Moves to appoint 10 local and international forensic auditors for all its Nigerian banks accounts
Nestoil Limited has challenged FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s alleged refusal to release state-
ments of accounts relating to a disputed $1 billion loan, raising concern over transparency and compliance within Nigerian financial system.
www.thisdaylive.com
Wanted over Alleged $14.8m Refinery Fund
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has declared former Minister of State for Petroleum Re-
sources and ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, wanted over an alleged $14.86 million fraud.
In a statement yesterday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, said Sylva was wanted for alleged conspiracy and dishonest conversion of funds belonging to the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
The anti-graft agency said the money was part of the funds NCDMB invested in
Tinubu Moves to Fast-track Siemens Power Project, Recommits to Stable Electricity
President says no economic development without reliable power supply Directs expansion of transformer substations to three phases Deal seeks to raise Nigeria’s power supply to 25GW from current 5GW
Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday moved to accelerate the much talked about Siemens energy deal, assuring the technical contractor handling the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) of his administration’s full commitment to improving the country’s electricity supply and enhancing the livelihood of Nigerians.
Tinubu made the commitment during a meeting with a delegation of the German energy giant at State House, Abuja, led by its Managing Director for Middle East and Africa, Dietmar Siersdorfer. He stated that the power sector was central in efforts
L-R: Director of Customer Care, Globacom, Catherine Bomett; Managing Director, Lambudaya Stores, Alhaji Yusuf Yahaya; National Retail & Consumer Sales Chief, Globacom, Mr. David Maji; CEO, Demmy Global Resources, Mr. Muwagun Adekunmi, and CEO, SkyTee Telecoms, Mrs Omotade Abiola, at the presentation of cash prizes to winners during Globacom’s Partner Appreciation Gala held at Continental Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday
Olajolo, at the Africa Financial Industry Summit 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco, where Coronation was Gold Sponsor, at the weekend.
FG to Launch Two Additional Investment Funds for Technology and Creative Nigerian Startups
New fund to deepen access to capital for young innovators, creatives $64m milestone signals renewed push to unleash Nigeria’s potential
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme has announced plans to launch two additional funds for the technology and creative sectors in 2026, targeting investments in Nigerian start-ups across the country.
To enable the industry to make the desired contribu2025 AFRICA FINANCIAL INDUSTRY SUMMIT IN MOROCCO...
The announcement is coming just as the Chair of the iDICE Steering Committee, Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the formal kick-off, featuring an anchor investment in a new venture fund by Ventures Platform, a pan-African seed-stage fund, as an exciting milestone that would leverage the potential of Nigerian Accordingyouth. to a statement yesterday, by the Media Assistant to the Vice President, Stanley Nk- wocha, the new funding achieved a $64 million first-round close based on investor commitments last Thursday.
Ventures Platform was ap- pointed as the Fund Manager for the technology component of iDICE in August 2025, following a competitive bidding process supervised by the funding partners.
With this development, iDICE joins other institutional investors, including the Inter- national Finance Corporation (IFC), Standard Bank of South Africa, and British International Investment (BII) in the new fund, which has achieved a $64 million first close and targets a final close of $75 million.
Shettima had emphasised that, “the commencement of investing by iDICE is an exciting milestone and a leap forward in the determined efforts of the Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to deliver on our vision of unleashing the full potential of Nigeria’s young people, in line with the
Renewed Hope agenda.”
Responding to the develop- ment, MD/CEO of Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said by investing in Ventures Platform’s Fund II, authorities are deepening the federal govern- ment’s objective of upscaling the Nigerian technology and creative sectors by catalysing strategic investments in technology-enabledhigh-growth, enterprises and the innovation ecosystem.
at scale and empower high- growth entrepreneurs across the country.
According to him, the development will contribute meaningfully to the nation’s broader economic transformation agenda, with goals to create jobs
Founding Partner at Ventures Platform, Kola Aina, expressed confidence in the partnership, saying: “We are delighted to have been selected as the iDICE Technology Fund Manager, partnering
with the Federal Government of Nigeria and other key stakehold- ers to achieve our collective goal of supporting Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs and innovators to bring their innovative ideas and solutions to life—creating deep value and transforming the country’s economy.”
Okonkwo: Nigeria’s $1trn Economy Target Cannot
Chinedu Eze
Be Achieved Without Aviation Sector
The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has said Nigeria’s aspiration to attain $1 trillion economy by 2030 cannot be achieved without significant contribution from the aviation industry.
Global Brands Head to Dubai for African Marketplace 2025
From November 12 to 15, 2025, Dubai will host about 200 leading export-ready brands, creators, and SMEs from Africa and the Caribbean for African Marketplace Dubai 2025, a four-day trade and cultural exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
According to a statement, the event would showcase the region’s finest in fashion, beauty, wellness, agriculture, technology, art, and lifestyle, celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship,
and innovation shaping Africa and the Caribbean.
Designed to address one of Africa’s most persistent challenges - sustainable access to global markets
- the event would provide a powerful platform for product discovery, investment dialogue, and brand storytelling, connecting emerging and established brands to global buyers, distributors, and investors. Exhibitors will also engage in business development sessions,
creative showcases, and policy conversations that advance cross-border collaboration and trade inclusion.
“Confirmed exhibitors include legacy brands such as Tiffany Amber, House of Tara, Oriki Group, Winston Leather, Femi Handbags, Morin O, Gbenga Artsmith, Fashionedge, and Arami Essentials, alongside a new generation of creators shaping Africa and the Caribbean’s cultural and economic narrative.
tion, Okonkwo urged the federal government to review downwards the high taxes and charges paid by airline operators, which, according to him, constitute major impedi- ments to the success of the airlines.
Okonkwo said this yesterday in Abuja, during a ceremony to mark the inauguration of the maiden flight of United Nigeria Airlines from Abuja to Accra.
He therefore urged the gov- ernment to support airlines and create the opportunity for them to access credit facilities from banks at single-digit rate.
“We are appealing to the Nigerian government to continue to support the aviation industry. A $1 tril- lion economy can never be achieved without aviation.
“Transportation in every part of the world is an enabler. Without it, every other thing you are doing is in vain. We are prepared, we are ready.
“But we can’t fly higher if we are overburdened with certain taxes. If you are overburdened with so many levies more than anywhere
in the world.
“As we are seated here, you may have known that the only airline that flies from here to Ghana on a direct flight just announced that United Nigeria is starting today and has cut their price 50 percent,” he said.
Okonkwo also stated that
United Nigeria Airlines’ flight to Accra from Abuja was the first time a Nigerian carrier would be operating between the two capitals of the both countries.
He noted that whenever a Nigerian carrier operates international destination, the fares crash on that route and the beneficiaries of these reduced prices are Nigerian travellers.
“The benefit of low fares also goes to Nigerians. Obviously, you are aware of the wonders Air Peace is already creating in terms of fares internationally. These are the benefits.
“But don’t forget that this is a competitive business. If all our other competitors are accessing special funds in their different countries at zero interest rate, government
support, and it is easier for them to do it. But today we source our money from the commercial bank market.
“So all the money the people who go to the market to buy artificial hair and bor- row money from the bank, that is the same interest rate airlines also borrow money,” the United Nigeria Chairman said.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who was represented by the Perma- nent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, said the priority of the federal government was to ensure that Nigerian airlines develop capacity so that they would be able to compete effectively with their international counterparts.
He added that government was poised to give Nigerian carriers all the support they need to “Festusgrow.Keyamo has always insisted that it is our responsibility as a ministry to support local airlines. If we don’t, nobody else will do that.
L-R:
Paul Abiagam; Chairman, Coronation Group, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Coronation Group, Ngozi Akinyele; and MD/CEO, Coronation Insurance Plc, Olamide
SIEMENS ENERGY OFFICIALS MEET TINUBU...
L-R: Managing Director of Middle East-Africa, Siemens Energy, Dietmar Siersdorfer; Deputy Head of Mission, Jahannes Lehne; President
during Siemens Energy’s visit to the President at the Presidential
NUPRC: Newly Approved Oil Field Development Plans to
Unlock 1.7bn Barrels, 7.7Tcf of Gas
Projection backed by over $20bn in committed capital, says commission Lokpobiri mandates NUPRC, NNPC to ramp up exploration activities
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos
The Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, yesterday said that the 43 Field Development Plans (FDPs) recorded this year could unlock 1.7 billion barrels of crude and 7.7 trillion cubic feet of gas.
Komolafe gave the indi- cation at the 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) of
the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos, a statement by NUPRC’s Head, Media and Strategic Communica- tion, Eniola Akinkuotu, stated.
The CCE who was represented by the Director, Subsurface Development of the Commission, Emmanuel Mac-Jaja, noted that these FDPs reflected a resurgence in investments.
The CCE, who spoke on the theme: “Revitalising the Nigerian Petroleum Exploration and Production:
Strategies for Energy Security and Sustainable Development,” said the development depicts significant progress in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
“In 2025 alone, 43 new Field Development Plans (FDPs) were approved, unlocking 1.7 billion barrels of oil and 7.7 trillion cubic feet of gas, backed by over $20 billion in committed capital,” he stated.
Komolafe added that major Final Investment Decisions(FIDs), including the $5 billion for Bonga North, $500 million for
Ubeta Gas, and $2 billion for Shell’s HI Gas Project, unlocking nearly 2 trillion standard cubic feet of gas.
The NUPRC chief stated that indigenous participation continues to deepen, with local acquisition deals exceeding $5 billion, signaling growing confidence in homegrown players.
He noted that Nigeria’s push to reignite oil and gas exploration and production has entered a new phase.
According to him, Nigeria is at a defining moment in global energy one of
Tijani: Tinubu Will Sign Landmark Digital Bill into Law This Month
Nigeria is on the verge of making history as the first African nation to enact a comprehensive law on digital economy and e-governance, with the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2025 expected to be signed by President Bola Tinubu before the end of the month.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during a one-day public hearing jointly organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT and Cybersecurity, and Digital and Information Technology at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, yesterday.
Tijani said the bill represents a major leap toward building
a $1 trillion economy and would “unlock Nigeria’s competitiveness, food security, and prosperity through a modern, technology-driven public sector.”
“This bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this month, as it is one of the catalysts for achieving our $1 trillion economic projec- tion,” the minister declared.
According to Tijani, the legislation, once signed, would be the first of its kind on the African continent, a bold step that underscores Nigeria’s leadership in digital transformation.
He said, “This sector, which once contributed about 16 percent to our GDP, is now tracking at 19 percent.
“Under the President’s leadership, we are targeting a $1 trillion economy with the digital economy contributing
21 percent to GDP by 2027. This Bill will unlock the private sector’s potential to achieve that goal.”
The minister explained that the law would provide a robust regulatory and institutional framework for electronic communications, digital signatures, and artificial
intelligence (AI) governance, as well as ensure cybersecurity compliance and promote digital literacy nationwide.
He said the Tinubu administration was not pursuing “quick fixes” but deep, structural reforms that would transform governance and productivity.
transition, transformation, and opportunity.
Speaking on balancing transition with reality, the NUPRC boss observed that while the global shift toward renewables is gaining momentum, oil and gas will remain indispensable for decades to come, particularly in developing economies where energy access remains a critical challenge.
On upstream reforms powering growth, Komolafe outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s upstream sector for long-term progress. These, the CCE said, include advanced data systems that involve the use of cutting-edge technologies like stress field detection and an upgraded National Data Repository (NDR) to de-riskBesides,exploration. he mentions continuous acreage licensing, which provides a transparent and predictable framework for global competitiveness and the Project ‘One Million Barrels’, a push to restore and grow daily production through rig reactivation and well optimisation as some of the ongoing programmes.
He added that deepwater expansion, through cluster development and shared infrastructure, is helping to cut costs and accelerate first oil, while frontier basin development leverages the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to explore untapped basins across Nigeria.
On the increase in investments, the CCE highlighted significant progress driven by these reforms. Rig activity, he said, has risen from just eight in 2021 to well over 40 today, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
On environmental stewardship, Komolafe reaffirmed the NUPRC’s commitment to responsible operations through key initiatives such as gas flare commercialisa- tion, the ‘Decade of Gas’, and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, all designed to turn waste into wealth.
He also spotlighted the Commission’s Upstream Decarbonisation Framework, which integrates methane monitoring, carbon capture, and access to carbon finance.
Wema Bank Empowers Tech Innovators at Hackaholics 6.0
Bennett Oghifo
Wema Bank has continued to deepen its commitment to youth innovation and entrepreneurship with Hackaholics 6.0, its flagship campus ideathon.
A statement yesterday, revealed that this year, the Hackaholics train has toured four Nigeria cities from the Federal Univer-
sity of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to the University of Ibadan (UI) and Purple Academy, Lagos, bringing together some of the brightest young minds in Sub-Saharan Africa to create transformative solutions to real-world problems.
“With over 3,000 entries submitted so far, at each location, hundreds of
students and young entrepreneurs gathered to receive industry-led masterclasses, and develop ideas aimed at solving challenges in the ecosystem.
“For four days in each location, participants were im- mersed in the full Hackaholics experience, from ideation to mentorship to pitch readiness, culminating in high-energy final pitches where the best
ideas emerged.
“In every location, three Ideathon winning teams; including one women-led group and two Hackathon teams walked away with invitations to compete at the Hackaholics 6.0 Grand Finale. “These teams now stand a chance to scale their solutions with the backing of Wema Bank’s innovation ecosystem,” it added.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima,
Villa, Abuja, yesterday
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
UNVEILING OF SON DG’S TWO YEARS LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS...
L-R: Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke; Honourable Minister of State for Industry, FMITI, Senator John Enoh Owan; Sokoto State Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Haruna Abbas; representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Aminu Bala; representative of the Permanent Secretary, FMITI, Alhaji Muhammad Bala; and Director, Corporate Affairs, SON, Mrs. Talatu Ethan, during the unveiling of the DG’s two years landmark achievements and commissioning of SON Sokoto office, on Friday
Obasanjo: Under My Watch, America Couldn’t Do Anything in Africa Without Our Knowledge
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday revealed that under his regime as Nigeria’s military Head of State, late United States President Jimmy Carter could not do anything in Africa without his knowledge. It was, apparently, a veiled remark on the ongoing controversy over President Donald Trump’s military invasion threat against Nigeria.
In a series of posts on X between October 31 and November 1, Trump had condemned continued killings targeting Christians in Nigeria, declaring America’s readiness to send its military to Nigeria if the federal government failed to stop the killings by jihadist groups.
His position had sparked divergent reactions from both the federal government and prominent Nigerian leaders and religious organisations.
The federal government, particularly, rejected Trump’s allegations, insisting that the country’s insecurity affects all religious groups.
Speaking on Monday in Abeo- kuta, the Ogun State capital, during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat (6.0) organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Obasanjo did not make a direct statement on the ongoing controversy, but he tactfully recalled how the US under Carter held Nigeria in high esteem.
Obasanjo and Carter, who died in December 2024, were regarded as best of friends.
In January this year, Obasanjo held a memorial service in Abeokuta in honour of Carter, where he paid glowing tribute to the late US President who died at age 100.
According to Obasanjo, right from independence, the world and, indeed, America saw Nigeria as
Africa’s leader, saying the country lost the confidence at some point before the Murtala-Obasanjo military regime “brought it back”.
Going down memory lane, Obasanjo said Carter, as US President, would not do anything on African soil without informing the Nigerian government, when he was Head of State.
“They were not taking permis- sion from us but they will tell
us that ‘they are doing this,’” Obasanjo recalled. He said, “When I was president and Head of State, three American presidents came to Nigeria. They have not lost anything that they were looking for in Nigeria. What did they see? At Independence, the world saw Nigeria as a giant coming up. Soon after indepen- dence, we lost that. When Murtala and I came into government, we
brought it back.
“The Americas saw that there was a possibility of Nigeria being Africa’s leader and we were on the way. When I was military head of state, President Jimmy Carter was the president of America, he would not do anything in Africa without informing us. They were not taking permission from us but they will tell us that ‘they are doing this.’”
WHO: 60m African Adults May Suffer Diabetes by 2050
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The World Health Organization (WHO) has projected that the number of adults battling diabetes in Africa may rise to 60 million by 2050 if current lifestyles and limited access to preventive and primary health services continue unabated.
It said that presently, within the WHO African region,
more than 24 million adults aged between 20 and 79 are living with diabetes.
In a message to mark World Diabetes Day 2025, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, warned that unless the trend is reversed, it will overwhelm health systems, strain economies and erode hard-won development gains.
His words: “Africa is
Sanwo-Olu to Deliver Arewa Think Tank Lecture in Kaduna, Tuesday
Lagos State governor and chairman of the SouthWest Governors Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will on Tuesday deliver a lecture in commemoration of the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria at the Arewa House, Kaduna. Governor Sanwo-Olu, as guest speaker will deliver a lecture titled “65 Years of Nigeria’s Independence: A Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View”, at a one-day public event organised by the
Arewa Think Tank, a Northern Nigerian socio-political and policy advocacy group composed of professionals from 19 northern states.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Special Guest of Honour for the event to be chaired by former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim Pius, and co-chaired by Madakin Zazzau, Mallam Mohammed Munir Ja’afaru.
The governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, will
be the Chief Host, while the Royal Father of the Day is the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness, Malam Zubair Jibril Maigwari II. Former governor of Osun State and pioneer chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, as well as ex-Governors Olusegun Osoba (Ogun) and Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Kaduna) and former Chief of Army Staff and Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai, will serve as special guests.
facing an unprecedented rise in diabetes, driven by a complex interplay of changing lifestyles, rising overweight and obesity, and limited access to preventive and primary health services.
The scale and speed of this trend demand urgent and sustained action.
“In the WHO African Region, more than 24 million adults aged between 20 and 79 are living with diabetes.
“This number is projected to more than double, to 60 million, by 2050. Nearly half remain undiagnosed, silently
facing escalating risks of severe complications, disability and premature death.
“Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves, profoundly affecting individuals, families and communities.
“Unless reversed, this trajectory will overwhelm health systems, strain economies and erode hard-won development gains. This year, we mark World Diabetes Day under the theme “Diabetes Across Life Stages”. Diabetes spares no one.
“It affects children,
adolescents, adults and older people, with each life stage presenting distinct challenges that require tailored responses. The theme recognizes that prevention and care must extend across the entire life course.” WHO suggested a way forward, saying that African countries must ensure a health system that is “resilient, adequately resourced and organized to deliver continuous care: from prevention and early diagnosis to effective treatment and life-long support”.
NILDS DG Tasks African Parliaments on Innovative Governance, Digital Skills for Sustainable Devt
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, has charged parliamentary institutions across Africa to embrace innovation, digital governance, and continuous capacity building as tools
for strengthening democratic processes and achieving sustainable development in the Sulaimansub-region. made the call on Monday in his opening address at a five-day capacity building workshop organized by NILDS in collaboration with the Parliamentary Institute of the Republic of Benin (IPaB),
under a three-year Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. The workshop, themed, “Legislative Process and Procedure, Policy Analysis, Innovative Management Skills and Strategic Administrative Techniques for Sustainable Development,” is taking place at NILDS headquarters in Abuja.
At 6.5m, Nigeria’s Total Metering Rate Hits 55%, Active Customers Near 12m
Amid wide gap, Discos add
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The total number of metered customers in Nigeria rose to 6,579,818 in August this year, improving the metering rate nationwide to 55.01 per cent, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
However, the numbers showed that while more households were supplied the measuring devices by the Distribution Companies (Discos), millions of customers remained unmetered, leaving large portions of the country reliant on estimated billing. Besides, the NERC factsheet for July and August showed that total active customers in the power sector increased from 11,897,246 in July to 11,960,101 in August. Out
to stimulate the economy, particularly in the industrial, educational, and healthcare sectors.
Nigeria’s deal with Siemens, officially known as the PPI, was launched in 2019 by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to overhaul the country’s electricity supply, especially the transmission and distribution parts of the power system.
for the construction of a modular refinery intended to boost Nigeria’s local refining capacity and promote indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.
EFCC secured a warrant for Sylva’s arrest on Novem- ber 6, 2025 from Justice D.I. Dipeolu of Federal High Court, Lagos.
The order directed any EFCC officer, police, or law enforcement agent to arrest Sylva and bring him before the commission “to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed.”
The commission urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices, the nearest police station, or other security agencies.
The statement read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared a former Minister of Petroleum Resources and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva wanted.
“Sylva is wanted in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257(Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Seven United States Dollars), being part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and
of this number, 6,508,611 customers were metered as of July, representing a metering rate of 54.71 per cent, while by August, total metered customers rose slightly to 6,579,818, improving the metering rate to 55.01 per cent.
This means that 70,888 customers were newly metered in August, a small increase from the 76,783 recorded in July. Combined, the two months under consideration saw 147,671 new meters deployed nationwide.
But while the trend indicated steady progress, it also reinforced the scale of the challenge as just over 55 per cent of electricity consumers are currently metered, leav- ing roughly 45 per cent still subject to estimated billing. This remains a major source
The guiding idea was that although Nigeria actually had generating plants that could produce more power than citizens currently received, much of that electricity was lost or stranded because the grid was weak.
The project was planned in three phases. The first phase aimed to raise the amount of power that could reach consum-
Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a “TheRefinery.commission, on November 6, 2025 secured a warrant for the arrest of the former Minister at a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
The Order, granted by Justice D.I. Dipeolu stated that, ‘an order is made issuing a war- rant to the Applicant or any Officer of the Commission, Police or any law enforcement officer for the arrest of the respondent for the purpose of bringing him before the Commission to answer to the criminal offence he is alleged to have committed.
“The Commission also enjoins anyone with useful information on his whereabouts to contact any of its Zonal Directorates across the country or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies.”
Sylva, who served as Minister between 2019 and 2023, was APC’s governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa election.
The declaration came amid EFCC’s renewed crackdown on high-profile corruption cases, as the agency intensified efforts to recover public funds and hold politically exposed persons accountable.
over 147,000 new meters in two months
of consumer dissatisfaction and billing disputes across the sector.
A closer look at the distribution indicated that perfor- mance varied significantly among the 12 electricity distribution companies. Some companies have achieved relatively strong metering penetration, while others continue to lag far behind. For instance, Ikeja Electric (IE), sustained its high performance, with the company having a metering rate of 84.64 per cent in July (1,084,624 metered customers) and further improved to 84.83 (1,094,208) per cent byEkoAugust.Electric Distribution Company (EEDC) also emerged one of the top performers. In July, it had a metering rate of 83.72 per
ers from about 5,000 megawatts to roughly 7,000 megawatts. The second phase targeted about 11,000 megawatts, while the third phase envisioned reaching around 25,000 megawatts.
Although the Siemens programme emphasised growing the transmission and distribution infrastructure, upgrading old substations, replacing overloaded transform- ers, installing modern control systems, and improving the reliability of power lines, the timelines had been missed severally.
Some early progress was recorded under the “Phase Zero” stage, where Siemens supplied and installed mobile power substations and large transformers in key areas. These additions had increased the grid’s ability to carry more power and improved reliability in some locations.
But during the meeting in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that completion of the phased power project will give Nigeria a place
accounts across Nigeria.
Court documents reveal that Nestoil repeatedly followed up with FBNQuest and the lenders, through emails dated February 6, 2024; March 12, 2024; March 25, 2024; April 20, 2024; and June 1, 2024, requesting statements of accounts, but neither FBNQuest nor any of the lenders provided the statements of accounts to Nestoil.
The disputed debt claims, based on unverified figures, exceed $1.01 billion and N430 billion.
As the Facility Agent, FBNQuest was expected to act on behalf of all lenders in the syndicated loan in administering the loans, including coordinating communication between Nestoil and the lenders and maintaining transparency.
cent, with 519,482 metered customers out of 620,521 active accounts. By August, it improved slightly to 84.25 per cent, with 525,406 customers now on meters.
This was followed by Abuja Disco, which also maintained strong progress, recording a 73.43 per cent metering rate in July, which edged up to 73.92 per cent in August. These three companies fell into what NERC categorised as the “Green Zone” where metering rates are 70 per cent or above. Customers under these networks generally experience fewer disputes related to estimated billing. However, the situation was starkly different for some other Discos, particularly in the northern corridor. Yola Disco, for instance, continued to record some of the lowest
of pride on the continent by harnessing the latent potential in human and material resources across various sectors.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shet- tima; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Power counterpart, Adebayo Adelabu; and Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen.
Tinubu told the gathering, “There is no industrial growth or economic development without power. I believe that power is the most significant discovery of humanity in the last 1,000 years.
“I appreciate the partnership on the initiative. The progress of the project to date is notable, and we can feel it. But it is not where we want it to be.”
He added, “We appreciate the support and commitment of the German government and Siemens. The investment you are making and your commit- ment align with the future of this country.
However, Nestoil alleges that the bank did not fulfill its fiduciary duties. Instead of ensuring transparency by providing the bank statements requested by Nestoil to enable the company to verify its payment obligations to the lenders, FBNQuest rushed to court to obtain ex parte Mareva and receivership orders freezing its assets and shares, bypassing due process and failing to respond to repeated demands for information by Nestoil. Nestoil has therefore demanded a proper forensic reconciliation of its loan accounts with the lenders.
“The amounts presented as representing Nestoil’s debt are incorrect and lack any proper basis. Only a proper forensic reconciliation would reveal whether we are indebted and
metering penetration in the country. Its metering rate was 28.61 per cent in July and moved only slightly to 28.65 per cent in August. Only 145,902 out of its 507,866 active customers are currently metered. Jos Disco followed a similar pattern, with metering rates of 29.58 per cent in July and 29.61 per cent in August.
Kaduna Disco and Kano Disco also remained in the lower bracket, with Kaduna recording 33.52 per cent in July, improving only mar- ginally to 33.60 per cent in August. Kano stood at 34.39 per cent in July and 34.43 per cent in August. In these regions, estimated billing remained widespread, raising concerns over consumer trust and the efficiency of revenue collection.
“Our education, our health care, and our transportation, all depend on energy, and without power, it is an impossible objective.
“We are taking it very seriously.”
The president also directed the expansion of some major transformer substations, from two to three phases, to boost the country’s power supply.
He stated, “We are all inspired and happy. This is what we want to achieve on the continent. We want everyone to see the glory of our economic recovery and banishment of poverty.’’
Tinubu assured the delega- tion that the government will continue to provide the needed resources for the power project.
Essentially, Nigeria’s power supply problem is rooted in a mismatch between what is generated and what actually reaches consumers. On paper, the country has the capacity to generate over 13,000 megawatts of electricity, but in reality,
the precise amount, if any,” the company stated in its court filings.
Observers have questioned the timing of FBNQuest’s court action. Neconde’s production on OML 42 has recently improved, generating significant revenue after years of operational challenges.Insiders claim the bank’s move may be aimed at gaining control of profitable oil assets rather than merely recovering debt.
“This is an attempted hostile take over of a producing oil asset” a source said.
Critics argue that the Mareva and receivership orders have disrupted Neconde’s operations. Foreign lenders and some major banks that granted loans to Neconde, which is also affected by the Mareva
Even in the South-east and South-south, where urban density and customer concentration might suggest easier metering rollouts, progress has been uneven. Enugu Disco reported a metering rate of 46.81 per cent in July and 46.79 per cent in August.
only about 5,000 megawatts are consistently delivered to homes and businesses.
The main issue is not just generation, but the transmission and distribution network, which is too weak to carry the power that is produced. Ageing substa- tions, overloaded transformers, and frequent system collapses mean large portions of electricity are lost before they reach users. Distribution companies also struggle to collect revenue efficiently. Many consumers are not metered and rely on estimated billing, which reduces trust and payment discipline. Poor revenue collection weakens the financial stability of the sector, making it difficult to invest in repairs or expansion. Gas supply to power plants is another bottleneck, as pipeline disruptions and pricing disputes often affect the amount of power that can be generated, in the first place.
The result is unreliable electricity, widespread use of diesel
Continued on page 27
Continues online and receivership orders, have filed papers in court to challenge the FBNQuest’s actions. The action of FBNQuest and FBN Trustees in failing to provide bank statements to Nestoil despite repeated requests and obtaining ex parte Mareva and receivership orders against Neconde have raised concerns about the impartiality of facility agents and security trustees that are affiliates of any of the lenders in syndicated loan transactions in Nigeria.
“Such disputes send the wrong signal to international investors. If agents can ma- nipulate lending structures to seize assets, global financiers will hesitate to fund indigenous companies in syndicated or club arrangements with Nigerian
Continued on page 27
Adebayo Adelabu
MOU TO DIGITALISE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PROCESSES TO OPERATE PAPERLESS...
L-R: Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI, Mr. Khalil Sulaiman Halilu; Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr. Emanso Umobong Okop; and Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, during the signing of an MoU to digitalise Federal Executive Council processes and completely operate paperless, in Abuja, at the weekend
House Begins Investigation Into $4.6bn Health Grants from Global Fund, USAID
The House of Representatives has commenced investigation into over $1.8 billion and $2.8 billion grants received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025 for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Speaking at the inaugura- tion of the committee on Monday in Abuja, Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Hon. Amobi Ogah, said the hearing became necessary to ascertain what had been done with the huge grants received, stressing that 90 per cent of the country’s intervention funds for these diseases came from international partners.
He stressed the probe was essential to determine how the huge grants had been utilized and to ensure accountability in the man- agement of funds aimed at tackling infectious diseases ravaging Nigerians.
Ogah warned that Nigeria would no longer accept being a “mere spectator” in the management of grants given to it, insisting that
donor funds must henceforth be managed in line with Nigeria’s priorities.
He stated: “Nigeria continues to be battered by the ill effects of a greater burden of HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other numerous infectious diseases.
“It appears that while budgetary allocations and donor funds are mobilised for the response against these
Lagos Drags National Assembly to Supreme Court Over Gaming Bill
Wale Igbintade
Lagos State has approached the Supreme Court seeking leave to commence contempt proceedings against the National Assembly over its continued move to pass the Central Gaming Bill, despite a subsisting judgment of the apex court declaring such legislation unconstitutional.
In a motion filed on behalf of the Attorney-General of La- gos State by Bode Olanipekun (SAN), the state is asking the Supreme Court for leave to
initiate judgment enforcement proceedings through the is- suance of Form 48, the legal precursor to committal or contempt proceedings.
Under Nigerian law, Form 48 serves as a formal warning to any person or body in contempt of a court order. Failure to comply after its issuance may result in com- mittal to Accordingprison. to the affidavit filed in support of the motion, Lagos State contended that the National Assembly’s continued work on the Central Gam-
ing Bill directly violates the Supreme Court’s judgment in SC.1/2008 – Attorney- General of Lagos State & Ors. v. Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors., delivered on November 22, 2024.
The state argued that Clauses 7 and 21–64 of the proposed Bill deal entirely with lottery and gaming matters which the Supreme Court had ruled fall outside the National Assembly’s legislative powers.
It noted that these provi- sions replicate sections of the now-nullified National Lottery
UNICEF on 2026 Budget: State Govts Should Prioritise Social Sector Funding to Improve Wellbeing of Children, Women
Segun
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office has appealed to state governments for increased allocation to the social sector in the 2026 budget proposal for the improvement of children and women wellbeing.
States under the Bauchi Field Office of the UNICEF
are Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau and Taraba.
Speaking during a oneday review meeting of 2025 programmes held at Hazibal Hotel and Suites, Bauchi, yesterday, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, stressed the need for state governments to allocate more funds to the social sector in their 2026 budgets.
According to her, “We have ongoing campaigns on out-of-school children, health, nutrition, social protection, and WASH. Five key sectors to be given more attention - Health, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Nutrition, Social Protection, and Education - as areas requiring adequate fund- ing to improve the wellbeing of children and women.
Act, which the Supreme Court struck down in the same 2024 judgment.
Lagos further maintained that both the voided National Lottery Act and the Central Gaming Bill define “lottery” and “online gaming” in similar terms as any game, scheme, arrangement, system, plan, or promotional competition based on chance, or a combination of skill and chance, that requires licensing to operate.
health challenges, there is no reprieve in sight as Nigerians are ravaged daily.
“Any grant or assistance being given to us without us managing such grant is unacceptable. If they would not give us such grants and assistance on our terms, then let them keep their grants.
“We must assert our capacity to take charge of our affairs, particularly in the response against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.”
“The era of spending Nigeria’s money without approval and accountability is over.”
Ogah also disclosed the House was amending the NACA Establishment Bill to transform the agency into a multi-sectoral body with an expanded mandate.
With the 8th replenishment of the Global Fund expected this month, the chairman noted that Nigeria must move away from dependency and inefficiency in managing donor resources.
“We must maximize and efficiently utilize the resources
at our disposal by cutting out all forms of duplication and wastage, while allocating domestic resources to areas that will present greater value for Nigerians,” he said. He revealed the committee would work closely with the EFCC and ICPC to ensure that principal recipients and implementing partners of all grants account to Nigerians.
“This is even more critical when you consider that some funding for terrorist activities has been traced to grants and donor funds,” Ogah added.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate described the probe as a welcome step toward transparency, accountability and domestic ownership of health programmes.
He called for a gradual end to Nigeria’s dependence on foreign aid in funding its response to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Pate said the country must take greater responsibility for financing its health priorities as donor funding declines after two decades of support.
Group: Tinubu’s Economic Restructuring Laying Foundation for Sustainable Growth
A group, Fruits of Renewed Hope Initiative, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s economic restructuring is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and job creation.
It added the current administration has taken bold and decisive steps to restore confidence in governance, promote transparency, and unlock the creative and entrepreneurial energy of Nigerians.
The president of the group, Ms. Medina Anako, stated this on Monday in Abuja during the group’s unveiling.
She said the group was committed to bridging the gap between policy and the people, ensuring that government programs and interventions reach every home, every market, and every youth who seeks opportunity. She stated: “This administration has taken bold and decisive steps to restore
confidence in governance, promote transparency, and unlock the creative and entrepreneurial energy of Nigerians.
“In less than two years, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated bold leadership and visionary reforms. The government’s courageous steps in economic restructuring, particularly in subsidy removal and fiscal rebalancing, are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and job creation.”
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
Awofadeji in Bauchi
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
ECOWAS at 50: Re-Inventing a Challenged Regional Bloc
Raheem Akingbolu, who participated in a recent two-day event held in abuja to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West african States, writes on the need for the bloc to come with new agenda that speaks to the sub-region’s economic, political, social and security challenges.
On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African countries convened in Lagos, Nigeria, to sign what was later known as the Treaty of Lagos, signaling the formal establishment of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) with the core objective to create a unified regional market that would allow the West African nations to trade, move and develop together.
Between October 31 and November 1, 2025, African leaders, experts and leadership thinkers gathered at the ECOWAS Commission, Abuja, Nigeria as part of the activities marking the golden jubilee of arguably the most enduring regional organization in Africa investing intellectual energy immersed in embellished political will and renewed zeal to build regional cooperation and integration.
Aptly themed “Reimagining West African Regional Cooperation and Integration: Alternative Futures”, the ECOWAS at 50 anniversary provoked a rich intellectual discourse to drastically review the conviction of the founding fathers of the sub-regional group, who “believed that the (member) countries stood to gain more from cooperation and integration than they would lose.” This belief was boosted by the adoption in 1978 of the protocol on the free movement of people, goods, and services.
Obviously, despite the initial hiccups largely caused by the Francophone countries due to the inclement policies of France – their colonial overlord, the recent relegation of three French colonized West African countries from democratic engagement to the abyss of military dictatorship has done and still doing terrible injury to the economic and political integration of the sub-regional entity.
ECOWAS remained a postal boy of the African sub-regional groups until the outbreak of a bitter disagreement between the leaders of three of the member states – Burkina Faso,
Mali and Niger – and the ECOWAS leadership over the unconstitutional changes of government that had taken place in the three countries.
To the discerning minds, the theme of the 50th anniversary of the subregional group, could not have been more apt as the breakaway trio had in grudges hastily formed Alliance of Sahel States. Looking at the next 50 years of the Community while reviewing the last 50 years could not have been more wholesomely tackled without targeting the people and their access to flexible trade terms within the region beyond a parade of leaders and powers.
Former Ekiti State governor and
co-founder Amandla Institute, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, while calling for urgent reform of ECOWAS insisted that the challenges of poverty, inequality, governance deficits, and insecurity in the West African region could not have been effectively addressed by the regional bloc in its current form without some deliberate overhauling.
Speaking in Abuja at the second edition of the African Political Square and the Experts meeting on Alternative Futures for ECOWAS at 50, jointly organized with the African Leadership Centre (ALC), in collaboration with CODEDRIA and WATHI, Fayemi said: “Clearly, the current state of the regional body underscores the need for deep reflection on how ECOWAS can move beyond being an elite-driven institution to one that truly
represents and serves its people.
“The challenges of poverty, inequality, governance deficits, and insecurity cannot be effectively addressed by ECOWAS in its current form. There is an urgent need for a new, citizen-centered approach that responds to the real concerns of ordinary West Africans, rather than focusing solely on the priorities of political leaders.”
“It is also my hope that a key part of our discussion will focus on security and the role of the military in addressing instability in the region. It is now evident that traditional military strategies alone are inadequate in tackling the complex threats posed by insurgent and terrorist groups.”
He decried that: “Many of these groups are deeply embedded within communities and even, in some cases, within the military itself. What is needed is a more sophisticated intelligence-based approach, combined with efforts to address the underlying social and economic drivers of insecurity. We need a comprehensive human security strategy that deals with issues of poverty, inequality, and governance failures, which extremist groups continue to exploit.”
Fayemi noted unambiguously that military rule is no option even in a failed democracy.
“While it is understandable that many citizens are frustrated with civilian governments that have failed to deliver on governance and security, we should also not mince words that military rule is not a viable alternative in tackling governance deficits. History has shown that military regimes do not provide sustainable solutions. In fact, in the three countries that have now exited ECOWAS, terrorism and insecurity have worsened since the military took over.”
NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
SSS’ Filling of Gaps and Inadequacies in National Security
Afakriya Gadzama writes that the State Security Services play a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s internal security by addressing gaps and inadequacies within the national security framework.
President Bola Tinubu and well informed stakeholders have commended the Director General of the State Security Services for the unprecedented steps he has taken in addressing the many challenges in the country. Of note is the recognition of increased level of corporation with sister security agencies. Many of the Security Chiefs have openly commended the Director General of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, for giving them the intelligence required in discharging their statutory duties.
Among those who have continued to appreciate the Director General’s high level of cooperation are the former Chief of Defence Staff and the Heads of nearly all the paramilitary organizations and sister security agencies in the country. Many within the various para military organizations have openly admitted that their successes are to a large extent courtesy of the support the DG, SSS have offered. Some of them openly admitted the impact DG, SSS cooperation have had on their performance.
Also very important is the Director General’s contributions and respect for the Service and their inspiration of the support of most SSS personnel. It will be recalled that many at the beginning of the DG, SSS’ tenure was welcomed by the generality of serving and retired personnel who supported his efforts to retrieve the service from the decay and the problems the service has fallen into.
It is gratifying to note that the Service within the last few months have restored the credibility, and the respect it was known for since the DG took over the leadership of the service. As a matter of fact, even those who initially harboured some
reservations on the DG, SSS ability to steer the affairs of the service are now his keen supporters on accounts of his unprecedented achievements. Many believe that what have endeared the Director General to the personnel is his truthfulness and hard work. These factors have inspired in most personnel the desire to work hard.
It will be recalled that many at the time the Director General took over were disturbed by enormity of the challenges left to him by his predecessor. Currently, most personnel both serving and retired are now happy to note that
he has overcome all the challenges.
His restoration mission as many have observed is now yielding fruit. The DG has today demonstrated recognizable leadership qualities. He has today moved beyond the parochialism and meanness that have characterized the efforts of some of his predecessors. It is important to note that the DG is one person who has not handed over his leadership responsibilities to his subordinates. Neither has he also allowed some persons with dubious motives to influence him.
As previously noted, the Director General supports all progressive and forward looking individuals. In addition to these, he has started to initiate buildings and measures that will place
the service beyond many others.
Beyond this is his determination to place the service as an example to others. Many in the intelligence community are now dependent on him. We wish to note that the Director General is someone that has absolute loyalty to the President. He is not someone with divided loyalty. The President and the Government we believe can depend on him. He is without doubt a very dependable asset in the present state of things in the country. Some of us have previously observed that the country at such a time needs Security Chiefs that are trustworthy and can tell the President the honest truth at all times. It is important to note that there are many security challenges that could distract the President and the government at a time like this.
These security challenges include the dissemination of the regrouping of the insurgents in the North East, the re-convergence of lawless bandits and herdsmen in the North West, deliberate and orchestrated armed attacks in the North Central and the growing political divisions in most parts of the country.
Equally disturbing are infiltration of subversive elements through the Nations porous borders. There are also the activities of saboteurs. Our belief is that the Director General could help the government and nation to remain very secure. He is an asset required to stabilize the country’s’ nascent democracy. Most people in the intelligence community have promised that they will work hard to ensure he succeeds.
-Gadzama, former Director-General of the SSS isChairman of the National Institute for Security Studies.
Ajayis
LAWYER
President Trump’s Threat: Matters Arising
USA President, Donald Trump
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Concept of Privity in Classifying Parties in Litigation
Page IV
Quotable
‘I think any election that the President will participate in, and he will be the one to bring in the INEC Chairman, is a sham election. It’s just like Chelsea FC bringing in the referee that will ref the match between it and Manchester United.’ - Rufai Oseni, Anchor, Arise TV’s Morning Show
Senate Passes Bill Imposing Stiffer Penalties for Wildlife Trafficking
Page V
Page V
‘Barrister’ Kanu: Of Self-Defence and Nonsensical Diversionary Tactics
Opportunism
Isn’t it bewildering and almost laughable, if it wasn’t that many people have been killed in the South East over the so-called agitation for Biafra which evolved into terrorism and criminality, that Opportunist, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed IPOB group, who was extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, to face terrorism and treasonable felony charges, is blaming others and not himself, his cohort, Simon Ekpa (who is currently serving a 6 year sentence in Finland, following his conviction on terrorism charges), and their violent group, for the killing of Christians in the South East? I guess no one can blame him, for ‘sharply’ seizing the opportunity to further his own cause, by writing to President Trump to praise him for designating Nigeria as a CPC (Country of Particular Concern), and trying to take advantage of the situation for his own benefit.
Background
Before Kanu’s escape from Nigeria in 2017, he had been facing a 4 count charge along with his Co-Defendants, to which he had pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail on April 25, 2017, and the case set down for trial. To be fair, Kanu didn’t exactly jump bail, he ran for dear life when the Army descended on his family home, even resulting in some deaths. See Page 18 of Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC’s Judgement in FRN v Nnamdi Kanu SC/CR/1361/2022 Judgement delivered on 15/12/2023. From wherever Kanu was, like Simon Ekpa, he is alleged to have continued to incite his foot soldiers to violence and terrorism in the South East. During President Buhari’s administration, in June 2021, Kanu was forcibly brought back to Nigeria (extraordinary rendition). He was abducted in Kenya, without the proper extradition process followed. See the definition of Extradition in Udeozor v FRN 2007 15 N.W.L.R. Part 1058 Page 499 per Monica Dongban-Mensem, JCA (now PCA).
On his return to Nigeria, Kanu was brought before the Federal High Court to continue with the criminal charges he had been facing, which were amended to 15 counts. In the Judgement of 8/4/2022 per Binta Nyako J, only 7 of the 15 counts were retained. On appeal, in Nnamdi Kanu v FRN (2022) LPELR-58768(CA), the Court of Appeal held that due to Kanu’s extraordinary rendition in breach of International and State laws, the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, terminated and struck out the 7 charges against Kanu, and discharged him. The Court of Appeal’s finding was in line with that of the District Court of New York in the case of Businessman, Lanre Shittu, who was abducted and taken to USA to face money laundering charges. The NY Court freed Mr Shittu on the ground that it lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, because Nigeria and USA had violated their Extradition Treaty by forcibly taking Mr Shittu to USA. See Articles 9 & 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, LFN 2004; Article/ Part 5 (A) of the African Charter’s Principles and Guidelines on Human and Peoples’ Rights while Countering Terrorism in Africa; and Article 13 of the UDHR, 1984.
In my piece of 25/10/2022 “Kanu: Untangling the Court Orders”, following the Court of Appeal decision in Nnamdi Kanu v FRN (Supra), I had raised some pertinent questions, to wit: “The Court of Appeal having discharged Kanu, could it have also ruled that Kanu be returned to Kenya from where he was abducted, in order to avail him the opportunity to fight any extradition proceedings which the Nigerian Government should have instituted against him in the first place? Can Kanu’s discharge from the Amended charges, nullify the charges he was facing before his escape, if the court lacked the jurisdiction to amend them after he was brought back by force?
Should Kanu’s case return to the ‘status quo ante bellum’, that is, how it was before the war, the war in this context, being his escape from Nigeria in September 2017?”
These questions that I had raised, were subsequently answered by the Supreme Court in FRN v Nnamdi Kanu (Supra). Unlike the Court of Appeal, the Apex Court disagreed with the NY Court’s position of the law, and set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal; the 7 charges against Kanu, reinstated, and the case
onikepo braithwaite
ONIKePO BraIThwaITe
onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com
The Advocate
“….an aggressive individual with an inflated ego, who is under the delusion that he is above the law and not answerable to it… These days, when I see people behave in a way that fails the reasonable man’s test, I simply question their mental stability….. It is obvious that ‘Barrister’ Kanu’s motion about the validity of the charges brought against him is baseless, misconceived, frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court process…tantamount to praying the Federal High Court, to overrule and reverse the decision of the Supreme Court that remitted his case back for trial! Tah! This is an ‘abomination’ in law. The decision of the Supreme Court, is final. Or is Kanu’s drama…. supposed to be diversionary tactics, to hide the fact that he may have no defence to the charges….?”
remitted back to the Federal High Court for trial. The Supreme Court held that the manner in which Kanu was brought back to Nigeria, didn’t rob the Federal High Court of jurisdiction to hear the case.
Present Day: FRN v Nnamdi Kanu FHC/ ABJ/CR/383/2015 Currently, Kanu’s matter is before Omotosho J of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. Someone should have advised Kanu to recall his Lawyers, or appoint new Counsel if he didn’t require the services of his previous Counsel.
Firstly, his behaviour in court in some videos that have made the rounds, shows an aggressive individual with an inflated ego, who is under the delusion that he is above the law and not answerable to it. Recently, Kanu had a little melt down in court, screaming out loud (hopefully the trial Judge wasn’t sitted, as it would have been contempt in facie curiae): “You cannot, you cannot, you can’t convict me. Are you insane? It’s not possible. I’m Nnamdi Kanu. Who is going to try it? Nobody can. They have not given birth to the person…..”. These days, when I see people behave in a way that fails the reasonable man’s test,
I simply question their mental stability. If pardons were based on good behaviour, Kanu’s violent, abusive outbursts in court would certainly not get him on any list of Pardonees. On the contrary, it makes one wonder what Kanu would do as a free man, when someone annoys him or fails to do his bidding. Years ago, some audio recordings allegedly of Kanu, made the rounds on social media. In one of them, the Speaker was ordering his boys to kill a member of the family of someone, a fellow Igbo man I think, so that that person could know how it feels to lose someone dear!
Kanu’ Motion
On the last adjourned date, Kanu brought a motion on notice (Kanu’s motion) inter alia, in Prayer 1, praying that the court should declare that the charges brought against him are non-existent, because they are founded upon laws that have been repealed or misapplied. The support for his assertion would have been Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution) which prohibits the conviction of an individual for a criminal offence not described and whose punishment isn’t in
a written law enacted by the National Assembly, State House of Assembly or subsidiary legislation, if Section 36(12) had indeed, been applicable to Kanu. Alas, Section 36(12) is inapplicable. If Kanu still had Counsel representing him in his case, they would have easily explained to him that, even if the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013 (TPA 2013) which Kanu was prosecuted under has been repealed, Section 98(3) of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2022 (TPA 2022) saves the proceedings of his case, as it provides that where, inter alia, court proceedings have been commenced under a repealed Act before the enactment of the TPA 2022, they may be continued and enforced, as if the TPA 2022 hadn’t been made! It is also trite law that where a Defendant is brought to trial under an erroneous charge, the charge can be amended anytime before judgement, and the Defendant must plead to the amended charge. See Sections 216-222, particularly 216 & 217 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA). See the case of Ede v State (2017) LPELR-42834(CA) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JCA (as she then was) on the procedure to be followed in amending a charge. Again, Section 396(2) of ACJA provides that after a plea has been taken, a Defendant can raise an objection to the validity of a charge anytime before judgement, but such objection will only be taken with the substantive issues in the case, and the ruling on the objection delivered along with the judgement. Displaying egotistical and narcissistic tendencies, not just in his utterances during his outbursts, Kanu does the same in his motion, in Prayer 5, giving the Respondent 3 days file and serve a response to his motion and instructing them on what to write in their response, while ordering the trial Judge, Omotoso J, to deliver the ruling forthwith by a specific date. ‘Barrister’ Kanu obviously hasn’t studied ACJA! Prayer 2 of Kanu’s motion in which he refers to the Criminal Code Act 2004 (CCA), Customs and Excise Management Act 2004 (CEMA) and TPA 2013 as non-existent or repealed, and therefore, leaving no statutory basis for his prosecution, again, this prayer is misconceived. This issue has already been decided by the Supreme Court in FRN v Nnamdi Kanu (Supra) per Mohammed Lawal Garba, JSC, Page 33-34, where the Apex Court held that CEMA and TPA 2013 are “extant and existing laws which provide for, or under which the offences in the counts of the charge retained by the trial court are punishable or punished. The offences, once more, are recognised, cognisable and ground in extant and existing laws in force in Nigeria”. It appears that ‘Barrister’ Kanu’s motion is now praying the Federal High Court to overrule the decision of the Supreme Court, and decide otherwise! In Oyelaran 1, Oloro of Oro & Anor v Olayioye & Ors (2013) LPELR-20502(CA) per Obande Festus Ogbuinya, JCA (as he then was), the Court of Appeal held thus: “It goes without saying that, the Supreme Court, being at the zenith of judicial ladder in Nigeria, its decisions enjoy the monopoly of finality in any proceedings in the Nigeria legal system. This right is donated and ordained by the provision of Section 235 of the Constitution, as amended”.
Conclusion
It is obvious that ‘Barrister’ Kanu’s motion about the validity of the charges brought against him is baseless, misconceived, frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of court process. Kanu’s motion is tantamount to praying the Federal High Court, to overrule and reverse the decision of the Supreme Court that remitted his case back for trial! Tah! This is an ‘abomination’ in law. The decision of the Supreme Court, is final. See the famous words of Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, JSC in Adegoke Motors Ltd v Adesanya & Anor 1989 3 N.W.L.R. Part 109 Page 250 at 274: “We are final not because we are infallible, rather we are infallible because we are final” Or is Kanu’s drama, from taking over his own defence in such a serious matter, to his empty motion, to his outbursts and insults to the court and Counsel, supposed to be diversionary tactics, to hide the fact that he may have no defence to the charges that have been brought against him? Or a feeble attempt to frustrate the case, hoping that Sowore and Co who are advocating for his release, will succeed? Let’s wait and see. Kanu’s matter has been adjourned to November 20, 2025 for judgement.
Concept of Privity in Classifying Parties in Litigation
Facts
By a motion on notice dated and filed on 9th June, 2022, the Applicants prayed the Supreme Court for an order granting enlargement of time within which they may seek leave to appeal as interested parties, against the judgement of the Court of Appeal delivered on 15th September, 2020 in Appeal No. CA/IB/19/2014 between Mr Saibu Olugbode & Anor v Chief Taoridi Dada & Anor.; an order granting them leave to appeal the said judgement as interested parties and; an order granting enlargement of time within which they may lodge their Notice of Appeal before the Supreme Court. The case of the Applicants was that the judgement of the Court of Appeal in the said appeal, affected their vital interests and they were not joined as parties or made aware of the suit at the High Court of Ogun State in Suit No. HCT/IB/19/2015 and Appeal No. CA/IB/19/2014, which emanated therefrom. The grounds of the Applicants’ application were that the Applicants are the owners of a large parcel of land measuring about 464.77 hectares, upon which the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgement of the trial court which gave the 2nd Respondent title thereto, to the detriment of the Applicants. The Applicants claimed that they only became aware of the judgement and the proceedings that led to it on 5th February, 2021 when the 2nd Respondent instituted an action against the Applicants asserting title to the land.
The 1st Respondent did not file any opposition to the Applicants’ application. The 2nd Respondent on his part, filed a counter-affidavit with 22 annexures attached thereto together with a written address, in opposition to the Applicants’ application. In reaction, the Applicants filed a reply affidavit and a reply address.
Issue for Determination
The Supreme Court adopted the sole issue distilled by the Applicants as follows: Whether the Putative Appellant/Applicants have disclosed sufficient reasons, for a favourable exercise of discretion of the Honourable Court to allow the application in its entirety.
Arguments
Counsel for the Applicants submitted that the Applicants satisfied the necessary conditions, gave substantial reasons for their failure to apply for leave to appeal within time and showed arguable grounds of appeal, entitling them to a grant of the application. He cited SHANU v AFRICABANK NIGERIA PLC (2000) 13 NWLR (PT. 684) 392. Counsel argued that the four grounds of appeal in the proposed Notice of Appeal were predicated on breach of fair hearing, perversity of the decision of the Court of Appeal and grant of reliefs in excess of the claim, and these are grounds of mixed law and fact which required leave of court. The Applicants’ Counsel contended that all the grounds concern fresh issues, not raised in the lower courts, which the Applicants would have raised if they were made parties in the lower courts. Counsel argued further that the Applicants were necessary parties to the suit and the appeal before the two lower courts, but the Respondents concealed that fact from the lower courts and it would be in the interest of justice for the Applicants’ application to be granted.
Responding, Counsel for the 2nd Respondent contended that the Applicants are privy to a pending appeal before the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/CV/79/2022, which was lodged by the 1st Respondent against the decision of the Court of Appeal that the Applicants were seeking leave to appeal against; and that they knew about the proceedings that led to the appeal and are bound by it. Counsel argued that the Applicants had imputed notice of the proceedings through their surveyor who was the 1st Respondent’s 14th witness in the consolidated suits that led to the appeal. Counsel submitted that the Applicants’ application is a duplication of the 1st Respondent’s appeal in Appeal No. SC/CV/79/2022 and another action in Suit No. HCT/185/2021 pending before the High Court of Ogun State, and is thus, an abuse of court process. Replying on points of law, Counsel for the Applicants argued that the Applicants were necessary parties in the suit, and the appeal before the lower courts and their non-joinder robbed the lower courts of jurisdiction to hear the suit and the appeal, even as the decisions would not bind them. Counsel relied on GASSOL v TUTORE (2013) 14 NWLR (PT. 1374) 221. The
Obande Festus Ogbuinya, JSC
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja on Friday, the 11th day of april, 2025
Before their lordships mohammed Lawal Garba adamu Jauro Jummai Hannatu Sankey moore aseimo abraham adumein obande Festus ogbuinya Justices, Supreme Court SC/Cv/669/2022
Between
1. CHIeF olUSeGUN oBaSaNJo aPPLICaNT/aPPeLLaNTS
2. oBaSaNJo FarMS NIGerIa lIMIteD
And
1. Mr SaIBU olUGBoDe reSPoNdeNTS
(For himself and on behalf of the whole Itele People otherwise known as alagbeji descendants Family of Itele village in ado/odo Local Government area of ogun State)
2. CHIeF taorIDI DaDa
(For himself and on behalf of the members of Itele Family)
3. prINCe aDewUNMI aDeNIJI oDUtala
(For himself and on behalf of the members of odutala Family)
(Lead Ruling delivered by Honourable Obande Festus Ogbuinya, JSC)
Applicants’ Counsel also argued that imputed notice only exists in an agency relationship, and this was not what existed between the Applicants and the 1st Respondent’s 14th witness.
Court’s Ruling and Rationale
The Supreme Court noted that the 2nd Respondent’s opposition to the Applicants’ application was that the application is a duplication of pending actions and appeal and thus, an abuse of court process; and considering that an issue of abuse of court process touches on the court’s jurisdiction, it was necessary for the court to first attend to said issue raised by the 2nd Respondent. The Court held that indeed, multiplication of actions on the same subject-matter between the same parties, even where there exists a right to bring the action, is regarded as an abuse of court process.
“In law, parties include privies which are classified into (1) Privies in blood (as ancestor and heir); (2) Privies in law (as testator and executor; intestate and administrator) and; (3) Privies in estate (as vendor and purchaser, lessor and lessee). The Court reasoned that in the same vein, parties to an action embrace privy in estate”
The Court found that in essence, the Applicants as evidenced by Exhibit OBJ 5, trace the root of their interest and right which ignited their application, to the 1st Respondent who is the 1st Appellant in the pending Appeal No. SC/CV/79/2022 which questioned the propriety of the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of the trial court’s decision that awarded customary title to the land in dispute encompassing the land the Applicants were claiming, to the 2nd Respondent. The Court held that it is therefore, not in doubt from the foregoing, that there is an existential contractual privity in estate between the Applicants and the 1st Respondent vis-à-vis the land they claim; and the legal implication is that the Applicants, as purchasers/vendees who purchased part of the disputed land from the 1st Respondent, will be ultimate beneficiaries of the decision in Appeal No. SC/CV/79/2022. The Court held that this means that the Applicants will swim or sink with the decision, such that, if it favours the 1st Respondent, they will gain therefrom in that their interest will be sheltered against the 2nd Respondent; and if, on the other hand, the 1st Respondent loses, the Applicants’ right in the disputed land will drown with the failure, in accordance with the Latin maxim – Qui sentit commodium sentire debit et onus – he who derives the advantage ought to also bear the burden. The Apex Court held that, put bluntly, the Applicants’ application which aims to appeal the Court of Appeal decision in Exhibit OBJ 3, shares a common mission with the 1st Respondent’s appeal, which is to puncture the decision and reclaim title to the disputed land from the 2nd Respondent, and this means in effect, that the Applicants’ application is a classic exemplification of duplication of the pending appeal in SC/CV/79/2022.
The Court also noted that there is a pending suit before the High Court of Ogun State in Suit No. HCT/185/2021, filed by the 2nd Respondent’s family against the Applicants - Exhibit OBJ 1, in which the Applicants counter-claimed against the 2nd Respondent’s family as manifest in Exhibit OBJ 2. The Court held that even though the parties in Exhibit OBJ 2 are not numerically the same in Exhibit OBJ 1 with the addition of the Bureau of Lands and Survey, Ogun State as a party in Exhibit OBJ 2 – the Applicants’ counter-claim, it does not derogate or alter the sameness of the parties in both Exhibits OBJ 1 and Exhibit OBJ 2, and the Applicants’ application before the Court. The Supreme Court relied on ABUBAKAR v B. O. & A. P. LIMITED (2007) 18 NWLR (PT. 1066) 319.
Expounding on the connotation and classes of parties in litigation, the Apex Court held that in law, parties include privies which are classified into (1) Privies in blood (as ancestor and heir); (2) Privies in law (as testator and executor; intestate and administrator) and; (3) Privies in estate (as vendor and purchaser, lessor and lessee).
The Court reasoned that in the same vein, parties to an action embrace privy in estate. The Apex Court relying on the Blacks Law Dictionary, 10th Edition (USA West Publishing Co. 2014), page 1394, described a privy as a person having a legal interest of privity in any action, matter or property; a person who is in privity with another.
The Court held that from Exhibit OBJ 5 annexed to the Applicants’ application, it was obvious that the Applicants derived their title to the land in dispute in 1978 from the 1st Respondent, who substituted and supplanted the Applicants’ vendors who were the original parties in the consolidated Suits No. HCT/7/89 and HCT/212/96 which birthed the trial court’s judgement in Exhibit OBJ 4. The Court noted that the 1st Respondent’s appeal against the judgement midwifed Appeal No. CA/IB/19/2014 - Exhibit OBJ 3, and the 1st Respondent’s dissatisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s decision in Exhibit OBJ 3 parented Appeal No. SC/CV/79/2022 which was subsisting before the Apex Court.
The Apex Court held further that, even though the wordings of the reliefs in Exhibit OBJ 4 which led to the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Exhibit OBJ 3 that necessitated the Applicants’ application and Appeal No. SC/CV/79/2022, are not precisely the same with those in Exhibits OBJ 1 and OBJ 2, they all have the same substance and seek to achieve the same end result. Relying on its decision in MINISTRY OF WORKS v TOMAS (NIG) LTD (2002) 2 NWLR (PT. 752) 740, the Supreme Court held that the settled position of the law is that issues in matters are to be taken to be the same even though the wordings of the reliefs are different; provided that the substance and end results are the same.
The Apex Court found that the claims revolve around the ownership of the disputed land which warehouses the land the Applicants bought from the 1st Respondent; such that a court’s pronouncement thereon shapes the destiny of other tributary reliefs and ancillary claims. The Court held that a decision in Exhibits OBJ 1 and 2 will settle the rights of the parties; hence, the Applicants’ application is a multiplication of the grievances in Exhibits OBJ 1 and OBJ 2.
In conclusion, the Apex Court found that the Applicants’ application is a gross abuse of court process of Appeal No. SC/CV/79/2022 and Suit No. HCT/185/2021 both in the configuration of the parties and claims, and is thus, liable to an order of dismissal without an opportunity to relist it. Applicants’ Application Dismissed.
Representation
Dr Olumide Ayeni, SAN with Olutunde Abegunde and others for the Applicants. Olufemi O. N. Olabisi for the 1st Respondent. M. I. Hanafi, SAN with O. A. Omolase and others for the 2nd Respondent. No representation for the 3rd Respondent.
Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)
Honourable
Nigerian–Norwegian Executive Sues Halliburton for Racial Discrimination
Stories by Steve Aya
A senior Nigerian–Norwegian executive has filed a landmark lawsuit against Halliburton Energy Services Inc. at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, alleging racial discrimination, unfair labour practices, and wrongful termination disguised as redundancy.
Mr Olukayode Togun, Halliburton’s former Group Business Development Manager for Nigeria, and the company’s secondhighest-ranking executive locally, claims he was pressured to leave during a “global restructuring” despite leading one of the firm’s most profitable divisions.
Court filings allege that, although Mr Togun is a full Norwegian citizen, he was denied expatriate privileges routinely given to other foreign staff solely because of his Nigerian nationality. Benefits such as housing, schooling, hardship allowances, and repatriation flights were withheld, and his salary was significantly lower than peers. The suit further claims that other expatriates, many less productive and more costly, were retained, while Mr Togun was offered lower roles and pressured to accept a non-negotiable separation agreement. Lawyers describe this as, a deliberate constructive dismissal.
Mr Togun is seeking declarations that his termination
was unlawful and discriminatory, payment of severance and outstanding benefits,
reimbursement of relocation costs, and general damages totalling $250 million.
The case, which is yet to be assigned a hearing date, is being closely watched by
employment law experts and industry observers, for its potential to set a major precedent for corporate accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Senate Passes Bill Imposing Stiffer Penalties for Wildlife Trafficking
The Nigerian Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2025, introducing stiffer penalties for wildlife trafficking and other environmental crimes, in a major step toward aligning the country’s laws with international conservation standards.
Under the new Bill, offenders face fines of up to N12 million and prison sentences of up to 10 years, depending on the gravity of the offence. The law also empowers customs officers and other enforcement agencies to investigate financial flows linked to wildlife crimes, seize assets, and detain aircraft or vessels used in trafficking endangered species.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, while presiding over the session, described the passage of the Bill as “a decisive move to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity, and demonstrate that environmental crime is economic crime”. He urged the executive arm, to ensure speedy assent and strict enforcement.
The legislation strengthens the powers of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the National Environmental
Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to monitor, investigate, and prosecute wildliferelated offences. It also prohibits habitat destruction, pollution of protected ecosystems, and consumption of endangered species.
Sponsors of the Bill noted that Nigeria has become a key transit and source country in the illegal wildlife trade network, with pangolin scales, elephant ivory, and other animal parts trafficked through
its ports to Asia. The Bill, they said, seeks to close legal loopholes that allowed traffickers to escape with minimal fines under outdated statutes.
Environmental activists have commended the National Assembly’s action, describing it as a critical step towards meeting Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). “This is the kind of bold
legal reform we have been advocating for years”, said Dr Amina Egbemudia, a conservation Lawyer and Director of the Green Justice Network. “But success will depend on how swiftly enforcement agencies implement it.”
Experts say the new law could transform how courts handle wildlife crimes by introducing asset forfeiture, enhanced investigative powers, and clearer definitions of endangered species
offences. However, they also warn that without proper funding and judicial training, enforcement could remain weak.
The Bill will now be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for assent. If signed into law, it will replace the 1985 Endangered Species Act, and provide Nigeria’s first comprehensive legal framework for tackling wildlife trafficking through the combined efforts of prosecutors, customs officers, and the Judiciary.
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by social media celebrity Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and ordered him to open his defence in an alleged money laundering case.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on January 12, 2022, arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an eightcount charge bordering
on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, failure to disclose assets, and possession of documents containing false pretences, among others.
One of the counts reads: "Ismaila Mustapha, Ahmadu Mohammed (at large) and Ismalob Global Investment Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to conduct financial transactions
to the tune of N5,998,884,653.18 (Five Billion Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-four Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-three Naira Eighteen Kobo), with the intent of promoting the carrying on of specified unlawful activities to wit: obtaining by false pretence.
Mompha pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution Counsel, S.I. Suleiman, called five witnesses before closing its case.
In response, the defence Counsel, Kolawole
Salami, filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish any evidence linking his client to the alleged offences.
However, in her ruling, Justice Dada held that a prima facie case had been successfully established against the Defendants. She therefore, dismissed the no-case submission and directed the Defendants to open their defence. The case has been adjourned to January 27 and 28, 2026, for the commencement of the defence.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
Ismaila Mustapha aka Mompha
President Trump’s Threat: Matters Arising
Shivers must have gone down the spine of the Nigerian Government last week, when President donald Trump openly issued a threat to come into Nigeria ‘guns blazing’ to destroy Nigerian terrorist enclaves in defence of Nigerian Christians who have been killed in their thousands in the past few years. In response to what President Trump referred as genocidal attacks against Nigerian Christians, invading Nigeria might be the only option. Political Pundits have advised President bola ahmed Tinubu to take Trump’s threat seriously, and not to treat the matter with levity. In this National discourse, Prof Sebastine Hon, SAN; Rear Admiral K Bolanle Ati-John Rtd; Gozie Francis Moneke; Sa'adiyyah Adebisi Hassan; Badamasi Suleiman Gandu; Dr Akpo Mudiaga odje and Marx Ikongbeh delve into the complex issues surrounding this matter, to determine whether President Trump has the moral justification or otherwise to invade Nigeria, ostensibly to defend Nigeria’s persecuted Christians
The Donald Trump Warning Shots and International Public Law
Professor Sebastine T. Hon, SAN
Broad introduction
Drawing from the benumbing aloofness of the international community to the atrocious genocide, ethnic cleansing and other sundry war crimes that took place in Yugoslavia and Rwanda in the 1990s, the United Nations World Summit unanimously voted, on October 24, 2005, for and signed what was termed the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) Document. Paragraph 138 of this Document stipulated that each individual State had responsibility to protect its populations from these heinous crimes, while Paragraph 139 mandated the international community, through the UN, to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other “peaceful means”, in accordance with Articles VI and VIII of the UN Charter, to help protect such endangered populations.
To underscore the importance of R2P, the UN Security
Council, on August 21, 2014, passed Resolution 2171, which reaffirmed “the responsibility of each individual State to protect its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”.
The Resolution further called upon States “to recommit to prevent and fight against genocide, and other serious crimes under international law”, and reaffirmed its commitment to “paragraphs 138 and 139 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document (A/60/L.1) on the responsibility
“June 19, 2025, Beijing warned that any US arrack on Iran could spark global conflict. It also hinged its resistance to the US planned attack, on the same “sovereign nation” arguments it is currently advancing with respect to the ongoing debacle in Nigeria. The US refused to ‘respect’ that ‘warning’; and China did not reprise against the brief but elaborate aerial pummelling of nuclear sites in Iran by the USA. Rather, Beijing issued a statement that the said attack had damaged Washington’s global credibility. That was the best Beijing offered!”
to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity”.
From the above, no individual country, no matter how strong militarily or economically, has right to intervene in the affairs of a country, even in the face of brutal genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity – save through the UN Security Council. That is the status of the extant international legal framework, for taming the monster called genocide.
The practical application of this, however, remains a mirage. Examples abound; but I shall limit myself to the USA. Prior to World War I, the USA was involved in dozens of direct military incursions into autonomous and semi-autonomous entities, including but not limited to South Dakota and Argentina (1890); Chile and Haiti (1891) and Korea (1894).
The USA, initially not involved in World War I, voluntarily entered the war in 1917 and became a major participant in World War II. It voluntarily joined the Korean War of 1950-1953, to assist South Korea; and it plunged fully into the Vietnam War of 1955-1975. In 1961, it invaded Cuba in what was termed the “Bay of Pigs Invasion”. This century-long superpower launched a similar military assault on Panama in 1989 – to remove the then strong man of that country, Manuel Noreiga. The involvement of the US in the Gulf War between 1990-1991, is another incident within living memory. It also launched a prolonged military campaign in Afghanistan from 2001, until 2021 when President Joe Biden hurriedly ordered US troops to withdraw, in what observers have labelled a major disastrous outing for the country.
In 2003, the USA invaded Iraq in what is known as the Iraqi war, which lasted for 8 years, culminating in the killing of Saddam Hussein. Also, from 2011 till date, the USA is directly involved, militarily, in Syria, where it operates under the cover of counterterrorism operations. Similar involvement by the USA in Niger since 2017 was cut short in 2023,
due to the military coup in that country.
It must also be remembered that the invasion of Libya by US forces, led not only to the ouster of Muammar Ghadafi, but also his killing on October 20, 2011, by local rival militias who captured him.
Some other international interventions by the US, even after R2P and UN Security Resolution 2171, include the use of US Special Forces in 2006, in collaboration with local military forces, to topple the Islamist government in Somalia, in an open battle with Al Shabab. In 2014, the same US Forces and the US Air Force jointly attacked Iraq, killing 8 civilians. In the period 2019-2020, the US deployed ground troops to Saudi Arabia, to assist that country’s armed forces in its war of attrition with Iran. From 2023 till recently when President Trump ordered a temporary halt, the US had been bombing Houthi Rebels in Yemen, and also raiding them with drones and missiles.
The US has also recently supported Israel militarily, in the wake of the rain of drones and missiles by Iran – by the USA deploying patriot missiles to obliterate, where possible, those fired by Iran. The mother of it all, was the recent bombing, using the highest and most deadly military technologies, the B-2 spirit stealth bombers and the Tomahawk missiles fired from a submarine, of nuclear sites in Iran by the USA Government under President Trump.
In all of these, the UN; and in particular, the UN Security Council, keeps mute or offers defeatist responses. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should kindly, take note of this.
Sino-USA Armed Conflicts: A Short Historical Analysis Chinese (Sino)-American armed conflicts date back to 1894-1895, when the USA sent marines to the SinoJapanese War. In the period 1898-1900, US marines were also deployed to fight in the “Boxer Rebellion” in China. Between 1911-1941, the USA continued to build up its military presence in China, by increasing the number of marines there, leading to countless
President Trump’s Threat: Matters Arising
flareups with the local Chinese military. More troops were deployed by the US to that country in the 1922-1927 period, during the “nationalist revolt.”
Following the victory at the polls of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the USA was forced to evacuate its citizens, with the use of the marines it had stationed in that country, and the others that had been brought in for that purpose. This was in1949.
There have been periods of conciliation and cooperation in Sino-American relations, starting with the establishment of diplomatic relations on January 1, 1979; but, these have always been punctuated by diplomatic rows over the role of Beijing in Hong Kong and Taiwan, respectively.
Upon President Donald Trump assuming office early 2025, his major policy of increasing tariffs on goods from other countries so much escalated strong rhetorics between the two countries, that in March, 2025, Beijing announced that it was ready to embark on “any war” with the USA. Pundits have been positing that, “any war” includes full-blown military war. Thankfully, however, these two most powerful economic nations have ‘settled’ this issue – with details being expected any moment from now.
It is important for President Tinubu to appreciate, however, the popular aphorism that ‘when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers’. Nigeria cannot, with respect, afford to be the battle ground, physical or intellectually cold, for any open conflagration between these two superpowers, China and USA.
The Trump Bombastic Shots and Antagonism from World Powers and Local Comprador ‘Powers’
Writing sternly but vividly on his personal social media handle, President Donald Trump stirred the hornet’s nest recently, when he warned the Government of Nigeria of the consequences of not halting the genocide against Christians in Nigeria. US military reprisals were promised, in the event of failure by the Nigerian government on this mandate. Shortly before then, President Trump had signed an Executive Order designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Apart from prominent members of the US Congress and high-ranking officials of the Trump administration still echoing this threat and supporting their President, Canada has also voiced its support.
On the other hand, China, the European Union and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) have all expressed support for Nigeria, stressing that this is an internal affair of Nigeria. Also, some vested local interests, who have kept mute for the decades that the terrorists have been embarking on killing sprees in Nigeria, have suddenly found their voice: the US should not dare intervene in Nigeria. What direction should Mr President then go?
Ignoring the US is too much of a Gamble
This brief interrogation of the situation on ground in Nigeria must catalogue, brevi manu, Beijing’s serial ‘warnings’ to America under similar circumstances, and the outcomes of ‘breaches’ thereof by Washington.
On January 16, 2024, Beijing warned USA against escalating strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. Neither President Joe Biden nor President Trump, ‘heeded’ such ‘warning’. Beijing buried its head, muttering incoherent words, after USA’s ‘intransigence’.
On March 14, 2025, Beijing and Moscow jointly supported Iran’s nuclear talks and warned the West against any military strike on Tehran. Also, on June 19, 2025, Beijing warned that any US arrack on Iran could spark global conflict. It also hinged its resistance to the US planned attack, on the same “sovereign nation” arguments it is currently advancing with respect to the ongoing debacle in Nigeria. The US refused to ‘respect’ that ‘warning’; and China did not reprise against the brief but elaborate aerial pummelling of nuclear sites in Iran by the USA. Rather, Beijing issued a statement that the said attack had damaged Washington’s global credibility. That was the best Beijing offered!
Away from Washington, China warned Israel of “serious consequences” if the latter attacked Iran. This came and went, without Beijing taking any counter-step against the Jewish State. This analysis could go on and on; but, one fact stands out: Nigeria will not be protected by China if the USA decides to strike terrorist cells today! There is no need to mention the warning by the
EU, which is still at wits’ end on how to face the Russia-Ukraine war – upon Trump pulling out USA resources. Besides, the economy of the EU countries is plummeting fast, no thanks to the tariffs’ policy of the Trump administration. In other words, the EU, apart from tough rhetorics, will be the first to take diplomatic cover, once precision bombs from American jets start dropping on terrorist hideouts in Nigeria. What about ECOWAS and loquacious local commentators? I won’t even comment on them.
Solution
Solution? President Tinubu should not ignore the Trump warnings! Mr President should not listen to some persons and other authorities goading him to square up to the USA, citing the “sovereignty” provisions in the UN Charter and other international legal instruments. He has no choice than to face the terrorists squarely and decisively, with visible results. Trump’s jets and special forces may be on their way already! Indeed, Trump’s body language and actions, as far as everyone knows, do not show that he backs out of issues like this one easily; neither does he chicken out at the mere ‘warning’ of Beijing or any other world power. Most USA Presidents have been like that. The examples cited above and many others, are enough testament to this! Act fast, Mr President!
Professor Sebastine T. Hon, SAN, Constitutional Lawyer and Author
The Big Men and the Moral Arena: How Virtue Became a Weapon in Global Politics
Rear Admiral K Bolanle Ati-John Rtd
Introduction
In an age when nations wield virtue as strategy and ego as statecraft, this piece examines how moral rivalry is reshaping power from Washington to Abuja, and why humility may yet prove the strongest weapon of all.
When the United States recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, accusing it of failing to protect Christians from persecution, the decision was framed as a moral act. American officials invoked conscience, freedom of worship, and the universal duty to defend human rights. But, beneath the moral vocabulary lay another story, one about power, pride, and politics. Within hours, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a counter-statement, warning Washington against using religion as a “pretext for interference”. Nigerian
“The United States still speaks the language of liberty, yet, its tone often carries the weariness of moral fatigue. China, sensing opportunity, has minted an alternative moral language, development without humiliation, loans without lectures, partnership without interference. It appeals to nations tired of being judged by Western standards. Both powers now compete to be admired, not just obeyed”
authorities, caught between two superpowers, condemned the American judgement and thanked Beijing for its defence. In that moment, a debate about faith became a contest of influence, and a moral question turned into a geopolitical alignment. What should have been a sober reflection on justice and reform, transformed into a theatre of global posturing.
This episode may seem small in the rush of world events, yet, it captures a deeper transformation in international affairs. We are entering an age of moralised power, where virtue has become strategy, and values have become weapons. Governments now compete, not only for territory or trade, but for the right to define what is good, and in this new competition, the boundary between ethics and ambition has all but disappeared.
The Big Man
At the centre of this moral arena stands a familiar figure, the Big Man. Once thought to be an African political archetype, the Big Man has gone global. He is the populist President who sees himself as the embodiment of the nation, the strongman whose personal image substitutes for State institutions, the charismatic leader who treats diplomacy as performance. He may wear a business suit or a party uniform, but his creed is the same: the belief that national dignity and personal prestige are one and the same. In this world, power flows not through institutions, but through personality; loyalty replaces law, and image outshines substance.
Across capitals, from Washington to Beijing to Abuja, this psychology now shapes international behaviour. The United States under Donald Trump redefined diplomacy as personal theatre, where moral declarations served domestic audiences, as much as global justice. China under Xi Jinping has institutionalised its own form of centralised charisma, presenting the leader as philosopher-king and guardian of harmony against Western hypocrisy. Nigeria, under successive administrations, continues the long tradition of personalised rule, where alliances and rhetoric shift according to the leader’s political needs. Each of these actors speaks the language of virtue, yet, each does so in the grammar of self-interest.
The moral vocabulary itself has become strategic currency. Joseph Nye, who once described power as the ability to attract rather than coerce, argued that influence rests on persuasion, the quiet authority of example. For decades, this was America’s secret strength. But, that currency has depreciated. The United States still speaks the language of liberty, yet, its tone often carries the weariness of moral fatigue. China, sensing opportunity, has minted an alternative moral language, development without humiliation, loans without lectures, partnership without interference. It appeals to nations tired of being judged by Western standards. Both powers
now compete to be admired, not just obeyed. The contest is not about who holds more weapons, but whose story of virtue the world believes.
For countries like Nigeria, this rivalry offers both leverage and peril. Nigeria’s leaders have learned to navigate between the moral empires with transactional dexterity: rebuffing Washington’s criticism by embracing Beijing’s support, and turning back to the West when Chinese pressure becomes overbearing. It is a sophisticated dance of survival. But, it is also a dependency. When morality becomes a bargaining chip, it ceases to be a compass. Over time, moral diplomacy turns States into actors in someone else’s script.
The dynamic resembles a prestige game in which each player strives to appear firm, righteous, and in control, but none can afford to yield. The United States cannot risk silence without alienating its domestic base; China cannot appear submissive before the Global South it courts; and Nigeria cannot afford to look weak before a population conditioned to equate sovereignty with pride. Thus, each side doubles down, escalating rhetoric to protect image. The result is not open conflict, but performative confrontation, a loud but fragile equilibrium where the appearance of strength replaces the substance of security.
Within this contest, Nigeria’s internal wounds become global symbols. The violence in its Middle Belt and the North-West, the attacks on worshippers, and the impunity of armed groups are grim realities. Yet, because the State has failed to deliver impartial justice, these tragedies have been absorbed into foreign narratives. Western policymakers cite them as proof of moral decline; China invokes them to demonstrate Western hypocrisy. In this way, the suffering of ordinary Nigerians becomes ammunition in the moral wars of great powers. Victims are invoked, but seldom heard. If Nigeria were to strengthen its judicial institutions and guarantee equal protection for all citizens, the moral leverage of others would vanish. No one can weaponise justice already served.
The danger, however, is that moral confrontation rarely stays symbolic. Once nations define their identity through righteousness, compromise becomes weakness. The next phase is often the militarisation of morality, the deployment of power to prove virtue. The Gulf of Guinea already witnesses a growing overlap of American and Chinese naval activities, each justified as peacekeeping or anti-piracy operations. Yet, every exercise is also a statement of presence. Nigeria, seeking cooperation from both, becomes the stage on which rival forces perform discipline and restraint. In such a charged atmosphere, an accident, a misread signal, an overflight, an intercepted vessel, could become a flashpoint. When leaders are Big Men, even small incidents threaten their sense of infallibility. The risk of escalation lies not in ambition, but in emotion. Africa thus, stands at a dangerous crossroads. The continent’s sovereignty is being courted by competing moral orders, and its nations risk becoming theatres of ideological rivalry disguised as partnership. The new scramble for Africa is not about land, but about legitimacy, about who can claim to represent the moral future of the world. For Africa to survive this moral siege, it must cultivate its own institutional backbone. Nigeria, the continent’s largest democracy, carries special responsibility. Its government must show that dignity and accountability can coexist, that defending sovereignty
American Soldiers
President Trump’s Threat: Matters Arising
requires first defending citizens. Sovereignty without justice, is insecurity by another name.
In this environment, restraint becomes the rarest and most revolutionary form of leadership. The ability to de-escalate without surrendering dignity is now the highest art of Statecraft. Yet, restraint requires institutional confidence, a bureaucracy strong enough to absorb pressure, and a leader wise enough to separate personal pride from national interest. Unfortunately, the current world order rewards the opposite: impulsive rhetoric, moral grandstanding, and the politics of outrage. The global information space feeds on conflict; social media converts indignation into political capital. As a result, the leaders most able to inflame their followers are often the least capable of calming them.
What the international community needs is not another sermon on virtue, but a moral compact for power, an understanding that principles should guide policy without becoming its weapon. Moral accountability, must begin at home. Western nations cannot preach human rights, while profiting from injustice abroad. China cannot defend sovereignty abroad, while repressing dissent at home. Nigeria cannot demand respect abroad, while tolerating impunity within. The real test of a State’s virtue lies not in how loudly it condemns others, but in how honestly it reforms itself.
Such a compact would reframe global morality as partnership, rather than punishment. It would acknowledge that sovereignty carries responsibility, that accountability strengthens independence, and that disagreement need not imply disrespect. The world will always argue, but it can learn to argue within bounds, to replace the cacophony of ego with the harmony of principle.
In military terms, the most effective manoeuvre is often the one not taken. The same truth applies to diplomacy. Restraint is not capitulation; it is the ultimate proof of confidence. Nigeria must respond to criticism with evidence, not indignation. The United States must temper its moral zeal with humility, remembering that credibility is maintained through example, not coercion. China must prove that its respect for sovereignty, does not mask new dependencies. Greatness in this century will not belong to those who shout the loudest about morality, but to those who practice it most consistently and most quietly.
The real contest of our time is not between East and West, nor between faith and secularism. It is between ego and empathy. If humanity fails to distinguish the two, we will repeat the tragedies of the past, this time with more technology and less forgiveness. Every conflict begins when leaders stop seeing opponents as human, and start seeing them as obstacles to pride. Every peace begins when someone chooses composure over vanity. The strength of a nation lies not in its capacity to confront, but in its ability to prevent confrontation. The most powerful weapon of this century may therefore, be humility itself.
The age of Big Men will one day pass, as all ages of ego do. What will remain are the institutions they leave behind. If today’s leaders, from Abuja to Beijing to Washington, can rise above performance and invest in process, they will lay the foundations for a world in which morality ceases to be a cudgel and becomes a mirror, reflecting our shared humanity, instead of our competing pride. Until then, we remain in the moral arena, where nations compete not only for power, but for the right to define what is good. The task before us is not to abolish that arena, but to elevate it, to ensure that in defending our dignity, we do not destroy our decency.
Rear Admiral K. Bolanle Ati-John Rtd, Lagos
As the Din of Trump’s Possible Invasion Resonates: International Law Perspective
Gozie Francis Moneke
Warnings
As the brouhaha of a possible invasion by the United States’ military continues to reverberate across the nation, being currently the news with utmost currency in Nigeria, the need to dispassionately dissect and interrogate the situation through the lens of international law has become pressingly germane. Few days ago, the US President, Donald Trump, in his trademark unequivocal style, took a sharp swipe at Nigeria in condemnation of what he described as horrible mass slaughter of Christians in
the country by radical Islamic militants. President Trump therefore, vowed that, in the event that the Nigerian government failed to act fast, the United States would stop every aid to Nigeria, and may well move into the country guns-ablazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorist groups that are responsible for the horrible atrocities against the cherished Christian population in Nigeria. Trump warned that if the United States attacked, it would be fast, vicious and swift.
These are surely very ominous warnings, coming from the US President. Any person that has paid attention to the trajectory of President Trump’s leadership predilections, as it were, would know better than to take his threats and promises with a pinch of salt. One may ignore President Trump’s threats at one’s own peril.
On that note, there has been very palpable, albeit subtle, trepidation and foreboding in the Nigerian corridors of power, in the wake of this baleful warning from the White House. A few tacit responses from some government officials had hinted on the sacrosanctity of State sovereignty as a reassuring ground why any invasion of Nigeria by the US military would remain farfetched, urging instead a diplomatic engagement between the two countries to resolve the vexed issue. On the other hand, however, the social media is awash with unmistakable euphoria of approbation amongst many Nigerians, who seem already in an expectant mood for such US military intervention at the matching orders of President Trump. It has therefore, become imperative to carefully, albeit briefly, interrogate the propriety or otherwise of such invasion by the United States into Nigeria with a view to volunteering a modicum of humble counsel to the two governments involved in the face-off.
Principle of State Sovereignty
Now, it is trite that the comity of nations is governed in their relations by the rules of international law. The overarching and fundamental basis of international relations is encapsulated under the principle or concept of State sovereignty. This is
“….. the Nigerian government has partially lost its internal sovereignty to the Islamic terrorist groups, and has grossly failed in its duty to protect its own citizens, thus, giving room for the perpetration of the crime of genocide not only against Christians, but also against innocent Muslims of the salubrious sect. It stands to reason therefore, that the government of Nigeria has compromised the sovereignty of the nation, and exposed it to legitimate invasion by the United States,”
the notion of a State’s supreme authority over its territorial boundaries and its people, encompassing the exclusive right to self-government without external influence or interference. Sovereignty is comprised of internal and external dimensions, the former denoting a country’s ultimate competence within its borders, the latter referring to the equality of status among nations and their respective independence in relation to other nations on the international stage. Internal sovereignty therefore, entails that only the government of a particular country holds the sole right to use or exert public force, either through the law enforcement agencies or the military within its territory, for the protection of its people and borders. In the light of the foregoing, it would seem that the threat by the United States to invade Nigeria to stop the systematic and unchecked killings of Christians, would be a gross violation of the absolute right of the Nigerian government over the internal affairs of the country. It turns out however, that the matter is not as straight-jacketed as that.
The principle of State sovereignty is not absolute and comes with duties such as fulfilling international obligations, and respecting the rights and sovereignty of other nations. The law, it is said, is in the exceptions!
Accordingly, the principle of State sovereignty is not without its own exceptions and limitations. The international law regime has identified circumstances, where the principle of State sovereignty may not operate to estop interference by the international community under the aegis of the United Nations, or informally through a world superpower acting as a global policeman. States are bound to respect the jus cogens norms of international law, which are also known as peremptory norms and include prohibitions against genocide, slavery, torture and aggression. Thus, International human rights law creates a delicate tension with the principle of non-intervention, by holding States accountable for the treatment of their own citizens, potentially limiting a State’s internal sovereignty. As an offshoot of the foregoing, States are saddled with the responsibility to protect their citizens. If a State fails in this critical responsibility of protecting its citizens from widespread violence or mass atrocities, the international community may intervene to protect such helpless citizens, hence, torpedoing the principle of non-interference. This is because the jus cogens norms or peremptory norms of international law, raises erga omnes obligation, which is obligation owed by States towards the community of States as a whole, and exists because of the universal and undeniable interest in the perpetuation of critical rights and prevention of their breach. Erga Omnes obligations attach when there is a serious breach of a peremptory norm of international law such as piracy, genocide or war of aggression. Any State has the right to invoke State responsibility, in order to hold accountable another State that is in violation of a peremptory norm of international law.
The foregoing concise summation of the applicable principles of international law, makes the scenario of the US-Nigeria face-off pretty much straight forward. The undeniable mass killing of Christians and burning of churches in Nigeria by the radical Islamic militant or terrorist groups, is without doubt an act of genocide. The concept of genocide can be defined in simple terms, as the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, national, ethnic or religious group in whole or in part. The full definition is captured under
Article II of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It is therefore, beyond argument that the relentless and unmitigated killing of Christians in various parts of Nigeria by the radical Islamic militants or terrorists over several years is nothing short of genocide. It is also not in doubt that thousands of Muslims have also been killed by the mindless terrorists, apparently for belonging to a more salubrious sect of the Islamic faith. This, however, does not in any way detract from the credence of a genocide against the Christian population in Nigeria. Over the years, the Nigerian government has failed in its duty to protect innocent citizens, especially the Christians, from the deadly onslaught of the radical Islamic terrorists. There has not been any palpable and decisive effort, at confronting the terrorists head-on and defeating them decisively. They have been allowed to colonise some known forests and villages in the country, yet the entire military and Police forces of the country have surprisingly become so emasculated as not to be able to over-power, dispel or disband these bands of terrorists. They carry out their orgies of killings and frenzies of destruction in villages, often unchallenged or ineffectively challenged. It is often reported that the terrorists wield superior arms than the military and Police, which raises the questions: how do they get those arms, who are their financiers or sponsors, why can’t the Nigerian government equip the military and Police personnel with superior arms to fight the terrorists? It is obvious that the government of Nigeria lacks the commitment, will and honesty to decisively fight and conquer the terrorists. Many military and Police personnel have lost their lives in various ambushes by the terrorists, because of constant sabotage of operational itinerary, coupled with inferior weapons of warfare. The terrorists kidnap citizens and seamlessly collect ransoms, they invade villages leaving trails of blood, carnage and destruction, and retreat ‘peacefully’ into their jungles or villages where they reign supreme unperturbed and undisturbed. Clearly, this dire scenario is evident of the fact that the Nigerian government has partially lost its internal sovereignty to the Islamic terrorist groups, and has grossly failed in its duty to protect its own citizens, thus, giving room for the perpetration of the crime of genocide not only against Christians, but also against innocent Muslims of the salubrious sect. It stands to reason therefore, that the government of Nigeria has compromised the sovereignty of the nation, and exposed it to legitimate invasion by the United States, invoking the principle of State responsibility to hold Nigeria accountable for the crime of genocide and failure to protect innocent and helpless Nigerians. Thus, acting as a global policeman, the United States can indeed, intervene, to protect the endangered Christians and other citizens who are being targeted and systematically killed by the terrorists. The United Nations has over the years, by tacit acquiescence, seemingly affixed an imprimatur of approbation to the largely salutary role of the world superpowers, especially the United States, in bringing respite to citizens in countries where the governments had failed to protect their own people or were complicit or responsible for widespread atrocities against citizens. It follows from the foregoing that except the Nigerian government decides to make a clean breast of the hitherto feeble confrontation of the terrorists and quickly rises to the occasion with determination, courage, honesty and decisiveness, any invasion by the United States military would be legitimate, justified and indeed, welcome by millions of endangered Nigerian citizens. Nigerian government must quit the politics of subterfuge and work for the best interest, good and welfare of Nigerians, to make this country a safe and
Nigerian Soldiers
President Trump’s Threat: Matters Arising
comfortable place for everybody to survive and thrive.
On the other hand, the United States government is urged to exercise utmost care in any potential operation in Nigeria, to ensure that innocent citizens do not suffer or come in the cross-fire. The United States, in executing any such intervention in Nigeria, does so in the interest of innocent citizens, hence, it goes without saying that the operation must be planned with great attention to ensure that as much as is humanly possible, no single casualty of innocent Nigerian is recorded. Those in the captivity of the terrorists should be rescued, in the meticulous operational precision that United States military is reputed. Most importantly, any possible intervention by the United States must serve its purpose in full, by ensuring that the terrorists are completely exterminated and not merely to disperse them to various parts of the country where they would regroup and continue their dastardly activities at the end of the US invasion, perhaps, with more deadly resolve. This would ensure that Nigeria is not left in volatile situation akin to the post-Gadaffi era in Libya sequel to US invasion of that country.
In the final analysis, Nigeria must emerge from the embers of lawlessness, where leaders ensconced in the comfort of their redoubtable fortresses, make believe that all is well or even mindlessly ignore the brutal human suffering that is the plight of ordinary citizens. The protection of the people is the paramount obligation of any responsible government, and the welfare of the people is the paramount law (salus populi est suprema lex). The welfare and safety of the Nigerian people often seem the least concern of leaders in government, which is why there is no visible or tenable commitment to progressively improve the lives of Nigerians. Rather, government officials and their political cohorts are obsessed in their avaricious quest for plundering and squander-mania of the national resources, with the ordinary citizens left crestfallen, helpless, unprotected and egregiously dispossessed of every iota of the commonwealth. Being a citizen of Nigeria must count for something, and the life of every Nigerian must matter and must not be compromised.
Gozie Francis Moneke, LLM (London) MCArb; Executive Director, Human Rights and Empowerment Project Ltd/Gte (HREP); Principal Partner, Gozie Moneke & Associates
The Hypocrisy of a Nation that Cannot Face Its Shame
Sa'adiyyah Adebisi Hassan
The Truth Hurts
You are angry with Donald Trump not because he lied, but because he told the truth. You are angry that he called your country what it has become a disgrace, a nation that cannot protect its own citizens, a government that rewards killers, and a people who cheer for their oppressors while booing those who dare to speak the truth.
Yet, the same people who foam at the mouth when Trump says “protect your citizens”, are the ones applauding China, a country that has turned parts of Nigeria into mining outposts, draining the soil, polluting the rivers, and looting gold from Zamfara, while corpses pile up in the same land.
This is not patriotism.
This is pathological self-deception. Truth hurts only when you’re living in denial
When Trump called Nigeria “a disgrace”, he didn’t manufacture the evidence. It’s there visible, daily, and measurable.
Terrorists roam free, while soldiers and police die unpaid. Citizens kidnapped in hundreds, and their families pay ransom through banks that the government refuses to track.
Students murdered for “blasphemy”, and the killers walk free. Billions looted in palliative funds, while millions starve.
If that’s not disgrace, what word fits better?“Glory”?
“Progress”? “Greatness”?
It takes a special kind of blindness to defend failure, simply because the critic isn’t wearing your flag. You cheer the thief, because he smiles in Mandarin. While you’re busy cursing Trump, Chinese contractors and miners are quietly carting away Nigeria’s natural wealth, under “bilateral agreements” that are nothing but economic servitude.
In Zamfara, Niger, Nasarawa, and Kaduna, Chinese nationals have been repeatedly caught in illegal gold and lithium mining operations, some arrested with security escort. Rivers are poisoned, lands destroyed, and communities displaced, but the government looks away because the looters come with soft loans and polite smiles.
In Niger State, over 500 illegal mining sites were exposed, most operated by foreign interests with local collaborators. In Nasarawa, villagers have protested against Chinese miners who polluted their only water source. Yet, no serious prosecution followed. The same people defending these deals shout “racism” when Trump speaks, as though patriotic indignation is treason. China’s interests are not charity. They are business, ruthless, calculated, and in their favour. But, you mistake exploitation for friendship, because it comes in the language of “infrastructure development”.
The West says ‘fix your country’, the East says ‘sign here’. Western leaders criticise Nigeria, because they see a country that refuses to help itself. They tie aid to accountability. They demand reform. They insist on human rights.
But, China doesn’t care. China doesn’t ask questions about governance, corruption, or security. China just brings loans, takes resources, and leaves you with debt and pollution. And, you clap like slaves applauding the chain that glitters.
When Trump says, “Protect your people”, you call him racist.
When China says, “Give us your gold and pay interest”, you call it partnership.
That’s not national pride. That’s mental colonisation, in Chinese wrapping paper.
Patriotism is not defending failure, it’s demanding better. A true patriot, doesn’t attack those who point out his nation’s wounds. He demands those in power heal them. If Donald J. Trump's comment angers you more than the massacres in Benue, Plateau and Zamfara, your patriotism is fake. If you hate him more than you hate the officials stealing your future, you are part of the rot.
You cannot scream “sovereignty” when foreign companies control your mines, your ports, your loans, and your power grids. You cannot boast of independence, when foreign
“While you’re busy cursing Trump, Chinese contractors and miners are quietly carting away Nigeria’s natural wealth…. Western leaders…tie aid to accountability.… But, China doesn’t care…doesn’t ask questions about governance, corruption, or security. China just brings loans, takes resources, and leaves you with debt and pollution”
drones map your territory for “investment opportunities”.
Disgrace
And, you cannot claim dignity when you defend a government that arrests protesters, but negotiates with terrorists.
The real disgrace is not Trump’s statement, it’s our reaction. The disgrace is a country that spends billions rehabilitating killers, but abandons the victims. The disgrace is the silence of religious and political leaders, who see evil and call it politics. The disgrace is citizens who would rather fight the truth-teller, than confront the truth.
Trump said what every honest Nigerian knows, but fears to say aloud: The nation has become a parody of governance, rich in excuses, poor in courage.
If you can’t handle that truth, it’s because you’ve mistaken complacency for loyalty, and silence for strength.
Choose your shame wisely.
You are angry with Trump for saying your house is on fire. But, you are bowing to China while they quietly steal your roof, your door, and the very ground under your feet. You hate the man who warned you, and you celebrate the one who robs you.
If that’s not disgrace, what is?
Until Nigerians learn to confront truth with humility instead of rage, they will continue to trade dignity for deception, cheering the thieves, silencing the prophets, and calling betrayal “diplomacy”.
The Real Enemy
The real enemy isn’t Trump. The real enemy is the cowardice, that cannot bear to look in the mirror.
Sa'adiyyah Adebisi Hassan
President Trump’s Statement on Nigeria, Undermines True Victims of Terrorism
Badamasi Suleiman Gandu
President Donald J. Trump, has called for military action against Nigeria. He was quoted as saying:
• “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
• “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians … the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria”, and “we will … go in ‘guns-a-blazing’, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Mr President, with due respect, you should rather say: “Nigerians are being killed”. While every killing is condemnable and every innocent life is sacred, to say “thousands of Christians are being killed” is misleading. It is an injustice to Muslims, and implies that Muslim lives are of lesser value. No one should rejoice at any loss of life. But, as Nigerians, we must confront the truth: the majority of victims of terrorism and banditry in the worst-affected States are Muslims. To ignore this reality, is to silence thousands of families who have endured unspeakable grief, often without global recognition. A few examples of prominent traditional rulers who have been cut down by extremist and criminal violence:
1. Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, Emir of Gobir (Sokoto State), abducted and killed in August 2024.
2. Alhaji Atiku Maidabino, District Head of Yantumaki (Katsina State), assassinated in June 2020.
3. Alhaji Umaru Bawan Allah, District Head of Gada (Zamfara State), murdered in December 2021.
4. Alhaji Bashar Saidu Namaska, son of the Emir of Kontagora (Niger State), killed in May 2021. Mosques Have Become Death Sentences For over a decade, extremists and bandits have targeted Muslims during times of prayer and worship. Examples include:
1. Borno State (2013): 44 Muslims massacred at dawn prayers in Konduga Central Mosque.
2. Yobe State (2014): 15 Shia Muslims killed during a Potiskum Ashura procession.
3. Damaturu (2015): 50 people killed on Eid morning.
4. Maiduguri (2015): 42 killed in a mosque bombing during evening prayers.
5. Molai-Umarari (2016): 24 worshippers killed at Fajr prayers.
6. University of Maiduguri (2017): 4 killed, including a respected professor, in a mosque attack.
7. Mubi (2017 & 2018): Two major mosque bombings killed nearly 80 people combined.
8. Nganzai (2019): 65 villagers murdered while returning from a funeral.
9. Katsina (2021): 10 killed during Maghrib prayers in Yasore village.
10. Katsina (2023): 20 killed at a Maulud celebration.
11. Katsina (19 August 2025): 50 people killed during dawn prayers in Mantau, Malumfashi LGA; 60 abducted.
12. Kano (2014): Around 120 killed in the Central Mosque bombing.
13. Kano (2015): 21 killed in an Arba’een Shia procession.
14. Zamfara (2025): 5 killed in mosque in Yandoto Village during Fajr prayer.
These are a few documented cases; many incidents go unreported, or are not widely mentioned.
The Arithmetic of Compassion
If President Trump or any global leader truly wishes to understand the scale of Nigeria’s suffering, a simple demographic fact must be considered: in the Northern States most affected by terrorism and banditry; Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger and Adamawa, Muslims form the overwhelming majority of the population. Statistically, therefore, Muslims have borne the heavier share of this violence, both in absolute numbers, and as a proportion of their communities. Are Muslim Lives Less Valuable than Christian Ones?
If the answer is “no”, if Muslim lives are not less
Muslim Mass Burial
President Trump’s Threat: Matters Arising
valuable than Christian one’s, international actors must stop painting Nigeria’s tragedy as a religious war. It is not. It is a human catastrophe driven by terrorism, poverty and State fragility, but not by faith.
If President Trump truly means his statement that “we will … go in ‘guns-a-blazing’, to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities”, we would welcome an end to violence. But, we must be clear: what Nigeria needs is peace and the protection of all civilians, not indiscriminate bloodshed.
Badamasi Suleiman Gandu, Legal Practitioner
President Trump's Threat and International Law Against Acts of Religious Genocide
Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje
Introduction
The recent threat by President Donald Trump of the United States, over sending troops to take on those who are killing Christians in particular, has raised a lot of dust within and without the comity of Nations. This discourse examines the implications, and seeks to also note that every nation under international law has a responsibility to protect every religion and their followers from persecution or genocide as it were
President Trump's Threat and Our Sovereignty
Indeed, under international law, every nation's sovereignty is sacrosanct ,and as such, must accordingly be duly respected
The United Nations Charter of 1945, affirms this axiomatic principle and global idiosyncratic norm, without prejudice however, to a state of war between nations. And, our Constitution declares lucidly that sovereignty belongs to the people in Section 14(2)(a). To that extent, if President Trump decides to invade Nigeria as a nation, he will certainly violate our sovereignty under international law and treaties relating thereto.
Terrorism and Genocide: International Crimes
The above crimes are declared as violations against the whole world, and as such, every nation including the United States, as a world power, has a duty to put a stop to same anywhere, anytime, but not anyhow.
The threat by President Trump however, is to attack the attackers as it were, of the Christian faithfuls who he says are facing genocide at the moment. He posits that our nation has not been forthcoming in her responsibility to protect the Christians, from these ceaseless attacks by the fast marauding terrorists. In other words, there is a case of dereliction of duty on the part of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
However, the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has refuted these allegations, and stated on the contrary, that he has so far taken pragmatic steps to reverse the trend, and that our Constitution and laws protect religious freedoms under Section 10 thereof. That section in our Constitution proclaims Nigeria as a secular State, and will not patronise, nor persecute any religion in Nigeria.
Duty on Nations to Protect All Religions and their Followers Under International Law
Again, the UN Charter and Conventions, have offered religious protection for all in this troubled world, and have equally through a plethora of declarations and resolutions, affirmed this principle. Consequently, President Trump is also relying on these Charters, declarations and resolutions including domestic laws of the United State, against genocide of any kind.
President Trump Says he’s Striking Terrorists’ Enclaves, and Not Nigeria as a Nation
Interestingly, President Trump has declared that he will strike only the terrorists, and not ordinary Nigerians, unless the terrorists are also Nigerians. To this extent therefore, President Trump is under a duty in international law to protect any religion facing genocide in Nigeria or anywhere, including Christians as in this instance.
President Trump proclaimed the same CPC on Nigeria in 2020, when Nigeria had budgeted N300m every
one hour to fight terrorism. Indeed, at that time the Fulani herders were regrettably in charge of Nigeria, notwithstanding the astronomical funds spent to fight the fight or "fright", as it turned out.
Implications for Nigeria
Some of the following may happen to wit:
1. Striking the terrorists without any notice to Nigeria, as that is one of the terms of the executive order.
2. Sanctions in all economic spheres.
3. Cutting down or totally blocking any further aid to Nigeria.
4. Earning Nigeria a pariah status in the comity of nations.
5. Advertising instability in Nigeria.
6. Creating further divisions amongst all religions in Nigeria.
7.Targeting Nigerian citizens within and abroad, thus, drastically reducing our relevance and employment status.
8. Unwittingly conscripting powerful nations to blacklist Nigeria and her already battered green passport.
9. Even locally, Africa is shutting down our boundaries like Chad has now done.
10.Retard development and growth.
Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje
Trump vs Nigeria: International Law to the Rescue?
Marx Ikongbeh
President Trump seems to be a fan of combat sports. We have seen him in WWE Wrestling and more recently, attending UFC fights. So, is his threat to Nigeria the dramatic verbal jousting that precedes a fight? The Nigerian Government has pushed against the threats, stating that it is a violation of international law. Indeed, the feebler party to most international conflicts have found themselves mouthing this same rhetoric, while being pummelled to death. It seems it never works. Why is this? The intention is to examine the position of international law, with respect to the use of force by one State against another State. This would be done on a street level basis, because international law is a complex topic.
Historically, International Law is a hotchpotch of standards of courtesy that have evolved over time, to shape how the banding of humans into a collective grouping can be defined in its relationship to another grouping. International law
“….if Muslim lives are not less valuable than Christian one’s, international actors must stop painting Nigeria’s tragedy as a religious war. It is not. It is a human catastrophe driven by terrorism, poverty and State fragility, but not by faith”
or properly called public international law, is what gave birth to countries or nations as we know it today. In simple terms, International Law is why Nigeria is recognised as a defined geographical location on earth, with a distinct population of people and a government of its choosing to oversee its running. This can be taken for granted, but it was not always so. You can appreciate this when you read historical texts such as the Bible, and you see that the King of a nation could simply invade another nation, defeat them, relocate their entire population, and erase that nation and its civilisation off the face of the earth. International law aims, emphasis on “aims” to curb such an occurrence. Underlying International Law are many principles, the simple illustration above highlights some of them including; sovereignty, equality of States, non-intervention, prohibition of the use of force, amongst others. Sovereignty in simple parlance, is the ultimate right of control that a State has over its territory, its people and its affairs without external interference. Based on this, international law stipulates that all States, irrespective of any factor, are equals. And, therefore, no State is allowed to interfere or meddle in the internal affairs of another State without consent, and this by implication rules out the use of force by one State against another. Trump’s threat therefore, crosses many red lines. But, at street level, international law may seem aspirational, because of a lack of precise enforcement mechanism. All States, like the Orwellian cliché, are equal, but some States are more equal than others. This is, however, not to say that International Law is completely impotent. The internet we enjoy, maritime trade, aviation and many other everyday applications are a testament of the potency of international law. Without its rules and protocols, we would live in caves. However, international law seems to fail the most, when it confronts international politics. Contrary to its stipulations, might remains right, especially where that might is fortified by nuclear arms!
To the point of this contribution to the ongoing confrontation between Trump and Nigeria, recourse to International law alone cannot save the Nigerian Government if Trump decides to send Hegseth in guns-a-blazing. The precedents show that like the proverbial elephant, the webs of international law will not be able to hold Trump where it catches smaller non-nuclear States likes flies.The Nigerian Government must face up to its failings, the insult from Trump is well earned. The Idoma people of Benue State have a saying that, if you do not go to the home of pounded yam, you would not earn a soup stain on your shirt. The Nigerian Government’s score card on the genocidal killings, is abysmal. The claim that the Government is doing its best, is not borne out by the facts we see.
Posers
A few posers: The directives of successive Presidents to security chiefs to relocate to crises centres, is flouted routinely without consequences. The security chiefs remain in the calm comfort of Maitama and Asokoro, picking the little specs of indiscipline in the eyes of rank and file arraigned before Court Marital, while the massive log of disobedience of a direct order from the Commander-in-Chief hangs in their eyes. Throughout this reign of
terror, we have not heard a President fire the security chiefs and explicitly state that this was because they failed to meet their KPI’s on insecurity. Rather, each change of guard has been to secure other strategic objectives, mostly connected to the Commander-in-Chiefs own assurance of safety and loyalty. We therefore, cannot dispute the insinuation that the Nigerian philosophy of security is to secure the Nigerian elite, and not to secure the Nigerian nation and her people. When malnourished but otherwise gallant Nigerian troops complain of the abysmal conditions, including lack of kinetics and other equipment at the war theatre, they are hauled off to a court martial for insubordination and conducts contrary to military discipline. Yet, retiring security chiefs, who from the evidence did not suffer any diminution in their perks of office and benefits upon retirement, would later come on air to re-echo the same sentiment of underfunding and lack of equipment. Where then goes all the billions appropriated for security? The commonly held conception is that many actors, including the security agents and now foreign elements like Chinese illegal miners, are benefiting from and fuelling the carnage. We have not seen any detailed reports that the Government probed these claims to confirm their veracity, so they continue to grow in credibility.
They are insinuations of internal sabotage, in Nigeria’s security and intelligence architecture. The massacre in Yelewata, Benue State for instance, was said to be preceded by a 4-day tip-off by the Nigerian SSS, yet, nothing was done to nip it in the bud, and no senior security or intelligence officer took a fall for that. How could the Government expect to be taken serious when it says it is doing its best? On this matter, it is clear that help will not come from abroad, rather insult and condemnation have come and targeted strikes might follow. Not even the United Kingdom, our Commonwealth buddy has made attempts to spring to Nigeria’s defence. But, even if they did, just like the support from Russia and China, we ought to be wary of that support, as it is likely borne of a renewed scramble for Africa.
While frustration with the Nigerian Government might tempt Nigerians to wish that Trump would make good on his threat, conventional wisdom whispers caution. As Gazans, Ukrainians and others might tell, war and any form of violence is best read on the news and not seen on your streets. While violence is already with us, a US action could further escalate the situation, and plunge the nation into general instability. The example of Afghanistan, Libya, and even Iraq, do not indicate that we should welcome Trump and Hegseth, no matter how peeved we are with our government. The message to the Nigerian Government is simple, chanting International Law violation will not stop Trump. Diplomacy might have some good effect, but the solution is simply to brace up to the task, not for Trump’s sake, but for the sake of our own people. The President must give clear KPIs to the security chiefs, with consequences for non-performance. Financial probity must be instilled in security funding, to track security funds from appropriation at the National Assembly to the discharge of every single bullet at the battle front. Security funds should not be cloaked under the guise of National Security, and sequestered from proper scrutiny. Intelligence and counterintelligence must be stepped up, and saboteurs must be adequately punished. The impact of foreign actors such as illegal miners, must be properly checked and foreign sympathisers such as China should be called to prove their good faith by lending a helping hand in this area.
The real shame and insult in all of this, is that it took a visitor to say it before our government seemed to get serious about this mayhem.
Marx Ikongbeh, Legal Practitioner, Abuja
christian Mass Burial
Re: EFCC: Beyond Asset Recovery
By Dele oyewale
The Punch Editorial of October 30, 2025 on the anti- corruption fight in Nigeria lacks objectivity and adequate understanding of the issues involved in the fight against graft in Nigeria. The open caricature of the asset recovery efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is particularly worrisome.
Across the world, asset recovery remains a potent weapon against fraudulent and corrupt practices. There is no better tool for disarming, disrupting and defeating illicit acquisitions than depriving the corrupt of their proceeds of crime.
The World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, are so enamoured of this framework that they continue to promote the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative, StAR, across the world. As far as the two global bodies are concerned, asset recovery builds strength against corruption, impunity and primitive acquisition of wealth.
Describing the efforts of a Commission that energetically recovered N566 billion and $411 million and 1,502 non-monetary assets and other sterling recoveries, within two years of its Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede’s appointment, as a “ narrative painted in triumphant strokes”, is uncharitable andWhatbelittling.
would Punch have preferred: allowing the corrupt to continue enjoying the spoils of their brigandage? What end is served in glossing over the developmental needs which the recovered assets are already meeting across the country, like the NELFUND and CREDIT CORP, because the “identities of the culprits, the scale of the net cast, and the unyielding pursuit of justice” is not yet in place? Would Punch had referred the Commission to Look the other way and allow 7,503 convicts continue to ply their fraudulent businesses until the “untouchable titans who siphon billions from public coffers” are convicted?
Commentaries on the scorecard of the EFCC are quite significant but they must be couched in objectivity, deep reflection, broad- based analyses and global referencing. There is no anti- corruption agency elsewhere in the world that made a record arrest
of 792 suspected fraudsters in one single operation. There is no other location on planet earth where 753 unit of duplexes and other apartments are uncovered and forfeited to the government. There is no record of another nation around the globe that deported 192 fraudsters arrested and convicted on the wings of the same offence. These milestones failed to impress The Punch, because ministers and governors are missing in the list of convicts!
Blaming the delay in the resolution of corruption cases, pardon of convicted Nigerians anchored on presidential prerogative of mercy and other extraneous matters on the EFCC, is blaming a priest for inadequate rainfall or the cloudy countenance of the sky. Taunting Mr. Olukoyode over the progress of the Yahaya Bello matter is petty and mischievous. There is no promise made by the Executive Chairman in that case that he has not fulfilled! He has fulfilled his vow to arrest and prosecute the former governor. The case is now before the court. What else does Punch expect Olukoyede to do, grab Bello and dump him in jail without recourse to the judicial process?
The hubris in the editorial appears disguised to deny the EFCC its flowers. The same newspaper that is riling the Commission for failure to jail all politically exposed persons had in its editorial of June 10, 2025, entitled, Corruption: Speedy trials needed, not rhetoric, chronicled the issues preventing the expeditious determination of corruption cases in court. The trigger for that editorial was the conviction of two oil marketers, Mamman Ali and Christian Taylor whose trial lasted 14 years, for N2.2billion oil subsidy fraud.
Punch conveniently ignores the fact that EFCC did not arrest Ali and Taylor from a Cybercafé! And, referencing Cybercafé as hideouts for internet fraudsters in a digital age, is a clear indication that the newspaper is out of tune with the shifting dynamics of cyber-criminality.
Admittedly, there are still grounds to cover in breaking the siege of corruption in Nigeria. However, the steady and consistent breakthroughs of the EFCC in weakening and withering the acidic layers of graft across the country, deserve a second look. Just a few days ago, the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, removed Nigeria from the
infamous grey list. This, certainly, did not come without the redoubtable efforts of the EFCC. Again, is Punch not aware of this? If other nations are commending Nigeria for its solid anti- corruption architecture, it is perplexing that a respectable medium like Punch will queue behind cynics who never see anything good in the efforts of the EFCC?
Detractors of the anti- corruption works are hell-bent on pulverising the commitment of the Commission in tackling internet fraud and associated infractions. However, it is the same genre of fraudsters that are attacking critical sectors of the nation’s economy especially the financial sector and worsening the global perception of Nigeria regarding corruptInternettendencies. fraud is regarded as the “ Nigerian scam” around the world. This ugly labelling is mostly responsible for Nigeria’s unimpressive ranking on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. The world feels the migraine of internet fraud like cancer, yet, the EFCC’s handling of the crime is seen as an overkill. What, then, should the Commission do in this circumstance?
In the last two years, through the passionate efforts of the Commission, the preventive framework of tackling corruption has taken a firm root. The nation has been saved a humongous amount of money through this modality. Olukoyede’s Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, FRAC, is an idea that is gaining flesh and breaking bones of graft. This new thinking is the route the world is taking to defang corruption. The Commission is focussed on this and will not be deterred in consummating it. An Editorial not sensitive to such new thinking may not be socially- beneficial. The Punch knows better than to charge the Commission to be “prosecuting the untouchables with swift, transparent fury” because its mandate does not allow it to do the work of the judiciary. It also does not allow it “institute safeguards against unjust pardons” because it is not within its powers to do so. In the final analysis, truth, like the proverbial water, will one day find its own level. Nigeria is surely better and stronger with the EFCC.
•Oyewale is Head, Media & Publicity of the EFCC.
Tinubu Gets Briefings on Regional Security, Infrastructure, Grassroots Engagement
Deji
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, received official security and development briefings on about four of the six geo-political zones in the country from his Community Engagement team.
This was as a senior presidential aide has disclosed that historical mistrust, landgrabbing, banditry, and illegal mining were the biggest drivers of violence across nation’s North Central region.
The Presidential Community Engagement Team was created to drive grassroots mobilisation and provide real-time feedback
to the presidency on policy implementation across the federation.
Yesterday’s briefing, therefore, formed part of routine consultations with the president.
Briefing newsmen after the closed-door engagement with President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, said the delegation presented a unified assessment of security pressures, infrastructure gaps, and public response to government policies across the geopolitical zones.
According to her, insecurity
in the North Central remained deeply rooted in unresolved historical tensions and resource conflicts.
“Our briefing focused heavily on insecurity, and we identified historical mistrust, land-grabbing, banditry, and illegal mining as major triggers of violence.
The President has promised to strengthen peace structures and ensure our communities are safe,” Essiet said.
She disclosed that community peace structures have been set up across 121 local government areas, including 32 in Niger, 21 in Kogi, and 23 in Benue, with deployment scheduled this week
in all 17 LGAs of Plateau State.
The structures, the presidential aide explained, wouldinvolve traditional rulers, farmers’ associations, Fulani groups, youth, and women.
Essiet also linked the worsening security situation to poor road networks, particularly along the Kogi-Kwara corridor, which bandits were exploiting.
She noted that the president had promised to liaise with relevant ministries to address the issue.
On her part, Special Assistant for the Southeast, Chioma Nweze, said the zone had “hit the ground running” with the
establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly to enhance community engagement and deepen understanding of government policies.
She said increased ministerial appointments and new road projects were restoring confidence that the federal government was present in the region.
“It’s been long since we saw federal presence in the Southeast. But now, we are seeing a lot of road construction courtesy of this administration,” Nweze said.
She also noted that the long-running Monday sit-at- home directive was gradually easing and that the President
had pledged support for skills development and agricultural programmes across the region’s 95 LGAs.
Abdullahi Tanko-Yakassai, who’s in charge of the North West said his briefing focused on reducing the region’s high number of out-of-school children. According to him, his office had enrolled many vulnerable children in primary schools and provided uniforms, books, and learning materials.
He noted improved agricultural output this season, though access to fertiliser remained a challenge, and said the President had promised intervention.
EFCCboss,OlaOlukoyede
Elumoye in Abuja
LCFE, PENCOM Forge Path for Pension Fund Investments in Gold-backed Securities
Kayode Tokede
The Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), and National Pension Commission (PenCom), have announced plans to explore strategies for expanding investment opportunities in goldbacked securities through Nigeria’s commodities exchanges.
This comes in the wake of the revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets, issued by PENCOM in September 2025, which now formally includes gold-backed instruments among approved pension fund investment options.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and CEO of LCFE, Akin Akeredolu-Ale, noted that the revision of Section 5.9 of the PENCOM Investment Regulation
has opened transformative pathways for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to invest in goldbacked ETFs and other regulated commodities instruments listed on recognised exchanges such as LCFE. “This progressive development aligns perfectly with our mission to unlock new investment opportunities that connect long-term funds to Nigeria’s real sector — while promoting transparency, value creation, and financial innovation,” Akeredolu-Ale stated. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Commission’s DirectorGeneral, Head of Investment Supervision Department at PENCOM, Abdulqadir Dahiru, praised the strategic collaboration between LCFE and PENCOM. He emphasised that the partnership reinforces
PENCOM’s commitment to driving innovation and plays a critical role in deepening Nigeria’s investment markets while creating new opportunities for pension fund growth.
Head of Legal at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), John Abutu, representing the Commission’s DirectorGeneral, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, highlighted SEC’s role as a proactive and innovative regulator. He noted that the Commission has established a dedicated committee to oversee derivative trading in the Nigerian capital market, develop regulatory frameworks, ensure market integrity, monitor risk management practices, and foster investor confidence to support the growth of Nigeria’s derivatives and commodities markets.
Firm Warns Investors Against Ponzi Scheme, Generates N30bn Revenue
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
A Securities and Exchange Commission-registered company, Norrenberger Asset Management Limited has advised residents of Rivers State not to invest in fraudulent, high interest paying financial plans popularly known as ponzi schemes
Speaking with Journalists at the company’s roundtable meeting in Port Harcourt, Norrenberger’s Regional Head, South East/South
South Region, Ekene Okechukwu revealed that the company generated a revenue of N30billion at the end of 2024.
He regretted that investors in the region had been scammed on several occasions by ponzi schemes, a development he said should make them engage in safe investment opportunities like the ones offered by his company. “This region has had some hard lessons to learn in terms of investment. We’ve had some bad investment
outfits that came up in the region, a lot of ponzi schemes. I would say that those experiences actually changed the mindset of people of this region in terms of safe investment,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Norrenberger Asset Management Limited, Pabina Yinkere, said the company had established a reputable track record as a safe, trusted and efficient financial asset manager in the Nigerian financial management ecosystem.
Bitget’s Stock Futures Volume Crosses $1bn Mark
Kayode Tokede
Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has said that trading in its US stock-linked futures has passed $300 million in cumulative volume on the platform, doubling in just two weeks globally. CEO of Bitget, Gracy Chen, stated that, “Crossing the $1 billion mark in such a short time shows how fast traders are embracing stock futures as part of a unified digital trading
experience, it’s a signal that the line between traditional markets and digital assets is disappearing, and our Universal Exchange model is where that convergence is happening first.
“What happened include: Bitget launched USDTmargined perpetual futures on 25 US stocks for example, Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and later added contracts like NFLXUSDT, JDUSDT and QQQUSDT. The product targets traders who want stocks exposure
but prefer a 24/7 crypto interface.”
“The exchange frames the growth as part of a broader “Universal Exchange (UEX)” model that hosts crypto, tokenized/stock-linked products, and on-chain markets in one place. This is necessary because many traders, including those in the African region, have already moved from local fiat to USDT using marketplace sellers on P2P - bank transfer or popular wallets, where supported.”
Otu Hails Return of Tinapa, Says It Marks Economic Rebirth
Bassey Inyang in Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described the formal return of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort to the state government as “a battle fought and won for all Cross Riverians,” marking what he called a new dawn for the state’s economy.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Calabar at the weekend, Otu said
the recovery of Tinapa symbolized not just the reclaiming of a major asset but the revival of a vision that once placed Cross River on the global economic map.
“The return of Tinapa is not merely an event; it is a rebirth, the triumph of faith, patience and resilience,” Oth said.
Recalling its conception under former Governor Donald Duke, Otu said Tinapa once showcased the state’s capacity for
bold, investment-driven development.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of AMCON, Mr. Shola Lamide, said the corporation acquired the Tinapa asset in 2011 but struggled to attract private investors to revive the project. He expressed satisfaction that the facility has now been fully handed back to Cross River State, describing the resolution as “a win for both AMCON and the people of Cross River.”
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea),
(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Deputy Counsul General United Arab Emirate (UAE), Saleh Almuharrami; Chief Financial Officer, East African Exchange, Rwanda, Innocent Niyonshuti; Head, Legal, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), John Abutu; Managing Director and CEO, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), Akin Akeredolu-Ale; Head, Investment Supervision Department, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Abdulqadir Dahiru; Counsellor and Deputy Head, of Mission, Embassy of Italy,Iacopo Foti and Chief Executive Officer, East African Exchange, Rwanda, Clement Kayitakire during breakfast meeting in Lagos…recently
Neimeth Grows Operating Profit by 120% to N1.66bn
Kayode Tokede
A sales and marketing expansion drive combined with astute cost containment strategy has earned for Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc. a surge in revenue and profitability for the nine months ended September 2025. The interim financial results
of the Company released by the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) show that Neimeth recorded a 120 per cent growth in operating profit to N1.66 billion from N753 million . Revenue grew to N5.01 billion from N3.09 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, a 62 per cent jump. Increased sales revenue also led to a 71per cent increase in gross profit, which stood at N2.49 billion.
The growth in operating profit before finance costs is even more remarkable, reaching N1.66 billion.
Despite the phenomenal growth in sales revenue, the Company was able to manage costs. Marketing and distribution expenses grew only by 6 per cent from N412.7 million to N437.4 million. The Company also reined in administrative costs which grew only by 67 per cent despite high
inflationary trend and high cost of foreign exchange during the business period.
However, a 198 per cent rise in finance costs from N442.7 million to N1.3 billion negatively affected the bottom line. Despite this high financing impediments, net profit for the period grew by 9 per cent to N339.8 million compared to N310.4 million in prior year.
The Company’s balance sheet
indicates continued growth. During the review period, total assets of Neimeth grew to N13.35 billion, an increase from N11.99 billion at the end of December 2024. Total liabilities also increased to N11.35 billion from N10.34 billion.
Consequently Net Assets improved by 21 per cent to N1.99 billion, up from N1.65 billion at the start of the period, reflecting the profit generated during the
year. Financial analysts insist that the Company’s cash flow activities reflect its operational expansion and financing structure. For the nine-month period, Neimeth generated strong positive cash flow from its core operations, amounting to N1.5 billion. A significant cash outflow of N1.42 billion was recorded for financing activities, predominantly for the payment of finance costs.
FEaturEs
How Nigeria’s FX Reforms and Strong Eurobond Demand are Boosting Investor Confidence
Nigeria successfully raised $2.25 billion in a dual-tranche Eurobond issuance last week, marking a major return to international capital markets. The 10-year and 20-year bonds were oversubscribed and priced at 8.625 per cent and 9.125 per cent, respectively, tighter than initial guidance. The oversubscription reflects robust investor confidence in Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary reforms and an improving risk sentiment toward frontier markets. Analysts say rising appetite for Nigerian debt has been buoyed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s FX reforms, greater fiscal transparency, and renewed market confidence. Precious Ugwuzor writes
Investors across the globe are swooping on Nigerian assets as the impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reforms in the financial sector spreads to key sectors of the economy.
Nigeria is finally getting a favourable nod from investors, as seen in the successful issuance of $2.25 billion in a dual-tranche Eurobond last week.
The Eurobonds maturing in 2036 and 2046, marks the largest-ever order-book achieved by the country and underscoring strong investor confidence in its macroeconomic policies and fiscal management.
The 10-year, $1.25 billion bond, maturing in 2036, was priced at a coupon of 8.6308 percent, while the 20-year, $1.10 billion note due in 2046, carried a coupon of 9.1297 percent.
The transaction, concluded last week, attracted orders exceeding $13 billion, reflecting broadbased demand from investors across multiple jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said in a statement.
Nigerian investors also participated in the Eurobond offer, signaling domestic endorsement of the government’s reform agenda.
Before the issuance, Nigeria’s investment image gad soared, prompting positive feedback from global analysts.
“Nigeria appears to be back in business as long-awaited economic reforms take shape,” said Emre Akcakmak, portfolio manager at East Capital. Key measures include improved currency liquidity, leeway for investors to repatriate their profit, and the stable naira. “We feel the Central Bank of Nigeria will continue to stem any sharp appreciation of the naira to limit profit taking from the fast money community,” Akcakmak said earlier.
“Portfolio inflows have likely been supported by improved confidence amid key structural reforms, better FX market functioning and moderating dollar-naira volatility, as well as the still-robust nominal yield buffer,” said Samir Gadio, head of Africa strategy at Standard Chartered Plc told Bloomberg. “Besides, Nigeria’s local market is seen as less correlated with global risk conditions than more liquid EM peers,” he added.
How the economic reforms started
The CBN had embarked on a series of bold reforms to attract more foreign capital to the economy, achieve price and exchange rate stability.
In 2023, the new administration and the CBN-led by its Governor, Olayemi Cardoso liberalised the foreign exchange market, stopped central bank financing of the fiscal deficit, and reformed fuel subsidies. The government also strengthened revenue collection and took strategic steps to reduce surging inflation rate.
Since these reforms were implemented, international reserves have increased, and people can now access foreign exchange in the official market.
Besides, Nigeria successfully returned to international capital markets last December and was recently upgraded by rating agencies. A new domestic, private refinery is positioning Nigeria up the value chain in a fully deregulated market.
CBN’s policies, including the currency reforms, led to investment inflows from abroad, and reduced interventions in the domestic forex market.
The unification of exchange rates and the clearing of over $7 billion FX backlog raised the country’s investment outlook, with multilateral organizations, like the World Bank describing it as bold intervention to improve the economy’s sustainability in the long run.
Also, Nigeria’s sovereign risk spread has fallen to the lowest level since January 2020, erasing the premium accumulated during the pandemic and subsequent strain on its economy. All these are deliberate efforts to woo investors and sustain capital inflows to the economy.
In its efforts to tame inflation, the CBN recently hosted the Monetary Policy Forum 2025, featuring fiscal authorities, legislative, private sector, development partners, subject-matter experts, and scholars with the theme: “Managing the Disinflation Process.” The forum is a major push to improve monetary policy communication, foster dialogue, and collaborate on critical issues shaping monetary policy.
During the event, Cardoso explained that the apex bank’s focus is to sustain price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship. He said the apex bank is continuing its disciplined approach to monetary policy, aimed at curbing inflation and stabilising the economy. Cardoso reiterated that the goal of the CBN is to ensure that monetary
policy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and resilient.
In addressing our economic challenges, collaboration is key: “Managing disinflation amidst persistent shocks requires not only robust policies but also coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities to anchor expectations and maintain investor confidence. Our focus must remain on price stability, the planned transition to an inflation-targeting framework, and strategies to restore purchasing power and ease economic hardship,” Cardoso said.
The CBN also focused on strengthening the banking sector, introducing new minimum capital requirements for banks (effective March 2026) to ensure resilience and position Nigeria’s banking industry for a $1 trillion economy. These reforms and developments reflect the Bank’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic development.
However, achieving macroeconomic stability requires sustained vigilance and a proactive monetary policy stance. “As we shift from unorthodox to orthodox monetary policy, the CBN remains committed to restoring confidence, strengthening policy credibility, and staying focused on its core mandate of price stability,” Cardoso stated.
Continuing, he said monetary policy easing became necessary following a review of macroeconomic developments.
According to him, the decision by the MPC to ease the policy stance was made in the light of improving inflation trends. “The committee’s decision to lower the
monetary policy rate was predicated on the sustained disinflation recorded in the past five months, projections of declining inflation for the rest of 2025 and the need to support economic recovery efforts,” Cardoso said.
Post Eurobond issuance market reactions
The naira last week appreciated as Nigeria’s external reserves are seen climbing to a seven-year high of $46.07 billion, following the successful issuance of Eurobonds.
The last time Nigeria economy recorded a comparable reserve level was on August 24, 2018, when it stood at $46.09 billion.
CBN data showed that the naira closed at N1,436.74, gaining N1.75 or 0.12 per cent compared to N1,438.49 quoted at the NFEM.
In emailed note to investors, Head, Investment Research Comercio Partners Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba, explained that investor appetite for Nigerian debt has been buoyed by ongoing economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation, which, though economically painful, have improved fiscal transparency and market confidence.
“With emerging market governments issuing nearly $240 billion in debt so far this year, surpassing even pandemic-era levels, Nigeria’s return underscores both the renewed investor hunt for yield and a sign that African frontier economies may once again diversify funding sources amid more favorable global conditions,” he said.
Other analysts at Comercio Partners described the Eurobond issuance as a strong reaffirmation of investor confidence despite a tense global geopolitical backdrop. They noted that while the inflows will bolster reserves, provide fiscal breathing room, and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to meet short-term obligations, the move also increases exposure to foreign exchange risk and heightens interest burdens in hard currency.
They added that with the Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to unify the FX market and clear outstanding backlogs, actions that have temporarily restored investor confidence, maintaining currency stability will remain critical to sustaining these gains.
Adebowale Funmi, head of Research at Parthian Securities, said Nigeria’s Eurobond oversubscription by over 400 percent reflects strong investor confidence in the country’s economic outlook. This renewed optimism is largely driven by ongoing reforms and Nigeria’s recent removal from the FATF grey list, both of which have improved the country’s credibility and perception in global markets.
Understanding the Eurobond Issuance Nigeria’s latest $2.35 billion Eurobond issuance, which includes 10-year and 20-year tranches, marked the largest order-book in the country’s history, highlighting renewed investor confidence in its macroeconomic and fiscal reforms.
The Debt Management Office (DMO) said the transaction said the debt issuance attracted orders exceeding $13 billion from investors across the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Cardoso
Why Gender-Lens Investing is Nigeria’s Shortcut to Faster, Fairer Growth
etemore Glover
Nigeria stands at a historic moment where inclusion could become the nation’s greatest growth engine. Women constitute nearly half of Nigeria’s population, yet their economic contributions remain undervalued and undercapitalised.
Across boardrooms, farmlands, and markets, women are building and leading enterprises at unprecedented rates. About 39% of Nigerian businesses are womenowned, one of the highest rates in Africa, but structural barriers still limit their access to capital, technology, and scale.
At the same time, more than 35 million Nigerians live with disabilities, representing an untapped demographic whose exclusion costs the nation not just in lost productivity, but in innovation and human potential. Together, these two groups form the backbone of a hidden economy that is resilient, entrepreneurial, and creative, yet remains on the periphery of mainstream investment.
The solution is neither charity nor tokenism; it is Gender-Lens Investing (GLI)—a deliberate strategy that channels finance toward women, youth and disability-inclusive enterprises while generating competitive financial returns. Around the world, this approach has proven to be both smart economics and social justice in motion.
For Nigeria, it could be the single most transformative lever for inclusive prosperity. That conviction was the driving force behind the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Roadmap 2025–2035, launched by the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) at the third Gender Impact Investment Summit in Lagos.
The roadmap lays out a bold 10-year plan to mobilise $8 billion in inclusive capital, develop 40 inclusive financial products, and ensure that investment decisions reflect the full diversity of Nigeria’s population. It signals the start of a decade where equity is not a slogan, but a measurable investment priority.
Demographically, women are 50 percent of Nigeria’s population and form an enormous potential market and talent pool. Yet formal economic structures still under-serve or exclude them.
Recent data show that nearly two out of five businesses in Nigeria are women-owned, a rate higher than many sub-Saharan African countries, yet access to institutional capital remains painfully low. Female entrepreneurs are more likely to depend on personal savings, informal loans, or high-interest microfinance rather than equity or venture funding. Meanwhile,
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) — 35.1 million Nigerians, according to NCPWD/ WHO—are frequently excluded from financial product design, workplace inclusion, and investment strategies. This exclusion strips the economy of talent, creativity, and consumer demand.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), roughly 18–25% of the total population in Nigeria is youth aged 15 to 24 years. This demographic faces significant financial and investment challenges—a combination of high unemployment, low access to formal credit, and financial exclusion relative to older populations.
Gender-Lens Investing (GLI) intentionally channels capital to businesses and products that advance women’s economic participation, leadership, and resilience, measuring success both financially and socially. For Nigeria, there are several interconnected reasons that make GLI a national imperative.
Research has shown that enterprises led by women often deliver comparable or higher returns with lower volatility, yet they remain underfunded. Directing capital to these firms diversifies portfolios and enhances stability, thus ensuring higher returns and lower risk.
According to the Nigerian Government, closing gender gaps in Nigeria could significantly boost the economy, with potential gains of ₦15 trillion annually by 2025 and up to $229 billion in GDP by the same year. This will ensure macro growth gains and yield a significant boost in productivity, fiscal revenue, and household welfare.
Even with the Nigerian Government's focus on narrowing gender disparities, the full potential for economic growth and a measurable boost to GDP remains unrealised.
Furthermore, because women, youth,
and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are key players as both producers and consumers, designing inclusive financial products will expand market reach, drive innovation, and create new revenue streams across various business industries, promoting a more inclusive market expansion.
Finally, the social multiplier effects resulting from investments that empower women and PwDs cannot be overestimated, as these effects will ripple through Nigerian societies, improving child education, family health, and the local enterprise ecosystems.
Stakeholders in Nigeria will need to take deliberate steps to intentionally close the gender and inclusion financing gaps. This singular act will catalyse a faster formalisation of female-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); ensure stronger productivity in sectors where women dominate—retail, agriculture, and trade; and create a more diversified job market that better absorbs youth entrants.
Even small increases in women’s labour-force participation and government representation could deliver outsized gains for national growth and social stability. To unlock
Demographically, women are 50 percent of Nigeria’s population and form an enormous potential market and talent pool. Yet formal economic structures still under-serve or exclude them…Gender-Lens Investing (GLI) intentionally channels capital to businesses and products that advance women’s economic participation, leadership, and resilience, measuring success both financially and socially
this potential, investors and policymakers must expand gender-smart funds, create first-loss guarantees for women-led pipelines, establish credit assurance schemes for PwDs, and develop financial products tailored to the informal economy and caregiving realities.
Nigeria already has frameworks to advance inclusion, such as the Revised National Gender Policy (2021–2026) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, which provide the institutional basis for mainstreaming gender and social inclusion across government.
However, implementation gaps persist: weak enforcement, inconsistent genderresponsive budgeting, and limited support for women-led firms often blunt their impact. To convert policy into progress, the government must strengthen accountability, enforce procurement quotas for women and PwD-owned businesses, and incentivise private-sector participation through tax and credit reforms.
For investors and policymakers seeking a scalable benchmark model, the Nigeria Inclusive Capital Commitment 2035 Campaign, which drives stakeholders toward actionable targets through the GESI Roadmap, reveals profound implications for the country.
It positions Nigeria as a model for gender-lens and inclusive investing, with its ten-year roadmap (2025–2035) serving as a powerful proof-of-concept for unlocking immense untapped economic potential continent-wide.
The GESI Roadmap, developed in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), is a deliberate framework for intentionally dismantling financial barriers and establishing Nigeria as a regional leader of inclusive finance.
The Roadmap presents a clear, actionable plan centered on several ambitious yet achievable targets designed to democratise capital through stakeholder engagements and foster an inclusive investment environment.
The financial goals are to mobilise a cumulative $8.0 billion in gender-inclusive capital and secure $1.5 billion from domestic capital pools, ensuring the transformation is locally owned and sustainable.
To operationalise these funds, the roadmap aims for the launch of 40 inclusive financial products specifically tailored for women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
The commitment to inclusion is embedded at the highest levels of investment decisionmaking by targeting 90 per cent integration of General Partners with GESI principles, while the enactment of 20 new policy and regulatory instruments will solidify the necessary enabling environment for success.
Gender-lens investing is not philanthropy disguised as finance; it is smart economics. For Nigeria, the prize is clear: a more productive economy, deeper financial markets, and a fairer society. The GESI Roadmap gives the country a measurable path forward. What remains is the resolve to align capital, policy, and technical support so that half of Nigeria’s population, its 35 million citizens living with disabilities and youths are fully included in the next chapter of growth. The returns will not only be financial but profoundly social, redefining prosperity for a new generation.
•Glover is the Chief Executive Officer, Impact Investors Foundation
ProPerty & environment
COP30 Must Deliver Clear Outcomes on Climate Finance, Renewables, Others as Agreed, Says Stiell
Bennett Oghifo
As world leaders gather in Belem, Brazil for COP30, they have been urged to refrain from bickering and focus on how to collaborate to set in motion the agreements reached on climate finance, renewable technologies, among others.
The UN Climate Change Conference #COP30 in Belém, Brazil is about accelerating climate action, according to the UNFCCC secretariat (UN Climate Change), the United Nations entity tasked with supporting the global response to the threat of climate change. “Real progress is being made, but we need to move faster. COP30 will send a clear signal that the world is fully committed to climate multilateralism—because it works.”
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near universal membership (198 Parties) and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The main aim of the Paris Agreement is to keep the global average temperature rise this century as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The UNFCCC is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The ultimate objective of all three agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.
“Paris Agreement is working to deliver real progress, but we must strive valiantly for more,” said the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, Mr. Simon Stiell in his speech at the opening ceremony of COP 30 in Belem, Brazil, on Monday.
Stiell said, “10 years ago in Paris, we were designing the future – a future that would clearly see the curve of emissions bend downwards.
Colleagues -Welcome to that future.”
He said, “The emissions curve has been bent downwards. Because of what was agreed in halls like this, with governments legislating, and markets responding.
“But I am not sugar-coating it. We have so much more work to do. We must move much, much, faster on both reductions of emissions and strengthening resilience.
“The science is clear: we can and must bring temperatures back down to 1.5C after any temporary overshoot.
“Lamenting is not a strategy. We need solutions.
We find ourselves here in Belém, at the mouth of the Amazon. And we can learn a lot from this mighty river.
The Amazon isn’t a single entity, rather a vast river system supported and powered by over a thousand tributaries.
To accelerate implementation, the COP process must be supported in the same way - powered by the many streams of international cooperation.
Because individual national commitments alone are not cutting emissions fast enough.
We don’t need to wait for late NDCs to slowly trickle in, to spot the gap and design the innovations necessary to tackle it.
“Not one single nation among you can afford this, as climate disasters rip doubledigits off GDP.
To falter whilst megadroughts wreck national harvests, sending food prices soaring, makes zero sense, economically or politically.
“To squabble while famines take hold, forcing millions to flee their homelands, this will never be forgotten, as conflicts spread.
“While climate disasters decimate the lives of millions, when we already have the solutions, this will never, ever be forgiven.
The economics of this transition are as indisputable as the costs of inaction.
“Solar and wind are now the lowest-cost power in 90 percent of the world.
“Renewables overtook coal this year as the world’s top energy source.
Investment in clean energy and infrastructure will hit another record high this year – with investments in renewables outstripping fossil fuels 2 to 1.
So what needs to be decided here in Belém to match the opportunities, with the scale of the crisis we face?
Because we have already agreed that we will transition away from fossil fuels. Now’s the time to focus on how we do it fairly and orderly. Focusing on which deals to
strike, to accelerate the tripling of renewables and doubling energy efficiency.
We have already agreed to deliver at least US$300 billion in climate finance, with developed countries taking the lead. We now need to put the Baku to Belém Roadmap to work. To start moving towards the US$1.3 trillion.
“We have already agreed a global goal on adaptation. We now need to agree on the indicators that will help speed up implementation, to unleash its potential.
“We have already agreed that transition pathways must be inclusive and just - covering whole economies and societies. Now we must agree on concrete steps to turn aspirations into actions.
We have already agreed on a Technology Implementation Programme. Now let’s set it in motion.
Strong and clear outcomes on all of these issues are essential. This is how we signal to the world that climate cooperation is delivering results.
In Belém, we’ve got to marry the world of negotiations to the actions needed in the real economy.
“The Action Agenda is not a ‘nice-to-have’ - it is missioncritical. More than that, it is entirely in every nation’s enlightened self-interest to do so.
Every gigawatt of clean power cuts pollution and creates more jobs.
Every action to build resilience helps save lives, strengthen communities, and protect the global supply chains that every economy depends on.
“This is the growth story of the 21st century – the economic transformation of our age. Those opting out or taking baby-steps face stagnation and higher prices, while other economies surge ahead.
“To paraphrase President Roosevelt over a century ago. It is not the critic who counts or the one who points out where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena with their faces marred by dust and sweat and blood who strive valiantly.
“But friends let me be clear: in this arena of COP30, your job here is not to fight one
another – your job here is to fight this climate crisis, together.
Paris is working to deliver real progress. Let’s not forget that.
But friends – we must strive valiantly for more.”
At a pre-COP30 media virtual briefing by the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), last week, Avantika Goswami from the Climate Change Programme at CSE, said, “Over recent years, the UNFCCC process itself has come under increasing pressure. Several factors are at play — including a growing lack of trust in the process, slow progress on previously made climate pledges, and a variety of unresolved disagreements. The UN system itself is facing budgetary strain, and the UNFCCC is not immune to that. Questions around resources — vital for sustaining the scale of discussions and actions — remain a major concern.
“Another backdrop for COP 30 is the disappointing and weak outcomes of previous negotiations, particularly in areas such as finance, which is expected to dominate discussions once again.”
This year has also marked a new round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — climate pledges that demonstrate countries’ commitment to multilateralism. Some major countries have submitted new pledges, reflecting both ambition and division, Goswami said.
“Beyond the UNFCCC, the global environment remains tense. For example, during recent meetings of the International Maritime Organization, the U.S. reportedly issued threats against countries supporting a carbon tax on shipping — setting a troubling precedent where climate ambition could be penalized for political or economic reasons.
“Developed countries, facing threats to their supply chains and industries, are turning increasingly inward. The evolving role of China, the turbulence in global trade regimes, and unilateral measures such as carbon border adjustment taxes (CBAMs) all directly impact climate negotiations. These mechanisms risk transferring the costs of decarbonization onto developing countries
and hindering their ability to transition to cleaner economies.
“Meanwhile, climate finance remains a sticking point. We’ve seen a decline in overseas development assistance and a retreat from climate leadership by several developed nations. However, the developing world is now asserting its green agency more strongly, marking a noticeable shift in global climate politics.” A member of the climate change team, Trishant Dev, said, “According to our analysis, the total cost of implementing the current round of NDCs globally could reach $1.2 trillion by 2035.
A significant share of these commitments — anywhere between 28% and 100% of some countries’ mitigation targets — are conditional on international finance. “This dependency is particularly high among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). One emerging area of focus is renewable energy. “Among 28 developing countries we analyzed, most provided quantified renewable energy targets, while only two developed countries — Australia and Singapore — did the same. Three others (the U.S., U.K., and Canada) mentioned clean energy targets but without specifying renewable energy shares.
“Interestingly, Global South countries often emphasize energy security and sovereignty in their NDCs, recognizing that renewables can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Out of the 65 NDCs we studied, 30 include clear renewable energy goals, ranging from 25% to 100% of total electricity generation by 2035.
“On adaptation finance, around 20 developing countries have provided specific figures, totaling $533 billion by 2035, with about $41.5 billion of that being conditional on international support. Not all NDCs give full breakdowns, so this figure is likely an underestimate.
“We’re also seeing more countries quantify loss and damage costs — either as absolute figures or as percentages of GDP. For example, Bangladesh estimates annual losses of 1–2% of GDP, while Ethiopia projects up to 3% GDP loss annually by 2035.
NIStructE: Engage Professionals in Specific Roles in Building to Avoid Collapse
Bennett Oghifo
The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NIStructE), an arm of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has said that the condemnable frequent collapse of buildings in the country will reduce significantly if only qualified professionals are engaged to perform specific roles. For instance, the design and supervision of the construction of multi-floor buildings should be left to Structural Engineers, said the President of NIStructE, Johnson Adeyoye, at their 2025
Conference and 38th annual general meeting, which was held in Lagos recently. The theme was “Strengthening and Advancing Structural Engineering Practice in Nigeria”.
According to Adeyoye, “Only COREN-registered and NIStructE-certified structural engineers should design and supervise the construction of multi-storey buildings and other major structures in Nigeria.”
He called for stricter enforcement of professional standards and alignment with global best practices.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said safety and sustainability in construction can only come through “continuous improvement in design standards, materials, and project oversight.”
The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said, “Effective enforcement must be paired with professional accountability and public awareness. As we strive to elevate structural engineering practices in Nigeria, we must move beyond compliance and
embrace innovation.”
He said the state government is strengthening partnerships with professional bodies to uphold building standards and prioritise continuous professional development.
The governor said, “Integrity demands that every calculation, every choice of material, and every approval bear the weight of professional conscience. In structural engineering, where human lives and national assets depend on the soundness of your designs, there can be no room for compromise.”
A former president of NIStructE, Peter Igbinijesu, said there should be intentional oversight by regulatory bodies “to check misconduct and ensure compliance”, adding that increased funding for research, promotion of indigenous materials, and reduction of substandard inputs in the supply chain will reduce collapse of buildings.
Chairman of the NIStructE 2024 National Conference Planning Committee, Aileme Unuigbe, delivered a paper, ‘Retooling with Mandatory Continuing Professional De-
velopment for Effective Professional Practice of Structural Engineering,’ where he stated that weak enforcement of the Structural Engineering Practice Act and limited involvement of engineers beyond permit documentation had led to lapses in safety supervision.
Unuigbe condemned the misuse of structural design software by inexperienced practitioners, urging that local structural engineering companies should work alongside foreign contractors in major capital projects for capacity development.
Stiell
BUSINESS WORLD
With N1.51tn Collection in 8 Months, Discos’ Revenue Set to Exceed Record N2tn by Year-end
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria have posted a record revenue of over N1.51 trillion in the first eight months of 2025, and are underway to significantly exceed the N2 trillion mark by the end of this year.
A THISDAY analysis of data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), showed that the amount is over N460 billion increase compared to between January and August 2024.
A breakdown of the total revenue for the first eight months of 2025, showed that the Discos posted N178.68 billion in January; N191.75 billion in February; N188.89 billion in March; N199.85 billion in April; N191.57 billion in May and N182.11 billion in June. Besides, in July, total revenue collected was N193.96 billion, while August collection was N191.11 billion
This means that the power distribution companies collectively raked in a total of about N1.517 trillion in the first eight months of this year,
compared to N1.053 trillion in the eighth months to August 2024, representing a N464 billion increase over the same period last year.
The turnaround marks the strongest nominal financial performance for the distribution segment of the electricity value chain since Nigeria began the power sector reforms over 12 years ago, specifically in 2013 when the sector was privatised.
Although the Discos maintain that the collection is still not enough to end the illiquidity in the sector,
however, it is a significant improvement on past revenue collection performances by the power utilities.
In the past, the Discos struggled with weak collections, mounting debts to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Generation Companies (Gencos), as well as chronic customer dissatisfaction over poor supply. But the latest figures suggest that recent policy shifts are beginning to translate into stronger financial flows across the electricity value chain.
A major reason for the improvement in revenue has been the upward adjustment in electricity tariffs, especially for Band ‘A’ customers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of power supply daily. The increase was approved in April 2024, a key factor underpinning the revenue surge.
Before the adjustment, many Discos lamented that they were forced to sell electricity below the cost of procurement from the bulk trader, deepening liquidity shortfalls. NERC
has argued that new tariffs, though a difficult decision, were necessary to sustain investment, attract financing, and guarantee more reliable supply.
The total revenue in the period is higher than the N1.053 trillion generated in the first eight months of 2024 by the distribution companies. Broken down, it showed that in 2024, N95 billion was generated in January out of N130.92 billion billed for the month.
Power Supply: FG Gets €21m Energy Fund, Signs Deal with Germany
The federal government has secured an agreement with Germany to fundamentally strengthen the technical foundations of its energy transition, especially with the receipt of €21 million to support the programme in Nigeria.
The deal was contained in the new ‘Joint Declaration of Intent on Bilateral Energy Transition Dialogue and Cooperation’, endorsed at the
Working Group on Power, Energy and Climate held in Germany, a statement by Bolaji Tunji, the spokesman to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said.
“This Joint Declaration is a game-changer for our national energy architecture. It moves our partnership with Germany beyond dialogue into the realm of concrete technical assistance, ensuring Nigeria receives the specialised expertise needed to build a robust, sustainable, and secure energy future for our people,”
stated the minister of power, who represented Nigeria at the event.
The enhanced technical cooperation complements the long-standing NigerianGerman Energy Partnership (NGEP) and was reached during the meeting where both countries reiterated their commitment to renewable energy and socio-economic development, while also continuing and intensifying their close cooperation to advance energy.
Issues bordering on energy
security, renewable energy as well as energy efficiency for socio-economic development, in line with technology innovation and long-term decarbonisation targets, were also discussed.
“The partnership is already delivering tangible benefits, with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) providing an additional €9 million in 2024 to the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) and a further €12 million for the
newly launched Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF).
“The financial mechanisms, including the Green Line of Credit for our SMEs and the mobilisation of private investment through GET.invest are critical enablers. When combined with the technical expertise now formalised in our joint declaration, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem for energy success,” the minister added.
The working group also underscored the vital role
of strategic partnerships between Nigerian and German companies and highlighted the importance of the private sector for the energy relations between both countries. Besides, the two countries noted the continued progress on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), while looking forward to further progress in the realisation of this initiative, even as Germany reiterated its desire for NGEP meetings to be held annually at the level of undersecretaries in the future, beginning from 2026.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
L-R: Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Ishigame Keiji; Managing Director/Trade Commissioner, Japan External Trade Organisation, Takashi Oku; Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki and Managing Director, Honda Honda Manufacturing Ghana Limited, Daisuke Mita during the opening ceremony of Japan Pavilion, at the Lagos International Trade Fair, in Lagos…recently
Kuku: Removal from Grey List’ll Make Nigeria Attractive Investment Destination
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will now attract more
foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with the removal of the country from the Financial ActionTask Force (FATF) Grey List.
Kuku, therefore, encourages potential investors to view Nigeria as a prime and
viable investment destination, assuring them of a secure and rewarding environment with the potential for substantial returns, while reiterating
FAAN’s unwavering commitment to transparency and its role as a key champion in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption and
financial malpractices.
She congratulated the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for the removal of the country
from the FATF Grey List, saying that investor now have renewed confidence in doing business in Nigeria and with Nigerians.
UBA Forum: Digital Entrepreneurs Highlight Authenticity, Consistency as
Oriarehu Bonny
building impactful online communities.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has reaffirmed its leadership in advancing Africa’s Islamic finance ecosystem through the strategic expansion of its Non-Interest Finance Board.
The Exchange stated this at the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance (AICIF), held in Lagos.
Speaking at the conference, Group chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group, Alhaji
Umaru Kwairanga said NGX’s Non-Interest Finance Board has become a central platform for expanding access to Sharia-compliant financial instruments and attracting investors seeking transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability.
“Through the Non-Interest Finance Board, NGX is building a dedicated platform for Sukuk, Islamic collective investment schemes, and non-interest exchange-traded funds,” Dr. Kwairanga stated.
NGX Reiterates Leadership in Advancing Africa’s Islamic Finance Nigeria, Denmark Pledge to Deepen Maritime Ties
The government of Denmark has pledged its continued support for Nigeria’s maritime sector development while seeking to explore new areas of economic partnerships. This was disclosed by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jens Ole Bach Jansen, during his recent visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) head office in Lagos.
Jansen emphasised the longstanding ties between both countries which spans decades and has seen the Danish government and
Danish private companies invest in the Nigerian maritime industry.
He further expressed optimism that his country is willing to explore new areas of collaboration with Nigeria especially in training of seafarers and maritime security support amongst others.
Welcoming the delegation to NIMASA, the Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed appreciation for the continued engagement with Nigeria, particularly in the area of maritime.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, hosted another enlightening edition of the UBA Business Series, bringing together some of Africa’s most dynamic digital entrepreneurs and influencers to discuss the secrets behind
This edition of the Business Series, which had the theme, “Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing,” was held in Lagos.
UBA’s Group Head, Digital Banking, Kayode Olubiyi, who welcomed participants and the panellists to the session, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across Africa through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives
such as the Business Series. He emphasised that the quarterly event continues to serve as vital avenues for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping individuals with practical insights to grow their brands and businesses in a competitive digital economy.
Chinedu Eze
Nigeria’s biggest carrier, Air Peace, has recorded a major milestone with the arrival of a dry-leased Boeing 737-700 NG from AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, marking Nigeria’s first dry lease in nearly a decade and reinforcing global confidence in the nation’s aviation sector.
The arrival ceremony drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, financial partners, and aviation stakeholders.
Boeing’s Sales Director for Africa, Mr. Moore Ibekwe Jr, commended Air Peace for the successful acquisition, describing it as “a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a testament to Air Peace’s operational excellence and commitment to growth.”
AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing, Mr. Gad Wavomba, expressed pride in the partnership, applauding Air Peace’s persistence throughout the lease process.
Stakeholders Seek Digital Transformation in Community Management
Sunday Ehigiator
Stakeholders in Africa’s real estate and property management sector have called for stronger collaboration and investment in technology-driven systems to enhance community living and management across the continent.
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) has flagged off the Federal Government’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (FGN-TVET) Skills Training and National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Certification Program.
The call was made during the maiden edition of the Real Estate Management in Africa Conference (REMA) 2025, held in Lagos with the theme, ‘Structures Beyond Buildings.’
The flagg off ceremony, held at the Institute’s main auditorium and presided over by the Principal and Chief Executive, Dr. Samuel Onoji, attracted top management team from the Institute, including, industry leaders and learners.
Onoji said the event
Speaking at the event, the Convener and Chief Executive Officer of Venco Africa, Chude Osiegbu, urged players in the real estate sector to look beyond physical construction and focus on the operational structures that sustain efficient communities in an increasingly digital age.
marks a significant stride towards improving the country’s technical education framework.
He emphasised the importance of practical skills in today’s job market adding”We are at a pivotal moment where technical skills are the lifeblood of the oil and gas sector, and
“Typically, when you have real estate events, the focus is on developers and construction. We felt that those operating and managing communities are not getting their fair hearing.
our commitment at PTI is to ensure that our graduates are industry-ready”.
The PTI boss noted that the FGN-TVET program was set to benefit thousands of young Nigerians through a structured framework designed to impart essential skills in various vocational disciplines.
Chinedu Eze
Kayode Tokede
InfraCredit’s Guarantee Mobilises Local Currency Debt for CEESOLAR’s Energy Project
InfraCredit, has announced its credit enhancement of CEESOLAR Energy Limited’s local currency debt issue under a co-financing arrangement with the Climate Finance Blending Facility (CFBF).
This, it said in a statement, marks the fifth transaction under the Facility, which was seeded with £10 million concessional capital from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and later strengthened by a $10 million investment by BII alongside a $20 counterguarantee facility.
“The transaction will
finance the construction and commissioning of four isolated solar hybrid mini-grids with a combined capacity of 760 kWp in underserved communities across Cross River State. Once operational, the project will electrify approximately 3,600 households and small businesses, create nearly 561 jobs, and avoid over 737 tonnes of CO: emissions annually, advancing Nigeria’s universal electrification goals and contributing directly to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy),” the statement reads in part. UK Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter,
FG Decries RoadVandalism Nationwide, Seeks Protection of National Assets
Emmanuel
Addeh in Abuja
The federal government has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects across the country, warning that such ‘irresponsible’ acts threaten the lifespan and safety of critical national infrastructure.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, issued the warning at the weekend during an inspection of the outstanding sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway project, where he condemned the destructive activities of some hoodlums along the completed and active sections of the road.
The minister, in particular, decried instances of individuals removing safety railings, damaging concrete pavements, or converting portions of the highway into refuse dumps, especially around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State, a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed,
said in Abuja.
“Maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility,” Goronyo stated. “We have observed people cutting through newly completed road sections or tampering with vital components.
These acts of vandalism must stop immediately,” he warned.
In the same vein, he urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and ensure that such national assets are protected from misuse, adding that the government’s huge investments in road development must be safeguarded for future generations.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway within record time, Goronyo described the project as a flagship of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance trade, promote unity, and strengthen economic integration between the Northern and Southern regions of the country.
said: “We are delighted that the UK-funded Climate Finance Blending Facility, managed by InfraCredit,
continues to catalyse local currency debt for renewable energy infrastructure. The CFBF model for financing
distributed renewable energy remains central to achieving Nigeria’s energy transition and net-zero ambitions,
and the UK is proud to support innovative financing that drives climate-resilient growth.”
Renowned Energy Professor, Iledare, Wants Nigeria to Curb Oil Export
Emmanuel Addeh in
Abuja
Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics, Wumi Iledare, has aligned with the recent view by the Chairman of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Board of Governors, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, that Nigeria should end the wholesale export of its crude oil.
In a statement, the renowned engineer described it as a
timely wake-up call for ‘policy re-direction and economic realism’, stressing that the message makes economic sense for Nigeria.
Speaking in Lagos, AdeyemiBero had challenged Nigeria to prioritise domestic refining and value creation after more than five decades of exporting unprocessed crude. He argued that nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, and Brazil grew wealthier by developing industries around
their oil and gas resources.
Iledare, arguing in the same line as Adeyemi-Bero, noted that local refining will help Nigeria reduce its import bills, conserve foreign exchange, and support job creation locally.
“The message makes economic sense. Local refining reduces import bills, conserves foreign exchange, and supports job creation. Every barrel refined domestically adds value to GDP (Gross Domestic Product),
while every imported litre of petrol drains it. It’s about value creation, not just volume production,” he stated. He noted that Nigeria’s longstanding pattern of exporting crude and importing refined fuel has exposed the economy to foreign-exchange shocks. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery, he said, is a turning point that has already helped ease FX pressure and enhance supply stability.
UBA Sponsors Lagos Fair for Seventh Consecutive Year
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has reiterated its commitment towards supporting the growth of Small and Medium Scale businesses for global impact, as it headlines the sponsorship of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) for the seventh consecutive year.
Organised by the Lagos
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), this year’s trade fair is expected to attract thousands of exhibitors, investors, and visitors from across Nigeria and the globe.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the fair, UBA’s Head, SME Banking, Babatunde Ajayi, underscored the strategic importance of the
longstanding partnership with LCCI while reaffirming that this collaboration is a critical component of the bank’s core mission to mobilise capital as well as empower enterprises of all scales, with a focus on growing SMEs for global impact.
“Our consistent support for the LITF and our strategic,
bank-wide initiatives around the AfCFTA are interconnected,” Ajayi stated.
“They are two sides of the same coin, and it reflects a deep-seated commitment to building the robust financial architecture that is required to empower African businesses and enable them trade seamlessly across borders.”
Polaris Bank Emerges MSME Digital Bank of the Year
Polaris Bank has emerged the MSME Digital Bank of the Year (Inclusive Growth) at the second edition of the MSME Finance & CEO Awards held recently in Lagos.
The event, organised by the Africa Global Economic Forum BBBin partnership with PROSHARE, recognized
outstanding institutions and other notable stakeholders driving MSME development and financial inclusion across Nigeria.
The award celebrates Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-scale enterprises through
FUPRE Scholars
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State has placed Nigeria on the global map of
academic excellence with three of its scholars listed among the world’s top two percent scientists in global ranking.
The scholars, Prof. Olusegun Samuel, Dr. Modestus Okwu, and Dr. Elias Elemike, were
technology-driven financial solutions, notably its flagship digital banking platform, VULTe. In the last few years, VULTe has revolutionized how MSMEs access finance by providing seamless, selfservice banking and loan solutions — a reflection of the Bank’s mission to bridge
listed among the world’s top two per cent scientists in the prestigious Stanford University–Elsevier Global Ranking of Scientists, 2025 edition.
An elated Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Prof. Ezekiel Agbalagba,
financial access gaps and foster entrepreneurship nationwide. Speaking on the award, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, noted that the recognition reinforces the Bank’s strategic focus on inclusive growth and digital transformation.
in a statement issued yesterday, hailed the recognition as a landmark achievement for the university and the nation, describing it as proof of Nigeria’s growing capacity for world-class research and innovation.
Oluchi Chibuzor
Directorate Head, Group Resources, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Tomiwa Sotiloye; Digital Health Educator, Chinonso Egemba; Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal; Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, UBA, Alero Ladipo; Digital Influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Digital Creator & Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu, at the UBA Business Series Session held in Lagos…recently
www.thisdaylive.com
ODODO’S GRADUAL MAKEUP FOR LOST YEARS
Kogi State governor’s modest progress is restoring hope among the people of the mineral-rich state, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI.
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BATTLE FOR KWARA STATE HOUSE
As 2027 gradually draws near, many are urging Seriki Gambari to run, writes MOSH'D LANRE MOHAMMED
See page 21
opinion@thisdaylive.com
The violence in Nigeria is as result of the state failure to protect the citizens, argues IS-HAQ O. OLOYEDE
THERE IS NO ‘CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE' IN NIGERIA
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), following its Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) meeting, on behalf of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah condemns the recent threat against the sovereignty of our nation. We have not been emphasising the killings of Muslims because we do not see it as a religious war, but a national security issue. The world is aware that some Islamophobic and unpatriotic Nigerians had authored a dangerous script, promoted it in Western circles especially in the United States and got the attention of the highest levels of the United States government, which are erroneously made to believe that there is a "Christian genocide" in Nigeria.
When the U.S. President, Mr Donald Trump labeled our country "disgraced", every right-thinking Nigerian was concerned because an ally that is determined to help a sovereign country to “completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities” would offer to assist and collaborate with the country and not use such language to describe a country it aims to partner in wiping out the terrorists.
While a number of countries (e.g., China, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar) have also been designated “Countries of Particular Concern”, the present context of “what Nigeria will not like” suggests that the plan is a pretext to destabilise our country.
We reaffirm that there is no “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. Under Article II of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide 9 and Article 6 of the Rome Statute 11, the crime is defined by a critical “mental element” known as dolus specialis. This is the specific “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such”. There is nothing of such in Nigeria. For the avoidance of doubt, what Nigeria faces is a complex and tragic perennial security crisis that brings immeasurable pain to all its citizens, regardless of faith or ethnic persuasion. From Katsina to Borno and from Benue to Plateau, as well as in Kaduna and Kwara, Nigeria bleeds through gruesome savagery against Muslims and Christians, Imams and priests. Non-partisan experts have refuted this blackmail and Amnesty International, which methodically investigated the insecurity in Nigeria, had stated that there is “no evidence of a religious motivation” to characterise it as genocide. According to Isa Sunusi, the Director of Amnesty's Nigeria
programme, “I don't think President Trump has any facts. I don't think he has had a very good briefing about the nature of this conflict”. Senior researchers like Samuel Malik of the pan-African think tank, Good Governance Africa, have also stated that “there is no credible evidence of a state-led or coordinated campaign to exterminate Christians, which is what genocide is”.
The “genocide” claim completely collapses when confronted with reality, context and verifiable data. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) report of 2022 proves conclusively that the overwhelming driver of violence in Nigeria is not anti-Christian persecution, as Muslims and people of other faiths are also overwhelmingly affected.
While President Trump and Senator Cruz name “Radical Islamists” and “Islamist Jihadists” as the culprits, ISWAP and Boko Haram, the fact is that these groups are khawarij (deviants), whose ideology declares Muslims who do not join them as “dissidents”. Muslims are also their victims. As Amnesty International correctly stated, “The jihadist groups kill both Muslims and Christians. They demolish Mosques and Churches. They don't differentiate”. These terrorists are not our representatives; they are our mortal enemies.
The world knows that some of the terrorist groups being paraded as “Islamic” are creations of non-Muslims. For instance, it is publicly acknowledged that the United States of America created Al-Qaeda, which is being projected as Islamic. Also, a US Congressman, Scott Perry, testified that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was financing the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and elsewhere.
If the violence in some parts of Nigeria is not religious, what are the real drivers? The first is ecological. As the International Crisis Group has detailed
in multiple reports, how relentless desertification and drought, products of climate change, have degraded pastures and dried up water sources in the farnorthern Sahelian belt. This is not an “Islamist invasion”; it is a desperate southward migration of herders seeking survival. This climate-driven migration forces herders into direct, and often violent competition with sedentary farming communities over dwindling resources of land and water. Historic grazing reserves have been lost to expanding settlements, and traditional conflict resolution mechanisms have eroded. This is the flashpoint for the farmer-herder crisis in Plateau, Benue and other middle belt states in Northern Nigeria.
The second driver is criminality. In the Northwest, Northeast and Southeast, banditry is fueled by the overlapping factors of grinding poverty, mass youth unemployment, drug abuse, porous borders and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons over the decades. Crucially, as researchers have noted, it is also driven by illicit artisanal mining of solid minerals. Criminal syndicates and bandits sack villages and displace populations, creating an ungoverned space for their illegal mining operations. This is a violent, organised crime racket for resources and there is nothing Islamic about it also. In Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto axis, Muslims have lost more than 1,200 souls to the same bandits who answer to crime, not tribe or faith. The United States Department itself, in its 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom, stated that “banditry and other criminality, not animosity between particular religious groups… were the primary drivers” of intercommunal violence. This is not a religious war.
Then, we cannot gloss over how, over a long period, failure of governance has enabled violence in Nigeria. Studies have revealed how endemic corruption, lack of accountability for human rights abuses and failure to provide basic security for citizens have, over time, created a vacuum for impunity. When the state fails to protect anyone, criminals and militias thrive. This is a “massive state failure”, as some have called it, not a statesponsored “genocide”.
Excerpts from a Press Conference addressed by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States of America. Signed: Prof. Oloyede, CON, FNAL (Kuliyan Sokoto) Secretary-General
Kogi State governor’s modest progress is restoring hope among the people of the mineral-rich state, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI.
ODODO’S GRADUAL MAKE-UP FOR LOST YEARS
Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, could very well be the proverbial stone that the builder rejected, which has become the cornerstone. Raised to power amidst violence in a highly divisive election, few believed he had a real chance of success. His situation was worsened by his predecessor and sponsor, Yahaya Bello, the self-styled White Lion, who ruled the confluence state with an iron fist for eight years.
The struggle for power in the mineral-rich state had always been a three-way contest among the Igala of Kogi East, the Ebira in Kogi Central, and the Yoruba on the fringes of Kogi West, with the first group using its larger population to dominate the other two. This changed in 2016 when providence brought Bello, an Ebira, into office after the death of Abubakar Audu, an Igala and former state governor, who died hours before the outcome of the governorship election was announced.
Those who expected Bello, whose coconut the benevolent gods help to crack, to be humble soon realised they were mistaken, as his reign was characterised by violence and notable underperformance. Known for insensitivity towards workers’ welfare, with salary arrears piling up for months, infrastructural development was deemed subpar by many public affairs analysts, who believed the former governor prioritised his own interests over those of the people.
That was the profile of the man who fathered Ododo, giving wind to the sails of cynics who believed that nothing good could come from him, especially considering the political circumstances surrounding the emergence of the new governor. Being an Ebira, the rotation policy advocates contended that Bello went too far in replacing himself with his kinsman, Ododo. The fear was, therefore, rife that, given the White Lion’s high-handed reputation, he might exert undue influence on his favoured successor, who might not have the strength to resist him.
More than a year later, the baby-faced governor seems to be moving away from the years of the locust with his prudent approach to governance, which delicately balances the residual influence and interests of his predecessor and the need to deliver democracy dividends to the people.
With a cabinet heavily populated by Bello’s protégés, it must have required divine wisdom to navigate Kogi’s complicated political terrain, which several years of bad governance had left deeply divided along ethnic lines.
Whatever it is, Ododo appears to have found a way to advance Kogi, starting, rightly, from the essential need to boost the local economy by ensuring workers are paid on time. This might seem insignificant or trivial to some, but for the state’s workers who have endured more than 20 years of delayed or unpaid salaries, it is a notable achievement. Workers, particularly in local governments, now confidently look forward to receiving their pay on the 25th of the month, while the 15th had been set aside for payment during festive occasions, like Christmas, with some bonus!
This was followed by a grassroots regeneration policy involving the appointment of 717 special assistants to coordinate his government’s efforts at the ward level across the 21 local government areas of the state. These Ward Special Assistants (WSAs) have played a key role in monitoring and implementing community-based projects delivered by the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency.
To date, the agency has completed over 170 micro-projects, directly benefiting more than 200,000 people. Additionally, over 18,000 individuals have gained from community-based initiatives, including clinic renovations, new science laboratories, boreholes, and improved water supply systems. For a people who had endured many years of jackboot governance, this new approach is a refreshing departure that is bound to enhance the multiplier effects of regular salary payments in a civil-service-driven state.
Yet, it is Ododo’s focus on agriculture and infrastructure development that promises to reduce the state’s endemic poverty and increase opportunities for inclusive growth across the three senatorial districts in a deliberate effort to unify the state.
State officials emphasise his goal to make agriculture attractive and profitable by shifting from subsistence to mechanised farming and improving access to inputs and finance. His wide-ranging programme thus includes increasing access to tractors, land, and inputs. As a result, farm sites have been identified in 76 communities across the 21 local governments of the state, with over 100 tractors already mobilised. Accordingly, 7,000 hectares have been allocated for the first phase of the project, which includes the launch of the Wet Season Agricultural Intervention Programme.
Farmers are receiving free seeds and chemicals to support this initiative. Three crops— cassava, maize, and rice—are featured in the experimental effort. Officials state that the state government will purchase the produce, allocate 60% of the earnings to the farmers, and retain the remaining 40% as an incentive for farmers. To date, over 10,000 farmers have reportedly benefited from this initiative.
Ododo’s efforts in infrastructure development are more evident. If anyone was in doubt, the inauguration of several projects by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the celebration of his first year in office should have cleared it up.
Adebiyi, a fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, writes from Abuja.
As 2027 gradually draws near, many are urging Seriki Gambari to run, writes MOSH'D LANRE MOHAMMED
BATTLE FOR KWARA STATE HOUSE
Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, came alive last weekend in an extraordinary display of solidarity and hope. From the bustling Taiwo Road to the iconic Post Office Roundabout, chants of “Amba 2027!” filled the air as men and women from all walks of life rallied independently to express their heartfelt desire for Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari — fondly called Amba — to heed the growing call to serve as the next Governor of Kwara State.
What made this rally remarkable was its spontaneity. It was not orchestrated by any political machinery, nor sponsored by vested interests. It was a purely organic movement of citizens — artisans, traders, professionals, students, youths, and community leaders — united by one conviction: that Amba represents the bridge between Kwara’s present achievements and its greater tomorrow.
Interestingly, while this groundswell of support swept through Ilorin, Amba himself was far away in China on a business engagement — a testament to his global exposure and enterprising drive. Yet, his absence did not dim the enthusiasm of the people; rather, it amplified it. The rally was not a staged event seeking attention; it was a sincere cry of the people asking their preferred leader to come home and take up the mantle.
Speakers at the rally, drawn from diverse social and political backgrounds, spoke passionately about why they believe Seriki Gambari is the right man for the moment. They described him as a visionary businessman with a heart for the people, a bridge-builder who has maintained cordial relations across political divides, and a loyal progressive who has consistently stood by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT).
Alhaji Salihu Olayinka Gegele, former Registrar of the College of Education, Oro, described the movement as “a natural verdict of the people.” In his words, “What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a people’s awakening. Amba has, over the years, built credibility through service, humility, and empowerment. The people are merely echoing their gratitude in the loudest way possible — by calling him to lead.”
For Hon. Ali Jimoh, former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Ilorin East, the rally was a reaffirmation of faith in Amba’s character.
“The spontaneity of this clarion call is proof that leadership still has moral value in our society. Ambassador Seriki has shown what it means to lead without being in power — empowering youths, mediating peace, and investing in people. That is why the people trust him with their future,” he remarked.
In a similar tone, Dr. Sa’adat Yetunde Yusuf, Executive Secretary of the National Women Advancement and Political Development Initiative (NWAPDI), Kwara State, applauded the inclusiveness of the movement. “Women see in Amba
a listener and a doer,” she said. “He has consistently supported womenled enterprises and youth development programmes. The beauty of the rally was that it united men and women under a single vision — progress for Kwara.”
From Offa, Alhaji Adegoke Munirudeen Aderemi, popularly known as Born for Life, described Amba as “a symbol of shared destiny for the people of Kwara.” According to him, “What happened in Ilorin was a loud message from all corners of the state. Amba is not just an Ilorin project; he is a Kwara project. The call will continue to echo until it becomes a reality.”
Echoing the sentiments of the youth, Hon. Suleiman Lekan Gaddafi, an Ilorinbased community builder and youth ambassador, hailed the clarion call rally as “the most organic political statement in recent times.” He enthused, “Young people are taking ownership of their future by rallying around Amba. He represents hope, hard work, and honesty; values our generation must hold dear.”
Indeed, as Kwara State continues to experience infrastructural and administrative rejuvenation under the current administration, the people are already looking ahead, not for a change of direction, but for continuity with innovation. Many see in Amba the qualities needed to consolidate on the gains achieved so far, while bringing in fresh energy, inclusivity, and economic expansion.
In the unfolding political landscape of Kwara, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: this yearning for Amba is not about politics as usual. It is about the people’s deep desire for a leader who understands the pulse of the grassroots, commands respect among the elite, and possesses the global perspective needed to attract investment and opportunities to the State of Harmony.
As 2027 draws nearer, it is becoming impossible to ignore the growing chorus of voices; diverse, passionate, and sincere calling on Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki Gambari to answer destiny’s call. For these Kwarans, the message is clear: they do not just want a governor; they want a builder, a unifier, and a visionary. And in their eyes, Amba is that man.
Comrade Mohammed writes from Ilorin
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE PUSH FOR A NATIONAL RAIL CONNECTIVITY
Rail transportation offers high economic potential
At the 7th National Transport Conference of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration in Abuja last week, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) announced that the federal government is set to unveil a new national railway development road map aimed at ensuring rail connectivity across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa said that the national policy will encourage sub-national operators to leverage existing federal rail lines at no additional cost, following recent amendments that moved railway development to the concurrent legislative list.
Indeed, Lagos and Plateau have already started using the services while other states on the Lagos - Kano corridor are free to access the national rail asset. Opeifa further stated that the corporation’s long-term target, referred to as “Vision 2-5-10-20” aims to optimise rail assets in two years, transition to electric traction within five years, double national rail capacity in 10 years, and achieve about 60,000 kilometres of national rail network within 20 years. Even if ambitious by our standards, it is a timely and commendable move.
a big employer of labour with more than 40,000 staff on its payroll.
Unfortunately, this vital asset was utterly mismanaged. Against the dictates of common sense, and aided by a marauding group called haulage cartels, the rails were neglected and later abandoned outright. And since many could not afford to fly and the inland waterways have no ferry system that works, all attention is turned to the roads where trailers, trucks, cars and buses compete for space. Today, most roads in the country are in pitiable conditions, riddled with potholes and craters. Accidents are commonplace and are indeed, assuming epidemic proportions. Former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, once expressed dismay at the rate roads and bridges were collapsing as a result of stress of cargoes on them. It is little wonder that Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest fatality rate in road accidents in the world.
Rail transportation is critical to mass movement of people and goods, in driving economic growth and boosting industrialisation
The expansion of rail network across the country is long overdue. A nation with a population in excess of 200 million people cannot afford to neglect the rails. Rail transportation is critical to mass movement of people and goods, in driving economic growth and boosting industrialisation. Indeed, a rail network will enhance economic efficiency and significantly reduce road congestion and improve safety.
Ironically, between 1963 and early 1980s, indeed, as far back as colonial times, rail transportation was accepted as a means of transport where millions of commuters and goods of international commerce like cocoa, groundnut, rubber were moved to the ports during the heyday of agricultural boom. Besides relieving the roads of pressure and traffic snarls, rail transportation was economic and energy efficient. Even more, it was
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However, after decades of waste in taxpayers' money in attempts to rehabilitate the rail lines, the Abuja-Kaduna rail services was commissioned in July 2016. Since then, a few new ones including the Lagos -Ibadan rail line, the Warri-Itakpe have come on stream, all welcome, even sometimes with fitful and disrupted schedules. There are also ongoing modernisation projects like the Lagos - Kano, Kano - Maradi, and Port Harcourt - Maiduguri, designed with open doors for private sector participation. Besides, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approved $3 billion for the completion of the eastern rail project as a strategic move that would unlock a vital artery for the national economy.
Last week, Opeifa highlighted the ongoing freight-by-rail expansion, noting that the corporation is transporting increased volumes of containerised cargo, gypsum, soda ash, cement, metal coils, and materials for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project. Rail transportation is safer, cheaper, and offers high economic potential. It is a less stressful and more environmentally friendly alternative for passengers.
LESSONS FROM ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION
The Anambra State governorship election has come and gone, with the incumbent governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, re-elected for another term. The election, which drew both local and international attention, has been widely adjudged as one of the most peaceful, free, and fair polls in recent times.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this election was the significant improvement in the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Unlike in previous elections marred by late commencement, logistical lapses, and voter frustration, this time around, voting started as scheduled in most polling units. INEC officials arrived early at the various election venues, which contributed to the smooth and orderly conduct of the process. Another outstanding achievement from the polls was the timely transmission of election results from the poll-
ing units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV). This development ensured transparency, aided early collation of results, and eliminated the usual delays that often lead to inconclusive elections. The real-time upload of results also enhanced public confidence in the electoral process and reduced opportunities for manipulation during result collation.
However, despite these commendable strides, the election was not without a few hitches. Reports from some polling units indicated that INEC officials arrived without original result sheets. This irregularity is worrisome and must be thoroughly investigated, as it could create loopholes for result tampering and potential rigging. INEC must ensure that such lapses do not recur in future elections.
Perhaps the most troubling takeaway from the elec-
tion is the persistently low voter turnout. Out of a total of 2,788,864 registered voters in Anambra State, only 595,298 people, representing 21.35 percent participated in the election. This means that 78.65 percent of registered voters did not vote. Such a high level of voter apathy raises serious questions about citizens’ faith in the electoral process and the overall health of democracy in Nigeria. Voter apathy not only undermines democratic representation but also leads to wastage of public funds. INEC’s budget for elections is based on the total number of registered voters, meaning that when turnout is low, a significant portion of public resources goes to waste. To address this, INEC should regularly update its database to reflect active and current voters.
Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi, Anambra State
A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.
An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the
floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
GUIDE TO DATA:
Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 06 November 2025, unless otherwise stated.
Offer price:
NIGERIAN SUPREME COUNCIL FOR ISLAMIC AFFAIRS PRESS BRIEFING...
L-R: Deputy Secretary to the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Mr. Salisu Sheidu; Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Isiak Oloyede; and Secretary General, Jama’atul Nasrul Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Abubakar, during the press briefing by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs where it declared No Christian Genocide in Nigeria, in Abuja on Sunday
ECOWAS Marks 50 Years, Pushes Regional Trade, Innovation at Lagos Fair
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment as it marked its 50th anniversary at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF).
Themed “Driving Regional Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Investment,” the celebration featured the official opening of the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum and Exhibition (ECOTIFE), a flagship initiative designed to deepen economic cooperation among West African countries.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh, declared the event open at the Tafawa Balewa Square,
Lagos.
The Lagos State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Folashade AmbroseMedem.
Dignitaries present included the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene; the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray (represented by Dr. Kalilou Sylla); ECOWAS Commissioners; Member State representa- tives; and members of the diplomatic corps.
In a statement, Touray described the forum as a major milestone in the region’s economic integration agenda.
“This platform captures the spirit of ECOWAS@50 - connecting markets, empowering people, and unlocking opportunities that
transcend borders,” he said.
“ECOTIFE is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of West Africa’s resilience and creativity.”
Chairman Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commision (DESOPADEC) Indigenous Contractors Forum, Engr. Ogie Samson has lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for releasing N8.4bn to the state interventionist agency to clear inherited contract debts.
Samson, in a statement issued in Warri yesterday said the release of the fund was an indication that Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is a listening governor that have the interests
of the people of the state at heart.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, had last week approved the release of N8.4 billion to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for the settlement of long-standing contract liabilities dating from 2010 to 2023.
The intervention was aimed at restoring contrac- tor confidence, revitalizing grassroots development, and stimulating economic activity across the state’s oil-producing
The Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, said the initiative aligns with ECOWAS’ strategic goal of boosting intra-regional trade and investment.
position West Africa as a competitive investment destination,” he stated.
“Trade facilitation and investment promotion are central to ECOWAS’ economic integration agenda. ECOTIFE seeks to strengthen regional value chains and
The Lagos International Trade Fair, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest business exhibitions, drawing
more than 1,600 exhibitors and 500,000 visitors annually. Supported by the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government, the fair provides a major platform for business networking, investment promotion, and private-sector collaboration.
Nigeria in Talks with UK to Get Ex-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Released
The Nigerian government is currently in talks with the government of United Kingdom to try to get former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu released and serve his remaining jail term in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu had sent a high-level delegation to meet with officials of the UK
Ministry of Justice to discuss the case of the imprisoned senator.
Ekweremadu was convicted in the UK for organ trafficking after a plot to bring a 21 year old Lagos street vendor to Britain for a kidney transplant for his daughter, Sonia.
He was sentenced to nine years and eight months under the UK Modern Slavery Act in May 2023.
His wife, Beatrice, received four years and six months and was released early 2025.
A medical middleman, Dr Obinna Obeta, got 10 years.
The case sparked Nigerian
communities.
Samson, however, while reacting to the development showered praises on the governor for heeding the forums pleas, over time, for the settlement of outstanding payments owed his members.
“The leadership of DESO- PADEC Indigenous Contrac- tors Forum is grateful to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for listening to our cries over the years for the settlement of our long-standing debts. We are grateful for this gesture.
UK diplomatic talks, highlighted gaps in transplant regulation, and led to new investigations in the UK.
Ekweremadu’s family said his daughter’s kidney disease drove the desperate act, but the courts stressed that informed consent and ethical alternatives were ignored.
Confirming the move by the Nigerian government, spokesman of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim AbdulKadir, told THISDAY , “Consultations still ongoing with UK authorities on the matter.
“An appeal for prisoner exchange for him to serve the remainder of his term in Nigeria” was tabled before the United Kingdom authorities. It was gathered that the delegation, which included Tuggar and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Adegbite, met with officials at the UK Ministry of Justice to discuss the case of the former senator.
The delegation was later received at the Nigerian High Commission in London by the acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambas- sador Mohammed Maidugu.
WIMBIZ Conference Tackles Nigeria’s Development Challenges
Mary Nnah
The 24th Annual Conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has sounded a clarion call for collective action to unlock Nigeria’s extraordinary potential. With the country’s future hanging in the balance, the conference brought together women leaders, policymakers, and
experts to discuss the criti- cal role of women in driving economic growth, stability, and innovation.
Delivering the keynote ad- dress during the first day of the 2-day event, which kicked off on Thursday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Ms. Arunma Oteh, a global leader in finan- cial markets and economic development, emphasised
the need for Nigerians to own their journey and take responsibility for their future.
“I believe that the op- portunity lies in us taking ownership of our future,” she said. “What does that mean for Nigeria? It means a sense of urgency, and when you want a sense of urgency, I’m getting ahead of myself, you need to bring women in the room”, she said.
Folalumi Alaran in Lagos
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
WHO AND FCDO BOOSTS ENUGU’S HEALTH INVESTMENT...
L-R: Health Systems and Services Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria, Dr. Mary Barantuo; Team Lead, United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, Nigeria, Dr. Ebere Anyachukwu; WHO Country Director and Head of Mission, Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu; Special Adviser to Enugu State Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Yomi Jaye; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, and the Zonal Coordinator (South East) WHO Nigeria, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, during the symbolic handover of two Toyota Hiace commuter buses and various equipment and training items donated to Enugu State Nursing College, Park Lane and Awgu Campuses by WHO and FCDO at government House, Enugu, Monday.
WHO, FCDO Laud Gov Mbah’s Strategic Investments in Health System Development
Donate vehicles, equipment, other items to Enugu Colleges of Nursing
Cite administration’s health infrastructure, digital, human resource transformations
Mbah plans more infrastructural transformation in health training institutions
Gideon Arinze in Enugu
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have donated vehicles, equipment, and various training items to the Enugu State Colleges of Nursing at Park Lane, Enugu, and Awgu, lauding Governor Peter Mbah’s bold and strategic investments in health system development in the state.
The items donated include two 15-seater Toyota Hiace
commuter buses, two Mikano diesel generators, 145 desktop computers, five suction machines, eight sets of 3D electronic boards, 13 Sharp three-in-one photocopiers, and numerous laboratory, training, nursing, and hostel equipment and accessories, among others.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Government House, Enugu, yesterday, the WHO Country Direc- tor and Head of Mission, Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, said the donations followed a comprehensive infrastruc-
KolaDaisi University Unveils N1.5
Billion Critical Infrastructure Fund
Fund to finance sustainable projects, strengthen varsity’s academic excellence
Sunday Ehigiator
KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, has announced the establishment of a N1.5 billion Critical Infrastructure Fund to finance key projects aimed at sustaining academic excellence and promoting institutional growth.
The announcement was made by the school’s Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of
Alake’s 20th
the Governing Council, Mr. Remi Babalola, during the university’s 5th Convocation Ceremony held on recently in Ibadan.
Babalola, who is also a former Minister of State for Finance, in a statement delivered at the ceremony, described the newly created fund as a landmark initiative by the Founder and Chancel- lor, Bashorun Kola Daisi, to reinforce KDU’s commitment
Coronation:
to sustainable development and academic distinction.
According to him, “In a remarkable demonstration of visionary leadership, our Founder and Chancellor, Bashorun Kola Daisi, has established a N1.5 billion Critical Infrastructure Fund,” Babalola announced.
“The interest generated annually from this fund will be dedicated to financing critical projects that will
3,000
Persons to Benefit from Free Health Outreach
James Sowole in Abeokuta
No fewer than 3,000 persons will benefit from free medical outreach being organised as part of activities for the 20th Corronation Anniversary of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, which will take place between from November 14 to November 19, 2025. Chairman of the Corona-
tion Anniversary Organising Committee, Chief Oluyinka Kufile, disclosed this at a news briefing on the celebration.
The news conference, held at the Adire Hall within the palace, had in attendance the celebrant and other chiefs of Egbaland. According to Kufile, medical outreach that will take place on November
17, 2025, would involve menopause sensitisation for about 1000 women and health screening, with free drug dispensation for 1000 others.
He said the screening, treatment and drug distribu- tion at Ake Palace would also involve eye screening at the Centenary Hall, Ake with free drugs and eye glasses.
continue to advance the university’s infrastructure and academic goals.”
Addressing the Class of 2025 in his convocation speech, Babalola celebrated the graduates as catalysts for change, innovation, and national transformation.
ture readiness assessment conducted on the Enugu State College of Nursing, Park Lane Campus, and the Enugu State College of Nursing, Awgu Campus by WHO, in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, as part of the Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions (ESHTI) initiative.
He said Mbah had set a commendable example in health system investment, listing several remark- able interventions of the administration in health sector development.
“WHO commends your administration for the bold and strategic investment in health system strengthening.
“Under your leadership, Enugu State has made remarkable investments in health infrastructure expansion and primary healthcare revitalisation,” he said, listing the construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across all political wards, solarisation of health facilities, and the ongoing construction of the quaternary Enugu International Hospital, which has the potential to position Enugu State as a medical tourism destination. He cited the digital trans- formation of health facilities by the Mbah Government, naming the digitisation of PHC and secondary health facilities, equipping of over 360 health facilities with tablets, internet, and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, and the institutionalisation of real-time data dashboards for clinical and operational monitoring.
Troops of the 6 Division, Nigeria Army has arrested 14 suspects for alleged involvement in illegal oil refining in the Niger Delta region.
The troops who made the achievement in collaboration with other security agencies, disclosed they dismantled 14 illegal refining hubs, in the region.
In a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt Col
Danjuma Jonah said is part of intensified onslaught against oil thieves in the Niger Delta.
Danjuma revealed that the security personnel also confiscated over 20,205 litres of stolen products across the region.
He said “In Rivers State, along the fringes of the Imo River, troops deactivated six illegal refining sites, destroyed fourteen drum pots and nine drum receivers, as well as confiscated over 8,000 litres of stolen products.
“The recoveries were made
and
“Additionally, recoveries were also made at the abandoned Wellhead 3, around the remote manifold axis, where 42 sacks containing over 1,250 litres of stolen crude oil were seized”.
The Army PRO revealed that other achievements in Rivers was made during the troop’s operations around Ozochi Com- munity in Ahoada East LGA, and Angalama Community in Asari-Toru LGA.
Blessing
in Port Harcourt
around Asa, Okonta,
Okoloma in Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State, and Obuzor in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State.
PUBLIC HEARING OF JOINT COMMITTEES ON ICT, CYBER SECURITY, DIGITAL AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY...
L-R: PMG/CEO, NIPOST, Tola Odayenu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Adelano Rafiu; and Minister, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, at a one-day public hearing of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on ICT, Cyber Security, Digital and Information Technology, held in
Soyinka: Nigeria’s Crisis Not ChristianMuslim War but Battle against Extremists
NOA urges Nigerians to unite against external threats undermining nation’s sovereignty Olubadan, Udenta say Trump’s threat a wake-up call NHRC confirms massive killings aimed at Islamising nation CNG tells US president to keep his threats because Nigeria not a client state
Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Folalumi Alaran in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has faulted claims by United States President Donald Trump alleging persecution of Christians in Nigeria, saying the crisis has never been a ChristianMuslim war but battle against extremists.
Relatedly, National Orientation Agency (NOA) appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of ethno-religious and political differences, to close ranks and unite against external threats that could undermine the country’s sovereignty, growth andHowever,development.Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, said the time for Nigerians to jointly fight terrorism had come.
At the same time, founding National Secretary of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), Udenta Udenta, said Trump’s threat to intervene militarily in Nigeria should serve as a wakeup call for the federal government to urgently address insecurity.
But National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) confirmed that there were massive killings aimed at Islamising the country by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group, but not targeted at Christians alone.
Similarly, Nigeria’s Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) yesterday described Trump’s threat of military action against Nigeria as “reckless, arrogant, and dangerously provocative”.
Trump had asked the US Department of Defence to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria while warning the Nigerian government to act
swiftly to end the “killing of Christians” in the country.
The federal government rejected Trump’s allegations, insisting that the country’s insecurity affects all religious groups.Speaking during an interview with Democracy Now, Soyinka said Trump’s sweeping statements distorted the true picture of the conflict and risked deepening religious hostilities.
He said the situation should not be seen as a war between Christians and Muslims, but a struggle against extremist groups that had weaponised religion for political and economic gain.
He stated, “We must separate Nigeria’s long-standing internal problems from President Trump’s recent“Theresponse.Christian–Islam, or Islamversus-the-rest kind of dichotomy has existed for decades. It became
truly horrendous when politics got mixed up with religious differences.”
Soyinka said political leaders had exploited religion for power and failed to hold extremists accountable, which allowed impunity to thrive.
He recalled the brutal lynching of a student accused of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad, stating that her killers went unpunished despite
being caught on video bragging about the act.
“When perpetrators of such horrors go free, it strengthens the perception that a brutal war is going on between Christians and Muslims,” Soyinka said.
“In truth, we are dealing with extremists — political Islamists, known sometimes as ISWAP or Boko Haram — not with Muslims as a people,” he said.
Continues online
Community Accuses MOSOP of Killing Ogoni Chiefs, Demands Release of Corpses
of Rivers State has demanded the remains of four prominent chiefs of the area murdered in 1994 by suspected Ogoni youths.
NYSC Mulls New Communication Strategy to Boost Public Perception
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja
Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has disclosed that the scheme is considering developing a new communication strategy plan to enhance its public perception.
He made the disclosure at the 2025 Combined IPR, Protocol, FoI and Media Officers with the theme, “Building Capacity of NYSC Public Relations Officers for
Strategic Communication and Reputation Management,” organised by the scheme in Abuja, Monday.
He said, “We need to develop a new communication strategy to meet contemporary communication challenges to enhance our public perception.
“It should be a bottom to top thing and not top to bottom. It shouldn’t be the directors but you the public relations officers. The directors’ duty will be to look and see if it aligns
with the NYSC Act.”
He also tasked the scheme’s media director to create a chat room to interact with Prospective Corps Members (PCMs), to handle issues of bordering on their registration challenges.
“Our site is not interactive enough. So, I want the Director Public Relations and Information, NYSC to create two hours tomorrow and interact with (PCMs) on the challenges with their inability to access the registration portal,” he said.
The community at a media conference to commemorate 31 years of their death, accused the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), of being responsible for their deaths.
The killing of Chief Edward Kobani, Mr Albert Baddey, Chief Theophilus Orage and Chief Samuel Orage popularly referred to as the Ogoni four in 1994 at Giokoo community in Gokana led to the arrest and subsequent hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni elites by the General Sani Abacha military junta in 1995.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Secretary of Bodo Unity Forum, Dr Chris Barigbon, accused MOSOP of stoking violent struggle and inciting Ogoni youths against the four Gokana elites, leading to their
murder.
They also accused MOSOP of refusing to honour an agree- ment reached at the Justice Chukwudifo Oputa Panel in 2001 on modalities for the resolution of the crisis and recovery of the bodies.
He said after 31 years, the community now wanted the remains of the Gokana elites for proper burial, stressing that recovering the remains of the Ogoni four would help to heal the families faster.
“We are deeply saddened by MOSOP’s deviance, lack of empathy and continuous denial of the reality of the cries of the families of the Ogoni 4. While time is a natural healer, the scars are indelible, so are the griefs of these families.
“Only a genuine reconciliation consolidated on truth, remorsefulness and forgiveness can attenuate the griefs of these families, their communities
and the Gokana people.
“Astonishingly, this is over three decades after the Ogoni gory incidences in the struggle for environmental justice which have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history; and 21 years, after the signing of Terms of Reconciliation midwifed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission otherwise called the Justice Oputa Panel on January, 31” 2001 with the consents of all principal parties, families of the Ogoni 4, Ogoni 9, MOSOP and other stakeholders in the Ogoni struggle.
“To our chagrin, MOSOP had continued to renege on effectuating its part of the TOR particularly on Clause 3,which demands from it, the release of the remains of the bodies of the Ogoni 13 to their families for proper burial. While the remains of the Ogoni 9 were released, we are yet to receive those of the Ogoni 4.”
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Bodo Community in Gokana local government area
Abuja, yesterday
PHOTO: JuLIuS ATOI
Amnesty International Insists on justice for the slain, urges govt to clear names of Saro-Wiwa, 8 others
UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM SUMMIT IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA...
Special Adviser to the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Alhaji Lai Mohammed (left), and the Chief Executive Officer of Chamber Tourism of Argentina, Mr. Horacio Reppucci, at the ongoing 26th General Assembly of the UNWTO in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the weekend
PDP: Wike’s Faction Drags Justice Akintola to NJC over Alleged Court Processes Abuse
Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Boniface Okoro in Umuahia
Convention case suffers adjournment amid tight security Abia PDP chiefs dismiss Wabara’s ouster in the hands of those seeking to subvert justice for political expediency.
The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be far from over as the faction loyal to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has dragged an Oyo State High Court judge, Justice A.L Akintola to the National Judicial Council (NJC) over alleged abuse of judicial processes and judicial carelessness.
The petition, dated Novem- ber 5, 2025, and received by the Office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria on November 6, 2025, was submitted by Hon. Austine Nwachukwu, Hon. Amah Abraham Nnanna,
and Turnah Alabh George on behalf of the themselves as critical stakeholders of PDP.
Addressing a press confer- ence in Abuja in a text read by Austine Nwachukwu, they raised ‘’serious concerns over what is described as acts of judicial recklessness, impunity, and flagrant violation of es- tablished legal processes by Justice Akintola, particularly in his decision to issue an ex parte order on November 4th, permitting the conduct of the PDP National Convention in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025.’
‘’This order, according to the petitioners, directly contradicts a valid and subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court,
Abuja delivered on 31st of October 2025 (Suit No. FHC/ ABJ/CS/2120/2025), which had expressly restrained the PDP from holding its convention on the same dates.’’
The petitioners contend that Justice Akintola’s action amounted to sitting on appeal over a judgment of a court of coordinate jurisdiction-an act that undermined judicial hierarchy and the sanctity of the rule of law.
“This disturbing develop- ment not only threatens the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary but also risks setting a dangerous precedent capable of eroding public confidence in the justice Accordingly,system.’’Nwachukwu,
Antahi and Amah said, ‘’We, therefore, call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently investigate this matter and take decisive action, just as it had done in similar cases involving judicial misconduct in Rivers State, Imo State, and other jurisdictions, where they were seen to have acted promptly as soon as the petitions were received by‘’Thethem.NJC must reaffirm its commitment to discipline, im- partiality, and the preservation of judicial integrity by ensuring that errant judicial officers are held accountable without delay.
‘’The Nigerian judiciary must remain the last hope of the common man and not a tool
‘’The NJC’s prompt and transparent action on this petition will go a long way in restoring faith in the judiciary and reinforcing the principle that no one-no matter how highly placed is above the law.”
PDP Convention Case Suffers Adjournment Amid Tight Security
The hearing of the case chal- lenging the planned national
banks,” said a senior banker.
convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was yesterday adjourned till tomor- row, Wednesday by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, under intense security as journalists were barred from covering the proceedings.
Justice Akintola adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice filed by Folahan Malomo Adelabi against the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, and others.
Continues online T I nubu
and petrol generators, high operating costs for businesses, and lower competitiveness for industries.
Earlier, Minister of Power, Adelabu, stated that the power sector had achieved many criti- cal milestones, including the decentralisation and liberalisation of the sector. He disclosed that the president signed the Electricity Act 2023, and a National Integrated Electricity Policy was developed after 24 years, attracting more than $2 billion of fresh investments. The minister said the policy had resulted in the activation of 15 state electricity markets.
Adelabu told the German delegation, “Since the signing of the Accelerated Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, an event you personally attended, alongside the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the PPI has recorded notable milestones across its implementation phases.“Under the Pilot phase (Phase Zero), we have achieved signifi- cant infrastructure upgrades and capacity enhancements that are
already impacting grid stability and reliability across the country.
“Siemens Energy has success- fully delivered and commis- sioned 10 units of 132/33kV mobile substations, three units of 75/100MVA transformers, and seven units of 60/66MVA transformers across key load centres nationwide, which have added 984mv of transmission capacity to the grid.’’
The minister stated that in December 2024, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) ap- proved the commencement of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for Phase One, Batch One of the PPI.
According to him, the scope encompasses the upgrade, installation, and inauguration of five key substations situated in Abeokuta, Offa, Ayede-Ibadan, Sokoto, and Onitsha.
He said, “I am pleased to report that plans for civil works mobilisation across all five locations have been finalised, concurrent manufacturing of the required equipment is ongoing, and two of the
five substations are targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
“As we consolidate the gains from the pilot phase and phase one-first batch, we are also preparing to advance to phase one-batch two, which has a scope for the construction of new substations and the upgrade of existing ones across key load centres nationwide.
“Collectively, phase one batch two of the PPI comprises a total of six brownfield and 10 greenfield substations, with a cumulative impact of 4,104MW.”
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Edun, stated that the completion of the PPI will enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business, create more jobs for the youth, and reduce poverty.
Leader of the Siemens delegation, Siersdorfer, stated that two out of the five substations under construction were expected to be completed by December 2026. He said a training centre was already under construction to ensure
the training of local talents in electrical engineering, as well as create more jobs, capture local content, and transfer technology.
Siersdorfer stated, “The PPI is not just a project but a platform for long-term development and prosperity.”
He informed the president that the PPI will transform Nigeria into a regional power hub, reflecting the depth of relations between Germany andHeNigeria. stated, “Nigerian profes- sionals will be engaged directly in the five project sites in Batch 1 for the site works, while thousands of jobs will be enabled in the local communities through purchased services, accommodation, and transportation, among others. These will further reflect the strength of our partnership and the viability of the roadmap we have built together.”
The representative of Ger- man Ambassador to Nigeria, Johannes Lehne, assured Tinubu of further support and collaboration with the German government.
Neconde maintains that its inclusion in FBNQuest’s orders is illegal, as it is already subject to separate Federal High Court proceedings. Legal experts warn that ex parte asset freezes in strategic sectors such as oil and gas can destroy value rather than preserve it.
“The courts must balance creditor rights with economic stability,” a Lagos-based commercial lawyer said. “Justice should not become a tool for asset conquest.”
The dispute has broader implications for Nigeria’s investment climate. With global investors wary of regulatory and economic uncertainty, incidents like the Neconde-FBNQuest saga could deter foreign lending, slowing investment in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and industrial development.
“No investor wants to operate in a jurisdiction where their lending partners and agent can become their adversary,” an international banker said.
Calls have intensified for stronger oversight from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ensure facility agents act transparently and in the interest of all lenders and borrowers.
Legal practitioners are also urging judicial restraint in granting far-reaching ex parte orders that can disrupt operations and threaten employment.
“The courts must ensure that creditor enforcement does not come at the expense of economic stability,” a financial lawyer said.
The Neconde-FBNQuest dispute highlights vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s financial system, raising questions about fiduciary responsibility and judicial overreach.
While FBNQuest may claim it acted within its rights, the optics suggest a calculated attempt to seize a profitable oil asset under the guise of debt enforcement.
If unchecked, such practices could derail indigenous businesses and deter foreign investment, underscoring the urgent need for transparency, due process, and accountability in Nigeria’s financial and judicial institutions.
NIIA LEADERSHIP VISITS SANWO-OLU...
L-R: Director General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae; Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; and Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy visit by the NIIA leadership at the Lagos House, Marina, yesterday
Situation Room: Anambra Election Didn’t Provide Challenges That Tested Amupitan
Hails INEC for glitch-free result collation Says 97% polling unit level results uploaded within 5 hours AA candidate greets Soludo, urges others to join in building state
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, yesterday, said weekend’s Anambra State governorship election did not really provide the expected challenges needed to put the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to real test. It however commended the commission for what it described as the quick and drama-free results collation process, in the just concluded Anambra State Governorship election.
It said the entire process of result collation was devoid of the irregularities typically associated with INEC’s vote tabulation and score recording at Collation Centres.
Doing a breakdown of the challenges and the good produced by the exercise, it said, “Situation Room noted that the Anambra governor- ship election did not seem to provide the expected challenges needed to put the newly appointed INEC chairman, to real test.”
However, the election observation group said that election recorded 35 incidents of violence across the 1000 polling units, ranging from group clashes, voter intimida- tion and harassment, physical assault, ballot box snatching and one fatality.
It also said last Saturday’s governorship election witnessed incidents of votebuying and some measure of apathy by the Anambra electorate.
The outcome of the governorship election saw the incumbent governor, Prof
Chukwuma Soludo record a landslide, defeating other opposition candidates in the 21 local government areas of the state.
While presenting its final report on the exercise to jour- nalists in Abuja, yesterday, the Situation Room, in the report jointly signed by the Convener, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, along with Co-Conveners, Mimidoo Achakpa and
Franklin Oloniju, said the Bimodal Voting Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned optimally in most polling units, though there were isolated cases of malfunction and slow voter accreditation, were reported, requiring replacements.
Generally, the Situation Room noted that the election was peaceful with voters conducting themselves calmly
Kwankwaso’s Ally,
at the polling units with a few incidents of violence.
“Situation Room particu- larly commends the quick and drama-free results collation process, which was devoid of the irregularities typically associated with INEC’s vote tabulation and score recording at Collation Centres.
“If this continues in future elections, then it will be a
positive and encouraging development in electoral management.
“Situation Room observed that the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) came alive shortly after the official hour for close of polls and achieved 97 per cent uploads of polling unit level results (Form EC 8A) within five hours, precisely at 7:30pm on election day.
Abdulmumin Jibrin, Quits NNPP, Enlists Support for Tinubu
A former Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups and serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, has officially defected
Nigeria’s Democracy Under Threat from Electoral Fraud, Apathy Say Former Govs
Sunday Ehigiator
Former governors of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, have warned that Nigeria’s democracy faced grave danger from persistent electoral fraud and growing voter apathy capable of endangering the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the fifth anniversary lecture of First Daily newspaper in Abuja, themed: ‘2027: How Can We Make Our Votes Count?’, the
duo lamented that political manipulation and weak institutions have continued to undermine citizens’ sovereignty.
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, was blunt in his assessment, declaring that no sitting government coulddeliver true electoral reform.
“The problem with elections in Nigeria is that no incumbent government can achieve electoral reform.
None. We tried it and failed,” Amaechi said.
He accused politicians of frustrating reform efforts for personal gain and faulted opposition parties for lacking unity and focus.
“The opposition is part of the problem. They are not discussing how to save Nigeria. Nobody is asking how to change things,” he lamented.
Amaechi further warned that voter apathy fueled electoral malpractices, urging Nigerians to resist cynicism.
from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
THISDAY reports that Jibrin’s return to the ruling party marked a significant realignment in Kano’s political landscape, coming barely two years to the next general election.
The federal lawmaker made
the announcement on Sunday in Kofa, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, where he was received by thousands of supporters and religious leaders.
At least 2,000 Islamic scholars (Ulamas) were present to offer special prayers for Jibrin’s new political direction and for the success of President Tinubu’s administration.
The prayers were also devoted to continued peace, progress, and development in
Kiru/Bebeji constituency, Kano State, and Nigeria at large.
Speaking to the large crowd, Jibrin declared that he had renounced his membership of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement led by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“In a show of solidarity, I was warmly received by thousands of my constituents in my hometown of Kofa, Bebeji, Kano.
CP Jimoh: Sowore Still Wanted in Lagos
Chiemelie Ezeobi
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, yesterday, said the police have maintained an active file on activist Omoyele Sowore over the Third Mainland Bridge protest, insisting that his status “remains active” despite efforts to politicise the issue.
Speaking at the Lagos State
Police Command Headquarters during a meeting with human rights activist, Segun Awosanya (Segalink), the CP said the command had acted pre-emptively to stop an attempt to stage a protest on the bridge, noting that its disruption would have paralysed economic activities across the state.
The CP dismissed attempts to engage the police through
online channels as “social media theatrics,” urging Sowore to report to the nearest police station to answer for acts capable of causing public disorder.
“I have mentioned at various times that the individual is ignorantly arrogant. Because if you are not, I’m not enforcing my own law; I’m doing the work of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have rescued no fewer than 86 kidnap victims, comprising men, women, and children, while thwarting a terrorist
ambush in the Dutse Kura area of Borno State.
The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed in a statement that 29 terrorist
Otu: Return of Tinapa Marks Economic Rebirth
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has described the formal return of the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort to the state government as “a battle fought and won for all Cross Riverians.”
Governor Otu, who stated this at the handover ceremony in Calabar, noted that the recovery of Tinapa symbolised not just the reclaiming of a major asset but the revival of a vision that once placed Cross River on the global economic map.
“The return of Tinapa is not merely an event; it is a rebirth, the triumph of faith,
patience and resilience,” he said.
Recalling its conception under former Governor Donald Duke, Otu said Tinapa once showcased the state’s capacity for bold, investment-driven development. He assured that his administration, under the People First Agenda, would reposition the Free Zone as a hub for trade, tourism and creative enterprise.
“We are bwreathing new life into Tinapa, not as a relic of abandoned ambition but as a living symbol of Cross River’s resilience,” he stated.
FG Inaugurates Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo Committee
Olawale ajimotokan in abuja
The federal government has inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo scheduled for Abuja from November 24 to 25, 2025.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, said the initiative was a strategic
step toward positioning Africa’s cultural, creative, and tourism sectors as drivers of economic growth, regional integration, and global competitiveness.
He added that the Expo, with the theme: ‘Optimising Africa’s Comparative and Competitive Advantage for Accelerated Trade and Economic Growth’, will serve as a platform for engaging policymakers, investors, innovators, and creators across the continent.
logistics suppliers were also apprehended during the operation.
The statement read: “Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded another major success in the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations
in Borno State. Troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, under Sector 2 OPHK, on 9 November 2025, encountered Boko Haram/
ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura after discovering that the terrorists were abducting civilians and vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road.
My Govt ‘ll Serve our People All Round, Says Agege LGA Boss
sunday Okobi
The acting Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, has reaffirmed the commitment of his government to serve the people of the council area by providing solutions to their everyday problems and making life better for
‘Creation
sunday Ehigiator
them. He made the declaration during a media chat with journalists in his office.
Obasa noted that the local government, being the closest tier of government to the people at the grassroots, should be able to respond to grassroots’ problems, stressing that in developed countries like America,
council elections are taken more seriously than even the governorship or presidential elections because of the role it plays in addressing the needs of the people.
While reeling out his plans, he said: “We are here to bring solutions to the people of Agege, resolve their problems and make sure life is better for them. As someone who
has come into this space, I am here as a service provider to our residents. They should see us as problem solvers for them. “We are not here for them to look at us. That’s not what we’ve come here to do. “ We’ve come here to work like it is done everywhere in developed countries. The local councils serve its” people.”
of Anioma State ‘ll Correct Regional Imbalance’
The Media Director of the Anioma State Creation Movement, Chief Tonnie Oganah, has said the creation of Anioma State will not only strengthen the South-east’s economy but also correct the long-standing political and
structural imbalance affecting the region.
Oganah stated this in a press release made available to journalists, where he outlined the numerous economic, infrastructural, and cultural advantages Anioma State would bring if created and integrated into the South East geopolitical zone.
According to him, Asaba, the proposed capital of Anioma State, already boasts the facilities and administrative infrastructure to function effectively as a state capital, setting it apart from other state creation proposals across the country.
“Asaba is already a going concern with a modern and fully functional international airport, a state-of-the-art secretariat, commissioners’ quarters, high courts, magistrates and customary courts, judges’ quarters, several universities and higher institutions.
Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Pledges Stronger Reforms to Tackle Poverty
seriki adinoyiinJos
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bernard Doro, has reiterated the federal government’s commitment to restoring hope and rebuilding lives for displaced persons across Nigeria. The minister made this
The organisers of the renowned annual charity concert, GLOWFUX Charity Concert, Fanafillit Integrated Concepts, announced that top Nigerian brands Peak Milk, 7Up, and Gala will join other partners this year to spread happiness and hope at the
known during a courtesy visit to the Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, where he met with media professionals and emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the government and the press in driving humanitarian goals. Doro stated that the
Anthony Village Youth Centre, Anthony Village, Lagos, on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Themed, “Embracing Humanity, Enriching Lives,” GLOWFUX 2025 promises a day where entertainment meets empathy, uniting stars, brands, and kind-hearted
ministry’s focus is to ensure that humanitarian interventions gets to the right beneficiaries through efficiency and accountability.
“Our focus is on restoring hope to those who have been displaced. We are doing this by ensuring efficiency within the ministry and by making sure that our outreach and
Nigerians to support children from 15 organised needy homes across Lagos State, who will be hosted as VIP beneficiaries.
The organisers further revealed that dance veteran and TV host Yeni Kuti will serve as the Mother of the Day,
interventions actually reach the intended recipients the right demographic. That is very key,” he said. He explained that the ministry is adopting a person centred approach in addressing humanitarian challenges, particularly those affecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
while veteran Nollywood actor and legal practitioner Barrister Tunji Bamishigbin will grace the event as the Father of the Day. Together, they will lend prestige and warmth to a concert that continues to redefine community-oriented entertainment.
L-R: Former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside; Publisher, First Daily Newspaper, Daniel Iworiso-Markson; former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi;
Delta Forum (PANDEF), Godknows Igali,
former Bayelsa Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, at the First Daily 5th Annual Public Lecture in Abuja…yesterday
ELLaH LaKEs’ FaCTs BEHiNd THE FiGUREs PREsENTaTiON...
L – R: Head of Primary Markets, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Tony Ibeziako; Chief Executive Officer, NGX Regulation (NGX RegCo), Femi Shobanjo; Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Jude Chiemeka; Managing Director, Ellah Lakes Plc, Mr. Chuka Mordi; Deputy Managing Director, Ellah Lakes Plc, Mr. Paul Farrer, and Chief Finance Officer, Ellah Lakes Plc, Hewett Benson, during company’s Facts Behind the Figures presentation in Lagos…yesterday
Alleged Genocide: APC Chieftain Canvasses Support for Tinubu to End Terrorism
yinka Kolawole in osogbo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on religious, community and political leaders in the country to rally behind President Bola
Tinubu to end terrorism in Nigeria.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, made this statement while speaking with journalists in Osogbo. According to him, at this critical period, Nigerians, irrespective of political or religious affiliations, should
PSC: Police Officers Must Act Within Ambit of Law
Linus aleke in abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has tasked officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to act within the ambit of the law in carrying out their statutory role of law enforcement, particularly during arrests and detentions.
Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), gave this directive in Abuja when he received, in audience, a group from the Kimpact Development Initiative, who were on a courtesy visit to the Commission.
Argungu stated that the provisions of the Nigerian Public Order Act, when compared with those of other countries in Europe and Africa, are more liberal, especially on issues such as public gatherings.
A statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, revealed that the visiting team, led by the Head of Research and Strategy at Kimpact Development Initiative, Olufemi Adebayo, came to the Commission to exchange ideas with the Chairman on the implementation of some of the nation’s laws.
Muslim Economic Summit to Empower Youth, Women, Others
Raheemakingbolu
As part of the measures to boost the economy and lift youths and women, the maiden edition of the Muslim Economic Summit (MES 1.0) – a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower youths, women, and businesses through ethical finance, enterprise, and collaboration has been announced.
The event, themed, “Faith, Finance & the Future: Empowering Youths, Women & Businesses for a Prosperous Ummah,” is scheduled to hold on January 17-18, 2026, at the University of Lagos.
Organised as a first-of-its-
kind platform, the MES seeks to redefine how the Muslim Ummah approaches financial empowerment by uniting Islamic finance experts, entrepreneurs, scholars, and development partners to explore practical pathways for sustainable growth within the halal economy. Speaking ahead of the press conference, President, Muassasat Nasrul IIm Wa Da’awat Foundation (MNIDF), and spokesperson for the organising committee, Alhaji Ibraheem Olayinka Adigun, said: “This summit is not just another conference – it is a movement towards economic renewal for our people.
come together to support the president and join efforts to overcome the lingering security challenges facing the country.
Oyintiloye said the threat by President Donald Trump of the United States of America to deploy military forces to Nigeria
over alleged killings of Christians should be a source of concern to every Nigerian.
The former lawmaker said that while the president and security agencies are doing their best to end violent crimes in the country, Nigerians must
be united to defend their sovereignty.
Oyintiloye further said that the current security situation did not start with Tinubu’s administration but grew over a long period of time from terrorism to banditry, insisting that at no time did Nigeria have war against any
particular religion. “We must come together and rally behind the president at this period. Our religious or political affiliations are irrelevant at this period; what we need is oneness and unity to protect the sovereignty of our dear country,” he said.
‘Nigeria Needs to Train Best Brains for Innovations in Solar Panels Development’
amby Uneze in owerri
As the world tilts towards technological advancement in virtually every sphere of life, it becomes expedient to train best brains to engineer technological innovations, especially in solar panel development as a possible
way of engaging Nigerian youths to become useful.
Delivering the 39th Inaugural Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) last week, a lecturer, Prof Emeka Emmanuel Oguzie, maintained that for the country to boost technological breakthrough in green energy revolution, it should establish a ‘Centre For Excellence’ with the right tools to train the youths in technological innovations with particular reference to the development of parts of solar panels, adding that Nigeria has vibrant youth population. Prof Oguzie of the Department of Chemistry, in his theme: ‘Nature Inspired Materials Protection: Bridging Degradation Science and The Green Energy Revolution’, observed that corrosion remains the silent threat to progress of clean energy.
Kwara 2027: Hundreds of Youths Dump APC for PDP
Hammed shittu in Ilorin
Ahead of the 2027 general election, a major political realignment has unfolded in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday as hundreds of youths from the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state publicly dumped the party and joined the
opposition, Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the state.
The APC youths defectors cut across three major wards of Ajikobi, Alanamu and Ubandawaki Wards in Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state.
The leader of the defectors, who spoke at the event on behalf of other defectors,
Mallam Musa Kabir of Ubandawaki Ward, expressed deep regret for their involvement in the 2019 and 2023 Otoge struggles, describing the movement as a mistake that ushered in hardship and disappointment.
They accused the APC government under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq
of lacking vision, direction and the capacity to provide opportunities for the youths.
The defectors recounted how businesses, shops and sources of livelihood were destroyed across Ilorin metropolis as a result of the administration’s policies, leaving thousands of young people economically stranded.
Enugu Community Rejects Firms’ Land Grabbing Defence
Gideon arinze in enugu
Ugwuto Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State has faulted claims by Enpower Energy Limited that there was a tripartite agreement on the disputed land between the state government, Enpower
Energy Limited and Oildata Integrated Construction Company, which they claimed was signed in 2009.
Recall that the community had protested over allegations of land grabbing, accusing the company of using security forces to intimidate
community members who dared to raise their voices.
Reacting to the allegations, through its legal representative, Ricky Agu, the company said that in the agreement, the Enugu State government intends to develop a private public sector partnership for the attraction of investment into Enugu. However, addressing journalists yesterday in Enugu, a leader in the community, Emmanuel Agu, said that there was no such agreement, insisting that the community does not know the identities of Enpower and Oildata Integrated Construction Company.
Don, Others Underscore Role of Alumni in Varsities Growth
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Head of Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebimpe Adenugba, has underscored the role of alumni in all
round growth of universities, especially in the areas of funding and provision of necessary infrastructure.
She said this while receiving the solar inverter batteries worth millions of
naira presented by the Class of ‘95 set of the department in her office.
The don submitted that funding and provision of necessary amenities that would aid learning should
not be left in the hands of the federal government and management of the universities alone, stating that all the relevant stakeholders should lend helping hands.
As Super Eagles train first time ahead Thursday clash with Gabon Osimhen, Okoye, Alhassan to Arrive Today for Chelle to Have Full House in Rabat
Duro
Ikhazuagbe
Apart from Victor Osimhen, Maduka Okoye and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Super Eagles
Head Coach, Eric Chelle, and the other invited players had their first training in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday ahead the 2026 World Cup African Playoff against Gabon on Thursday. As at dinner time last night, there were 18 players in the team’s Rive Hotel camp base
in Rabat with Frank Onyeka, Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi expected to hit camp before midnight.
Galatasaray of Turkey front man Osimhen, Udinese’s Okoye and Alhassan of New England Revolution in the USA’s MLS, THISDAY learnt, have the permission of Chelle to arrive camp this Tuesday morning.
Seville duo of Akor Adams
and Chidera Ejuke followed behind Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi to arrive the Nigerian camp.
Chelle is expected to have the full compliment of all the invited players for the playoff at today’s morning training before having a feel of the match venue on Wednesday evening.
By midday yesterday, the Super Eagles again trendy for
the wrong reasons on the social media as an innocuous Instagram post by Fulham’s Alex Iwobi created a negative buzz for the Nigeria Football Federation. Iwobi had posted a bird eye view of a building thought to be part of the Rive Hotel where Eagles are camped. Social media users outrightly condemned the NFF for accommodating the team in such a less befitting place. But the matter was later clarified, with videos showing the
Monimichelle Vindicated by World Cup Playoffs on Morocco’s Hybrid Turf
Urges Nigeria’s football authorities to adopt hybrid turf technologies
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Nigeria’s foremost stadium turf expert, Ebi Egbe, has said that he’s vindicated by the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to schedule the 2026 World Cup African playoffs to be played on the hybrid natural turf of the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria will take on Gabon in the first semi final on Thursday while Cameroon will battle D.R. Congo in the second semifinal. Winners of both semis will clash for the African ticket to the Intercontinental playoffs scheduled to hold in Mexico March next year.
Egbe who is the CEO of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Limited, has remained consisted in telling Nigerian football authorities to help Super Eagles maintain their forms in European leagues at home when they come to honour national calls.
“The Nigerian Super Eagles are an elite side composed of players nurtured in Europe, where football thrives on speed,
precision, and fluid transitions. These players are used to hybrid turf systems — surfaces that allow the ball to move quickly and predictably,” Egbe stressed expertly.
He’s however pained that these Super Eagles are made to struggle when they play for Nigeria due to our poor pitches.
“Let me be clear, this is not a player problem but an infrastruc- tural deficit,” he noted. “The ball behaves differently in Nigeria because our pitches are neither constructed nor maintained to the standards that support elite, fast-paced football,” observed Egbe who is a GMA Certified
Groundsman.
According to him, the poor ball movement caused by the country’s 100% natural grass pitches has continued to undermine the performance of the Super Eagles. This, perhaps, may have been responsible why Super Eagles drew three games at home during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Egbe however remains optimistic that Nigerians will see a better performance from the Super Eagles in the playoffs in Morocco because they are going to play in similar turfs to what they have in their clubs in Europe.
To avoid the constant heartaches associated with Super Eagles struggles in home matches, “Nigerian authorities must adopt hybrid turf technologies in stadiums across the country to ensure consistent ball roll, proper traction, and improved safety for players.
“Nigeria must follow suit. We must upgrade our stadium turfs to align with CAF and FIFA standards. This will truly give our Super Eagles the home advantage they deserve. It’s time to stop blaming the players. Let’s fix the ground beneath their boots,” concludes the Monimichelle CEO.
interior and exterior views of the hotel. What Iwobi posted with a grin on his face was a neighboring building not part of the Rive Hotel complex.
*18 Players in Camp
(As at dinner time)
Calvin Bassey Alex Iwobi
Samuel Chukwueze
Tolu Arokodare
Olakunle Olusegun
Wilfred Ndidi
Moses Simon
William Troost-Ekong
Benjamin Frederick
Amas Obasogie
Stanley Nwabali
Semi AdemolaAjayiLookman
Akor Adams
Chidera Ejuke
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Raphael Onyedika
*Late Night Arrivals
Frank Onyeka
Bruno Onyemaechi
Zaidu Sanusi
*To Arrive Today
Victor Osimhen
Maduka Okoye
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi
Ademola Lookman’s Coach at Atalanta Sacked
The coach of Ademola Lookman at Serie A club Atalanta, Ivan Juric, has been fired. Atalanta announced the dismissal of Juric and his entire assistants last night. This followed the team’s woeful 3-0 home loss to Sassuolo at the weekend and also days after his
bust-up pitch side with Ademola Lookman in a UEFA Champions League tie at Olympique Marseille. Former Fiorentina coach, Raffaele Palladino, is expected to be appointed the new Atalanta coach and his first test will be against Napoli after the international break.
Fashola, Pinnick, Dikko, Others to Speak at Big Sport Dialoguein Lagos Nov. 24
The Big Sport Dialogue 1.0, a convergence of Nigeria’s brightest sports administrators, industry leaders and sporting media has been scheduled to hold on November 24, 2025 in Lagos to proffer solutions to why the country’s sports sector has not been able to reach its full potentials.
Amongst the eminent sports personalities expected to champion the reforms include: former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola; Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko; Amaju Pinnick, a former FIFA
Council Member, now Deputy Chairperson of FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee; Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade amongst several other sports personalities. Speaking in Lagos yesterday at a media briefing to herald the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Dialogue, Osaze Ebueku, revealed that part of the mission of this movement is to reposition Nigeria’s sports so that, the sector, can be able to perform beyond contributing less than 0.31 per cent to our country’s GDP.”
Ilesanmi, Opawunmi Emerge Champions as Toyota Celebrates Wuraola Ojo
Smokin Hills Golf Club’s Ojo Ilesanmi and Sade Opawunmi of Ikeja Golf Club have emerged the star performers at this year’s Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament, clinching the men and ladies’ overall titles respectively at Ilara-Mokin.
Ilesanmi, playing off handicap 16, carded an impressive 69 (three-under net) to top the men’s leaderboard, ahead of Ojuolape Olatunji and Balogun Ayodeji, who settled for second and third places. In the men’s veterans’ category, Iyare Peters and Kunle Adebayo took top honours, while Adebisi Abdulrasheed won the gross prize.
In the ladies’ division, Sade Opawunmi, with a 14-handicap, dazzled the field with a superb four-under net to claim victory, beating Diana Osmond by three strokes, while Chichi Alamu placed third with 76. Ekiti’s golf prodigy, Grace Yusuf, captured the ladies’ gross trophy with a score of 88, while Oluwadare Aminat clinched the Nearest to the Pin award.
2025 ELIZADE GOLF
Chidozie Awaziem
Super Eagles players on their way to training in Rabat, Morocco yesterday.
L-R: On-Air- Personality, Sylvanus Ofekun; Sports Stakeholder, Osaze Ebueku; and Sports Journalist, Jerome Obuninta during the Big Sport Dialogue media briefing in Lagos...yesterday
STAKEhoLDERS EnGAGEmEnT on REGionAL DEVELopmEnT...
L-R: Board member of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Hon. Tabitha Salah; Managing Director/ CEO SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio; National Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Center, Major General Larka; Executive Director Environment SSDC, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke and board member SSDC, Hon.Larry Odey at the Stakeholders Engagement on Regional Development, held at the Centre for Counter terrorism, office of the National Security Adviser, (NSA) Abuja … recently.
PAUlEJIME
Trump Claims: A Wake-up Call and Expressions of Solidarity with Nigeria
In most cases, when the so-called developed world or its leaders focus on the countries of the “Global South,” particularly in Africa, which they once described as the “dark continent,” it is usually for the benefit of the Global North or for the wrong/negative reasons - war, poverty, disease, conflicts, exploitation, corruption, and similar vices.
So, when American President Donald Trump, the acclaimed leader of the Global West, unusually turned his omnidirectional radar on Nigeria, Africa’s most populous Black Nation, he did not disappoint.
In 2018, during his first presidency, Trump called Haiti and African countries “shithole countries.”
However, between 31st October and 1st November, 2025, Trump took his scathing, incendiary and derogatory remarks a notch higher. In a tweet on 31 October via his Truth Social, he claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)…”
In his second tweet on 1 November, Trump warned that “If Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may very well go into that now disgraced country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
The CPC label is for nations “engaged in severe violations of religious freedom” under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. The designation is largely symbolic, but U.S. law states that “governments must take targeted responses to violations of religious freedom.”
Trump first put Nigeria on the CPC list in 2020, but President Joe Biden delisted the country in 2021.
As expected, Nigerian government officials have come out blazing in their rejection and condemnation of the claim of “targeted Christian genocide” in the country. In his first public response to Trump’s tweets, President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, 6 November, reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating terrorism and deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic relations.
“We are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all… that we will defeat terrorism…,” he said, before the Federal Executive Council’s closed-door meeting.
um NIST Continues
It remains unclear whether the Nigerian leader would meet with his American counterpart to clear things up as earlier announced by his aides.
Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, through its Head, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, have expressed support and solidarity with Nigeria, noting that terrorist attacks in the country were not limited to any religion or ethnic group.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria. Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides,” Mignot told NAN (News Agency of Nigeria). “We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”
He promised that “the EU was ready to enhance its support in peace, security and defence matters, as well as through dialogue with all stakeholders…”
In the same vein, the African Union “urges external partners, including the United States, to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence-sharing, and capacity-building partnerships…,” to tackle terrism.
China has also rejected the US threat of military action against Nigeria, while Russia said, “We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms.”
For context, Trump’s tweets made no mention of ‘genocide,’ and he did not provide any timeline for the killings.
But some Nigerian clerics and right-wing U.S. Republicans, particularly Texas Senator
Ted Cruz, have made more elaborate claims. In a post on his X handle, Cruz said: “Officials in Nigeria are ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist jihadists. It’s time to hold those responsible accountable. My Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act would target these officials with powerful sanctions and other tools.”
Citing figures from Open Doors and other reports, US Congressman Riley Moore claimed that more than 7,000 Christians had been killed in 2025 alone and that “at least 19,100 Churches have been attacked or destroyed since 2009.” While acknowledging that “Nigerians of all faiths faced terrorism,” he said, “Christians are far and away the most targeted for persecution and violence.”
In March this year, Evangelist Ezekiel Dachomo, a regional leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, posted a video of a mass burial of victims of an attack in Heipang community near Jos, Nigeria’s Middle-Belt region.
The clip went viral on social media, and in an interview published by a Nigerian newspaper on 25 March 2025, the Evangelist said, “I made the video for record-keeping so that future generations will be able to see how we were terrorised and persecuted. The video is also evidence that a Christian genocide is going on in the North (ofThatNigeria).”
was not the first time that “genocide” or “Christian persecution” claims would be made against Nigeria. In its report early this year, a pro-Christian organization, Open Doors, listed Nigeria as among the “most persecuting countries.” The report claimed that “More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria than anywhere
else in the world.” Other foreign-based religious organisations, such as the ACI, EWTN, and The Tablet, had also expressed concern about the reported persecution of Christians in the country.
On 12 March 2025, the Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Markudi, in Nigeria’s Central Benue State, took the claim of anti-Christian attacks to the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Africa Subcommittee.
The cleric alleged that: “A long-term, Islamic agenda to homogenize the population has been implemented over several presidencies, through a strategy to reduce and eventually eliminate the Christian identity of half of the population.”
“This strategy includes both violent and non-violent actions, such as the exclusion of Christians from positions of power, the abduction of Church members, the raping of women, the killing and expulsion of Christians, the destruction of churches and farmlands of Christian farmers, followed by the occupation of such lands by Fulani herders. All of this takes place without government interference or reprisals,” he added.
Specifically, Bishop Angbe told the Congress Committee: “I ask you to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. This has both a practical and diplomatic meaning, to signal that you are paying attention to what happens to us.”
“Second, I urge the United States to condition any cooperation on the return of the IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) to their ancestral homes and help them to rebuild their lives. I implore this august body to insist on the return and rehabilitation of all IDPs to their ancestral lands, and NOT to relocate them to other constructed camps elsewhere…” the cleric concluded.
Earlier in March 2024, Bishop Anagbe had also told the American Congress that “Christians in Nigeria have for decades been under assault from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, and most recently, Fulani herdsmen who have perpetrated massacres of Christian communities.”
The Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed these claims and accused some US lawmakers of “relying on inaccurate and misleading data to allege a so-called Christian genocide in Nigeria.”
