TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST 2026

Geregu Defaults on N40 Billion Bond Payment 8 Months After Otedola’s Exit NERC sacks Kaduna Disco board over N456.5bn debt

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Geregu Power Plc has missed a

scheduled payment on its N40.09 billion bond obligations, heightening investor concerns over the financial

position of the power Generation Company (Genco), less than a year after the change of leadership at

Says Disco owes NBET N415.5bn, NISO N41bn

the organisation.

Specifically, the default, disclosed in an updated listing status by

FMDQ Securities Exchange, comes about eight months after billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, exited

the company in a landmark $750 Continued on page 8

Adeleke, Oyebamiji, Salaam in Town Hall Today as Osun Guber Poll Gets Competitive... Page 5 Tuesday 11 August, 2026 Vol 31. No 11447. Price: N400

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NUPRC: Dangote Got 98% of Crude Offered to Local Refineries in Q2 Performance rose 97.4% in 3 months Supply exceeded allocation, 69.3m barrels offered against 55.1 million Upstream data shows 15.6m barrels unutilised PENGASSAN: NNPC’s refineries shut down over losses, not non-functionality Says proposed equity partnership with Chinese firm on right track Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reported a significant improvement in the implementation of the

Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO), with local refiners receiving 53.7 million barrels of crude oil and condensate in the second quarter of 2026, representing a 97.4 per cent Continued on page 8

FG Queries NAICOM, Demands Response on Alleged Demand of N500m Shareholders’ Funds from NICON Insurance... Page 7

PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT...

L-R: Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (CON) presenting a souvenir to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative in Nigeria Ms Muriel Mafico during the latter’s courtesy visit to Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin on Monday

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

NEWS

PARTNERSHIP SIGNING BETWEEN MIKANO AND UBA...

L-R: General Manager, Mikano Motors, Tarek Mostafa; Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, United Bank for Africa, Chidi Okpala; and National Operations Manager, Syam Abdulkadir, during a partnership signing between both parties, themed: ‘Drive Your Dreams Today’, a Flexible vehicle financing solutions, initiative at the Mikano Showroom in Victoria Island

Adeleke, Oyebamiji, Salaam in Town Hall Today as Osun Guber Poll Gets Competitive TICC to APC: You no longer can hide your unholy alliance with police to influence poll NLC tells workers to vote candidates choice Atiku, Mark, Aregbesola, ADC stakeholders rally support for guber candidate, Salaam Oyinlola, hunters, others pledge support for Oyebamiji IPAC rejects vote buying, warns against poll manipulation EU denies rejecting INEC invitation, confirms electoral expert mission for 2027 poll

Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo With four days to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, today is set to prove critical in the state’s electoral preparations as the three major candidates will square up at a town hall organised by the nation’s foremost television station, Arise News.

According to the Board of Editors at Arise News, the trio of Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (APC) will unveil their plans for the state before a representative audience, whose attendance is strictly by invitation.

Holding at the Aurora Conference and Events Centre, Ring Road, Osogbo, the state capital, and beamed live from 11 this morning, the forum brings together the leading candidates in the governorship exercise titled: The Battle for Osun State.

Apart from Arise’s traditional channel 416 on Dstv, the debate can also be watched live on Sky News 316, Gotv Channel 24, www.arise.tv, Arise News on YouTube, @Arisenews official on Instagram, @ARISEtv on X, Arise News on Facebook and LeKeeLeKee, broadcasting across the Middle East,

Europe and 54 African countries.

Supported by the Tribune Newspapers, a live streaming of the town hall in Yoruba will also be done by the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Osogbo.

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) to APC: You No Longer Can Hide Your Unholy Alliance With Police in Osun

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), has rejected as unfounded, allegation by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State that Governor Ademola Adeleke was plotting to blackmail the Nigeria Police Force, accusing the APC of concocting outright falsehood to justify the abuse of the police to silence opponents.

It said Adeleke had since maintained a commitment to democratic principles and rule of law, canvassing support of the people for his re-election in a peaceful manner.

However, the campaign alleged that the APC chose the path of violence, aided by the Police to intimidate and harass the people considered to be against its bid to return to power in the state.

In a statement by Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, The Imole Campaign Council, Representative

Bamidele Salam, noted that, “It is nothing but mischief for the APC that has unleashed unimaginable violence on Osun people to turn around to blame the victim. Videos and pictures of political thugs with links to the APC openly shooting at the people are much available on the internet.

“Governor Adeleke is a man of peace and has always prevailed on all his supporters to conduct their activities within the ambit of the law.

“Notwithstanding this resolve, the Osun APC continues to weaponise the Police for political objectives by intimidating, harassing and in some worse cases, abduct leaders and members of the Accord to weaken support for the Adeleke’s re-election.”

NLC Tells Workers, Pensioners, Other Stakeholders to Vote Candidates of Choice

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun state, yesterday, directed all the state workers, pensioners and peoples to come out and perform their constitutional civic rights by voting candidates of their choice.

Chairman of NLC in the state, Christopher Arapasopo, who spoke at a mini congress of the labour union, said, “We are to send a signal and warning

to any party that tries to intimidate or harass workers, pensioners and good people of Osun State.

“On the issue of EFCC that ‘banned’ the government account, there is need for us to inform the public of what really transpired.

“This is just a mini congress of organised labour in Osun State for workers and pensioners. We are here to inform the general public about happenings in Osun and how we feel about it.

“Somewhere in the news that thugs are going up and down shooting and the Police who are expected to do their jobs in protecting the properties of the people of Osun State are not doing it.

“Before that, on the 8th of April the organised labour wrote a letter to His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

“We requested and demanded for palliatives for the workers and pensioners in the state. We requested for N20,000 for each worker and we later had a meeting and that was earlier July.

“We agreed based on the financial constraints in the state, the governor promised to pay N10,000 each for workers and pensioners. It was accepted by labour. In that meeting I could recall that we requested that June and July be paid. “

“We saw on the social media that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is saying the governor is trying to buy over. They tagged it vote buying of which they didn’t know that labour leaders were the ones that requested for palliatives for workers to cushion the effects of economic troubles in the country, of which Osun State is not exceptional.

“We are appealing to the president, who is the leader of the country, who is also the father of Osun State to please call Osun APC to order. This election should not be war. We as workers and pensioners of Osun State have every right to vote for whosoever that pleases us.

“No worker must be intimidated, no harassment of anybody and not to talk of any citizen of Osun State. We are appealing that this election should be free and fair.

“We are appealing to the international community to switch on their searchlight on Osun State. The Police should do their work. Their work is to protect citizens and not taking side.”

Speaking, too, the state Chairman Joint Negotiation Council, Comrade Olamilekan Adediran, advised all stakeholders, all the civil servants, Pensioners of Osun that have been in this system for a long time to work for the re-election of Governor Ademola

Adeleke.

“We’ve been with several governors with different experience and I implore all civil servants, pensioners, people of Osun to go out with their voters card, PVC, go to your polling unit, vote for your candidate of choice, without tension or fear.”

“We’ve been in Osun for long we know the government we like, we don’t want imposition in Osun, getting to the position of power is not do or die affair, we know what we want, what is suitable for our people here, we appeal to the president to help us talk to this people, coming to power doesn’t mean we should kill ourselves.

“It doesn’t mean we should freeze the account of the state, it doesn’t mean we should all the leaders all the cabinets of the state.”

Atiku, Mark, Aregbesola, Other ADC Stakeholders Rally Support for Salaam

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, yesterday, stormed Osun State to canvass support for the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Najeem Folasayo Salaam, ahead Continued on page 28

Mikano Motors Ease Vehicle At 25 Years, MTN Plans Further UBA, Ownership with Auto Financing Scheme Investment in Network Expansion Customers can drive home their dream with 30% down payment

Emma Okonji

Showcasing its achievements and consistency in providing telecoms services to millions of subscribers for 25 years of operations in Nigeria, MTN has assured its customers of further investments in network expansion, designed to enhance telecoms services in Nigeria.

MTN gave the assurance in Lagos yesterday, while unfolding activities lined up its 25 years anniversary celebration as telecoms service provider in Nigeria.

General Manager, Network Ac-

cess Planning and Optimisation at MTN Nigeria, Nasiru Hayatu, who disclosed the network expansion plan, said MTN would continue to invest in network expansion to enhance customer experience in service quality.

“For the past 25 years, MTN has been investing in network expansion and optimisation and this is something that we do every day. We have tools that allow us to forecast.

We have tools that allow us to look for new areas of opportunity working with our architectures to improve service quality on our network,”

Hayatu said.

Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri, said MTN invested over N1.6 trillion in the last 18 months in network expansion and coverage, capacity building and customer experience.

“In Q1 2026, our capital expenditure (Capex) grew 92.8 per cent year-on-year as we accelerated deployment to relieve congestion and improve service quality. The pace was moderated in Q2 in line our full year plan. In 2025 alone, Capex excluding leases, more than double to about N1 trillion,” Kadri said.

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has partnered Mikano Motors to launch an auto financing scheme, themed: ‘Drive Your Dream Today’, specifically designed to ease the purchase of new vehicles by making them more accessible to Nigerians.

The flexible Financing solutions Initiative, requires customers to make an initial payment of just 30 percent while the Bank finances the remaining 70 percent.

Unveiled at the Mikano Motors showroom in Victoria Island, Lagos,

the scheme allows eligible customers to repay the financed amount in instalments over a period of 36 months at an interest rate of 23 percent.

The financing is available to a broad range of customers, including individuals who are not on a salaried income, providing entrepreneurs, and other eligible Nigerians with a structured pathway to vehicle ownership.

The process begins with a simple eligibility check. Interested customers can visit their nearest UBA branch or email consumerlending@ubagroup.

com to confirm their eligibility.

Once approved, customers can proceed to Mikano Motors to obtain a proforma invoice for their preferred vehicle and continue with the financing process.

Speaking at the launch, UBA’s Group Executive Director, designate, Personal and Business Banking, Chidi Okpala, said the partnership reflects the Bank’s commitment to making everyday aspirations more attainable while promoting a stronger credit culture and advancing financial inclusion.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

PRESENTING A GIFT TO ISLAMIC SCHOLAR, PROF DAWUD NOIBI...

Oyo State Governor and Presidential Candidate of Allied People’s Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde (left), presenting a gift to Islamic Scholar, Prof Dawud Noibi, during the Hijirah 1448/2026 Luncheon, held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Ibadan PHOTO: OYO GOV’S MEDIA UNIT

Atiku Challenges Tinubu Over $20 Billion Chagoury Deals Demands answers to questions raised by The Economist Magazine

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Nigeria’s former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded that President Bola Tinubu explain questions reportedly raised by

the August 9, 2026 edition of The Economist magazine in which over more than $20 billion worth of projects were allegedly linked to Gilbert Chagoury, a long-time associate of the President.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public

Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the reported revelations have elevated concerns about the Tinubu administration’s procurement practices from domestic suspicion to an international credibility crisis.

According to Atiku, “At

prevailing exchange rates, $20 billion is approximately N27 trillion. Nigerians deserve to know how projects of such staggering value became concentrated around businesses linked to one man who happens to be a close associate of the President.

NAFDAC Crackdown: Sachet Alcohol Ban Throws Thousands of Traders Out of Business Petty traders, distributors count losses as enforcement bites; families face mounting hardship

Bennett Oghifo The nationwide enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in PET bottles below 200ml by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is taking a heavy toll on petty traders and distributors, with thousands of small businesses reportedly losing their principal source of income.

Across markets and neighbourhoods in Oshogbo, Ibadan, Onitsha, Aba, Lagos and Abuja, traders who previously depended on the sale of the products for their daily earnings are now counting their losses, with some forced to close their kiosks and shops following the seizure of their merchandise.

The enforcement, which followed the expiration of the December 2025 phase-out deadline, was introduced as part of government’s efforts to curb underage drinking and substance abuse.

But while NAFDAC’s action is aimed at protecting public health, affected traders and some industry stakeholders have raised concerns over the socioeconomic consequences of the policy, particularly for low-

income Nigerians operating at the bottom of the alcohol distribution chain.

For many of the traders, the products were among the few fast-moving consumer goods that provided regular cash flow to sustain their households.

A sachet alcohol retailer in Mokola, Ibadan, Iya Rashida, said the enforcement had severely affected her ability to provide for her three children.

Rashida who said she lost her husband six years ago explained that the business had since become her principal means of livelihood.

“I lost my husband who used to be the breadwinner of the family six years ago. This trade is the only means of feeding, clothing and paying school fees for my three children.

I can only beg the government to come to my rescue,” she said.

Another trader, Mrs. Janet Ademola, appealed to the federal government and NAFDAC to reconsider the impact of the enforcement on petty traders.

“We are begging the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NAFDAC’s Director-General to come to our rescue. Our families are

suffering. We have no other means of livelihood than this,” she said.

Ademola also maintained that the products sold by traders were largely patronised by adults, particularly low-income consumers.

“We do not sell sachet alcohol to children. Only low-income earners patronise us. Please, we want the government to find a lasting solution to this situation urgently,” she added.

For Mummy Afeez, a major distributor of sachet and PET

alcoholic beverages below 200ml, the enforcement has translated into substantial financial losses following the seizure of her stock.

Afeez, who has six children, said the loss had left her uncertain about how to rebuild her business.

“Despite the fact that they have made my life and that of my family miserable, I don’t mind restocking the goods they confiscated on credit as soon as NAFDAC finds a better solution to the problem,” she said.

“This is not pocket change. This is an amount approaching the scale of entire national budgets. ‘’Nigerians cannot be asked to tighten their belts while those around the President appear to be tightening their grip on some of the biggest contracts in the country,” the former vice president alleged.

Atiku insisted that the Presidency must respond specifically to the issues reportedly raised by The Economist magazine concerning procurement, taxation and the relationship between political proximity and access to major government projects.

“The questions are simple: Who awarded these contracts? Were they competitively tendered? What tax concessions, waivers or privileges were granted? Who are the ultimate beneficial owners? And why does the same presidential associate keep appearing around projects worth billions of dollars?

“President Tinubu cannot answer every allegation of corruption and cronyism by deploying presidential spokesmen to abuse critics. The

Economist is not an opposition party. It is not on the ballot in 2027.

The President should answer the questions it has raised.”

Atiku argued that the controversy strikes at the heart of the administration’s credibility because Nigerians are simultaneously being subjected to higher taxes, soaring living costs and unprecedented economic hardship in the name of sacrifice.

“You cannot preach sacrifice to hungry Nigerians while questions hang over N27 trillion worth of projects linked to your friend. That is not reform. It is an assault on public trust.”

The former vice president therefore challenged the Presidency to publish the procurement details, ownership structures, tax concessions and other relevant information concerning the projects reportedly identified by The Economist.

“Nigeria is a republic, not a friends-and-family investment portfolio. N27 trillion demands answers. President Tinubu must provide them.”

Women in Business, Politics Summit to Host Akume, EFCC Chair, Justice Minister

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Prominent government officials, business leaders, political stakeholders and influential personalities are expected to converge in Abuja on Friday, August 21, 2026, for the Women in Business and Politics Summit.

The high-level summit is designed to provide a platform for women in business and politics to network, exchange ideas and

deliberate on leadership, enterprise and issues critical to Nigeria’s national development.

Among dignitaries expected at the event are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON; Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede; and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

Their participation is expected to add significant national prominence to the gathering, which seeks to strengthen connections between women leaders and key stakeholders across government, politics and the private sector.

A major highlight of the summit will be the presentation of awards to women who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to business, leadership, politics and society.

The awards are aimed at recognising women whose achievements, leadership and influence have created opportunities, inspired others and contributed to national development.

The summit is also expected to attract other prominent personalities from the public and private sectors, creating an avenue for meaningful conversations, partnerships and opportunities for women across different fields.

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026

NEWS

MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 30TH AGM...

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd., Biyi Ashiru-Mobolaji; Managing Director/CEO, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Olufemi Asenuga; Non-Executive Director, Adesoye Olatunji; Company Secretary, Jide Ibitayo and Executive Director (Technical), Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Joseph Oladokun, at the 30th Annual General Meeting of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, held in Lagos...recently

FG Queries NAICOM, Demands Response on Alleged Demand of N500 Million Shareholders’ Funds from NICON Insurance, Nigeria Reinsurance Orders Commission to halt enforcement of contested processing fees, 1% capital injection fee, full-capital escrow transfer directives

Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo in Abuja The federal government has queried the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to provide a detailed response and legal justification regarding its alleged demand for a 1 per cent capital injection fee alongside additional processing and verification fees pursuant to Appendix 2 of the Commission’s Minimum Capital Requirement Guidelines, amounting to N305 million for Nigeria Insurance Limited (NICON), and N375 million for Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation (Nigeria Re), in the ongoing recapitalisation of the insurance industry.

In a well-publicised petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NICON Insurance and Nigeria Reinsurance claimed that NAICOM had unlawfully demanded N500 million 1 per cent shareholders’ fund and an illegal transfer of N50 billion as well as the payment of N180 million recapitalisation fee to the Commission - the national insurance regulator.

The petitioners had called for full investigation by NAICOM’s supervising Federal Ministry of

Finance or any appropriate government agency, urging the president to carry out a full-scale inquiry into the “fraudulent recapitalisation” exercise of the insurance industry and remove ‘Back Swans.’

However, reacting to the petition, the Minister of Finance and Cordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele issued a query, which directed that pending the determination of the petition, NAICOM should suspend the enforcement of the contested processing fees, 1 per cent capital injection fee demands and full-capital escrow transfer directives against NICON Insurance Limited and Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation.

In the query issued on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary (Finance), Raymond Omachi, the minister directed the national insurance regulator to provide a detailed response and legal justification regarding the issues raised by the two insurance companies.

The minister’s query with reference number F/LEG/0608/2026/22 and dated August 6, 2026 was captioned, “Re-Illegal demand of N500 million Shareholders’ Funds (constituting an illegal fee of 1% of

the capital injection), N180 million as a questionable capitalisation charge and the unconstitutional request to transfer more than 10% of the funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria in violation of Section 16(3) of the NIIRA 2025.”

It read: “The Ministry has received a petition dated 27th July, 2026 from NICON Insurance Limited (NICON) and Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation (Nig Re) regarding the ongoing

The Nigeria Tobacco Control Community has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, saying it compromised the public health of Nigerians.

It also called on the National Assembly to immediately recall the consolidated Bill and subject it to a transparent, public health led review.

It further called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to publicly clarify its position and demand the recall of the Bill if it was not properly consulted.

The group made the call on Monday in Abuja during a press conference with the theme; “Why

Nigeria must reject harmful amendments to the National Tobacco Control Act.” Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability & Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Oluwafemi Akinbode maintained that Nigeria needs one strong and product-neutral framework for every tobacco and nicotine product.

He said having carefully reviewed the proposed legislation, the Bill does not protect Nigerians, instead it weakens existing safeguards and creates a wide-open market for tobacco and nicotine companies to thrive at the expense of public health.

To this end, Akinbode demanded its immediate recall for a comprehensive and transparent review.

He stated: “We agree that our

to N305 million for NICON and N375 million for Nig Re; and “Directives requiring existing, operational insurance entities to transfer their entire capital injection funds into an escrow account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as against the 10% statutory deposit requirement prescribed under Section 16(3) of NIIRA 2025.

“The petitioners contend that they have complied with the statutory

deadline of 31st July 2026 by injecting N20 billion and N30 billion respectively into Mudaraba Term Deposit accounts with Lotus Bank Limited exceeding their adjusted requirements of N16 billion and N28 billion. They also submit that they have deposited N2.5 billion and N3.5 billion with the CBN pursuant to Section 16(3) of NIIRA 2025 and had made initial fee payments of N80 million and N75 million.

2026 States’ Performance Index: Philips Consulting, Edo Govt Disagree on Current Devt Status of State Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

The Edo State Government said yesterday rejected the recent report by the Phillips Consulting States Performance Index (pSPI), which placed the state at the bottom of its survey.

The July 2026 Phillips Consulting States Performance Index (pSPI) placed Edo last 33rd out of 33 evaluated states on its momentum and growth index.

The 2026 Phillips Consulting

Coalition to Tinubu: Don’t Assent to National Tobacco Control Act Amendment Bill which Compromises Public Health Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

recapitalization exercise under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA), 2025.

“The petitioners have raised notable grievances against the Commission regarding: “The assessment and demand for a 1% Capital Injection Fee alongside additional processing and verification fees pursuant to Appendix 2 of the Commission’s Minimum Capital Requirement Guidelines, amounting

primary law, the National Tobacco Control Act of 2015, alongside its 2019 Regulations, requires updating to address evolving markets.

“However, modernising our legal framework must not mean rolling out a red carpet for new and emerging nicotine and tobacco products.

“We cannot protect public health by carving out weak rules and loopholes for vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches.”

Akinbode added that while the amendment bill contains minor positive updates, such as Clause 5 which extends smoke-free zones within 30 meters of schools and health facilities, and Clause 3 which adds the Nigeria Police Force and Youth Development Ministry to the National Tobacco Control Committee.

State Performance Index (pSPI) placed Enugu State at the top of the 33 states assessed as the most improved relative to the national average, while identifying Edo State as the least improved.

The 2026 pSPI ranking was built on 37 performance indicators across seven pillars - security, education, health, basic infrastructure, governance, economic development, and fiscal performance - it combines 70 percent objective data with 30 percent citizen perception.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kazeem Afegbua, noted that indices used to evaluate Edo State predated the

present administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo.

He said before assumption of office by Gov. Okpebholo the entire assessment period had elapsed.

According to Afegbua most of the fiscal, administrative and governance indicators used in the report had already been shaped by policies, budgets, expenditure decisions and institutional realities that predated the current government.

He asserted the report should therefore not be interpreted as a direct assessment of the performance of the present administration.

“Rather, it substantially reflects historical conditions inherited at

the commencement of Governor Okpebholo’s tenure.”

The statement said in part: “Ordinarily, the Edo State Government would not have found it necessary to respond to the 2026 Phillips Consulting States Performance Index (pSPI).

The Edo Government welcomes independent governance assessments as important instruments for promoting accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in public administration.

“Such reports provide valuable insights that can assist governments in identifying strengths, addressing weaknesses and improving service delivery.

Alleged IVF Fraud: FG Files Fresh Charge against Medical Doctor, Two Others Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government has filed a fresh charge against an Abuja-based fertility doctor and pastor, John Abebe, over allegations bordering on fraud, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the alleged sale of a couple’s embryos.

Dr Abebe was charged alongside a firm, Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited and Balkis Olanike Bakare.

The fresh charge was filed at the registry of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF),.

Abebe was in the charge number

CR)/005/2026, accused of unlawfully disclosing the confidential medical records of Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga without their consent.

Initially, the office of the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) was prosecuting the case but the AGF sought the transfer of the case to his office and filed a fresh charge against him.

Abebe and his clinic were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, fraud, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the alleged sale of nine embryos belonging to a couple. The embryos are said to comprise of two male and seven female.

According to the charge, the

prosecution alleged that Dr. Abebe unlawfully disclosed the confidential medical records of Mrs. Mary Manga and her husband without their consent, contrary to Section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014.

The federal government further alleged that between January and May 2025, Dr. Abebe, described as a Chief Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, obtained N19 million from the couple under the pretext of providing specialist In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services. Prosecutors claimed he converted the money to his personal use, an offence punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 • THISDAY

EIGHT GEREGU DEFAULTS ON N40 BILLION BOND PAYMENT 8 MONTHS AFTER OTEDOLA’S EXIT

million transaction that transferred his controlling interest to MA’AM Energy Limited in December 2025.

Also, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday announced the dissolution of the board of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc (KAEDC), citing prolonged financial and regulatory defaults, amounting to approximately N456.5 billion as of May 2026.

The Geregu transaction involved the sale of Otedola’s 95 per cent stake in Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited to MA’AM Energy Limited, effectively transferring the indirect controlling interest in the firm to the Abujabased energy company. MA’AM Energy is involved in electricity generation and supply, energy trading and marketing.

Following the transaction, Senator Abdulaziz Yari emerged as chairman of the Geregu Power board, while a number of new directors were appointed, including Usman Gur Mohammed, Sani Jaafaru and Uzoamaka Adogu.

The acquisition was financed by a consortium of Nigerian banks led

by Zenith Bank, with Blackbirch Capital acting as financial adviser.

Geregu Power was listed on the NGX four years ago amid strong investor expectations about the growth potential of Nigeria’s power market, where demand for electricity remains substantially higher than available generation.

But FMDQ classified the status of Geregu Power’s Series 1 bond as “credit default in the 8th coupon payment and 4th bullet principal repayment”, indicating that the company failed to meet two debt service obligations falling due under the bond structure.

The bond, valued at N40.09 billion, was issued on July 28, 2022, under Geregu Power’s N100 billion debt issuance programme at a fixed coupon rate of 14.50 per cent. It has a seven-year tenor and was structured to provide semiannual coupon payments alongside scheduled principal repayments, with final maturity due on July 28, 2029.

The missed payments therefore represent a significant development occurring midway through the instrument’s life, rather than a maturity-related obligation, raising questions about the company’s immediate liquidity and debt-servicing capacity.

The development also coincides with a dramatic deterioration in Geregu Power’s financial performance, with the company reporting an 88 per cent decline in profit after tax and a 79 per cent fall in revenue in the first half of 2026.

Geregu Power’s profit after tax fell to N2.54 billion in the six months ended June 30, 2026, from N20.27 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Revenue also plunged to N18.65 billion from N87.63 billion a year earlier, representing a decline of 78.71 per cent.

The contraction became particularly severe in the second quarter, when the power generation company recorded turnover of only N419.1 million, compared with N55.87 billion in Q2 2025, representing a collapse of almost 99 per cent in quarterly turnover and underscoring the extent of the disruption to the company’s operations and cash generation during the period.

The latest figures are also a sharp reversal from Geregu Power’s expectations earlier in the year.

The company had projected Q1 2026 revenue of N57.11 billion, compared with N31.75 billion in Q1 2025, while its projected profit after tax of N12.02 billion was also above the N10.43 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2025.

Instead, the company’s first-half performance came in substantially below both its previous-year results and its own earlier projections.

However, Geregu Power has attributed the operational disruption to a major turbine maintenance programme estimated at N61.47 billion.

The extensive overhaul, THISDAY learnt, is intended to preserve the long-term integrity of the generating assets and improve their availability. But the temporary loss

of generating capacity has severely affected electricity output, revenue and, ultimately, cash flows available for debt servicing.

But despite the sharp deterioration in its operating performance, Geregu Power retained some balance-sheet support during the period, including financial asset impairment reversals amounting to N16.12 billion. Its total liabilities also declined to N239.33 billion during the period.

However, the bond default suggests that the company’s immediate cash-flow position remains under pressure, regardless of the longer-term value of its assets or its balance-sheet position.

The development is likely to draw particular attention from bondholders, who will be watching whether Geregu Power is able to cure the default within any applicable grace period and provide greater clarity on the timing for the restoration of its generating capacity.

GCR Ratings, however, has maintained a more positive longterm assessment of the company, affirming Geregu Power’s national scale long-term issuer rating at ‘A(NG)’ with a Stable Outlook.

The rating agency’s position reflects an expectation that the company’s operating performance will recover as the turbine overhauls are completed and its available generating capacity returns.

The rating outlook provides some counterweight to the immediate concerns generated by the missed debt payments, suggesting that the deterioration is viewed as potentially temporary and linked substantially to the maintenance-related reduction in generation.

For investors in the company’s equity, however, the market has begun to reflect some of the concerns surrounding Geregu Power’s deteriorating performance.

Already, the company’s share price has fallen 27.67 per cent since the beginning of the year, declining from N1,141.50 to N825.70 as of Friday, August 7.

The decline indicated that investors have been reassessing the company’s earnings prospects

at a time when its revenue has contracted sharply and its ability to meet debt obligations has come under pressure.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday announced the dissolution of the board of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc (KAEDC) over prolonged financial and regulatory defaults, amounting to approximately N456.5 billion as of May 2026.

The commission, in Order No. NERC/2026/086, signed by its Chairman, Dr Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner in charge of Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, said KAEDC owed N415.5 billion to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and another N41 billion to the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO).

It further disclosed that the Disco had accumulated other non-market statutory and third-party obligations totalling N14.26 billion.

The latest intervention by NERC is not the first time the regulator has had to step in to address the ownership and management crisis at KAEDC, having intervened two years ago following concerns over the performance of its then core investor, Northwest Power Limited, amid the company’s deteriorating financial and operational position.

The intervention eventually paved the way for ASI Engineering Limited to assume operational control of the Disco in June 2024.

The change was intended to provide a fresh start for KAEDC and address longstanding challenges around investment, electricity losses, market remittances and operational performance.

However, the latest regulatory order shows that the change in core investor and operational control has failed to deliver the expected turnaround.

But according to the regulator, KAEDC’s financial position even deteriorated further after ASI Engineering Limited took over operations in June 2024, with the company accruing additional market debt of more than N118.6 billion

by May 2026.

NERC said its inquiry found KAEDC to be in a ‘grave situation’ characterised by prolonged regulatory and market default, inadequate investment, weak operational and commercial performance, insufficient assets relative to liabilities and an inability to present a credible pathway to sustainable recovery.

The commission said ASI and KAEDC had also persistently failed to furnish NBET and NISO with acceptable and credible payment bank guarantees required under the Vesting Contract and the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) market rules.

A THISDAY review of the document showed that the severity of the financial crisis was reflected in KAEDC’s 2025 remittance performance. The NERC document indicated that the Disco collected N51.39 billion during the year against adjusted market invoices of N80.44 billion but remitted only N33.73 billion.

This left a market shortfall of N46.71 billion, with KAEDC achieving only 41.93 per cent market remittance performance for the year.

The Disco’s operational performance was similarly poor. NERC said its Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses stood at 71.88 per cent during the 2025 review period, meaning the company accounted for only about 28.2 per cent of the energy received and delivered to end-use customers.

The commission also faulted ASI’s investment performance, saying actual capital expenditure in 2025 was approximately N2.48 billion against a minimum requirement of N24.51 billion. This represented only about 10 per cent of the required capital expenditure, with NERC noting that the performance was achieved only through commission derogations and forbearances.

“The commission, following its inquiry and consultation undertaken with key industry stakeholders including the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), finds that Kaduna Electricity Distribution

NUPRC: DANGOTE GOT 98% OF CRUDE OFFERED TO LOCAL REFINERIES IN Q2 performance rate.

According to data released by the Commission yesterday, the Dangote Refinery accounted for the overwhelming majority of the crude supplied to domestic refiners during the quarter.

The NUPRC said the refinery required 63 million barrels during Q2, while producers offered it 68.1 million barrels. The volume represented about 98 per cent of the total 69.3 million barrels offered to all domestic refiners during the quarter.

However, the Dangote refinery accepted 52.6 million barrels, about 77 per cent of the crude offered to it and 10.4 million barrels below its stated requirement.

Its intake also represented about 98 per cent of the 53.7 million barrels eventually supplied to local refiners during the period.

The figures showed that producers were allocated 55.1 million barrels between April and June but offered 69.3 million barrels, exceeding their allocation by 14.2 million barrels, or 25.8 per cent.

Actual supplies, however, stood at 53.7 million barrels, leaving about 15.6 million barrels of the volumes offered unutilised. Supplies were also about 1.4 million barrels below the total volume allocated by the NUPRC. The DCSO is being enforced by the NUPRC under Section 109 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),

which requires oil producers to make crude available to domestic refineries.

According to the Commission, the framework is administered through monthly consultations involving crude oil producers and licensed domestic refineries, after which producers are allocated specific volumes of crude oil and condensate to offer to local refiners.

However, the eventual transactions operate under the PIA’s “willing buyer, willing seller” principle, meaning that volumes offered by producers do not necessarily translate into equivalent quantities purchased and received by refiners.

The quarterly figures also showed significant variations in performance across the three months.

In April, producers were allocated 18.13 million barrels but offered 19.31 million barrels to local refiners. Actual supplies reached 20.88 million barrels, representing 114.9 per cent performance against their allocation.

In May, 18.78 million barrels were allocated and 23.19 million barrels offered, but only 14.23 million barrels were supplied, representing 75.8 per cent compliance. This resulted in a shortfall of about 4.55 million barrels against the month’s allocation.

Performance recovered in June, when producers were allocated 18.17 million barrels and offered 26.84 million barrels to refiners. Actual supplies stood at 18.61 million

barrels, representing 102.4 per cent performance.

The monthly data showed that producers consistently offered more crude than their allocated volumes, but actual deliveries were influenced by the quantities refiners were willing or able to take under the commercial arrangements.

The NUPRC said the improvement in DCSO performance coincided with an increase in local oil production and the signing of long-term crude supply agreements supported by bankable Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) between producers and domestic refiners.

The development is significant for Nigeria’s refining ambitions as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products by ensuring that domestic refineries have adequate crude feedstock.

The Commission said the Q2 results demonstrated that the DCSO was “actively administered and enforced”, adding that it remained committed to sustaining the recent gains.

It said it would continue leveraging the PIA framework to sustain improvements in crude oil production while enforcing the DCSO as part of efforts to achieve the Federal Government’s objective of energy sufficiency.

Meanwhile, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus

Osifo, has disclosed that Nigeria’s public refineries were shut down primarily because they were operating at a financial loss, rather than non-functionality.

Osifo, who is the outgoing President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), made the disclosure yesterday, during a luncheon with members of Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN).

He explained that although the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries had resumed some level of operations following rehabilitation, the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) subsequently discovered that the value of petroleum products being produced did not justify the cost of crude being processed.

“So, the refineries were actually shut down, not that they were not functioning. Most of the old Port Harcourt Refinery, and even the Warri Refinery, were actually shut down because they were losing money,” Osifo said.

He said the refineries had suffered years of neglect, despite repeated government announcements and approvals for rehabilitation.

According to him, before 2021, there had been little or no meaningful rehabilitation of the facilities for about 15 years, despite several approvals by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He likened the situation to road projects that were awarded by the government but remained unexecuted because they were not adequately funded.

“There have been some erroneous impressions over the years that every time they carry out turnaround maintenance and rehabilitation in those refineries. If you interview somebody or people that have worked in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri refinery 15 years before 2021, they will all tell you that they have never seen any rehabilitation or any turnaround maintenance compared to what they’ve seen from 2021,” he stated.

Osifo said significant rehabilitation work subsequently commenced in 2021, particularly at the Port Harcourt Refinery, while work was also carried out at the Warri and Kaduna facilities.

He explained that the Port Harcourt rehabilitation was comprehensive, while the Warri project was more of a quick fix because the level of degradation at the two facilities differed.

According to him, during the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, between 90 and 95 per cent of PENGASSAN members working at the facility were transferred to other Strategic Business Units (SBUs) of NNPCL. He said the old Port Harcourt Refinery, built in 1965, was eventually restored to operation, while

Sen. Abdulaziz Yari Plc (KAEDC or the Licensee) is in a grave situation characterised by prolonged regulatory and market default, inadequate investment, weak operational and commercial performance, insufficient assets relative to liabilities, and inability to present a credible pathway to sustainable recovery,” the order stated.

According to NERC, meter coverage also remained low, ranging between 33.26 per cent and 35.54 per cent since ASI’s takeover. The annual metering rate for 2025 stood at 34.42 per cent. NERC said the poor performance persisted despite significant regulatory and government interventions.

It disclosed that approximately N6.58 billion in regulatory derogations had been granted to KAEDC between January 2024 and May 2026, while aggregate federal government intervention disbursements to the Disco since July 2018 totalled approximately N53.79 billion.

The commission said it had also notified KAEDC’s major shareholders and Afrexim of imminent regulatory intervention after the company failed to provide a credible sustainability plan.

At a June 11, 2026 meeting involving key stakeholders, the core investor, it said, requested a 24-month extension to stabilise cash flow, prioritise critical investments and achieve measurable performance improvements, including a pathway to full market remittance.

But NERC, BPE and Afrexim, however, determined that another Continued on page 28 work continued on the new refinery.

Osifo explained that the old refinery could produce Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and aviation fuel, but could not produce Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the required modern specification.

He said the old facility was therefore initially feeding products into the new refinery, which was designed to meet current specifications and produce the required petrol.

However, he said the process was later altered because a critical component needed for the completion of the new refinery was expected to take about three and a half years to arrive.

The TUC president said the new management of NNPC subsequently examined the economics of the refinery using the concept of material balance in chemical engineering.

He explained that the cost of crude being fed into the refinery was not being matched by the value of the products being obtained.

According to him, the decision to shut down the facilities was therefore aimed at preventing further losses and reassessing how the refineries could operate profitably.

Osifo argued that the proposed agreement between NNPC and a Chinese company could provide a more sustainable ownership Continued on page 28

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026

NEWS

75TH BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE AND RECEPTION FOR NEBOLISA ARAH...

L-R: Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Celebrant/founding CEO of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nebolisa Arah; Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe; and the wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Philo Arah, during the 75th birthday thanksgiving service and reception for Nebolisa Arah organised by the Alumni of Fidelity Bank Plc (1988-2003) in Lagos...weekend PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Tinubu Welcomes AFCFTA’s Recognition of Nigeria Customs Modernisation Model Hails Nigerian Firm, Bergmans for winning multi-billion- dollar continental customs project Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has lauded the growing continental recognition of Nigeria’s customs modernisation programme and commended the selection of a subsidiary of Nigerian-owned Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Limited for a 20-year, multi-billion-dollar AfCFTA Customs Modernisation

Project.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in a release issued on Monday disclosed that the project, to be implemented through Bergmans’ subsidiary, AfriTrade CMP Limited, will deploy digital and physical infrastructure to improve customs processes, cargo tracking, border management and trade-data exchange across participating Afri-

can countries. Another Bergmans subsidiary, Trade Modernisation Project Limited, is implementing Nigeria’s homegrown customs modernisation programme.

The president said the development validates Nigeria’s capacity to build homegrown solutions for the wider African market.

According to Tinubu: “What has been built and tested in

Nigeria is now providing a model for the continent. This is how African integration should work: Africans building African solutions for African opportunities.

“Nigeria must not only participate in Africa’s single market. Nigerian institutions and businesses can help build the technology and infrastructure that will make that market work. Under

our Nigeria First policy, we will continue to create opportunities for capable Nigerian businesses to compete at home, across Africa and globally.

“I commend Bergmans, AfriTrade CMP Limited, Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the Nigerian professionals whose work

OPay Launches Savings Festival, Offers 27% Interest to Customers Sunday Ehigiator OPay, leading digital financial services company, has launched a nationwide savings initiative offering customers an interest rate of 27 per cent per annum and an opportunity to share in an additional N77 million interest pool.

The initiative, tagged the ‘OPay 7 Savings Festival’ and powered by its digital savings solution, OWealth, is designed to encourage Nigerians to develop consistent savings habits while working towards specific financial goals.

The 49-day campaign will run from August 10 to September 27, 2026, with customers able to create Target Savings plans ranging from N77,000 to N777,000.

Under the programme, customers

who save consistently towards their selected targets and complete their plans without making an early withdrawal will qualify for the 27 per cent annual interest, daily interest and eligibility to share in the additional N77 million interest pool.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of increasing pressure on household finances, with rising living costs making it more challenging for individuals and small businesses to maintain regular savings.

OPay said the campaign was designed to make saving more accessible and rewarding while helping customers develop financial discipline.

Beyond the financial incentives, the company said the festival represents part of a broader shift in digital financial services from

simply facilitating payments and transfers to providing tools that help consumers manage and grow their money.

Speaking on the initiative, OPay’s Chief Commercial Officer, Elizabeth Wang, said the campaign reflected the company’s commitment to strengthening the financial habits of Nigerians.

“The OPay 7 Savings Festival reflects our commitment to helping Nigerians build stronger financial habits. By saving consistently towards their goals, customers can enjoy rewarding benefits, including an interest rate of 27 per cent per annum, while building financial confidence on a platform they can trust,” she said.

According to OPay, the initiative is built around the principle

of rewarding consistency rather than one-off deposits.

Customers will be able to create defined savings targets and monitor their progress throughout the campaign, with OWealth providing visibility into their savings goals, progress and rewards.

The company said the approach was intended to encourage customers to view saving as a long-term financial habit rather than an occasional activity.

The festival will officially open on August 10, while new Target

Savings plans can be created until September 20.

OPay said final interest earnings and distributions from the additional N77 million interest pool would be made on September 27.

To participate, customers are required to open or log into the OPay app, navigate to the 7 Savings Festival page and create a Target Savings plan within the stipulated range.

They will then save towards their chosen financial target in accordance with the conditions of the campaign.

has earned this confidence.”

“The promise of AfCFTA will be realised when goods can move across African borders faster, at lower cost and with fewer barriers.

Nigeria is ready to contribute its experience, innovation and enterprise to that future,” the president added.

Before now, AfCFTA SecretaryGeneral Wamkele Mene, had while in Abuja for the agreement, also visited the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters to see the Nigerian programme in operation.

Members of the Senate Committee on Customs, led by Senator Jibrin Isah, joined the visit at the conclusion of their two-day retreat on Customs modernisation and reforms.

Mene described B’Odogwu, Nigeria’s indigenous Unified Customs Management System, as a model for Africa and disclosed that non-African companies had offered similar services.

But AfCFTA chose an African solution, underscoring the importance of African excellence and innovation.

Ex-Agitiators Vow to Back PINL to End Pipelines Vandalism in N’Delta Bayelsa monarch demands more funds for surveillance firm

the group was capable of taking care funding for pipeline protection would Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Tanzania Eyes Expanded Dangote’s of the country’s “We have been called enable more resources to reach host comEx-agitators under the first phase of to this place because they have seen munities, thereby addressing some of the Investments in Fertiliser, Energy, Infrastructure the amnesty programme have pledged our grievances and today I know our socio-economic factors contributing to

Peter Uzoho

The Government of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Dangote Group, expressing strong interest in attracting new investments in fertiliser production, energy and industrial infrastructure to support the country’s long-term development agenda.

Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Planning and Investment, Hon. Prof. Kitila A. Mkumbo, disclosed this during a visit by a Tanzanian delegation to the Dangote

Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos, Nigeria, a statement by Dangote Group revealed.

According to the Minister, the visit was aimed at following up on discussions held earlier this year between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, regarding the expansion of Dangote Group’s investment footprint in Tanzania.

He noted that Dangote already operates Tanzania’s largest cement manufacturing plant with an investment valued at approximately $800 million,

adding that the company continues to play an important role in the country’s industrial development.

“We have come here to make a follow-up on what they deliberated with our President in terms of further Dangote investments in Tanzania,” Mkumbo said.

He explained that Tanzania is particularly interested in Dangote Group’s expertise in fertiliser production and refinery operations, describing the company’s industrial capabilities as critical to supporting East Africa’s economic growth.

their total support to oil surveillance firm, Pipelines Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in its quest to achieve zero pipeline vandalism and bring peace to the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the monthly stakeholders meeting organised by PINL management, Chairman of the group, Jacob Brave, said having seen the potential of PINL, they have resolved to support them in bringing peace to the region.

While expressing disappointment that the real freedom fighters in the creek have been neglected, Brave, popularly called ‘Creek Lion’, said

presence as freedom fighters here is for good purpose. I know that peace will reign in our region and the country at large. I have assured the people, the company and the organisation that from today I will make sure, I and my people will bring that everlasting peace to this Niger Delta region,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, urged the federal government to increase funding for PINL to enable the company to strengthen pipeline security in the Niger Delta.

Dakolo maintained that increased

pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

Dakolo, who is the paramount ruler of Ekpetiama Kingdom, said pipeline security would become easier when communities hosting oil and gas infrastructure have greater access to resources and opportunities.

Earlier in his opening address, the PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said Nigeria’s ambition to emerge as Africa’s energy hub depends on securing the nation’s critical oil and gas infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment to community-based pipeline protection.

10

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

CELEBRATION OF THE 2026 OSUN OSOGBO FESTIVAL...

L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Nigeria Distilleries, Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho; the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji; Activation Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited, Mr. Benson Oluwafiropo; and Business Manager Osogbo, Oluwafemi Ayobami, during the team’s visit to the revered monarch in celebration of the 2026 Osun Osogbo Festival... recently

Report: 21% of Nigerian Women Have Suffered Physical, Sexual Violence NAPTIP, EU, International IDEA launch Media Corps to confront silence, impunity

Michael Olugbode in Abuja One in every five Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical or sexual violence, a disturbing finding that has heightened calls for sustained media scrutiny of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the country.

The figure emerged as National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in partnership with the European Union (EU) and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), launched a dedicated Media Corps to strengthen journalism as a tool for exposing SGBV, challenging institutional failures, and breaking the culture of silence surrounding abuse.

The initiative was unveiled in Abuja under the EU-supported End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Programme, with journalists receiving specialised training to investigate and report cases of sexual and gender-based violence more effectively, ethically, and sensitively.

The 21 per cent figure gives the initiative a stark national context: SGBV is not a marginal

problem affecting a handful of victims, but a widespread threat with consequences for women, families, and communities.

The media corps is consequently designed to move coverage beyond the episodic reporting of individual rape, assault or abuse cases to sustained journalism that investigates patterns, identifies perpetrators and enablers, interrogates institutional responses, and keeps pressure on authorities to deliver protection and justice.

Stakeholders at the launch stressed that the fight against SGBV could not be left to law enforcement agencies and the courts alone.

They stated that the media had a critical role in exposing abuses that remained hidden, amplifying survivors’ experiences, challenging victim-blaming and harmful social norms, and ensuring that cases do not disappear from public attention once the initial news cycle ends.

The new corps will equip journalists with knowledge of the legal, psychological, and social dimensions of SGBV, while strengthening their ability to report cases without sensationalism or practices that could further traumatise survivors.

This is particularly important in a country where fear, stigma, victim-blaming, and concerns about access to justice can discourage victims from reporting abuse.

Recent research similarly points to the continuing scale and complexity of violence against women in Nigeria, including intimate-partner violence and sexual abuse among young women and adolescents.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace Most Reverend Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, has urged Nigerians to reject vengeance, hatred and animosity and embrace peace, forgiveness and reconciliation as critical steps towards achieving national unity and development.

Kaigama made the call on Sunday through the National Chaplain of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Rev. Fr. Richard Igyor, who represented him at the 2026 National Feast Celebration of the Union in Abuja.

The celebration, themed, “Cultivating Peace, Faith and

Hope: Emulating Saint Rita’s Virtues,” attracted more than 1,000 devotees from across the country who gathered to reflect on the life of Saint Rita and the relevance of her virtues to Nigeria’s development.

Igyor said the virtues of Saint Rita, particularly forgiveness, perseverance, faith and commitment to peace, remained relevant to Nigeria amid insecurity, political tensions and growing social divisions.

He urged Nigerians to go beyond seeking miracles and develop genuine relationships with God that would be reflected in their treatment of others.

According to him, true devotion

institutions working on prevention, protection, prosecution, and survivor support.

But stakeholders emphasised that specialised reporting must be accompanied by a strong commitment to ethical journalism.

The ultimate ambition, stakeholders said, was to transform SGBV reporting from a series of isolated breaking-news stories into sustained accountability journalism.

With one in five Nigerian women reportedly affected by physical or sexual violence, the stakes are enormous.

The real test of the media corps will, therefore, not be the number of journalists trained, but whether its members can uncover hidden cases, expose systemic failures, force institutions to respond and keep SGBV firmly on Nigeria’s national agenda.

Former President Jonathan Commissions 49.7km Township Roads Worth N58.7 Billion in Bauchi Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commissioned 18 township roads spanning 49.7 kilometres worth about N58.7 billion under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State.

The projects are aimed at improving connectivity, transportation, security and access to essential services within the state capital.

Speaking during the commission-

Kaigama to Nigerians: Reject Vengeance, Embrace Forgiveness for National Devt Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

For NAPTIP, whose mandate includes combating trafficking and related forms of exploitation, the partnership provides an opportunity to deepen public understanding of the links between trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of gender-based violence.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between journalists, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other

to saints should not be limited to seeking favours through prayers but should be demonstrated by emulating their virtues in everyday life.

He said Nigerians could contribute to national development by allowing the values of peace, love and reconciliation to shape their conduct at home, in workplaces, communities and positions of leadership.

The Prior General of the Pious Union of Saint Rita of Cascia, Nigeria, Mrs. Cecilia Oyakhire, described women as critical agents of nation-building and urged them to promote peace, love and care within their families.

ing ceremony as well as the official foundation laying ceremony for the construction of four Recreational Parks in Bauchi metropolis on Monday, Dr. Jonathan said the scale of the investment reflects purposeful governance under Governor Bala Mohammed.

The former President who described the projects as practical and impactful governance, beneficial to the teeming residents, noted that roads remain critical to economic growth because they “connect communities, facilitate commerce, create opportunities and promote inclusive development.”

According to him, “This 49.7km road network is more than asphalt.

It is a celebration of visionary leadership, responsible governance,

and purposeful investment in infrastructure that directly improves the quality of life of our people.”

The former president noted this was his third official visit to Bauchi, adding that “the state has always occupied a special place in my heart.”

“No society can achieve sustainable growth without reliable roads,” Jonathan said.

“Roads remain critical for development, connecting communities, facilitating commerce, creating opportunities, and promoting inclusive growth.” He added.

Jonathan urged residents to protect the new infrastructure, echoing the governor’s appeal.

“Roads are investments in your collective future. Their maintenance

and protection are shared responsibilities,” he said.

He also commended Governor Mohammed, recalling that he served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory during his administration.

“He has continued to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people,” he added.

In his remarks earlier, Governor Bala Mohammed said the 18 roads were designed to link key residential areas, commercial centres, schools and public facilities across the Bauchi metropolis.

He said the N58.7 billion projects were constructed to standard with durable pavement, drainage, culverts, road markings, and solar-powered street lighting on selected routes.

As New Registrar Resumes, JAMB Resolves 5,000 Complaints in 5 Days

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has resolved more than 5,000 pending and unresolved complaints within five days as the Registrar, Prof.

Segun Aina, moved to strengthen the Board’s Service Compact with Nigerians (SERVICOM) unit.

The initiative is part of Aina’s efforts to provide swift and efficient services to the Board’s clients,

particularly candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions, the examination body stated.

The Registrar also relocated his seat to the SERVICOM Unit to personally assess the nature of complaints being received and oversee efforts to resolve outstanding cases.

In a statement by the Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja at the weekend, JAMB said the move was

in line with the second of Aina’s “Five Enduring Pillars”, which is “Service at Heart”.

The Registrar also directed SERVICOM desk officers to address complaints holistically and promptly, stressing the need for the Board to provide services commensurate with the fees paid by its clients.

The directive, he said, has already begun to yield results, with more than 5,000 pending complaints resolved within five days.

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Politics

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 sms only

As Ministers Admit Funding Delays in Safe Schools’ Initiative Scheme...

Two ministers admitted funding delays and fragmented oversight have weakened school security nationwide, pledging closer coordination as the Senate widens its Safe Schools Initiative probe to five more agencies, demanding accountability for billions in intervention funds. Sunday Aborisade reports.

Oyedele

T

welve years after 276 schoolgirls were dragged from their dormitory in Chibok, and barely three weeks after the 39 abducted school children and six teachers in Oyo State have been successfully rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, the Federal Government moved penultimate Friday to answer a question that has trailed the Safe Schools Initiative since its birth: where did the money go, and why are Nigerian children still not safe in their classrooms?

The answer, delivered under the unblinking gaze of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Safe Schools Initiative, came in two parts and from two ministers who, for the first time, appeared to be reading from the same script.

At separate investigative hearings chaired

by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, and his Education counterpart, Dr Tunji Alausa, pledged that the turf-guarding that has long shadowed the initiative would give way to coordination, between their ministries, security agencies, state governments, development partners and the National Assembly.

It was, in effect, an admission that fragmentation had been part of the problem.

The headline announcement was institutional. Alausa disclosed that the Safe Schools Initiative, for years financially domiciled in the Ministry of Finance even though it was Education that dealt daily with schools, states and pupils, has now been formally transferred to the Federal Ministry of Education, which has stood up a full Safe Schools Department to run it.

In an interactive session with newsmen after the session, Alausa said: “When I became Minister of Education, I wrote to the then Minister of Finance requesting that the Safe Schools financing structure be moved to the Ministry of Education. Although there was support for the idea, administrative constraints delayed the process.

“Today, the Safe Schools Initiative is officially domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Education. We have also established a dedicated Safe Schools Department to coordinate policy, implementation and monitoring,” he explained.

Alausa

His argument for the switch was structural rather than political: Education supervises school policy nationwide and works directly with states and institutions, making it the natural home for a programme that, in his telling, has outgrown its original narrow conception of guns at the school gate.

Alausa said, “Safe Schools is much broader than physical security. It includes perimeter fencing, solarpowered lighting, water and sanitation facilities, recruitment of school security personnel, deployment of technology and the establishment of effective monitoring systems.”

That breadth, he argued, is precisely why it needs “a central command-and-control structure.”

One in which security agencies retain their constitutional mandates while education provides policy direction and ensures every school, not just the politically visible ones, benefits.

If Alausa’s session dealt with structure, Oyedele’s dealt with money.

This is to address the uncomfortable arithmetic of an initiative that has drawn in federal appropriations, state contributions, private-sector pledges and foreign grants running into tens of millions of dollars, yet has failed to stop schools from being emptied at gunpoint.

Oyedele did not dispute that gaps exist. He identified, unprompted, the most persistent one: agencies tasked with implementation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security

Kalu

and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services and the military, have not always received funds when they needed them.

“We have identified several issues requiring attention, including the timeliness of funding for agencies responsible for implementing the initiative,” he told the committee, adding that his ministry would work with the National Assembly “in identifying any shortcomings and implementing the necessary reforms.”

Asked why Safe Schools funding was domiciled with Finance rather than Education, Oyedele offered a technocrat’s answer that doubled as a mild rebuttal of the turf-war framing altogether.

He explained that certain funds, servicewide votes, intervention funds, are statutorily administered by the Ministry of Finance because it functions as the government’s financial manager through the Office of the Accountant-General.

The real issue, he insisted, was never who held the purse.

According to him: “What matters most is ensuring that adequate resources are made available and released on time. Timely funding helps prevent attacks rather than forcing the government into damage-control after tragedies have occurred.”

It was a carefully calibrated line, conceding the criticism’s substance while resisting its institutional diagnosis.

Whether that distinction survives the committee’s eventual report may be the real test of the hearings.

Both ministers, prompted repeatedly by Kalu and his colleagues, accepted a principle that has become the moral spine of this

Penultimate Friday’s hearings offered something Nigerians have rarely been given: two cabinet ministers, on the record, accepting that the system built to protect their children has been slow, fragmented and imperfectly accounted for and pledging, in nearly identical language, to fix it.

investigation: that changes in leadership cannot be used as a shield.

“Government is a continuum,” Kalu reminded Alausa at the outset. “Whether these funds were released before the present minister assumed office or not, the government remains responsible for accounting for every kobo entrusted to it.”

Alausa did not resist the framing, even while noting that the disbursements under the fiercest scrutiny, some running back five to seven years, predated his tenure entirely.

“Although these transactions predated my appointment, the government is a continuum,” he said. “We have a responsibility to account to Nigerians for how public resources were managed.”

Oyedele went further, turning the principle into a personal governing philosophy.

He said, “Whether those issues occurred before my appointment or not is secondary.

Once we accept public office, we also accept responsibility for the institution we lead.

Where we discover that something was not done properly, our duty is to acknowledge it, correct it and ensure that future processes are strengthened.”

Both hearings, for all their candour before cameras, ended the same way: adjourned into executive session.

Kalu was unambiguous about why. “Banditry, terrorism and attacks on schools are matters of national security.

He said, “We will not discuss sensitive operational issues in public because we do not want to expose information that could be useful to criminals.”

It is a justification the committee has leaned on before, and one that leaves outside observers. Journalists, civil society, the parents of the next child who might be taken from a dormitory, dependent on the eventual report for the fuller picture of what was actually said behind those doors.

Kalu was equally firm that the exercise carries no vendetta. “This investigation is not a witch-hunt,” he told Oyedele’s delegation, invoking Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as the Senate’s legal foundation for the probe.

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

20

FEatures

T H I S D AY • TUESday, AUGUST 11, 2026

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

Inside inDrive's Chief Wahala Officer Campaign and the Human Face of Reliability, Problem-solving In Lagos, “wahala” is part of everyday life, especially for commuters navigating traffic, delays and cancellations. inDrive turned this shared experience into its Chief Wahala Officer campaign, using humour and cultural relevance to humanise its brand while highlighting its commitment to reliability and problem-solving. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

W

hen inDrive advertised for a Chief Wahala Officer (CWO) earlier this year, the vacancy looked genuine enough to make many Nigerians pause. The role came with an unusual qualification: at least five years of surviving the realities of Lagos.

Applicants needed composure under pressure, a strong understanding of "Lagos wahala" and the ability to navigate the unpredictability of everyday movement across the city.

It was not a conventional recruitment exercise. It was a marketing campaign. Yet, that was precisely why it succeeded.

Rather than introducing another promotional slogan about affordability or convenience, the global ride-hailing and delivery platform built an entire campaign around an experience nearly every Lagos resident understands.

It acknowledged that daily transportation comes with delays, cancellations, traffic, surge pricing and countless unexpected obstacles.

More importantly, it positioned the brand as a partner willing to confront those realities rather than pretend they do not exist.

The result was one of the more culturally grounded marketing campaigns seen in Nigeria's mobility sector in recent times.

Turning Everyday Frustration into Brand Conversation The campaign was built around a simple but powerful insight: Wahala is part of everyday Lagos life. Instead of avoiding conversations about customer frustrations, inDrive leaned directly into them.

The fictional Chief Wahala Officer became the human face of reliability, accountability, and problem-solving, representing a brand that understands the daily challenges commuters and delivery users face.

Whether it is a driver cancelling at the last minute, gridlocked traffic, delayed deliveries, urgent requests or fluctuating prices, the campaign acknowledged what customers already know. Rather than selling perfection, it offered reassurance that there is always a way through the chaos.

This honesty immediately differentiated the campaign from conventional advertising, where brands often focus exclusively on ideal experiences while ignoring the frustrations customers encounter.

A Marketing Strategy Rooted in Culture Marketing campaigns succeed when they reflect the audience's lived reality. The Chief Wahala Officer campaign did exactly that.

"Wahala" is more than a Nigerian Pidgin word for trouble; it captures the shared experience of navigating

support, and transparent user feedback all reinforced the campaign's promise of giving customers greater control over their mobility experience. The storytelling, therefore, remained firmly connected to practical product benefits rather than existing purely as entertainment.

Why Acknowledging Challenges Matters One of the campaign's most significant lessons is that recognising customer frustration can itself strengthen brand loyalty. Too often, companies communicate only success while avoiding conversations about service challenges. Customers, however, already know those challenges exist.

By openly admitting that mobility in Lagos comes with unavoidable frustrations, inDrive established credibility before presenting its solutions. That approach made the campaign feel less like advertising and more like empathy. Customers are more likely to trust brands that Kie Kie as Chief Wahala Campaign Officer acknowledge reality than those that uncertainty with resilience and engagement and market research promise flawless experiences.

The Chief Wahala Officer worked humour. Every Lagosian has rolled into one. because the character never pretended a personal wahala story. By that wahala would disappear. Instead, adopting that language, inDrive The KieKie Factor the campaign promised that customers avoided sounding like a foreign The campaign reached another would not have to face it alone. tech company trying to force level when actress and content relevance. Instead, it spoke in creator Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, a voice that felt familiar, local popularly known as KieKie, was Lessons for Modern and authentic. The campaign unveiled as the Chief Wahala Officer. Brand Communication The Chief Wahala Officer campaign transformed an everyday The appointment made strategic sense demonstrates that effective marketing expression into a strategic beyond celebrity influence. KieKie's is no longer about making the communications tool, allowing public personality embodies humour, loudest claims.

It is about creating customers to immediately confidence and composure in chaotic the strongest connection.

It showed recognise themselves in the situations, qualities that naturally that humour, local language and message. That cultural relevance aligned with the fictional role. Rather cultural understanding remain made the campaign memorable than simply endorsing the brand, she long before any discussion of became the living representation of powerful communication tools when product features began. its promise to help users navigate backed by genuine product value. everyday transportation challenges. The campaign also illustrated the Engagement Beyond According to inDrive Nigeria's importance of creating multiple Advertising Country Manager, Oladimeji Timothy, engagement moments, from the Perhaps the campaign's KieKie was selected because she initial job vacancy to the application biggest strength was its represents ‘authenticity, humour and process and finally the appointment of ability to turn audiences relatability'. The choice reinforced KieKie. One creative concept generated into participants rather than the campaign's central message that several newsworthy milestones across passive viewers. The vacancy understanding customers requires traditional and digital media. For announcement generated buzz personalities people genuinely connect communications professionals, the campaign offers a useful reminder across LinkedIn, Instagram and with. that authentic storytelling often other social platforms. More begins by listening to customers than 450 Nigerians applied Connecting Storytelling before speaking to them. for the fictional executive role, to Product Value Ultimately, inDrive's wager sharing their own experiences Many campaigns generate attention and interpretations of Lagos but fail to connect that attention was straightforward. Rather than wahala. In doing so, inDrive to the product itself. The Chief promising Lagosians a perfect mobility achieved something many Wahala Officer campaign avoided experience, it acknowledged the brands struggle to accomplish. It that trap. Every form of Wahala city's everyday realities and offered generated organic conversations referenced throughout the campaign something more believable: a platform without relying solely on corresponded with an existing inDrive that understands the challenges, speaks paid advertising.

Every feature. Traffic congestion highlighted the language of its users, and strives application, comment, repost route flexibility. Ride cancellations to provide solutions whenever wahala and video became additional drew attention to driver selection. appears.

In a crowded ride-hailing market campaign content, extending Delivery delays are connected with where many brands promote similar its reach while reinforcing courier options and tracking. Price features, that simple act of recognition the central message. The uncertainty reflected the platform's may well have become the campaign's recruitment process itself negotiated pricing model. greatest competitive advantage. became entertainment; customer Ratings, real-time tracking, delivery

LAWYER TUeSday, AUGUST 11, 2026

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weekly pullout

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Dr Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins

From Prosecutor to Private Practice: Dr Babajide Martins on Criminal Justice Administration

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T H I S D AY • TueSday, AUGUST 11, 2026

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In this edition

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Asset Forfeiture: Need to Establish Legitimacy of Purchase Funds Page IV

Prof Kasumu, SAN Passes on

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Page V

e t a v i r P o t r o t u c e s From Pro n o s n i t r a M e d i j a b a Practice: Dr B dministration Criminal Justice A s muyiwa Martin dr Babajide Olu

DSS Arraigns Suspected Hacker Over N800m Bank Fraud Page V

Court Orders Dana Air to Pay Passenger N5.5m Page V

Quotable ‘….Communicate with the Governors, they are getting four to five times their money, and they should do more instead of building flyovers where there’s no numeric traffic. Build the road network to enhance the quality of life, and accessibility of security agencies to penetrate those areas' -HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

"My Lady" Remains Correct: A Reply to Mr Sylvester Udemezue Page X

lawyer

onikepo braithwaite: editor, jude igbanoI: deputy editor, peter taiwo, steve aya: reporters

III The advocate

T H I S D AY • TueSday, AUGUST 11, 2026

Like NBA, Like Osun: Issues in Election Credibility

C

ertain actions lend credibility to an election or government, while others discredit either the election, or the government, particularly when the actions complained about occur on the eve of elections. The ‘problematic’ actions tend to make observers either question the motives of the government, the incumbent, election organisers or participants, or conclude that there is an underlying sinister plan to make sure someone loses an election or give others a better chance to win. We have seen this in our general elections, and even the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections held last month.

2023 Presidential Election When President Bola Tinubu, GCFR lost Lagos to Peter Obi in the 2023 Presidential election, it brought some credibility to the election. Lagos has been known as President Tinubu’s stronghold, since he became Governor of the State in 1999. A Yoruba candidate losing his stronghold in Yorubaland to a non-Yoruba candidate in the first election that he personally stood for after 20 years, albeit that Lagos, like the FCT, Abuja, is considered to be a melting pot of all ethnicities, not only somewhat rendered the argument of some who cried foul that the election in Lagos was rigged as debatable, but brought back the nostalgia of Federalism of the good old days where non-indigenes/different ethnicities were able to win elections in areas where they were settlers.

2026 Osun State Gubernatorial Election On the other hand, other actions that sabotage the credibility of an election are like that of the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) placing a ‘Post No Debit’ (PND) on the Osun State Government (OSG) Account at First Bank, a few days to the Gubernatorial election scheduled to take place on August 15; it not only brings the Federal Government into disrepute, seeing as the EFCC is one of its agencies, but discredits the election itself, as it smacks of desperation to sabotage the operations of the OSG just before the election, to make it unpopular, even with its workers, thereby giving the main contender, the APC (All Progressives Congress), Nigeria’s ruling party, a chance to take advantage of the unpopularity of OSG created by the freezing of its account and inability to meet its commitments, to win the election.

Even though the EFCC insists the freeze was triggered by sudden recent large transfers, the timing makes EFCC’s actions appear to be less altruistic and more like witch-hunting a political opponent, particularly as OSG is the only State that suffered that fate, despite the fact that the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, stated on an the Arise TV Morning Show Interview last Thursday, that 18 States were under investigation. Why were their accounts not frozen too? Because they are predominantly APC? EFCC’s actions concerning OSG, appeared to be a preparation to set the stage for an election that would be conducted on an uneven playing field!

It was therefore good, that President Tinubu, embarrassed by EFCC’s not-so-subtle move, publicly stated that he was unaware of EFCC’s outing in Osun State, ordered EFCC to go to court to vacate the order freezing the account, even though Governor Ademola Adeleke, in an earlier statement, did mention that the action was taken without a court order. There appears to be a controversy, about the existence of a court order. Mr Uwujaren didn’t specifically set this record straight, but responded that by virtue of Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 (MLA), the Commission had 72 hours from the date the account was frozen to secure a court order, “if it is discovered that such account or transaction is suspected to be involved in any unlawful act”. See Polaris Bank Ltd v Jude Bela Eje, EFCC & Ors (2022) LPELR-57975 (CA) per Muslim Sule Hassan, JCA where the Court of Appeal held: “Upon the expiration of the 72 hours and where the Commission is not done with its activities in respect of the account, a court order has to be obtained to extend the life of the order freezing the account.

Where the required court order is not made available, the stop order or the order freezing the account lapses, and the financial institution must unfreeze the account”. Even though the PND would have lapsed in 72 hours, the President appears to have understood the implications and bad optics arising from EFCC’s action, which necessitated him to publicly distance himself from it. Or maybe it was necessary because, even without proof of any unlawful act on OSG’s part, EFCC could still have secured a court order or kept the account frozen.

After all, the accounts of a client of mine were frozen

by EFCC for over 6 years, without a court order or evidence of any unlawful act. Many see EFCC as a tool for political witch-hunting, or settling scores against enemies.

2022/2023 Naira Redesign Policy The OSG incident is reminiscent of President Buhari/ former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele’s disastrous Naira Redesign Policy coupled with an incessant fuel shortage extremely close to the 2023 general elections. Both occurrences which could have been easily avoided, painted the ruling APC in such a

the over 70% disenfranchised Lawyers, like myself.

The body language of the Appeal Committee is not to grant that request. He even questioned the neutrality of the Committee, mentioning that he saw the congratulatory message of one of the members to the declared winner of the Presidential election, on her social media page. The NBA President has publicly attributed the paltry 26.1% of votes, to a low voter turnout. It is obvious that the in-house dispute resolution mechanism has been exhausted, and just as the red flags that were raised before the election were ignored, nothing meaningful will arise from the internal dispute resolution. It has been exhausted.

Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution allows for the submission of any dispute concerning the determination of the civil rights of any individual (aside from those excluded in Section 6(6)(c) thereof), which obviously includes an NBA election petition - it is a constitutional right. Aggrieved candidates certainly have the locus standi, to take their complaints to court.

Onikepo braithwaite Braithwaite onikepo

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The

Advocate “…..actions that sabotage the credibility of an election are like that of the EFCC….placing a PND on the Osun State Government Account at First Bank, a few days to the Gubernatorial election….or the ECNBA proceeding with a technologically compromised electronic voting system after multiple public warnings, the common denominator is the same: the appearance that the process has been tilted or compromised, thereby, diminishing the credibility of such an election….If Mr Akangbe’s request for a rerun on a credible platform for the roughly 70% disenfranchised eligible voters is granted, and the female candidate, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN emerges the winner, it will be to the joy of all women, including my humble self” terrible light and made the party unpopular with the people, as Nigerians were plunged into deep suffering without cash and fuel. See Section 16(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution). It was clear that though the Federal Government was APC, they obviously wanted someone else or anyone else but their own party candidate to win the election, and were sabotaging him and the party with their unpopular policies so close to the elections. At the time, Malam Nasiru El Rufai spearheaded the opposition against the Naira redesign, and the repugnant policy was shot down in AG Kaduna State & Ors v AGF & Ors (2023) LPELR-59936(SC) per Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC. 2026 Nigerian Bar Association National Elections It’s the same with the NBA and the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA). Their actions before and after the elections, are not only questionable, but erode the integrity and legitimacy of the elections. The playing field for the 2026 election was glaringly uneven, and several red flags were raised publicly, prior to the election, but the ECNBA ignored them and proceeded with the election, as if no legitimate complaints had been made. When an electoral body insists on proceeding with an election without implementing the necessary corrections to deliver a free, fair and credible election, it wouldn’t be illogical to conclude that such body is not impartial. It therefore, came as no surprise that the election platform collapsed within minutes of its opening,

seeing as questions about the qualifications and competency of Mikrodigital that conducted the electronic voting, and Thanelinc, the data protector, had been raised.

The new platform that was created by Mikrodigital was obviously defective, as it succeeded in disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters, including myself. I feel cheated that I was unable to vote, despite paying my Bar Practising Fee and Branch Dues on January 2, 2026, and doing the requisite confirmation when the voters’ list was published.

The NBA Constitution provides for an internal dispute resolution mechanism in the event of any conflict between members or a member and the NBA, which shall first be exhausted.

See Section 21 of the NBA Constitution 2015 (as amended in 2021 & 2025). It gives 60 days from the submission of the dispute for the Resolution Committee to decide, and its decision is final and binding. I believe this Committee for other member/Association disputes, is different from National Officers Election Appeal Committee, the specialised body for national election disputes which has shorter timelines for dispute resolution. Nevertheless, a mechanism that prevents a candidate from gaining access to the tools that will allow them to properly lay out their dispute for resolution, or somehow frustrates the efforts of the Complainant, is not an effective dispute resolution mechanism. See Section 36(1) of the Constitution on fair hearing.

I watched a television interview of one of the NBA Presidential candidates, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, demanding for a rerun for

Conclusion Actions taken on the eve of elections may carry a heavier burden of justification, than those taken in ordinary times. Be it a Federal agency such as the EFCC freezing a State Government’s account days before a Governorship election, or an electoral body proceeding with a technologically compromised electronic voting system after multiple public warnings, the common denominator is the same: the appearance that the process has been tilted or compromised, thereby, diminishing the credibility of such an election. Credibility is not restored by subsequent explanations, or by attributing low voter turnout to apathy; it is preserved by meticulous adherence to process, and by scrupulous regard for timing.

In the case of the NBA, so far, the internal dispute-resolution machinery doesn’t appear to be interested in delivering a transparent, time-bound determination that addresses the scale of the alleged disenfranchisement, seeing as the NBA leadership is hell-bent on pushing the narrative of low voter turnout, instead of disenfranchisement due to an incompetent electronic platform. It is as clear as crystal that, an election in which more than two-thirds of the published eligible voters could not cast their ballots, cannot lightly be dismissed as a mere case of low turnout - it is an inconclusive election. That constitutional safety-net of Section 6(6)(b) exists to preserve the rights of an aggrieved party by going to court, especially when internal mechanisms appear inadequate or compromised.

Institutions - be it the EFCC or the ECNBA, must not only be independent, they must be seen to act with fairness, restraint and transparency, particularly when the stakes of an election are highest. Anything less, invites the very cynicism that erodes public confidence in both Government and the profession.

Like I have repeatedly stated in the past, the NBA is overdue for a second female President (and many more, subsequently), but, one who emerges from a credible election, not marred with such obvious irregularities and massive disenfranchisement. If Mr Akangbe’s request for a rerun on a credible platform for the roughly 70% disenfranchised eligible voters is granted, and the female candidate, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN emerges the winner, it will be to the joy of all women, including my humble self.

Dear Editor Re: 1) NBA Elections: That Candidates May ‘Fair and Square’ 2) Much Ado about ‘First Elected’ Female NBA President I read your two articles about the NBA Elections.

The public is aware of the complaints that have trailed the NBA elections in the past few years, yet, nothing seems to have been done to improve the process. The complaints simply fall by the way side, and the NBA continues, business as usual.

The NBA should bow its head in shame, because as you have repeatedly pointed out, Lawyers are officers in the temple of justice - but they seem to be quite comfortable with delivering injustice. It is more troubling, seeing this come from the Lawyers’ umbrella body, the NBA. This time around, many issues concerning the election process were raised prior to the election, and the Election Committee/NBA still went ahead without addressing those issues. During the era of racial segregation in USA, Rosa Parks’ simple refusal to vacate her seat for a white passenger on a Montgomery bus in 1955, became an important catalyst in the civil rights movement and change in the course of American history.

It is my hope that this time the efforts of the candidates in demanding a free and fair election/ rerun for the disenfranchised will yield fruit, and similarly, will prove to be a turning point in the history of the NBA toward more credible elections.

Amuda Akanbi, London, UK Dear Amuda Akanbi,

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN

Thank you for your well considered comments.

Editor

IV law report

TueSday, AUGUST 11, 2026 • T H I S D AY

Asset Forfeiture: Need to Establish Legitimacy of Purchase Funds

Facts The Appellant, a Nigerian law enforcement agency, received “credible intelligence” to the effect that the Respondent, while serving as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, acquired numerous properties reasonably suspected to have been illicitly acquired. Further to the intelligence report, the Appellant discovered a number of properties and accordingly, commenced a non-conviction based forfeiture proceedings under Section 17 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 at the Federal High Court, Lagos. The trial court delivered a ruling granting an interim order of forfeiture of the properties in question listed as Schedule A attached to the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte, and directed the Appellant to give notice of the interim forfeiture by publication in any of the specified widely circulated national dailies.

Further to the publication, the Respondent filed a motion for stay of proceedings and an affidavit to show cause. A counter- affidavit and further affidavit were filed thereafter.

During the proceedings, the Appellant filed a motion on notice praying for a final forfeiture of the properties, and a counter-affidavit to the Respondent’s application to show cause. Upon conclusion of the substantive motion on notice, the trial court delivered its final judgement, making an order for the final forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria, of all the properties contained in Schedule A, which properties are reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The Respondent, who was dissatisfied with the judgement, appealed to the Court of Appeal, which court, by its majority decision, allowed the appeal in part, set aside the final forfeiture with a directive that the parties be given opportunity to call oral evidence. The court thereby ordered that the case be remitted to the Chief Judge for re-assignment to another Judge of the Federal High Court for a re-hearing. Expectedly, the Appellant appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination The Supreme Court adopted the issues formulated by the Appellant in its determination of the appeal: 1. Having regard to the clear provision of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and the decision of this Honourable Court in Jonathan v FRN (2019) LPELR-46944(SC), whether Their Lordships of the court below were right in holding that the Respondent may be the direct and true beneficiary of the forfeited properties when the Respondent failed to substantiate his claim of legitimate earnings, failed to demonstrate how his legitimate earnings were utilised to purchase those properties, and failed to establish any link between himself and the companies in whose names the properties were purchased, especially when none of those companies challenged the interim forfeiture order.

2. Whether Their Lordships of the court below were right when they relied on the decision of this Honourable Court in Kotoye v Saraki, to hold that constructive or resulting trusts were created in favour of the Respondent in respect of properties reasonably suspected to have been acquired with the proceeds of crime and, in spite of the fact that the Respondent neither pleaded the equitable defence, nor was the issue which was never canvassed at the trial court raised, with the leave of the court below.

3. Whether Their Lordships of the court below were right in directing that the proceedings founded on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 be converted to a plenary trial with the calling of oral evidence by the parties, when there was no conflict to be resolved by oral evidence and in a generis non-criminal based asset forfeiture proceedings, which, by law, is based on affidavit evidence only.

4. Whether Their Lordships of the court below erred in law when they held that the Appellant did not controvert the fact that the Respondent earned such funds as indicated in this affidavit which was supported by the documents attached to the affidavit of the Respondent, as well as replying on the extrajudicial statement of Mr Omeke to hold that Mr Omeke revealed that the Respondent was engaged in bribery and money laundering.

5. Whether Their Lordships of the court below erred in law when they held that the trial court had not adequately evaluated the evidence adduced by the parties before granting the Appellant’s motion on notice for final forfeiture of the properties listed in schedule A, and that the trial court was wrong in holding that the Respondent had not established interest in the forfeited properties.

Arguments Arguing issue one, the Appellant submitted that contrary to the findings of the Court of Appeal, that the funds used for the purchase of the forfeited properties in Schedule A were proceeds of the legitimate earnings of the Respondent, there is no proof that the funds came from the Respondent. All the payment for the properties was not traced to the Respondent, and there was no evidence of how the Respondent’s alleged earnings were applied to the purchase of the properties held in the names of different companies, which the Respondent denied knowledge of. Counsel submitted that forfeiture proceedings are directed at properties rather than individuals; thus, by Section 17(2) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, the onus is on the Respondent to prove his legitimate earnings and demonstrate how the earnings

Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 17th day of July, 2026 Before their Lordships Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Tijjani Abubakar Emmanuel Akomaye Agim Obande Festus Ogbuinya Habeeb Adewale Olumuyiwa Abiru Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/644/2025 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Between And

Godwin Emefiele

Appellant Respondent

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC) were utilised to acquire the properties, the subject of the forfeiture proceedings.

Per contra, the Respondent submitted that the Appellant having admitted the truth of the depositions in the Respondent’s affidavit to show cause, and having not filed a Cross-Appeal or a Respondent’s Notice regarding the alleged lack of evidence showing that the funds for the purchase of the properties came from the Respondent’s account, it is late in the day for the Appellant to challenge the evidence. Further, that his unchallenged averments are reasonable and believable and the court is obliged to accept same and act on them accordingly.

Regarding issues two and three, the Appellant submitted that the beneficial owners of the properties in question are the persons whose names are on the title deeds, and they are the ones who ought to show cause that the properties were not acquired with the proceeds of crime, not a total stranger who claims that the properties do not belong to the companies. Countering the submissions, the Respondent argued that the findings of the Court of Appeal that there is a constructive trust between the Respondent and his solicitor in respect of the acquisition of the properties listed in Schedule A, is unassailably sound. On issue three, he submitted that the lower court ought not to have remitted the case to the trial court but dismissed same, having

“Under the law, the Respondent has a duty to establish by cogent affidavit evidence that the properties or proceeds, being the subject of the trial court’s interim forfeiture, were acquired with legitimate funds, and not otherwise”

found that there is no evidence to justify the order of final forfeiture.

Arguing issue four, the Appellant submitted that there was no evidence that the Respondent’s personal solicitor received any instruction from him to invest monies in the properties ordered to be confiscated, and that the facts alleged by the Respondent failed to answer the question whether the funds used for the purchase of the properties were from illicit engagements. The Respondent on his part, submitted that averments contained in his affidavit to show cause, which were not controverted by the Appellant, were deemed unchallenged.

On issue five, the Appellant argued in support of the evaluation of evidence by the trial court and the conclusion reached. The Respondent, however, submitted that the Court of Appeal was right to have distinguished the present case from the case of JONATHAN v FRN, as the said authority relied on by the trial court differs from this case.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Deciding issue one, the Supreme Court quoted extensively the provisions of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, noting that the power to make an Order of forfeiture without conviction is derived thereunder, but subject to the applicability of the provisions of Sections 36(1) and 44(1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). The Supreme Court found that the relevant provisions of the Act contain inherent mechanism, for according fair hearing to the respective parties to the suit. The Applicant should, after identifying the properties reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime, file an ex-parte application for an interim order of forfeiture to preserve the properties from being dissipated. The High Court has a duty to grant the interim order, and direct the Applicant to publish the order notifying anyone who may

be affected to appear in court to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be granted.

The court relied on the decision in 7-UP BOTTLING CO. LTD. v ABIOLA & SONS LTD. (1995) 3 NWLR (PT. 383) 257, to distinguish between an order of interim injunction and interlocutory injunction and the constitutionality thereof.

In this case, the Respondent pleaded what he alleged to be his earnings, however, no reliable evidence was advanced in the affidavit to show how the alleged earnings were applied to the purchase of the properties in question, held in the names of various companies, which total value exceeds N7,967,369,000, excluding the industrial complex under construction on the 22plots of land in Delta State. These companies were alleged to have been acquired after the Respondent’s Asset Declaration in 2019, where the Respondent declared that he had no savings. Curiously, the companies in whose names the assets were held did not challenge the forfeiture proceedings, thereby subjecting the properties to reasonable suspicion of having been illicitly acquired.

The Respondent posited that, he did not instruct his solicitor that the properties be purchased in the names of the companies. The solicitor, however, in Exhibit EFCC 12, stated that he was indeed, instructed by the Respondent to acquire the forfeited properties in the names of the listed companies. Despite this fundamental conflict, there is no evidence to show how monies were given to the Respondent’s solicitor for the purchase of the properties in question. Further, by his Asset Declaration of 2019, the Respondent appeared not to have had the capacity to purchase the properties listed. Under the law, the Respondent has a duty to establish by cogent affidavit evidence that the properties or proceeds, being the subject of the trial court’s interim forfeiture, were acquired with legitimate funds, and not otherwise - JONATHAN v FRN (2019) 20 NWLR (PT. 168) 533. The Supreme Court held that, there is sufficient evidence to justify the findings of the trial court.

On issues two and three, the Supreme Court held that there is no evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the properties in question by the Respondent. There’s neither cogent evidence as to how the purchase was funded, nor an unassailable evidence regarding how the purported trust was given.

It is trite law that, for a trust to be validly enforceable, it must involve specific property, reflect the settlor’s intent, and be created for a lawful purpose. Thus, a trust comes into being as a consequence for a manifestation of an intention to create it. The Court of Appeal had relied on the case of KOTOYE v SARAKI (1994) LPELR 1768(SC) to hold that a constructive trust was created in favour of the Respondent, in respect of the forfeited properties. The Supreme Court found the decision erroneous as the referenced case did not make any conclusive pronouncement regarding the issue of constructive trust or resulting trust, let alone declaring same in favour of any of the parties therein. The issue of constructive trust relied on by the Court of Appeal was merely a passing remark, an obiter dictum which did not in anyway result in deciding the live issues in the matter – ORUGBO v UNA (2002) LPELR-2778(SC). The Apex Court expounded further on the issue of whether bribe or property illicitly acquired by an agent is held in trust for the principal, or whether the principal merely has a claim for equitable compensation in a sum equal to the value of the bribe or illicitly acquired property.

The court reviewed various jurisprudential antecedents, including the decisions in ATTORNEY-GENERAL OF HONG KONG v RELD (1993) WLR 1142; (1994) ALL ER 1; (1994) 1 AC 324, and came to the conclusion that based on the relevant laws and the doctrine of equity, all the properties which the Respondent (as employee and agent of the Federal Government) erroneously claimed to have accrued to him, must be deemed and treated ad received for the benefit of the principal.

Deciding issue four, the court reviewed Exhibit OL-1, the Code of Corporate Governance for Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria issued by the CBN, which provides for the remuneration of Directors. The Supreme Court found that ironically, the said Exhibit OL-1 does not stipulate the actual remuneration of the Respondent. Thus, the court adjudged the said document as a guideline, irrelevant to the purchase of the properties in question.

Regarding issue five, the Supreme Court agreed with the findings of the trial court that there was sufficient documentary evidence that could effectively resolve any conflicts inherent in the affidavits of the respective parties, thereby obviating the need to resort to oral evidence to resolve such conflicts. More so, the companies by which the forfeited properties were purchased, neither filed an affidavit to show cause nor denied ownership thereof.

Concluding on the findings above, the Supreme Court resolved all the issues in favour of the Appellant, set aside the majority decision of the Court of Appeal, and restored the judgement of the trial court.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation Kanu G. Agabi, CON, SAN; Akinyele Delame, SAN; Rotimi Oyedepo Ise Oluwa, SAN; Uchenna Njoku, SAN; with others for the Appellant.

Olalekan Ojo, SAN; A. Labi-Lawal, SAN with others for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR) (An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

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NEWS

DSS Director-General, Adeola Ajayi

Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN

Prof Kasumu, SAN Passes on at 92 Erudite legal scholar and former Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, has passed on. He died peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 92.

His death was confirmed in an official statement released by the Kasunmu family on Sunday. ”With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather, Professor Alfred Bandele Kasunmu, SAN, who departed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, 9th August 2026,” the family stated. Professor Kasunmu was not only a cherished patriarch of our family but also a distinguished scholar, mentor, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria whose legacy of wisdom, integrity, and service will continue to inspire generations.”

Born on May 23, 1934, in Lagos to parents from Ilesa, Osun State, Kasunmu was educated at Elizabeth Fowler Memorial School, Reagan Memorial Baptist School, and Baptist Academy Lagos, graduating in 1953.

He proceeded to University College London (UCL), where he obtained both his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master

of Laws (LLM) degrees. He was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964.

Late Prof AB Kasumu, SAN Kasunmu built an illustrious career across academia, public service, and private practice. He began his teaching career in 1964 as a pioneer lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo

University).

In 1971, he joined the University of Lagos as a senior lecturer, eventually attaining the rank of Professor of Law and serving as Dean of the Faculty of Law from 1973 to 1975.

His commitment to public service led to his appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice

for Lagos State, a role he served from 1975 to 1978.

On January 25, 1978, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), becoming one of the earliest practitioners to attain the title.

Following his public service, Kasunmu founded the law firm Professor A.B. Kasunmu’s Chambers LP

Court Remands 65-Year-Old Woman over Alleged Child Trafficking Stories by Steve Aya

A Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded a 65-year-old woman, Nwakuba Helen Chinyere, in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over alleged conspiracy, child trafficking and child laundering offences. Justice Friday Ogazi ordered her remand, after she pleaded not guilty to a four-count

charge filed against her by the Zone 2 Command of the Nigerian Police, Onikan, Lagos. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until August 19, 2026, for hearing of her bail application.

The prosecution, led

by Mr Eliot Ijie, told the court that Chinyere and others allegedly obtained, possessed and trafficked a one-year-old boy sometime in 2024. According to the

Prosecutor, the child was allegedly taken from Lagos and moved to Imo State, where the Defendant was accused of receiving or harbouring the boy, despite allegedly knowing that he had been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

Ijie informed the court that the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act,

2015, the Criminal Code Act and the Child Rights Act. The Prosecutor urged the court to remand the Defendant pending trial, and requested a date for the commencement of proceedings.

The defendant, who informed the court that her lawyer was unavailable due to a bereavement, consented to having the charges read to her. She, however, pleaded not

DSS Arraigns Suspected Hacker Over N800m Bank Fraud The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a 47-year-old man, Ugochukwu Eze, popularly known as “Amazon”, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged cyber-attacks that reportedly led to the diversion of more than N800 million belonging to SunTrust Bank Plc. Eze was brought before Justice Friday Ogazi on charges bordering on cybercrime, unlawful access to critical financial infrastructure, conspiracy and alleged money laundering offences. The DSS accused him of hacking into the bank’s computer system, and fraudulently diverting funds into several accounts between 2023 and 2026.

According to the prosecution Counsel, M. Bajela, the Defendant and others currently at large, allegedly conspired to unlawfully interfere with the operations of SunTrust Bank’s server, thereby disrupting the

in Lagos in 1978. Over the decades, he authored and co-authored several legal texts and articles that remain foundational to Nigerian jurisprudence, while representing clients in major domestic and international litigation and arbitration.

The family indicated that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Bank’s computer system and facilitating the diversion of over N800 million. The Defendant was also accused of concealing and transferring funds, allegedly linked to cyber-attacks on financial institutions.

The prosecution told the court that the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, as well as sections of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Eze was specifically accused of causing unauthorised access to critical national financial information infrastructure.

The Defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the allegations. Following his plea, the DSS Counsel requested a trial date, and urged the court to remand him pending the determination of the charge.

Defence Counsel, E. Afrogha, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on behalf of her client,

adding that he had spent over one month in DSS custody.

Justice Ogazi subse-quently adjourned the matter until August 24, 2026, for hearing of the bail application. The Judge ordered that the Defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) custody

pending the determination of his bail request, after the prosecution informed the court that it had not been served with the application.

The case highlights the growing challenge of cybercrime and financial fraud within Nigeria’s banking sector, as law

enforcement agencies intensify efforts to track individuals accused of exploiting digital systems to commit financial offences.

However, Eze remains presumed innocent, until the prosecution proves the allegations against him beyond reasonable doubt.

guilty to all the counts, denying the allegations against her. Following her plea, Justice Ogazi ordered that she be kept in NCoS custody pending the determination of her bail application.

The case followed an earlier proceeding before a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Family Court, where Chinyere and six others were initially charged in February 2025 over alleged conspiracy, human trafficking and child laundering involving five children aged between one and three years. She was initially removed from the charge following an earlier legal advice by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). THYE

Court Orders Dana Air to Pay Passenger N5.5m The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered Dana Airlines Limited to pay N5.5 million to a passenger, Babajide Idowu, over an 11-hour delay on a 2018 Abuja-Lagos flight, holding that the airline breached its contract of carriage by failing to provide timely information on the cause of the delay.

Justice Yellim Bogoro, in a judgement delivered on May 25, 2026, awarded N5 million as general damages and another N500,000 as solicitor’s fees to Idowu, who had sued the airline over Flight 9J-356 scheduled to convey him from Abuja to Lagos on July

5, 2018. The Judge held that Dana Air failed to communicate the reason for the prolonged delay, despite keeping the passenger waiting for about 11 hours.

Justice Bogoro, however, declined to award the $4,150 compensation sought by Idowu under the Montreal Convention, ruling that the passenger eventually travelled on the delayed flight and was therefore, not entitled to reimbursement or compensation under the applicable Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations. The court held that while the airline breached its obligations, the

circumstances did not warrant payment under the specific compensation provision relied upon by the passenger.

During the trial, Idowu told the court that although Dana Air sent several emails informing him about changes to the flight schedule, none explained why the flight had been delayed. He said he eventually arrived in Lagos at about 11:10pm and only learnt months later, after demanding compensation through his Lawyer, that the airline attributed the delay to safety checks allegedly advised by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Dana Air’s Legal Manager, Chigozie Igbonugo, had told the court that the delay was caused by regulatory safety checks. However, under cross-examination, the witness admitted that he was not aware whether passengers were informed of the reason for the delay at the airport.

Justice Bogoro described the airline’s explanation, which came only after the passenger sought compensation, as an “afterthought” and held that Dana Air failed to prove that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the consequences of the delay.

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Dr Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins

From Prosecutor to Private Practice: Dr Babajide Martins on Criminal Justice Administration

The legal landscape of practice in Nigeria, is changing rapidly. A growing number of Lawyers who built their careers in government are now moving into private practice, bringing with them institutional knowledge and a different perspective on the justice system. One such Lawyer is Dr Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins. Highly regarded for his work in criminal justice administration, Dr Martins started his career as a Crown Prosecutor in the UK. He spent years at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, rising through strategic roles that included serving as Special Assistant on Criminal Prosecution to the then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, SAN. He now heads the Criminal Litigation and Public Prosecution Practice of Adeniji Kazeem & Co,. in the firm’s Abuja office. Over the weekend, Dr Martins shared his thoughts on justice administration and the evolving face of criminal justice delivery in Nigeria with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi. He reflects on his journey through public service, the persistent challenges of criminal justice administration, the importance of prosecutorial independence, the expanding role of specialist legal expertise in supporting public institutions, and his vision for the future of criminal justice in the country Justice Beyond Judgements

K

indly, give us an overview of your career as a civil servant culminating in you becoming the Director of Public Prosecutions

and Permanent Secretary at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. What specific reforms, systems, or practices did you introduce or institutionalise as DPP an/

“One of the notable initiatives I pioneered during my tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions, was the establishment of the Investigatory Advisory Unit….The objective was to provide timely legal advice to the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies during the investigative stage, thereby strengthening investigations, ensuring that appropriate charges were preferred….”

or Permanent Secretary, that you regard as lasting contributions?

Following my legal education and admission to practice, I commenced my public service career in the United Kingdom, where I served as a Crown Prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and subsequently, as a Litigation Lawyer with Blackburn Borough Council. These roles afforded me significant experience in criminal prosecution, public law, local government practice, and the administration of justice within a common law jurisdiction.

In July 2013, I returned to

Nigeria and joined the Lagos State Civil Service as an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Justice.

My experience and expertise in criminal justice administration led to my subsequent promotion to the rank of Director, after which I was seconded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where I served as Special Assistant to the then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeola Ipaye, OFR. During this period, I played an active role in the administration of criminal justice, and contributed to several institutional reforms within the Ministry.

One of the notable initiatives I pioneered during my tenure

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From Prosecutor to Private Practice: Dr Babajide Martins on Criminal Justice Administration cont'd from page VI

as Director of Public Prosecutions, was the establishment of the Investigatory Advisory Unit.

This initiative was inspired by the Pre-Charge Advice Unit of the United Kingdom's Crown Prosecution Service, where prosecutors provide legal guidance to investigators before criminal charges are filed. The objective was to provide timely legal advice to the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies during the investigative stage, thereby strengthening investigations, ensuring that appropriate charges were preferred, improving the quality of prosecutions, and reducing avoidable delays and unsuccessful prosecutions.

I also served as a member of the team that established the Witness Support Unit, within the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The Unit was created to improve the experience of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system, by providing them with the necessary support and guidance throughout the prosecution process, thereby enhancing witness participation and confidence in the administration of justice.

In April 2020, I was appointed Director of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD).

During my tenure, I focused on strengthening access to justice for vulnerable and indigent members of society, while improving institutional processes within the Bureau.

Working alongside dedicated colleagues, I contributed to the development and implementation of the Office's comprehensive Work Process Manual, which established standard operating procedures across all operational units and significantly enhanced efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, I was appointed Legal Adviser to the Lagos State Government Covid-19 Response Team, where I provided legal guidance on the complex legal and public health issues that emerged during the pandemic. This role involved advising the Government on emergency regulatory measures, public health directives, and other legal issues arising from the management of the pandemic.

In addition, I served as the Legal Adviser to the Lagos State Biobank Security Project, providing legal support on matters relating to governance, regulatory compliance, and the legal framework necessary for the implementation

Dr Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins

and protection of the project.

On 5 January 2022, I was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State, a role in which I continued to drive prosecutorial reforms, strengthen institutional collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and improve the quality and efficiency of criminal prosecutions across the State.

Subsequently, on 2 April, 2026, I was appointed the Pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Bureau of Public Defender (OPD). This appointment presented a unique opportunity to leverage my prior experience as Director of the Bureau and my institutional knowledge, to reposition the Office in line with the Lagos State Government's THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly its commitment to expanding access to justice. Having previously led the Bureau, I possessed an in-depth understanding of its operational structure, institutional history, and strategic priorities, enabling me to implement reforms that

“The decision was an easy one, because it is founded on a long-standing professional relationship and shared values. When Mr Adeniji Kazeem, SAN served as Attorney-General…I had the privilege of serving as his Special Assistant on Criminal Prosecution. During that period, we worked closely on strengthening prosecution policy, improving criminal justice administration….”

strengthened service delivery, enhanced institutional capacity, and improved legal assistance for indigent and vulnerable persons across Lagos State.

Throughout my career, my focus has remained on strengthening public institutions, promoting access to justice, improving criminal justice administration, and implementing sustainable institutional reforms that enhance the delivery of legal services and reinforce public confidence in the justice system.

Are there any landmark prosecutions for you (successful or otherwise) that particularly shaped your view of the criminal justice system, and what lessons did they teach?

Yes, some three important sexual offences prosecution comes to mind, The State of Lagos v Chris Mcdouglas and also number of murder cases, particularly in the matter of The State of Lagos v Darius Ayuba & 5 Ors was a trial of Defendants who were Lekki Okada Riders who killed a sound engineer, by lynching and burning him to death. Also, a case of medical negligence in the matter of The State of Lagos v Ferdinand Orji.

There is also a case of a Police officer who killed a realtor on Christmas day in 2022, The State of Lagos v ASP Vandi and also The State of Lagos v Benjamin Ogundoru, in which the Defendant was convicted for the offence of murder by setting their house on fire, killing his wife and her brother.

As a former DPP, kindly,

tell us why there is so much delay in prosecuting suspects and why those awaiting trial massively outnumber actual convicts in detention, despite the constitutional and statutory timelines? How can delays in criminal trials be reduced?

The issue of delay in trial has improved, all it be it that there is room for further improvement.

The introduction of calling of witnesses and conducting trial via virtual hearing and accelerated hearing, has improved the pace of ensuring justice and completion of trials within time.

However, there are some trials where you have witness availability challenge, trial delay will become inevitable. The delay in criminal trial has been solved partially, by the introduction of plea bargain and virtual hearing.

Some of the delays also are usually caused by the antics of the Defence Counsel and there is also a misnomer around awaiting trial, the inmates who refer themselves as awaiting trial, usually their trial is ongoing, but the delays are usually caused by the unavailability of witnesses, Police officer being transferred or the absence of the defence Counsel. It is imperative that those Defendants that their trial has commenced, should be properly designated as ongoing trial.

How would you characterise the working relationship between the DPP’s Office, the Police, the Attorney-General’s Chambers, and the Judiciary during your tenure? Where were the friction points and cont'd on page VIII

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From Prosecutor to Private Practice: Dr Babajide Martins on Criminal Justice Administration cont'd from page VII

how were they managed?

The working relationship amongst all the stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System is cordial, because of its symbiotic nature. All stakeholders must work in concert with one another, to ensure a robust and effective service delivery in criminal justice administration. There is need to ensure the operationalisation of the three C’s that is Cooperation, Coordination and Collaboration.

Section 375-387 of the ACJL 2021 (as Amended) provided for the establishment of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee.

After a distinguished career in public service, many expected you to establish a criminal defence practice. Instead, you have joined Adeniji Kazeem & Co. to head its Criminal Litigation & Public Prosecution Practice. Why Adeniji Kazeem & Co? What exactly does this new role entail? What unique value does your background bring to this role? What role do you see specialist law firms playing in criminal justice?

The decision was an easy one, because it is founded on a longstanding professional relationship and shared values.

When Mr Adeniji Kazeem, SAN served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, I had the privilege of serving as his Special Assistant on Criminal Prosecution. During that period, we worked closely on strengthening prosecution policy, improving criminal justice administration, and implementing reforms under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law. Over the years, our mutual professional respect has remained intact. We share the conviction that criminal justice must be efficient, fair and accountable. Joining the Firm therefore, represents a continuation of a partnership that has already been tested in public service, and is now directed towards supporting public institutions from the private sector.

What message does your appointment send to Government institutions?

It demonstrates that there is immense value, in constructive collaboration between experienced public servants and the private Bar. Government should never hesitate to draw upon specialist expertise, where doing so strengthens the administration of justice and serves the public interest.

Dr Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins

How would you define the duty of a Prosecutor?

The prosecutor’s responsibility, is not to secure convictions at all costs. It is to ensure that justice is done. Sometimes justice requires prosecution.

Sometimes justice requires discontinuing proceedings.

The integrity of the criminal justice system depends upon prosecutors exercising independent judgement, without fear or favour.

Why should Government engage private law firms in criminal prosecution? To what extent should private Counsel complement, rather than replace, career prosecutors?

The answer is simple.

Criminal justice has become increasingly specialised.

Today’s prosecutions often involve financial crimes, cybercrime, procurement fraud, money laundering, environmental offences and cross-border investigations.

Many public institutions

“Today’s prosecutions often involve financial crimes, cybercrime, procurement fraud, money laundering, environmental offences and cross-border investigations….

Across many Commonwealth jurisdictions, governments regularly engage experienced external Counsel to complement institutional capacity. Properly structured, such collaboration strengthens not weakens the justice system”

perform commendably, but face increasing workload and technical complexity. Across many Commonwealth jurisdictions, governments regularly engage experienced external counsel to complement institutional capacity. Properly structured, such collaboration strengthens not weakens the justice system.

You have had the rare privilege of serving as both a prosecutor and defence counsel in your legal career.

Has that given you a different perspective on the administration of criminal justice?

Without question. Having worked on both sides of the criminal justice system, has reinforced my appreciation of the complementary roles played by prosecutors and defence counsel.

A prosecutor is under a duty to ensure that only cases supported by credible evidence are brought before the courts, while defence counsel performs the equally important constitutional function of testing that evidence and safeguarding the rights of the accused. These are not opposing philosophies; they are complementary responsibilities within the justice system.

Having experienced both perspectives, has made me a better Lawyer. It has reinforced my belief that justice is best served where investigations are thorough, prosecutions are fair, defence representation is competent and judicial decisions

are based solely on the evidence and the law.

Nigeria has invested in fighting corruption. What more should be done? High-profile criminal cases often generate intense public interest and, sometimes, allegations of political interference. How should prosecutors navigate such situations?

The hallmark of an effective prosecutor, is independence of judgement.

In every jurisdiction, there will be cases that attract significant public attention, because of the personalities involved or the issues at stake. The temptation is to allow public opinion or political pressure to influence prosecutorial decisions. That must be resisted.

Every decision to prosecute or not to prosecute, must be based on the available evidence, the applicable law and the public interest. Prosecutors must have the courage to make difficult decisions, even when they may not be popular. In the long run, public confidence is earned when institutions demonstrate consistency, fairness and fidelity to the rule of law, rather than to changing political or social pressures.

How important is technology to modern criminal prosecution?

Technology is no longer optional. Electronic evidence, digital cont'd on page IX

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From Prosecutor to Private Practice: Dr Babajide Martins on Criminal Justice Administration cont'd from page VIII

forensics, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency investigations and electronic case management are rapidly transforming criminal justice globally. Nigeria must continue investing in these areas, if our justice system is to remain effective.

They are absolutely indispensable. Modern crime has become increasingly sophisticated, often transcending the traditional boundaries between agencies and even jurisdictions. Financial crimes, cybercrime, terrorism financing, organised crime and corruption frequently involve multiple actors, multiple institutions and, in some instances, cross-border elements.

No single agency, however wellresourced, can effectively respond in isolation.

The future of criminal justice, lies in coordinated institutional responses. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, financial intelligence units, regulatory authorities and the Judiciary must develop stronger mechanisms for collaboration, while always operating within the framework of the law and with due regard for constitutional rights.

One area where Nigeria can make significant progress, is in the development of secure and interoperable criminal justice information systems. Subject to appropriate legal safeguards and data protection requirements, agencies should be able to share relevant intelligence, investigative information and prosecutorial data in a structured and timely manner. Such collaboration reduces duplication of effort, improves investigative efficiency and enhances the quality of prosecutions.

Equally important is the establishment and continuous maintenance of a comprehensive national database of criminal records, convictions, and other lawfully maintainable criminal justice information. Such a system would support more informed prosecutorial decision-making, assist the courts in appropriate cases, strengthen sentencing policy where relevant, facilitate background checks by authorised agencies and improve crime prevention strategies.

Technology should be seen not merely as an administrative convenience, but as a strategic tool for strengthening the rule of law. Properly designed and governed, integrated criminal justice information systems can significantly improve efficiency, accountability and public confi-

Dr Babajide Olumuyiwa Martins

dence, while fully respecting privacy rights, due process and the constitutional liberties of every citizen.

Ultimately, effective criminal justice is not measured by the performance of individual institutions, but by how well those institutions work together in pursuit of a common objective the fair, efficient and impartial administration of justice.

Lagos State was a pioneer in the use of forensic science through the establishment of the DNA and Forensic Centre.

The destruction of parts of that infrastructure during the #EndSARS protest was widely regarded as a setback. How significant was that loss for criminal justice administration? What is the current operational status of the DNA and Forensic Centre? Has the loss been fully remedied in practical terms for prosecutors?

The establishment of the Lagos DNA and Forensic Centre, represented a major milestone in Nigeria’s crimi-

“The future of criminal justice lies in science, technology and digital evidence. Investments in forensic laboratories, DNA analysis, digital forensics and modern investigative tools, will continue to improve both the quality of prosecutions and the protection of innocent persons against wrongful conviction”

nal justice system. It reflected an appreciation that modern prosecution should increasingly rely on scientific and forensic evidence, rather than solely on oral testimony or confessional statements.

The damage suffered during the #EndSARS disturbances was undoubtedly a setback, because forensic infrastructure represents years of investment in technology, expertise and institutional development.

However, I would describe it as a temporary setback rather than a permanent one.

The experience reinforced the importance of rebuilding and expanding our forensic capabilities. The future of criminal justice lies in science, technology and digital evidence. Investments in forensic laboratories, DNA analysis, digital forensics and modern investigative tools, will continue to improve both the quality of prosecutions and the protection of innocent persons against wrongful conviction.

What advice would you give young prosecutors and criminal Lawyers?

Never confuse publicity with professional excellence.

Develop mastery of evidence, procedure and advocacy, read widely, write clearly, maintain absolute integrity, and note that, your reputation will always be your greatest professional qualification.

Looking ahead, what development gives you the greatest optimism about the future of

criminal justice in Nigeria?

Can more be done to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, to make criminal prosecution more efficient?

I hope that years from now, the Practice will be recognised not simply for winning cases, but for strengthening institutions, supporting governments, improving prosecutorial standards and contributing meaningfully to the rule of law in Nigeria.

An efficient, professional, and trusted criminal justice system is essential to the rule of law. One important step towards achieving this, is the implementation of Section 3(1) of the Victims and Witness Protection Law of Lagos State, 2024, which provides for the establishment of a Victims and Witness Protection Agency.

Many victims and witnesses are reluctant to testify because of trauma, intimidation, and fear of reprisals from offenders and their associates. A functional witness protection programme would provide the necessary security and support, to encourage their participation in criminal proceedings.

The Lagos State Government should urgently operationalise this provision, by establishing the Agency. The Federal Government and other States should also adopt similar initiatives to strengthen the administration of criminal justice and enhance public confidence in the justice system.

Thank you, Dr Martins.

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Right of Reply ”My Lady” Remains Correct: A Reply to Mr Sylvester Udemezue

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Introduction he question sounds small: how should Counsel address a female Judge? The answer decides how a learned profession speaks to the women who now lead it. A recent article in these pages concluded that the correct mode is My Lady or Your Ladyship. Mr Sylvester Udemezue has contradicted that conclusion here, with a courtesy this reply returns. His case stands on three legs: that My Lord is a technical title of the judicial office, like consideration; that Nigeria has its own settled convention; and that reform belongs to the competent institutions. Each leg breaks in turn.

1. Only a Person Can Be Spoken To An office is an idea. It has no ears and wears no robe.

When counsel rises, the words travel to the human being on the Bench, and every English form of direct address, Sir, Madam, My Lord, My Lady, is shaped to fit that person. Madam itself is the French ma dame, which means my lady, so every lawyer who has said Madam to a woman has already conceded the case.

Nor is Your Lordship an escape, for it is only My Lord said more politely, and its partner is Your Ladyship. His point that My Lord does not turn a female Justice into a man answers an argument nobody made, for a wrong description never changes the thing described; it only discredits the describer.

Now comes the decisive point, and it is his own concession. His section on the history records that when women reached the English Bench, the practice adapted to My Lady. Pause on that. If the address belonged to the office, no adaptation would have been needed, because only the persons had changed. His own history proves that the address follows the person.

The whole tradition testifies the same way. The Crown of the United Kingdom never dies, yet on 8 September 2022 the Queen’s Bench became the King’s Bench, R changed from Regina to Rex, and every Queen’s Counsel woke a King’s Counsel. The same English High Court makes a male appointee a Knight and a female a Dame, and Brenda Hale led the United Kingdom’s final court as Lady Hale, never as Lord Hale. If the sovereign, the bench and the silk gown all bend their style to the person, why would the Nigerian courtroom alone stand outside grammar?

2. A Term of Art Needs a Maker, and This One Has None His most interesting argument is this: courtroom language is technical, like consideration or injunction, so My Lord has become a sexless technical title meaning simply the Judge. The premise is correct, and it destroys the conclusion, because every technical meaning in the law exists only because some authority created it. Judgments fixed the meaning of consideration, statutes fixed the meaning of service, and his own best example, the corporation that counts as a person, exists only because section 18(1) of the Interpretation Act says so. No special meaning floats free; every one has a maker.

So the question is simple: who made this one? Where is the statute, Rule of Court or Practice Direction which says that My Lord means a Judge of either sex? There is none, and he concedes it, for no instrument, on his own account, touches the point. That concession decides the issue, because a claimed meaning with no authority behind it is only a habit in Latin dress. A second difficulty follows: every word on his list is spoken about, while My Lord is spoken to a living person’s face, so they are not even the same kind of word.

His remaining comparisons fail the same tests. The reasonable man is an imaginary figure, spoken about and never spoken to, and the law is retiring him in favour of the reasonable person, an example of the law correcting a masculine form. Genesis uses man for the species and then pairs the persons, “male and female created he them”, and nowhere is Eve addressed as Sir. The claim that My Lord has quietly evolved into a neutral title fails its own test. A meaning changes only when the whole community accepts the new one without protest, and this very debate proves the usage contested rather than changed. If the word were truly neutral, nobody would resist My Lady; yet they resist her with energy, and the heat of the defence gives the meaning away. Even a vacation greeting among female Judges saluted Dear Sisters while hoping that my Lords were enjoying the holiday, in which no office was being addressed at all.

3. Lord Has Had Its Feminine for a Thousand Years The comparison with the female Professor mixes up two families of words. Professor, Doctor, Judge and Justice are common gender words, for which English made no feminine forms, so the one form serves both sexes and no error is possible. Lord is not of that family, because English has kept its pair for a thousand years. The rule is simple. Where no pair exists, the single form is neutral.

Where the pair exists, the masculine for a woman is an error, which is why in eight centuries of the peerage no

Dr Eyimofe Atake, SAN

Dr Eyimofe Atake, SAN, recently concluded in these pages that a female Judge is properly addressed as “My Lady” or “Your Ladyship”. In a Rejoinder, Mr Sylvester Udemezue refuted this position. Dr Atake’s Reply addresses each of the ten headings in Mr Udemezue's Rejoinder. None appears to survive woman has ever been My Lord. Titles transcend grammatical gender only where the language gave them no gender to transcend.

The pair is older than the courtroom. The hlafweard who kept the loaf became the Lord, and the hlaefdige who made it became the Lady.

Two titles, one kitchen. And England has now placed a Lady Chief Justice at the very summit of its judiciary.

4. Sovereign Over Laws, Not Over English Three answers dispose of his arguments from sovereignty, reception and settled convention.

First, they answer a claim that nobody made.

The English materials were offered as evidence of what English words mean, never as law binding Nigeria. Nigeria is sovereign over its laws, but no nation is sovereign over English, the official language of Nigeria’s superior courts of record: Ojengbede v Esan (2001) 18 NWLR (Pt. 746) 771 at 790, per Iguh, JSC. Having kept the language, Nigeria kept its grammar, and reception is beside the point, because a form of address is a use of language, not a rule of law.

The second answer lies in the dates. No Nigerian convention on addressing female Judges could exist before 1969, when the first female judge was elevated, and by then England’s first, sitting from 1965, was already addressed as My Lady, and the Practice Note of 1994 brands the contrary contortion “plainly absurd”. The universal masculine is therefore a local drift younger than the correct usage, and it has never even been uniform, because Lagos accepts My Lady.

Third, the patriotism of the argument is odd, for it invokes sovereignty to preserve a colonial form which the coloniser itself has discarded as absurd, and that is not independence but the careful keeping of another country’s mistake.

“The office cannot be addressed, because offices have no ears. A female Judge is My Lady or Your Ladyship, a male Judge is My Lord or Your Lordship, and a mixed Bench is My Lords and My Ladies, or simply the Court”

5.“Should Nigeria Change?”Concedes the Field He insists that reform must come from the competent institutions and not from individual preference. That argument surrenders the case, because no institution ever prescribed the universal masculine either. The field is empty of authority in both directions, and nothing, on his own account, prohibits My Lady, so counsel who says it breaks no rule and speaks correct English besides. The universal My Lord may be legal in the thin sense that no law forbids it, but correct it is not, and correctness was the claim of his title.

Nor is the machinery any mystery: a Practice Note settled England in 1994, and one memorandum of the Chief Justice settled Ghana. The question was never whether the pen of a head of court can settle the matter, but what that pen should write, and an advocate’s part is to give every reason, never to direct.

6. “We Are All Gentlemen at the Bar” He says that the old maxim that all members of the Bar are gentlemen expressed unity rather than exclusion. History answers otherwise, for the saying was simply a description of who was in the room.

For six centuries women were excluded by law, from the Mirror of Justices, through Coke and Blackstone, to Bebb v Law Society [1914] 1 Ch 286, where a woman was held not to be a “person” under the Solicitors Act 1843. The Act of 1919 admitted women to the profession, not to the fiction, and a fiction that died in 1919 cannot dictate anyone’s grammar in 2026. His own defence speaks of the professional fraternity, from frater, a brother, so the vocabulary confesses the gender it denies.

7. His Own Survey Contains No Ally His comparative survey convicts him. The United Kingdom pairs the address; Australia, Singapore and the American courts use neutral forms; India debates respectful alternatives; South Africa pairs; Ghana was paired by memorandum; and British Columbia went neutral in 2021. Every jurisdiction matches the address to the person or adopts a truly neutral form, and not one on earth decrees the masculine universal. Forms of address are, as he himself says, products of legal culture rather than immutable doctrine. Exactly so, and cultures correct their errors.

8. The Learned Cannot Plead Convention Against Grammar Beneath all his points lies one general plea, that professional usage should prevail over grammar.

The profession’s own proudest title answers it. The three learned professions, divinity, law and medicine, were trained on the liberal arts, whose first subject was grammar, and the canons of interpretation, with their Latin names like ejusdem generis, are nothing

but grammar in a gown. A profession that decides other people’s disputes by their grammar cannot insist in open court that a lady is a lord and then plead convention when corrected. Nigeria cannot build its legal system on defended bad English.

Every plea of convention here rests, besides, on a world that no longer exists. The exclusively male Bar is extinct, and Nigeria itself retired The Honourable Mr Justice within a few years of its first female Judges. The present change needs no invention, because it is already written on the face of the language: My Lady.

9. Equality, and His Closing Line He urges that this is no contest about gender equality, and up to a point he is right, because the question is decided on grammar before equality enters. But one premise cannot be waved away. In 1914, Bebb refused to read “person” as including a woman, to keep her out, even though the statute said the masculine included the feminine. Today, some read “Lord” as including her, to keep her invisible. The readings run opposite ways, yet they rest on one premise, that the standard occupant of the law’s dignities is male. The Act of 1919 buried that premise in law, and it should now be buried in speech, before a Bench led by a woman, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

His closing line, that the strength of the judiciary never depended on words of salutation, points against him. If nothing turns on the word, then accuracy costs nothing.

If the word merits ten sections of defence, then it merits being right. Either way My Lady wins, for she is not a lesser form of My Lord but its exact equal, differing only as the person differs.

Conclusion Count what he has conceded. England, the source of the tradition, pairs the address and adapted the moment women arrived. No Nigerian instrument prescribes the universal masculine, and none forbids My Lady. The competent institutions are free to settle the matter. And his survey of the world found no ally. What remains is a single sentence, that it has been done this way for decades, and that is an autobiography, not an argument. Habit is not correctness, and convention cannot repeal grammar.

The office cannot be addressed, because offices have no ears. A female Judge is My Lady or Your Ladyship, a male Judge is My Lord or Your Lordship, and a mixed Bench is My Lords and My Ladies, or simply the Court.

At the Bar, follow the preference of the Judge before you, because respect for the Bench admits of no exception, and where she has expressed none, the default is correct English. But, forbearance is not agreement. It is the person who wears the robe, and it is the person the Bar addresses.

Let the proper thing be done.

Eyimofe Atake, SAN, PhD (Cantab)

XI

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026

PERSPECTIVE

Building Institutional Firewalls: Why the 2026 GJF Democracy Dialogue Turns to Parties and the Judiciary

By Wealth Dickson Ominabo

T

his week Tuesday August 11, 2026, the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation will assemble some of Africa’s most respected leaders and democratic stakeholders in Bauchi, Bauchi State, to chart the course for the continent’s democracy and governance.

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Dialogue (GJF Dialogue), which enters its 5th edition this year, stands as a cornerstone of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s programmes and a central expression of its vision for peace and prosperity on the continent.

The event will host President John Mahama of Ghana, former President Olusegun Obasanjo who is chairing the event, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, with Governor Bala Mohammed hosting alongside constitutional experts and civil society voices drawn from across the continent.

This year’s theme is anchored on the big question that confronts Africa’s democratic and governance future: beyond elections, can political parties and the judiciary save African democracy?

It is worth asking, because the evidence of democratic recession is hard to miss and harder to explain away. East Africa has seen popular protests and rising resentment against governments. Southern Africa has watched public backlash grow against long-dominant liberation parties over economic stagnation.

West Africa has gone further still, with several states falling to military rule after years of citizen frustration with civilian leaders and citizens wilfully ready to trade off their civic space for military doctorship on the promise of good governance. In countries where democracy exists, many citizens live in frustration and disenchantment. What links these regions is not geography. It is a widening gap between political promises and citizen lived realities and the fragility of state institutions to act as democratic safeguards and deliver accountability.

For decades, elections were treated as democracy’s proof of life. This assumption may not be tenable today. Elections have increasingly become a means for the capture of power rather than a genuine contest of ideas. Disputed results have repeatedly accounted for violence, deepened mistrust between citizens and the state, and acted as reverse gears in the very nation-building journeys they were meant to secure. This is the argument the Dialogue has spent five editions building toward, one question at a time.

The inaugural 2021 Dialogue, in Abuja, asked how democracy could hold a divided nation together at all. It was argued that post-colonial African states had remained detached from their citizens because inherited colonial institutions were never fundamentally transformed to serve them, an argument that hardened into the Foundation’s recurring case for African solutions to African problems.

The 2023 Yenagoa edition pushed further, exploring the democracy development nexus.

The question then was whether democracy can survive at all if it fails to improve people’s lives. The conclusion was that democracy without development loses legitimacy, just as development without accountability tips into authoritarianism.

The 2024 Benin City edition turned to the human capital behind governance, arguing that Africa’s development crisis is, at root, a leadership recruitment crisis grounded in weak education systems. Last year, in Accra, under the theme “Why Democracies Die”, participants confronted the question directly.

Their answer still stands as the clearest thesis the Dialogue has produced: democracies rarely die because elections stop happening. They die because institutions stop functioning.

Bauchi, home to Nigeria’s first prime minis-

Former President Goodluck Jonathan

ter, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, carries that argument to its logical conclusion. This year’s keynote speaker, Professor Karuti Kanyinga, will narrow the Dialogue’s focus from the macro questions of unity, development and leadership that shaped earlier editions to the micro-dynamics of the two institutions that quietly decide whether democracy survives in the years between elections: political parties and the judiciary.

Political parties were never meant to be empty vehicles for winning power. At their best, they were the fulcrum of policy ideation, arguing out competing visions of society and putting them before citizens for judgement. They disciplined their own leaders, and where those leaders derailed, parties called them out and, on occasion, withdrew their mandate outright.

In the earliest wave of African democratisation, parties functioned almost as civic movements in their own right, mobilising citizens toward national freedom against colonial and dictatorial rule, a legacy still visible in movements like the African National Congress in South Africa and the independence-era coalitions of Kenya and

Tanzania.

The judiciary carried a parallel weight. It stood as the conscience of society and the last line of defence when politics failed, the one institution expected to hold when every other check gave way.

Both have drifted from that role, and the drift has not been subtle. Many parties today are hollowed out, captured by narrow interests, existing almost purely to contest and hold power rather than to formulate policy or recruit competent leaders. Judiciaries across the continent face mounting political pressure, and public confidence in the courts is eroding nearly as fast as public confidence in the ballot box itself. Neither failure happened overnight, and neither will be reversed by another round of elections, however free or fair.

This is the question Bauchi puts squarely to the continent’s leaders: can these two institutions be rebuilt to do the work democracy requires, protecting the rule of law, equality, transparency and accountability, at a moment when citizens are no longer certain democracy can deliver any of it?

A major highlight of this year’s event is the Fireside Chat, bringing former heads of

state and senior jurists who have managed the pressures of executive office into an open exchange with young leaders, scholars, and civic advocates. Rather than rehearsing setpiece speeches, these leaders will offer the candid, practical insights that rarely survive into official communiqués.

This is what distinguishes the GJF Democracy Dialogue from the usual governance talk shows. It does not settle for electoral commentary or another repetitive diagnosis of Africa’s ills. By placing those who have led African states, managed sub-regional crises, and protected constitutional orders in the same room as serving leaders and citizens, the summit elevates conversation into consensus-building and knowledge production. It centres citizen agency and focuses on the quiet periods between elections when democracy lives or dies. Africa’s democratic renewal will not be imported; it has to be forged internally. This is what the GJF Dialogues is doing: argument by argument and edition by edition, in rooms like the one about to open in Bauchi.

•Ominabo is the Communications Officer of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

XII

WEDNESDAY, 11, 2026 • T H11, I S2026 D AY T H I S D AY MARCH • TUESDAy, AUGUST

business/MOnEYGUIDE

NOPPMAN Seeks ECOWAS Intervention over Ghana OnionTruck Blockade Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), has called on ECOWAS to urgently intervene in the continued restriction of Nigerian and Nigerien onion trucks at Kotoku Market in Ghana.

In a press conference in Sokoto, the National President, Aliyu Isah Maitasamu said the protracted delays were inflicting huge financial losses on exporters and transporters while exposing highly perishable onions to deterioration.

He said NOPPMAN acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the Governments of Nigeria and Ghana to resolve the matter. It specifically commended the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry of Ghana, as well as diplomats and other stakeholders who have waded into the dispute.

However, Maitasamu

stated that despite previous interventions and resolutions reached, Nigerian onion trucks continue to face restrictions in offloading their consignments at Kotoku Market.

He explained that the delays are not only hurting traders but also threatening the stability of cross-border food supply chains between the two West African countries.

The NOPPMAN President stressed that the association’s concern is not with the people or traders of Ghana. He noted that Nigeria and Ghana have longstanding economic, diplomatic and people-to-people relations built on mutual trade and cooperation.

“Our concern is with the unilateral imposition of restrictions on legitimate cross-border trade by market actors, particularly where such restrictions are inconsistent with arrangements previously agreed by relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Maitasamu argued that no market association or group of traders should have the power to

unilaterally determine the movement, allocation or offloading of legitimate consignments originating from another ECOWAS Member State.

He therefore called on ECOWAS to act as a neutral mediator and facilitate a lasting solution involving the Governments of Nigeria and Ghana, relevant trade authorities, and onion associations and market stakeholders from both countries.

To forestall future occurrences, NOPPMAN proposed the development of a formal Memorandum of Agreement for crossborder onion trade. The agreement, he said, should be guided by the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, AfCFTA and other relevant regional mechanisms.

According to him, such an arrangement should establish clear rules on market access, truck movement, offloading, allocation of consignments and dispute resolution, to prevent detention of trucks, deterioration of produce, retaliation or disruption of legitimate trade.

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

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Chevron Seeks Long-term Investment to Secure Nigeria’s Energy Future

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

Peter Uzoho

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has called for stronger collaboration across government, regulators and industry operators as the foundation for building a resilient oil and gas sector that can deliver growth, jobs and energy security for Nigeria.

Speaking at the justconcluded 49th Nigerian Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos, Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jim Swartz, said the scale of Nigeria’s opportunity means no one player can deliver it alone.

“Collaboration is

essential because no single company, institution, or stakeholder can address the opportunities and challenges of the intersector alone. And technology will remain a key driver of safer operations, stronger performance, and the future that we will deliver. For Nigeria, the opportunity is significant,” Swartz said.

Held under the theme “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborative Growth and Resilience,” the conference focused on how Nigeria can compete for capital and sustain production amid global volatility.

Swartz outlined four pillars he said will define a resilient energy future

including continued investment, enabling long-term policies, competitive local capacity development, and strong partnerships.

“Building a resilient energy future requires continued investment, enabling policies that are resilient for the long-term, local capacity development that’s competitive and durable as well, and strong partnerships across governments, regulators, industry, and the technical community,” he said.

He traced Chevron’s footprint in the country to more than six decades, noting the company’s role in building the foundation of the industry and in developing technical capacity.

Glovo Pioneers Integration of AI Quick-commerce Glovo, a leading multicategory tech company, has announced its integration into the generative AI ecosystem with the launch of its “Shopping Assistant” for ChatGPT and Claude. Users can now discover retail products, compare prices, and seamlessly order any item using natural conversational language with the AI systems.

The Glovo experience inside such platforms introduces a conversational commerce model that shifts from a searchbased web to an intent-

based web. Rather than navigating traditional app menus and filters, users can express needs, such as asking for a “last-minute gift for a coffee lover under N50,000”, and the assistant handles semantic search, location validation, and product curation.

A statement from Glovo’s management said the company is prioritizing the retail and grocery sectors for the initial launch, capitalizing on the established habit of using AI for product research.

“Generative AI has

driven a significant jump in retail traffic globally, so this firstmover advantage aims to meet customers where they are meeting Gen AI daily, and ensure it captures high-intent organic traffic as search behaviours evolve,” it stated.

Speaking on the new initiative, the Chief Technical Officer at Glovo, Shiro Theuri, explained that the initiative is aimed at satisfying customers’ aspirations by ensuring that the apps offer different choices and convenience.

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95 • Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

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

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

0.9% (29%Y/D) • Monetary Policy Rate - 27%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

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

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

XIII

T H I S D AY • TUESDAy, AUGUST 11, 2026

mARKET NEWS

Boosted by Sustained Interest, Stock Market Crosses Historic N160trn Mark

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock opened the week on a positive note, as renewed buying interest in Airtel Africa Plc, others pushed the market market capitalisation above historic N160trillion mark.

As the stock price of Airtel Africa gained 8.59per cent, the market capitalisation value gained N1.91 trillion or 1.2

per cent to close at N160.422 trillion from N158.513 trillion it opened for trading.

The 8.59 per cent single gain in Airtel Africa, however, positioned its market capitalisation at N23.7 trillion (becoming the most capitalised stock on NGX) as of August 10, 2026 closing of trading activities on NGX. The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) appreciated by 2,956.15 basis points or 1.20 per cent to

P R I C E S MaiN Board

close at 248,529.75 basis points from 245,573.60 basis points the stock market closed for trading last week.

This brings the NGX ASI in its year-to-date (YTD) return improved to 59.71per cent, from 57.81per cent in the previous week.

Investor sentiment was negative, as 36 decliners outpaced 23 advancers. Fortis Global Insurance recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N2.86, per share.

F O R

S E C U R I T I E S

DEALS

Market Price

quantity traded

Chams Holding Company followed with a gain of 9.80 per cent to close at N4.48, while NAHCO rose by 9.29 per cent to close at N153.00, per share.

Airtel Africa up by 8.59 per cent to close at N6,300.00, while Sovereign Trust Insurance increased by 6.59 per cent to close at N1.78, per share.

On the other hand, AVA Capital led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N9.90, per share. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) followed with

T R A D E D

value traded ( N )

MaiN Board

A S

O F

a decline of 9.92 per cent to close at N64.95, while Caverton Offshore Support Group dipped by 9.09 per cent to close at N5.00, per share.

Ikeja Hotel shed 8.41 per cent to close at N43.00, while FTN Cocoa Processors lost 8.37 per cent to close at N8.10, per share.

The total volume fell by 25.11 per cent per cent to 1.137 billion units, valued at N27.017 billion, and exchanged in 59,185 deals. Transactions in the shares of Consolidated

A U G U ST DEALS

Hallmark Holdings topped the activity chart with 354.069 million shares valued at N1.534 billion. Fortis Global Insurance followed with 307.343 million shares worth N818.333 million, while Access Holdings traded 48.075 million shares valued at N1.369 billion.

Chams Holding Company traded 37.371 million shares valued at N163.296 million, while First Holdco transacted 35.755 million shares worth N5.118 billion.

1 0 / 2 6 Market Price

quantity traded

value traded ( N)

21

THI S DAY • Tuesday, August 11, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OPR OVERNIGHT

A S

REPO 25.34% 25.18%

A T

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

08056356325

A u g u st

S & P INDEX

1 0 ,

2 0 2 6

S & P INDEX

CALL 1-MONTH

23.25% 21.37%

INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY

595.26 0.10%

3-MONTH

22.41%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.24%

EXCHANGE RATE

1/4 to daTE YEAR TO DATE

0.24% -10.99%

N1,364/ 1 US DOLLAR* *AS AT MONDAY, August 10, 2026

Gencos Lose N110.56bn to Stranded Generation Capacity in H1

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Generation Companies (Gencos) lost an estimated N110.56 billion in capacity payments in the first six months of 2026 as an average 3,124.50MW of generation capacity remained stranded every month, according to data made public by the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC).

The figures showed

that although the Gencos had an average available generation capacity of 7,260MW between January and June, only 4,581.5MW was declared available for generation, while actual average generation stood at 4,196.83MW. Essentially, stranded generation capacity refers to electricity generating capacity that is technically available or capable of being produced by power plants but cannot be fully utilised

because there is insufficient demand from the grid, transmission constraints, distribution limitations or other system restrictions.

The APGC data indicated that the 3,124.50MW average stranded capacity represented about 43 per cent of the 7,260MW average available generation capacity during the six-month period, while it was equivalent to about 68.2 per cent of the 4,581.5MW average declared generation capacity.

Similarly, the 4,196.83MW average generation recorded during the period represented only about 57.8 per cent of the 7,260MW average available capacity, leaving more than 42 per cent of available capacity unused when measured against actual average generation.

A THISDAY analysis of the month-by-month figures showed that January recorded available generation capacity of 7,283MW, of which 5,033MW was declared, while

average generation stood at 4,541MW. Stranded capacity was 2,985MW, resulting in a monthly capacity payment loss of N18.10 billion.

In February, available capacity increased to 7,492MW, the highest level recorded during the period.

However, declared capacity fell to 4,476MW, while average generation dropped to 4,218MW. Stranded capacity consequently rose to 3,274MW, with the associated capacity payment

loss put at N17.93 billion.

March recorded the worst performance in terms of stranded capacity and financial loss. While available capacity stood at 7,408MW, only 4,221MW was declared, while average generation fell to 3,883MW. Stranded capacity climbed to 3,650MW, representing 49.3 per cent of available capacity and the highest level in the six-month period.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

MAN Hinges Future of Nigerian Manufacturing on Competitiveness, Innovation, Global Relevance

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG) has hinged the future of Nigerian manufacturing on competitiveness, innovation, global relevance, access to right policies, incentives and financing.

MANEG, which is

the export arm of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), said that these ingredients would enable Nigerian manufacturing to compete successfully in the African and global export markets.

These were declared by the newly appointed Chairman of MANEG, Mrs. Ruth Owojaiye, during the

unveiling of a 2026/2027 strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s export competitiveness, accelerating manufacturing growth and positioning locally produced goods for greater access to African and global markets.

Owojaiye, who is also the Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at

Food name of commodity

Size

State

Rice

50kg

Abuja

50kg

LAGOS

50kg

Plateau

50kg

OYO

50kg

rivers

50kg

Sokoto

Price

₦53,000 – ₦60,000 ₦55,000 – ₦65,000

₦55,000– ₦68,000 ₦55,000– ₦65,000 ₦70,000– ₦82,000 ₦55,000– ₦70,000

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), said: “Nigeria’s manufacturing future must be defined by competitiveness, innovation and global relevance. To achieve this, Nigerian manufacturers must have access to the right policies, incentives, financing, knowledge and partnerships needed to

Commodities name of commodity

Sorghum

Size

Price

State

100kg JIGAWA 100kg

Benue

100kg

Kaduna

50kg

Enugu

50kg

Lagos

100kg

Delta

100kg

Abia

compete successfully beyond our borders.”

She said that the priorities of the roadmap are focused on four pillars, which are strengthening strategic engagements, enhanced awareness and utilisation of export incentives, access to export finance and export capacity development.

Owojaiye said that Nigeria

possessed the resources, industrial capacity and entrepreneurial strength required to emerge as a leading manufacturing hub in Africa, but this would require deliberate and continuous shift towards export readiness and competitiveness.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T o d ay

Price

₦65,000– ₦85,000 ₦70,000– ₦90,000 ₦65,000– ₦85,000 ₦40,000– ₦50,000 ₦42,000– ₦55,000 ₦75,000– ₦95,000 ₦75,000– ₦95,000

name of commodity

Size

State

Price

B EAN S

50kg bag

Ibadan, Oyo

50kg

Lagos

₦65,000– ₦80,000 ₦65,000– ₦80,000

50kg

ABUJA

50kg

Enugu

₦60,000– ₦75,000 ₦65,000– ₦85,000

50kg

Delta

₦70,000– ₦85,000

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Tuesday, August 11, 2026 • T H ISDAY

BUSINESSWORLD

News Food

name of commodity

Palm oiL

Size

State

Price

₦42,000 – 25cl Lagos ₦50,000

Commodities

name of commodity

Size

Groundnut

100KG Kano N75,000–₦95,000

State

Price

25cl

PH

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG Benue ₦80,000–₦105,000

25cl

OYO

₦45,000 – ₦55,000

100KG Lagos ₦100,000–₦125,000

25cl

IMO

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG Delta ₦105,000–₦130,000

25cl

EDO

₦40,000 – ₦50,000

100KG

25cl Abuja

₦48,000 – ₦60,000

100KG Enugu ₦90,000–₦115,000

Abia

₦95,000–₦120,000

Price

name of commodity

ONIONS

T o d ay

Size

State

Price

₦75,000– 100kg Ibadan ₦100,000 100kg KANO ₦55,000– ₦80,000 ₦80,000– 100kg BENUE ₦110,000 ₦80,000– 100kg Plateau ₦110,000 100kg DELTA ₦95,000– ₦125,000 ₦90,000– 100kg LAGOS ₦120,000 ₦90,000– 100kg ENUGU ₦120,000

name of commodity

Size

Location

Price

MAIZE

50kg

Oyo

₦80,000– ₦105,000

50kg Enugu

₦90,000 – ₦115,000

Abia

₦90,000– ₦115,000

50kg Lagos

₦95,000 – ₦115,000

50kg

Kano

₦70,000– ₦95,000

100kg Benue

₦65,000– ₦90,000

50kg

Experts: Delay in Market-based Pricing Will Stall Gas Growth Peter Uzoho

Nigeria’s plan to postpone a market-based gas pricing regime by up to two years is already drawing pushback from industry, with experts warning the delay risks stalling the development of the Non-associated Gas (NAG) fields critical to the country’s energy and industrial future.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had said last week in Lagos that the transition to a willing buyer, willing seller framework will take effect in the next year or two as infrastructure expands and market access improves.

Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Mr. Rabiu Umar, however, acknowledged the

frustration of producers, but stated that: “We haven’t reached that level of maturity.”

But speaking with THISDAY, Group Chief Executive Officer of HSI Energies Limited and former Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Mr. Chikezie Nwosu warned that the deferring transition to a market-based price regime will stall development of NAG fields in the country According to him, associated gas will continue to flow as long as oil is produced but the problem is reliability.

However, Nwosu argued that the associated gas production cannot be totally relied on because as oil production declines, the associated gas production will also be affected.

Pi-CNG, MOFI, REA Partner Abia on Clean Mobility The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Abia state government have strengthened their collaboration on clean energy, sustainable transportation and infrastructure development.

The commitment was

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Deputy Business Editor Chinedu Eze Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Energy Emmanuel Addeh Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Correspondents KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)

made during a working visit to Abia State led by the Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Takang, where the delegation was received by the state governor, Dr Alex Otti, according to a statement by the Pi-CNG office in Abuja.

Speaking during the engagement, the Executive Chairman of Pi-CNG & EV, Ismaeel Ahmed, said energy, agriculture and transportation were interconnected sectors that must be developed in an integrated manner to unlock sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.

He explained that transportation should not be viewed merely as a service, but as a critical enabler of economic activity because it facilitates the movement of people and goods, creates employment, generates wealth and improves livelihoods.

Ahmed reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to working with the Abia State Government to accelerate the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas as a cleaner and more affordable transportation fuel.

He explained that gas buyers need long-term certainty, adding that power plants, fertiliser factories and petrochemicals typically contract gas on 15 to 20year bases, which cannot be delivered efficiently from associated gas alone.

“So, if the pricing of gas is not on a willing buyer, willing seller basis and is regulated, it will not encourage the development of non-associated gas reservoirs. That’s where the challenge lies,” Nwosu said.

Also, geologist and

Publisher of Africa Oil+Gas Magazine, Mr. Toyin Akinosho noted the tension between producers and the power sector, telling THISDAY that the gas producers are yearning for quick transition to a willing buyer, willing seller price

regime while the power companies are strongly opposed to it.

“The producers want it quickly, but I can assure you that the electricity companies don’t want it at all. It’s the electricity lobby that is slowing it down,” Akinosho said.

Global EITI Assessors Arrive Nigeria for 2026 Validation Exercise

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has announced the arrival of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) assessors as part of the ongoing 2026 EITI validation exercise which commenced on July 1, 2026.

The presence of the EITI Mission in Nigeria, a statement from NEITI spokesperson, Obiageli

Onuorah, said marks a significant stage in Nigeria’s validation and forms part of the global EITI validation process.

During the mission which commenced August 10 2026, the assessors will undertake a comprehensive quality assurance assessment and hold consultations with key stakeholders, including government institutions, the National Assembly, extractive companies, civil society organisations, development partners, anti-

corruption agencies, host communities, the media and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, the consultations are designed to provide the assessors with diverse perspectives on Nigeria’s implementation of the EITI standard and ongoing reforms in the extractive sector. Announcing the arrival of the validation mission, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Musa Adar, described the mission as an important

opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the governance of its extractive industries.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the principles of the extractive industries transparency initiative. We regard the validation process as an opportunity not only to assess the progress we have made, but also to highlight areas where further reforms can enhance extractive sector governance,” he stated.

Citi Raises Brent Forecast to $80, Expects Slump in 2027 Citigroup has raised its forecast for Brent crude in the third quarter to $80 per barrel from $75, as the prolonged US-Iran conflict continues to disrupt oil supplies and efforts to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remain unsuccessful.

Despite the upward revision, the bank maintained its bearish medium-term outlook, leaving its fourth-quarter Brent projection at $70 per barrel

and forecasting an average price of $65 per barrel in 2027.

Brent crude was trading at $83.11 per barrel at the weekend, gaining 62 cents, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 51 cents to $77.80. Oil prices received fresh support from renewed uncertainty surrounding negotiations between Washington and Tehran, after Brent had slipped below $80 earlier in

the week on expectations of a possible agreement over Hormuz.

The latest forecast represented a significant adjustment to Citi’s earlier position. In July, the bank had advised investors to sell into summer rallies, projecting that Brent could decline to between $60 and $65 a barrel by year-end as oil flows through the strategic waterway recovered

and the United States and Iran moved towards a wider agreement.

However, the conflict has persisted for five months, with shipping through Hormuz still severely restricted. Middle Eastern oil output also remains below pre-war levels, while attacks on commercial vessels have continued despite diplomatic efforts to reach an arrangement.

Aradel’s Oil Output Surges 523% to 139.5 Kboepd in H1 Peter Uzoho

Aradel Holdings Plc has delivered a significant first half in 2026, with group production rising 523 per cent to an average of 139,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboepd).

The surge, driven by acquisitions and improved asset uptime, powered gross revenue up 577 per cent to N2.49 trillion and generated record operating cash flow that cut net debt by 70 per

cent.

In its unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, signed by the Chief Financial Officer, Adegbola Adesina, Aradel highlighted how its enlarged portfolio is translating into scale, profitability and stronger cash generation.

According to the report, average daily crude oil output rose 258 per cent to 55.6 kbopd from 15.5 kbopd in H1 2025.

Gas production recorded the sharpest growth, climbing

1,121 per cent to 503.2 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) from 41.2 mmscf/d, supported by improved pipeline availability and sustained customer offtake.

The company said total working-interest production for the period was 25.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe), compared to a much smaller base in the prior year.

Aradel attributed the growth to integration of

assets acquired in 2025 and to operational initiatives that reduced downtime across key fields.

The company said it also benefited from a firmer price environment, reporting an average realised price of $90.4 per barrel for crude and $2.08 per mmscf for gas during the half.

It added that gross revenue rose to N2,491.5 billion from N368.1 billion in H1 2025 while gross profit jumped 782 per cent to N1.44 trillion.

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PERSPECTIVE

PAC Research Identifies Digital Innovation, Financial Reforms as Key to Closing Africa’s $100bn Trade Finance Gap Chris Oshiafi

P

AC Research, one of Nigeria’s leading research outfits, has identified financial architecture, digital innovation, regulatory reforms and political commitment as critical to addressing Africa’s more than $100 billion unmet trade finance gap. The research outfit said digital payment systems, blockchain-enabled trade infrastructure, factoring and supply chain finance could significantly widen access to trade finance across the continent, but stressed that their effectiveness would depend on regulatory reforms, legal harmonisation, institutional capacity and sustained political commitment.

The recommendations are contained in its latest policy brief, titled “Financial Architecture, Digital Innovation, and Inclusive Growth: Contemporary Trade Finance Solutions for Africa,” produced by a team led by Chris Oshiafi.

“Initiatives such as PAPSS, ADAPT, and the scaling of factoring markets demonstrate a credible pathway toward more inclusive trade finance. Their full impact, however, will depend on implementation capacity, market trust, and the ability of African states to align financial innovation with broader integration requirements,” PAC Research stated.

Trade finance encompasses financial instruments that facilitate international commerce, including letters of credit, factoring and supply chain finance. These instruments are particularly important in Africa, where businesses often contend with extended payment cycles, foreign exchange risks, limited access to working capital and trust deficits between buyers and sellers operating across borders.

According to PAC Research, drawing on the African Development Bank’s 2025 Trade Finance Report and research by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa’s unmet demand for trade finance is estimated at between $74 billion and $100 billion. The financing shortfall, it said, threatens not only individual businesses but also Africa’s broader capacity to expand exports, participate more effectively in global value chains and achieve inclusive economic growth.

AfCFTA and the trade finance challenge

The trade finance challenge has become increasingly important following the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to deepen economic integration and increase intra-African trade.

Africa’s total merchandise trade expanded by 6.1 per cent to approximately $1.5 trillion in 2025, while real GDP growth accelerated from 3.4 per cent in 2024 to 4.5 per cent in 2025, outperforming the global average of 2.9 per cent. Intra-African trade also increased by 5.47 per cent to $213.8 billion in 2025 from $202.7 billion in 2024, driven largely by stronger trade performance in countries including Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

South Africa remained the largest contributor to intra-African trade, accounting for 19.2 per cent of the total in 2025, with exports to other African markets valued at $31.1 billion. Côte d’Ivoire accounted for 4.83 per cent, with its position supported by its membership of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Afreximbank has projected that intra-African trade could double within a decade if the AfCFTA is fully implemented. However, PAC Research noted that the positive trade trend masks significant structural weaknesses in Africa’s financial system. Commercial banks now intermediate only about 23 per cent of

Digital innovation as a catalyst

Africa’s total trade on average, compared with 40 per cent between 2011 and 2019.

This compares with developed markets, where bank-intermediated finance typically supports between 60 and 80 per cent of goods trade. The decline in bank intermediation, the research outfit warned, could undermine the continent’s progress towards deeper regional integration.

SMEs bear the brunt

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which constitute the overwhelming majority of African businesses and play a critical role in employment and economic output, are particularly exposed to the trade finance deficit. Banks and other financial institutions often cite inadequate collateral and high perceived risk when rejecting trade finance applications. PAC Research noted that more than 20 per cent of trade finance applications are rejected for these reasons, despite trade finance historically recording lower default rates than many other lending categories. The financing challenge is compounded by what the African Development Bank describes as “self-rationing”, with 16.5 per cent of firms with legitimate financing needs choosing not to apply because they fear rejection.

Foreign exchange as major constraint

“About 36% of banks cited limited foreign exchange liquidity as the primary constraint to their trade finance growth between 2020 and 2024, compared with 18% in the 2015–2019 period—a doubling that reflects the heightened vulnerability of African economies to global currency fluctuations,” the report stated. PAC Research cited Malawi as an example of how innovative financial instruments can unlock critical trade.

A shortage of foreign exchange had prevented Malawian businesses from securing the international bank credit required to import fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods. Through an IDA-backed guarantee instrument, the World Bank enabled the country to unlock trade finance, with the first transaction supporting the importation of 1,500 metric tonnes of fertiliser ahead of the rainy season.

The policy brief identifies digital payment systems, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), measures to address currency fragmentation, supply chain finance, blockchainbased trade infrastructure through the ADAPT initiative, technology architecture and efforts to address structural inefficiencies as critical components of the solution.

Digitalisation, according to PAC Research, can significantly reduce transaction costs and improve the speed, transparency and reliability of cross-border trade. In Kenya, fully digitised trade documents have reportedly reduced manual validation requirements by 60–70 per cent, while document retrieval time has fallen from six or seven hours to about 30 minutes.

Exporters have also reportedly saved approximately $400 per month on each consignment. The initiative is expected to expand from Kenya, Ghana and other early-adopter countries to additional AfCFTA and African Union member states.

Factoring can unlock SME growth

The policy brief also highlights factoring as an important financing mechanism for businesses struggling with long payment cycles. PAC Research cited the example of a mid-sized textile manufacturer in Durban, South Africa, whose retail customers demanded 90-day payment terms while its suppliers’ required payment on delivery. The mismatch created persistent cash-flow pressure and forced the manufacturer to reject large orders during peak periods. After partnering with a factoring company, the manufacturer began receiving 85 per cent of each invoice value within 48 hours of shipment. Within one-year, annual revenue increased by 35 per cent and the company created 50 new jobs. The example, PAC Research said, illustrates how factoring can convert receivables into immediate working capital and enable businesses to accept orders that would otherwise be constrained by payment cycles. Greater use of factoring across Africa could therefore improve access to finance for underserved businesses, strengthen market confidence, stimulate business expansion and contribute to higher intra-African trade.

Free movement is part of the equation

PAC Research also draws attention to an often-overlooked dimension of trade integration: the movement of people. A Kenyan business owner establishing a supply chain in Tanzania, for example, may need to travel to meet suppliers, customers and business partners, build relationships and assess commercial

opportunities. Similarly, a factoring company financing a cross-border transaction may need to verify the legitimacy and operations of a buyer in another country. Restrictions on movement can therefore increase the cost and complexity of cross-border commerce.

The policy brief argues that free movement should be viewed not merely as a social or political objective but as an economic necessity for deeper regional integration.

“The AfCFTA cannot deliver on its promises if Africa continues to facilitate the movement of goods without allowing the movement of people,” PAC Research argued. “A free trade area where people cannot move freely is not truly a free trade area; it is merely a collection of bilateral arrangements disguised as a continental ambition.”

This, it said, highlights the interdependence between trade, finance and human mobility and the need to incorporate all three into Africa’s economic integration strategy.

Cost of inaction

The cost of failing to close the trade finance gap could be significant.

The African Development Bank has warned that renewed geopolitical tensions could widen Africa’s trade finance gap to between $86.6 billion and $102.6 billion by 2027 under moderate-to-severe scenarios.

Such an outcome would represent at least a 17.7 per cent increase from 2024 levels and could erode some of the gains made over the past decade.

The consequences extend beyond trade statistics. Between 12 million and 15 million young Africans enter the labour market each year, creating an urgent need for investment, entrepreneurship, productive employment and expanding regional markets.

As Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, was quoted by PAC Research as saying: “Without urgent solutions, the 12 to 15 million young Africans entering our labor markets each year will encounter limited opportunities.”

The trade finance deficit therefore represents more than a financial-sector challenge. It is also a constraint on job creation, industrialisation, regional value chains and inclusive economic growth.

Financing gap to growth opportunity

PAC Research argues that the continent already has several building blocks for addressing the problem. PAPSS, ADAPT and factoring are operational initiatives that offer practical pathways for reducing financing constraints and improving crossborder commerce. Nigeria’s passage of its Factoring Law, it noted, also demonstrates that political will, technical assistance and stakeholder advocacy can produce meaningful institutional reform.

The challenge now is to replicate and scale such reforms across the continent.

Africa’s trade future will depend not only on the movement of goods and money but also on the movement of people, ideas and capital. By combining financial innovation with regulatory reform, institutional strengthening and political commitment to free movement, African countries can begin to transform the continent’s estimated $100 billion trade finance shortfall from a binding constraint into a catalyst for inclusive growth.

For the millions of young Africans entering the labour market every year, closing that gap could become an important part of turning the promise of AfCFTA into tangible economic opportunity.

• Chris Oshiafi is the Founder/Group Managing Director of Pan African Capital Holdings, an African propietary investment company.

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NEWS

TRANSPORT SUMMIT AWARD 2026...

L-R: Director, Finance and Accounts Department, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, (MTAC), Mr. Jubril Oladehinde; Director, Research and Development Department, MTAC, Mr. Frank Legunsen; Head of Tourism Unit, Apapa Local Government Council Area, Mrs. Olabisi Alogba; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila; acting Chairman, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Lagos State Chapter/President, Lagos State Local Government Tourism Officers (LALOTO), Dr. Nurudeen Damilare Shoye; Director, Monuments Department, MTAC, Mr. Ibrahim Ladejobi; and Director, Creative Arts Department, MTAC, Mrs. Olubisi Omojare, during the presentation of award of Exemplary Public Service in Tourism to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry by Transport Summit Award 2026 organised by National Tourism Transportation, held at the Ministry, Alausa, Ikeja... recently

Adamawa Guber: Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal Threatens Legal Action over Alleged Substitution of Candidate Accuses former VP of contempt for rule of law

Alex Enumah in Abuja A Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal has threatened to drag the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to court over the alleged substitution of the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa State, Engr Umar

Suleiman.

Besides, the former SGF has warned that the alleged contempt for the rule of law and due process by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will cost the ADC the 2027 governorship election in the state.

Lawal made the disclosure on Monday following confirmation of

the replacement of the Adamawa ADC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 election.

The former AGF in a statement made available to journalists, alleged that Atiku and the leadership of the ADC unlawfully removed Suleiman as gubernatorial candidate after his nomination in the party’s primary election, replacing him with one

Tukur Moddibo.

“Clearly, this unlawful substitution which violates the Electoral Act 2026, the ADC Constitution, and the ADC Primary Elections Guidelines will be tested in the courts.

“And certainly, the unlawful act will fail woefully. Atiku’s contempt for rule of law will cost ADC victory

NDLEA to Youth: Reject Drugs, Use Your Influence to Build Better Nigeria Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has charged Nigerian youths to reject harmful drug use and deploy their influence positively to promote healthy lifestyles, responsible citizenship and national development.

Marwa gave the charge in Abuja on Monday in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Director, Prevention and Sensitisation of the NDLEA, Dr. Dankolo Mohammed, at the opening of the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA).

The academy, organised by Rotary International District 9127

at the British Nigerian Academy, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, brought together more than 600 young Nigerians for leadership development.

The NDLEA boss described investment in young people as one of the most strategic investments any society could make, stressing that Nigeria’s future depended largely on the quality, character and competence of its emerging leaders.

“The future of every nation rests not only on its natural resources or physical infrastructure, but fundamentally on the quality, character and competence of its people,” he said.

According to him, equipping young Nigerians with knowledge, character, leadership skills

and innovative mindsets goes beyond individual advancement, as it prepares the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous nation.

He urged the participants to see the academy as more than an opportunity to obtain certificates, but as a platform to build relationships, discover their leadership potential and prepare to make meaningful contributions to their communities and Nigeria.

“Leadership, however, is not simply about occupying a position.

Leadership is about responsibility.

Leadership is about influence.

Leadership is about service,” Marwa said.

The NDLEA chief used the occasion to draw attention to the

dangers posed by drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, warning that their consequences extend beyond individual users to families, schools, communities and the wider economy.

“Drug-related problems do not affect only the individual who uses drugs. They can affect families, schools, communities, public health, productivity, security and national development,” he said.

Marwa noted that when the potential of a young person is undermined by harmful drug use, the cost is ultimately borne not only by the individual but also by the family, community and nation.

“This is why prevention is so important,” he said.

in the Adamawa Governorship Election in 2027”, he said.

“Engr Umar Suleiman, a Kilba Muslim from Hong Local Government Area had won the ADC party primaries in a landslide and the expectation was that the National Headquarters of the party will submit his name as the party’s candidate in the general elections.

“But what started as a rumor that Atiku preferred one of his kinsmen, Tukur Moddibo, a Fulani Muslim from Fufore Local Government as his preferred ADC gubernatorial candidate simply on account of his being of the Fulani ethnic stock has become a reality “The rumor has now transmitted into reality; it is Tukur Moddibo’s name that was uploaded. Contrary to common sense, equity, and justice, the ADC’s National leadership has succumbed to uncommon pressure from Atiku and some of his likes and replaced Engr Umar Suleiman with Tukur Moddibo in a move that is devoid of logic and justice.

“For those who were initially skeptical of my earlier characterization of the danger that a possible Atiku presidency would pose to us non-Fulani, non-Muslims especially those from Northern Nigeria, the validation is now out in the open”, he added.

Lawal however observed that shocked as they were by the alleged brazen exhibition of injustice targeted largely at the aboriginal

ethnic nationalities of Adamawa State, they are not without equally good options.

According to him, they have suspected all along that the game plan is to open a pathway to victory for the APC candidate Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Galadima, a prince of the Adamawa Emirate who will be a more pliable governor in the hands of Atiku and the Emirate Council, “that we know is embittered by the restoration of the Chiefdoms and Emirates of the aboriginal tribes and ethnic nationalities of the state by the government of Alhaji Umar Fintiri”.

While alleging that the plan was to consolidate the powers of the state government and the Adamawa Emirate Council into a single oppressive power centre that excludes the aboriginal peoples of the state, the former AGF wondered how the “perennial loser presidential candidate of the ADC was able to arm-twist the National Leadership of ADC into being willing tools in a plan that will make the party to loss a governorship election that it was set to win in Adamawa State just to satisfy the hegemonic, tribal, and religious ego of just one person.

“The Adamawa masses trust God that both the ADC and APC will loss the gubernatorial elections in the State. This is so because the aboriginal ethnic nationalities of the State have several other options to choose from and this they will.

Bode George Urges Onaiyekan to Ignore Wike Media Must Lead Fight Against Methane Segun that make any sense to an average urge the Cardinal to continue to James One government official hold the faith and speak the truth Emissions, Experts, Journalists Declare Former Deputy National Chairman Nigerian? said Onaiyekan was only speaking without any fear. He should keep Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Journalists, editors and media practitioners have called for stronger media scrutiny and sustained investigative reporting to expose methane emissions, hold polluters and regulators accountable, and strengthen environmental governance in Nigeria.

The call was made at a Media, Accountability and Methane Emissions Enforcement Webinar convened by Policy Alert in collaboration with BudgIT Foundation, where participants reaffirmed the critical role of the media in driving accountability for

methane emissions and promoting effective enforcement of environmental regulations.

The webinar opened with remarks

by Edidiong Dickson and Enebi Opaoluwa, representing the Executive Director and Global Director of Policy Alert and BudgIT Foundation respectively.

In their remarks, the speakers drew attention to the heavy environmental, health and economic burden borne by host communities as a result of methane emissions, particularly emissions associated with oil and gas activities.

They noted the situation in many

affected communities had been compounded by weak enforcement of existing environmental regulations and laws, stressing the need for greater institutional accountability and public scrutiny.

The engagement featured the screening of Flaring Lives, a documentary highlighting the realities of communities affected by gas flaring, followed by reflections from participants, a panel discussion on media, accountability and methane emissions enforcement, as well as an interactive session focused on practical opportunities for journalists to report on the issue.

of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged John Cardinal Onaiyekan not to bother himself over the barrage of attacks from FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his opinion on the state of the nation.

George, who urged Onaiyekan to learn from the challenges Desmond Tutu faced in South Africa while alive, said no matter the level of intimidation, real Nigerian clerics and christians will continue to speak truth to power.

“Look at the way Nyesom Wike attacked Cardinal Onaiyekan. Does

for Catholics, as if other Christians, even Muslims and atheists, are not affected by the anti-people policies of this administration. Another official said Onaiyekan is working for the opposition. Haba!”

He explained that what is going on now also happened in the Bible when Pilate asked the people who they wanted crucified and they shouted that they wanted Barabbas, an armed robber, to be released, and Jesus Christ crucified.

“So, if some people are abusing Onaiyekan today, they are behaving like those who loved Barabbas. I

advising the government on what to do to make Nigeria great.

“Onaiyekan is a cardinal, a member of the conclave who elects the Pope. He is over 80 years old now.

Anybody who wants to grow old should not attack an octogenarian who is also a cleric.

“One of those data boys who works for Wike also abused me, and my first child is older than him. I was told he is a Yorubaman, and he is abusing a Yoruba elder, the Atona Oodua, just because of politics. Karma is waiting for him,” George stated.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

SIGNING OF MOU CEREMONY...

General Manager, Starium Detergents FZE, Mr. Muhammed Midan Rabiu (left) and Senior Manager, Business Development, MIL India Private Limited, India, Mr. R. Balakrishnan, at the signing ceremony for the One Number Continuous Saponification Plant integrated with the Continuous Vacuum Soap Cooling and Drying Plant at the Starium Head Office in Victoria Island ... recently

Donald Duke Canvasses Nigeria’s Financial System Overhaul, Faults High Interest Rates, Rising Debt Says affordable credit, energy security, prudent spending critical to economic growth Advocates merit-based appointments, judicial and tax reforms

Sunday Ehigiator The presidential candidate of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Donald Duke, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s financial architecture, blaming high interest rates, rising public debt, and misplaced government spending for the difficulties confronting businesses and the wider economy.

Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, said Nigeria urgently needed bold economic reforms focused on affordable credit, disciplined public expenditure, energy security, and institutional efficiency to stimulate productivity, restore investor confidence, and put the economy on a sustainable growth path.

Speaking during an interview, the PRP presidential candidate said prevailing lending rates had made meaningful economic expansion increasingly difficult for businesses.

He said no economy could achieve sustainable growth when the cost of borrowing remained prohibitively high.

He said if elected president in 2027, his administration would prioritise the design of a financial system that supports productivity, which he said was currently lacking.

Duke stated, “With interest rates in the upper 30s, you are undermining the economy. You cannot grow an economy with borrowing costs at

that level.

“Affordable loans promote growth, while inflation in our case is largely driven by the high cost of government and poor economic management.”

The former governor also criticised what he described as misplaced government spending priorities, calling for a fundamental shift in public expenditure towards sectors capable of driving productivity, improving citizens’ welfare, and creating jobs.

According to him, greater investments should be directed towards electricity, healthcare, education, and the judiciary, rather than projects with limited economic returns.

Duke maintained, “Strengthening these critical sectors would have a multiplier effect on the economy by improving human capital, supporting businesses, attracting investments, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.”

He also called for sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s revenue generation system, energy policy, and administration of justice, stating that the country has the resources required to achieve rapid economic transformation if they are properly managed.

Duke said, “We are blessed with virtually every form of energy. Make energy available and affordable because that is the greatest stimulus

for productivity.

“Combine that with prudent public spending, an efficient tax system, and a judiciary that inspires confidence, and Nigeria can unlock its enormous economic potential.”

On governance, Duke defended his leadership record in Cross River State, saying his tenure reflected a commitment to building institutions capable of outlasting individual administrations.

He said he would replicate the same philosophy at the federal level if elected president next year, stressing that his administration would prioritise competence and integrity over political patronage.

According to him, political considerations should not determine who occupies critical government positions once elections are over. he stated, “Politics ends after the election. Governance begins with

assembling the best hands to move the country forward.

“Appointments should be based on competence and integrity, not political loyalty. Every public official must be committed to leaving the country better than they met it.”

Duke’s comments come amid continuing concerns over the cost of credit, public debt, and the ability of businesses to access affordable financing, particularly

as policymakers seek to balance inflation management with the need to stimulate economic activity.

He stated that Nigeria’s economic challenges could not be resolved through monetary policy alone.

Duke said fiscal discipline, reliable energy supply, institutional reforms, and access to affordable financing must work together to create the conditions required for businesses and households to thrive.

Atiku: APC Govt’s Institutional Loopholes, Administrative Lapses Created Adeyemi Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern over the institutional loopholes and administrative lapses within the Bola Tinubu government.

Atiku said the PFIPC scandal underscored profound administrative incompetence in the Tinubu administration that enabled phantom entities to infiltrate the heart of the federal government.

The former vice-president said he was still trying to figure out how Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew could have deceived all the institutions and agencies that were meant to check and raise

red flags about the creation and operation of the PFIPC. According to the ADC Presidential candidate, the PFIPC scandal highlighted several key issues regarding the Tinubu administration’s internal control and governance.

He noted that the provision of N1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act to a fictitious council, pointed to weak oversight by the Budget Office, the National Assembly, and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation “How did Prince Adeyemi fool

the Presidency, CBN, the Office of the SGF, National Assembly and the EFCC? “How did this so-called agency that was not a legal creation come to have a budgetary provision, office, staff and even security details?

“How come the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives met with the so-called Director General of the agency without due diligence?”

Atiku said Adeyemi could not have pulled off this highscale fraud

without the connivance of some officials of the state.

He noted the culture of forgery that has become the rule and not an exception, which has characterised the Tinubu-led APC administration could have invariably been an enabler of this con that caught security and regulatory agencies napping.

Atiku advised that to avert a repeat of this disgraceful episode, all those who may have provided institutional support to legitimise an illegal agency needed to be identified and prosecuted.

Wike: I’m Not Lobbying to Be Babachir Lawal Mocks Atiku’s Presidential APC Presidential Campaign DG Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Ambition, Says It’s ‘Cheap TEMU Product’ Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike,

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticised the candidacy of the Presidential standard bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, dismissig it as a cheap product.

Lawal also faulted the party’s handling of its Adamawa State governorship primary.

He made the remarks in a

Facebook post titled: “Kachalla Series Three,” in which he alleged that the ADC replaced Umar Suleiman, whom he said won the party’s Adamawa governorship primary, with Tukur Moddibo.

He attributed the alleged substitution to ethnic considerations and claimed that Atiku influenced the decision.

In the post, Lawal compared Atiku and the ADC candidateselection process to products

purchased from TEMU, an online marketplace.

He wrote: “As the story goes on the streets in the state, APC donated its gubernatorial candidate to the state having purchased him from TEMU, the cheap online market place, and it appears that the ADC too has just done likewise, aside giving to the nation a presidential candidate that looks more like he too was a cheap product from TEMU.”

has he did not need to be the Director General or even member of the President’s Campaign Council to ensure that the President Bola Tinubu wins in Rivers State and the FCT. The minister, who reiterated his support for the reelection of the president asserted this yesterday in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

The rebuttal followed reports in

some section of the media suggesting that he was among top party chieftains and government officials lobbying to be made Director-General (DG) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

The statement described the report as false, saying Wike did not at any time discuss leadership or even membership of the Presidential Campaign Council with anyone.

“I am outside Nigeria, resting and relaxing after spending over 30 days, commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing

ones, especially those scheduled for commissioning in December and January, next year.

“When I return, our focus will be the continuous delivery of our mandate in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to further enhance his electoral fortune in Rivers State and the FCT. “Therefore, I do not need to be the DG or even member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Mr President’s political party to contribute my quota by ensuring that he wins handsomely in Rivers State and the FCT,” Wike said.

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THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT TO ANMBRA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE INDUSTRY AND TRADE...

L-R: Head Enterprise, South Cluster, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Marcellus Okechukwu; Head, Enterprise Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Olajumoke Bello; Honourable Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Nonso Ebonwu; Head, Enterprise Banking, Business and Commercial Banking, Africa Regions, Standard Bank, Joret Olivier; and Relationship Manager, Africa-China Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Chukwuma Oseloka, during a courtesy visit to the Anambra State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade...recently

Military, DSS Arrest Wanted Kidnap Kingpin, Recover AK-47 Rifles in Enugu Troops foil ISWAP attack on FOB Gajiram Police rescue 15 passengers, neutralise several kidnappers in Kogi Linus Aleke in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Nigerian military said troops of the Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udo Ka, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have apprehended a notorious and wanted kidnapping syndicate commander.

During the operation, they recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition from a forest hideout in Enugu State.

According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area of Enugu State.

This followed sustained efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible for the abduction of two

persons in Udi Local Government Area on 2 August 2026.

The arrest, Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni said, was informed by an earlier operation in which troops eliminated one member of the syndicate and apprehended another.

“Subsequent exploitation of the arrested suspect yielded critical intelligence that led to the identification of the fleeing syndicate commander and the location of the group’s concealed arms cache.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops intensified the manhunt, leading to the tracking, interception and arrest of the fleeing syndicate commander as he attempted to escape from Enugu State.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to several kidnapping activities across the South-East and North-Central regions. Items recovered from him include US$1,000, N785,900 in cash and other incriminating items.”

The statement revealed that further exploitation of intelligence obtained from the arrested suspects led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate had concealed their weapons.

“During the follow-up operation, troops successfully recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the forest hideout.

“The successful operations further demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in disrupting organised criminal networks, apprehending fleeing suspects, and denying criminal elements access to weapons and safe havens,” Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni said.

He added that the arrested syndicate commander was currently undergoing further interrogation to facilitate follow-on operations aimed at apprehending other members of the criminal network and their

collaborators.

Troops Foil ISWAP Attack on FOB Gajiram

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have foiled an attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, the military said.

According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, a large number of terrorists launched an assault in an attempt to overrun the troops’ position at about 12:20 a.m. on 10 August 2026.

This is not the first time Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) extremists had attempted to overrun military facilities across the North-East

Methodist Church Vows to Speak Truth to Govt, Calls for Urgent Action on Insecurity Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The Methodist Church, Nigeria, yesterday, vowed not to abandon its prophetic responsibility to speak truth to government, even when such interventions provoke reactions from those in authority.

It therefore called on the federal government to take more decisive measures to tackle worsening insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, corruption and declining living standards.

It noted that increased government revenues and allocations have yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

The Prelate of the Church, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali-Aba, made the declarations in Ibadan, Oyo State, while reading a communiqué issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria, held in the Archdiocese from August 2 to 9, with the theme: “I Will Fight for You.” The church also threw its weight

behind the establishment of State Police, describing it as a necessary component of comprehensive security reform capable of strengthening grassroots intelligence gathering and enabling faster responses to emerging security threats across the country.

The Prelate while reading the communiqué, said the Conference had prayerfully reflected on the condition of the church and the nation and reaffirmed its belief that, despite the difficulties confronting Nigeria, the country could overcome its challenges through faith, righteousness, justice and collective action.

The Conference declared that, “despite Nigeria’s present challenges, God’s promise remains sure,” adding: “The Lord shall fight for you.”

It, however, called on Nigerians “not to surrender to fear or despair, but to remain steadfast in faith, uphold righteousness, pursue justice, and work together for the peace and progress of the nation.”

On the state of the economy, the church acknowledged reform efforts by the government in some key sectors

but expressed what it described as “deep concern over the worsening economic hardship, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards confronting millions of Nigerians.”

It identified “corruption, impunity,

and the mismanagement of public resources as major impediments to national development”, stressing that the country’s economic difficulties required stronger accountability and leadership focused on the welfare of citizens.

theatre of operations.

But troops have continued to frustrate such attempts, inflicting heavy casualties and recovering weapons from the insurgents.

The statement noted that the gallant troops responded with determined and effective fire, forcing the attackers to withdraw after sustaining heavy casualties.

During the engagement, troops neutralised several terrorists and recovered weapons, ammunition and communication gadgets.

“Post-engagement review of the surveillance footage further confirmed several casualties being evacuated by the retreating terrorists.

The recovered items and footage are currently undergoing further operational assessment,” Captain Goni said.

He, however, regretted that a few troops sustained injuries during the engagement after part of the defences was temporarily breached, leading to damage to some combat-enabling equipment and vehicles from rocketpropelled grenade fire.

The injured personnel were promptly airlifted and are currently stable and receiving medical attention.

Captain Goni said: “Following the attack, troops have remained firmly deployed in and around the FOB and adjoining areas to dominate the general area, monitor the situation and prevent any further attempts by the terrorists to re-engage.

“Residents of Gajiram and sur-

rounding communities are advised to remain calm and go about their lawful activities. Members of the public are also encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest security agencies to support intelligence sharing in the ongoing operations.”

Police Rescue 15 Passengers, Neutralise Several Kidnappers in Kogi The Kogi State Police Command, has rescued 15 victims abducted along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area, following an intense gun battle with their abductors.

This was just as the security Joint task force neutralised several kidnapers, while other fled following the superior power of the security operatives.

The passengers were traveling from Abuja to Onitsha when the abductors diverted the the drivers in into bush.

Kogi State Police Commissioner, CP Naziru Kankafori, told journalists while receiving the rescued victims at his office in Lokoja yesterday.

He explained that the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9th August 2026, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, an identified kidnapping flashpoint along the Itobe–Achigili portion of the highway, when a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted and its occupants abducted.

2027 Polls: Kano Emirate, Islamic Scholars Call for National Prayers, Peaceful Election

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Kano Emirate and Islamic scholars have called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for a peaceful, credible and successful 2027 general election.

They also warned that the country’s stability would depend largely on the ability of citizens and leaders to embrace tolerance, discipline and responsible conduct.

They, therefore, urge Nigerians to reject intolerance, violence, while telling Qur’anic graduates to become

ambassadors of peace The appeal was made at a Qur’anic graduation ceremony marking the completion of the recitation and memorisation of the Holy Qur’an, where traditional and religious leaders used the occasion to call for stronger moral upbringing of Nigerian children ahead of another politically sensitive electoral cycle.

Representing the Emir of Kano at the ceremony, the Sadauki of Kano, Awal Ado Bayero, congratulated the graduates and their parents, but charged the students to see

the completion of their Qur’anic studies as the beginning of a lifelong responsibility to live by the values they had learnt.

Bayero said the teachings of the Qur’an could play an important role in promoting peaceful coexistence, good character and responsible citizenship, particularly at a time when the country was preparing for the 2027 elections.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we pray that the children will continue to pray for the country and that Nigeria will have

a successful, peaceful and credible election,” he said.

He urged the graduates to remain committed to Qur’anic recitation and memorisation, while calling on parents and older generations to ensure that the values contained in the Holy Book were transmitted to their children and grandchildren.

The call soon assumed wider significance as other speakers at the ceremony linked the moral upbringing of children to the broader challenge of building a peaceful and secure Nigeria.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

DICON’S STRATEGIC WORKING VISIT TO BUCKLER LAND...

L-R: Mechanical Design Engineer, Buckler Land Systems, Joshua Olugbemi; Director-General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Major General B.I. Alaya; Chief Executive Officer, Buckler Land Systems, Olatunji Omotoriogun; and Mechanical Design Engineer, Buckler Land Systems, Emmanuel Bamidele, during the Director-General’s strategic working visit to Buckler Land Systems’ 180,000-square-foot Military Equipment Production Complex in Epe, Lagos State…recently

ADELEKE, OYEBAMIJI, SALAAM IN TOWN HALL TODAY AS OSUN GUBER POLL GETS COMPETITIVE

of Saturday’s governorship election.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the party’s grand rally, Mark expressed confidence that the ADC would emerge victorious in the August 15 governorship poll.

He told party supporters that they would celebrate victory after Saturday’s election, urging them to remain committed to the party’s campaign.

Mark commended the large turnout at the rally and thanked party supporters for what he described as their determination to vote for the ADC. He also acknowledged the presence of Atiku, noting that his attendance underscored the importance the party attached to the Osun governorship election.

According to him, no former presidential candidate had visited Osun during the campaign except Atiku, who

personally came to mobilise support for the ADC candidate.

Atiku, however, formally presented the party’s flag to the ADC governorship candidate, Senator Najeem Folasayo Salaam, and his running mate, urging party members to work tirelessly for victory.

Atiku recalled his long political relationship with the people of Osun, saying, “This is the fourth time I am standing on this podium. I cannot forget Osun because your daughter is in my house.”

He thanked the people of the state for the support they gave him during previous presidential elections, saying he remained grateful for their loyalty.

The former Vice President described the ADC as a party populated by experienced and credible leaders committed to rebuilding Nigeria.

“I am here personally to appeal to you to vote for the African Democratic Congress on Saturday because some of the best Nigerians are in this party.

I thank you for this massive turnout, and I believe you are going to win this election.”

Speaking shortly after receiving the party’s flag, Salaam urged the electorate to vote massively for the ADC, saying the state deserved a new direction.

Referring to allegations of vote buying that often trail elections, Salaam advised voters to collect any money offered by politicians but vote according to their conscience.

“What happened in Ekiti should not happen here. Collect whatever they give you if they choose to give money, but vote massively for the ADC,” he said.

Chairman of the ADC in Osun, Alhaji Isah Adesiji Azeez, declared that the

party would not step down for any political party ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Adesiji, who spoke at the ADC mega rally in Osogbo, said the party was not in alliance with any political party and remained determined to win the August 15 election.

“I want to use this medium to announce that we are not stepping down for any party. We are not pitching our tent with any party. We will vote and we will win,” he said.

Oyinlola, Hunters, Other APC Leaders Rally Support for Candidate Oyebamiji

A former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has asked all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, Stakeholders and thousands

NUPRC: DANGOTE GOT 98% OF CRUDE OFFERED TO LOCAL REFINERIES IN Q2

and operational structure for the refineries.

He said PENGASSAN had examined the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NNPC and the Chinese company and had held discussions with the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC on the proposed arrangement. “We think it’s actually in the right direction,” he said.

He disclosed that PENGASSAN had consistently advocated a model similar to the ownership structure of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), where the government retains a minority stake while private investors hold the controlling interest.

“For us, we are advocating that because the company is about a three-in-one company, so let them buy up to 51 per cent. Let the government retain 49 per cent as it is in NLNG,” he said.

According to Osifo, private majority ownership would reduce government interference in operational and investment decisions.

He said decisions on maintenance and other business activities would no longer have to go through government processes, including federal executive council approvals.

“Because by the time Shell, ENI, Total Energy come together and make decisions, because they have 51 per cent, the project must move forward,” he said.

He added that private investors would be more likely to make decisions based on commercial considerations rather than political sentiments, while increased invest-

ment could create jobs and improve the value of the government’s remaining stake.

Osifo, who is concluding his tenure as PENGASSAN president, said one of the major objectives of his administration was to protect the jobs of members and improve their remuneration.

He said the union had achieved both objectives despite the extensive divestments that occurred in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“How do we protect the job of our members and how do we enhance their pay?” he said, identifying the question as one of the fundamentals of his administration.

According to him, no PENGASSAN member lost his or her job as a direct consequence of the recent divestments involving major international oil companies.

He cited the divestments involving ExxonMobil, Shell, Eni and other international oil companies, saying the union ensured that its members’ employment and remuneration were protected throughout the transactions.

“We were able not just to protect the job of our members, but we ensured that the remuneration, we ensured that the pay of our members was not only transferred, but improved upon,” he said.

On PENGASSAN’s relationship with Dangote Refinery, Osifo said the disagreement between the union and the company had been resolved through sustained engagement.

He disclosed that about 600 workers who were disengaged by the Dangote Group during

the dispute had subsequently been recalled and returned to work at the refinery.

Osifo said PENGASSAN was committed to supporting the refinery because of its importance to Nigeria’s energy security and employment generation.

“We do everything possible to protect every company that is in the space of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Because Dangote Refinery will survive for us to have members there,” he said.

He welcomed the company’s plan to double the capacity of the refinery, saying the expansion would strengthen Nigeria’s energy security while creating additional employment opportunities.

Osifo said the relationship between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group had now become “robust”, compared with the situation about a year earlier.

The TUC president also assessed the impact of the PIA, describing the legislation as a major reform that had delivered some important changes in the oil and gas sector.

He said PENGASSAN was initially excited when the PIA was passed in August 2021 because of its potential to transform the industry.

According to him, the creation of the upstream regulator and the midstream and downstream regulator, as well as the transformation of NNPC from a corporation into a commercially oriented company, were among the key achievements of the legislation.

He said the profitability recorded

by NNPC after the PIA represented

another significant development.

“20, 30, 40 years before PIA, they were always making losses. But after PIA, they started making profit.

So, to that extent, you could say that there is some level of success,” he said.

He also cited the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) and the Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF) as other areas where the PIA had made an impact.

However, Osifo said policy inconsistency remained a major challenge to the investment climate in the sector. He argued that the PIA should have been allowed to operate for at least five years before significant changes were introduced.

He expressed concern over the movement of fiscal provisions from the PIA to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) legislation, saying such developments could create uncertainty for investors.

“For us, it was quite worrisome because that didn’t send the right signal to investors,” he said.

Osifo said investors needed certainty about taxes, royalties and other fiscal obligations before committing funds to long-term oil and gas projects.

“For an investor to know that I’m investing $10 million today, and this $10 million is the amount of money that I’m going to pay as taxes… investors need that certainty for them to invest,” he said.

He added that oil and gas investments often take several years before they begin to yield returns, making regulatory stability particularly important.

of supporters to vote for the standard bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji in Saturday’s governorship election.

Oyinlola, who led all the party’s supporters, Stakeholders as well as leaders to the adoption and declaration support for APC candidate, contended that, “One of the major issues that have created this unfortunate situation, in our considered view, is the lack of inclusiveness in the governance of our state.”

However, Oyinlola also made it cleared that he and his supporters remained members of the PDP in the state.

According to one time Military Administrator of Lagos State, “Our membership of the PDP is not in question. We are proud members of the party, and we acknowledge the sacrifices, contributions and struggles that have brought the PDP to where it is today.”

He stressed that, “Being members of a political party does not mean that we should abandon our conscience or the larger interest of the people we have served.

“Party loyalty is important, but the interest of Osun State must always come first.

“Today, we are gathered here as leaders and stakeholders of the PDP

who have played significant roles in the political development of our dear state.

“By the grace of God, I had the privilege of serving as Governor of Osun State for seven and a half years.

Many of the distinguished leaders seated here today, as well as the majority of members of this convergence, have served our state in one capacity or another and have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Osun.

“We are therefore not newcomers to the political affairs of Osun State. We understand the history, we understand the struggles, and we understand the circumstances that brought us to where we are today.

“We were among the major stakeholders who worked tirelessly towards the emergence of the present administration under the platform of the PDP. “We believed in that project. We supported it. We mobilised our people for it. We invested our time, energy and political capital in it because we believed that it represented the aspirations of our people.”

“Unfortunately, along the line, things began to fall apart.”

Oyebamiji, however, pledged to run an inclusive government in all ramifications, commending the stakeholders, particularly Oyinlola for the leadership roles.

GEREGU DEFAULTS ON N40 BILLION BOND PAYMENT 8 MONTHS AFTER OTEDOLA’S EXIT extension of comparable duration was not justifiable because of the continuing risks to end-use customers and the electricity market.

The commission also said ASI failed to provide a credible plan to support its request for the 24-month extension. Consequently, NERC said it invoked its powers under sections 75 to 79 of the Electricity Act 2023 to intervene in KAEDC. “KAEDC’s board of directors is hereby dissolved. All directors of KAEDC are removed from office, and the existing board stands dissolved pursuant to section 75 of the EA. The Commission has notified the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other relevant stakeholders of the dissolution of the board,” it stated.

The commission subsequently appointed a seven-member interim board of special directors to oversee the utility during the transition.

The interim board is chaired

by Dr Abdullahi Garba, while Mr Francis Agoha, Mr Aliyu Aliyu, Maj. Gen. Henry Ayamasaowei (rtd) and Dr Haliru Dikko were

appointed as special directors.

Also, Dr Ayodeji Gbeleyi was appointed as special director representing the BPE, while Dr Abubakar Hashidu was appointed special director for an initial sixmonth term and simultaneously designated administrator subject to NERC’s review.

NERC stated that the objective was to preserve KAEDC as a going concern and achieve a transparent transition to a credible core investor within 12 months through a sale process based on the highest and best price offered.

As part of the transition, Afrexim, in coordination with NERC, is to lead an open, competitive and transparent process to secure a replacement core investor and present the preferred investor to the Commission for approval.

NERC further directed the Administrator, BPE, NBET, NISO and other material creditors to reconcile KAEDC’s liabilities and file a liability management plan within 90 days of the commencement of the order.

tuesday August 11, 2026 • T H i s d ay

29

NEWS

LAGOS CENTRAL BAPTIST CONFERENCE PASTORS ORDINATION…

L-R(front row): Wife of the Nigerian Baptist Convention(NBC), Pastor(Mrs) Folasade Idowu; President, NBC, Rev.(Dr) Olusola Idowu; President, Lagos Central Baptist Conference, Rev.(Dr) Victor Akerele, his wife, Mrs. Esther Akerele and pastors who were ordained by the Lagos Baptist Conference in Lagos…on Sunday

Delta Suspends Works Commissioner over Alleged Assault on Gov’s Aide Sylvester Idowu in Warri, Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Delta State Government yesterday suspended the state Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Hon. Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben, with immediate effect.

The suspension, according to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, is to allow

security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into allegations linking the commissioner to the recent assault of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol, Mr. Simon Mudi, popularly known as ‘Temple’.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state during the Delta Central meeting of the All Progressives

Journalists Urged to Harness AI to Transform Reporting The future of journalism is being reshaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance reporting, streamline workflows, and deliver more engaging content to readers worldwide.

The Chief Executive of Chesca Global Solutions Limited, Ms. Franca Ibuzo, stated this in a press statement, noting that “in automated news gathering, AI can scan vast amounts of data, social media feeds, and public records in real time, and help journalists identify breaking stories faster.”

According to her,

during fact‑ checking and verification, with misinformation on the rise, AI tools assist in verifying sources, cross‑checking facts, and ensuring accuracy before publication.

She noted that “content personalisation and AI algorithms now tailor news delivery to readers’ interests, improving engagement and ensuring diverse perspectives reach the right audiences.”

Ibuzo added: “Multimedia enhancement, from generating graphics to transcribing interviews, AI reduces repetitive tasks, allowing journalists to focus on news writing.”

The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), the umbrella body for advertising professionals in Nigeria, has announced the kick-off of the 21st edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF). This announcement was made by the newly re-elected President of AAAN, Lanre Adisa, at a press conference in Lagos.

Also, a new leadership was unveiled for the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival Management Board.

surrounding the incident.

The state government, he said, remained committed to maintaining public safety, law and order, and the sanctity of human lives under all

circumstances.

Dr. Emu stressed that the government’s commitment to these principles remained unwavering, even when individuals or institutions

of the state were involved.

“The suspension is expected to remain in force pending the outcome of the investigation by the relevant security agencies,” he said.

NCWS Tasks Women to Vote Wisely, Seeks More Political Positions Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) has urged women in Nigeria to mobilise and vote wisely in the 2027 general election in accordance with their conscience.

The President of NCWS, South-West Forum, Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, who made the call in her welcome address at the council’s annual conference

held in Ibadan, Oyo State, said women should actively participate in the electoral process and support candidates committed to good governance, the rule of law and promotion of fundamental human rights.

According to her, the council was concerned about insecurity, kidnapping, unemployment, hunger and inadequate access to water and electricity in the country.

“We want good governance and promotion of the rule of law.

We want all women and girls to be accorded their fundamental human rights in accordance with our constitution,” she said.

Kuye disclosed that the seminar, which focused on ‘Human Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls in the Society’, was organised to educate women on issues affecting them, particularly

ahead of the 2027 elections.

Stating that the conference brought together women from various associations across the South-west geopolitical zone.

In its communiqué, the conference called for the mobilisation and sensitisation of women to vote wisely, while advocating increased representation of women in political positions of responsibility.

‘Nigeria Loses 600,000 People Annually over Administration of Medical Oxygen’

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

The Vice Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUS), Ebonyi State, Professor Jesse Uneke, has said that Nigeria is losing over 600,000 people yearly due to issues relating to the administration of medical oxygen.

Uneke, who is the Nigerian and State Lead/ Principal Investigator for the EQUI-RESP Africa Research Project, disclosed this in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, during the First Stakeholders’ Engagement Event/Co-Creation Workshop on Medical Oxygen Economy organised by the university in conjunction with the

University of Edinburgh, UK, supported by the National Institute for Health and Research (NIHR), UK. He explained that the administration of medical oxygen issues was happening because there was no platform where stakeholders in the medical oxygen space could come together to discuss the research-policy interface and

see how to contextualise some of the strategies against the problems for the country.

“That is why, in this phase of this project, we have decided to start with this kind of stakeholders’ engagement. I am excited that we have every key stakeholder in the medical oxygen space represented here,” Uneke said.

CMFC Shows Bright Prospects Three Months after Transformation

Three months after shareholders approved the change from Deap Capital Management & Trust Plc to Critical Minerals Financing Corp Plc (CMFC), the company has started showing very bright prospects going by its latest The newly appointed board financial results for nine months members include: Funke ended June 30, 2026.

Adekola, President; Jumoke The company was restructured Akinyele, Vice President; Victor Oyaroro; Tobi Williams; Rotimi Ade-Onajobi; Toheeb Balogun; Anne Obaseki; Dr. Meksley Following the rising cases Nwagboh; Segun Akinyemiju; of fire incidents, building Sandra Amachree; Israel collapses and accidents across Obatunde; Olabisi Olusanya; the country, the Nigerian and Jonathan Oyovwevotu. Content Development and Speaking at the press Monitoring Board (NCDMB) conference, Adisa described has commenced a specialised this year’s LAIF theme, “From Emergency Preparedness and Glitch to Great,” as not just a Fire Prevention Awareness slogan but a powerful reminder programme aimed at that the path to greatness is sensitising Nigerians on practical response to such rarely perfect.

AAAN Flags Off 21st Edition of LAIF Awards

Raheem Akingbolu

Congress (APC).

The SSG said the suspension was necessary to ensure that the investigation was conducted without interference and to establish the facts

following the entry of Banklink Africa Private Equities Limited as a core investor, making CMFC as a specialised financing and investment Banking institution focused on developing Africa’s critical minerals, metals, and commodities sectors.

Unaudited interim financial statements of the company for

the nine month ended June 30, 2026 submitted to the NGX on August5, showed that CMFC has started to earn income and closing period with a robust cash position.

Specifically, unlike the nine months ended June 2025 when the company recorded zero income, it ended nine months in 2026 with an income of N82.641

million. A further analysis of the earnings showed that 90 per cent was recorded between March and June 2026. Also, the company closed the period with a robust cash position of over N6 billion, a situation market analysts said gives the company opportunity for business funding to earn more income in the coming months.

NCDMB Embarks on Emergency Preparedness Awareness Campaign incidents.

Speaking during the Lagos State edition of the training, Managing Director of Matosi Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tosan Bolorunfe, the consultant for the programme, said emergency preparedness had become a serious national issue requiring deliberate attention from both public and private

sector stakeholders.

According to him, “Fire incidents, workplace accidents, panic during emergencies, poor response coordination and lack of basic safety awareness continue to cause avoidable losses across homes, offices, hotels, markets, public facilities and industrial sites.”

Bolorunfe stressed that a

society that waits for disaster before discussing safety is already late, noting that the first few minutes of an emergency are often the most critical.

“Many lives are not lost because help does not exist.

Many lives are lost because people do not know what to do in the first few critical minutes,” he said.

30

TUESDAYSPORTS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 • THISDAY

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

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Nnadozie Insists Super Falcons Can Still Qualify for 2027 World Cup Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Super Falcons’ Number 1 goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has said that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup despite the tough route now left for the team after missing direct passage with Cameroon defeat on Sunday.

The 10-time African champions failed to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, falling to a 1-0 defeat by Cameroon in the last eight.

By reaching the Last Four, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses were guaranteed a ticket to next year’s

World Cup in Brazil alongside fellow semi-finalists Algeria, Malawi and Morocco.

The defeat also means that Nigeria as (WAFCON) cup holders will now face South Africa in a play-off on Thursday evening for a spot at an inter-confederation qualifier later this year which could give them another chance to reach the global showpiece.

According to Nnadozie, “On Thursday we’ll go out strong, we’ll try to do better than we’ve done (against Cameroon) and hope to get to the next stage of the World Cup qualification. We will go there and make things right.”

The Brighton FC ladies safe hand

insisted that it is not over yet for Super Falcons to qualify for the World Cup despite outrage in football circles in the country.

“This is football, this is life. What happened, happened, we just have to keep our heads high. There’s still hope - it’s not over yet,” Nnadozie told the BBC World Service in Morocco.

The Super Falcons have featured at all nine previous editions of the Women’s World Cup stretching back to the inaugural edition in China in 1991.

They made the quarter-finals in 1999 and progressed to the last 16 at the most recent two tournaments.

Yet, after losing their WAFCON

crown, Justin Madugu’s side need to get past 2022 champions South Africa to remain in the hunt for a place at the expanded 32-team World Cup. “The coach has been cheering us up, and we really appreciate that from him,” Nnadozie said.

Elsewhere on Thursday, Ghana will take on Ivory Coast for Africa’s second spot at the inter-continental qualifier.

The two WAFCON play-off winners will enter a 10-nation global competition, with a preliminary stage to be held in November and December. A final round in February which will decide the last three qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup, which begins on 24 June.

Super Falcons Head Coach, Justin Madugu (left) consoling his wards after the 10-time African champions were knocked out of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca, Morocco on Sunday evening

Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens Focused on Rwanda After Dominant Win against Ghana After putting behind their opening day defeat by Ugandaq, Nigeria’s Junior YellowGreens yesterday bounced back with a commanding five-wicket victory over Ghana at the Gahanga Oval, reigniting their bid for a place at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. Now, the Nigerian junior cricketers are focused on tournament hosts Rwanda on Wednesday, 12 August 2026 before also clashing with Mozambique.

Their final game against Sierra Leone has been described as another significant test of their qualification credentials.

Yesterday, the Junior YellowGreens restricted Ghana to just 93 all out before completing the chase with more than 27 overs to spare. Nigeria delivered their most complete performance

ICC U19 CRICKET WORLD CUP of the tournament so far — a result built on disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and a composed run chase.

Nigeria’s campaign began on Sunday against Uganda at Gahanga 2, where the Junior YellowGreens were sent in to bat and faced early pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Standing firm amid the collapse, Kenneth Boniface produced a superb innings of 97 runs off 107 balls, laced with nine fours and six sixes, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.

He was well supported by Okasha Isiyaku, who made a patient 34 off 81 deliveries, as Nigeria posted 176 all out in 45 overs.

In defence of the total, Nigeria’s attack fought hard. Pelumi Orimolade

led the way with 2/24, with Abdullahi Ismail, Princewill Chigozie and Okasha Isiyaku each chipping in with a wicket.

Uganda, however, held their nerve, chasing the target down with 178/5 in 38.2 overs — driven by a fine 72 from Samuel Ahaisibwe — to complete a five-wicket win.

Given little time to dwell on the result, Nigeria returned to action on Monday determined to make an immediate statement, and did exactly that.

Ghana won the toss and chose to bat first, but found no rhythm against a relentless Nigerian attack.

Kenneth Boniface starred with the ball this time, claiming 4/33 from eight overs, while Precious Ayeni was equally impressive with figures of

2/9 from eight overs.

Princewill Chigozie bowled with excellent control for 1/9 from 10 overs, and Okasha Isiyaku, Pelumi Orimolade and Daniel Ayodele shared the remaining wickets as Ghana were bowled out for 93 in 39.5 overs. David Ateak’s 26 was the lone bright spot for the Ghanaian innings.

Chasing 94 for victory, Nigeria were tested by some tight Ghanaian bowling, slipping to 56/4 and later 77/5.

But the Junior YellowGreens held their composure. Boniface, once again the standout performer, finished the match unbeaten on 30 off 32 balls, striking four fours and a six. Andrew Abah (20 off 42) and Peculiar Egemasi (a brisk 17 off 17) provided crucial support as Nigeria reached 96/5 in 22.2 overs to seal a five-wicket victory.

Zenith Bank/ NBBF Women’s Basketball League To Tip off August 16 The 2026 edition of the annual national Women’s Basketball League is set to start in two centres on August 17.

This tournament which is the apex women’s basketball league in the country, is sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc in conjunction with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

Secretary General of the NBBF, Amina Amanchi, on Monday confirmed that all was set for the women’s league.

Amanchi added that the NBBF board led by Engr. Amadu Musa Kida, was set for the event which starts in two centres –Lagos and Jos- in the next few days.

The women’s league is divided into Atlantic and Savannah centres which will see four teams each qualify from there to play in the finals in Lagos after the Phase 1 and Phase 2 hostilities.

“Lagos centre is the Atlantic and the league starts on August 16 while that of Jos, which is the Savannah Centre starts on August 17,” Amanchi, the NBBF General Secretary said.

Teams expected to compete for honours in the Atlantic Conference include; First Bank, Sunshine Angels,

UEFA, CONCACAF, ASIA Confederations Accuse Infantino of Breaking Trust ‘Through Deception’ FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino have been accused of breaking trust “through deception” in an open letter issued by UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.

The letter, signed by the presidents and general secretaries of the three regional governing bodies, said recent controversy over the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was fundamentally about “the integrity of the game, and the integrity of those elected to lead it”.

FFE would have meant a new company being created to manage commercial and ticketing rights of all FIFA competitions, including the World Cups, with 21% sold off to a private investment company.

It was aborted after widespread criticism from several confederations, led by UEFA which has threatened a boycott of all FIFA competitions.

BBC Sport understands that there have been preliminary discussions between the three confederations over breakaway competitions - should Infantino remain in situ. However, substantive talks are yet to begin,

Efunkoya U-15 Table Tennis Tournament Opens with Two-day Clinic

The Adegboyega Efunkoya Sports Foundation has announced the commencement of the 7th edition of the National U-15 Table Tennis Championships, beginning with a two-day clinic at the indoor hall of the National Stadium from August 11 to 12. The main tournament will follow from August 13 to 15, where new champions are expected to

emerge.

Hundreds of young athletes will participate in the clinic, designed to sharpen their strokes, footwork, and tactical approaches while instilling discipline and innovation.

The programme includes physical conditioning and modern training techniques, preparing players for the rigors of competition and offering

them a platform to impress national selectors.

Chairman of the Foundation and former national team coach, Babatunde Obisanya, emphasized the importance of the clinic: “We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from stakeholders worldwide—former players in the diaspora, administrators, and enthu-

siasts who believe in our vision. Our mission is to continue the legacy of Dr. Adegboyega Efunkoya, ensuring that players combine sports with education. Each year we introduce new innovations, and this year will be no different. Beyond competition, we remain committed to supporting the education of players who excel.”

Since its inception, the champi-

IGP Queens, First Deep Waters, Delta Force, MFM, Dolphins and Bayelsa Whales.

For the Savannah Conference with Jos as venue this term, the teams expected to file out are; Nigeria Customs, Royal Aces, Titans, Nasarawa Babes, Kada Angels, Nigeria Army, Plateau Rocks and the Air Warriors of Abuja.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, says the organistaion was delighted that the flagship sports event is on centre stage again.

“We look forward to this every year because we are proud that this tournament has over the years produced superstars for Nigeria and place our country above all others on the continent.

“The women’s national team, D’Tigress, have also made huge impact at global stage for the Olympic Games and FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. This time, we expect some players to emerge and transit to the next level in the national team,” Umeoji concluded with enthusiasm.

onship has produced outstanding talents for Nigeria’s national teams.

Notably, Matthew Kuti, discovered at the maiden edition, is now a key member of the senior squad and Africa’s reigning U-19 champion.

Other alumni include Khadijat Musa and the Ayoola siblings—Umar, Usman, and Kabirat—who currently represent Nigeria at junior level.

Gianni Infantino...embattled

according to others.

“When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned,” the letter read.

It added: “Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding - or demanding - power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it.”

While the statement did not name Infantino, sources have told BBC Sport that it should be seen as an opportunity for him to resign and leave his position with dignity.

It comes after FIFA issued a statement on Saturday evening which strongly criticised a “concerted and ongoing effort” to “undermine” the organisation and Infantino.

The three confederations - representing Europe, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and Asia - criticised a statement released by FIFA after Infantino called management board members to a meeting in Rabat, Morocco last Wednesday.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026

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BACK PAGE CONTINUATION THE JUDICIAL FACADE: WHEN THE GRANT OF BAIL BECOMES ITS OWN DENIAL

adverse state government.

National Security Is a Charge to Be Proved, Not a Tone to Be Borrowed

Ms. Braithwaite is entitled to note that intercepting an NSA’s line is graver than an ordinary interception, given the office involved. But the gravity of an office is not evidence of harm. The column moves from the identity of the alleged victim to language evoking the Official Secrets Act and national security exposure, without identifying what classified information, if any, was obtained, disclosed, or compromised.

The trick works only by collapsing five distinct questions into one. The identity and status of the alleged victim is one question; it tells us who was affected, nothing more. The seriousness of unauthorised interception as a category of conduct is a second, separate question, answered by the legislature when it fixed the penalty under Section 12 of the Cybercrimes Act at two years.

Whether national security information was, in fact, compromised, whether anything classified was obtained, used, or disclosed, is a third question, and an entirely evidential one: it requires proof of a fact, not an inference by a columnist. The statutory elements of the offence actually charged are a fourth question, fixed by the charge sheet, not by how alarming the surrounding facts can be made to sound. And whether any of the preceding four questions bears on pre-trial liberty is a fifth and final question, governed not by rhetoric but

by Section 165(1) of the ACJA and the constitutional presumption of innocence.

Ms. Braithwaite’s column answers the first question and treats it as though it answers all five. It does not.

The Official Secrets Act carries penalties of up to fourteen years precisely because it targets proven compromise of classified material, an offence with its own elements, its own burden of proof, and, notably, one with which El-Rufai has not been charged. Borrowing its gravity

Malam Nasir El-Rufai for an uncharged offence, to justify conditions imposed under a different statute entirely, is not legal reasoning; it is atmosphere doing the work that evidence is supposed to do. The offence charged under the Cybercrimes Act is the interception itself; escalating the register without escalating the evidence lets a two-year offence borrow the moral weight of a fourteen-year one, and a defendant

should not be tried, even in the court of public opinion, on the vocabulary attached to the charge rather than the charge itself.

What Bail Is For

Ms. Braithwaite is correct that a grant of bail is not a verdict of innocence, and no serious commentator

disputes that. But the proposition runs both ways: the absence of a finding of innocence does not license conditions designed, in their cumulative effect, to make liberty theoretical and unattainable. The presumption of innocence is not suspended because a defendant gave a controversial television interview, and it does not narrow according to how politically inconvenient the defendant happens to be. The test of bail is not whether each condition can be justified in isolation by a sympathetic reading. It is whether, taken together, an accused person granted bail can actually walk out of custody, or whether the order has become, as the Court of Appeal has put it in comparable cases, a refusal of bail wearing the language of a grant.

That is the question Ms. Braithwaite’s column raises and then leaves hanging. It is also the question this reply insists must be answered, and answered by the ordinary standards of the ACJA and the Constitution, for El-Rufai, and for any citizen who might one day find the state’s patience, and the vocabulary of national security, arrayed against them.

A court that grants bail with one hand and, with the other, assembles conditions calibrated to deny it has not exercised discretion. It has disguised a refusal as a grant. That is the judicial facade this title names, and it is worth stating without euphemism: bail obtained on paper but foreclosed in practice is not bail at all.

It is detention that has simply changed its address, from the defendant’s cell to the surety’s impossible paperwork. The rule of law is not measured by the elegance of the order granting liberty; it is measured by whether the person the order names can actually walk free. Until that test is met, the case for El-Rufai’s continued confinement remains, on the law as it stands, unproven, and so, on its own terms, does Ms. Braithwaite’s sponsored diatribe.

•Dr. Uche Diala is a public affairs commentator and Director General of the El-Rufai Support Group Association, and writes from Abuja.

NEWS

Umahi: FG to Deploy Guards to Protect Abuja-Kaduna Highway Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will be completed, says minister

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government will deploy security guards to protect infrastructure along the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano superhighway from vandalism, Minister of Works, David Umahi, said yesterday.

Umahi disclosed this when he received the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on a courtesy visit to the ministry.

He said the measure became neces-

sary following attempts by vandals to damage newly constructed sections of major federal highways.

“I just came back from Lagos when we inaugurated the coastal highway guard. We are going to inaugurate this Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano Superhighway. I saw people digging the concrete to remove rods. But I’ve said that if they can commit to that level, just out of it, a meaningful job,” Umahi said.

The minister said the Abuja-KadunaZaria-Kano corridor, covering about

750 kilometres of carriageway, had received more than N200 billion in government funding, while the current projects on the corridor were valued at N752 billion, with over 80 per cent paid.

“We are believing that by November, the entire stretch will have been completed,” he said, adding that solar lights would also be installed along the highway.

Umahi said the government’s road projects had created employment opportunities across the country,

noting that “there is no site in all these projects here that has less than 1,000 normal people.”

He also highlighted other ongoing projects, including the Sokoto-ZamfaraZaria corridor, the Benue-9th Mile road and the Port Harcourt-Bonny road, which he said had been completed.

On the Port Harcourt-Bonny project, he said: “That project is completed. 39.7 kilometres. Fully done.” He added: “The people of Bonny are very happy.

They are no longer dying in the sea.

They are now driving through the

Ezekwesili Decries Failure of Governance, Says Nigeria Needs Rebirth Funmi Ogundare Former Minister of Education and Chairperson, School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday cautioned Nigerians against making the 2027 presidential election the sole focus of national discourse, arguing that the country’s more fundamental challenge is the failure of political and governance system.

Ezekwesili, who spoke during an interview on AriseTV PrimeTime, explained that Nigeria urgently needs a fundamental conversation about its future, including the establishment of shared national values, a common vision and a political system capable of delivering meaningful development to citizens.

She argued that the country’s recurring focus on elections had failed to address the structural problems responsible for its deteriorating political, economic and social conditions.

According to her, Nigerians must challenge the belief that the current state of the country represents their destiny, insisting that the situation was the product of deliberate political choices and systems that could be changed.

“The greatest tragedy of the country

is this resignation that this is our destiny. I say no. This is by design.

It is not our destiny,” she stated.

Ezekwesili said the country needed a national conversation that would lead to an agreement on shared values and a national vision, noting that such an understanding should ultimately form the basis for a new constitutional arrangement.

She lamented the absence of a strong social contract, social cohesion and social capital in Nigeria, saying these deficiencies had continued to deepen ethnic, religious and other divisions.

According to her, Nigerians needs a compelling national vision that would give citizens a reason to identify with the Nigerian project beyond their ethnic or religious identities.

She said patriotism should not be interpreted as blind support for the existing political arrangement, stressing that criticism of poor governance was not equivalent to opposition to Nigeria.

The former minister also criticised the political class for failing to facilitate the fundamental conversation required to move Nigeria from being merely a geographical entity to a cohesive nation.

She argued that since indepen-

dence, Nigeria had not adequately undertaken the kind of national dialogue required to establish shared values, agree on a national vision and develop a constitution based on that consensus.

“We should have really had a conversation that would get us to the place where we would agree that these are shared values; this is our national vision, and then come up with a constitution based on that,” she said.

On the 2027 presidential election, Ezekwesili reaffirmed her support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying her position was based on her assessment of leadership qualities rather than political affiliation.

She explained that in 2023 she assessed the major presidential candidates using the criteria of character, competence and capacity, and concluded that Obi scored considerably higher than the other leading contenders.

“I was going to stand with Governor Obi. I haven’t seen that anything has really significantly changed,” she said.

However, she maintained that Nigerians should not lose sight of the larger national questions simply

because of the approaching election.

On the possibility of Obi overcoming the advantages of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including incumbency, political structures and financial resources, Ezekwesili acknowledged the challenges but said the electorate could still create a political turning point.

land,” he added.

The minister also defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway against criticism, insisting that the project would be completed. “That is being unfair. That is being unrealistic.

That project will be done,” he said.

Umahi urged NANS to participate actively in monitoring federal projects and approved support for the association to undertake project monitoring nationwide.

“If you help us to monitor these projects, please no blackmail, no intimidation, no altercation with contractors. Every responsibility, I take responsibility. And if you do this intelligently and honestly, we are partners,” he said.

He also urged young Nigerians to focus on productivity and skills acquisition, saying, “We need to do things with our hands.”

The minister further urged students to engage the government on national issues based on evidence rather than social media narratives. “If you say that

the President is not doing well, what is your own alternative?” he asked.

On his part, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, commended Umahi for the ministry’s infrastructure projects, saying good roads were essential to students’ academic activities and mobility.

“For students, infrastructure is not an abstract concept. A bad road can mean arriving late for an examination.

A bad road can increase the cost of transportation to school. An inaccessible community can limit educational opportunities,” Babatunde said.

He added that roads being constructed across the country would connect students, communities and businesses to wider opportunities.

“The roads we are building today will help lead this administration.

They will carry students to schools, farmers to markets, workers to their places of employment, businesses to their customers and families to their destinations. That is the significance of infrastructure,” he said.

Sheikh Yahaya Jingir’s Comments Will Hurt Tinubu in 2027, Fani-Kayode Warns Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has warned that recent comments by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, in favour of retaining a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Fani-Kayode said Jingir’s position risked alienating Christian voters, deepening religious divisions and providing opposition parties with a campaign issue they could deploy against the All Progressives Congress ahead of the presidential election.

The former minister made the remarks in a Facebook post yesterday, reacting to comments attributed to Jingir at an event in Kano, where the cleric reportedly advocated the continued adoption of Muslim-Muslim presidential tickets and identified himself as a strong supporter of the arrangement.

Fani-Kayode said the remarks had generated concern among Nigerians across religious lines, claiming that he received more than 100 calls and messages from Christians and Muslims after the comments were published.

He said he was particularly

disturbed by the reaction of the Kano State governor, whom he accused of openly cheering and celebrating Jingir’s position.

“There is only one thing worse and that saddened me more than what he said and that is to have seen my friend and brother, the Governor of Kano State, cheering him on and celebrating it,” Fani-Kayode said.

He warned political actors against turning religious identity into an instrument of political mobilisation, arguing that doing so could aggravate existing tensions and have consequences beyond the 2027 election.

THISDAY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026

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BACK PAGE LEAD PHOTOGRAPH

MEETING OF APC SUBCOMMITTEES ON OSUN GUBER ELECTION...

L-R: Governor of Nasarawa State/ Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub-committee, APC National Campaign Council for Osun State Governorship Election, Engr. Abdullahi Sule; APC, National Publicity Secretary/ Secretary of the Committee, Felix Morka and Member of the Campaign Council, Mr. Daniel Adegboyega, during the inaugural meeting of the APC National Media and Publicity subcommittee for Osun Governorship Election at the Nasarawa State Lodge in Abuja... recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

UCHEDIALA RIGHT OF REPLY

The Judicial Facade: When The Grant Of Bail Becomes Its Own Denial O A Reply to “The Advocate” of 4 August 2026 nikepo Braithwaite’s column on the alleged illegal interception of the National Security Adviser’s telephone, and the bail conditions imposed on Malam Nasir El-Rufai, reads as measured legal commentary. Read against the law she herself cites, however, the author tragically fails herself.

Ms. Braithwaite acknowledges every principle that should have led her to a different conclusion - that the alleged wiretapping offence is bailable, that bail conditions must not be excessive, that conditions amounting in substance to a refusal of bail are unlawful - and then declines to apply those principles to the facts in front of her. That is the central defect of the piece, and it is a profoundly tragic one.

An Admission That Was Never Established

Ms. Braithwaite’s argument stands on a single premise: that Mallam El-Rufai, in an Arise TV interview, admitted to the offence of wiretapping Mr. Ribadu’s phone.

She writes that the unlawful interception occurred “by Malam El Rufai’s own admission,” and later concludes that whether he tapped the line “himself or through others, the law describes such a person as a principal offender.” That is a considerable distance to travel from an unquoted television remark. Nothing in the column tells the reader what El-Rufai actually said.

The relevant portion of the Arise News interview is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U1foMplUJ5s?si=UiuvsQy2X8O fTguG. At roughly the 11:30–11:46 mark, El-Rufai’s own words were that someone had tapped Ribadu’s phone and reported to him that the NSA had ordered his detention. That is a claim about being surveilled, not a confession of surveilling. A public commentator may opt to read this differently, and a court is entitled to test it, but a commentator cannot simply supply the missing admission by assertion, and then build a felony, a national security escalation, and a justification for onerous bail conditions on top of it.

This matters because Nigerian law does recognise extra-judicial confessions in Sections 28 and 29 of the Evidence Act 2011, but the recognition of that category does not resolve the harder question at issue here.

Whether a particular statement is a confession is not a label a reader attaches by impression. It is a question of construction, settled by examining the words actually used, their context, and whether they admit the specific elements of the offence charged, before any question of voluntariness or admissibility even arises. An ambiguous statement does not become a confession because a commentator characterises it as one. The Evidence Act supplies the framework for testing a statement’s evidential status; it does not authorise editorial substitution for that

Malam Nasir El-Rufai process. Tellingly, when the prosecution itself sought to rely on the same video in the wiretapping trial, two of its witnesses were unable, on cross-examination, to sustain the “admission” facade, which is to say that the construction Ms. Braithwaite offers as settled fact could not survive the very evidential scrutiny the law requires of it. If the state’s own witnesses could not make that leap under oath, a newspaper column cannot make it by inference.

Two Bail Regimes, Not One

A second problem is one of accuracy rather than advocacy. Ms. Braithwaite’s column actually describes two separate and materially different bail regimes, and the distinction matters more than her conclusion allows. In the wiretapping matter before the Federal High Court, Abuja, brought on the DSS’s petition, bail was fixed at N100 million with a single surety who must, among other things: hold Grade Level 17 or above in the federal civil service; reside in Maitama or Asokoro; deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of landed property; produce three months of salary evidence authenticated by a bank manager; swear an affidavit of means; obtain a verification letter from his own department; and produce a tax clearance certificate.

El-Rufai himself must produce a surety in the Kaduna State Traditional Council; surrender his international passport; and report to the DSS on a monthly basis.

Ms. Braithwaite calls this set of conditions “reasonable enough.”

In the separate corruption matter before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, bail was fixed at N200 million with two sureties in landed property, and here too

one of them must be attested by the Kaduna State Traditional Council, a body Ms. Braithwaite herself concedes operates under a State Government “not favourably disposed” to the defendant. Here, to her credit, she does not defend the condition; she calls it difficult and asks half-heartedly, without resolving it, whether it ought to be varied.

Conflating these two regimes, as casual commentary tends to do, obscures rather than clarifies, but it also obscures the single most telling fact in the whole affair: the Traditional Council attestation is not confined to the Kaduna matter. It appears, in near-identical form, in the DSS case before the Federal High Court in Abuja as well. Two different courts, in two different jurisdictions, hearing two different cases, have independently arrived at the same unusual and narrowly defeating condition, one that happens to route the defendant’s liberty through an institution controlled by a state government hostile to him.

That is not the kind of coincidence bail jurisprudence normally produces. Either the condition reflects a genuine, ordinary practice this reply has failed to locate elsewhere in Nigerian bail orders, or its recurrence across two courts points to collusion between two judges taking common instructions, or, at the very least, joined in a common cause to deny liberty to the accused. Ms. Braithwaite’s column, remarkably, treats the condition as a feature of the Kaduna case alone and never asks why it resurfaces in Abuja. That omission is itself worth noting. The Kaduna condition is the more indefensible one precisely because Ms. Braithwaite’s own facts alluded to it: a bail term cannot depend on the discretion of an institution controlled by a government adverse to the accused, because that converts a judicial safeguard into a political veto. Its repetition in a second, unrelated case only sharpens the point. That is not a close question, and the column’s decision to leave it as one is its clearest failure of nerve.

The FCT Conditions Fail the Test Braithwaite Herself Sets

The wiretapping case conditions deserve no easier a pass. Ms. Braithwaite is right that Grade Level 17 is a legitimate civil-service rank, that a recognisance is not a cash deposit, and that a surety need not own property specifically in Maitama or Asokoro. Taken singly, each condition can be defended. But Section 165(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which Ms. Braithwaite herself cites, asks a cumulative question: are the conditions, taken together, excessive? In Uduesegbe v FRN (2014) LPELR-23191(CA), the Court of Appeal treated exactly this kind of stacking as decisive, reducing a bond that on paper was merely large into one that in substance the court found unworkable, and

holding that trial courts must be liberal, not exacting, in non-capital matters.

Here, a surety must simultaneously satisfy a civil-service grade level held by a small fraction of federal officers, a residence requirement confined to two of Abuja’s most exclusive districts, a landed-property deposit, bank-attested salary evidence, a sworn affidavit of means, departmental verification, current tax clearance, and attestation by a traditional institution in another state entirely, for an offence under Section 12 of the Cybercrimes Act carrying a maximum sentence of of two years. It is the accumulation, not any single term, that narrows the pool of willing and qualified sureties toward vanishing point. That is precisely the “excessive” that Section 165(1) prohibits, and Ms. Braithwaite’s column never runs its own cited authority against its own recited facts.

A Statutory Correction

One further point needs correcting, because precision matters in a debate about statutory bail rights. Section 162 of the ACJA governs offences punishable by more than three years’ imprisonment; it is Section 163 that governs the residual class of non-capital offences, including this one, where the offence carries a maximum of two years. The distinction is not academic. Section 163 leaves bail to the court’s discretion “unless there is a reason to the contrary,” but that discretion still sits inside the wider constraint that whatever conditions are set must not be excessive. Getting the section right does not weaken the underlying point; if anything, it sharpens it, because a discretionary provision offers no independent justification for excessive and exceptional conditions in a comparatively minor offence.

The Traditional Council Problem Deserves a Conclusion, Not a Question

The most serious defect in the Kaduna conditions is one Ms. Braithwaite states and then declines to resolve.

If a certifying authority is institutionally controlled by a government hostile to the accused, asking “should the conditions be varied?” is not really a question, it is an answer in itself. A bail term whose satisfaction depends on the goodwill of the defendant’s political adversary is not a neutral administrative hurdle; it is a mechanism for indefinite detention while the order on its face still reads as a grant of bail. Nigerian appellate courts have already been here: in the Sambo Dasuki litigation, the Court of Appeal struck down a requirement that a civil servant serves as surety, precisely because status-linked surety conditions function as a bar to bail rather than a facilitation of it. The same logic applies with more force to a certifying body controlled by an Continued on page 31

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