if liabilities remain enormous?

What is the meaning of record allocations if governments continue borrowing and citizens cannot see a corresponding improvement in their standard of living?

Atiku explained, “Revenue is not an achievement merely because it enters a government account. The achievement is what that revenue buys, what debts it settles, what infrastructure it delivers and how much better it makes the lives of the people.”

Akpabio Petitions DSS, Demands Probe of Alleged Anti-North Statement, Seeks Proof Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has petitioned Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate alleged fabrication and circulation of

SGF Commends NASENI as Six Public Servants Win N162.5m Innovation Grants, Prizes Sunday Ehigiator

He stated, “If FAAC is truly booming, then where is the boom?

Where is it in the price of food?

Where is it in transport? Where is it in electricity, healthcare, housing and jobs?

“Where is it in the purchasing power of salaries? Government cannot become richer on paper while the people become poorer in reality and then expect Nigerians to applaud the contradiction.”

He said the contradiction became even more glaring when the debts still carried by states were placed beside claims of unprecedented revenue.

Atiku stated, “And here is another question the FAAC cheerleaders must answer: if the states are swimming

dedication and creativity of public servants working across government institutions.

“We realised that civil servants have been the ones behind this very amazing growth. That is why we dedicated funds and resources specifically for these innovators who are working hard in public service.”

The NASENI boss said the agency’s approach was anchored on its Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation (3Cs) strategy, aimed at moving research and technological ideas from laboratories into practical, market-ready products capable of addressing Nigeria’s security, energy and economic challenges.

a statement purportedly attributed to him, warning that the material could inflame regional sentiments and deepen political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election.

In the petition signed by his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze, Akpabio described the statement as “manifestly false, inflammatory and dangerously divisive”, and urged the security agency to urgently investigate its creation and coordinated dissemination on Facebook and other digital platforms.

The statement, which was circulated in a graphic bearing Akpabio’s photograph and designation, purportedly quoted him as saying, “Northerners, you will be the ones to suffer the most, if you allow Tinubu to lose the election.”

Akpabio, through the petition, unequivocally denied making the statement, saying no evidence had been produced to authenticate the purported quotation.

According to the petition, there is no identifiable date, venue, speech, interview, video, audio recording, official statement or credible news report linking the senate president to the statement.

It also alleged that the graphic had no identifiable publisher’s mark or verifiable source and appeared to have been deliberately created and presented as an authentic quotation.

The petition stated that the apparent objective was to deceive members of the public, provoke regional resentment against the senate president, and portray him as threatening the people of Northern Nigeria.

Akpabio consequently requested DSS to establish the origin of the graphic, identify those responsible for its production and distribution, and investigate the network allegedly involved in its circulation.

The senate president also drew the attention of the security agency to what his office described as a preliminary examination of publicly accessible Facebook records, which allegedly identified some of the earliest traceable amplifiers of the material.

The petition named Abdullai Musa, who allegedly posted the graphic in a Facebook group identified as “Sheik Muhammad bin Uthman Group 24,” and Uzoma Chilaka, whose Facebook post allegedly reproduced the graphic alongside

commentary attributed to Boniface Uzoma Chilaka and Engineer Ibrahim Umar Ammar.

It further mentioned a verified Facebook account belonging to Ibrahim Umar Ammar, which allegedly subsequently reproduced the graphic and substantially similar commentary.

Akpabio, however, cautioned against presuming the named individuals guilty before investigation, stressing that their identification is based on their alleged early and substantial roles in circulating the material.

Office of the President of the Senate had challenged the authors and promoters of a social media publication, demanding that they produce evidence or withdraw the claim and apologise publicly.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Akpabio, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, in a statement, said Akpabio never made the statement and challenged those circulating it to produce the original video or audio recording, authenticated transcript, date, venue and details of the occasion where the senate president allegedly made the comment.

27

THISDAY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

NEWS

SIFAX SHIPPING INAUGURATES NEW OFFICE COMPLEX...

L-R: Deputy Comptroller, Customs, A A Omini; Managing Director, SIFAX Shipping, Okota Terminal, Mr. Kayode Kolade; Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede; and the Deputy Director, Strategy and Operations, SIFAX Group, Mr. Oliver Omajuwa, during the inauguration of SIFAX Shipping Okota Terminal 1’s Office Complex in Lagos, yesterday

Atiku, Keyamo, Dickson, APC, Others, Decry Blockade of Obi’s Convoy in Makurdi Chuks Okocha in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu Prominent Nigerians, including the presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, have condemned the disruption of the movement of the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, during a recent visit to Makurdi, Benue State.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Allied Peoples Movement, and several groups, also decried the development, while asking the state to apologise to Obi, and at the same time seeking a probe of the incident.

Atiku described the incident as “unacceptable, anti-democratic and deeply shameful”, and Keyamo condemned the obstruction but used the incident to challenge what he described as partisan coverage of confrontations involving political candidates.

Obi’s convoy was reportedly

stopped on Tuesday by suspected thugs while he was on his way to Yelwata, where he had planned to visit families affected by deadly attacks in the community.

In a statement yesterday by his campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, Atiku said Obi was prevented from reaching the bereaved families whom he intended to visit to express his condolences over the attacks.

Atiku called for urgent investigation into the incident and prosecution of those found responsible, while urging security agencies to ensure that political leaders are able to move freely and carry out their lawful activities without intimidation.

The statement said, “HE Atiku Abubakar strongly condemns the violent attack on Peter Obi, who was brutally prevented from reaching bereaved families of Yelwata, Benue State, to offer his condolences over the persistent terrorist attacks on them. Such acts are unacceptable, anti-democratic, and deeply shameful.”

The former vice president further urged the authorities to “investigate urgently, hold those responsible ac-

countable, and ensure the safety and freedom of all leaders to carry out their duties without intimidation”.

Keyamo, in a statement posted on X, condemned the incident while calling for what he described as consistency in the manner the media reported confrontations involving political candidates.

The APC chieftain said reports that angry protesters prevented Obi from reaching the venue of his visit should be condemned, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He said the confrontation should not be accepted as part of democratic politics, whether it resulted from what the Benue State government described as internal disagreements within NDC or from alleged sponsorship by rival political interests.

“Whether the protest was as a result of internal squabbles within the NDC (as posited by the Benue State Government) or sponsored by the APC or any other rival party, this should not be part of our democracy,” Keyamo said.

He also rejected the argument that Obi’s planned visit to Yelwata,

more than a year after the killings, could justify preventing him from proceeding to the community.

Keyamo said some people had accused Obi of attempting to revive emotions surrounding the killings for political reasons, but stressed that such allegations could not justify interference with his movement.

“That is still not acceptable; everyone should be allowed to move about freely and play their politics without such crude interference,” he said.

The minister, however, shifted attention to the media’s treatment of similar incidents involving candidates of APC and opposition parties.

According to him, confrontations involving APC candidates are sometimes reported by the “partisan Press” as evidence of public rejection, while similar incidents involving opposition politicians are described as attacks allegedly carried out by sponsored thugs or hoodlums.

“Many a time when an angry crowd confronts or molests an APC candidate at any level, the partisan press shamelessly dubs or spins it as ‘rejection’ by ‘Nigerians’. When it concerns the opposition, then it

is ‘attack’ by ‘sponsored thugs’ or ‘hoodlums’,” he said.

National Leader of NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, faulted the explanation by Benue State Police Command that its operatives refrained from taking more drastic action during the reported attack in Obi. Dickson, while reacting to the incident on Wednesday evening during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time, said the police should have taken preventive measures before Obi’s convoy was confronted, rather than rely on restraint after the situation had already deteriorated.

Dickson said the explanation raised more questions about the security arrangements made for a presidential candidate whose visit, according to NDC, had been formally communicated to the police.

He said, “I am pleased with the steps they have taken. I am not surprised. But steps should have been taken to prevent that. It could have got worse. Somebody could have got hurt. Oh yes, they are plenty.”

The former governor said the police could not simply justify the absence of preventive action by argu-

ing that intervention at the point of confrontation might have aggravated the situation.

According to him, the responsibility of security agencies is not merely to react after a potentially dangerous situation has developed, but to anticipate threats and deploy appropriate measures to prevent them.

APC in Benue State called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to apologise to Obi, President Bola Tinubu, the people of Benue State, and the party in general over the attack and blockade of Obi’s movement to Makurdi on Tuesday.

APC said the incident was capable of bringing the party into disrepute.

State Publicity Secretary of APC, Daniel Ihomun, made the call in a statement on yesterday.

The party said the ugly incident was not part of the culture of the people of the state, stating that Benue people are hospitable, peaceful and respectful.

Ihomun stated, “We welcome visitors and accord them dignity, regardless of their political affiliation. The Alia administration, which authorised or sponsored this disgraceful conduct, does not speak for the people of Benue.

2027: PDP’s Adebutu, Anosike Kick Off INEC Worries over 95,000 Uncollected Gubernatorial Campaign in Ogun and Abia PVCs, Plans IDP Voting in 9 Plateau LGAs James Sowole in Abeokuta and Boniface Okoro in Umuahia The governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun and Abia States, Oladipupo Adebutu and Dr. Kelechi Anosike, yesterday kicked off their campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

In Ogun, supporters defied rain and stormed the Ake Palace Pavilion in the heart of Abeokuta as the party officially flagged-off its campaigns for the 2027 governorship election.

Party supporters and faithful dressed in the party’s attires, began streaming into the venue as early as 10:00am, singing solidarity songs and waving flags and banners bearing the image of the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu and his deputy governorship candidate, ‘Yemi Showunmi-Kolapo.

There was traffic snarl from the PDP Secretariat to the stadium as the

campaign train and its mammoth crowd filled the roads to capacity, with overflow crowd competing with motorists.

Street traders and other passersby waved at the moving crowd, while security operatives had a hectic time controlling entry points as the number rose.

The candidates and their supporters defied the downpour during the procession as they danced to the loud music and solidary songs that kept them entertained.

The flag-off signalled the commencement of the party’s statewide campaign ahead of the 2027 general election, as the PDP mobilised its structures and supporters towards victory.

In his speech titled: “A Call to Liberation,” Adebutu urged supporters and indigenes to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising to deliver quality

governance if elected.

Adebutu said Ogun people must end the era of non-performance, corruption and misgovernance and vote the PDP for liberation.

He urged residents and party supporters to come out en masse to vote for the PDP on February 6, 2027; stand by their votes, and resist intimidation.

He promised to formulate policies that would make people benefit from the dividends of democracy, highlighting resilient economy, a corruption-free work environment among other areas of focus.

Listing the seven key areas of his plans for the people, he promised to increase security, return local government autonomy, regional development, physical planning and transportation, rural and urban development, agricultural and economic development, development of women, youth and

sports, enhancement of education, healthcare and social services, among others.

He also assured the people that their livelihood would not be frustrated by their political affiliation.

The deputy governorship candidate, ‘Yemi Showunmi-Kolapo assured the people of Ogun of quality leadership, stating that she was happy that supporters and residents at large defied the rain and stood by her and Adebutu.

In Abia State, Anosike, yesterday kick-started his campaign by unveiling his manifesto to Abia people, anchored on an 10-pillar Welfarist governance philosophy.

Speaking as a guest at FLO FM Umuahia, where 12 radio stations connected simultaneously on a live programme, Anosike said, if elected, his administration would focus on 10 key areas, with the central promise, “People First, Abia Always.”

Yemi Kosoko in Jos The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Plateau State, Prof. Sam Egwu, has raised fresh concerns over the growing number of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state and announced preparations for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to vote in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a readiness assessment meeting with political party officials, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders in Jos, Egwu disclosed that over 95,000 PVCs remained uncollected from previous electoral cycles.

He urged political parties to intensify mobilisation and public enlightenment to ensure that eligible voters retrieve their cards.

“We have over 90,000 permanent voter cards uncollected — in fact,

about 95,000. We are not even sure whether the owners still reside in Plateau State.

“Some may have relocated, some may have been Youth Corps members who have completed their service. But we have faith that the owners should come and collect them,” he said.

He encouraged citizens to check for their cards at INEC local government offices and stressed that appropriate arrangements would be made to ensure that all valid cardholders receive their PVCs. Egwu also revealed that INEC was preparing for possible IDP voting in nine local government areas due to ongoing communal crises and displacement across the state.

The affected LGAs included Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Kanam, and Wase.

28

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

COUPLE NAME THEIR NEW BORN BABY AFTER ZULUM...

L-R: Mr. and Mrs Emanuel Bulama, Mr. Joseph William and Mr. Ishaku Peter at the ceremony where Mr. Emmanuel named his son after Governor Zulum, last Sunday

Ardo: North Has Been Short-changed Under Tinubu, May Get Less Than 10% of Votes Chuks Okocha in Abuja Convener of League of Northern Democrats and key promoter of All-Democratic Alliance (ADA), Dr Umar Ardo, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of favouring the south, particularly the South-west, in the distribution of federal resources, political appointments, and other

government opportunities.

Ardo said if free and fair elections were conducted in 2027, Tinubu might get less than 10 per cent of the northern votes.

He made the allegation during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

Ardo assessed the performance of the Tinubu administration in

northern Nigeria and examined the political implications ahead of the 2027 general election.

He stated that the disparity between the north and south was particularly evident in the actual release of funds to federal ministries, despite the budgets allocated to them.

Ardo said, “The budget to the ministries and the actual releases of funds, the North could have not

been equated with the South at all.

By far the south has received more releases about five times than the northern ministries.”

According to him, the issue is not simply about budgetary allocations on paper but the actual resources eventually released to ministries and government institutions.

Ardo also claimed that most of the parastatals were given to

the south, which he said further reinforced the perception among northerners that the region had not received a fair share under the present administration.

He stated that the assessment of the administration should consider not only the number of political appointments given to people from different regions but also the distribution of government resources

Army Redeploys Theatre Commander, Abubakar, 14 Generals in Minor Shake-up Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigerian Army has redeployed the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and 14 other generals in a minor shake-up as part of efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership and align the Service’s command structure with Nigeria’s evolving security environment.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment of senior officers to key command, operational and staff appointments across the Nigerian Army (NA).

The exercise, she said, prioritised critical operational theatres and strategic appointments to ensure that the right leadership, experience and expertise were positioned to deliver decisive effects.

“In the new postings, Major General IA Ajose moves from Army Headquarters (AHQ), Department of Army Operations, to the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (JTF) North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), as Theatre Commander, while Major General AE Abubakar, has been redeployed from OPHK to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.

“Major General AM Alechenu moves from Defence Headquarters

(DHQ) Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while Major General RT Utsaha moves from the AHQ Department of Army Standards and Evaluation to DHQ Garrison as Commander.

“Similarly, Major General AM Umar moves from the AHQ Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) to the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) as Commandant, while Major General UM Alkali moves from AWCN to AHQ DCMA. “Major General GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC) as DirectorGeneral, while Major General JE Osifo moves from NAFIC to the Military Pension Board (MPB) as Chairman. Major General IE Ekpenyong has been redeployed to the DHQ Department of Defence Logistics as Director, Engineering Services.

“At the operational level, Brigadier General AA Bello moves from 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3 JTF South-South, Operation Delta Safe, to the DHQ Department of Defence Operations.

“Brigadier General MS Adamu has been redeployed from the Nigerian Army Women Command to the newly established 8 Brigade as Commander, while Brigadier General MS Sule moves from Special Task Force Operation Enduring Peace to 27 Task Force Brigade as Commander.

“Similarly, Brigadier General I Sule has been redeployed from the Directorate of Recruitment

Management to 6 Division Garrison as Commander, while Brigadier General E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison as Commander.

Brigadier General AS Bugaje moves from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director, Administration.”

The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the

confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to duty, while remaining relentlessly focused on the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

Anele said the NA remained resolute in sustaining a dynamic leadership and force-employment framework that enhances operational outcomes, strengthens joint and inter-agency coordination, and improves the Service’s capacity to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging threats in furtherance of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

and opportunities.

Ardo questioned the manner in which critical political appointments had been distributed under the Tinubu administration, stating that the issue has generated a sense of exclusion among some groups in Northern Nigeria.

According to him, the ethnic and geographical complexities of Nigeria make the question of representation particularly sensitive, especially when appointments are interpreted through the lens of regional identity.

He stated, “The perception, which is also true, is that he has yorubanised his administration. He has given all the critical appointments to his own kins and Yorubas, The Hausa/Fulanis and other extended groups in the North feel short-changed and this perception has created a damage to this administration in Northern Nigeria.”

Ardo stated that the debate over appointments became more complicated when states, such as Kwara and Kogi, were classified within discussions about Northern Nigeria, despite their strong Yoruba cultural and linguistic connections.

DANGOTE REFINERY CUTS DEBT BY N798BN TO N7.9 TRILLION IN FIRST HALF OF 2026 be located within the Lamu PortSouth Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) special economic zone.

Dangote Industries Executive Vice-President, Devakumar Edwin, however told Reuters that the company did not see regulatory, financing or feedstock challenges that it could not overcome.

But Brendon Verster, Senior Economist at Oxford Economics, warned that failure to resolve the challenges could leave the project as “a very expensive white elephant.”

One of the biggest concerns is the availability and transportation of crude.

Kenyan President William Ruto’s Chief Economic Adviser has said the refinery could potentially secure up to 600,000 barrels of crude daily from East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.

However, Reuters reported that none of the potential sources is straightforward. Kenya has proven oil reserves but has struggled for years to commence commercial production, while Uganda’s crude is transported through the East

African Crude Oil Pipeline to Tanzania.

South Sudan’s oil exports currently pass through Sudan and have been disrupted by insecurity.

A proposed pipeline linking South Sudan and Kenya’s Lokichar Basin to Lamu also remains a distant prospect.

Lagos-based oil and gas lawyer Maximillian Ezeude told Reuters that the situation could leave the refinery dependent on the international seaborne crude market. “That leaves the coastal facility dependent on a volatile international seaborne market,” he said.

The infrastructure at Lamu could compound the problem, with the port currently lacking operational oil-storage terminals.

The LAPSSET project envisages storage capacity of between one million and 1.5 million barrels and marine loading facilities capable of handling Suezmax vessels, but Reuters reported that much of the infrastructure remains unbuilt.

There are also environmental

concerns, with the proposed refinery located about 10 kilometres from Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Greenpeace Africa has called for the project to be halted over concerns about habitat destruction and marine degradation.

Kenyan authorities, however, see the project as a means of reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

Kenya spent about $4 billion on petroleum products in 2025, making them the country’s largest import.

Meanwhile, Brent crude crossed the $100-per-barrel threshold yesterday for the first time in months as the US-Iran conflict intensified and concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz increased.

The international benchmark briefly breached $100 before slipping back below the threshold, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded around $95 per barrel.

Brent remained about 40 per cent above pre-war levels, although still below its early-war peak of

about $120.

The latest price surge followed the announcement by the US military that it had destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday after Iranian forces attempted to attack a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles.

The vessels destroyed were Kivik, Charminar, Horizon 1, Riesco and Derya, with the latter struck near Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran subsequently launched missiles towards US targets in Jordan, with Jordan’s military saying its air defence systems intercepted 18 ballistic missiles, while two others fell in uninhabited areas without causing casualties.

The US also imposed fresh sanctions on elements of Iran’s aviation industry as Washington continued efforts to squeeze Tehran economically.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the confrontation because about one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the waterway before the war.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

PDP FLAGS OF GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIGN IN OGUN…

Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Ladi Adebutu (middle), his running mate, Yemi Showunmi-Kolapo(left), and other party chieftains, during the flag-off of the party’s governorship campaign in Abeokuta, Ogun State…yesterday

Amnesty International Condemns Brutal Murder of Kano Journalist, Demands Probe

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the brutal killing of a Kano journalist and social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, whose body was found in a pool of his own blood at his home in Gaida, Kumbotso Local

Government Area of Kano State.

In a statement issued yesterday, Amnesty said Dan Shagamu was “brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers.” The human rights group called on Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those suspected of

Foundation Hosts Do What U Love Festival

Street Project Foundation (SPF) has announced the return of its flagship creative platform, the Do What U Love (DWUL) Festival, for its seventh edition. Taking place on Friday, 11th September 2026 in Lagos, DWUL Festival 7.0 will bring together hundreds of young creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders for a single day dedicated to the business and craft of creativity.

This year’s theme, “The Creator’s Market,” reflects the festival’s continued commitment to positioning creativity as a viable and sustainable economic pathway for young

killed last Monday, and his body was mutilated with several cuts, including to his eyes.”

She added: “It was a day after he was killed

that the news broke, and they had to scale the wall into the house before his body could be retrieved.”

According to her, “Dan Shagamu was a fearless

person who spoke the truth, and before his death, he had mentioned several times that some people were making death threats against him.”

Charismatic Bishops Conference Endorses Tinubu for Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.

The President General of unemployment, and expand economic opportunities for CBCN, Archbishop Prof. residents of the state.

According to him, Rivers State, despite its enormous oil wealth and strategic economic Blessing Ibunge in Port position, continues to grapple Harcourt with high unemployment, poverty, and inadequate access The Amanyanabo of to basic services. the Source, Da Amakiri “Rivers State is blessed with Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid enormous natural resources, Abubakr Dokubo-Asari, a strategic location, talented has rejected allegations people and tremendous by the Udekama Council economic potential. Yet, too of Chiefs accusing Royal many of our people continue to Fouche Security Services struggle with unemployment, of operating as an “army inadequate healthcare and education, poor access to basic services and limited economic opportunities,” he said.

Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA) will release the findings of Nigerians. The event will the ninth Access to Financial feature a packed programme Services in Nigeria (A2F) including a creative pitch Survey at the Official launch competition, a poetry event of the A2F 2026 Survey slam, masterclasses, a panel Report on 16 September 2026 discussion, live performances, in Abuja, Nigeria.

The A2F Survey, conducted a film screening, and the biennially since 2008, remains presentation of the Wole Oguntokun Legacy Award, Nigeria’s most comprehensive alongside games and networking opportunities.

Ahead of the main event, Jessica Erobomhan SPF opened three calls for entries to identify standout The Executive Chairman talent for the Festival stage: of Ifako-Ijaiye Local the “Mic Check” Poetry Slam, Government, Hon. Usman offering a N100,000 prize Hamzat, has inaugurated for original spoken-word the 110-unit Goldrim Plaza performance; “Pitch It,” a in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos State, creative pitch competition for in a move expected to further entrepreneurs and innovators strengthen commercial activity aged 18–35 years along the busy Lagos corridor.

Rivers ADP Vows 500,000 Jobs in First Year, Rejects Rainbow The Rivers State chapter of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) has formally commenced its campaign for the 2027 governorship election, with its candidate, Angel Lawson, promising to create 500,000 direct and indirect jobs within the first year of his administration if elected.

Lawson mpledgedyesterday in Port Harcourt while flagging off the party’s governorship campaign alongside his running mate, Orluh Ibrahim Nyekachi.

He said his decision to contest the governorship was driven by the desire to provide inclusive governance, tackle

committing the crime are brought to justice.

Hajiya Rabi, a niece of the deceased, told THISDAY in an interview that “Dan Shagamu was

Leonard Bature Kawas, declared the conference’s support for the president yesterday at the 12th Synod of the group held at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

He cited the administration’s policies and what he described as its efforts to promote

national unity.

Kawas said the Church had examined the administration’s record and was prepared to continue supporting the President through prayers, advocacy and public engagement.

“We support him now.

We support him today, we

support him tomorrow, and we support him for as long as he’s willing to be our president,” Kawas said.

He subsequently declared that the position represented the mandate of the gathering, stating: “This house has endorsed him for 2027 presidency.”

Dokubo-Asari Rejects ‘Army of Occupation’ Claim, Demands Proof of Land Grabbing of occupation” and engaging in land grabbing.

Dokubo-Asari described the allegations as “sad, vexatious and provocative,” insisting that he had been wrongly drawn into a longstanding land dispute between neighbouring communities that predates his involvement.

Speaking with journalists, the monarch said he was particularly saddened by the allegations after returning to Rivers State following an extended absence.

“I felt saddened when I heard these allegations.

I came back home after a long time away from Rivers State, only to read

these vexatious allegations against me,” he said.

According to him, the dispute had existed long before his birth, and he was not a party to the court cases from which the current allegations appeared to have arisen.

“I have never claimed ownership of the land in question,” he said.

EFInA to Unveil Findings of the A2F 2026 Survey source of demand-side data on financial inclusion, tracking how Nigerians use formal and informal financial services to meet daily needs, plan for emergencies, protect their future, and cope.

The 2026 edition follows the 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2023 rounds, providing more than 17 years of longitudinal data.

The A2F Survey captures both financial and nonfinancial data, which has served as a credible source of information for various actors, including financial services, the development sector, policymakers and regulators, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM),

the National Pension Commission, and others, in formulating regulations and policies.

Commenting on the survey’s significance and what it asks of the sector, Chief Executive Officer of EFInA, Foyinsolami Akinjayeju, said: Demand-side evidence at this scale is national economic infrastructure.

Hamzat: Goldrim Plaza ‘ll Boost Commerce in Ifako-Ijaiye The newly completed plaza, developed by Goldrim Construction Company, brings together a mix of businesses including financial institutions, medical suppliers, boutiques, salons, information technology firms, logistics companies and foodstuff suppliers, creating a one-stop commercial destination for

residents and businesses in the area.

Speaking at the event, Hamzat described the project as a significant investment in the local economy, saying developments of this nature were important to his administration’s objective of positioning Ifako-Ijaiye as a major commercial hub

in Lagos State.

He commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Goldrim Construction Company, Mr. Gbenga Edeyokun, for investing in the area and urged other private investors to take advantage of opportunities within the local government.

30

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 • THISDAY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

NSC Confirms Payment of Presidential Rewards of $100,000 each to D’Tigresses Insists Super Falcons to also get their rewards next month Nigeria’s Ambassador in Poland Backs Falconets for Victory against China Today

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed the payment of Naira equivalent of $100,000 (about N133million) to D’Tigresses and $50,000 (about N66.5million) to the team officials being President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s cash reward to the team for winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket for a record fifth consecutive time and seventh overall.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the NSC’s Director of Information, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, the players and officials’ accounts were credited on Wednesday, September 9th 2026 and they have all confirmed the receipt of the same.

This comes after the team’s last match at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany where they failed to make it to the quarterfinal stage after losing all three group games.

With the payment, the entire presidential rewards promised to each member of the team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR comprising a

3-Bedroom flat in Abuja, national honours of OON and Naira equivalent of 100,000 USD to players and 50,000 USD to officials have been fully redeemed and completed.

“Players and officials of the D’Tigresses had, in February 2026 in Lyon, France during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers received from the National Sports Commission the title documents (C of O) of their 3-bedroom apartments in Abuja and certificates of national honours of OON duly signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. “Similarly, the Super Falcons had received from the NSC the title documents (C of O) to their 3-Bedroom apartments in Abuja as well as certificates of national honours of OON duly signed by the President/C-in-C

during the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morroco in July/August 2026.

“Like the D’Tigresses, the Super Falcons should get the alerts for the Naira equivalent of 100,000 USD to players and 50,000 USD to the officials before their next official engagements to complete their presidential rewards as well,” the NSC spokesperson stated in the statement.

Super Falcons had been feted by President Tinubu for winning the WAFCON for the 10th time in Morocco in 2025 with 3-Bedroom flats in Abuja, national honours of OON and Naira equivalent of 100,000 USD to players and 50,000 USD to Officials.

This unprecedented reward to the players and athletes by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is in alignment

with the Renewed Hope initiative and Shared Prosperity agenda of President Tinubu which places athletes’ welfare and appropriate rewards top on the priority list.

“On behalf of the entire players and officials of D’Tigresses, Super Falcons and Super Eagles, the National Sports Commission thanks Mr. President for his immense support and unwavering support for Nigerian sports, as well as his commitment to positioning the sector as an instrument of national development and social/economic advancement, which has given impetus to the Commission’s reform agenda in the pursuit of a sustainable sports economy in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) framework,” Mrs Ajayi concluded in the NSC statement.

U 2 0 W O M E N ’S W O R L D C U P Ahead of Falconets’ clash with China at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, Nigeria’s Ambassador to that country, Ambassador Margareta Mary Obi, has urged the team to put their opening match defeat by Spain behind and stay focused of winning today.

The two-time silver-medallists will take to the pitch of the Stadion Sosnowiec for their second match this evening in a must-win encounter against China The Chinese girls are highly motivated after a 5-0 pounding of New Caledonia in their first match – a result that has established them at the top of the Group F table, ahead of 2022 champions Spain on goals

difference.

But the Nigerian envoy reminded Falconets that they played good football and have every reason to remain confident against the Chinese ladies.

The ambassador did not abandon the team or feel dejected like everyone else despite the defeat against Spain last Monday.

She watched the match played at the Stadion Sosnowiec, and alongside mission staff, did her best to support and encourage the team.

After the game, Ambassador Mary Obi took time to interact with the players and technical crew, encouraging the girls not to be discouraged by their opening defeat to Spain.

RESULTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Barcelona 5-1 Feyenoord Stuttgart 3-1 Viking Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Napoli 0-1 Arsenal PSG 6-1 S’ Bratislavia Sporting 3-1 Galatasaray

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland, Ambassador Margareta Mary Obi with the Falconets last Monday. She is urging the girls to go do Nigeria proud against China today

TODAY Fenerbahce v AS Roma PSV v Shakhtar B’Munich v Bodo/Glimt Como v RB Leipzig Man Utd v Sabah Baku S’Prague v Lens

D’Tigresses have collected the cash promised them by the Federal Government for winning their fifth consecutive Afrobasket title last season

Facts Emerge How FG’s N17bn Intervention Funding Given to NFF Was Used to Settle Debts Duro Ikhazuagbe In apparent reply to claims by the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) that the immediate past board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) received better funding from the Federal Government than any other previous board of the football federation, a former member of that executive committee insisted yesterday that it will be wrong to treat the N17billion intervention money given to the sacked board in isolation and also as evidence of financial wrongdoings.

Chairman of the NSC, Malam Shehu Dikko, while appearing on AriseNews sports programme at the weekend, made comparison between the funding received by the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board with that of his predecessor, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

Dikko concluded that the N17billion intervention funds released in a single cheque to the Gusau-led board was far greater than the about N15billion in total that Pinnick got in his eight years tenure as NFF president between 2014 and 2022.

The NSC chairman had used the comparison to drum for accountability and the need for reforms in the

administration of football in Nigeria.

But a member of that board who craved to be anonymous due to the ongoing investigations into the finances of the NFF by anti-graft agencies, said that the Gusau-led board inherited huge financial debts from the Pinnick administration.

“I don’t want to dispute that our board received the N17billion intervention funding from the Federal Government. There is a detailed account of how the money was applied, included settlement of prior liabilities,” began the influential member of that immediate board of the NFF. He listed one of the huge debts inherited by the Gusau-led board to include the 23-month backlog of Coach Jose Peseiro’s $70,000 USD monthly wage. “Peseiro’s unpaid salary alone gulped over a million dollars,” revealed the source.

Surprisingly, the former board member further alleged that the outstanding Peseiro’s salary was recorded as paid by the Pinnick board when Gusau took over.

“Unfortunately, this was one of the debts that the Gusau board inherited.

The Pinnick board claimed that it was bankrolled by AITEO. We met

Ibrahim Musa Gusau...immediate past president of NFF

it as debt. It was the Gusau board that settled it,” the source stressed.

While throwing further clarifications on how the intervention funds were spent, our top football source also listed the huge debts inherited from the Pinnick led board to include outstanding match allowances and bonuses due to Super Eagles players, and officials, some dating back to the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup that held in Russia.

The former board member said that Dikko who was a second vice president of the Pinnick led NFF board should not be economical with the truth as he is much aware of the

huge debt they left for the Gusau board to inherit.

“As it is usually the case, any one seeking equity must come with clean hands. Is Dikko exonerating himself from the huge debts left by the board where he was a vice president?” queried the source.

“I want to make it clear that receiving more funding than a previous administration isn’t, by itself, evidence of anything impropriety. Rather, the question that matters is how the cash were applied. Without any contradiction, the Gusau-led board used major part of that N17bn fund to clear the debts left behind by the Pinnick and Dikko led board.”

He was emphatic in stating that the exchange rate in place during the Gusau era made things difficult for the board. “When Pinnick was in office, dollar exchanged for between N200 to N600 to a dollar. But Gusau got N17 billion at the time one dollar was exchanging to Naira at N1,500.

So technically, it will not be wrong to say that the N15billion that Pinnick got during his time as NFF President was greater than the N17billion given to the Gusau led board when dollar was going for N1,500,” concludes the former board member.

MFM, Customs, ASO SKY, Victoria Queens Secure Zenith Bank League Final 8 Slots The Final 8 of the 2026 NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Premier League is already taking shape with two-time winner of the league, MFM Women Basketball team already through to the finals in Lagos after winning all their games so far in the Second Phase.

MFM remains the only team in the Atlantic Conference to have won all their games in the First Phase. The church team won all the seven games played in Lagos and have already won the four games played in Port Harcourt in the second phase putting them at the top.

They are on top of the log followed

by Victoria Queen and First Bank with

the three of them already assured of the Final 8 slots from the Atlantic Conference.

In the Savannah Conference, Nigeria Customs basketball team finished the two phases without a loss with the conference that ended yesterday at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Customs wrapped up the Second Phase with a 60-42 points defeat of ASO SKY Queens to top the log with their opponent finishing second and will be joining them in Lagos for the Final 8.

Air Warriors and Titans completed the four from the Savannah Conference after taking the last two positions.

Shelton Beats Alcaraz in Latenight ‘War’ to Reach Semis Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open title defence came to an end in a dramatic five-set quarter-final loss to Ben Shelton which ended at 03:34 local time - the latest finish in the tournament’s history.

A large crowd remained captivated deep into the night as a modern classic unfolded over an unpredictable four hours and 28 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The match did not begin until about 11pm in New York, after the start of the night session was delayed

by Tuesday’s earlier matches.

At its conclusion, eighth seed

US OPEN Shelton basked in a standing ovation from a delirious audience after completing a 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 6-3 1-6 7-6 (10-7) victory that will live long in the memory of all those present.

“That was a war, an epic match, so physical,” Shelton said.

“Carlos is one of the greatest champions in our sport already at 23 years old.

“It’s ridiculous some of the stuff he comes up with sometimes - the most enjoyable match that I’ve had in my career, for sure.”

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

31

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION EXAMS AND THE ‘WUSHISHI’ OPTION use of Signal Blockers/Network Jammers at all Centres during examinations.” Also recommended is a system of administering various customised versions of the questions in all the examinations to make cheating difficult for students. “There should be full biometric capture of all ten fingerprints at registration to curb impersonation.”

Although 42 candidates were arrested—with their names listed against the examination offences each committed—there is no record that anyone of them was ever brought to trial. But the report, which I understand is currently being implemented

by Alausa, also proposed the establishment of a centralised database of all examination candidates to ensure that each is tied to a unique identifier e.g. National Identification Number (NIN). “This would mean that a candidate can be identified at every level of examination across his/her educational journey.”

However, while these reforms are helpful for the integrity of examinations in Nigeria, the concern is the way young children are being exposed to fraudulent practices so early in their lives by those who ordinarily should guide them in the right direction. There are reports that some private schools have adopted the philosophy of ‘heaven helps only those who help themselves’ by appointing what they call ‘Exam Officer’ whose duty basically is to ‘liaise’ with invigilators during examinations. The reason for it is because when

parents pick schools for their children, they look at their ‘WAEC records’. Meanwhile, the JUPEB report illustrates this challenge by stating that “corruption and organised examination-fraud syndicates are being supervised by a gang of owners of tutorial schools under the aegis of the Association of Tutorial School Owners (ATSO).

Agents set up WhatsApp groups through which sensitive relevant information is transmitted to Candidates.” That precisely is what we are dealing with at the post-primary level.

In July 2019, I used the comment thread on X (then Twitter) to illustrate a moral wilderness that has contributed to examination malpractices in Nigeria. It all started from a simple tweet by someone evidently looking for sympathy and perhaps another job: “I lost my teaching job today (32K) where I teach (Maths and F/Maths), because I refused to assist the students in the exams hall (during NECO) having taught them very well…” What followed was a deluge of negative comments. “You should have helped them, you put yourself into this (situation),” one respondent wrote before the next one came with a sharp rebuke: “If I had a good job waiting, I won’t employ you for this tweet.” Then there was this ‘do-gooder’ who shared his experience: “I remember my Account teacher also refused to do this for our WAEC then, and I ended up teaching the whole students offering that subject

that day.”

Of course, not all the critical commentators were unsympathetic going by this response laced with a dose of ‘realism’ about the environment under which the teacher was operating: “Sorry about that but it’s your fault…it’s not a bad option assisting students. We are in Nigeria.”

That familiar refrain was further amplified by the next respondent: “Are you a good teacher when your students fail? I got my current job through the help of a parent I taught the ward some years back…the ward is in FUNAAB (Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta) now doing fine. My dear, don’t let us deceive ourselves, you should have pushed…” For the benefit of readers who may not understand what ‘pushing’ means, the next person minced no word: “You should have just assisted them. Now, what have you gained? African teachers are terrible and just love to see students fail exams.” The last response before I stopped following the thread was the crisp title of the piece I wrote at the time: ‘Na you fuck up!’

Despite the stiff penalties in the Examination Malpractices Act, 2004 for erring candidates, dubious invigilators and teachers, as well as desperate parents and school proprietors who help to compromise the integrity of academic examinations, I am not aware that anybody has ever been brought to justice on this malaise. Yet, what

should trouble us most about Alausa’s revelation is not that a man’s surname has been curdled into a slang for examination malpractices, but rather that an entire generation grew up fluent in that fraudulent shorthand. In the JUPED Report earlier referenced, it is stated that Nigeria “has a duty to monitor and checkmate the menace of exam malpractices for it is capable of compounding the myriads of problems, particularly corruption, which is ravaging the country despite numerous efforts of the government to combat it.” And understatement!

As an aside, I did my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Primary Assignment at the then Zungeru College of Advanced Studies (ZUCAS) which has since become Niger State Polytechnic. At the time (1989/90 session), the Corpers’ Residence (where we were accommodated) was in Wushishi.

To now hear a sinister interpretation of ‘Going to Wushishi’ sullies the good memories of the one year I spent in that town where General Ibrahim Babangida and another famous retired General hail from. But the most worrying aspect of this tragedy is that for every culprit caught while attempting to ‘Wushishi’ their way to ‘success’ through unearned academic grades, numerous others have escaped: Protected by parents, proprietors and teachers for whom only the end justifies the means and a society that has long confused certificates with competence.

NEWS

King’s College Old Boys Seek Probe of Students’ Involvement in PTA Protest

Accuse PTA of using minors to malign education minister Cite possible breaches of child’s rights, cybercrimes acts

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the participation of students of King’s College Lagos in recent protests by sections of the school’s Parents–Teachers Association (PTA) against the federal government’s concession of the institution.

KCOBA, while acknowledging the right of the PTA and other stakeholders to challenge government policies, condemned what it described as the “weaponisation” of underage students in the dispute, particularly their alleged participation in protests where they chanted against the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

In a statement issued in Lagos, the association said the participation of

children in the protest raised serious questions about their welfare, dignity, safety and the possible legal implications of recording and disseminating their participation on social media.

The release was signed by Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu (SAN), Chairman, KCOBA Board of Trustees; Chief Philip Asiodu, immediate Past Chairman, KCOBA Board of Trustees; Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, President, KCOBA;

Dr. Leke Oshunniyi Secretary, KCOBA Board of Trustees and Etigwe Uwa (SAN), General Secretary, KCOBA. The old boys’ association said it was particularly disturbed by video recordings showing students in school uniform participating in the protests and chanting the words against Alausa, arguing that there was a fundamental difference between challenging a government policy and encouraging

GS26: FG Demands Action Against Harmful Gender Norms in Nigeria Salako urges stakeholders to dismantle barriers facing adolescents Gates foundation: Policies must produce improvements in people’s lives Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have called for urgent action to close the gap between policies, innovations and actual services available to women, adolescents and other underserved Nigerians.

Speaking yesterday on the second day of the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit organised by Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, said harmful gender norms continued to constrain the health, safety, education and economic opportunities of young Nigerians.

Salako, who delivered the keynote address at the event, said gender norms were unwritten societal rules and expectations governing how boys, girls, men and women should behave, relate with one another and access opportunities.

He warned that when such norms were rooted in unfair cultural practices and sentiments, they could reinforce discrimination and expose adolescents to violence, early pregnancy, mental health challenges and poor health outcomes.

According to him, transforming gender norms was therefore essential to creating an environment where every adolescent, regardless of sex, could be

safe, healthy, empowered and able to realise their full potential.

He explained that such norms shaped how adolescents thought and behaved, as well as their access to healthcare and other opportunities.

“When such norms are based on crude sentiments and cultural fixations that are unfair, they can become harmful and limit adolescents’ choices thus reinforcing discrimination, and increasing exposure to violence, early pregnancy, mental health challenges, and poor health outcomes,” Salako added.

The minister said the federal government, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, had introduced a number of measures aimed at improving adolescent health, including the institutionalisation of adolescent and school health programmes and the establishment of a dedicated budget line for adolescent health.

He also highlighted the expansion of adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, including access to family planning, sexually transmitted infection and HIV prevention, counselling and other services under the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy 2025 to 2030.

Salako said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had also

integrated gender and adolescent health programming through a dedicated Gender, Adolescent School Health and Elderly Care Division in its Family Health Department.

He said the arrangement was designed to address gender-related barriers to healthcare, gender-based vulnerabilities and the differing health needs of adolescent girls and boys.

The minister further disclosed that the federal government’s national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign had reached more than 14 million adolescent girls aged between nine and 14 years nationwide, helping to protect them against future cervical cancer.

Salako also welcomed the findings of the Nigerian Survey on Gender Norms, Attitudes, Health and Wellbeing, describing the study as the first nationally representative data on the social and gender norms shaping health behaviours and outcomes among Nigerian adolescents.

He said the survey, which focused on adolescents aged 10 to 14, examined issues including child, early and forced marriage, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, HPV vaccination and women’s economic empowerment.

“The evidence produced will be

instrumental in informing policy formulation, programming, and advocacy across sectors including health, education, social protection, and economic empowerment,” he said.

children to publicly malign a serving public officer.

“There is a profound difference between voicing a dissent about a policy and teaching children to publicly brand a serving Federal Minister a ‘thief’ without any evidence or justification,” the group stated.

The association also questioned the circumstances in which the students were mobilised, asking who authorised their participation, what they were instructed to say and whether adequate consideration was given to their welfare and dignity.

It said the controversy went beyond the concession of the school, describing it as a question of the character and values being imparted to Nigerian children.

KCOBA further urged the relevant authorities to examine whether the participation and subsequent dissemination of recordings involving the minors breached provisions of the Child’s Rights Act.

According to the association, Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act protects a child’s right to dignity and prohibits physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment, including attacks upon a child’s honour or reputation.

It therefore called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the mobilisation of the students and their participation in the protest.

The association also raised what it described as a “serious digital dimension” to the incident, arguing that the recording and online dissemination of material involving identifiable schoolchildren required scrutiny.

KCOBA said the publication of statements portraying an identifiable public official as a thief could raise questions under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024, particularly where such statements were allegedly false and disseminated through computer systems.

Nigeria Must Not Descend into Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Polls, Ubani Warns Wale Igbintade Human rights lawyer, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, has warned Nigeria’s political class against escalating threats, intimidation and political intolerance ahead of the 2027 general election, saying the country must not descend into violence in the pursuit of political power.

Ubani, said Nigeria’s political environment was becoming increasingly unsettling, with political competition gradually giving way to threats, bullying, intimidation and open hostility.

In a statement titled: “There Are Minimum Requirements: Nigeria Must Not Descend,” he said the development should concern every Nigerian, warning that the political temperature was rising dangerously

even before the 2027 campaign season had fully gathered momentum.

He said some of the language and conduct already being displayed by political actors suggested that intolerance was becoming an increasingly disturbing feature of the country’s political discourse.

Ubani cited developments in Ebonyi State as one of the early warning signs.

He referred to reports that the governor, while addressing newly sworn-in local government chairmen, warned them not to permit defeat in their respective constituencies.

He also cited a reported statement by one of the newly sworn-in chairmen, Eze Paul Ituma of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, who allegedly declared that he would not allow anyone to “take garri from his mouth” and promised to do whatever was

necessary to secure victory for his principal and party.

Ubani said whether such statements were intended as political rhetoric or something more sinister, they should neither be encouraged nor normalised in a democracy.

He also expressed concern over the reported denial of entry into a state to one of the presidential contenders, saying the incident raised serious questions about the country’s tolerance of political opposition.

“Whatever the eventual facts may be, the incident provides another opportunity to ask an important question: Are we becoming so intolerant of political opposition that we are prepared to deny our opponents even the basic freedom to visit a state in the federation?” he asked.

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026

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MEDIA BRIEFING ON DIPHTHERIA PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE IN LAGOS...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District I, Dr. Adesola Pitan; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide; Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (PHCB), Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa; and Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke at the Media Briefing on Diphtheria Preparedness and Response in Lagos State held at the Conference Hall of the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Exams and the ‘Wushishi’ Option H

aving built a system that encourages ‘success’ at any cost, it is no surprise that increasing numbers of students (at all levels of education in Nigeria) are being led to believe that cheating pays. So prevalent is the menace of examination malpractice that many of the post-primary students I have interacted with in recent years keep telling me: ‘Everybody is doing it’. Of course, I am well aware that not everybody is doing it but we should nonetheless be concerned by the recent revelation of the Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, regarding the ‘mind boggling’ leakages of National Examinations Council (NECO) questions in recent years.

During the 2025 examination period, which he described as the hardest period of his life, Alausa said his colleague, the Minister of State, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, repeatedly sent him leaked questions obtained from students ahead of the examination. “I would wake up to her text. She would send questions to me… She would say, ‘I just got this question.’ It could be English or Chemistry. I would send it to the HNO (Head of National Office at NECO) and ask, ‘HNO, is this correct?’ And the answer I got was, ‘Unfortunately, that’s the question we’re doing today.’”

The challenge, according to Alausa, began years ago with an interesting codename. And a brief digression may be important here. Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi was first appointed the Registrar/Chief Executive of NECO in July 2021 by the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was retained by President Bola Tinubu.

Members of the syndicate involved in examination malpractices have turned this illustrious name (Wushishi) into a slang for their nefarious activities.

Seeking to obtain the questions ahead of NECO Examinations has become ‘Going to Wushishi’ but only the initiated understood. “I didn’t know that ‘Wushishi’ meant going to the dark website”, Alausa confessed while further revealing that examination malpractices have become both systemic and endemic and that tackling the challenge would require the collaboration of all stakeholders. “Any child can be bad,” he said.

“But when we have an ecosystem where parents, schools, teachers, invigilators and principals are in full connivance, the students are the smallest players. The people who should put the deterrents in place are the ones involved...”

We must commend both Alausa and Ahmad for confronting this menace head on. I have heard

Alausa, Education Minister a lot of good things about the duo. The fact that they work together seamlessly without the usual friction you see in most ministries is in itself testimony to the fact that their focus is to serve the public good. But the challenge they confront on this issue is an old one and will require the support of all stakeholders. We must understand that examination malpractice not only undermines fairness and equal opportunity but it also raises questions about the integrity of the qualifications we all parade while portending a great danger to the quality of human capital in our country.

From my findings, a monumental scandal about examination malpractice in Nigeria blew open about five years ago at the tertiary level. But somehow, it escaped public attention.

Following admission racketeering involving a private university in Ibadan and IJMB results verification exercise which revealed that only six of the results of 148 Direct Entry candidates sent to a famous federal university in the North were found to be genuine, the Federal Ministry of Education early in 2021 collaborated with the security agencies to institute a sting operation.

Codenamed ‘Operation Y’, according to sources, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) were involved in the exercise which eventually revealed “organised cheating rings, candidate impersonation, and payment schemes for live questions and answers,” to game examinations in Nigeria.

The investigation at the instance of the then

Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu, was restricted to IJMB examination and the role of ‘tutorial centres’ by the universities. And the 315-page report (which I have read) of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPED) chaired by the then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, is damning. Working with then JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede who was concerned about the integrity of examinations through which students entered universities and had raised internal alarm, Adamu tasked the committee to conduct a forensic audit of answer scripts during the 2021 JUPEB Conference Marking exercise.

Findings from the forensic audit made chilling revelations: Identical answers and handwriting in multiple scripts of different candidates, use of mobile phones and digital watches in the examination halls and scripts with answers from WhatsApp or smuggled notes, etc. “Unlicensed and unqualified tutorial centres have hijacked

IJMB and JUPEB programmes. These centres recruit students, conduct coaching, and facilitate widespread examination malpractices, often with the tacit approval of affiliated universities chasing revenue,” according to the report which also revealed massive forgery. “For example, according to Professor Yahuza Bello (immediate past VC) of Bayero University, Kano, 95% of IJMB qualifications presented by candidates who applied to BUK in 2020 were found to be fake during the verification exercise conducted by the University.”

The report made several recommendations, including that examination centres install highquality CCTV to be permanently monitored and prevent the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices by deploying “metal detectors to screen candidates before entering into the examination venues in all Centres; and Continued on page 31

Bello Mandiya’s Passing

F

or some inexplicable reason, hardly a week passes without me having to be at the Muslim section of the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja for a burial ceremony. But none of my recent experiences was as sobering as Tuesday’s when Waziri Adio and I had to witness the burial of our dear friend and brother, Senator Bello Mandiya.

Three weeks ago, Mandiya visited my office (‘just to say hello’, as we say in Nigeria) and spent more than an hour before he left. There was no premonition that it would be our last encounter.

A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos where he met mutual friends, including Lanre Issa-Onilu (who was also at the burial on Tuesday), Bolaji Abdullahi, Ose Oyamendan, Shina Badaru, Simon Kolawole, Wale Adebanwi, Waziri and many others, Mandiya was a frequent visitor to THISDAY Lagos head office in the early years and that was where I first met him. He would later join politics, starting out in 2003 as a legislative aide, then acting Chief of Staff to then House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari. Between 2015 and 2019, Mandiya served as Chief of Staff to the same Masari as Governor of Katsina State. And then in 2019, he was elected as a Senator for Katsina

Late Senator Mandiya South. Mandiya, of course, didn’t return to the Senate in 2023.

An intensely private, self-effacing and affable man who lived a simple life, Mandiya was always available for friends whenever they needed him.

Sadly, it was at his burial that many had to show up for him on Tuesday. May God grant Mandiya eternal life and may He comfort his bereaved family.

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