Dangote Reveals Plans to More Than Double 650,000 bpd Oil Refinery to 1.4 Million bpd
Set to list 10% of company’s shares by next year S&P reports oil firm secured $4bn critical financing agreement in August Says company pursuing Middle Eastern partners 40,000 bpd upstream assets to begin production by end of October
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The 650,000 barrels per day
www.thisdaylive.com
Dangote Refinery is set to more than double its current refining capacity to about 1.4 million
bpd, becoming the world’s largest refining facility and surpassing the 1.36 million
bpd refinery in Jamnagar, India. President and Founder of the Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, told S&P Global Commodity Insights, in an interview, that the manage- Continued on page 9
ment of the $20 billion refining
Yusuf Tuggar: Tinubu Pursuing Nigeria’s Strategic Autonomy Amid Trump’s Tariffs, China Ties
Says world must show respect in trade with Nigeria, other African nations Denies Christian persecution claims Reiterates Nigeria will not accept deportees from US Says tariffs imposed by US do not markedly harm the country
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, yesterday maintained that President Bola Tinubu is pursuing Nigeria’s strategic autonomy amid tariffs imposed by the United States as well as the country’s relationship with China.
To Plug Revenue Leakages, Boost Transparency, FG Unveils Treasury Receipt
Wale Edun: Initiative will ensure every kobo due to government is digitally tracked, fully reconciled, says effort to safeguard national resources Treasury receipt to function alongside central billing system
The federal government has launched Federal Treasury Receipt (FTR), a ground- breaking reform offering a single, standardised, and digitally verifiable proof of all payments into federal coffers. The system aims to ensure
that every government-issued receipt directly corresponds to funds received into government accounts, thus, strengthening accountability, closing revenue leakages, and improving public trust in the management of national resources. FTR is being deployed alongside the Central Bill-
TINUBU WELCOMING MBAH TO THE APC...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (r) receives welcoming Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah at Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday, first visit to the President since officially joining the All Progresses Congress, APC last week
PHOTO: State House Continued on page 9
Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo in Abuja
L-R: Representative of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Yusuf Ibrahim; Chairman, House Committee on Host Communities, Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor; Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal; Director General/Chief Executive, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke; Chairman, NOSDRA Board, Chief Edward Omo-Erewa; representative of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Mrs. Lola Adelore; and Representative of Clean Nigeria Associates (CNA), Mr. Erhabor Nosa, during the unveiling of The Compendium of NOSDRA’s Achievements and the Relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map in Abuja
FG: We Will Invest $220m to Create
Job Opportunities for Young Nigerians
Shettima: we’re bridging transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of graduates
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
The federal government is to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The initiative, which is to be spearheaded in conjunction with the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0, is aimed at connecting high-potential graduates with real-world work experience, training, and mentorship.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the disclosure on Wednesday when he formally flagged off NJFP at State House, Abuja.
Shettima said the goal was “to bridge the transition gap between learning and earning for thousands of young Nigerians; graduates who have the education, but not always the opportunity”.
According to him, this
will translate the country’s demographic strength “into productive economic power, proving that when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion”.
He statee that while NJFP was a Nigerian programme shaped by national priorities and guided by the country’s sense of purpose, the admin- istration of President Bola Tinubu was determined to deepen the ownership by embedding the programme into government’s national planning and budgeting frameworks.
He stated, “This government will do its part — by ensuring that our financial commitment to the programme reflects our belief in its transformative potential. But national ownership must also mean national participation.
“As we launch NJFP 2.0 today, I call on our partners — from the private sector, the
development community, and the donor ecosystem — to join us in building the NJFP Basket Fund, a sustainable financing mechanism to secure the programme’s future.
“Our immediate goal is to raise $220 million, not as charity, but as an investment in the nation’s most valuable
asset: our young people.” Shettima implored EU, UNDP and other partners to consider the flag-off of the programme as an opportunity to prove that “youth employment is not just a policy priority but a sharedShettimaresponsibility”. observed that
when resources were pooled and intentions were aligned in the course of building together, a multiplier effect was created that benefitted the country’s economy.
The Vice President acknowledged the contributions of EU and UNDP, stating that their belief in Nigeria’s youth has
demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration.
He said it was high time Nigeria, through its public institutions, private sector champions, and philanthropic community led from the front, maintaining that inclusivity is key to driving the process.
At PTI Conference, FG Says Technology Transfer Key Challenge in Oil Sector
remain major issues in the sector.
The federal government yesterday said that while the right legal and regulatory framework now exists in the oil and gas industry, critical challenges like technology transfer, under-utilisation of domestic refineries as well as capacity gaps in workforce
Jaiz Takaful Insurance Declares N118m Surplus, Rewards Customers Without Claims
Jaiz Takaful Insurance Limited has declared a surplus of N118 million from its 2023 financial year, rewarding customers who did not record any claims during the period.
The Managing Director, Ibrahim Usman, in his brief presentation on surplus distri- bution in Abuja, announcing the surplus distribution, said the declaration followed the approval of its financial statement by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
According to him, the sur- plus represents underwriting profits returned to policyhold- ers who participated in the 2023 financial year without making any claims.
“The purpose of this event is to declare to the public our 2023 surplus of N118 million, which has been approved by the regulator. The amount is being shared among participants who did not record any claim during the financial year,” heHeexplained. noted that the distribu-
tion process is proportional to each customer’s contribution, meaning those who paid higher premiums would receive correspondingly higher surplus returns.
“Insurance typically runs on a one-year cycle. At the end of that cycle, customers who did not record any claims are entitled to a share of the underwriting profits. For example, a customer who contributed N1 million will receive more surplus than one who paid N100,000,” he said.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) organised by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), the ministers overseeing the sector, Ekperikpe Ekpo (gas) and Heineken Lokpobiri (oil) represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Vitalis Obi, stated that Nigeria still has considerable
opportunity to further leverage its hydrocarbon endowment.
The theme of the two-day conference was: “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon Sector: Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance.”
“However, the reality is that while the legal and regulatory framework is in place, much remains to be done; many of our domestic refineries are under-utilised, we still face
capacity gaps in our workforce, technology transfer remains a challenge, and environmental and community obligations continue to test our performance.
“For example, as recently reported, the DCSO (Domestic Crude Supply Obligation) regime under the PIA is not yet fully operational, and the upstream regulator has had to intervene to enforce compliance,” the government said.
Tinubu Extends Surveyor-General of the Federation, Abduganiyu Adebomehin’s Tenure by Two Years
Extension effective from Jan 5, 2026
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the tenure of the Surveyor- General of the Federation, Mr. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, by two years.
The extension, in a statement issued on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, which takes
effect from January 5, 2026, was necessitated by the recent transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) to the Presidency.
The Surveyor-General has already initiated reforms across critical sectors of geospatial data systems, which the president is keen to see completed.
The president, according to the release, expects Mr. Adebomehin to consolidate the reforms within the next two years, focusing on national land management and administration, highways and abutting land infrastructure coordination, reclamation and erosion control programmes, and other related matters of strategic national importance.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
5TH WOMEN ENTERPRISE ALLIANCE (WENA) CONFERENCE...
L-R: Partner, Seismic Consultant, Dr. Olusoji Adeniyi; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Entrepreneurship Development, Chalya Shagaya; Founder of Women Enterprise Alliance (WenA), Hajiya Aisha Babangida; and Head, Fiscal and Tax Reforms Implementation, FIRS, Olufemi Olarinde, during the 5th
Alliance (WenA) Conference in Abuja… recently
FG Disburses N32.9bn to States Under Basic Healthcare Fund
As Senate doubles basic health fund to boost primary healthcare nationwide
Lawmakers approve amendment to raise annual allocation from 1% to 2% of revenue fund
Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, on Wednesday announced the disbursement of N32.9 billion, being the third tranche of such disbursements this year to all
states and primary healthcare centres under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Pate said the funds were ap- proved by Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) and guided by the newly launched BHCPF 2.0. he said the initiative was aimed at improving the quality of health services delivered to
Nigerians by supporting facility operations, providing stipends for health workers, and expanding access to care.
Speaking on Wednesday during the third Quarter MOC Meeting in Abuja, Pate emphasised that the new guidelines marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s health reform agenda under
President Bola Tinubu.
In a related development, and a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, the senate on Wednesday passed for Second Reading, a bill amending the National Health Act, 2014, to raise the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from one per cent to two per cent of
ASUU Suspends Warning Strike, Says Useful Dialogue Ongoing with FG
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended the two-week warning strike it began last week, on October 13.
A statement signed by the ASUU president, Chris Riwuna, said the union had achieved some measure of progress in reconvened negotiations with the federal government, hence, the decision to call off the strike.
the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
The amendment, sponsored by Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, seeks to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare, particularly for vulner- able populations, while reducing the country’s heavy reliance on donorBanigofunding.described the bill as both a “legal and moral imperative”, arguing that it would help the government to meet its constitutional obligation to ensure citizens’ welfare and security.
ress in healthcare delivery, Pate revealed that more than 21 million Nigerians were now covered by health insurance, with over 11,000 pregnant women receiving emergency medical treatment, 15,000 women accessing obstetric care, and half a million pregnant women covered for maternal services through the BHCPF. He added that over 80 million visits were recorded at primary healthcare centres in the first two quarters of 2025 - a fourfold increase compared to 2023 - reflecting the growing public confidence in the system.
Riwuna said the swift intervention of the Senate Committees on Tertiary Education and TETFund, and Labour, led by their respective chairmen also played a key role in getting the lecturers to resume work
“The warning strike is hereby suspended with effect from midnight, Wednesday, the 22nd of October 2025;
The statement said, “Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the overwhelm- ing support of Nigerians. In addition, NEC resolved that a one-month window should be given to government to con- clude the ongoing renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU and fully address other outstanding issues.
“Should government fail to resolve the issues within the one-month window, ASUU reserves the right to resume the strike action without further notice.”
Riwuna explained, “The ASUU team met on Thursday, 16th, and Saturday, 18th October, 2025 respectively with the Yayale Ahmed-led FGN Team to consider govern-
Fashola Urges Universities’ Graduating Students to Shun Unexplained Wealth
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Former Governor of Lagos State and Immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola,yesterday, urged the graduating students of universities across the nation to shun all forms of unexplained wealth and work harder to ensure greatness in life.
He added that, “There is no easy and fast money anywhere without consequences and the consequences always lead to misery, regret and sometimes irredeemable damage. Don’t let it happen to you.”
Addressing over 11,000 graduating students of the University of Ilorin at main auditorium of the university, Fashola, who
was a guest lecturer at the 40th convocation ceremony of the institution stated that, “Let me appeal to you to seek help from more mature and experienced people with close family members being your first option. They are the least likely to wish you bad”.
His lecture was titled: “The Gen-Z Playbook: Navigating Work and the Real World”.
ment’s response to the Draft Renegotiated 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement.
“Another date was also fixed for the next round of deliberations by the two teams at the last meeting. We certainly have not achieved the twin-objectives of concluding the renegotia- tion which started way back in 2017, and fully addressing other lingering issues.
Speaking on Wednesday during the third Quarter MOC Meeting in Abuja, Pate stated that a Joint Task Force, working closely with ICPC, had been activated to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the funds at community levels.
The minister commended state governors, commissioners for health, and development partners for their continued collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcareHighlightingsystem. the steady prog-
The minister also announced that a Mini Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) will be commissioned to provide updated data in 2026, helping the government assess progress in maternal and child health outcomes.
Preliminary data already shows a 12-per cent reduction in maternal mortality compared to 2023, signalling that reforms and investments are beginning to yield results.
Continues online
Malaria Intervention: ACOMIN Seeks to Address Misuse of Insecticide Treated Nets
The Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition, (ACOMIN), has embarked on a campaign to sensitize Nigerians, especially those residing in rural areas, on the proper use of anti-malaria insecticide treated nets and the end-of-life disposal methods of the mosquito nets.
While unveiling of the report of the study on End-LifeManagement of Long-lasting
Insecticide-treated Nets (LLINs) yesterday in Abuja, the Senior Manager Operations for ACO- MIN, Fatima Kolo, said the objective was to find factors hindering people in the affected communities from using the mosquito nets as well as its proper disposal.
The study conducted by ACOMIN with support from Vesterguard, Ipsos, National Malaria Elimination Programme, National Institutes of Medical Research (NIMR)
took place in Kano, Niger and Delta states.
Kolo said the objectives of the dissemination meeting was to share the findings with partners and stake holders and also to look through the recommendations and provide a roadmap on how those recommendations can be implemented
She said that ACOMIN will also seek how to plug those recommendations into its future malaria intervention plans across the country.
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OyO Deputy GOvernOr visits neMA...
L-R: Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs
Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Busari
Moniepoint Raises $200m in Landmark Series C to Deepen Financial Inclusion
nume ekeghe
Moniepoint Inc. has successfully closed a US$200 million Series C funding round to accelerate its mission of driving financial inclusion across Africa and the global diaspora.
The landmark round was led by Development Part- ners International’s African Development (ADP) III fund, with significant participation from LeapFrog Investments, a leading impact investor. Other global backers in the round included Lightrock, Alder Tree Investments, Google’s Africa Investment Fund, Visa, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Proparco, Swedfund, and Verod Capital Management.
The equity raise, which positions Moniepoint among the few profitable fintechs at unicorn scale, reflects its strong fundamentals, sustained growth, and impact in empowering small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). The company processes over US$250 billion in annual transaction
value, serving more than 10 million active businesses and personal banking customers across Nigeria and other African markets.
In a statement from the firm, they stated that the proceeds of the round will be used to power the company’s next phase of growth, enhancing its capacity to help African businesses and individuals realise their financial dreams and accelerating Moniepoint’s continued expansion across the continent and into international markets.
Founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint Inc., Tosin Eniolorunda, said, “This is a proud day for Moniepoint, and I extend my sincere gratitude to the entire team for their tireless work to make this possible. We founded the Company out of a genuine passion to widen financial inclusion and to help African entrepreneurs realise their potential. That same passion drives the work we do today, and it is heartening to know it is shared by leading, global institutions.
“We will not rest on our laurels. The proceeds from our landmark Series C will be deployed judiciously to generate even more mo- mentum as we enter the next chapter of Moniepoint’s story with financial happiness for Africans everywhere remaining our ultimate goal.”
Partner at Development Partners International, Adefo-
larin Ogunsanya added, “Since leading the first close of this landmark Series C, we have seen Moniepoint reach new heights - delivering innovation alongside sustained growth and profitability. DPI is proud to have anchored this round, reaffirming our conviction and support for the business and its leadership team.
“We continue to be
impressed by Moniepoint’s powerful combination of commercial success and its impact on financial inclusion, and look forward to our continued partnership with Tosin and his team as they scale further in Nigeria, across Africa and beyond.”
Partner at LeapFrog Invest- ments, Karima Ola, added, “MSMEs are the heartbeat of
African economies – creating the majority of jobs and driving innovation.
“However, the vast majority have no access to digital banking and formal credit.
“Moniepoint has become an indispensable partner to MSMEs by empowering them with the digital tools and trust they need to transact, grow, and employ others at scale.
Mbah, Adeleke, Kwara First Lady, Balogun, Akpani Emerge Zik Prize in Leadership Winners
sunday ehigiator
Five distinguished Nigerians: Governors of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah and Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Founder and CEO, Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, Mrs. Winifred Akpani; First Lady of Kwara State, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and Founder and CEO, Chapel
Hill Denham Group, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, have been named winners of the 2024/2025 Zik Prize in Leadership Awards.
According to the organisers, they were all selected in recognition of their exceptional achievements in governance, entrepreneur- ship, professional excellence, and humanitarian service across Nigeria and the African continent.
The Advisory Board of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), announced the winners of
the prestigious 2024/2025 Zik Prize in Leadership Awards, honouring distinguished Afri- cans who have demonstrated exceptional vision, integrity, and service to humanity, in a statement Establishedyesterday. in 1995 to immortalise the legacy of Nigeria’s first President, Rt. Hon. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Zik Prize continues to celebrate transformative leadership across Africa and the diaspora. Over the years, it has honoured outstanding figures such as Dr Nelson Mandela, President Julius
Nyerere, Prof. Dora Akunyili, and Dr Akinwumi Adesina. This year, the awardees were recognised for their trailblazing achievements in governance, entrepreneur- ship, professional excellence, and humanitarian service.
The announcement also came with a solemn tribute to the late Chairman of PPRAC, Senator (Prof.) Jubril Aminu, who passed away in June 2025. The Centre praised his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to promoting excellence in public service across Africa.
Dike Onwuamaeze
In a bid to further develop Nigerian non-oil export, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) and its strategic partner, GIZ Ni- geria, yesterday in Lagos held a one-day workshop for Nigeria’s Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on how to boost their export businesses with enhanced access to finance.
The workshop was tagged “SME Export Finance Sensitisation Forum (EXCEL
Programme).”
In her welcome remarks, the Head, Lagos Regional Office, NEXIM, Mrs. Daniella A. Jarikre-Ikazoboh, said that “today’s gathering represents a significant step in our collective mission to enhance access to finance for Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) - the bedrock of our economy and vital agents for sustainable growth and export diversification.
“As we know, MSMEs form the backbone of mod-
ern economies. In Nigeria, over 41 million MSMEs account for nearly 97 per cent of registered businesses, contributing close to 48 per cent of GDP and employing almost 88 per cent of our workforce.
“Yet, they continue to face challenges such as limited access to affordable finance, weak infrastructure, and capacity gaps that often threaten their survival. These are precisely the challenges the EXCEL Programme seeks to address.”
FG Seeks UN’s Support for Long-term Funds for IDPs
James emejo in Abuja
The federal government yesterday urged the United Nations (UN) to assist the country in accessing long-term funding to address humanitarian challenges associ- ated with internal displacements.
Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, made the plea during a roundtable on
Humanitarian Development, Peacebuilding Approaches to Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja.
The minister urged the UN to assist the federal government in accessing long-term funds to find sustainable solutions to internal displacements.
He noted that if the federal government had access to $10 billion at four per cent interest
rate, it could be used to address the country’s humanitarian challenges, generating wealth for internally displaced persons. He said that funds could be obtained from the capital market for long-term investments to address humanitarian issues, emphasising that development partners’ funding was no longer sustainable as grants were decreasing.
Zubaida Umar, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Mr Adebayo Lawal and Executive Secretary,
Ojuolape during the visit of the Deputy Governor to NEMA Headquarters in Abuja ... yesterday
Lokpobiri: With Increasing Oil Output, Nigeria to Make Case for 2 Million Bpd Quota from OPEC
Says Nigeria must raise oil output to wipe out impact of forward sales Discloses most of Nigeria’s oil pipelines have expired Ekpo asserts 2024 bid round drew $16bn in investments Says evacuation infrastructure remains major bottleneck
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has stated that Nigeria will request the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to approve a 2 million barrels per day oil quota for the country. Nigeria currently has a quota of 1.5 million bpd.
Speaking during an interview by a team of journalists from the media team of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in a special edition of its quarterly
magazine to mark its 4th an- niversary, Lokpobiri reiterated that Nigeria was doing 1 millions barrels when he took over, stressing that the country has now exceeded 1.7 million bpd.
According to him, there’s also a significant opportunity for Nigeria to grow these numbers, with the number of rigs that have been deployed as well as with the new investments that are taking place in the industry.
“You’re also aware that following the recent bid round, we’re also expecting some deep-water exploration and that will also
add a lot to our barrel account. So, 1.7 million is still below what we expect based on what we budgeted for in 2025, still below that but we believe that we are getting towards there.
“The 1.7 million barrels we are producing today include condensate. Condensate is not counted in OPEC. Condensate is actually a higher quality of crude that even sells for a higher price than the conventional crude…
“So, we have to keep agree- ments and that is why our quota was pegged at 1.5 million bpd. But it’s subject to review from
time to time and I believe that there’s no better time than now for us to make a strong case for Nigeria’s quota to be reviewed to 2 million and above. And because we have the capacity, we’re also going to show that we have capacity,” he stated.
Stressing that Nigeria also has a domestic crude supply obligation to meet, he stated that this output has been further eaten into by forward sales, explaining that the only way out is to raise crude oil production considerably.
“ Most of these barrels you see are already committed. Before
this government came, we had forward sales. So, these barrels you see are already committed,” he added.
Before the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA, which the minister said brought stability to the regulatory framework in the oil and gas sector, he disclosed that there had been no investment for close to 10 years, because there was no stable regulatory framework.
According to him, one of the reasons Nigeria is doing 1.7 mil- lion barrels today is because, as a government, it has been able
To Plug r evenue l e A k A ge S , b oo ST Tr A n SPA renc Y, fg u nve I l S Tre AS ur Y r ece IPT ing System (CBS), which standardises the pricing and billing of government services.
Together, FTR and CBS form integral components of the Revenue Optimisation and Assurance Platform (RevOp), which went live on August 1, 2025.
Commenting on the historic fiscal transformation, Minister of Finance and Coordinating
that rich countries must show respect to Africa in their dealings with the continent, insisting that they should not approach trade with Africa as a game of ‘Minecraft’.
Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf summit in Abu Dhabi, Tuggar stated that the relationship should be based on mutual respect and the need for Africa to develop, stressing that the recent tariff increase by the US did not markedly impact the country.
“Sometimes it’s like the game Minecraft: There’s oil, there’s gas, there’s critical minerals, rare earths. We put a bit of this, we invest in this. No, that’s not the way it goes. The engagement should be based on mutual respect, based on shared interests and based on the fact that Africa needs to develop. If it doesn’t develop, we continue to deal with irregular migration, with all these other challenges,” he argued.
The minister stated that Nigeria remains a major power in Africa, highlighting the country’s huge internal market with a population of 230 million, expected to grow to 400 million by 2050, and its relationships with other major trading partners such as China, India and Brazil.
Besides, he dismissed claims that President Donald Trump does not care about Africa, but stressed that the country continues to absorb the effect of the recent tariffs by the Trump administration as it extends trade with other countries.
“ We have the right and the basis to engage with as many countries as possible to trade and our relationships are not based on ideological considerations,
Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the launch of FTR together with CBS and RevOp marked a new era of transparency and accountability in public finance.
The minister said, “By ensuring that every kobo due to the government is digitally tracked and fully reconciled, we are safeguarding national resources. More importantly,
they’re based on interests, beginning with our national interests.
“So we trade with the U.S., we trade with China, we trade with Brazil, we trade with India and our focus is not necessarily on one axis or the other, especially in a multipolar world,” he argued.Tuggar also referred to a recent surge in claims of a “Christian genocide” circulating online and amplified by some U.S. media figures, dismissing them as false.
“One of our major challenges at the moment is the false narratives that are being created about Nigeria, this issue of religious persecution, Christians are being persecuted, which couldn’t be further from the truth, and it’s something that I think the investors need to come and see for themselves,” he said.
The engagement with the West, he said, should be based on mutual respect, shared interests and based on the fact that Africa needs to develop. The foreign minister also said there were no plans to accept deportees from the US, noting that Nigeria has gone beyond the stage.
“ I think that ship has sailed. We made our point and I believe it’s no longer on the discussion table. We continue to enjoy a good relationship with the United States. We do not see the need to take in other nationals under duress from any country because we already have a population, like I said, of 230 million people.
“So we’re not short of people and we, our focus is, as we move closer to becoming 400 million population, which we will be in the next 25 years, to train our workforce to tackle the issue of
we are creating the fiscal room to invest in priority sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure—investments that will directly improve the lives of Nigerians and secure a prosperous future for our country.”
FTR and CBS are currently undergoing a 30-day pilot programme across 10 federal agencies, during which
poverty, of unemployment, so that we have the right depen- dency ratio that would be able to sustain us as we move into the future.
“So there are lots of opportunities. We can partner with all comers to tackle our challenges as well as to provide the opportunities for those that are working with us. It’s a really striking figure and as one gets older, you realise 25 years is a much shorter time than you originally might imagine”, he stated.
On job creation, the minister explained that the first thing is for Nigeria to be able to feed itself, and will be creating lots of jobs as it works towards expanding agriculture and manufacturing and import substitution.
and petrochemicals complex, is also thinking of altering its current business model and is set to list up to 10 per cent of its shares by next year.
According to the 68-year-old founder, although the ambition to develop African energy independence is a “herculean task”, it remains a ‘labour of love’ since no government in Africa is willing to put its money into such humongous projects.
“We have to build the refinery again, either here or somewhere else. But really, somewhere else is not possible because we’d have to go and spend so much building infrastructure, and we have the infrastructure already here,” Dangote said.
In Nigeria alone, S&P Global Commodity Insights projects
performance, compliance, and stakeholder adoption are being rigorously tested, THISDAY gathered.
The initiative is part of the reform by the coordinating minister to rein in wastages, leakages, and abuses, and infuse more transparency and account- ability in revenue collection and management processes.
A nationwide rollout strategy
Tuggar said that there has to be a mindset change by the world on how they interact with Africa, stressing that the continent has come of age.
“As I said earlier there’s a tendency to take a Minecraft approach to Africa. It’s not a game and we are not infants. We know what is good for us, what’s in our interest so we don’t need to be protected.
“We can protect ourselves when we’re dealing with China. China’s initiative is good for Africa. It is something that is already benefiting countries like Nigeria, the linkages, and we are looking towards achieving similar results with Europe, with the global gateway initiative, and of course other partners like the US, India, Brazil,” he stressed.
that net petrol imports could more than double from 202627 to hit almost 200,000 bpd by 2030, underpinned by economic development and rapid population growth.
In July, Dangote unveiled plans to expand the refinery from its current 650,000 bpd to 700,000 bpd by the end of the year. Now, the target is to reach 1.4 million bd, with no specified date, it added.
Engineers working at the Lekki complex say it was designed with room for growth, pointing out empty concrete plots capable of holding a second refining system.
Now Nigeria’s largest power producer, the Dangote Group already generates twice the electricity it consumes, insuring its operations against chronic shortages that plague the rest
is expected to follow, ensuring seamless integration across all revenue-generating institutions. These reforms further lay the groundwork for the operational take-off of the National Revenue Service (NRS) in January 2026 — a landmark institutional shift to consolidate and professionalise revenue administration under one unified structure.
RevOp is a landmark innovation in the country’s fiscal management, giving the government, for the first time, real-time visibility of all revenues from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through to the treasury.
It also automates the settlement and sharing of revenues between the federal govern- ment and relevant agencies, ensuring that every naira due to the federation is captured, reconciled, and accounted for.
Essentially, the combination of reforms — RevOp, the FTR, and CBS — represents a structural transformation in the country’s revenue ecosystem. Beyond plug- ging leakages, it creates the fiscal space for government to channel more resources into education, healthcare, and infrastructure, in line with the
of the country.
Expanding could involve building a second refinery with the same configuration, one engineer said, potentially with the addition of a vacuum distillation unit to boost light ends yields, the S&P report said.
The company is also working on potential linear alkylbenzene and base oils projects, and aims to grow its annual polypropylene capacity from 1 million mt to 1.5 million mt in the next few years, Dangote said.
However, Dangote rejected a model that leaves Africa dependent on imported fuel, and said he remains determined to disrupt a market shaped by economies of scale. He is not optimistic for state-backed African projects, and warns that the continent will “really be in trouble” without huge
Lokpobiri
to put certain measures in place to curb pipeline vandalism and
Continued on page 27
administration’s overarching policy of delivering inclusive and sustainable growth.
Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Finance, Moham- med Manga, further reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to building a transparent, technology-driven, and efficient revenue system that underpinned sustainable development and strengthened the social contract with Nigerians.
While it is currently difficult to ascertain the extent to which the new system could curb corruption in fiscal operation, an expert told THISDAY confidentially, “In terms of revenue leakages, there are two main challenges. First is that you don’t even know all that is collected.
“Second is that there is significant collusion such that significant sums do not come into government coffers anyway.
“The RevOp visibility allows us in the treasury to see all the revenues collected. We now do. The second part will be handled by treasury receipt because every ‘invoice’ is now recorded in the system and payment is backed by the receipt.”
private investment.
“Most African governments will not have the capacity to build a refinery,” Dangote said, calling smaller projects like Angola’s new Cabinda facility “a drop in the ocean.” “In places where interest rates are 30 per cent, some countries 20 per cent, the cost of funding is high. And the infrastructure is zero,” he said.
According to the report, the Nigerian company’s own maturing debt was recently seen as a key funding hurdle, before it secured a critical $4 billion financing agreement in August. To expand the refinery and develop a new petrochemicals project in China, Dangote is actively considering a strategic partnership with Middle Eastern companies, the group
INNER GALAXY GROUP VISITS DAPO ABIODUN...
L-R: Vice President, Inner Galaxy Group, Mr. Jackie Chan; Vice Chairman, RSIN Group, Mr. You Xiaotan; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Managing
Company Limited, Mr. Zhang; and President, Inner Galaxy Group, Mr. Li Chuang, during the company’s visit to the
Stellar
$450 Million Steel Company to Commence Operations in Ogun by 2026
A $450 million steel-producing company, Stellar Steel Company Limited, is set to begin operations in Ogun State by
the middle of 2026
The investment from Stellar Steel Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Galaxy Group and RSIN Group, headquartered in Fuzhou, Fujian Province,
China, is expected to produce hot-rolled coil steel, iron steel doors and gas cylinders, a move projected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s steel import bill.
Speaking during a courtesy
visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Vice Chairman of RSIN Group, Mr. You Xiaotan, said the project was progressing according to schedule and would be
Elumelu: African Businesses Must Create Global Value, Not Just Consumers of Ideas
Says private sector key to economic transformation Declares consistency, rule of law, infrastructure will enable businesses to thrive
James Emejo in Abuja
Group Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday, declared that African entrepreneurs must now lead a continental movement, where businesses create value for the global economy “not just consumers of global ideas”.
Elumelu said Africans must be architects of progress, be- lieving in excellence as well as investing in innovation across the continent.
Elumelu, who delivered the keynote address at the Abuja Business and Investment Summit and Expo 2025, said foreign investors could only believe in the continent if Africans themselves invested in their own economy.
He called for a new African business ethos that sought to build economies, not extract profits.
He said, “Let us build the Africa we deserve — prosper- ous, inclusive, and self-reliant.”
Elumelu stressed that Africa’s economic transformation will not be written in boardrooms in New York, London, or Beijing but in the continent by “African entrepreneurs, African investors, and African leaders — standing at the forefront of history, transforming challenge into opportunity, and potential into prosperity”.
In his address, titled, “Private Sector Leadership at the Forefront of Africa’s Economic Transformation,” Elumelu said the continent currently stood
at a pivotal moment in its economic journey.
He said, “We are the world’s youngest continent, endowed with vast natural resources, a growing consumer market, and a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.”Elumelu stated, “Yet, we also face persistent challenges — youth unemployment, infra- structure deficits, limited access to finance, climate devastation, and the lingering effects of global economic volatility.
“But amid these challenges lies an extraordinary opportu- nity: to build a new African economy driven by innovation, enterprise, and private sector leadership.”
He said the private sector remained the engine of trans-
House Orders Probe into Killer Chemicals in Frozen Foods Amid Alarming Cancer Risks, Public Outcry
Juliet Akoje in Abuja
The House of Representa- tives has mandated its Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, Committees on NAFDAC, Safety Standards and Agriculture to conduct an investigative hearing on the alleged use of harmful chemical as preservatives of frozen
foods and importation of frozen foods preserved with carcinogenic substances and report back to the House within four legislative weeks. The house has also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant agencies to appear before the
investigative Committee to provide valued information on their effort to curb the dangerous trend.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the need to investigate the alleged use of harmful chemicals as preservatives for frozen foods in Nigeria moved by Hon. Chike Oka- for at plenary on Wednesday.
formation as “No nation has achieved sustained prosperity without a vibrant private sector”.
The Heirs Holdings chair- man pointed out that across Africa, the private sector already contributed over 70 per cent of the continent’s GDP and over 80 per cent of total employment.
“But this is not just about numbers — it’s about influence and initiative,” he said, adding that the “private sector drives productivity, connects markets, mobilises investment, and builds resilience”.
completed next year.
Xiaotan said, “Stellar Company Limited is the biggest investment for our whole group in Nigeria. We are here to give an update to His Excellency that our project is going very smoothly.
“We have already finished all the levelling and foundation work, so everything is under schedule.
“The total investment for this project is $450 million, and we will finish the project and commence operations next year.”Xiaotan further disclosed that more companies from Fujian Province were being encouraged to invest in Ogun State due to the state’s rapidly growing economy.
In his remarks, Abiodun recalled that the state recently cemented a sister-state agreement with Shandong Province, which had opened doors for new partnerships and investments.
He pledged continued government support to ensure that investors enjoyed a seamless experience through streamlined
approval processes and efficient issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
The governor stated, “When the likes of you come here, it validates that we have done all that is needed to attract investors.
“Your presence translates to prosperity for our people because you create jobs and increase our Gross Domestic Product.”
Abiodun thanked the investors “for coming to validate that Ogun State remains the industrial capital of Nigeria. We will continue to provide the necessary support and incentives to ensure your smooth operation”.
He assured the company of his administration’s willingness to facilitate any waivers, tariffs, or reliefs through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to ease the setup process.
The establishment of Stellar Steel Company Limited further strengthens Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s leading destination for industrial and manufacturing investments.
War on Graft: BPP, Forensic Investigators Join Forces
In a deft move to up the ante on the war against corruption in the country, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN).
A statement by the procurement agency said the DG, BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, called on CIF-
CFIN, in the spirit of the agreement, to assist BPP in deepening investigations wherever necessary and to furnish the agency with appropriate information, adding that the agency will collaborate with “our partners in the investigation and prosecution sectors to ensure full enforcement of the law.
“This partnership is genuine and vital. Together, we will work to safeguard this nation from those who oppose its development in
all spheres of life.”
The DG said this has become necessary since the responsibilities of a seamless public procurement process rest with the respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which must act with integrity and diligence.
“However, we recognise human tendencies; that is why we rely on third parties such as CIFCFIN to investigate irregularities and take lawful, corrective action when necessary.”
Director,
Steel
Governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday
Bennett Oghifo
James Sowole in Abeokuta
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Anambra Tackles Insecurity Ahead of November, 2025 Guber Poll
David-Chyddy Eleke reports that eligible voters in some hitherto ungoverned communities in anambra state will heave a sigh of relief as they join others in the state to elect a governor on November 8, 2025.
Insecurity has for years been a big challenge to Anambra State. This is so much so that in past elections, the activities of separatists and other criminals elements have denied indigenes of many communities from participating in the election of their governors. This started in 2017 when the leadership of Indigenous people of Biafra declared ‘No Referendum, No Election’ in the state. At the time when former governor, Chief Willie Obiano was working for his reelection, it came as a rude shock when the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu announced that henceforth, no election would be allowed to hold in the South East, except the Federal Government announced a date for referendum.
Kanu made the announcement in June, 2017, shortly after he was released on bail under stringent conditions, which included that he must not be seen in any gathering of more than 10 persons. He was pictured in a short video addressing his supporters in his compound in Umuahia when he made the declaration. He said: “Elections will be boycotted in the South-east states starting with the Anambra State gubernatorial election scheduled for November 18 if the federal government fails to hold referendum for the realisation of the state of Biafra. If the federal government does not agree with us on a date for referendum, there will be no elections in the South-east, we are starting with Anambra come November this year (2017). There will be no governorship election in Anambra State.”
The announcement generated tension and fear among many in Anambra State. Considering the popularity of IPOB then, many obeyed the order, while some members of the group also moved out to enforce it, leading to a very abysmal turn out during the election.
Again in 2021, when Anambra held another governorship election, Kanu had already been renditioned from Kenya, and sent back to detention, leading to a declaration of Sit-athome by his members. Shortly before then, Kanu had also launched the Eastern Security Network ESN), radicalizing and arming youths
who after his arrest turned against the people, unleashing all manner of brutality on them. During the 2021 governorship election, voters’ apathy was high, as many refused to come out to vote, out of fear. Governorship candidates were unable to visit communities in Nnewi South and Ihiala to campaign for votes because of the activities of separatists. Some governorship candidates
were also attacked during campaigns. They include Prof. Chukwuma Soludo who was a candidate of APGA then, Hon Chris Azubogu, a member of the House of Representatives who was also a governorship aspirant and the candidate of Labour Party, Mr Obiorah Agbasimalo. Soludo was attacked while addressing youths of his community, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area, and three police officers attached to him were killed. Azubogu was attacked while his convoy was
moving from his town Nnewi to Awka. It happened at Nnobi road, and his personal driver was shot dead, and Azubogu’s personal car riddled with bullets, but he escaped. In the case of Agbasimalo, he was not so lucky as he was kidnapped along Lilu, Mbosi road while on his way to a political rally, and has not been seen since then. He is even suspected to have been killed. All these were said to be the handiwork of separatists elements, just as they openly warned that anyone found with any insignia related to Nigerian government or political campaign materials will lose their lives. They also threatened police officers to leave the state, while also burning down many police stations. These actions led to apathy during the election, while many communities for fear of attack also boycotted the election. Fast-forward to 2025, things seem to be different as Anambra is gradually recovering ungoverned spaces, while the fear of insecurity is also dying down gradually. Though in order not to be caught unaware, the security situation in the state has continued to dominate discussions.
Recently, stakeholders in Anambra State gathered to advocate for a violence free election as the November 8 governorship poll in the state draws close. This was during a three-day workshop organized by the Kukah Centre, the secretariat of National Peace Committee. The workshop was on Early Warning (EW) signals on violence and training of Early Response (ER) team.
The various stakeholders harped on the need to detect signals which if not responded to can trigger violence during the election. Participants at the workshop which included media, heads of religious bodies, security, communities, civil society organizations and others during discussions highlighted prevalent insecurity in some parts of the state, marshalling out ways early signs can be detected and curbed.
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
FG Disburses N32.9bn to States as Health Access Expands Nationwide
The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of N32.9 billion to all the 36 states in the federation and primary healthcare centres under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister of Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has announced the disbursement of N32.9 billion - the third round this year - to all states and primary healthcare centers under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
The funds, approved by the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) and guided by the newly launched BHCPF 2.0 Guidelines, are aimed at improving the quality of health services delivered to Nigerians by supporting facility operations, providing stipends for health workers, and expanding access to care.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 3rd Quarter MOC Meeting in Abuja, Pate emphasized that the new guidelines mark a major milestone in Nigeria’s health reform agenda under President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that a Joint Task Force, working closely with the ICPC, has been activated to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the funds at community levels.
The Minister commended state governors, commissioners for health, and development partners for their continued collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
by health insurance, with over 11,000 pregnant women receiving emergency medical treatment,
15,000 women accessing obstetric care, and half a million pregnant women covered for maternal services through the BHCPF.
He added that over 80 million visits were recorded at primary healthcare centers in the first two quarters of 2025 - a fourfold increase compared to 2023 - reflecting the growing public confidence in the system.
The Minister also announced that a Mini Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) will be commissioned to provide updated data in 2026, helping the government assess progress in maternal and child health outcomes.
Preliminary data already shows a 12% reduction in maternal mortality compared to 2023, signaling that reforms and investments are beginning to yield results.
Pate further noted significant gains from the ongoing integrated immunization campaign, which targets 106 million children aged 0–14 across Nigeria. The campaign, covering measles, rubella, polio, and neglected tropical diseases, has already achieved over 92% uptake in northern states, surpassing initial targets. He called on civil society and the media to continue supporting government efforts by informing Nigerians about available services and amplifying success stories across the health sector.
Nigerians are now covered
soludo
www.thisdaylive.com
FAREWELL, ]OY OGWU
KINGSLEY DIKE
pays tribute to Professor Ogwu, former Foreign Minister and Permanent Representative to the United Nations
'DON'T WISH IT WERE EASIER'In two years, the NEPZA chief executive has brought significant reforms to make the country’s free trade zones more competitive, contends MARTINS ODEH
opinion@thisdaylive.com
Nigerians may be hard-pressed but military takeover of power must be left out of their options, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE
COUPS AND RUMOURS OF COUPS
Dateline: April 22, 1990; Lagos, Nigeria. It was a Sunday. I left my house in Ojodu early in the morning for my church somewhere Off Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja. I decided to have a brief stopover at my friend’s residence in Ipodo. There, I joined a small crowd gathered around a transistor radio listening to the commanding voice of Major Gideon Orkar making his illfated coup announcement. Many aspects of that speech, particularly the summary dismemberment of the country that would have seen off states in the far north from the rest parts, instantly played up in my mind as harbingers of a doomed project.
The planners of that attempt at power change had probably convinced themselves that they were more Nigerian than the millions of their fellow compatriots they were seeking to excommunicate from the federation. They also most likely assumed that Nigerians, especially southerners and middle belters, had become sufficiently disenchanted with the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida that they would simply troop to the streets in celebration of their self-appointed saviours. I told whoever around me cared to listen - right in the midst of the tension and precariousness which had gripped the entire nation before the denouement - that the gamble would surely go up in smoke.
Orkar’s was indeed a broadcast like no other before it. The sheer arrogance, bravado, misjudgement, juvenilitywith some touch of silliness - displayed by the coup plotters made the officers and men who countered their action even more confident of victory from the start. The odds weighed heavily against the adventurists, both from within their own constituency and among the civilian population. There were many experienced military men at the time who had participated in and witnessed the incursion of soldiers into the nation’s political leadership right from that of Lt. Col. Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu’s gang in January 1966 which scuttled the First Republic. With such persons under Babangida’s command and the failure of the anticipated popular uprising, the putschists stood no chance. Posterity will portray them as examples of prosecutors and victims of high-stake opportunism which is a key underlying factor of military in politics.
Fast forward October 2025. Just when the people of Nigeria appear to have forgotten the idea of “khaki boys” shooting their way to the seat of government, it has sneaked back into national reckoning via an online news story. It didn’t seem like something to be wished away without some explanation. And the top military hierarchy did just that. Its statement in
part: “Democracy is forever. The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the federal government under the leadership of the Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
Expertly-crafted, restrained and bold like the noble profession of soldiering. Only that public communication isn’t always straightforward and easily acceptable to the target audience(s). Whole bodies of studies have been undertaken to fathom the impact of rumours on information dissemination. There is a consensus that when the subject matter is either juicy or sensitive, interested parties would do well not to expect miracles in its resolution. The wild energies of this internet-driven era have complicated what should ordinarily be an honest clarification from the country’s security architecture to a curious or apprehensive citizenry.
The news report that ignited the rumour mills had two major alibis for deeming the alleged threat to Tinubu’s office credible. One, the cancellation of some activities earlier lined up in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. Two, the arrest of some officers in connection with what was described by the authorities as professional misconduct. The first reason shouldn’t have been given much thought. After all, successive administrations have serially undermined the status of October 1 in the country’s political history by organising low-key celebrations, hiding behind various pretexts.
The logic employed by the military in its efforts to explain the shift of the Independence Day events hasn’t also helped the situation. It’s not convincing. So, is there any coverup? There shouldn’t be. The federal government and military should do whatever they can to calm the minds and hearts of the citizens. The people have suffered enough. Many of them have memories of uniformed personnel bulldozing their way onto the nation’s driver’s seat. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi who became head
of state after Nzeogwu’s murderous plot had his rule and life truncated that same year in July. General Yakubu Gowon’s time ended in 1975 in a bloodless move. General Murtala Mohammed, his successor, wasn’t that lucky as he was assassinated the following year. General Olusegun Obasanjo then took the baton and successfully midwifed the Second Republic in 1979.
Then, “I, Brigadier Sani Abacha of the Nigerian Army, on behalf of the Nigerian Armed forces…” put a nail to the coffin of democracy, yet again, in December 1983. Major General Muhammadu Buhari who assumed the number one position was in 1985 also swept out through another declaration, “I, Brigadier Joshua Dogonyaro of the Nigerian Army…” It was Babangida’s turn to lead. And, later in 1993, Abacha’s. But for death that overpowered him in 1998, he would have transmuted into a civilian president. General Abdulsalami Abubakar who then picked the mantle appeared glad to usher in the current Fourth Republic in 1999. Yes, it’s becoming apparent that Nigerians are stuck with the present crop of politicians, most of whom cannot swear with ‘akpabana’ ‘sango’, ‘orumila’, ‘sopona’, ‘otemute’, ‘tuluwe’ and ‘tonlo’ to demonstrate their willingness to serve the people creditably. Instead, they prefer to take their oaths of office with the Bible or Quran because the God declared by these books is merciful. They have substantially messed up the ideals of democratic governance, arguably the world’s best form of government at least in theory.
True, most people can’t tell with certainty where help would come from. Even then, without prejudice to the veracity of the coup allegation, soldiers should just stay in their barracks and cantonments. They should leave Nigerians alone to grapple with the sad legacies of the prolonged and intermittent militarisation of the political space. Any day they become truly fed up with being taken for granted by their leaders, they will seize the moment and take ownership of their beleaguered country and endangered destinies.
Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board
Kingsley Dike pays tribute to Professor Ogwu, former Foreign Minister and Permanent Representative to the United Nations
FAREWELL, JOY OGWU
There are very few people in this world whose chance encounter with you has such a transformative impact in your growth and development as a person. Professor Joy Ogwu, former Nigerian Foreign Minister and Permanent Representative to the United Nations who recently passed was one of them. I had met her at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos where I had gone to invite and solicit sponsorship from the then Director General of the Institute, Dr. George Obiozor of a planned symposium by the International Relations Students Association (IRSA) of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I was then the President of the student body. Dr. Obiozor was busy and could not see me and I decided to try my luck with other senior research fellows at the institute. I saw her name at the research department as Head of International Politics Division of the NIIA. I knocked on her door and behold she said come in. I immediately introduced myself as a student at the Department of International Relations at Ife. Before I could state my purpose of coming, she was already asking me about my professors and teachers at the department. How are Professor Amadu Sesay, Dr. Emeka Nwokedi, Reverend Fr. (Prof.) Dokun Oyeshola and Dr. Jide Owoeye? She said Dr. Owoeye was at the institute all last week for a conference the research department hosted on “The Economic Diplomacy of the Nigerian State”. She said “Jide presented a brilliant paper on Japan, your department is a very good place for any student intent on pursuing serious academic work in International Relations as you have some of the best minds in the discipline in Nigeria”. Then, she posed the question to me, I hope you are a good student because I will ask your teachers about you when next they come to the NIIA, or I visit Ife for PhD thesis defense as an external examiner.
When I eventually invited her as a speaker on our planned symposium as part of IRSA week program, she said our dates conflicts with her upcoming tenure as honorary visiting professor at the University of London Institute for Latin American Studies. However, she offered me a goldmine with address and contact information of almost all who is who in Nigerian Foreign Policy establishment that we can chose from to replace her. From that address book, I got the contact information of General Ike Nwachukwu, former Foreign Affairs minister during General Ibrahim Babangida administration whose office was luckily close to the Kofo Abayomi premises of the NIIA and he obliged us. But Professor Ogwu said something very profound to me, she said I should pursue the objective with single minded devotion as everyone was once a student and would gladly love to participate in any capacity that would develop the next generation of leaders. This gave an enormous boost to my morale and as she foresaw General Ike Nwachukwu,
General Joseph Garba. Former Commissioner for External Affairs under General Murtala Muhammed’s regime Ambassador Peter Onu, former Organization of African Unity (OAU) Secretary-General and Ambassador Adebayo Adedeji, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) agreed to be part of our student program at Ife. However, because of resource limitations we were only able to bring General Ike Nwachukwu as Special Guest for our student departmental association week. Professor Ogwu’s enormous faith in me came full circle when later I was posted to the NIIA for my one-year National Youth Service (NYSC), and she saw me again for the first time after our last encounter. I was assigned as a youth corps member in the protocol department, but she immediately ordered that I should be transferred to the research department as her research assistant. I remember this encounter vividly, it was on a Friday and once they transferred me to the research department, she personally went round the offices of her colleagues to introduce me as their new intern and research assistant. But that was not all, as the day was rounding up, she brought out five books that I should read and do a five-page review of each book ready by Monday. That, as all subsequent tasks were too much for a youth corper who thought of the service year as a period for fun and youthful excitement. When on Monday, I submitted the five- page review of the five books, after going over them, she was impressed and used the opportunity to set out a template of how I will spend my time at the institute. She said she wants me to be good at writing policy briefs and academic papers. And that the best way to achieve those goals is extensive reading and practice. That I should get used to doing book reviews most weekends and master the act of meeting deadlines. And throughout the service year, I was preoccupied with reading different titles on different areas particularly her specialty on International Politics, Nigerian Foreign Policy, International Organizations and South-South Cooperation, etc. But more importantly, she introduced me to writing policy briefs.
Dike is former Foreign Affairs Reporter with The Guardian Newspapers and retired Intelligence Analyst with the United States Army. He was Professor Joy Ogwu’s Research Assistant during his compulsory NYSC at the NIIA, Lagos.
In two years, the NEPZA chief executive has brought significant reforms to make the country’s free trade zones more competitive, contends MARTINS ODEH
'DON'T WISH IT WERE EASIER'
Numerous empirical reviews have consistently confirmed the accuracy with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recruits experts for key positions in his administration. This remarkable ability to reason and anticipate the best has been ingrained in the president's personality since 1999, becoming evident during his tenure as Executive Governor of Lagos State. Unsurprisingly, the president identified the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) as a key driver of the economy, expecting that only flawless leadership will interpret the mandate more clearly and with a focus on results. This left him searching for that rare individual who could deliver on the job, with the dice falling on Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, a distinguished Medical Consultant with specialised expertise in anaesthesiology holding licenses in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, respectively. Beyond the world of medicine, the President clearly appreciated Ogunyemi's unwavering dedication to excellence in Global Diplomacy, Business, and Political Economy, as evidenced by the certifications he earned from the University of London, the London School of Economics, and Harvard. On October 17, 2023, NEPZA management, the workforce, and industry stakeholders celebrated enthusiastically as they welcomed Dr. Ogunyemi, who was appointed to succeed Prof. Adesoji Adesugba as the Managing Director/CEO of the Authority. The new sheriff’s opening address about being selected to interpret the president’s policy that would positively impact the Special Economic Zones Scheme was emphatic, resounding, and reassuring. He based his reforms on three key areas: Revitalising non-performing Free Trade Zones, Digitizing NEPZA activities, and Listing Free Trade Zones on the Nigeria Stock Exchange. These steps would lead to economic growth, faster job creation, and industrialisation of the country. The culmination of his open-door policy, the Nigeria First mantra, corporate governance culture, transaction leadership style, and focus on staff welfare—along with his key reform strategies—has helped keep the Authority attentive to its responsibilities in supporting the president's efforts to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification and development. In two years, the NEPZA leader has worked to build a global brand through various initiatives, including endorsing affiliate organizations like the World Free Zone Organisation (WFZO), Africa Economic Zones Organisation (AEZO), and the Nigeria Economic Zones Association (NEZA) as the key agents to help catalyse the transformation of the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). For example, on October 9, 2024, he made an unexpected breakthrough into the political leadership of the World Free Zone Organisation (WFZO) when
he was elected to the organization’s Board. He was shown broad support as African participants, along with their counterparts from Europe and Latin America, cast bloc votes that helped secure his victory in the Dubai election. In his victory speech, he said, ``The World Free Zone Organisation remains a central hub for Foreign Direct Investment opportunities; therefore, Nigeria and Africa will leverage this position to develop better strategies for attracting FDIs to the continent.'' This is the aura that consistently surrounds Dr. Ogunyemi, a fitting figure dedicated to refining the Authority and the SEZs scheme to make them more appealing and responsive. The Authority undoubtedly remains a key driver of the government’s efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy. With attractive investment packages and a focus on sectors that promote economic growth, NEPZA, through the free trade zones, offers investment opportunities across a broader economic spectrum for export. Currently, the scheme highlights three main investment sectors: manufacturing (45 percent), services (30 percent), and oil and gas (11 percent) of active investments. The scheme now includes 63 Free Trade Zones, which are home to over 700 businesses with a combined value of $35 billion. The Authority collects 20 types of revenue, including $500,000 in declaration fees, $60,000 annually for Operation License (OPL), and registration fees ranging from $300 to $500, all in accordance with existing regulations on IGR. There are also examination and documentation fees of $100 to $300 for each transaction, which occur daily. To eliminate discretion in revenue collection, the new management led by Ogunyemi has quickly formalised the digitisation of the collection process, which is currently in a test run. Dr. Ogunyemi’s consistent and prudent resource management has been repeatedly echoed in several meetings, including his interface with the leadership of the House Committee on Public Accounts, when both institutions agreed to ensure prompt and maximum remittances of duties from the free trade zones to the government coffers.
Dr.Odeh is the Head of Corporate Communications at NEPZA
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE MINING TRAGEDY IN ZAMFARA
The authorities could do more to ensure safety in the mines
In what is becoming recurring tragedies, dozens of illegal gold miners were recently buried alive at Kadauri in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The mining pit collapsed after several hours of torrential rains while the victims were working underground. A local resident involved in the rescue efforts said not less than 13 bodies were retrieved from the rubble while 15 were rescued, some with varying degrees of injuries. Like previous such incidents, many would have survived if there was a timely and efficient emergency response system. Indeed, some rescuers reportedly suffocated to death while trying to dig out victims.
Despite the dangers inherent in illegal mining, there is still a prevalence of the business across the country, particularly in the north. In the last one year, so many mining pits had collapsed, trapping and killing hundreds of people, who are driven mainly by hunger and poverty. In June last year, a mining pit in Galkogo Community, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, collapsed, burying dozens of people whose bodies were never recovered. But the epicentre of this tragedy is in Zamfara State where repeated scenes of funeral due to illegal mining activities have not persuaded the workers to give up the dangerous business. When no fewer than nine people were recently buried beneath the earth due to a mine pit collapse, there would have been no trace of them but for the fact that there was a lone survivor who was partly buried and had to be subsequently rescued.
pressed fear that many more mining pits could collapse due to the excessive rainfall currently being experienced in the state. An added concern is often the nexus between unregulated mining, banditry and other criminal activity, such as kidnappings for ransom and community unrest. Besides, as has been confirmed in Zamfara, some of the illicit revenues from the business rival state budgets.
There is need for government to emphasize safety standards to prevent future and avoidable tragedies
T H I S D AY
EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU
DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE
MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO
DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU
CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI
EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN
THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE
T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
Beyond the issue of the cost to the environment, the country is losing money to the tunes of billions on annual basis. The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on illegal mining recently estimated the cost lost to unregulated mining operations at $9 billion yearly. That’s a lot of money to a sickly economy. But while artisanal mining makes up about 80 per cent of all mining activities, the sector is not properly defined, despite the efforts of the current government to standardise the procedure and terms of artisanal mining. “There is a lot of confusion in the industry about what is illegal mining, unregulated mining and informal mining. Those are terms that have come up overtime and it is really about what level of responsibility the government is willing to take for itself,” said Global Rights executive director, Abiodun Baiyewu.
Zamfara is undoubtedly the headquarters of Illegal mining in the country, where armed gangs often control gold fields, fuelling violence and deadly accidents. According to the government spokesman, Mustapha Kaura, there are about 20,000 illegal miners from within and outside of the country who had taken over the mining sites in the state. Kaura ex-
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Letters to the Editor
However, we must also acknowledge some of the reforms initiated by the current administration. These include improving mobility for field officers and organising artisanal miners into cooperatives. The challenge of the moment is how to sustain these efforts and improve on them to significantly reduce the incidents of illegal mining in the country. There should also be more attention on how to properly organise the sector to attract local and foreign investors. And more importantly, there is need for government to emphasize safety standards to prevent future and avoidable tragedies. There should be a coordinated emergency response system that is reliable and efficient.
YET ANOTHER AVOIDABLE DISASTER
Tragedy struck again along the Bida–Lapai route, after Badegi, as an inferno claimed the lives of 35 persons and left 46 others severely injured in yet another avoidable disaster. The victims were caught in a deadly explosion while scooping fuel from a crashed tanker laden with petrol.
The ill-fated tanker had overturned earlier in the day, spilling its highly flammable content across the road. Despite repeated warnings from authorities, scores of residents and passersby rushed to the scene with containers to collect the leaking fuel. Moments later, a spark, believed to have originated from a nearby motorcycle ignited a massive explosion that engulfed the area in flames.
This tragedy adds to a long list of similar incidents that have continued to plague the nation, despite consistent warnings from government agencies including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA). These agencies have time and again
cautioned citizens to stay clear of fallen tankers and avoid the dangerous act of scooping fuel, yet the warnings seem to fall on deaf ears.
Earlier this year, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, reiterated the dangers of such actions, lamenting that petroleum tanker explosions remain a leading cause of fatalities on Nigerian roads. Statistics show that hundreds of lives have been lost in recent years due to similar tanker-related incidents, deaths that could easily have been prevented.
But beyond public negligence, experts say the root causes of these disasters run deeper. Poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate truck maintenance have all contributed to the frequent tanker crashes. In many cases, brake failures and driver fatigue have been identified as the immediate causes of these accidents.
Another worrying factor is the lack of compliance with
safety regulations. The FRSC had previously directed all petroleum tankers to install safety valves, a mechanism designed to prevent fuel spillage in the event of a crash. Sadly, only a fraction of operators have adhered to this directive, leaving the roads littered with potential fire hazards.
The FRSC needs to intensify enforcement in collaboration with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union, ensuring that no tanker lifts products without proper safety mechanisms installed. In addition, there are renewed calls on the federal government to invest in road rehabilitation, strict regulation, and public enlightenment to stem the tide of these preventable tragedies. Ultimately, Nigerians must learn from history and embrace a culture of safety and responsibility. The urge to profit from spilled fuel should never outweigh the value of human life.
Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Abuja
FEaturEs
Bridging Nigeria’s Power Gap: How Eunisell Interlinked Plc Delivers Reliable Engineering Solutions for Industrial, Energy Sectors
Nigeria’s power sector has the capacity to do more, but systemic gaps in infrastructure and delivery mean industries can’t wait for the grid to catch up, which is why companies like Eunisell Interlinked Plc are providing the engineered solutions that keep factories, hospitals, and critical infrastructure running. With expertise in design, installation, and maintenance, the company is helping businesses bridge the power gap with reliable, efficient, and sustainable systems. Uzoma Mba reports
Electricity is the lifeblood of any modern economy, powering industries, enabling commerce, and driving innovation. In Nigeria, this vital resource remains one of the country’s most persistent challenges. Despite decades of investment and an installed generation capacity that looks impressive on paper, the national grid consistently underdelivers — unable to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population and an ambitious industrial base.
The consequences are felt across every sector. Manufacturing plants run below capacity or halt production entirely when power cuts strike. Hospitals switch to costly diesel generators to keep critical equipment running. Data centres, banks, and telecoms companies must build redundant systems just to guarantee uptime. For many operators, the rising cost of self-generated power , both financially and environmentally, is becoming unsustainable.
Amid this reality, forward-thinking companies are searching for practical, reliable, and costeffective solutions that bypass the uncertainty of the grid. They need partners who understand not only the technical demands of industrialscale power, but also the unique complexities of Nigeria’s operating environment.
Eunisell Interlinked Plc has emerged as one of those partners. By combining engineering expertise with a deep understanding of local conditions, the company delivers tailored solutions that keep businesses running, whether the grid is stable or not. From system design and installation to maintenance and optimisation, Eunisell Interlinked Plc is helping industries bridge Nigeria’s power gap with solutions built for resilience, efficiency, and long-term value.
The Power Paradox
Nigeria is a nation of potential, abundant natural resources, a young workforce, and a strategic position in Africa’s economic landscape. Yet, for decades, the country’s promise has been undermined by a persistent challenge: unreliable power. In practice, the national grid rarely delivers its maximum capacity to homes, offices, and factories.
The reasons are layered and complex. Ageing transmission lines snake across the country, many of them unable to handle today’s loads. Distribution infrastructure creaks under the weight of demand it was never designed for. Acts of vandalism, energy theft, and a market plagued by liquidity shortfalls add further strain. For many Nigerians, power interruptions have become so routine they are simply factored into daily life.
In the industrial sector, however, this “new normal” has a very different cost. Production lines halt mid-shift, data centres race to switch to diesel generators, and manufacturing schedules are dictated not by market demand but by the erratic pulse of the grid. Surveys and market analyses routinely place unreliable electricity among the top barriers to doing business in Nigeria.
Where Challenge Meets Opportunity
For most large-scale industrial and energysector operators, downtime is more than an inconvenience, it is a direct assault on profitability. In a climate where every hour of production matters, waiting for systemic reform is not an option. The gap between potential and reality needs to be bridged, not
with promises of future stability, but with tangible, engineered solutions available today.
This is where Eunisell Interlinked Plc stands apart. The company has built a reputation for delivering power engineering solutions that are grounded in practicality and tailored to Nigeria’s unique operating conditions. Its service portfolio, spanning design, installation, maintenance, and optimisation, is designed not for ideal scenarios but for the realities industries face on the ground.
Designing for Reality, Not Just Theory
In the world of power systems, the best designs are those that anticipate both the ideal and the inevitable. Many interventions falter because they are conceived in isolation, with limited understanding of the environment they must operate in. Eunisell Interlinked Plc takes a different path, beginning every engagement with a meticulous, multidisciplinary assessment of the client’s needs and the constraints of their site.
From load profiling to contingency modelling, every variable is considered. Power-quality analyses are carried out to guard sensitive industrial equipment against damaging fluctuations. The integration points with the national grid are studied in detail, ensuring systems can operate seamlessly whether connected to utility supply or functioning in isolation. The outcome is not just a drawing on paper, but a plan for a
resilient, future-ready system.
Building with Precision and Accountability
A sound design is only as good as its execution. Across Nigeria, too many well-intentioned projects fail because of poor workmanship or substandard materials. Eunisell Interlinked Plc has addressed this problem head-on by building a supply chain that ensures only accredited, high-quality components make their way to site. From cables and terminations to switchgear and protective systems, every part is vetted for durability and performance. Installation is handled by trained technicians who work to international safety and performance standards. Rigorous commissioning protocols ensure that every system is tested under real-world conditions before handover.
In a sector where the gap between “installed” and “operational” can be wide, this commitment to precision is a quiet but powerful differentiator.
Preventing Failures Before They Happen
For many operators, maintenance has traditionally meant reacting to problems once they appear — a costly, disruptive cycle that often shortens asset lifespan. Eunisell Interlinked Plcflips that model by making predictive and condition-based maintenance the norm rather than the exception.
Nigeria’s power challenges are deep-rooted, but they are not insurmountable. For industries that must deliver on time, every time, the difference between vulnerability and resilience often comes down to the right engineering partner. Eunisell Interlinked Plc has made it its mission to be that partner, turning instability into manageable risk and delivering the power reliability that keeps the wheels of industry turning
Using tools like infrared thermography, transformer oil analysis, and vibration monitoring, potential failures are detected long before they can trigger an outage. These proactive measures don’t just prevent downtime; they extend the life of expensive assets, reduce safety risks, and cut overall maintenance costs.
Optimising for Efficiency and Resilience
Reliability is the first priority, but efficiency runs a close second. Many industrial sites operate with power factors well below optimal, or with generation and consumption that are poorly matched. The result is wasted energy, inflated fuel bills, and higher emissions. Eunisell Interlinked Plc addresses this through comprehensive energy audits and tailored optimization strategies. These range from power-factor correction and fuel management systems to advanced microgrid controls that manage multiple power sources. In a hybrid power setup, where grid, generator, and renewable sources coexist, these controls ensure smooth transitions, minimal losses, and a stable supply to critical processes.
Embracing the Hybrid Future
In the face of an unstable grid, the future of industrial power in Nigeria lies in hybrid systems. These blend grid power with on-site generation, often diesel or gas, and, increasingly, renewable sources like solar, backed by battery storage. The flexibility of such systems allows businesses to operate efficiently even when grid supply is unreliable.
Eunisell Interlinked Plc breadth of expertise, from electrical product supply to systems integration and field service, makes it a natural partner for these complex projects. The company’s hybrid systems are built with scalability in mind, allowing clients to add new energy sources or storage capacity as needs evolve.
Delivering Tangible Results
For clients, the benefits of working with Eunisell Interlinked Plc are measurable and immediate. They report fewer unplanned outages, shorter recovery times, lower generator fuel consumption, and significantly improved power quality. Over time, these gains translate into longer equipment lifespans, lower operational costs, and a stronger competitive position.
Just as importantly, Eunisell structures its engagements around clear performance metrics from the outset. Availability targets, powerquality thresholds, and response times are defined and tracked, creating accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
From Outages to Outcomes
Nigeria’s power challenges are deep-rooted, but they are not insurmountable. For industries that must deliver on time, every time, the difference between vulnerability and resilience often comes down to the right engineering partner. Eunisell Interlinked Plc has made it its mission to be that partner, turning instability into manageable risk and delivering the power reliability that keeps the wheels of industry turning.
As the nation works toward systemic reform, companies like Eunisell Interlinked Plc will continue to provide the bridge between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. In an economy where uninterrupted power is both a necessity and a competitive advantage, that bridge is not just useful — it is essential.
Chika Ikenga, Chairman, Eunisell Interlinked Plc
ProPerty & environment
Property Tax Underutilised Source of IGR in Nigeria, Says UNILAG Don
Oghifo
Property tax remains one of the most underutilised sources of internally generated revenue in many parts of Nigeria, including Lagos.
The Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos
Professor Adenuga Olumide stated this at a special session of the 2025 International Week, which was held at the University of Lagos, recently. The theme was: “Digital Innovation and Property Tax in Lagos.”
He said, “In a rapidly urbanising city like Lagos, the challenge of sustainably managing land, property, and infrastructure is immense. Yet, within this complexity lies an unprecedented opportunity — an opportunity to leverage digital innovation to make governance smarter, tax systems more transparent, and public service delivery more effective.”
The story, he said, “is beginning to change — thanks to the advent of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital land registries, remote sensing technologies, and Aldriven data analytics. These tools are revolutionizing how properties are identified, valued,
and taxed.
“But innovation is not just about technology — it’s also about policy, people, and purpose. It’s about ensuring that systems are inclusive, equitable, and transparent. It’s about training a new generation of professionals — like the brilliant minds we nurture here at the University of Lagos — to build and manage these systems with integrity and insight.
“This forum today presents an incredible opportunity for us to learn from leading experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. We will examine case studies, debate policy frameworks, and explore collaborative pathways toward a more digitized, efficient, and fair Property tax regime in Lagos one that supports sustainable development and enhances urban resilience. Let me also commend the organizers of this International Week for choosing » theme that is not only intellectually stimulating but also directly relevant to the development challenges we face as a megacity and as a nation. As we proceed with today’s sessions, I encourage us all to engage with open minds, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to progress, Let this not be just a conversation but the
beginning of meaningful action, policy reform, and Innovative partnerships, Once again, | warmly welcome you all and wish us a most fruitful and impactful programme.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatal, said, “We must note that the increased pull to Lagos bring new challenges: greater housing demand, infrastructure pressure, informal developments, and the perennial need for sustainable revenue to support our growth. This is where property tax, and indeed, innovation — become critical tools for urban governance.
“For too long, property taxation in many developing cities has been hampered by manual systems, incomplete records, and limited coverage. Many properties remain unidentified, undervalued, or untaxed, resulting in significant revenue losses that could have been channelled toward public housing, urban regeneration, and infrastructure provision.
“In Lagos, we recognize that to manage a megacity efficiently, data must replace guesswork, and digital tools must power decision-making. Our administration, under the leadership of Governor
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has therefore embarked on an ambitious journey to digitize property information and integrate technology into urban management.
“One of our landmark initiatives is the Digital House Numbering and Addressing System — a transformative effort to assign every property in
Lagos a unique digital identity.
“Each property is tagged with a QR-coded address plate, linked to a central database containing information on ownership, land use, and valuation. This innovation enhances the ease of locating properties, facilitates efficient service delivery, and forms the backbone for accurate property taxation.
“The system is being piloted in select areas, and the results are encouraging: improved property visibility, better data integration, and enhanced civic engagement. Once fully deployed, this initiative will revolutionize how we administer land, collect taxes, and plan our communities.
Redefining Productivity, Regus Launches New Workspace
Emmanuel Olorunda-Otaru
Regus has launched another workspace in partnership with Number One Lagos in the heart of Victoria Island, with over 1,300 Sqm of office space on the sixth floor, recently.
The International Workplace
Group (IWG) Country Manager, Mr. Ayo Akinmade, in his opening remarks, said, “This is the number one Regus location in Nigeria, apart from Lagos. This is the newest addition to our portfolios, a fantastic space we are in”. According to the IWG
Country Manager, “We want to create an environment where people think that they are at home, and create a conducive environment”.
He hinted that as the demand for conducive and decent workplaces is increasing they are equality running to
meet such demands.
In his remarks, Hanna Frangieh, representing the Partner, Number One Lagos, said, “At Number One Lagos, collaboration has always been at the heart of what we do.
Today, we are proud to launch the state-of-the-art
workspace in partnership with IWG–Regus”.
Adding, “This space is more than walls and furniture; it’s a creative ground where innovations, entrepreneur, and professionals can build, connect, and thrive. Together, we are welcoming businesses and companies of all sizes to a smarter way of working”.
The IWG ND Property Director, Oyebimpe Oyedeji, while projecting ahead, said, “At the start of this year, we have 10 locations In Nigeria, and by the end of the year, will we have 22 locations.”
Long Journey to Retrieving a Historic Building Collapse Date
Kunle Awobodu
Blurting out ‘Eureka’ in the afternoon of Wednesday, October 8, 2025, indicated how excited I became on receiving a call informing me of a discovery. The elusive or forgotten date of what was considered the earliest fatal building collapse in Nigeria had just been retrieved in an archive after several months of search and investigation. What a day! A remarkable day indeed.
Historical information revealed that a four-storey building under construction on Ajibade Street, Oremeji (Coca Cola area) in Ibadan collapsed, leading to the death of over 20 workers. The Western State Fire Service, Nigerian Army, and the police were involved in the rescue operation.
A coroner’s Inquest was set up, and an official investigation to determine the cause(s) of the collapse was conducted. After many years, information about this calamitous collapse became scanty. The exact date of the collapse became unknown. The date and location were confused with other two collapsed buildings in Ibadan. The clarifications are important for research work on building
collapse and its prevention.
The compilation of records of collapsed buildings by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) over the years has not been an easy task. It requires continual search for information, verification of same, and updating of records.
The network that has been created across the country, among built environment professionals, has promoted a synergy that enables us to find out information about past collapsed buildings.
Establishing the probable causes of collapsed buildings helps determine preventive measures against recurrence. Recently, in a search for more information about the collapsed hall of St. Thomas Anglican Church, Arakale Street, Akure, the 81- year old Bldr. Olusola Olowoshile, who is a past Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building Ondo State Chapter, volunteered to help retrieve the information from the church. The church building actually collapsed while it was being constructed, and he paid a personal visit to the site almost immediately it collapsed. Then, he studied the causes of the collapse.
A few days later, the chairman was able to contact the contractor, who responded, providing the information that the building collapsed on Wednesday, September 30, 1998.
In a verification search to Gani Fawehinmi Library in Ikeja, an old publication of Daily Times confirmed the authenticity of the date. Eight persons, including a three - month- old baby, died while 27 persons sustained injuries.
Now, here comes the mind - boggling question: Did the four-storey building on Ajibade Street, Oremeji, Ibadan collapse in October, 1974 as being speculated on the internet?
After some search by BCPG, it was discovered that the building that collapsed on Thursday, October 30, 1974, was a house with an upper floor (i. e. a 2-storey building).
The building, located at Agbeni, Ibadan, collapsed on a mud house, causing the death of a male teenager named Mukaila Orimidara.
The Pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building Oyo State Chapter, Bldr. Samuel Oyeleke Oyedokun, who is also 81- year old, paid a visit to the site of the collapsed four-storey
building then. That was before he gained admission into the higher institution of learning to study civil engineering and building. However, he could no longer recollect the date or year of the collapse.
He thought of seeking the information from Engr. Azeez Oladejo, who designed the building and was exonerated by the Commission of Enquiry since he was not involved in the supervision.
Unfortunately, the engineer, we later learnt, died not too long ago. In view of this, the chairman gave me the description of the collapsed building location.
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, I set out early from Lagos, heading to Ibadan. I located the site of the collapsed building on Ajibade Street, Oremeji (Coca Cola area) of Ibadan. I stepped cautiously into Alhaji Ajibade’s compound. I was welcomed by an eerie atmosphere induced by a barking dog.
A magnificent mosque now occupied the collapsed building land. On the adjourning land stood the twin structure of the collapsed four-storey building. A woman came out from the four- storey building.
My involvement in investigations of collapsed buildings over the years had prepared me for the unfriendly attitude of this woman when, after exchanging pleasantries, I informed her of my mission.
As a tenant, she became scared of my strange mission. It seemed residents in the neighbourhood were oblivious to the collapsed building. Sadly, the landlord, a few years ago, had proceeded to the great beyond.
The woman blatantly rejected my request for the contact of any of the landlord’s children. To her, such favour would be tantamount to reminding the family bad memories.
The implication of succumbing to this sentiment was that researchers on building collapse would be deprived of authentic data. The BCPG records of building collapse in Nigeria have gone global. Hence, one could not afford to give up on this important assignment. Retreat, a defeatist approach should not be an option; in this instance, it was not an option, too.
Consequently, an idea occurred to me. I pleaded with the woman to direct me to any old inhabitant of the area. She
racked her brains and made mention of an alhaji, pointing to the direction of his house. That settled it!
Some metres away from Alhaji Ajibade’s compound, one could see Ajibade Street abutting the fence of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Bodija.
The proximity of the collapsed Ajibade building to this estate that was formerly known as Western Nigeria Housing Corporation might have confused certain writers after a building in that estate collapsed on Wednesday, May 11, 1977. This building that was described as a two - storey collapsed while undergoing construction, killing one person and injuring two workers. I made enquiries from two persons while directing my driver to the house of the 89- year old retired draughtsman named Ganiyu Oladosu Akanni. He was mostly known here as Alhaji.
-Builder Kunle Awobodu, Pioneer National President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild & Past National President, Nigerian Institute of Building
Bennett
L-R: Chief Executive Officer of African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), Prof. Diana Mitlin; Tim Kelsoll of the ACRC, University of Manchester and Founding Director of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, Prof. Timothy Nubi during this year’s international week on Digital Innovation and Property Tax in Lagos, organised by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos... recently
To Ensure Balanced Development, FG Begins Procurement for Modernisation of Ports Outside Lagos
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday in Lagos disclosed that the federal government has commenced the procurement process for the modernisation of seaports outside Lagos, as part of efforts to ensure balanced development
across the nation’s maritime gateways.
Oyetola stated this while speaking at the 2025 Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference, themed, “Enhancing Logistics and Transport for a Sustainable Blue Economy in Nigeria,.”
Represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Oyetola said the ongoing port modernisation drive is aimed at upgrading infrastructure, improving cargo handling efficiency, and expanding capacity to meet global standards.
According to him, “We are working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technologydriven port environment
that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption.
“As part of this commitment, the Federal Government has approved a one billion US dollar modernisation project for the Lagos ports — a landmark initiative designed to upgrade infrastructure, improve cargo handling, and expand capacity to meet
global standards. In addition, the procurement process has commenced for similar modernisation projects at ports outside Lagos, to ensure balanced development across our maritime gateways.”
Oyetola explained that the initiatives reflect the administration’s determination to boost logistics performance and competitiveness within
the marine and transport sectors, positioning Nigeria as a preferred hub for maritime trade and investment.
He further noted that through strategic interventions such as the Deep Blue Project, Nigeria has sustained a record of zero piracy incidents in the past three years.
ENHANCING BLUE ECONOMY IN NIGERIA…
R-L: Representative of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT), Mrs Mfon Usoro and Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, during the 2025 CILT Nigeria National Conference and Annual General Meeting held in Lagos… yesterday
Emma Okonji
The latest report on internet subscribers’ data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has revealed the total number of internet subscribers in Nigeria, reached 140 million as at August 2025, up from
138 million recorded in July 2025.
According to the report, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of NCC, broadband penetration also reached 48.8 per cent as at August 2025, up from 48 per cent recorded in July 2025, a development that is still far
from Nigeria’s broadband target of 70 per cent by December 2025.
The report showed that mobile internet subscribers (Mobile GSM), continued to lead the number of internet subscribers in Nigeria, followed by subscribers that access the internet through wired/wireless
services provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and subscribers that access the internet through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The least internet subscribers are those that access the internet via the fixed wired services.
Mobile internet subscribers, the report
said, reached 139 million as at August 2025, while the ISP wired/wireless internet subscribers reached 289,369, and VoIP internet subscribers reached 220,054, with the fixed wired internet subscribers coming behind them with only 29,490 within the same period.
“As at July 2025, the
total number of mobile internet subscribers was 138 million; ISP wired/ wireless subscriber number was 289,369; VoIP internet subscriber number was 210,456; and fixed wired subscriber number was 29,489.
Eromosele Abiodun
Senate, BPP, NITDA Push for .ng Adoption to Promote Nigeria’s Digital Identity
Stories by Emma Okonji
The Nigerian Senate, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) have joined a broad coalition of stakeholders to call for the prompt implementation of .ng domain adoption to promote and solidify Nigeria’s digital identity.
The collective call was the central theme of the Tech Convergence 2.0 event, organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) in Abuja, where policymakers, government officials, and industry leaders converged to deliberate on Nigeria’s digital future.
NiRA has been advocating for increased awareness and adoption of .ng domain name, which is Nigeria’s
identity in cyberspace, but the adoption rate has been slow.
At the heart of the Tech Convergence 2.0 discussions was the fundamental concept that a nation’s digital identity is an extension of its national identity. The event focused on the Nigeria First Online agenda, urging for digital patriotism by leveraging the .ng domain and the Domain Name System (DNS) industry to drive the development of the Nigerian internet ecosystem.
While the .ng ccTLD already ranks second in Africa, stakeholders stressed that the national drive to patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ products and services, as espoused by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy, must now aggressively extend to the digital space. Owning Nigeria’s digital identity through .ng is
ITSSP to Discuss Implications of New Cybercrime Act, Policies
Following the enactment of Cybercrime Act 2015, and its amendment in 2024 to strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks, the Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP), a technology security group of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), is set to discuss some of the implications of the revised Cybercrime Act, as they relate to human rights and safety.
ITSSP will be discussing the implications and proffer solutions at it its next conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), coming up November 6th 2025 in Lagos, themed: ‘Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity: Insights on the New Cybercrime Act and Policy Challenges’.
Speaking at a recent press conference in Lagos, the President of ITSSP, Mr. Iyiola Ayoola, stressed the
need to navigate, review and x-ray the existing cybercrime law and related policies, following the rapid evolution of technology, increased sophistication of cybercriminals, and emerging data privacy concerns.
According to him, although the revised Cybercrime Act and updated National Cybersecurity Policy reflect the government’s renewed commitment to protecting individuals, businesses, and national interests in the digital era, it has far-reaching implications for human rights that must be addressed.
“In today’s interconnected world, the safety of our cyberspace is as vital as the safety of our borders.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation journey, our dependence on digital infrastructure, data, and online services grows daily,” Ayoola said.
seen as both an act of sovereignty and strategic necessity in an era where governance, business, and innovation are increasingly digital-first.
At the event, the Senate,
government agencies and industry leaders strongly backed the call for increased .ng domain adoption, emphasising the critical role of government in leading the charge.
Representing the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Diket Plang underscored the vital role of government in shaping digital policy. “We now live in a digital world, and we must
also take ownership of our presence online, and for us, the true mark of that ownership is through the .ng domain,” he stated, highlighting what digital identity ownership means for all Nigerians.
NOSDRA Relaunches Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has relaunched an updated Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map.
NOSDRA relaunched the ESI Map at an event in Abuja during which it also unveiled the agency’s compendium of achievements.
Delivering the keynote
address, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, who commended NOSDRA’s giant strides under its present leadership, described the relaunch of ESI Map as a clear reflection of President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding the environment, promoting institutional accountability,
and advancing sustainable development in line with federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abbas-Lawal noted that the Compendium of Achievements and updated ESI Map provide a transparent record of NOSDRA’s performance and underscore the Federal Government’s drive toward evidence-based
environmental governance and data-driven decision-making.
Highlighting key milestones, he revealed that NOSDRA conducted 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 recorded spills, and issued 660 Closeout Certificates for major clean-up projects including Bodo and HYPREP.
WACOT Secures €1.26M DEG Impulse Grant to Empower 3,500 Farmers
WACOT Limited, a member of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has secured funding support of around €1.26 million (N2.25 billion) by DEG Impulse through the develoPPP funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
WACOT in a statement said it will match this funding with a counterpart of about €1,26 million to support a three-year project
aimed at empowering 3,500 smallholder sesame farmers to adopt organic and climate-resilient sesame farming in Jigawa and Kebbi States.
“The initiative builds on the success of WACOT’s 2020 organic sesame pilot, which more than doubled average national yields and achieved international ECOCERT certification. The new project will scale this proven model, providing farmers with training, organic inputs, agroforestry, weather
KCHAQUA Consortium Meets
A delegation from KCHAqua Consortium, a leading indigenous construction, infrastructure, and property development firm, paid a courtesy visit to the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Mr. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, at the council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Chief Executive Officer of KCHAqua Consortium,
alert systems, and financial inclusion support. A key component is WACOT’s commitment to a 100 per cent offtake agreement, ensuring farmers receive premium prices for their certified organic harvest.
“This grant is a powerful validation of our commitment to sustainable agriculture and the smallholder farmers who are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By scaling our successful organic sesame model, we are not only securing a high-quality,
With PCN
Mr. Chris Ukah, expressed the company’s excitement to discuss the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) project in Abia State with the PCN Registrar to ensure that the project meets all the necessary regulatory requirements and standards.
Ukah explained that his team was on a courtesy visit to the PCN Registrar to notify the council that KCHAqua
traceable supply chain for our processing operations but, more importantly, we are directly improving the livelihoods of thousands of farming families. This project will double farmer incomes, enhance climate resilience, and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings. It is a true testament to TGI Group’s core philosophy of ‘earning the goodwill of the people’,” said Managing Director of WACOT Limited, Naveen Chaurasia.
Registrar to Discuss CWC Project
Investment Limited has received approval in principle from Abia State Government to develop a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Aba and present essential documents for regulatory guidance and approval.
Ukah noted that Aba is a significant hub for medicine distribution in Nigeria, serving eight states in the South-south
and South-eastern parts of the country and they include Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa, and neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome with a combined population of 31 million necessitating an expansive space to avoid squeezing the CWC out of modern fashion.
W ITH 140m In T erne T Sub S cr I ber S , nI ger IA’S b roAD b A n D Pene T
Gamin G Week
Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com
Nigeria’s Opportunity in a Plateauing Global Gaming Market
Ikenna ‘Iyke’ Bede shared a report on Nigeria’s opportunity in the global gaming market, highlighting mobile gaming’s dominance and potential for growth
The global gaming industry is reaching a point of maturity, but Nigeria’s place in it is only beginning to take shape. While many advanced markets are seeing slower growth, emerging regions like Africa, and particularly Nigeria, still have room to expand. This shift opens a unique opportunity for the country to define its future in the global gaming economy.
According to the 2025 Global Games Market Report by Newzoo, worldwide gaming revenue is expected to reach 188.8 billion dollars this year. The figure sounds impressive, but it represents a slowing trend. Mature markets in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia are now showing signs of saturation.
In these regions, the number of new players has stabilised, spending habits have become predictable, and most companies are competing for the same pool of consumers.
In contrast, mobile and emerging markets are showing a different pattern. Africa, with its growing young population and increasing internet penetration, has yet to reach the same level of maturity. Nigeria, in particular, remains one of the continent’s biggest untapped gaming frontiers.
Newzoo’s report shows that mobile gaming still dominates the global industry, accounting for about 55 percent of total revenue. While mobile growth has slowed in advanced markets, it
remains the most active segment in countries where consoles and gaming PCs are still considered luxury products.
In Nigeria, mobile phones serve as the first and often the only gaming device for most players. Affordable data plans and accessible app stores have made titles like ‘PUBG Mobile’, ‘Call of Duty: Mobile’, and ‘Dream League Soccer’
household names.
However, this accessibility has also limited the market’s depth. Most Nigerian gamers play free-to-play titles that rely on in-app purchases or advertising revenue, meaning the financial return within the local ecosystem is still modest.
Unlike in Europe or North America, where console and PC gamers spend
RGAAF to Host Private Screening of ‘Behind the Bet’ Documentary
The film explores the human stories behind Nigeria’s rapidly expanding gaming industry, focusing on individuals affected by gambling addiction, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong
will on October 30, host a private screening of its debut documentary titled ‘Behind the Bet’ at Alliance Française, Lagos.
The film explores the human stories behind Nigeria’s rapidly expanding gaming industry, focusing on individuals affected by gambling addiction. It examines the psychological and social impact of problem gambling while highlighting the collective efforts of regulators, mental health professionals, and industry operators to promote responsible gaming.
Featuring voices from regulators, recovery advocates, and mental health experts, Behind the Bet offers a rare, multidimensional perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the country’s gaming landscape.
According to Seun Abimbola, Programme Director of RGAAF, the project is intended to spark empathy and action.
“Behind the Bet is more than a documentary — it’s a wake-up call. We want to shift the narrative from judgment to understanding, and from awareness to action,” he said. “Our mission is to ensure that support systems are available for people struggling with gambling addiction across Africa.”
The screening will bring together representatives from the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, and other partners, alongside members of the media, civil society, and the gaming community.
The event will also mark the launch of RGAAF’s ‘Help One Life’ campaign, a monthly giving initiative encouraging members of the public to donate N1,000 (or $1) in support of intervention and rehabilitation programmes for individuals battling gambling addiction.
heavily on premium titles and subscriptions, Nigerian gamers tend to avoid upfront payments. This difference in consumer behaviour points to both a challenge and an opportunity.
As the global market plateaus, major publishers and investors are looking for new audiences and new regions to sustain growth. This is where Nigeria’s market potential stands out. With over 220 million people, half of whom are under 25, the country represents a large, youthful, and tech-engaged population. If global studios begin to target African players with affordable, culturally relevant games, Nigeria could become a major hub in the next wave of gaming expansion.
For Nigerian creators, the slowing global growth means competition is shifting from size to innovation. Instead of trying to outspend established companies, smaller studios can focus on storytelling, representation, and mobile-first experiences tailored for African audiences. The international slowdown creates a vacuum that agile developers can fill by offering fresh ideas.
Newzoo also notes that console gaming is showing the fastest growth among all platforms, even though it accounts for a smaller overall share. This trend is tied to the success of titles with long-term engagement models and digital marketplaces that reward players for in-game progress. In Nigeria, console adoption is still low due to high import costs and unstable power supply, but a small and loyal player base still exists. If the cost barrier can be lowered, either through local partnerships or financing models, console gaming could expand its footprint.
The Responsible Gaming Against Addiction Foundation (RGAAF)
Kwara Earmarks N8.1bn for State, Local Govt Staff Gratuities
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara state government has earmarked N8.1 billion for payment of gratuities for retired state and local government staff.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hawa Nuhu, disclosed this at the third quarter inter-ministerial briefing by the state government organised by the state’s Ministry of Communications in Ilorin.
She disclosed that N5.6 billion will be disbursed to state retired staff for
gratuities, while N2.5 billion has been earmarked for local government retired staff for their gratuities.
She explained that pensions and gratuities have tripled due to the implementation of two salaries and wages, N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wages, with their consequential adjustment for retirees.
She asserted that the state government is not owing any local government retiree except those who refused to show up during the verification exercise
conducted at all the 16 local councils in the state.
She said, “Those complaining are few and they need to come forward and complete their verification exercise and collect their money.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, said the ministry has beefed up safety and security, including introduction of colour codes for transport operators for proper identification and commuter safety.
TAJBank Emerges Nigeria’s Biggest Non-interest Bank
After five years of operations in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving non-interest banking space, TAJBank Limited has become the biggest player in the NIB subsector based on its total assets and gross earnings values.
Disclosing this during his paper presentation on the key performance indices in the non-interest banking space over the past few years at a seminar organised by Leaders Corporate Services with the theme, “Roles of Non-Interest Banks In SMEs’ Financing,” for SME entrepreneurs yesterday in Abuja, an investment expert,
Mr. Olabode Akeredolu-Ale, maintained that based on the non-interest banks’ approved financial statements for the half year 2025, TAJBank currently remained the biggest in terms of its total assets.
The expert, a chartered stockbroker, specifically confirmed that his recent investment researches on the NIBs and their financial performances showed that TAJBank, with its total assets rising to N1.017 trillion in half year 2025 up from N953.098 billion as of December 2024, which is about N53 billion higher than
the nearest NIB’s assets, now ranked top in the banking subsector.
According to him, TAJBank’s gross earnings for H1 2025 also surged to N53.752 billion from N32.86 billion as of December 2024, representing a 64% growth, and higher than the nearest NIB’s gross earnings in the period under review. This is even as he disclosed that on the NIBs’ earnings per share during the half year, TAJBank reported N61.36 kobo earnings per share, about 92% higher than the earnings per share of the next NIB during the period.
Glenfiddich, Aston Martin F1 Unveil Partnership
Oluchi Chibuzor
Glenfiddich, has announced its global partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team in Nigeria., where it introduced the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old Single Malt to the Nigerian market.
According to both firms, the collaboration portrays a commitment to creating extraordinary experiences that blend whisky, motorsport, and lifestyle into something entirely new.
Speaking at the unveiling of the 16-Year-Old Single Malt to the Nigerian market recently, Global Brand Director, Glenfiddich, Claudia Falcone,said , Glenfiddich
believes true progress is achieved when heritage and innovation move together.
“Our partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One™ Team reflects this philosophy, uniting two icons of craftsmanship. We are proud to launch the Glenfiddich 16-Year-Old in Nigeria, a country whose creativity and cultural energy make it one of the most exciting luxury markets in the world.
“Nigeria was chosen as a strategic launch market to reflect the country’s growing appetite for luxury and premium experiences. Nigeria’s influence on
Africa’s cultural and economic landscape makes it a natural stage for Glenfiddich’s forward-looking vision,” Falcone said.
Speaking on the partnership also, Regional Marketing Manager, William Grant & Sons, Samuel Odesanmi, said that Aston Martin has always stood for precision, performance, and timeless design.
According to him, “Glenfiddich, we see a partner who shares these ideals, uniting two worlds of excellence.
Celebrating this partnership in Nigeria reflects the energy and ambition of a market that is shaping the future of luxury.”
Golden Penny Foods Marks 65th Anniversary with N4B Promotion
Golden Penny Foods Limited, the provider of superior-quality African brands that inspire consumers every day, and the iconic brand of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), is set to mark 65 years of Feeding and Enriching Lives, every day.
As part of this celebration, the brand is launching a Buy & Win promotion, offering four billion naira worth of prizes to its loyal consumers.
The Managing Director, Food Division, Mr Devlin
Hainsworth, eulogised the company’s commitment to celebrate with the consumers, as their loyalty for over six decades is the very foundation of business sustenance.
“The Golden Penny Foods brand is the people’s brand, a household brand that transcends over two generations while still maintaining the production of nutritious and superior quality loved brands. Through the National Consumer Promotion, we are celebrating and
rewarding our consumers for 65 years of loyalty, affinity, and patronage.
“To participate in the promo, consumers would need to purchase special promo packs of Golden Penny products (10 packs of Golden Penny Noodles, three packs of Golden Penny Semovita, and three packs of Golden Penny Pasta), which would be submitted at designated redemption centres across the country, for which they will receive a code confirming their entry,” he explained.
(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Former National Secretary, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Olugbenga Falabi; Chief Executive Officer, KCHAqua Consortium, Chris Ukah; PCN Registrar, Ahmed Babashehu; KCHaqua Consortium Project Advisor and former President of PSN, Ahmed Yakasai and Chairman, PSN Abia State, Emmanuel Okafor after a crucial meeting between the management of KCHAQUA Consortium and PCN Registrar in Abuja… yesterday
Nigerian Breweries Declares N1.04trn Revenue in Nine Months of 2025
Kayode Tokede
Nigerian Breweries Plc, announced a revenue of N1.04 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of 48 per cent over the N703 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2024.
According to the unaudited results released on Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the foremost brewing company in Nigeria, declared N627 billion cost of sales in nine months of 2025, a growth of 26 per cent from N495 billion in nine months of 2024, while marketing, distribution, and
administration expenses closed nine months of 2025 at N254 billion , up by 38per cent from N184 billion in nine months of 2024.
The 38 per cent increase in marketing, distribution, and administration was driven by increased brand and sales activities.
Nigerian Breweries,
thus closed nine months of 2025 with profit before tax of N129.47billio, a 163.8 per cent increase over N203.12billion loss before tax declared in nine months of 2024.
The Company Secretary/ Legal Director, Nigerian Breweries, Uaboi Agbebaku, disclosed in a statement that the Company was
still able to deliver strong growth in the topline and in the operations during the period under review despite a high doubledigit inflation rate which continues to constrain consumer spending and high input costs.
Agbebaku explained that the Company was also able to
consolidate its market leadership, which was primarily influenced by premiumisation, increased competitiveness, and enhanced route-to-market.
“The Group’s revenue grew by 47per cent, supported by appropriate pricing and the strong performance of the premium portfolio.
2025 ANNUAL DIRECTORS CONFERENCE...
L-R: President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Directors, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji; Emir of Kano, Sanusi
Borodo; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola; and 2nd Vice
Taminu Turaki Emerges Northern Choice for PDP National Chair
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Northern stakeholders in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), last night, adopted former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki, as its consensus candidate for the national chairman of the party ahead of the Ibadan national convention billed for next month.
The decision was disclosed by the governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintri.
Fintri, however, said anyone else who wanted to contest the office of the national chairman from the north was free to do so.
Those with Fintiri when he made the announcement were former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro.
The decision followed an earlier gathering, which underscored PDP’s push for unity and strategic alignment ahead of its convention.
Prominent northern PDP leaders, including Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau,
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara were at the meting.
Equally present was PDP National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, who along with others in the closed-door deliberations at the Maitama
residence of former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, settled for Turaki.
The meeting was a followup to an earlier northern PDP stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja over the weekend.
The PDP leaders met to
decide, among other things, the offices zoned to the north and to agree on the micro-zoning.
THISDAY gathered that the meeting, which had to decide between Makarfi and Turaki the choice for national chairman of the party, settled for the latter.
Other offices decided at the meeting included who would be picked as National Organising Secretary zoned to the North-east.
The office of National Secretary of the party was zoned to the South-west, while the offices of National Publicity Secretary and Deputy National Chairman were zoned to the South-south. All PDP senators and members of the House of Representatives attended the meeting.
Shettima: Tinubu Remains Journalists’ Ally, And Will Preserve Their Rights
Promises
to table NUJ’s demands of protection, review of libel laws, others before president
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains an ally of the media, and is committed to protecting and advancing the journalism profession in theThecountry.
Vice President recalled that President Tinubu has long been supportive of the media and would not deviate from his consistent track record of upholding the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria.
Shettima gave the assurance when he hosted a delegation of the NUJ leadership at the State House, Abuja.
The Vice President however noted that the government and citizens alike expect a lot from the media, emphasizing that the journalism profession stands almost at par with the judiciary.
According to him, journalists are expected to hold public officials accountable and adjudicate on issues of governance.
“In President Bola Tinubu, you have a friend, an ally, and a proprietor who has been kind to the Nigerian media over the
Nigeria Recommits to Climate Action, Just Energy Transition at Landmark Regional Conference
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership in tackling climate change, pledging bold action on climate resilience and a just energy transition.
At the opening of the inaugural WASCAL In- ternational Conference on Climate Change and Just Energy Transition (I3C-JET), the federal government signaled its commitment to driving Africa’s clean energy future. Minister of Environment,
Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized that while Africa contributes the least to global carbon emissions, the continent is determined to lead through equity, in- novation, and sustainable development.
Held in Abuja, the threeday conference brought together a wide array of participants from across Africa and beyond, including policymakers, scientists, investors, civil society, youth, academia, and development partners.
In his address, Lawal highlighted the continent’s disproportionate exposure to climate impacts and stressed the urgency of locally driven solutions that are inclusive and equitable.
“The world is watching Africa. Even though we are not major contributors to global warming, our resolve to be part of the solution remains firm and inspiring. Africa is ever ready to serve as architects of a new energy paradigm built on equity and innovation,” he said.
years.
“I want to assure you that this administration will do its best to promote, project, and preserve the interests of the journalism profession. You are the life wire of the nation — we can’t afford to muzzle you,” he said.
Describing the media as the conscience of the nation, Shettima stressed that authorities cannot afford to intimidate journalists, as they are indispensable to the survival of democracy in the country.
“Past generations of Nige- rian leaders — from Herbert Macaulay to Nnamdi Azikiwe and even Obafemi Awolowo — were first journalists before they became political leaders,” the Vice President recalled.
Shettima acknowledged the challenges facing the media industry and appealed to the NUJ to remain hopeful, promising that President Tinubu would continue to support the Union.
“Be rest assured that the President will render his support to your organization. We cannot afford to allow the journalism profession to die,” he added.
Shettima further noted that President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies was made in the national interest, just as he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment
to repositioning the Nigerian economy for the benefit of all citizens.
Earlier, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, drew the Vice President’s attention to some critical issues confronting journalists in the course of doing their job, urging him to use his office “to take a firm stance in defending press freedom, and ensuring that journalists are not punished for doing their constitutional duty.”
He also urged the government “to initiate a comprehen- sive review of colonial-era laws such as sections of the Criminal and Penal Codes that continue to criminalize journalism,” maintaining that “libel should be decriminalized.”
Other demands made by the NUJ President include facilitation of a national safety protocol for journalists, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure that no reporter is harmed for simply reporting the news.
He also called for government’s partnership with the media to initiate a media support framework, including training grants, soft loans, tax relief, and a targeted bailout for critical media institutions.
The NUJ also sought partnerships with TETFUND, universi- ties, and international media institutes to uplift training
standards across the profes- sion, as well as the creation of a Permanent GovernmentMedia Liaison Platform under the office of the Vice President to foster regular engagement, clarify national policies, and prevent the vacuum breeding misinformation.
Abdullahi pledged the support of the Nigerian press for the President Tinubu’s development agenda, noting however that the press will always maintain the right to speak truth to power for the survival of democracy.
“We are institutional partners and would not be drowned in the false narratives that the media must be antagonistic to government. Same way we call out government when we feel that certain issues are not clearly given the needed consideration, we also would be ready to applaud government when things have been done right” He commended the administration of President Tinubu over what he described as tangible efforts and firm support in key areas of national development, despite the economic headwinds facing Nigeria, just like many other nations.
Abdullahi acknowledged that in less than three years, the administration has undertaken bold reforms targeted at stabilizing the nation’s economy.
Lamido Sanusi; Immediate Past President of the Institute, Alh. Tijjani
President, Alhaji Lamis Dikko, at the 2025 Annual Directors Conference held in Abuja, yesterday
PhOTO: JuLIuS ATOI
2025 Global HandwasHinG day...
L–R: Director II, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Jamilu Habu; Head, External Affairs, Media and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh; Director, Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Moses Jo-Madugu; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, and National Coordinator, NEWSAN, Attah Benson during the 2025 Global Handwashing Day Commemoration Ceremony, in Abuja...recently
FG’s Delegation Set to Visit US Amid Christian Genocide Claims
US reps insist there are brutal killings in Nigeria
sunday aborisade in Abuja
Top government officials, including federal lawmakers as well as senior military and security agency heads, are set to head to the US in a bid to engage the Congress over allegations of genocide against the Christian community in Nigeria.
Specifically, the addition of some top Senate officials on the delegation stemmed from a resolution adopted by the 10th Senate on a motion introduced by Senator Ali Ndume, who is a former Chief Whip of the Chamber.
Ndume’s motion called for “putting the record straight” and urging the United States to refrain from sanctioning the country over the purported genocide.
Checks by THISDAY confirmed that the team is expected to travel to Washington DC from next week.
The sources said the delegation will present evidence to US lawmakers to refute claims that
Adelabu: FG Will Provide Conducive Environment for Private Energy Investors
Says excess energy from PH refinery to go to national grid Insists government cannot single-handedly fund power sector
The federal government has promised to provide the enabling environment for private sector participation in the power sector, to ensure that the current reforms being undertaken in the sector yields maximum results.
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known during a facility tour of the Genesis Energy company, at the Port Harcourt refinery,
Rivers State, a statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the minister, Bolaji Tunji, said.
He praised the partnership of the company with the Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), in their efforts to improve the electricity supply in the country, stressing that the partnership would improve sufficiency, efficiency and reliability of power supply.
He said: “All we need to do as a government is just to make sure that we make available the conducive atmosphere and environment for the private sector investors to thrive. And to be very comfortable with bringing new investment and be assured of recovery of their investment.
“My visit today to the power institutions, which is a partnership between Genesis Energy and the NNPC, is to look at the facilities outside here and
to see how the excess power being generated here can be fed onto the national grid.”
He noted that his visit would accelerate the take-off of the project and also to meet all the needed agreements to be entered into. “It’s something I believe within 90 to 180 days it can all be concluded. What matters most is to conclude on the infrastructure arrangement to off-take the power from here and supply to the grid,” he added.
the Nigerian State is engaged in a concerted, targeted campaign of genocide against Christians.
In recent weeks, a wave of statements by US lawmakers and advocacy groups has placed Nigeria under intense international scrutiny.
US Senator, Ted Cruz, has accused Nigeria of “mass murder” of Christians and introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (S.2747) which would seek to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and impose sanctions on officials alleged to facilitate violence against Christians.
In response, the Nigerian Senate in early October rejected the narrative of Christian genocide, describing it as “false and dangerous”.
The Senate’s motion warned that Nigeria’s security challenges are multi-faceteddriven by terrorism, banditry, communal land disputes and herder-farmer conflicts, not by a state-sponsored initiative against a religious group.
Lokpob I r I : W ITH Incre ASI ng oIL o u T pu T, nI ger IA T o M A ke cAS e for 2 M ILLI on b p D QuoTA fro M opec crude oil theft.
“Before we came, there was a big issue as to the integrity of our pipelines. So, even companies that could produce more were scared of producing up to the capacity that they could because the fear was that if you produce the crude into the pipeline, at the termination point, less than 10 per cent got there, because there were too many infractions along the way. That is no longer the case.
“I’m sure you must have heard the NNPC management team always saying that if you put crude oil in, you get 100 per cent at the terminal. That wasn’t the case a few years ago. That
was one of the reasons why we were not doing higher volumes at that time,” he stated.
Without much stress, Lokpobiri stated that Nigeria can comfortably do 2.5 million barrels per day or more, even without any significant new investment, but blamed almost 500 oil wells that were shut during the sale of assets by the International Oil Companies (IOCs).
“Now they (local firms) also have a programme of re-entering those wells. So, I believe that going forward, the numbers will be increasing. Although there will be routine maintenance where they have to shut down some pipelines for maintenance; that
could happen,” he pointed out.
He also blamed the ageing pipelines for some of the issues in the upstream, but said that the NNPC was in the process of getting investors to put their money in revamping the expired facilities.
“ Before now, part of the problem was that the pipelines had already expired. Most of the pipelines have been there for 60-70 years, their lifespan is gone, but we’re managing them. Since we were confronted with the issue of pipeline vandalism, there’s a bold step now to change some of those pipelines with a view to restoring the integrity of those pipelines,” Lokpobiri
stated.
He bemoaned Nigeria’s high cost of oil production, which is above the global average, but noted that there were efforts to bring it down. “The cost of production is bound to be high depending on the circumstances.
“But today, we have taken steps to ensure that the cost of production is made competitive and the executive orders have been very helpful in ensuring that we take certain steps that will reduce the cost of per barrel production,” the minister noted.
Also speaking, Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said that one of the significant achievements of the
NUPRC has been the successful execution of the 2024 Licensing Round, which opened up 24 oil and gas assets to investors.
“This move has drawn in around $16 billion in investments, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the market. Additionally, the commit- ment from industry giants like ExxonMobil, which is putting in about $1.5 billion for deepwater exploration, underscores the growing investor confidence stemming from the regulatory reforms introduced under the PIA,” Ekpo noted.
He stated that the Nigerian government is fully aware of the challenges the gas segment
According to the US-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), from January 2020 to Septem- ber 2025, there were over 11,800 recorded attacks on civilians in Nigeria; among those, 385 attacks where the Christian identity of victims was a factor, resulting in 317 deaths. In the same period, 196 attacks targeting Muslims saw 417 deaths.
The Nigerian government considers the upcoming delegation’s mission to Washington as critical for defending the country’s international reputation, safeguarding bilateral relations with the United States, and averting potential sanctions that could affect security cooperation and financing.
On the US side, passage of the proposed bill would mark a major shift: Nigeria could re-enter the list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” triggering US arms embargoes, visa restrictions and other sanctions, a path the government is keen to avoid.
faces and has made infrastructure development a top priority, highlighting that some of the key initiatives underway include the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Blueprint, which focuses on expanding and upgrading pipelines, compression facilities and LNG terminals.
“By fostering partnerships and exploring innovative financing solutions, we’re working to close the infrastructure gap and ensure efficient gas transport to meet the country’s rapidly growing domestic demand, which is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 16.6 per cent by 2030,” the minister said.
Emmanuel addeh in Abuja
PUBLIC AWARENESS SEMINAR FOR INFORMAL FOOD, WATER VENDORS AND WASTE WORKERS...
L-R: Executive Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Environmental Protection, Tolulope Adebowale; Director, Sanitation Services, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Sanuth Hassan; Project Assistant, UNIDO, Christy Obasi; Director, Engineering Services, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Engr. Olumuyiwa Taiwo; Project Assistant, UNIDO, Ms. Wunako Elam; and Director, Environmental Sustainability (E-Waste and Plastic Solution), LASEPA, Mrs. Adedayo Adebayo, at a one-day Public Awareness Seminar organised for informal food and water vendors and waste workers by LASEPA, in collaboration with the Government of Japan under the UNIDO Development Programme held in Ojo, Lagos… recently
Senate: INEC Must Bear Proof of Burden in Poll Disputes, Akpabio Seeks Act Overhaul
Considers Tinubu’s letters for confirmation of ministerial nominee, others
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Senate has demanded a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s electoral litigation process, declaring that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not candidates, should bear the burden of proof in electionSenatepetitions.President, Godswill Akpabio, made the call during plenary as lawmakers began deliberation on amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
Akpabio stated that INEC, as the institution responsible for conducting and supervis- ing elections, must be held accountable for the legality and transparency of its operations whenever disputes arose.
Akpabio said, “It is wrong to assume that whatever INEC does is perfect. INEC should be held accountable because it controls electoral materials and logistics.
“Therefore, it should bear the responsibility in court to prove that its actions were lawful and in line with the will of the Presidingpeople.” over the session,
Sani
Akpabio commended the progress made in Nigeria’s electoral system, but stressed that the process was still evolving.
He said, “We are improving, but we are not yet perfect. We will do our best to craft amendments that will bring us closer to achieving credible,
transparent, and violence-free elections.”
The senate president said the forthcoming amendments would aim to deliver a more credible framework before the 2027 general election.
He added, “This time around, INEC must be held responsible because it
has custody of the electoral materials and manages the logistics.
“The commission should be given the legal duty to prove that its actions were legitimate and reflected the will of Nigerians.”
He commended the gains of the 2022 Electoral Act, stating
that Nigeria has become a model in parts of Africa for advancing electoral reforms.
“We have made improvements upon improvements, but we are not there yet. We’ll continue to refine the law until we attain near perfection,” he said.
The plenary session featured
robust debate as senators across party lines endorsed wide-ranging reforms to strengthen the credibility of future elections.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said the proposed amendments must empower citizens by ensuring that votes truly counted at elections.
Tinubu Receives Two PDP Defecting Senators at State House
Hosts Enugu Governor Mbah too
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday evening formally received two Senators who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the ruling party’s presence in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, led Senators Kaila Samaila Dahuwa of Bauchi North and Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North to the State House, Abuja, where they
Hail Tinubu,
were formally presented to the President.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Akpabio said the defecting lawmakers hinged their decision on the pursuit of national interest, describing their move as a commitment to supporting the administration’s vision for the country.
“But as the result of Mr President’s policies that has turned things around economi- cally and particularly in terms of revenue generation for the nation, they found it expedient to come in and join him to build Nigeria.
DSS as Covert Operation Dismantles Gunrunning Syndicate in Kaduna
A coordinated covert operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to the dismantling of a gunrunning syndicate operating in Kaduna State, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition and arresting key suspects.
Governor Uba Sani, while reacting to the development, commended President Bola Tinubu and the DSS for their decisive intervention.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Internal
Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, the governor described the operation as a strategic victory in the state’s ongoing security reforms under the Kaduna Peace Model.
“There must be some bad eggs who want to rubbish government’s efforts, but the DSS in Kaduna has done wonderfully well. This is the kind of result we get when institutions work together,” the governor said.
It was gathered that the covert operations, which targeted gunrunning activities in Igabi and Kachia Local Government Areas, led to the arrest of three suspects linked to a major weapons supply network to bandit groups across the North.
The first suspect, a 30-yearold, was intercepted along Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass, Kaduna, while transporting arms concealed in sacks of maize.
“There’s is nothing but to build Nigeria they are not interested in which political party is in power they are interested in who can run Nigeria, who can improve Nigeria, who can put food on the tables of Nigerians” the Senate President said.
Senator Dahuwa formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had announced his defection in a letter read on the floor of the Senate on October 11, 2025.
In the letter, Dahuwa had cited persistent internal crises and unresolved internal challenges within the PDP as major factors that hindered their ability to discharge their legislative
responsibilities effectively.
Dahuwa on Wednesday stated that his decision to join the APC was driven by a desire to align with President Tinubu’s reform initiatives and national development vision.
He expressed confidence that the ruling party provides a more stable platform to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.
“We are not joining another political party or we are join- ing for another thing but as patriotic Nigerians to move Nigeria forward because we believe the President is doing very well economically and everywhere so we joined this winning team so that we win
together” Dahuwa said. Also speaking Senator Jarigbe also of PDP, said he joined the APC, “because the President is really doing well and I want to come in and support him”.
President Tinubu also on Wednesday evening received in audience the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, who last week Tuesday dumped the People’s Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress party. Vice President Kashim Shettima had represented President Tinubu in Enugu during the grand reception held at Michael Okpara Square for Governor Mbah, his cabinet, and supporters into the APC.
Shettima: Masari Supported Tinubu’s Presidential Bid Against All Odds in 2023
Francis Sardauna in Katsina
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, has recounted how a former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, supported President Bola Tinubu’s presidential ambition against all odds in 2023.
Shettima, who revealed
this at the Ninth Expanded National MSME Clinics in Katsina, said Masari and a few other Northern governors openly endorsed and supported the president during the 2023 poll.
He explained that when some politicians in the north were claiming that the former President, late Muhammadu Buhari, was
against Tinubu, Masari unequivocally declared his support and stood firmly for him.
The vice-president disclosed that some people say “Baba (Buhari) baya son Tinubu” which is literally translated as “Buhari doesn’t like Tinubu, but Masari backed Tinubu’s candidacy amid all the adversities.
PRODUCTION TO COMMEMORATE NIGERIA’S 65TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY...
L-R: Member, Epe Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Raji; Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan; Former Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Omotayo Omotosho; and Lisa of Iseri-Oke, Alhaji Morufu Awakan, during Olayiwola Awakan’s “Tafawa Balewa: The Golden Voice of Africa” production to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary held in Lagos… recently
Agbakoba: Nigeria in Fatal Illusion of Federalism, 1999 Constitution Irredeemable
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos
Former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Olisa Agbakoba, yesterday, said Nigeria was trapped in fatal illusion of federalism, stressing that the 1999 Constitution is irredeemable.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said the 2027 elections might be Nigeria’s last peaceful opportunity to fix its broken governance structure through sweeping constitutional reforms.
Relatedly, Yoruba socio- political group, Afenifere, criticised the federal govern- ment’s ongoing constitution amendment process, describing it as “cosmetic, unrealistic and
president remarked. “Our business concept is going to change. Now instead of being 100 per cent Dangote-owned, we’ll have other partners,” he said.
Within the next year, Dangote disclosed that the refining business will list 5 per cent to 10 per cent of its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, mirroring a playbook established by the group’s cement and sugar businesses.
“We don’t want to keep more than 65 per cent to 70 per cent,” Dangote told S&P, explaining that shares will be offered incrementally subject to investor appetite and market depth.
According to him, the door remains open for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to boost its stake after the state oil company trimmed its interest to 7.2 per cent, but not before its next phase of growth is well underway.
“I want to demonstrate what this refinery can do, then we
a waste of national energy”.
Speaking at a press confer- ence in Lagos, yesterday, Agbakoba stated that the country urgently needed a new constitution anchored on true federalism, massive devolution of powers, and fiscal autonomy for states.
He unveiled a comprehensive reform framework, titled, “Devolution is the Solution — Fundamental Reform Agenda for Nigeria’s Transformation.”
He described this as the country’s final peaceful chance for fundamental restructuring before the 2027 elections.
Agbakoba said, “We cannot build a prosperous Nigeria on a cracked foundation. Twenty-five years of constitutional amend- ments have failed.
can sit down and talk,” Dangote said. A close aide, who was not authorised to speak publicly, told S&P that the company would exert caution before inviting additional participation from NNPC.
While there are bold expansion plans amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the refinery, it stated that the plant’s main petrol engine, the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC), recently went offline in September shortly after a three-week turnaround in August, fueling rampant speculation over future downtime.
A Vice President at Dangote responsible for overseeing refinery operations, Devakumar Edwin, said the RFCC restarted around October 7 and should soon be back at full capacity.
“We have resolved most, not all, but most of the problems. And I think we’re looking for a window when we shut down for another month,” Dangote said, in a rare comment on maintenance plans.
The month-long turnaround
“What this country needs is constitutional replacement, notThepatchwork.”renowned lawyer warned that the 1999 Constitution had “failed and is irredeemable,” stressing that only a new, people-driven constitution that reflects the country’s diversity can prevent Nigeria from sliding deeper into instability.Agbakoba cautioned that the current unitary-federal structure was unsustainable, adding, “The 2027 election is Nigeria’s last peaceful chance for change. We either devolve power to the states and regions or face a much bigger national crisis.”
He emphasised that devolution, not superficial amendments, was the key
will involve shutting down the RFCC, but not the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and other secondary units. The entire refinery only requires a full turnaround every five years, Edwin said. Dangote said that the RFCC turnaround will be planned to avoid clashing with a seasonal demand peak towards the year-end, without providing dates.
The company recently highlighted employee sabotage as a potential business risk, before its decision to fire 800 staff members sparked an acrimonious labor strike in September. After government- brokered remediation talks, the conglomerate has committed to find new employment for all dismissed workers, mostly outside the refining business.
“We don’t have any worries with the unions,” Dangote said, sharing that the reorganisation was almost complete and deemed sufficient to abate recent tensions.
As the refinery grows, the report said that early challenges
to economic transformation, saying Nigeria can unlock over N500 trillion in economic value through true federalism.
“We can no longer pretend that this 1999 Constitution can deliver progress. It was designed for a command structure, not for a federation. It is time to adopt a completely new legal framework,” he stated.
Agbakoba explained that repeated constitution amend- ments had failed to address fundamental governance problems, including over- centralisation of power, weak federating units, and lack of accountability.
According to him, “Tinkering at the edges of a flawed system will not bring the transformation the country urgently needs.”
sourcing crude oil only risk becoming more acute. However, Dangote welcomed a break- through deal with NNPC to alleviate supply concerns.
Under a current “crude for naira” swap agreement, NNPC supplies Dangote with 14 crude oil cargoes, or sources the equivalent value of US dollars, in exchange for the same volume of petrol and gasoil to be supplied in the domestic currency.
Besides, Dangote’s upstream assets in the Niger Delta, Oil Mining Lease 71 and 72, could soon provide another supply injection, with production expected to start this month and reach up to 40,000 bpd.
Dangote remains interested in new upstream opportuni- ties, which could add to an expanding asset base for the wider conglomerate. Recent investments include a major Namibian storage terminal, an Ethiopian fertilizer plant and a fleet of 4,000 CNG trucks, as well as a potential energy project in Senegal.
Agbakoba said, “The federal government has become too powerful and unresponsive. It must shed weight and allow states to take responsibility for their own development. This is the only way to make Nigeria work.”
He called for the establishment of multi-level policing as a critical step towards improving internal security.
He said, “It is absurd that governors are called chief security officers but cannot control the police. States must have their own police, control their resources, and generate power without unnecessary federal bottlenecks.”
Agbakoba also outlined an economic restructuring plan to allow states and regions drive development from the
bottom up. Meanwhile, Afenifere strongly criticised the federal government’s ongoing constitu- tion amendment process, saying it is a waste of national energy. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Afenifere’s Director of Research, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, said the govern- ment’s move to amend the constitution in about 74 places and alter 83 clauses within six months was impractical and lacked genuine intent to address Nigeria’s structural problems. Fapohunda stated, “What the federal government wants to do is to amend the constitution in about 74 places, change 83 clauses. Do they have the capac- ity to do that in the next six months before the next election?
ADC Faults Senate’s Confirmation of Amupitan, IPAC Defends Yakubu’s Tenure
Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The spokesperson of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, has said Senate’s confirmation of Joash Amupitan as Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was a mere formality.Speaking on a television programme, Abdullahi said the pattern of approvals by the 10th Senate showed that “whatever the president wants, the president gets”.
However, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) commended the immediate past Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for contributing to the reform of the country’s electoral system through mas- sive introduction of technology. IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a colloquium on Yakubu’s 10
years as Chairman of INEC. Amupitan was confirmed by the senate after over two hours of questioning on October 16.
But the national publicity sec- retary of ADC said, “In all due respect to the National Assembly, we have learnt over time that the Senate confirmation especially this Senate has declared that whatever the president wants, the president gets.
“So, I think it’s just formality that Amupitan goes to the Senate to be screened. It’s because it’s required, that’s why it’s done. There’s no way he would have been turned back for any reason whatsoever.”
However, Abdullahi stated that ADC was willing to give the new INEC chairman a fair chance to deliver on his promises, but emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral challenges were rooted in the “human factor,” not the absence of infrastructure or technology.
AKPABIO LEADS TWO DEFECTING PDP SENATORS TO TINUBU...
L-R: Senator representing Bauchi North Senatorial district, Senator Kaila Samaila Dahuwa Senator representing Cross
and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio at the Presidential
Nnamdi Kanu Set to Defend Terrorism Allegations After Meeting with Legal Team
To call Wike, Danjuma, Buratai, others as witnesses Family, Wabara, others demand release of protesters, exonerate Sowore of complicity Say NMA never visited Kanu for medical evaluation
12noon on October 22, a day before the resumption of trial.
The detained leader of Indig- enous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is set to open his defense in his terrorism trial taking place at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Trial judge James Omotosho had last week fixed October 23 for the pro-Biafran to open his defence in the seven-count amended charge brought against him by the federal government.
The judge fixed the date for opening of defence after a report from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) stated that Kanu was in a good state of health to continue his trial.
The court had also granted the request of the defendant to have a private consultation with his legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federa- tion, Kanu Agabi, SAN.
According to the court’s order, Kanu should meet with his counsel inside the courtroom between the hours of 9am and
In line with the order of the court, the meeting held yesterday in Court 7, located on the second floor of the Federal High Court headquarters complex in Abuja, the same courtroom where proceedings in his ongoing terrorism trial were being conducted.
As Kanu prepares to com- mence his defence today, he has resolved to call some eminent Nigerians, like former Minister of Defence, Rtd General Theophilus Danjuma, as a witness.
Danjuma was listed in the categories of those he wanted the court to summon to testify in the case.
Others on the “compellable witnesses” list were immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai (Rtd); Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; and
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
Others were Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; immediate past Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; immediate past Director-General (DG) of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; former DG of the State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi; and many others whose identities he did
not reveal.
The list of witnesses was contained in a fresh motion he personally signed and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The motion, marked: FHC/ ABJ/CR/383/2015, was dated October 20, and filed October 21.
The motion was titled, “Notice of Number and Names of Witnesses to be Called by the Defendant and Request for
Witness Summons/Subpoena and the Variation of the Time Within Which to Defend the Counts/Charges against the Defendant.”
He said the motion was brought “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2015, directing the defendant to commence his defence on October 24, 2025.”
At Books Presentation,
In addition, Kanu told the
court that he planned to call a total of 23 witnesses divided into two categories. The first category, he said, would be those he called “ordinary but material wit- nesses”, while the second category of witnesses was “vital and compellable” and shall be “summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011”.
Saraki, Emir Sanusi, Others, Extol Business Mogul, Aminu Dantata
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, among others, have celebrated the legacy of late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria’s most iconic entrepreneurs.
They spoke during the public presentation of two books authored by his son, Munzali Dantata, namely: ‘Behind the City Wall’ and ‘Aminu Dantata and the Life and Times of a Nigerian Entrepreneur’,
CDS, Sultan Laud Kebbi Governor’s Efforts Against Armed Banditry
Onuminya Innocent Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, have commended the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, for his effort to combat armed banditry in the state.
They praised Idris’s com- mitment to curtailing the activities of armed bandits, describing it as commendable andMusaexemplary. and the sultan spoke at the conference of
the General Assembly of Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Birnin Kebbi. They urged Idris to remain focused and committed to addressing security challenges in the state, and disregard social media fabrications.
Idris had provided 100 Hilux vehicles and 5,000 motorcycles to security agencies, along with regular financial support, to enhance their capacity to tackle security challenges.
The governor’s collabora- tion with security agencies
yielded positive results, with the sultan attributing the moderate successes achieved to the support of Defence Headquarters and political leaders.
Musa identified the politi- cisation of security issues as a major challenge hindering efforts to combat banditry. He emphasised that the country’s armed forces were fully committed to democratic governance and would deal decisively with individuals or groups attempting to truncate democratic governance.
which chronicled the life, values, and business philosophy of the lateThepatriarch. books offered rare insights into the evolution of one of West Africa’s most enduring business dynasties.
The event drew dignitaries, scholars, traditional rulers, politicians, business leaders, and captains of industries who paid glowing tributes to the Dantata family’s century-long contribution to commerce and philanthropy.
At the Abuja event, Saraki described knowledge as the most powerful instrument for building a just and prosperous society.
“I am delighted to be here
today to celebrate my dear friend and brother, Munzali Dantata. His works reflect a deep understand- ing of our society and a lifelong dedication to education and the pursuit of knowledge. These new books are a testament to his restless intellect and passion for progress,” Saraki said.
He commended Dantata for his contributions to scholarship, entrepreneurship, and public service, describing him as “a shining example of intellectual excellence and commitment to national development.”
Saraki urged young Nigerians to emulate Dantata’s example by blending scholarship with
service to humanity, adding that knowledge remains the most powerful tool for creating a fair and progressive society.
Also speaking, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi II, emphasised the importance of documenting history. “If we do not write our history, others will write it for us,” he said.
Sanusi, who served as Father of the Day, noted that the story of Kano’s greatness could not be complete without acknowledging the contributions of its legendary business families like the Dantatas while also sharing a personal story involving his late father and Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
Otti Urges African Leaders on Good Governance, Advancement of Politics
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on African leaders to focus more on the advancement of politics and governance across the continent.
Otti made the call, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,
during the opening ceremony of the first international conference on ‘advancing politics and governance for sustainable development’, organised by the Centre for Politics of the University of Port Harcourt. The conference, with the theme: ‘Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa’ was
attended by participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United States, Canada and Australia. Represented by the former Senate Minority Chief Whip, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Otti said development in simple language was the fair distribution of resources among the people.
River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
Villa where they were the the defecting PDP Senators were formally presented to the President ... yesterday
PHOTO: State House
Alex Enumah, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu- Nwogo in Umuahia
Osimhen’s Brace Sinks Norwegian Champions in Istanbul
Duro Ikhazuagbe
In-form Victor Osimhen picked up from where he stopped on duty for country yesterday when he fired a brace as his Turkish club, Galatasaray, defeated Norwegian side, Bodo/ Glimt 3-1 in a UEFA Champions League tie in Istanbul.
Osimhen who was rested on return to Turkish Super Lig last weekend after helping Nigeria to beat Benin Republic and qualify Super Eagles for
RESULTS
Bilbao 3-1 Qarabag Galatasaray 3-1 Bodo Atalanta 0-0
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
the 2026 World Cup Playoffs, opened scoring for Galatasaray after just three minutes, when he finished off a through pass by Mario Lemina. Osimhen beat goalkeeper Nikita Haikin with a clinical finish for the first goal. The visitors were then under the intensity of Osimhen and
Galatasaray forward line. He almost doubled his tally immediately when he got his head to two crosses by Leroy Sane but was denied by Haikin in goal for Bodo/Glimt.
But they could not hold on for too long when Osimhen punished defender Odin
Bjortuft’s failure to deal with Ismail Jakobs’ cross. Haikin was completely helpless as Osimhen rounded him before sliding to an empty net in the 33rd minute for his second goal.
Turkish international, Yunus Akgun, made it 3-0 for Galatasaray on the hour mark with Osimhen also partly contributing the assist.
Andreas Helmersen scored
Bodo/Glimt consolation goal in the 75th minute.
On a day Osimhen was nominated in CAF’s 2025 Men’s Player of the Year award category along with Cameroon’s Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and seven others, the Nigerian international striker showed why Galatasaray had to break bank
to acquire him from Napoli in a fractious transfer saga last summer window.
Osimhen had other opportunities to complete his hat-trick, but some how he could not do so. He has now netted three goals in the Champions League including the match winner against Premier League champions Liverpool since his
(Europa League)
Braga v C’Zvezda
Brann v Rangers
FCSB v Bologna
Fenerbahce v Stuttgart
Feyenoord v Pana’cos
GA. Eagles v Aston Villa
Genk v Betis
Lyon v Basel
Salzburg v Ferencvaros
AS Roma v Plzen
Celta Vigo v Nice
Celtic v Sturm Graz
Freiburg v Utrecht
Nottingham v Porto
Former Delta State Speaker, Ochei, Tipped for NTF Presidency
Stakeholders in Nigerian tennis have described as a welcome development the decision by former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, to accept the call to contest for the role of president of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF).
Ochei was recently nominated by the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the Sponsorship/Philantropist representative on the board of the federation. But the businessman, who for many years sponsored the Wheelchair Tennis Championship, has been successfully lobbied by some stakeholders to contest for the top job at the federations’ elections billed for Saturday in Abuja.
The NSC has not hidden its ambition of “returning Nigeria to its glorious days in global sports,’ hence its insistence that only people of
impeccable character, who have the means and reach to grow the various sports bodies, would be accepted to govern the federations.
To achieve this objective, officials of the NSC have been working to get men and women that have impressionable imprints on all the sports to take up the mantle of leadership.
Apart from the NSC, some stakeholders have taken up the job of scouting for ‘sound minds’ to join the NTF board.
While Ochei is tipped for the presidency, the stakeholders are reportedly working hard to get former Nigerian tennis super stars, Nduka Odizor, David Imonitie and Sadiq Abdullahi join the board.
Explaining the stakehold- ers’ choice of Ochei as NTF president, Caleb Tsav, said it is important that tennis gets it right this term to put the
federation on the right growth path.He added that the stakeholders have decided to follow the process from the nomination stage to the Saturday’s election “to avoid the mistakes of the past.”
He said: “The question we are asking every contestant is ‘what have you done for tennis to qualify you for leadership on the board?’
....Osimhen, Nwabali, Flying Eagles Captain, Make CAF Awards List
Three Nigerians, namely, Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali and Daniel Bameyi are amongst players selected in three different categories of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) awards released yesterday. Unlike in previous years when Nigerian players dominated most of the categories, only Osimhen was listed amongst the 10 African players shortlisted for the Player of the Year category the Super Eagles striker won in 2023. Ademola Lookman who won the 2024 Award was overlooked this time around as Cameroon’s Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah headline the nominees for the
2025. Others include; Fiston Mayele (DR Congo/Pyramids); Denis Bouanga (Gabon/Los Angeles FC); Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/ Borussia Dortmund); Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris SaintGermain); Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco/RS Berkane); Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal/Everton) and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal/ Tottenham Hotspur).
Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s standout performer at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, earned a deserved spot among the ten nominees for Goalkeeper of the Year, following a series of impressive international and club performances for Chippa United in South Africa.
NIS to Become Nigeria’s Engine Room for Champions, Says DG Shaibu
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has declared an ambitious vision to reposition the institute as the ‘engine room for producing champions.’
In an interview on M4STV, Shaibu, who previously served as Deputy Governor of Edo State and is a longtime advocate for sports development, outlined a sweeping transformation agenda aimed at turning the NIS into a world-class centre for sports excellence.
Shaibu emphasized that the NIS must evolve beyond its
current state and take a leadership role in shaping Nigeria’s sporting future.
“The National Institute of Sports should not just exist, it should lead. We must treat sports as a serious business. The NIS must be the place where champions are made, not just for Nigeria, but for the world,” he said.
Under his leadership, the institute will prioritize the discovery and training of talented athletes, elevate coaching standards, and foster strategic partnerships with the private sector.
Seven Years After, Wushu Championship Returns to Abuja
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), has announced the forthcoming Chinese Ambassador’s Cup Wushu Championship, also known as the China-Nigeria Friendship Cup.
The sporting event is
scheduled to take place at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, from October 29 to 31, 2025.
The event takes a berth seven years after it inaugural edition was held.
The event, jointly organised by the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and the Abuja Wushu Association, aims to
foster deeper cultural exchange and friendship between both countries, Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre, said.
Yang said the Wushu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that promotes peace, respect, and self-development.
Speaking during a press
briefing in Abuja, Mr. Jianxing described the tournament as “a meaningful and interesting event” that reflects the shared cultural values of both nations.
“The purpose of this event is to create an opportunity to bring together athletes and lovers of Wushu to appreciate the beauty and spirit of Chinese martial arts.
Victor Osimhen...scored brace as Galatasaray defeated Bodo/Glimt 3-1 in a UEFA Champions League clash in Istanbul last night
Rt Hon. Victor Ochei... tipped for NTF presidency
9Th ExpAnDED micRo SmALL AnD mEDiUm EnTERpRiSES...
L-R: Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Kastina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda; Director General, Kastina State, enterprise Development Agency, (KADeSA), Aisha Aminu and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job creation, Temitola Johnson, during the 9th expanded Micro Small and Medium enterprises (MSMeS), Clinic in Kastina State on Tuesday
olusegun AD e NIYI
APC, PDP and the Tide of History
When in February 2013 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur was rather dismissive of the opposition coalition. “If you go for a (football) contest, you have the striker – you know Lionel Messi? PDP is the Messi in that contest,” an evidently ebullient Tukur told reporters. “We will dribble them like Messi. Tell them (APC) that the chairman said the PDP is the Messi (of Nigerian politics).” Two years later, it was the PDP that was ‘dribbled’ out of power by the special purpose vehicle cleverly cobbled together by the late President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor and current President, Bola Tinubu.
The trajectory of PDP is a cautionary tale for those who can learn. After securing 241 of the 360 seats in the House of Representatives and 71 of the 109 senatorial seats in 1999, and then producing 28 of the 36 governors in 2004 (with a certain Tinubu as the only non-PDP governor in the entire 17 southern states), PDP leaders believed that no other political party would rule Nigeria in our generation. This much was attested to on 11th March 2017 by former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida. While receiving at his Minna residence the PDP strategy and intra-party committee led by Professor Jerry Gana, Babangida said, “From formation stage, I saw the PDP as IRA (Irish Republican Army). We are the military wing of the PDP. We took a lot of interest. When I say we, I mean my boss, T.Y. Danjuma, (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo, General Aliyu Mohammed and I. We started it. I believe one of our compatriots who said PDP would rule for 60 years,” adding that it could still happen. Now, PDP cannot even organise a proper meeting at any level! Before I continue, let me say very quickly that the politicians that are now agitated about the prospect of one-party state in Nigeria must also look at themselves in the mirror. They have a lot to learn from Tinubu when it comes to the pursuit
of enlightened self-interest. Whatever anybody may say about the president, he has demonstrated the capacity to sacrifice temporary inconvenience (or short-term benefits) for long term gains. In writing my book, ‘Against the Run of Play: How an incumbent president was defeated in Nigeria,’ Tinubu was one of the principal actors I interviewed. In the more than two hours I spent with him in December 2016, he made it clear to me that the APC was formed with the idea of him being paired with Buhari (as running mate) at the 2015 general election. He blamed forces led by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki for upending that arrangement on grounds that a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not work. But despite being denied the running mate slot, Tinubu never left the party. Even when the Buhari presidency froze him out and some powerful members were using former (Yobe State) Governor Mai Mala Buni to conspire against him, Tinubu persevered, fought from within and ultimately prevailed. That, of course, does not excuse the current trend in which every politician must worship at Tinubu’s altar. Such is the nature of the ongoing political chicanery that the decamping PDP governors are not even pretending about the motivation for their action. Sheriff Oborevwori anchored his decision on the ‘love’ Tinubu “has shown to us in Delta State”. Peter Mbah of Enugu said
he had found in Tinubu, “not just a leader of our nation but a partner in purpose — a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.” His Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Umo Eno anchors his defection on supporting Tinubu for a second term. “I have decided to join the train of the President, to support him, so I will not be accused of being anti-partisan. Today I’ve made the bold declaration to join that train.” While we await Douye Diri of Bayelsa State to join the ‘train’, Oborevwori said in March: “This is a movement, this is not a defection; we (governors) have agreed we will move together and when we move together, what is at the national we will be able to grab it.”
That is the mindset of most Nigerian politicians, and it is antithetical to democracy which is founded on the interplay of ideas on how to solve the problem of society. Central to this are political parties. Unfor- tunately, what should serve as platforms for constructive engagement on addressing national problems have become no more than mere tools for trading positions between and among politicians and their cronies. The pertinent question now is, why are politicians trooping to the APC? The answer is simple. Since we operate in a milieu in which public service has been reduced to ‘eating’, the only attraction of the party is the power of patronage. Not that the platform or its members offer anything different.
In his book, ‘From Opposition to Governing Party: Nigeria’s APC Merger Story’ which I once referenced, the late Dr Ogbonnaya Onu recalled how the party was formed. “In accepting the new name, each merging partner became satisfied only when it contributed at least one word,” Onu wrote on the negotiations that eventually culminated in the registration of the APC.
“The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was satisfied that it contributed ‘Congress’. The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) was happy that it contributed ‘All’. Even though ‘All’ had only three letters, it was the leading word in the new name. The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) felt satisfied that it contributed ‘Progressives’.
Also, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was satisfied that it contributed ‘All Progressives’.”
The people who formed the APC (including the aggrieved members now collaborating with others to recreate a similar structure in the African Democratic Congress) were clear from the outset that the main objective was to grab power from President Goodluck Jonathan. If the discussions that led to the formation of the APC were not about programmes and ideals but rather about acronym, should anybody be surprised about the current situation in the country? However, I have a word for our politicians who recycle themselves in the so-called political parties that are, for all practical purposes, mere vehicles for grabbing power: Even when the Nigerian people may appear helpless today, there is no guarantee that things would continue this way forever. For that reason, the idea of taking the people for granted, thinking there would be no consequences is sheer folly. And to President Tinubu, I commend a September 1985 admonition by the former President of Philippines, the late Mrs. Corazon Aquino. “Power intoxicates; too much power is addictive. There will always be power drug dealers who will feed your habit as president,” Aquino warned her successor, Fidel Ramos who was dancing to the tune of sycophants at the time. “They will say nobody can take your place, when what they mean is that they do not want to give up their places.”
A word, as the old saying goes, is enough for the wise. Meanwhile, we cannot continue with a situation in which our political par- ties are trapped in intrigues rather than in developing relevant programmes and policies capable of addressing the concerns of citizens. As I pointed out in the past, a democracy anchored on ritualistic elections that are not issue-based will only empower people who neither understand the rudiments of governance nor can advance the public good. Therefore, to wean the country of this transactional ethos in politics, we need to have a conversation about the role of political parties, the minimal expectation of governance, and the values that should drive public office.
