Dangote: We Are Saving Nigeria $1bn Annual Demurrage, Ending 50 Years of
Says country to earn $500m from cement export from next year Insists industrialisation, not importation will grow Africa’s economy
Peter Uzoho President/Chief Executive,
Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began
producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has
finally come to an end. Dangote added that the company deserves celebration for
www.thisdaylive.com
Inflation Drops to 20.12% Amid Moderation in Energy, Food Prices
Atiku: FG’s Planned Divestment of Equity in Oil Sector JVs Disturbing
Severe in Ekiti, Kano, Oyo, others FG orders customs to suspend 4% FOB on imported goods Declares levy imposes increased financial burden, hampers trade facilitation, economic stability (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services, dropped to 20.12 per cent in August, compared to 21.88 per cent in the preceding month, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday. The fall came on the day Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, ordered the immediate suspension of the Says pervasive hunger, poverty in Nigeria unacceptable Presidency to ex-VP: You are out of touch with Nigeria’s progress Onanuga: Atiku among those who mismanaged our economy You’re practicing voodoo economy, PDP tells APC CVR: 4.5m Nigerians Registered in Four Weeks, Says INEC... Page 19
UNVEILING OF TRUCKS FOR FREE LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION SCHEME...
L-R: Chairman, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, Sayyu Dantata; President/CEO, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Group Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Aliko; and Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, at the unveiling of the trucks for free logistics distribution scheme and one year of fuel roll out at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Lekki, Lagos, yesterday
L-R: Group Chairman of George Steuart and Company Sri Lanka, Mr. Sarva Amerekere; CEO Africa at Crown Agents Bank UK, Mr. John Samkuban; Chairman Nigeria International Advisory Council (CWEIC), Mr. Olasupo Shasore SAN; Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, Lord Jonathan Marland of Odstock; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Director, CWEIC and world-renowned Robotic Cancer Surgeon at The Royal Marsden UK, Prof. Asif Chaudary; and Country Director Nigeria CWEIC, Mr. Obinna Anyanwu, during the Commonwealth High-Level Delegation visit to the Governor of Lagos State… recently
Shettima: Nigeria Must Revive Its Rail Services to Remain Africa’s Logistics Hub
Says with Tinubu, linking cities through railways, roads a must Declares president committed to transforming Nigeria’s economy for better Insists nation’s doors are open to investments, collaboration across diverse sectors
Deji Elumoye and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the only way Nigeria can maintain its lead as the logistics hub of Africa is to revive and revitalise the nation’s railway services.
Accordingly, he called for strong networking, partner- ships, and collaboration among stakeholders, insisting that the task of taking full advantage of the numerous opportunities in the railway sector is not one to be taken lightly.
Shettima who disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday, while declaring open the second International Railway Conference, however, assured that it was such a rebirth that inspired railway projects and modernisation under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Also, speaking at a separate forum yesterday, Shettima said Nigeria’s doors are open to investments and collabora-
tion across diverse sectors as Tinubu remains determined to transform the state of the nation’s economy for the better. According to him, the results of the bold reforms undertaken by Tinubu’s administration since its assumption in May 2023 are testaments to the renewed determination of Nigeria’s leadership.
Speaking at the railway con- ference, he said: “The challenge ahead of us is to lead this race as the logistics hub of Africa by reviving and revitalising our railway services. We must be conscious of our place as the anchor of West Africa’s economy and home to the continent’s largest population as we prepare for the adoption of modern railway infrastructure.
“This awakening inspired projects such as the Kano– Maradi railway modernisation, which opens new gateways for trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area”.
The Vice President drew
attention to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said, “is also shaped by the urgent need to reduce the burden on roads and highways across the country,” just as he decried decades of over-reliance on road transportation, leading “to congestion, rapid deteriora- tion of infrastructure, and higher accident rates.
“Railways offer safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly alternatives, reduc- ing carbon emissions and reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” he added.
Shettima, however, did not guarantee an easy path to harnessing the potential in the railway sector, just as he
demanded strong collaboration, networking and alliance among stakeholders. His words: “But the task of maximising the immense op- portunities in the railway sector is not one we consider easy. It requires networks, partnerships, and robust collaboration with stakeholders.
“This is why our ongoing
modernisation projects—Lagos to Kano, Kano to Maradi, and Port Harcourt to Maiduguri— are designed with open doors for private sector participation. We must ensure not only timely completion, but also sustain- ability and efficient utilisation of these projects.”
Continues online
Transport, Blue Economy Ministers, Others to Discuss Nigerian Transport Growth, Devt at TCAN Summit
Sunday Okobi
The Ministers of Transport and Marine and Blue Economy and other stakeholders in the logistics and transport industry have been confirmed among those to highlight the growth and development of the Nigerian transport system at the 2025 Transportation
Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) summit, billed for September 24, 2025.
The summit is an annual event that provides a platform for stakeholders’ interaction on pertinent issues affecting the nation’s transportation sector.
This would be the second edition of the summit, which was kick-started in 2024 amid commendation and endorsement from stakeholders across the country.
in FCT, Imo
Tinubu Ratifies Process for Appointment of Five Permanent Secretaries
Approves portfolios for five EDs NCDC
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment process for five new Permanent Secretaries, to fill five vacant positions of FCT and Imo State and the three newly created rotational zonal vacancies, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has disclosed in a statement.
The selection process, which began yesterday with a writ-
ten examination, according to the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, also sought to fill the three zonal vacancies arising from the establishment of additional ministries. The zonal vacancies cover the North-Central, North-East and South-East geopolitical zones. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, assured that the selection process
had been meticulously structured to ensure transparency, credibility, and merit in line with the Administration’s commitment to good governance. She stated that applications were open only for officers on Grade 17 in the mainstream Federal Civil Service, who had spent at least two years on the grade, and whose names were cleared and forwarded by their Permanent Secretaries as qualified and not being under any disciplinary action.
At the second edition of the summit with the theme:
‘Driving the Transport Logistics Value Chains for Economic Growth’, the Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, will deliver a keynote address with a panel of discussants featuring topics like: ‘Intermodal cargo evacuation from the ports, benefits and challenges’; ‘Waterways Transportation Code and challenges of enforcement’; ‘100 years of aviation in Nigeria: Gains and missed opportunities’; and ‘Maritime insecurity, effects,
implications on trade route’. Other agencies and stakeholders participating in the summit include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA), Dangote Industries Limited, Trucks Transit Park (TTP), among others.
FXTM Expands Trading Opportunities in Nigeria, Launches New Platform
FXTM, a global leader in online trading, has announced the launch of FXTM Edge, a new trading account designed to give Nigerians an easy and innovative way to enter the financial markets.
In a statement yesterday, it explained that the FXTM Edge provides an accessible entry point into the markets by allowing traders to begin with as little as $50 through a micro trading
account, enabling them to trade in micro lots while building their trading strategies and managing risk effectively.
The platform is available as a web-based interface, optimised for mobile use, and supported by a mobile app, offering flexibility and convenience to trade anytime and anywhere.
“FXTM Edge was created to help new and aspiring traders
navigate the financial markets with ease by providing trade ideation tools and inspiration that enhance trading skills and decision-making.
“The account gives clients access to a wide range of instruments including Forex, Indices, Metals, Commodities, and Stocks, with tight spreads and capped leverage of up to 500:1 for reduced risk.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
PRESENTATION OF 20TH NIGERIAN BANKING SECTOR REPORT AND 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFRINVEST...
L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Exchange Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; Chief Executive Officer, Azura Power West Africa, Mr. Edu Okeke; Chief Executive Officer, EnergyInc Advisors, Mrs. Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; Chief Executive Officer, Outsource Global, Amal Hassan; Group Managing Director, Afrinvest, Dr. Ike Chioke; Board Member, Afrinvest, Prof. Osita Ogbu; Founding Partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; and former Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh, during the presentation of the 20th Nigerian Banking Sector Report and 30th Anniversary of Afrinvest in Lagos… recently
FG: Natural Gas ‘ll Power Planned
4,000km
High-speed Rail Network in Nigeria
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has underscored the potential of Nigeria’s vast gas reserves in powering the
nation’s railway sector, particu- larly the 4,000 km, 350 km/h high-speed rail network poised to revolutionise connectivity and drive industrial growth across Nigeria and Africa. He stated this yesterday in
an address at the International Railway Conference 2025, organised by the Federal Ministry of Transportation in collaboration with De-Sadel Nigeria Limited, held in Abuja. Ekpo, according to a state-
ment by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, said the railway project will open new frontiers for trade, investment, and industrial growth in the country.
Ekpo said: “For decades, our nation relied on crude
Court Grants Emefiele’s Request for Forensic Review of WhatsApp Evidence in Ongoing Trial
Wale Igbintade
Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, yesterday, granted the applica- tion of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to engage forensic experts to examine WhatsApp conversations and a mobile device marked “iPhone 2” that were tendered as evidence in his ongoing trial.
Emefiele, who is facing a 19-count charge alongside co-defendant Henry Omoile, was accused of abuse of office, receiving gratification, accepting gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent property transactions involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion.
The charges were filed by
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele’s legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo, SAN, had asked the court to allow an independent forensic expert to inspect the handset and verify the authenticity of the extracted WhatsApp messages presented as exhibits.
Ojo urged the court to permit a forensic analysis of the mobile phone used in extracting the WhatsApp messages already tendered as evidence, stating:
“The defence is seeking the leave of the court to call a forensic expert to examine both the mobile device and printed conversations allegedly linked to the defendants,” he arguedHowever, EFCC counsel C.
C. Okezie opposed the request, arguing that exhibits admitted during trial are in the custody of the court and must remain in their original form until the case is concluded.
She also expressed concern that the defence had not disclosed the name of the forensic laboratory or the qualifications of the personnel who would handle the device.
Okezie urged the court to appoint the EFCC’s Director of Forensic Department to select the laboratory, ensure the exercise is monitored by a prosecution-nominated representative, and maintain a strict chain of custody.
In his ruling, Justice Os- hodi held that the defence has the right to conduct an independent forensic review,
provided safeguards were in place to protect the integrity of the evidence.
He ordered that the inspec- tion be conducted in the presence of representatives of all parties, with each party allowed no more than one lawyer and one forensic expert.
The court directed that the process be supervised by a court representative and conducted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on September 24 and 26, 2025.
The judge further ruled that the chain of custody of Exhibit E (iPhone 2) must be preserved and that the exhibit must remain in the court’s custody at all times.
oil as the primary driver of our economy, while gas was underutilised. Today, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this narrative is changing.
“The ‘Decade of Gas Initiative’ has repositioned gas as the centrepiece of our national energy strategy, transforming it from a by-product of oil to the foundation of Nigeria’s economic and industrial future.”
According to the minister, with proven gas reserves of 210 trillion cubic feet and an estimated upside of 600 trillion cubic feet, Nigeria is poised to leverage gas as a clean, affordable energy source to fuel capital-intensive railway infrastructure.
He said railway infrastruc- ture is capital-intensive and requires sustainable, affordable, and clean energy sources to operate efficiently, and that Nigeria’s gas resources provide a strategic solution.
Ekpo said expanding gasto-power projects ensures reliable electricity for railway stations, industrial hubs, and urban centres connected by the
rail network. He said natural gas can be processed into cleaner transport fuels, such as Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) and LNG for transport, enabling modern rail systems to reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring cost efficiency.
“The high-speed rail will unlock new economic corridors where gas-based industries, such as fertiliser plants, petrochemicals, methanol production, and compressed natural gas (CNG) hubs, can flourish, transforming rail- connected cities into vibrant industrial growth centres,” Ekpo“Withnoted. the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), gas-powered industries con- nected by high-speed rail will enhance Nigeria’s role as the engine of West and Central Africa’s industrial and energy economy,” he added.
Ekpo stated that these efforts are aligned with Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, which seeks to industrialise Nigeria, create jobs, and lift millions out of poverty through sustainable energy and infrastructure development.
Lawyers in Energy, Industry Leaders
Set to Brainstorm at LEICA Summit
Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Edo State Police Command on Monday said it has recovered N300,000 extorted from a furniture maker by the officers attached to the Oba Market Area Command, Benin City.This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu.
Yamu also said that the officers involved have been detained and would face disciplinary procedures in accordance with the extant regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has taken decisive action following a video circulated on social media by an influencer in Edo State alleging the extortion
N300,000
Edo Police to Discipline Officers for Extortion, Recovers
of the sum N300,000 from a furniture maker by some of- ficers attached to Oba Market Area Command, Benin City.
“The officers involved have been promptly identified, the money has been fully recovered and returned to the victim, while the said officers have been detained and are to face disciplinary procedures in accordance with the extant regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a decisive moment for Nigeria’s oil, gas, and power industries, the Lawyers in Energy International Conference (LEICA) 2025 is set to bring together the nation’s most influential voices in law, governance, and business for a high-level dialogue on the future of the sector.
The conference scheduled for October 22, 2025 at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos, will run under the theme: “Law, Risk and Reform: Shaping Nigeria’s
Energy Sector for Sustainable Prosperity,” a statement by the organisation said.
Unlike traditional forums, the 2025 edition of the programme, the organisers said, is designed to move beyond speeches and presentations—drilling down into practical strategies, risk frameworks, and actionable insights needed to navigate one of the world’s most complex energy markets.
“Nigeria’s energy sector sits at the crossroads of reform and regulation. LEICA 2025 will serve as a platform where
policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders can align on frameworks that not only attract capital but also guarantee transparency, compliance, and long-term stability for the sector.
“Our task is to turn policy into practice,” said Dolapo Kukoyi, Chairperson, Local Organising Committee for LEICA 2025. From ministers and regula- tors to chief executives, senior lawyers, financiers, insurers, and policy strategists, participants will engage with urgent ques- tions that define the future of the industry.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
NECA DELEGATION VISITS JULIUS BERGER HEAD OFFICE IN ABUJA...
L-R: The Head of HR, Julius Berger Nigeria, Mr. Femi Ojomo; Head of Abuja Corporate Office, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mrs. Judith Tietie; Director, Social and Labour Affairs, NECA, Mrs. Adenike Adebayo-Ajala; Director-General, NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde; Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria, Engr. (Dr.) Peer Lubasch; Director of Administration, Julius Berger Nigeria, Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita; CEO, Sage Consulting & Communications, Barrister Bode Fadipe Esq; Group Head Sales and Operations, ProHealth HMO Limited, Dr. Margaret Isabona during a courtesy visit by a delegation of NECA to Julius Berger Nigeria Head Office in Abuja… recently
Adegbulugbe: How GEIL’s $400m Crude
Terminal Will Impact Nigeria’s Energy Sector
Full-phase project development to cost $1.3bn
The Chairman of Green Energy International Limited (GEIL), Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, has disclosed that the firm’s establishment of the first indigenous $400 million onshore oil Otakikpo Terminal in Rivers State will play significant roles in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of GEIL, the Otakikpo Terminal is a project whose time has come, saying that the terminal is a product of two-year investment after 50 years of relying on the ones built by foreigners.
Adegbulugbe stated this during an interview with select journalists in Abuja at the weekend, adding that the terminal will live up to expectations and change the narrative in the oil and gas industry.
With the completion of the terminal, President Bola Tinubu is expected to inaugurate the facility in due course.
Speaking on the uniqueness of Otakikpo Terminal, the Green Energy chief said: “The whole idea is a project whose time has come. Because, right now, we have an aging network of export infrastructure that has been a limiting factor to the production of oil in Nigeria.
“We have put in place a modular facility of 750,000 barrels storage capacity that is expandable to 3,000,000 barrels and we are working with relevant stakeholders to keep recording successes”.
Adegbulugbe further dis- closed that the terminal will cater for four sets of investors for positive development of the oil sector.
He said: “The Otakikpo terminal which is the newest is catering for four sets of E&P companies. The first set are those who have small reserves far away from oil export infrastructure pipeline and they can’t afford to build a pipeline because of the small reserves
“This time around, they have a solution through the
trucking option. That is, they can truck 1,000-1,500 barrels into our terminal. Getting to the terminal, we have a very good road network. So, if you are around 50 kilometres or thereabouts, you can come to Otakikpo terminal.
“Then, another set of companies have fields around creeks where they can’t do any trucking but they can do barging. Again, we cater for
those in that category. They can barge or even aggregate and come to where we call kilometre 6 because we already have a pipeline from our field to 6 kilometers offshore and it is a bi-directional, which we are using right now for our export as we can turn it around”.
“You can bring your barge to kilometer 6, pump your oil onshore and from onshore it goes directly into our terminal.
So that again gives succour to those fields and there are so many of them. The third set of investors are those who have fields 20 kilometers offshore.
One of the mitigating factors for them for exporting is that they may not have enough capital to facilitate the required facility.
Again, we have a 23-kilometre bi-directional pipeline offshore”.
“They can have a smaller vessel, produce and come
to kilometer 23 and pump again onshore and they can export. The fourth set are the companies within 40 kilometres from us. Even if they have enough money for the required infrastructure, there is an issue of theft. They produce hundred barrels and get paid sometimes about 80 per cent with 20 per cent loss and that is imparting on their bottom line. Again, we offer a solution”.
Bagudu Hails Gumel’s Appointment as Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund Chairman
James Emejo in Abuja
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday congratulated the Vice Chairman of Africa for Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group, Mr. Farouk Gumel, on his appointment as Chairman, Board of Directors, Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund Limited.
Tinubu Reiterates Commitment to Promotion of Maternal Healthcare
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to promoting maternal healthcare, stating: “There is no greater test of a nation’s character than the care it extends to its women.”
The president gave the commitment at the unveiling of the Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, Renew Health Equity and Reform (RenewHER).
The president, represented
by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the launch of the initiative, noted that: “Maternal health is the heartbeat of every family, the compass of social stability, and the truest index of national welfare.”
He insisted that: “A society that neglects the well-being of its women and girls cannot lay claim to building a functional nation. This truth applies as much within the intimate walls of the family as it does in the architecture of our national priorities.”
He stressed that: “That
is why I share in the spirit and mission of this gathering. This mission to place women at the forefront inspires our resolve to build on the programmes already in place to address maternal needs.
“Out of this collective commitment emerges today’s launch of RenewHER - a Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative designed to serve as the national engine of collaboration among all stakeholders in our campaign for a healthier Nigeria.”
Gumel, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), was appointed by President Duma Gideon Boko to oversee the multi-billion-dollar fund, which aims to diversify the Botswana economy, create new opportunities, and ensure lasting prosperity for the country’s future generations.
Bagudu, who had received Gumel in his office last week, said the appointment recognised his extensive experience and achievements as a business leader across professional ser-
vices, investment, and industrial development in Africa and internationally.
In a statement, he said,
“This appointment, no doubt, recognises your deep intellect and extensive experience in business leadership and wealth creation, which I have personally witnessed.
“I acknowledge your invaluable contributions through your WACOT group to our efforts to modernise and expand our agricultural practices in Kebbi State. Your expertise was instrumental in helping us achieve our rice revolution,
which improved lives and created jobs and wealth for thousands of our people when I was Governor of Kebbi State.” Bagudu expressed confidence that Gumel would make Nigeria proud by helping Botswana develop its sovereign wealth fund into one of the largest in the world.
The minister said, “I commend you, knowing that you will bring your usual dedication and visionary guidance to the task of helping Botswana manage and grow its wealth for the benefit of future generations of its people.
Tinubu Cuts Short 10-day Working Vacation, Returns to Abuja Today
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has concluded his 10-working day vacation ahead of schedule and will return to Abuja today, September 16, 2025, to resume official duties. Ordinarily, the working vacation is billed to end on Friday, September 19, 2025.
According to a release issued on Monday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President who departed the nation’s capital, Abuja for France on September 4, 2025, to spend part of his annual holiday and was initially scheduled to divide the period between France and the United Kingdom.
Last week in Paris, President
Tinubu held a private luncheon with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, at the Élysée Palace.
During the productive lun- cheon, both leaders reviewed key areas of cooperation between Nigeria and France and agreed to deepen the partnership for mutual prosperity and global stability.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Moody’s: Nigeria, Other African Nations Hit by High Borrowing Costs
Says high inflation, low savings major issue in Nigeria
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Borrowing costs for govern- ments and businesses in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya have risen in the last five years due to policy weaknesses, unfavourable market conditions and inflation, according to a study by Moody’s Ratings published yesterday.
Although economies in the region face ever-rising funding needs to keep development and growth on track, they
have to contend with high interest rates compared with their advanced counterparts, which is compounded by limited sources of capital.
“Borrowing costs are high across the board,” Moody’s Senior Vice President Lucie Villa said in the report based on a study of credit conditions in the three markets, Reuters said.
“Debt costs for banks, non-financial companies and sovereigns have increased in all three markets alongside
higher policy rates during the past five years,” Villa said.
While borrowing from development partners, which typically lend at low interest rates, has helped to lower foreign currency debt costs, it has not fully offset high local and foreign capital market interest rates, the report found.
The costs of borrowing on international markets for the three countries have come down, with interest spreads over US Treasuries easing for lower-rated Kenya
and Nigeria since 2022, but they still stand at around 500 basis points, it said.
South Africa enjoys lower interest rates due to being an emerging economy with deeper domestic capital markets and an effective monetary policy structure, but its costs are considered high relative to many of its emerging market peers due to fiscal constraints.
“Without improvements, South Africa risks continuing a negative spiral in which
high interest rates aimed at attracting inflows amid sub- dued growth limit domestic investment and further hinder economic prospects,” the report said.
Moody’s blamed overborrowing by the Kenyan government and shallow local markets for limiting access to credit for businesses, while high inflation and low savings curb availability of low interest credit for Nigerian companies.
Redressing the imbalances
ATI ku: fg ’ S p l A nne D D I ve ST men T of e qu ITY I n oI l Se CT or J vS D IST urb I ng
Deji Elumoye , Chuks Okocha and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday kicked against what he termed the planned divestment of significant equity in key Joint Ventures (JVs) within the oil and gas sector, describing it as disconcerting.
Atiku also picked holes in the proposed amendments
barrels per day refinery and producing petrol now satisfying the country’s daily demand.
Speaking yesterday at the refinery complex in Lagos, during a press conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the facility and the commencement of the rollout of the 10,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, Dangote highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975.
However, he said the issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery began rolling out petrol on September 15, 2024.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.
to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the law passed in 2021 to reform the oil and gas sector to restructure regulation, governance, fiscal terms and host community benefits in the oil and gas sector. He stressed that while he has consistently advocated for liber- alisation and the revitalisation of underperforming state-owned enterprises, including through privatisation where necessary, it
government officials, who argued that only sovereign na- tions undertake such large-scale refinery ventures. He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.
“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
was imperative that such efforts are guided by transparency, national interest, and long-term strategicAlthoughvalue.there’s currently no public information that the federal government intends to sell off part of its shares in the key JVs, Atiku, in a press release by his media aide, Paul Ibe, maintained that the moves, if not properly managed, could erode public trust, destabilise
“Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”
the sector, and compromise our energy security.
The federal government holds equity stakes in JV oil operations with international oil companies through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). These JVs are structured so that NNPC represents the government’s interest, with shares typically ranging from 55 per cent to 60 per cent in major ventures,
while the foreign partners hold the remaining interest and serve as Theoperators.arrangement therefore gives the government direct ownership of a substantial portion of Nigeria’s crude oil production.
Wale Edun
that keep financing costs high, including the creation of effective policy structures, will take time, Moody’s said in the report quoted by Reuters.
ventures such as RAEC (Renaissance) JV, Oando JV, and Seplat Energy JV, especially under terms that appear to disproportionately favour select insiders and foreign entities, risk undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty over its most strategic resources.
“These moves, if not properly managed, could erode public trust, destabilise the sector, and compromise our energy security.
of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.
He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productiv- ity but also supports a circular economy.
Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisa- tion, describing it as essential for the continent’s development.
Acknowledging the numer- ous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dan- gote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.
Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.
Dangote emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping
“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies. Without this, how can others invest?
That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy. My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports
Continued on page 20
DA ngoT e: We Are S Av I ng nI ger IA $1bn Annu A l Demurr A ge, e n DI ng 50 Ye A r S of f uel Cr ISIS Infl ATI on Drop S T o 20.12% Am ID m
“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria.
“Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true. What we have done is to make our country and continent proud.
“Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk.
He received repeated warn- ings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign
He noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Ni- geria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports. He revealed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchangeEmphasisingearnings. job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but was instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks was expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.
“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said.
levied by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.
Edun conveyed the suspension in a letter dated September 15, 2025, which was signed by Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, R. O. Omachi, and addressed to the Comptroller-General of Customs.
The minister stated that the decision was taken following extensive consultation with industry stakeholders, trade experts, and relevant govern- ment officials.
He said it was clear that the implementation of the FOB charge posed significant challenges to trade facilitation, environment and economic stability.
Edun pointed out that many importers and businesses had
raised concerns about the increased financial burden the levy imposed, with potential adverse effects on inflation, trade competitiveness, and the overall business climate in the country.
While urging strict compli- ance with the directive, the correspondence said the suspension of the charge will provide an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and a thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications.
“The ministry of finance looks forward to working closely with the service and all relevant parties to devise a more equitable and efficient revenue structure that supports both revenue generation and economic growth and stability,”
But in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency did not directly address the portion of the former Vice President’s concern over the said divestment plan, but dismissed Atiku’s revolution prediction.
The Presidency maintained that Atiku was no longer in touch with realistic progress Nigeria has made in the two years and five months that President Bola Tinubu has been in the saddle.
Dismissing Atiku’s position as “grossly misleading”, the Presidency stated that this has proven that the ex-Vice President and his handlers are out of touch with the realities on the ground.
“The Petroleum Industry Act was enacted to bring clarity, accountability, and investor confidence to a sector long plagued by opacity. Any attempt to amend its core provisions must be approached with caution and broad stakeholder engagement.
“The reported plans to reduce the Federation’s stakes in joint
the letter added.
Meanwhile, year-on-year, headline inflation stood at 12.03 per cent, lower than 32.15 per cent in August 2024.
NBS attributed the 1.76 per cent drop in inflation to moderation in food and energy prices in the review month.
According to the CPI Report for the month under review, inflation decreased in August compared to the same month in the preceding year, albeit, after rebasing.
Month-on-month, headline inflation stood at 0.74 per cent, lower than 1.99 per cent in July.
Food inflation dropped to 21.87per cent, year-on-year, in August compared to 37.52 per cent in the corresponding period of 2024.
NBS explained that the
“The federal government must ensure that any privatisation exercise is conducted with full transparency, guided by competitive bidding, and subject to rigorous public scrutiny. The process must reflect our shared commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic future and ensuring that the benefits of our natural resources are equitably distributed.
“We must resist the temptation to pursue short-term gains at the expense of Nigeria’s national interest and long-term national stability,” Atiku pointed out. Besides, the former Nigeria’s number two man decried what he described as the increasing spate of hunger currently ravaging the country, especially the underprivileged poor and downtrodden.
The Presidency said: “Talk is cheap. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his han-
Continued on page 21
significant decline in annual food inflation was technically due to the change in the base year.Nonetheless, the food index dropped to 1.65 per cent monthon-month in August compared to 3.12 per cent in July.
The statistical agency further attributed the decrease to reduction in average prices of imported and local rice, guinea corn flour, maize flour sold loose, guinea corn (sorghum), millet, semolina, soya milk, among others.
Similarly, the average annual rate of food inflation for the 12 months ending August 2025 over the previous 12-month average was 25.75 per cent, compared to 36.99 per cent in August 2024.
Continued on page 20
Tobi AmusAn celebrATing winning silver medAl in The women’s 100m hurdles evenT... Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan celebrating winning a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles event of the 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan yesterday evening. The silver is Nigeria’s only medal so far at the Championship
How Ozekhome, “Tali Shani”, Lost Ownership
Battle for Late Useni’s London Property
Details have emerged on how lawyer and rights activists, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and “Tali Shani” lost out in the bid to take ownership of a London property linked to one-time Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the late General Jeremiah Useni.
The said property at the centre of a legal dispute, House 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, was purchased in 1993 by Useni under the name “Tali Shani”.
However, delivering judge- ment in the suit filed by one “Ms Tali Shani”, a London property tribunal last week came to the conclusion that neither Ozekhome nor the plaintiff, Ms Tali Shani, was entitled to claim of ownership of the property, due to
irreconcilable testimonies of witnesses called by both parties, according to TheCable online.
Mr Ewan Paton of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), ruling in the suit filed in 2021, held that neither the applicant, “Ms Tali Shani”, nor the respondent, Ozekhome, could prove ownership of 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2.
Recall that Useni, who died earlier this year in France, after a protracted illness, was a star witness for the senior lawyer, according to reports.
It was believed that the funds used by the staunch ally of former Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, was connected to public funds laundered during his time in office.
Besides being a former FCT minister, Useni was also a one-time military administrator
of former Bendel State, from where present Edo and Delta states were carved out.
The problem, however, started when Ozekhome sought to register the transfer of the property executed in his favour in August 2021 by “Mr Tali Shani”.
According to the documents, the transfer of the property to the senior lawyer was “not for money or anything that has a monetary value” but, a “gift”, and “out of gratitude”, for the “many legal services” Ozekhome had rendered to him in the
However,past.that position was countered by solicitors representing “Ms Tali Shani”, another claimant to the property, who also expressed outraged at the purported transfer of the said property to Ozekhome.
The trial unveiled a high level of mutual accusations of forgery, conspiracy, corruption, andCentralimpersonation. to the case was the identity of “Ms Tali Shani”, who never showed up before the tribunal, despite multiple adjournments on her instance. Her lawyers, who had in 2024 told the tribunal that she was hospitalised, later produced documents claiming she had died in Nigeria.
In support of her case, her lawyers had tendered some documents, which included medical reports, a Nigerian national identity slip, a mobile phone bill, a death certificate, and even an obituary notice, as well as the testimony of a witness, Anakwe Marcel Obasi, who claimed to be a cousin of the Accordingapplicant. to Obasi, the
late Ms Tali Shani and the late General Jeremiah Useni “had a very long affair; an affair that I believe lasted a decade” and “remained cordial and friendly” afterwards.
The witness further claimed that his cousin had told him that she once wanted to move to the UK but changed her mind, but then “gave money to the late General Useni to assist her in the purchase of a property in London where she was going to reside” in the “early 1990s”.
The witness admitted that he had not produced a single photograph of himself with his supposed cousin, Useni, the respondent, or even his purported nephew, Damola, because he was “not a pho- togenic person” and that he “never found it necessary” to take such pictures.
Indian Businessman, 3 Others Arrested Over N3.9bn Tramadol Intercepted at Lagos Airport
cartons, and arrived the import shed of the Lagos airport on an Ethiopian Airline flight last Monday.
An Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, and three Nigerian accomplices, Ogunlana Noah Olan- rewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode, and Bakare Korede Muheeb, have been arrested by operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in connection with the seizure of 2,248,000 pills of tramadol 200mg/225mg intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The spokesman of the anti- narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the tramadol shipment worth N3,990,000,000 in street value, was imported from Delhi, India, disguised as multi-vitamins, in 114
In a related development, operatives of NDLEA, Edo State Command, destroyed over 18,000 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in one raid operation targeting cannabis cultivators in the state.
The onslaught took place on September 11, 2025, at Ugbogui Forest, in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.
Babafemi said a team of NDLEA officers, who had put the drug consignment recovered in Lagos under surveillance, swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers who were trying to move the shipment out of the airport in two trucks lastHeThursday.
added that a follow up operation the following day led to
the arrest of the Indian businessman, when he was trying to take delivery of the Babafemiconsignment. said at Terminal 2 Departure Gate of the airport, NDLEA operatives on Sunday, September 7, intercepted a pas- senger, Onyeganochi Ifeanyi, travelling on a Qatar Airline flight to Doha. He said a search of Ifeanyi’s bag led to the recovery of 900 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis concealed in crayfish.
Ifeanyi, a first-time traveller, claimed the bag was given to him to help take to Doha by a Qatar-based Nigerian, Ohadiegwu Uchenna, who followed him to the airport.
Babafemi said Ifeanyi’s confession led to the arrest of Uchenna who was still within view. Operatives, who later conducted a search of
Uchenna’s hotel room in Ajao Estate discovered additional 200 grams of the same psychoactive substance, and he claimed he was to return
to Doha days later and pick the bag from the unsuspecting Ifeanyi if he had succeeded in escaping security checks.
Regarding the alleged funeral rites and burial of his cousin (Ms Tali Shani), Obasi, who claimed that there had been an official photographer at the event, however, told the tribunal that the photographer was “killed by a bandit two days after the funeral”.
Another plaintiff witness, Ayodele Damola, alleged biological son of Ms Tali Shani, claimed that his mother had purchased the property in 1993, and added that she was in a relationship with the late Useni during that period.
“My mother, through General Useni, agreed to rent out the property rather than leaving the same fallow,” Damola stated.
Damola also alleged that the transfer of the property to Ozekhome was an attempt by Useni to repay “N54 million Naira” which he had borrowed from the senior lawyer for an election campaign. He told the tribunal that the general had first asked his mother to transfer the property to the respondent, but when she refused, they then persuaded a “poor innocent man” (presumably Mr. Tali Shani) to apply for a passport and pose as the owner. continues online
UNIMED Advocates Deployment of Tech, Innovation for Transformation of Medicare in Nigeria
The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Ondo State has advocated deployment of technology and innovation for transformation of medical care in ThisNigeria. call was made at the opening ceremony of the second Faculty of Clinical Sciences Conference held
of Thursday, 11th September, 2025 at the Oladipo Akinkugbe Hall, Laje Campus of the institution.
Showcasing the remark- able transformation that can occur in medical care at the conference, aptly themed “Transforming Medical Care in Nigeria through Technology and Innova-
tion”, the keynote speaker, Dr Hammed Ninalowo, a US trained Double- boarded Diagnostic and Vascular/ Interventional Radiologist and Founder of IRDOCNIGERIA, chronicled how he and his team has been able to deliver Interventional Radiology care to Nigerian and Sub-Saharan African patients.
michael olugbode in Lagos and Adibe emenyonu in Benin City
Alex enumah in Abuja
DuriNg HigH-level lauNcH Of tHe iNterNatiONal OrgaNizatiON fOr MigratiON...
L-R: Executive Secretary, Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (Yobe SEMA), Dr GojeMohammed , Chairman, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Yobe State, Alhaji Mukhtar Mandunari, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, Yobe State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Ahmed Buba and Permanent Secretary, Yobe State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Alhaji Baba Shuaibu during the high-level launch of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – European Union supported Sustainable Urban Integration of Displaced Populations in Northern Nigeria / Support for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions Initiative held at the United Nations Office in Abuja on Thursday
2027: South East Solidly Behind
Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has reiterated that the Southeast region remained solidly behind the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Umahi stated this at the weekend during the inspection of some federal road projects in Enugu State.
The minister noted that a lot of projects are ongoing in the southeast and further called on the people of the zone to embrace the president with two hands.
According to Umahi: “we have every reason to thank Mr. President. 528km road of about N1.5trn. I want to beat my chest to say that we have a very good bargain with China Habo. We are not losing and they are not losing and the quality of work is very good.
“So, we thank the president very highly and I want the South East people to embrace Mr. President with two hands. A lot of projects are going on
in the South East. This section alone, if you multiply it by two, it is close to 200km. So, we have every cause to thank Mr. President, we have every cause to support him. We have every cause to be wise”.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has instructed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, to take urgent action on an ugly development at Ipetumodu, where the town’s monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyedem was recently jailed in the US.
Adeleke gave the directive at the weekend, when he presided the State Executive Council meeting.
At the meeting, the governor also took steps on other critical
The former governor of Ebonyi State described Tinubu’s challengers as noisemakers, stressing that President Tinubu has remembered southeast and there was no reason to complain.
His words: “We need to be wise. I have been telling our
people to be wise. We cannot engage with sentiment, we have to engage base on realities and I think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remembered southeast very well. We have no reason to complain.
“I am your son, I am the
Minister of Works and I am working and we give glory to God Almighty and thanks to our dear president. He will go for second tenure, don’t mind all these noise people are making.
“He that has started this work, God has ordained him to finish it. So, we will not be afraid to tell all the noise makers to go and keep quiet. They have been there, they didn’t do this road but today, God has brought a man who has remembered us. We have not been this remembered.
2027 Elections: UN Asks Political Parties to Focus Campaign on Policies, Ideas
As Nigeria gears up for the season of electioneering, the United Nations has called on political parties to focus their campaigns on policies and ideas, not insult or divisive rhetoric.
During a speech at the Roundtable on Hate-Free Politics in Nigeria, yesterday in Abuja, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr.
Mohamed Fall, offered the advice.
Fall stated, “As we head to the 2027 elections, allow me to share some recommendations. First, political parties must lead by example. Campaigns should focus on policies and ideas, not insults or divisive rhetoric.
“Second, parties should commit to codes of conduct that reject hate speech and promote information integrity. Third, cooperation with media
and digital platforms is es- sential to ensure that harmful content is not amplified, while factual, reliable information reaches voters.
“Above all, we must remember that elections are about people, their dignity, their rights, their future. Hate speech strips people of their dignity and undermines the very foundation of democracy. As leaders, you have the power and the responsibility to set the tone, to show Nigerians that politics can be conducted with respect, truth, tolerance, and integrity.”
Fall added, “On this International Day of Democracy, I call
upon you today: let us work together to make democratic participation in Nigeria free from hate and grounded in information integrity and respect for human rights.
“Let us affirm that words matter and that in choosing our words carefully, we choose peace, unity, and progress for Nigeria. Let us act collectively to strengthen and protect democracy in and beyond Nigeria.”
He stated that this year’s International Day of Democracy, with the theme, “Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity,” should remind Nigerians that democracy
was not only about holding elections, but also about ensuring inclusion, pluralism, and public participation of everyone in a respectful and inclusive manner.
Fall said, “When falsehoods spread unchecked, especially during elections, they weaken public trust, mislead citizens, and undermine democratic choices.
“Promoting information integrity means ensuring that Nigerians can access reliable information, that public debate is grounded in facts, and that voters are empowered to make informed choices free from manipulation.”
state policies where review and subsequent implementation directives were issued to ministries and agencies.
THISDAY learnt that the Osun State government had weeks ago said it will only decide the monarch’s fate after his trial in the US.
It was also learnt that there were reported royal rumblings at Ipetumodu community, in Osun State, which had begun to take worrisome dimensions.
What began as a routine palace meeting allegedly ended in disarray after a call was made to reach out to Adeleke to declare
the stool of the Apetu vacant following the conviction of Oba Joseph Oloyede in the US.
The most senior kingmaker was said to have declined moves to dethrone the convicted monarch.
The monarch, 62, was convicted on charges of conspiracy to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programmes created for struggling businesses.
Oloyede, who holds dual U.S. and Nigerian citizenships, and resides in Medina, Ohio, was on August 26 handed 56 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Niger State has officially qualified as one of the 23 beneficiary states selected to participate in the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).
The initiative, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), seeks to combat soil erosion, curb land degradation, and deliver interventions that will improve the livelihoods of
vulnerable communities across the state.
The project is designed to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion in targeted sub-watersheds, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance community well-being.
Announcing this development during a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Umaru Bago (represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Gawu), on Monday
in Minna, the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP, Engr. Anda Yalak, represented by Natural Resource Specialist, Kingsley Nwawuba confirmed that Niger State had met all conditions for participation. These, according to him, include the availability of counterpart funding, office space, staff, operational vehicles, amongst others, which now qualify the state to benefit from disbursement under the EIB-supported initiative.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
08033025611 sms only
Anambra Guber: Soludos, Ekwunife Engage in Politics of Gossip
David-Chyddy Eleke takes a look at the recent politics of gossip engaged in by a nambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, his wife and opposition politicians as campaigns intensify ahead of the November 8, 2025 gubernatorial election in the state.
As the Anambra State governorship election date draws near, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and governor of the state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo seems to be firing from all cylinders, as he tackles his opponents and promotes his re-election bid.
From the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu to his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife and also the candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Mr Paul Chukwuma, Soludo seems to be out for them all and has thrown soft jabs at them all. Some of these attacks rather created a sort of comic relief for the politically tensed atmosphere that hangs over the state.
Attacking Ukachukwu and his running mate during the inauguration of his party’s campaign council, Soludo dwelt on their educational qualifications, describing them as poor and fake respectively.
For Ukachukwu, Soludo tore into Ukachukwu’s academic records, alleging that the APC candidate “crawled out of school with F9 in Economics, F9 in Mathematics, and F9 in English” — subjects he described as the backbone of leadership.
“How will a man who failed English understand official documents? How will he calculate Anambra’s money when he failed Mathematics? Such a person should be driving a tipper, not dreaming of becoming governor of a state that produced Chinua Achebe, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme, Chuba Okadigbo and other great icons,” Soludo thundered, drawing wild cheers from party loyalists.
For his running mate, Ekwunife, Soludo said she was parading a fake PhD degree, adding that it amounted to deceiving the young ones who may be made to believe that every university degree was purchaceable.
The governor added that there was a lot of work to be done in Anambra, and that he will not shy away from them, including restoring morality as could be seen in the war against fake native doctors who promise wealth without work. He said after the election, he will face certificate forgers.
Soludo said: “INEC has a column where if you are filing your (governorship) form, you
fill your qualifications, but the running mate to this candidate wrote that (s) he had a school cert, and a PhD. What it means is that (s)he does not have a diploma, a degree or a masters degree, but jumped to present a PhD, that is wrong. Some people have taken it upon themselves to find out where the PhD was gotten and it turned out to be fake. It is from a fake institution, those kind of institution where if you pay, you get it. Some charge even 60 dollars and they give it to you.
“Let me say that, that university has no accreditation in the US and not recognized by the National Universities Commission. The running mate should have written that (s)he has just a school certificate and backed it up with a court affidavit and it would have been okay. How can someone have a school certificate and from there they present a PhD from no where?
Let me tell you, after November 8 election, we will declare war on fake certificate holders. After our war on fake native doctors, our next move is to go after fake certificate holders. It confuses the children. If that (PhD) is what you want, you sit down and work for it, not going to get fake certificates. They are deceiving our children. We cannot let that to continue to happen.
The work we have to do in Anambra
to sanitize the state is much and we will not shy away from it,” the governor declared.
In the same vein, Soludo took on the YPP candidate, Mr Paul Chukwuma. The governor had visited Chukwuma’s community, Umueri for the new yam festival, when he threw a joke at him. He said: “Paul Chukwuma your son is my friend. He used to visit me, maybe it was in the process of that visit that he saw the governor’s seat and fell in love with it and decided to contest for governor. He saw the chair and said he likes it and I told him it is not his turn yet. This thing is turn by turn. His zone, Anambra North just finished their eight years term and handed over to me. I know what he is doing, he is merely creating awareness, so that when it gets to Anambra North again, he would have become popular.
“He was the first person to paste posters everywhere, but we know he is only seeking popularity ahead of time. That was why he moved around a little and kept back his money. I told him, my friend, go and keep your money and use it to train your children, don’t waste it for nothing because you’re not going anywhere. He is not contesting,” Soludo joked.
There are however divergent views about these jokes by the governor. While some political watchers in the state see these comments as petty, others now see it as a sort of comic relief for the tensed atmosphere. On the other hand, the candidates targeted are not taking these banters as jocularly remarks. They insist that the issues about the governorship should be
While many look forward to hearing the outcome of the challenge, whether accepted or rejected, some Anambra people have begun calling for ceasefire from both women, insisting that politics should be played within its rules. As these continue, the n ovember 8, 2025 governorship election is fast approaching, and it is still left to be seen how these attacks will shape the voting pattern of Anambra people.
about what each of the candidates can bring to the table to further the cause of Anambra. Paul Chukwuma was first to reply to Soludo. He urged him to join market women if he felt like gossiping. “If Soludo enjoys trading insults, he should go to the market where women sell pepper and ogiri (local seasoning) to perfect the act. We are here in Anambra and do not have electricity power. Power is no longer in the exclusive list, but has been put in the concurrent list, where both the state and federal government can legislate on it. So, what is stoping Soludo from giving us steady power? I have visited Prof Bart Nnaji’s Geometric Power in Aba. I have asked questions, I have also been in China. Within three months I will give Anambra people steady power. That is what we should be debating,” Chukwuma said. While Ukachukwu kept mute about the jabs by the governor at him, the exchanges that has set the social media space on fire are the reply by Ekwunife to Soludo, which inadvertently attacked his wife too, causing her to react. In Ekwunife’s reply to Soludo, she took a swipe at him, accusing him of poor hygiene as a governor. She went further to defend her academic qualifications: “University of Calabar where I got my first degree is not far from here, you can go there and enquire. You can also enquire from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, which is just a stone throw, where I got my masters degree.”
The real problem however was towards the end of the video she made in reply, where she inferred that Soludo’s wife worked with former governor, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju and also suggested that both may have had an amorous relationship. In another leaked voice note, Ekwunife also revealed that she was ready to fabricate more dangerous stories against the wife of the governor if her husband continued to attack her. This may have infuriated the wife of the governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo who is widely known in the state as calm and homely woman. She issued a statement accusing Ekwunife of crossing the red line, while also jumping in the fray with a lot of challenges at the former senator.
soludo
mrs soludo
Ekwunife
LAUNCHING OF SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM IN NIGERIA...
L-R: Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi; Chief of UNICEF Field Office for South West, Ms. Celine Lafoueriere; Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, during the launching of UNICEF and International Labour Organisation (ILO) support to Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria, held at the Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan, yesterday
Bandits Strike Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau,
Abduct 40 Moslem Worshippers, Kill Several
Katsina to build 152 homes for IDPs, supports repentant
bandits
with businesses
Traditional ruler, six others killed in Plateau Dasuki provides relief materials to attack victims of the state to alleviate their accommodation challenge.
Francis Sardauna in Katsina, Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
In a devastating turn of events, armed bandits stormed a mosque in Gidan Turbe Village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting at least 40 worshippers during dawn prayers.
The attack, which occurred
Court
around 5:30am on Monday, left the community reeling in fear and trauma with worshippers scattering in chaotic panic as the bandits, armed with dangerous weapons, surrounded the mosque, as described by eyewitnesses.
The abducted victims were later moved deep into the forests around the Gohori axis of Tsafe.
Relatedly, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted and killed Mallam Hudu Hassan Barau, who was the ward head of Shuwaka (Sarkin Shuwaka) from Kyaram District, Garga Community of Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A statement by Kanam Development Association and jointly signed by the chairman
and secretary of the association, Garba Aliyu and Shehu Kanam, respectively, said the traditional ruler was abducted six days earlier before his remains were recovered from the nearby bushes on Monday morning.
Katsina State Government revealed plans to build 152 homes for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area
of Appeal Berths in Abeokuta, Abiodun Assures of Support
James Sowole in Abeokuta
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has revealed that the federal government has approved the establishment of the Court of Appeal in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Abiodun disclosed the approval at a special church thanksgiving to mark the 2025/2026 legal year, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta. He said the establishment of the Appellate Court would bring justice closer, ensure quick dispensation, and help take the load off the Ibadan Division.
He said: “We have finally received the formal approval for the establishment of the Ogun State division of the Federal Court of Appeal in
Abeokuta. This is indeed a landmark achievement of an initiative proudly and aggressively championed by our administration to bring justice closer to our people and to ease the heavy caseload currently on the Ibadan division.
“As a government, we recognise that justice is
the foundation of every prosperous society, and we appreciate the fact that the Ogun State judiciary has not only maintained its independence but has also taken commendable strides towards improving access to justice, reducing case backlogs, and embracing reforms.”
The governor pointed out
that justice could not thrive without integrity, impartiality, and courage, admonishing the judicial officers to renew their dedication to a system where the scales of justice remain balanced, the most vulnerable voices heard, and where it provides an opportunity for every man, woman, and child to be protected by the law.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed this during a closed-door “power-packed consultation on security and governance” at Government House on Sunday evening.
Radda reaffirmed his administration’s determination to provide business support packages, cattle and industrial tools for repentant bandits to prevent violence relapse.
In a Monday statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, and Director-General, Media, Maiwada Dammallam, Radda said security toped the governor’s development blueprint.
Meanwhile, in a heart-warming display of compassion and leadership, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, representing Kebbe/ Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, visited victims of recent bandit attacks in Kuchi and Jabo districts.
The lawmaker provided
immediate relief materials, including assorted food items and other essentials, to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.
The latest attacks in Katsina State came barely 24 hours after reports of peace agreements in parts of the North-west, casting a shadow of doubt over the effectiveness of the agreements. Zamfara State Government and security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
As the people of Zamfara State struggle to come to terms with the latest attack, concerns are growing about the escalating insecurity in the region.
A statement by the angry Kanam Development Associa- tion said, “We are consumed by grief and outrage as we received the tragic news of the death of one of our community leaders. We are still grappling with the shock and pains of this senseless killing and the continued bandit attacks across the communities in the Garga area.
UN Women Supports Musical Drama Addressing Gender, Social Issues
Michael Olugbode
The United Nations Women (UN Women) has supported the staging of a musical stage play, “Bunk Talk: The Musical” in Abuja to raise awareness on sexual and gender-based violence, disability inclusion, mental health, and climate
justice.
The production, put together by the Girl Child Value Support Initiative with support from the UN Women used drama, music, and dance to spotlight social issues through the nostalgic setting of Nigerian boarding school life.
The performance also em-
ployed the interactive Touch Tag method, encouraging audience members to actively engage and co-create solutions.
The Producer and Executive Director of the Girl Child Value Support Initiative, Precious Wakili, explained that her inspiration for using drama came from personal experi-
ences.
According to her, drama remains a powerful tool to “transform minds, build people, and educate society.”
Wakili expressed optimism that the performance left a strong impression on the audience.
She said she expects every-
one who watched to return home as advocates for the rights of women and girls.
On his part, the Director of the play, Sola Oyeniyi, described the production as a blend of avant-garde and Brechtian techniques, noting that his creative approach drew heavily on faith and inspiration.
in Abuja
LAWYER
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
‘These cases do not have to last for 3/6 months; because what is happening in Nigeria is that, all the cases on emergency rule will not be decided until the restoration of the Governor….You will then be told that the cases have become academic, and the court does not engage in academic exercises.’ - Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights Lawyer and Activist
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Dangote Refinery, Unionism and NUPENG
Two incidents made the Nigerian front burner last week, the refusal of the Senate to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti to resume sitting after serving the unlawful six months suspension meted out to her by the Senate for alleged misconduct, and the ongoing face off between the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery (DR).
Senator Natasha Akpoti
It is unnecessary for me to repeat myself, and restate the fact that Senator Akpoti’s six months suspension is illegal and unconstitutional, as it is tantamount to suspending her constituency from representation in the Senate, a right conferred on all the citizens of Nigeria pursuant to sections such as 14(2)(a), (c) & 48 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution), and not a privilege that anyone or any authority can take away at will. The Senate is not superior to the Constitution, nor is it superior to the people of Kogi Central who elected Senator Akpoti to represent them - see Section 1(1) & (3) of the Constitution and Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly v Rifikatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 W.R.N; Ali Ndume v Senate President & Anor FHC/ABJ/CS/551/2017; Dino Melaye & 4 Ors v The Speaker of the House of Representatives & Ors FHC/ ABJ/CS/460/2010.
The Senate has no power, to stop Senator Akpoti from resuming. I have heard some Lawyers using the Latin maxim ‘sub judice’ to somehow justify the Senate’s refusal to allow Senator Akpoti to resume sitting. I’m not sure that there is a connection. A matter being sub judice simply refers to filing a multiplicity of actions on the same subject-matter, or the restrictions placed on commenting on a matter when a case is already sub judice, that is, ‘under judgement’ so as not to prejudice the outcome of the case. An attempt to extrapolate this principle to restrictions being placed on actions or inactions, translates to a ‘stay’, that is, maintaining the status quo pending the determination of a matter. It is trite law that, lodging an appeal doesn’t operate as a stay. If the Senate didn’t want Senator Akpoti to resume sitting based on the pending court proceedings, they would have had to make an application to the court for same. They would have been asking the Court of Appeal to reverse itself, and more or less extend the suspension of a Legislator which the Court had previously declared to be unlawful punishment in Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly v Rifikatu Samson Danna (Supra). So, the Senate decided to improvise with ‘do-it-yourself’! See Section 17 of the Court of Appeal Act 2004 on an appeal not acting as a stay of execution. In any event, the illegal six months suspension period has elapsed, and preventing Senator Akpoti from resuming until the Court of Appeal disposes of the matters between the Senate and the Senator, would amount to the Senate purporting to extend her punishment beyond the unlawful six months, thereby delving deeper into illegality and unconstitutionality. This doesn’t augur well for Nigeria’s democracy, and it is shameful, when the Senate, the highest lawmaking body in the land, led by a senior Lawyer, with several Lawyers as members, is reduced to being used as a tool for settling personal scores and humiliating members, and, of course, acting outside the ambits of the law.
Freedom of Association
The answer to whether any Trade Union (TU) can insist that workers must join their Union, is No, no matter how laudable the goals of the TU may be. Similarly, the law doesn’t permit an employer to refuse to employ a worker who is a TU member, or make non-membership of a TU a condition for employment, as this would amount to a breach of such worker’s right to freedom of association and from discrimination contrary to Sections 40 & 42(1) of the Constitution respectively. The right of every person to freedom of association, means that it is the individual that has the constitutional right to decide if they want to join a TU or not, and nobody else. In Olaifa v Adeniji & Ors (2017) LPELR-42708(Ca) per Obande Festus Ogbuinya, JCA (as he then was) the Court of Appeal defined a TU thus: “….any combination of workers or employers, whether temporary or permanent, the purpose of which is to regulate the terms and conditions of employment of workers….”.
While NUPENG accuses DR of preventing
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The Advocate
“What NUPENG may be describing as DR being a monopoly, appears to be incorrect. For decades, the Federal Government has failed to get its own refineries up and running; whose fault is that? Again, BUA Group is building a refinery…in Akwa Ibom State…. There are also a few small Modular Refineries in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Imo….. While a monopoly usually leads to higher prices for consumers, what DR appears to be trying to do with its 4,000 CNG Trucks, is to reduce fuel prices by means ofVertical Integration….. when NUPENG calls a strike, all tanker drivers and oil workers down tools and Nigeria grinds to a halt…so…should NUPENG’s monopoly in the….control of petroleum and natural gas workers be broken”
the Drivers of its new 4,000 CNG Trucks from joining the TU, an allegation which DR has denounced as false, the counterallegation is that NUPENG is trying to force the Dangote Truck Drivers (DTD) to join their Union. The law doesn’t support either of these two options. However, if the DTD are happy with their employment conditions with DR, and have no interest in joining NUPENG, or have joined another TU instead of NUPENG, or choose to remain independent, it is their prerogative and constitutional right.
Section 12(4) of the TUA: A Reinforcement of Freedom of Association
It is true that the freedoms guaranteed by Chapter IV of the Constitution are not absolute, as Section 45(1) derogates from them, if there is a law that is reasonably justified in a democratic society that does so (a) in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or (b) to protect the rights and freedoms of other persons. See Osakwe & Ors v Registrar of Trade Unions (1985)
LPELR-2792(SC) per Andrews Otutu Obaseki, JSC.
However, instead of derogating from the right to freedom of association in the circumstances of TUs, Section 12(4) of the Trade Unions Act 2004 (TUA) reinforces Section 40 of the Constitution by providing that membership of TUs by employees ‘shall’ be voluntary and no worker ‘shall’ be forced to join a TU or be victimised for refusing to join or remain a member. See Ugwu & Anor v Ararume (2007)
LPELR-24345(SC) per Niki Tobi, JSC on the word ‘shall’ being a command. Also see Ibrahim & Ors v Akinrinsola (2022) LPELR-59633(SC) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC where the Supreme Court held thus: “The general position of the law is that the word 'shall', when used in a statute, rules or enactment is interpreted in its mandatory sense. However, whether the word is used in its mandatory or directory sense, depends on the context in which it is used. The word "shall" can mean "may' or "must", where the context so admits”. In the context in which it is used in Section 12(4) of the TUA, for it to be consistent with the provision of Section 40 of the Constitution, only the literal interpretation of the statute is required, that is, for freedom of association to be guaranteed, membership of TUs must be voluntary and not mandatory. In Gana v SDP & Ors (2019) LPELR-47153(SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC (now CJN), the Supreme Court held thus: “The literal rule of statutory interpretation is that words must be given their plain and ordinary meaning, unless to do so would lead to absurdity or injustice”
In the case of membership of TUs, Section 12(4) of the TUA in its ordinary meaning is not only sensible and reasonable, requiring no further interpretation, it affirms and strengthens Section 40 of the Constitution; also see Section 9(6) of the Labour Act
2004 (LA) and ILO Conventions 87 of 1948 & 98 of 1949 which have been ratified by Nigeria.
Role of Trade Unions
TUs are voluntary organisations, and their functions include protection of the rights of workers; securing better working conditions and fair remuneration for their members through collective bargaining; engaging in dispute resolution between employers and workers; and making the workplace more conducive for workers. See Olaifa v Adeniji & Ors (Supra).
What is NUPENG’s Agenda? Interest of Workers or Self-Interest?
And, while over the years, TUs may have achieved some milestones for workers, some are questioning NUPENG’s motives in the DTD matter, that it may not just be about the unionisation of DTD, but about loss of income and trying maintain control of the industry, as any strike by NUPENG usually brings the country to its knees. This incessant use of strikes, and the threat of strikes at the drop of a hat, whether done within the ambits of the law or not, only plunges Nigerians into more suffering, and considering what Nigerians are passing through presently, it is unfair to put them through any more hardship. Obviously, NUPENG may lose this hold or strength if thousands of DTD aren’t in their fold, and, naturally, NUPENG is fighting for its turf, maybe even its relevance and survival. DR is said to have bought 4,000 trucks which translates to 4,000 drivers and potentially 4,000 new members for NUPENG. Interestingly, the information about the dues paid by Nigerian TU members isn’t readily available, unlike in the UK where this information is there for all to see; for the different UK TUs such as UNISON, UNITE and GMB, the dues payable depends on whether the member works full or part time, low pay, apprentice, student, retired and so on. Whatever the NUPENG dues may be, an additional 4,000 new members would be a significant boost in membership, position in the industry, bargaining strength and income. Dangote Refinery: A Monopoly?
What NUPENG may be describing as DR being a monopoly, appears to be incorrect. For decades, the Federal Government has failed to get its own refineries up and running; whose fault is that? Again, BUA Group is building a refinery, BUA Refinery and Petrochemicals in Akwa Ibom State with a 200,000 crude oil barrels per day refining capacity, and it is said to be about 10% or so from completion. BUA will also refine petrol, diesel and jet fuel, amongst others. There are also a few small Modular Refineries in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Imo. No one is stopping anyone from going into the refinery business, if they choose to. While a monopoly usually leads to higher prices for consumers, what DR appears to be trying to do with its 4,000 CNG Trucks, is to reduce fuel prices by means of Vertical Integration, that is, being in better control of the distribution process which is part of the supply chain, to improve it and make it more efficient, thereby leading to lower prices for consumers. Isn’t this good for Nigerians? If the cost of fuel is less, will it not reduce inflation and improve living conditions?
In fact, DR and the other refineries could also decide to go into retail and have their own petrol stations, as the end part of the supply chain. If NUPENG then decides to go on strike, fuel would still be available for sale at the refineries’ fuel stations - this is vertical integration, where a business operates through the various levels of a supply chain from beginning to the end.
Conclusion
By giving BUA a licence to build its own refinery, and possibly any other organisation that has the financial muscle to do same, Government has shown that it isn’t encouraging DR to have a monopoly. NUPENG is accusing DR of enjoying a monopoly, but Nigerians can also accuse NUPENG of enjoying a monopoly on the workers in that industry, because when NUPENG calls a strike, all tanker drivers and oil workers down tools and Nigeria grinds to a halt. Just as BUA is set to give DR a run for its money, and anybody else who wants to build a refinery, so also should NUPENG’s monopoly in the unionisation and control of petroleum and natural gas workers be broken. What is good for the goose, is good for the gander.
Mode of Application for Leave to Commence a Derivative Action
Facts On 13th November 2009, the Appellants filed an Originating Summons at the Federal High Court seeking various declaratory, mandatory, and injunctive reliefs. The 2nd – 6th Appellants simultaneously filed an ex-parte application, for leave to bring the suit in the name and on behalf of the 1st Appellant in a derivative capacity. Subsequently, the trial court heard and granted the Appellants’ ex-parte application for leave to sue in a derivative capacity.
The 1st Respondent filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court, on the grounds that the order granting leave to the Appellants was made without jurisdiction; the conditions precedent for a derivative action were not fulfilled and the suit was not properly commenced. Similarly, the 2nd Respondent filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the trial court to entertain the suit as well as an application seeking to set aside the order of the trial court granting leave to the 2nd – 6th Appellant. The trial Court heard and dismissed the 1st and 2nd Respondent’s Notices of Preliminary objections and the 2nd Respondent’s second application.
Dissatisfied, the 1st and 2nd Respondent, filed separate appeals before the Court of Appeal. The Appellants filed a Respondents’ Notice praying the Court of Appeal to affirm the decision of the trial court, on grounds other than those relied on by the trial court. The Court of Appeal allowed the 1st Respondent’s appeal and struck out the Appellants’ suit on the ground that the trial Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter as the leave sought ought to have been by Originating Summons and not by an ex-parte application. The Court of Appeal also held that the suit was incompetent because leave was not sought and obtained before the filing of the Appellants’ action.
Aggrieved, the Appellants appealed to the Supreme Court.
Issues for Determination
The Supreme Court adopted the issues formulated by the 1st Respondent as follows
1. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in setting aside the Ruling of the trial court, and striking out the Appellants’ suit on the ground that it was not initiated by due process of the law.
2. Whether the decision of the Supreme Court in AGIP (NIG.) LTD v AGIP PETROLI INT’L (2010) ALL FWLR (PT. 520) 1198 on the principle that leave under Section 303 of CAMA 2004 for commencement of an action must be by way of Originating Summons, was made per incuriam.
3. Whether the Court of Appeal had a duty to make pronouncement on the subsistence or bindingness of the holding of the trial court that “no miscarriage of justice was occasioned” in the premises of the commencement of the suit.
4. Whether the Respondents’ Notice filed by the Appellants was competent, and whether the failure of the Court of Appeal to consider same in the circumstances was inappropriate, thereby occasioning a miscarriage of justice?
Arguments
On issue 1, Counsel for the Appellants argued that the fact that leave was obtained via an ex-parte application was at best, a mere irregularity, which ought not to invalidate the leave granted. Counsel also argued that although the Originating Summons was filed on the same day as the ex-parte application, it was clear that no suit could be said to have been commenced until the trial Court granted the order for leave.
Counsel for the 1st Respondent argued conversely that the Originating Summons was improperly filed on the same date as the ex-parte application for leave, contrary to Sections 303 and 635 of CAMA 2004 and Rule 2(1) of the Companies Proceedings Rules 1992 (“CPR”) which require that leave to bring a derivative action must first be obtained by Originating Summons on notice to the company. Counsel argued that the use of an ex- parte application was a fundamental defect and not a mere irregularity, as compliance with the prescribed procedure is a condition precedent to the exercise of jurisdiction.
On issue 2, Counsel for the Appellants urged the Supreme Court to depart from its decision in AGIP (NIG.) LTD v AGIP PETROLI INT’L (2010) ALL FWLR (PT.520) 1198, on the ground that the decision was reached per incuriam.
Counsel for the 1st Respondent argued to the contrary, that the decision in AGIP (NIG.) LTD v AGIP PETROLI
Honourable Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, JSC
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 21st day of February, 2025
Before their lordships adamu Jauro Chioma egondu Nwosu-Iheme Moore aseimo abraham adumein Habeeb adewale Olumuyiwa abiru abubakar Sadiq umar Justices, Supreme Court SC/CV/971/2022
Between
1. afribank Nigeria Plc aPPeLLaNTS (suing through and by the 2nd – 6th appellants)
2. Igbrude Moses Oke
3. Rasaq Olalekan Mumuni
4. akinsanya Solomon Sunday
5. Suleiman dauda Babatunde
6. Igba Sanmi Olatomide (suing for themselves and in the name and on behalf of afribank Nigeria Plc)
And
1. Central Bank of Nigeria
2. Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria
3. Corporate affairs Commission
ReSPONdeNTS
(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, JSC)
INT’L that leave for the commencement of a derivative action can only be validly sought and obtained by Originating Summons was correct in line with the provisions of Section 303 of the CAMA 2004 and Rules 2(1) and 18 of the CPR.
On issue 3, Counsel for the Appellants argued that the lower court erred when it failed to determine the issue raised by the Appellants, on the subsistence and bindingness of the holding of the trial court that “no miscarriage of justice was occasioned” in the premises of the commencement of the suit. Counsel urged the court to determine the issue as it goes to the fundamental right of the Appellants to fair hearing.
Counsel for the 1st Respondent argued conversely that the lower court was not under any duty to
“….the appropriate/legally acceptable mode of seeking for leave in a derivative action is by originating summons on notice, and in this regard, a motion exparte does not meet the requirement of the leave procedure for commencing a derivative action”
fatal. Counsel argued that because the decision to allow a derivative action affects the rights of the company, the application must be on notice to afford fair hearing. Counsel also submitted that Rule 18 of the CPR, which excuses minor procedural irregularities, was inapplicable since the defect here was a total non-compliance with a mandatory procedure. Counsel for the 3rd Respondent similarly argued that the Appellants’ failure to comply with the mandatory provisions of Section 303 of CAMA and Rule 2(1) of the CPR, rendered the Originating Summons and the entire proceedings a nullity. Counsel further argued that questions of locus standi or miscarriage of justice were immaterial since the lack of jurisdiction rendered all claims comatose.
Court’s Judgement and Rationale In resolving the first issue, the Supreme Court held that once a condition precedent for the commencement of an action is not fulfilled, such action has not undergone due process and as such the jurisdiction of the court cannot be properly activated as the court has been robbed of the requisite vires to entertain the matter. The Apex Court relied on its earlier decision in NWORA v NWABUEZE & ORS (2013) LPELR-20587 (SC) PAGE 21, PARA D-F. The Court held that from the joint reading of Section 303 of CAMA 2004 and Rule 2(1) of the CPR made pursuant to Section 635 of the CAMA 2004, the application for leave to commence a derivative action is not a mere formality, but a process that requires the court to make an active determination with stated benchmark for reaching such determination; and in making such a determination regarding the interest of the directors, fair hearing demands that such directors should be put on notice. The Supreme Court affirmed the finding of the Court of Appeal that by the cited provisions, the appropriate/legally acceptable mode of seeking for leave in a derivative action is by originating summons on notice, and in this regard, a motion ex-parte does not meet the requirement of the leave procedure for commencing a derivative action.
The Supreme Court held further that, where leave of court is required for filing an action/process and a party ignores seeking and obtaining the requisite leave before filing the same, the action/process is rendered incompetent. The Apex Court found that that the Appellants’ filing of the Originating Summons and application for leave on the same day, amounted to filing the action before obtaining leave.
On the second issue, the Supreme Court relying on its decision in OSHOBOJA v AMUDA & ORS (2009) LPELR – 2803 (SC) held that, for the court to be able to depart from a previous decision, at least one of the following conditions must exist: (i) the previous decision is inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution; (ii) the previous decision was given per incuriam; (iii) the previous decision is proved to perpetuate injustice and hardship if followed.
The Apex Court held that the Appellants failed the show the existence of any of these conditions in relation to the decision in AGIP (NIG.) LTD v AGIP PETROLI INT’L (SUPRA), therefore, the decision was not made per incuriam to require the Supreme Court to depart from it.
On the third issue, the Supreme Court held that cases conducted without jurisdiction, no matter how well handled, are a waste of time, as the entire proceeding amounts to a nullity. The Court held that, having held that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit, the lower court also stripped itself of any power of considering any further issues on the matter.
specifically address the point after it had held that there was a fundamental issue of lack of jurisdiction which finding conclusively determined the suit before the trial court.
On issue 4, Counsel for the Appellant argued that the lower ought to have considered and determined the Respondents’ Notice, as an intermediate appellate court which is duty bound to consider all issues that are properly raised before it, regardless of whether or not its decision on a point will be adequate to dispose of the appeal one way or the other. Counsel contended that this is because if the decision on that point is reversed on a further appeal, its decision on the other points may then be considered by the higher court for a final determination of the appeal.
Counsel for the 1st Respondent pointed out that it had filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection on the Respondents’ Notice being wholly incompetent because it was improperly asking the Court to affirm findings which the lower court never made, and the issues raised therein were never raised at the trial court nor was there any finding on them.
On the totality of the issues raised, Counsel for the 2nd Respondent argued that commencement of an action by due process is a jurisdictional matter and that failure to seek leave by originating summons before filing the substantive action was
On the fourth issue, the Supreme Court held that the grounds relied upon in the Respondent’s notice must be apparent on the record, having regards to the facts of the case, the law applicable thereto, and the judgement on appeal. The Court held that the grounds relied upon by the Appellants’ in the Respondents’ Notice were not canvassed at the trial court, neither did they form part of the judgement appealed against.
The Apex Court found that the failure of the Court of Appeal to consider the Respondents’ Notice was thus, not inappropriate, because apart from the fact that it was incompetent, the decision on the trial Court’s lack of jurisdiction precluded the Court of Appeal from considering the Respondent’s Notice. Appeal Dismissed.
Representation
I. O. Aniakor and another for the Appellants. Chima Okereke for the 1st Respondent. Ogunmuyiwa Balogun and others for the 2nd Respondent.
C. I. Okoye and others for the 3rd Respondent
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Publishers of the Nigerian
Babalakin & Co. to Host Finance Roundtable on Cross-Border Business Growth
Stories by Steve Aya
Babalakin & Co., will on September 17, 2025, host the maiden edition of its Finance Roundtable in Lagos, with the theme “Structuring for Growth: Leveraging Mauritius for Cross-Border Expansion and Financing”. The breakfast session is expected to attract top Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals for discussions on how businesses can structure effectively, access international finance, and compete globally. The event is being organised in partnership with Intercontinental Trust Limited (ITL), a Mauritiusbased Financial Services Company licensed by the
Mauritius Financial Services Commission. Speakers include Mabel Okereke, Partner at Babalakin & Co.; Azeez Abiodun, Chief Representative Officer (Nigeria), Mauritius Commercial Bank; and Kesaven Moothoosamy, Chief Executive Officer of ITL. Speaking ahead of the
event, Okereke said: “The Finance Roundtable 1.0 is about bringing international finance to our shores, and empowering Nigerian companies to compete on a global stage. Mauritius is a trusted international hub, and when used strategically, it can help channel resources back into sectors that matter most for our economy”.
The roundtable will focus on three main issues: how Nigerian firms can access international finance without losing local focus; how to design strong structures for investment and asset management; and how to create platforms that make local businesses more competitive. Participants are expected
to include business owners, fund managers, high-networth individuals, and thought leaders in Nigeria’s financial and legal sectors. Mauritius has increasingly established itself as a gateway for investment into Africa, prized for its favourable tax regime, robust regulatory framework, and network of Double Taxation Avoidance
Agreements. Globally, more than $40 billion in investment into the continent has been routed through Mauritius based vehicles. Its regulatory authority, the Financial Services Commission (FSC), also adheres to international compliance standards, making it a jurisdiction of interest for structuring cross-border finance.
Prof Osinbajo Decries Delays in Civil Suits, Calls for Judicial Reforms
Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has sounded a fresh alarm over Nigeria’s slow and inefficient justice system, warning that the credibility of the courts is under threat, unless urgent reforms are carried out. Speaking in Abuja at
the public presentation of Civil Litigation: A Quick Reference Guide to Substantive Law and Procedure by retired Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, Osinbajo said that civil suits dragging for decades have eroded public confidence in the Judiciary.
He recalled a case where the English Court of Appeal dismissed arguments to keep a commercial dispute in Nigeria, after a former Chief Justice admitted that civil litigation could take 20 to 30 years. “The English court concluded that leaving such matters
unresolved in Nigeria would be catastrophic”, Prof Osinbajo said, describing the remark as both sobering and instructive.
For him, the delays are driven, not by lack of laws, but by systemic inefficiencies. He cited endless adjournments,
Police Foil Fraudulent ‘Obi of Lagos’ Coronation, Arrest 65-Year-Old Suspect
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and stopped what it described as a fraudulent attempt, to stage the coronation of a self-styled monarch in the State. A 65-year-old man, Chibuike Azubike, who paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos”, was arrested alongside three accomplices after announcing plans for the unveiling of a ₦1.5 billion palace in Amuwo Odofin.
Police said the elaborate ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, September 13, at Apple Hall in Festac Town, was designed to mislead the public and swindle unsuspecting Nigerians. The planned event was widely circulated on social media, with invitations suggesting the unveiling of a “prototype of the Obi of Lagos Palace”.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babasaye Oluseyi, said preliminary investigations showed the suspect acted without the backing of any traditional institution.
“Further findings revealed that the planned unveiling was fraudulently designed as a ploy to swindle
unsuspecting personalities and other Nigerians of their hard-earned money”, he stated.
According to the Police, Azubike confessed that he was neither a traditional ruler nor a certified Engineer as he had previously claimed, but only a supplier of building
materials. Investigators believe that he carefully packaged the bogus coronation, to attract wealthy individuals and organisations who might donate or “invest” in the project.
Authorities stressed that Lagos has no title known as the “Obi of Lagos”,
noting that traditional stools in the State are clearly recognised under law and history.
Security analysts say such fraudulent claims, if not promptly addressed, could exploit cultural sensitivities and spark unnecessary tension in multi-ethnic Lagos.
NBA Lagos Protests Navy’s ‘Deserter’ Tag on Retired Vice Admiral
The members of Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have staged a protest march to the Western Naval Command, demanding that the Nigerian Navy retract a “deserter” signal issued against Retired Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo, which the legal body says violates a current National Industrial Court judgement.
On September 3, 2025, the Navy released a signal classifying “Captain D.O. Labinjo (Service No. NN0408)” and Lt Cdr S.A.
Ibe-Lamberts (NN0840F) as deserters. The signal alleged Labinjo had been absent without official leave, since December 2, 2019.
NBA Lagos says the Navy’s move conflicts with a binding judgement delivered by the National Industrial Court on March 24, 2025 (Suit No. NICN/ LA/67/2023: Dada Olaniyi Labinjo v Nigerian Navy & 3 Ors). In that ruling, the court explicitly declared that Labinjo was not absent without leave, had completed over 35 years of service, attained
the statutory retirement age, and was formally retired effective April 11, 2017.
It would be recalled that the Branch leadership had issued a strongly worded statement condemning the alleged impunity by the leadership of the Nigerian Navy, warning that this posed an imminent danger to rule of law in Nigeria. According to NBA Lagos, the Navy’s “deserter signal” is not only false and baseless, but amounts to contempt of court.
The Association, through its Chairman, Uchenna
Ogunedo Akingbade, described the signal as a “grave overreach” and demanded its immediate retraction.
Social media platforms were used to mobilise members of NBA Lagos, with notices urging a peaceful protest march to the Western Naval Command headquarters, in part to defend the fundamental rights of Vice Admiral Labinjo (Rtd), and to call attention to what they describe as a disregard for court judgements.
preliminary objections, interlocutory appeals, and what he termed “recycled legal jargon”, as procedural bottlenecks that entrap litigants in a cycle of frustration. “Justice under such conditions ceases to be about access, and becomes about escape”, he remarked.
The former Vice President also spoke candidly, about the challenges of legal education. He revealed that although two of his children were initially expected to study law, none did, discouraged by what he called, the “mountain of books and overwhelming academic demands” that deter many young people from pursuing the profession. Looking ahead, Prof Osinbajo said that technology — particularly artificial intelligence (AI) — holds the potential to radically transform Nigeria’s justice delivery. He explained that AI tools can now analyse vast databases, draft legal opinions in the style of a firm, assist Judges in writing judgements, and seamlessly record court proceedings. “These are not possibilities of the future; they are here now. Our Judiciary must embrace them, if we want timely outcomes”, he urged.
Mabel Okereke, Partner, Babalakin & Co., Practice Group Head, Financial Services and Securities
Former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN
Senate-Akpabio vs Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The controversy arising from the suspension, litigation and failure to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resumeintheNigerianSenate,isonethathasgarneredmanycolourationsandbitterdebateastoitsproprietyorotherwise.
The bitter feud between the Senate President, Godswill akpabio and Senator akpoti-uduaghan, both Lawyers, involves misconduct on the floor of the Senate, accusations of sexual harassment, corruption and political gerrymandering, bordering on the integrity of both lawmakers. The subject-matter of this discourse is whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ought to have been allowed to resume sitting in the Senate, at the expiration of her six months suspension. at the time of going to press, she had still been refused entry into the hallowed Chambers of the Senate. Professor Mike ozekhome, SAN; Ebun-olu Adegboruwa, SAN; Dr Tonye clinton Jaja and Dr Akpor Mudiaga odje discuss the issues in the saga
Quo Vadis: Natasha vs The Senate: Individual vs Institution
Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN Introduction
The ongoing drama in Nigeria concerning the Senate and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has once again spotlighted the uneasy intersection of law, politics, and institutional power. At its centre stands Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the outspoken lawmaker representing Kogi
Central, whose suspension has since become more than an internal disciplinary matter. Yes, it has become a test case for the limits of legislative authority, the sanctity of judicial process, and the huge price of dissent in a chamber often ac-
“Whether the subject is the budget, constitutional amendments, or motions affecting infrastructure, security and welfare, Kogi Central is conspicuously absent; not by choice, but by institutional fiat. This is not discipline; it is disenfranchisement. This is building strong men; not strong institutions”
cused of jealously guarding its own with unflinching zeal. How come it now strips one of its own naked in the public domain? What are the issues?
Discipline or Oppression?
What began in March as a disciplinary sanction for alleged insubordination, has now spiralled into a serious constitutional standoff. Six months on, the lawmaker had expected to reclaim her seat with the effluxion of her suspension period only to be met with an official communication from the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly reminding her that her fate hangs not in the will of her suffering constituents, nor even in the resolutions of her colleagues, but in the hands of the appellate court to which both parties had submitted their grievances. The letter effectively extends her political exile and underscores the Senate’s insistence that its authority remains unbent, even in the face of legal
challenge and public outcry. She believes the Senate Institution is being deployed for personal aggrandisement by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
However, beneath the procedural veneer, lies a deeper contest: a narrative of alleged political victimisation; a clash of huge egos at the highest level of the legislature; and a Senator’s insistent claim that her punishment is nothing but a retaliation for daring to accuse the Senate President of misconduct. More so, her suspension, initially framed as punishment for “insubordination has evolved far beyond an internal disciplinary quarrel. It has since graduated into the theatre of a broader conflict. It has become one that pits the autonomy of a legislator to act on behalf of her constituents, against the authority of the legislative red chamber. By extension, this involves the rights of an elected representative and her constituents, against the collective power of the institution that claims
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senate-Akpabio vs Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
to regulate her.
The Case is Sub judice, Yes, but is that all?
Natasha’s suspension is being challenged in court, both in appeals and cross-appeals. This makes it sub judice. The doctrine of sub judice is one of those subtle rules that sits quietly in the background of the law until a controversy erupts, and suddenly it takes centre stage.
Literally meaning “Under a Judge,” the rule simply insists that when a matter is before a competent court, the parties (and indeed, the public) must exercise restraint. No parallel tribunal should decide the same issue. No authority should prejudice the outcome. No commentary should undermine the court’s ability to do justice. It is a rule of deference, born of the recognition that the courtroom must remain the final and undisturbed arena for resolving disputes.
In Nigeria, the courts have applied this doctrine in two principal ways. See Governor of Lagos v Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt 18) 621. First, by discouraging the multiplicity of suits; that is, the tendency to file the same matter in different courts in search of a favourable judgement. The Supreme Court, as far back as the case of Okorodudu v Okoromadu (1977) LPELR-2495(SC), frowned upon this abuse, declaring it an affront to judicial integrity.
Second, the doctrine of sub judice, has been used to curb prejudicial commentary. In Bello v AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State (2006) LPELR-7585(CA), the intermediate court stressed that comments capable of influencing or pre-empting a court’s decision, could amount to contempt. Thus, the rule is meant to preserve fairness, protect litigants, and uphold the dignity of the Bench. It was never meant to overreach, or punish a citizen unduly.
Yet, like every principle of law, sub judice can be and appears in the Natasha case, to have been stretched beyond its natural contours. And, when that happens, it morphs from a shield of justice into a sword of suppression. This is what looms large in the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate insists that because her case is pending at the Court of Appeal, she must remain suspended until judgement is delivered, notwithstanding that even its own suspension time of six months has expired. In other words, the pendency of her suit is not treated as a shield and reason for restraint on their part, but as a weapon and justification to extend her punishment. What was designed as a fence to keep justice safe, is now being used as a whip to keep a legislator silent and at bay.
The problem with this posture is that, it profoundly challenges decency and morality. An example: Imagine a tenant who challenges his landlord’s eviction notice in court. While the matter is being heard, the landlord bolts the house and imperiously declares: “Because this case is in court, you must stay outside; you
cannot re-enter until the Judge decides”. Though the man has not yet been adjudged guilty of insubordination or trespass, he is already dispossessed, punished, not by law, but by an oppressive process. He is made to suffer the very penalty he is contesting, long before the court can speak. This is precisely the danger when sub judice is invoked, not to protect the legal process, but to prolong exclusion.
Where lies the fate of the innocent Kogi Constituents?
At the very heart of this controversy lies not simply the fate of one Senator, but the voice of an entire constituency, Kogi Central (one-third of Kogi State). Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was not selfappointed to the Red Chamber; she was chosen and voted for by the people of Kogi Central through the instrumentality of the ballot, the most sacred covenant between citizen and State in a democracy. The ballot represents the will of the people. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), (the 1999 Constitution) vests legislative power in the National Assembly (NASS); and that power is exercised through representatives elected by constituencies across the Federation. To suspend a Senator is, in effect, to suspend the constitutional voice of her people.
But, herein lies the paradox: the Senate insists that the matter is sub judice, that until the Court of Appeal rules, Natasha must remain in political limbo. But, what of the people whose collective will she embodies? Does litigation strip them of their right to be represented in the national discourse? Can the judicial pendency of one woman’s grievance, become the silencing of hundreds of thousands of constituents? If democracy is truly government of the people, by the people, and for the people, (as Abraham Lincoln: once
“… Senator Natasha vs The Senate is not merely a skirmish over parliamentary decorum… The Senate may insist on its authority to discipline; but, then, authority without restraint becomes tyranny….The doctrine of sub judice may counsel caution, but it cannot annul the clear provisions of the Constitution….it cannot legitimise disenfranchisement”
enthused at his Gettysburg speech on November 18, 1863), then the punishment of Natasha is not hers alone. It is the disenfranchisement of a whole Kogi Central, the people who invested their hope in her.
The courts have often reminded us that representation is not ornamental, but substantive. In INEC v Musa (2003) 3 NWLR (Pt. 806) 72, the Supreme Court underscored that political rights flow directly from the Constitution, and cannot be lightly abridged. Likewise, in Amaechi INEC (2008) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1080) 227, the court went further, declaring that the electorate’s mandate is paramount, and even political parties must bow before it. If the Judiciary itself recognises that the will of the people is superior to procedural technicalities of political parties, why then should the Senate, an institution that exists only because constituencies exist, act as though it can silence a district with the stroke of a gavel?
The mandate belongs, not to Natasha as an individual, but to her people. In the case of The Speaker, Bauchi House of Assembly v Hon. Rifkatu Samson Danna (2017) 49 WRN 52, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed against the judgement of a Bauchi State High Court in respect of the illegal suspension of Honourable Rifkatu Danna. The intermediate court held that, the suspension of the legislator constituted a breach of the right of the Bogoro Constituency to be represented by her in the State House of Assembly. The court equally held that, the decision of the House to withhold the salaries and allowances of the legislator was illegal as she was not an employee, but an elected member of the Bauchi State of Assembly. By extrapolation, Natasha is not an employee of the Senate, but one of the 109 Senators.
Senator Natasha is nothing but a vessel, a custodian and a courier of their collective voice and will. Her exclusion from plenary sessions, committees, motions and votes translates to the silencing of that constituency in every matter of her State and national importance. Whether the subject is the budget, constitutional amendments, or motions affecting infrastructure, security and welfare, Kogi Central is conspicuously absent; not by choice, but by institutional fiat. This is not discipline; it is disenfranchisement. This is building strong men; not strong institutions.
It must also be remembered that
suspension, as a tool of internal discipline, cannot override the express provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Section 14(2)(a) declares that “sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority.” Section 68 further details the circumstances under which a legislator may lose his or her seat, viz: defection, conviction, resignation, or recall by constituents. Nowhere does the Constitution contemplate indefinite suspension, as a legitimate means of punishing an erring Legislator. That practically amounts to complete removal from her seat. To allow this, is to create a new unknown ground for disqualification outside the clear provisions of the supreme law of the land. That, in itself, is unconstitutional. The Senate may argue that internal discipline is necessary, to preserve order and decorum. True. But, discipline that frontally attacks the Constitution (fons et origo) and silences an entire constituency, crosses from order into chaos and usurpation. The Senate institution, is not greater than the Constitution that birthed it. A tail cannot wag the dog, its owner. And, while Natasha may be one Senator, she embodies a district. She is the alter ego of a people, a mandate that cannot be muted under the guise of procedure.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, Senator Natasha vs The Senate is not merely a skirmish over parliamentary decorum; it is more of a referendum on the very heart and soul of democratic representation. The Senate may insist on its authority to discipline; but, then, authority without restraint becomes tyranny. Senator Natasha may appear as one woman locked in combat with a towering institution, yet, behind her stands the invisible multitude whose mandate she bears. To gag and muzzle her, is to censor them; to suspend her indefinitely, is to suspend their sovereignty indefinitely. The doctrine of sub judice may counsel caution, but it cannot annul the clear provisions of the Constitution. The doctrine may preserve the status quo, but, it cannot legitimise disenfranchisement. Between the rights of one Senator and the prerogatives of the Senate, lies a higher truth: sovereignty belongs to the people, and no institution is licensed to mute
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
Senate-Akpabio vs Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
their voice.
Thus, the question is not whether Senator Natasha has erred in conduct, but whether an institution sworn to protect democracy can justify punishing an entire constituency in the name of procedure. History’s verdict on such struggles is always the same: the individual may falter, but the people’s will endures forever. It is therefore, imperative to state that the institution that forgets its source of legitimacy courts its own decay, if not extinction.
In this contest of one against many, an individual versus an institution, the brilliance of democracy shines in the reminder that no chamber, however august, is greater than the people whose breath gives it life. The crucial question is: what does the Senate lose by recalling Senator Natasha whose six months suspension it imposed has elapsed? The answer to this question unlocks the truth. The answer is NOTHING. It is a matter of conscience – “an open wound; only truth can heal” (Uthman Dan Fodio).
Professor Mike Ozekhome, CON, SAN, Abuja
Allow Senator Natasha Akpoti to Resume
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN
I have read the letter from the Acting Clerk of the Senate on the above subject-matter, wherein it was stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot resume in the Senate until her case in court is finally determined. I think the Senate is overreaching itself, with this position.
First, the suspension of the Senator was for six months certain, being limited by time. Once the six months expire, she should be allowed to resume in the Senate automatically. Failure to allow her to resume is indirectly extending the suspension beyond six months, without a valid resolution of the Senate to that effect. There is no such resolution at the moment. The case pending in court, cannot be the reason to extend her suspension, illegally.
Second, the court case being referred to relates to the six months suspension, as to its validity and constitutionality. The appeal flowing from that case is also limited in scope to the six months suspension. Anything to the contrary, will portray the Senate as being vindictive and petty.
Third, the point was made by the trial court that the period of suspension, should not exceed the usual sitting
days of the Senate for a session.
To refuse her resumption after the six months period, will be to make the suspension indefinite.
Since this matter relates to the rights and privileges of a whole constituency comprising thousands of voters, the Senate should do the needful by allowing Senator Natasha to resume forthwith.
Senator Akpoti has already served the six months in full, and any determination by the court can only relate to the validity of the suspension and her entitlements, but certainly, the sessions of the Senate that she missed due to her suspension, cannot be reversed forever. In essence, the purpose of the suspension having been fulfilled, no useful purpose will be served to deny her from resuming duties as a Senator.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN
Delay in Senator Akpoti’s Resumption is Due to Contributory Negligence
Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja
“Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan and her Lawyers are guilty of Contributory Negligence for the delay in her resumption. If She and her Lawyers had applied Legisprudence and Parliamentary Diplomacy: Litigation is not the best (or only) solution (Lessons from Femi Falana, SAN)”
Architects of Delay of Senator Akpoti’s Resumption I feel honoured to be invited by THISDAY LAWYER to provide a written opinion, on this issue of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s
“Senator Akpoti has already served the six months in full, and any determination by the court can only relate to the validity of the suspension and her entitlements, but certainly, the sessions of the Senate that she missed due to her suspension, cannot be reversed forever. In essence, the purpose of the suspension having been fulfilled, no useful purpose will be served to deny her from resuming duties as a Senator”
resumption after serving her six month suspension. My straightforward answer is that Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan and her Lawyers are the architects of the delay in her resumption. In other words, apart from any blame that can be heaped upon the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, both Senator Natasha and her Lawyers share a measure of blame. In legal parlance, it is referred to as "contributory negligence".
For example, on 11th September 2025, one of her Lawyers (Michael J. Numa, SAN) wrote a letter addressed to the Clerk to the National Assembly. His letter was supposed to be a response to the letter dated 4th September, 2025 and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Dan-Zaria, wherein the said Acting Clerk had stated reasons why Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan could not resume immediately. Both the tone and the content of the said letter betrays a lack of understanding of legisprudence, parliamentary diplomacy, display of simple good faith and professional courtesy that is prescribed by Rule 26 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023.
Pre-Litigation Meeting
Dr Yahaya Dan-Zaria who signed the said letter dated 4th September, 2025, is a senior Lawyer. One would have expected Mr Numa, SAN to have arranged a meeting with Dr Yahaya Dan-Zaria, as the person that signed the said letter dated 4th September, 2025. The purpose of such a meeting would be for the Lawyer to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to gain insights into the remote, underlying reasons behind the said letter. Most of these reasons are usually not captured inside contains of formal letters. And, the benefits of such face-to-face meetings are priceless, because they
could provide the desired results, or invaluable ammunition with which any litigation Lawyer can utilise later in court. In fact, the litigation Lawyer can cite such pre-litigation meetings to win the sympathy of the Judge later on, as as evidence that he explored and exhausted amicable methods of resolution before embarking upon litigation as a last resort. Such prelitigation meeting is also important, when any Lawyer is dealing with an area of legal practice that the said litigation Lawyer is not familiar with. Legislative law or the law that deals with legislation, legislators and legislatures is a still a new and emerging area of legal practice, considering the fact that it was only in the year 1999 that legislatures were allowed to operate after decades of military rule in Nigeria.
Since 2015, I came under the part-time pupillage of Femi Falana, SAN, and I have learned that a successful Lawyer does not apply litigation, as the beall-and-end-all tool of his or her trade or profession. Femi Falana, SAN has won many highly complicated cases, without filing a single pre-litigation letter or brief of argument inside any court of law. Even though, Femi Falana, SAN does not hold a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in legislative drafting, he was able to engage the leadership of the 9th National Assembly to secure amendment of a piece of legislation that helped the then Nigerian Government recoup over $62 million in unpaid royalties by international oil companies operating within Nigeria. He achieved this by holding pre-litigation meetings with the former Speaker to the House of Representatives, National Assembly and Senator Theodore Kalu.
I have said enough, on this note, I rest my case.
Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja, Legislative Drafting Expert, Maseru, Lesotho
Natasha vs The Senate: Is the Law an Ass?
Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje
Introduction
This unfolding political cum legal matter was triggered by the suspension of
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senate-Akpabio vs Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan by the hallowed Red Chamber on 4th March, 2025, for acts considered as breaching Senates rules and ethics. She was thus, suspended for six months commencing from the above date.
This meant, that within that period, she would not earn salaries, entitlements or carry out any function as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senator Natasha Files a Suit to Challenge her Suspension
As expected, Senator Natasha (for short), filed a Suit at the Federal High Court challenging the said suspension on grounds that it was a breach of her rights to a fair hearing, deprivation of her constituents, and also violates existing decisions of the court, which hitherto had ruled that parliament cannot suspend any of its members, let alone for six months; as it would violate the electoral rights of her constituents who elected her to serve them at the Senate.
Judgement of the Federal High Court Vacillates and Oscillates on the Issues
In curious equivocal judgement that was devoid of legal certainty, Justice Binta Nyako, whilst faulting the action of the Senate, nevertheless with the profundity of respect, failed to declare their action as lucidly unconstitutional, and also over-sighted to order re-instatementof Senator Natasha, which she claimed as part of her reliefs in that Court.
This apparent carsus ommisus over the above relief unwittingly made both Senator Natasha and the Senate, to contemporaneously claim legal victory against each other in respect of the said judgement. Whilst Senator Natasha was celebrating legal victory, the Senate was equally celebrating legal victory, and curiously too, both celebrations were in respect of the same judgement.
In other words, the effect of the judgement in the ultimate scrutiny, was incapable of synthesised analysis.
This was how the exquisite Anagolu JSC labelled a similar judgement in the case of Nwosu v State (1986) 4 NWLR (Pt 35) 348 at 359 at para G-H, wherein the judicial sage adumbrated to wit:
“The picture presented in the ultimate, was of an inconsistent judgement, devoid of any coherent pattern, and incapable of synthesised analysis”
Both supposed victorious parties, surprisingly, filed appeals against the same judgement both had hitherto celebrated victory upon.
In a rather strange development and legal twist, the same parties who claimed respective and concurrent legal victories from the said judgement, subsequently summersaulted and filed appeals against the same judgement.
It was thus, becoming apparent,
“In
that it is the said judgement like the present 1999 Constitution as amended, and which will still be amended, that was the source of the confusion and same unwittingly became a legal body trap for Senator Natasha, which the Senate finally exploited in deciding not to re-admit Senator Natasha even after the expiration of her earlier six months suspension.
Whilst Senator Natasha is appealing against the judgement for not ordering her re-instalment, the Senate was equally appealing against the observations of the Lordship chiding them of their action.
When a Matter is Sub judice, Parties are Expected to Stay All Actions in that Regard
Indeed, it a notorious and axiomatic principle of law that when a matter is in court, it becomes sub judice, and parties are not to do any thing that will foist a fait accompli on the court, or which may render the judgement of the court nugatory.
In other words, the court does not encourage, nor sanction the resort to self-help whilst litigation is ongoing.
This is the crystallised principle in Ojukwu v Lagos State (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt 18) 621 at page 34 paras F-G, per the quintessential, Kayode Eso, JSC.
Six Months Suspension of Senator Natasha From 4th March, 2025, Expired at Midnight of 3rd September, 2025
By the operation of the law vide the Interpretation Act of 1961, which Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution as amended says should be applied in interpreting same, Senator Natasha’s six months suspension on 4th March, 2025 ended at midnight of 3rd September, 2025.
We refer to the case of Akinremi v Akeredolu (No.2)(1986) 2
a rather strange development and legal twist, the same parties who claimed respective and concurrent legal victories from the said judgement, subsequently summersaulted and filed appeals against the same judgement”
NWLR (Pt 25) 710, the Socrates of the Supreme Court.
And, also the judgement of the courageous Justice Akinsanya in the unreported of case of Gani Fawehinmi v Interim National Government (ING) 1993.
This issue, however, ought not to have posed any problem at all for both parties and us, if they did not appeal the said judgement.
Do the Appeals deprive Senator Natasha from being admitted back into the Senate, after the expiration of her six months suspension?
Whilst the Senate, if it chooses to, can admit Senator Natasha without breaking any law, it has chosen to rather, and on the contrary, to seek hypocritical refuge under the principle of the matter being “sub judice” and to wittingly further extend Senator Natasha’s suspension, by tying her fate to the determination of the appeals both have filed at the appellate court.
This is being clever by half, and indeed, a slap on the face of good conscience, equity and of even law, by the Senate pretending to be abiding by the law on this now vexatious matter.
Hence, I think such a scenario and pastoring displayed by the Senate is why it is said that The Law is an Ass.
Is the Law an Ass?
The Senate has craftily relied on the technicality of law, to deprive Senator Natasha of both her rights not to be suspended, and even inflicted another pain on her by extending through the same law, the six months suspension earlier unleashed on her in March this year.
In both ways, the law seems on face value to support Senator Natasha and, in another way, it also support the Senate for complying with the principle of lis pendens, as the matter is actually sub judice.
This is further augmented because, as it is now, and very regrettably too, none of the parties has been adjudged right or wrong under the law, as based on the ambivalent and non-binding judgement of Justice Binta Nyako!
The law therefore, supports both
Senator Natasha to enforce her right at the expiration of the suspension, and the law equally supports the Senate in apparently obeying the rule of the law as the matter is sub judice.
So, is the law An Ass?
Indeed, it is this dualistic and perhaps, elastic nature of the law, that made Nnaemeka Agu JSC to ponder aloud over the law being “an ass” in the case of African Petroleum v Owudunni (1991) 8 NWLR (Pt 210) 391. There, the sagacious jurist adumbrated to wit:
“This is sad, the law, it has been said, is an ass. And, the unruly ass must keep galloping along, so long as litigants refuse to follow simple rules clearly laid down by statute. This is of the very nature of justice according to law; and the courts must take the blame!”
Political Undercurrents and Power Show Eclipsing the Law
It is our firm view, that political undercurrents, and “power show” (according to the iconic Fela Anikulakpo Kuti), have unfortunately been used to eclipse the law; if not, Senator Natasha ought to have been at least allowed to be re-admitted into the Senate, notwithstanding the pendency of the Appeals.
Conclusion
Whilst we do not want to label the law as an ass, or why the ass is troubling litigants, as in this instance, we would want to respectfully admonish that the Senate ignore Senator Natasha who is the messenger of her constituents, and have pity as well as compassion on their message for democratic dividends and participation, which they elected her for. And Senator Natasha should also ignore any power show from the Senate, and look rather at the electoral power given to her by her constituents, to make them enjoy democratic benefits.
If the parties balance this view, it is likely the matter could be resolved even before the appeals are determined. As the cliché accentuates, two wrongs cannot “certainly” and even with “certainty” “Make a Right”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Dr Akpo Mudiaga Odje, LLD, Constitutional Lawyer; Member, British Council
Introduction
As a new English Premier League (“EPL”) season began, Nigerians, particularly football lovers and fanatics commenced the process of re-subscribing or upgrading their DSTV package to enable them enjoy the action of a football-packed 2025/26 football season. All fans alike, from Manchester United supporters to Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City supporters, are ready to be glued to their tv screens at home, at pepper soup joints and in viewing centres. The magical sport that brings all persons together, regardless of colour, race, ethnicity and tribe is once again in motion, with men becoming excited while their wives, girlfriends and side chicks dread the months-long weekends of football that diverts their partner’s attention. Not to worry though, the result of the football matches usually determines the input and output of the match in the other room, an awry game can lower libido, while a victorious game can ginger the swagger for 90 minutes and more.
DSTV’s Unfair Pricing
Now to the subject of this article, which stems from the numerous arbitrary increases of DSTV subscription fees due to lack of options and competitiveness in cable TV broadcasting. As we all know, DSTV enjoys a near monopolistic status within the Nigerian economy; gone are the days when it faced competition from other digital satellite television service providers such as HITV or High Television owned by its operatorsEntertainment Highway Limited. This has resulted in an unfair pricing regime. For instance, Multi Choice Nigeria has increased its DSTV and GOTV bouquet pricing about 4 times within the span of the last two years, 2023 to 2025.
The increment occurred twice in 2023 and once in 2024, making it three times within the space of 12 months. The last increment took effect on the 1st of March, 2025 with the pricing going up by at least 20% of the previous price. Expectedly this has led to a loss of about 1.4 million Nigerian subscribers between March 2023 and March 2025, bringing down its subscribers from 9.3 million recorded in 2023 to 7.5 million in 2025. This is according to the latest financial results released by its parent body, Multi Choice Group.
As the preamble of this article suggests, Football is the mainstay of DSTV subscriptions in this fast evolving age of subscribers’ preoccupation with social media platforms like YouTube; streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Showmax and other online content related platforms. Hence football provides an incentive for viewers to still subscribe to DSTV despite its exorbitant prices.
The crux of this discussion is the licensing right for airing the EPL, which is at the moment an exclusive preserve of Multi Choice’s Super Sport. For context, Super Sport has held Premier League broadcast rights since EPL’s inception in 1992, initially as M-Net Super Sport, then Super Sport after the creation of the DSTV in 1995.
This dominance was however, challenged within the Nigerian broadcast space when in late 2006, its digital satellite television competitor and Nigeria’s first indigenous pay TV, HITV acquired the EPL broadcasting rights in Nigeria for the 2007 / 2008 and 2008 / 2009 seasons. The HITV’s acquisition of the EPL’s right was a major event in the broadcasting landscape, and a step forward in indigenous ownership of broadcasting rights. However, this evisceration of DSTV’s monopoly was short lived, as HITV lost the rights back to Multi Choice (owners of DSTV / Super Sport) starting from the 2010/11 season due to financial difficulties. Notwithstanding this collapse, what is of particular interest is the significance behind HITV’s acquisition of the EPL rights. The Cable provider was able to wrest the EPL rights from DSTV / Super Sport by making its acquisition bid on the premise that it would sub-license the rights to other indigenous cable TV operators.
This brings us back to the DSTV conundrum, since 2010/11 season, Multi Choice has been the exclusive broadcaster of the Premier League football games, without any serious competition from domestic Pay TV operators. This contravenes the provisions of relevant broadcasting laws, codes and regulations, as well as competition laws.
For example, the 2020 Amendment to the 6th edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code prohibits exclusivity of sporting rights and provides for compulsory sub-licensing. Article 6.2.8 of the Amendment prohibits exclusivity
Premiership Licensing and the DSTV Conundrum: A Case for Competitiveness in the Broadcast Industry
This article by James abati, is in light of the new english Premier League Football (ePL) season and dSTV’s exclusive broadcasting rights for same in Nigeria. He discusses what he describes as the near-monopolistic status that dSTV enjoys and its drawbacks, which include arbitrary increases in subscription fees, offering suggestions on what can be done to change this narrative
while Article 9.01 aims to promote competition and prohibits broadcasters and licensees from entering into any form of broadcasting rights acquisition in Nigeria or anywhere in the world to acquire any broadcasting right(s) which excludes persons, broadcasters or licensees in Nigeria from sub-licensing the same. Broadcasters are charged with the responsibility of ensuring access by all Pay TV platforms to premium content in the sports and news genres to “generate effective competition at the wholesale level for such genres”.
Additionally, Article 9.1.1.2 of the Amendment requires broadcasters to offer sports and news programmes and/or channels to other broadcasters for retail to residential subscribers in Nigeria on terms stipulated in the Amendment. Pursuant to the standards and terms in the code, a broadcaster must offer its premium content to other subscribers and fees to be charged to the sub-licensees must not exceed the prorated cost of acquisition of the sports and news programmes and/or channels by a subscriber on the platform of the licensee (that is, Stipulated Prices). The Code grants Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) the power to compel any broadcaster to license its broadcast and/or signal rights in any genre of programming to another licensee or broadcaster in Nigeria if (i) the genre of programme(s) enjoys compelling viewership by Nigerians; (ii) it relates to a product or service that is objectively necessary to be able to compete effectively on a downstream market; (iii) it is likely to lead to the elimination of effective competition on the downstream markets; and (iv) the refusal is likely to lead to consumer deprivation. All decisions of the National Broadcasting Commission in respect of the broadcasting rights are binding on all broadcast licensees irrespective of any agreement contrary to the provisions of the Nigeria broadcasting code.
It is evident that the Nigeria broadcasting code makes ample provision for the existence of a competitive broadcasting industry, particularly in the area of sports. However, there is yet to be a visible impact on its applicability as Multi
“…. DSTV enjoys a near monopolistic status within the Nigerian economy….This has resulted in an unfair pricing regime. For instance, Multi Choice Nigeria has increased its DSTV and GOTV bouquet pricing about 4 times within the span of the last two years, 2023 to 2025”
Choice still holds the ace when it comes to EPL broadcasting. Is this down to a lack of vibrant competition or is there a deliberate attempt to sideline indigenous pay TV providers?
The application of the 6th edition of the Nigeria broadcasting code (as amended) should have come into effect having being promulgated about 5 years ago. The National Broadcasting Commission ought to live up to its responsibilities to ensure competitiveness within the broadcasting industry, particularly as it relates to the EPL, a viewer’s delight. A 2024 NOI polls reports reveals that a significant proportion of adult Nigerians nationwide (59 percent) follow the EPL. With the level of enthusiasm in the EPL in the largest black nation on earth, there ought to be available viewing options for its citizens.
For instance, in South Africa, Multi Choice’s country of origin, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) airs the EPL on SABC SPORT, a South African free-to-air sports television channel owned by the corporation. This is in addition to Super Sports, which airs the EPL on pay DSTV.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the broadcast rights of the EPL is shared amongst Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Premier Sports, with the BBC showing weekly highlights of the premier league on its Match of the Day programmes on Saturdays and Sundays.
This calls for introspection; how can the intent of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code be brought to life? Firstly, the Government can take it upon itself to acquire the broadcast rights for the EPL and provide live coverage to its citizens through its free-to-air television channel, NTA. Alternatively, a sports channel, NTA Sports can be created for this purpose, to air the EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and other domestic and continental related sports events. This incentive will create viewer traffic for its channel; provide revenue through sponsorship and advertisement deal, as well as competition in the broadcast industry.
Secondly, the National Broadcasting Commission can open up a bid for broadcast rights of the EPL, to encourage coverage of the premium sports events by indigenous television providers within the broadcast industry. This can be actualised by exercising its powers to compel Multi Choice to sublicense its broadcast rights in the EPL to interested parties, to encourage competition within the broadcast industry.
Finally, in the novel case of Femi Davies v National Broadcasting Commission, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos held that the NBC lacks the power to prohibit exclusive arrangements and compel sub-licensing of privately acquired broadcasting rights, as the amendment
to the 6th edition of the Nigeria broadcasting Code is in violation of the provisions of the Constitution and the Copyright Act, and further, that an acquisition of exclusive rights to broadcast a particular programme is an investment for returns, and no one should be forced to surrender same when it is lawfully acquired. The court therefore, set aside the amendment for being ultra vires, incompetent, and null and void, while also granting a perpetual injunction restraining the NBC from further implementing the amendment. It is my humble opinion that this judgement is inherently flawed, and the Honourable Justices erred in law. The NBC is a regulatory authority in the broadcasting industry, and it is well within its power to make codes and regulations that guide the broadcasting industry. The amendment was promulgated in exercise of its regulatory functions and its intent to cure a mischief - monopoly within the industry by making a public policy regulation. It is a fundamental part of contract law, that for every rule, there is an exception and in this case, particularly on the issue of exclusivity, regulatory requirements is an essential exception. Certain legal or regulatory obligations may require a party to engage with specific entities, even if an exclusivity agreement exists. Also, the application of exclusivity agreements must be carried out within the corresponding legal framework, respecting the principles of free competition and contractual good faith. An exclusivity agreement must be legal and proportionate, to avoid unnecessary restrictions on competition that may be considered abusive, contrary to public policy and regulations. Also, an exclusivity agreement is nothing more than a bilateral legal transaction that binds contracting parties, as such; contractual voluntariness must not affect morality, law and public order. Therefore, it is my humble submission that, nothing within the scope of the amended NBC Code violates the fundamental principles of fair hearing and natural justice. Rather, it is the monopolistic one brand show of Super Sport that is contrary to public policy, and repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience.
Invitation
I therefore, invite legal minds and jurists to revisit this case and take up the matter on appeal to reach a decisive conclusion of the matter, particularly in light of the practice in other jurisdictions, the mischief the amended NBC Code intends to cure and the public policy against anti-trust and anti- competition sought to be upheld by the Commission. This would further enrich our jurisprudence, and determine the extent to which stakeholders in the broadcast industry may effectively compete and promote indigenous participation in the industry.
James Abati, Legal Practitioner, Lagos
James abati
This Week In Tech
08097710984 (WhatsApp only) alekhuogien@yahoo.com
40% of Nigerian Companies Spend 30% of IT Budgets on Privacy: Report
Nigerian businesses are racing to adopt artificial intelligence, shifting from chasing a global trend to treating it as a matter of survival, growth, and trust.
A new report by Arion Research, commissioned by global software company Zoho, reveals that 40 per cent of Nigerian companies are now dedicating more than 30 per cent of their IT budgets to privacy protection. The findings underscore a strategic shift: privacy is no longer seen as an expense, but as a weapon in the battle for customer trust.
Building trust in a digital age
For the average Nigerian, whose daily life is increasingly mediated by digital tools, mobile banking, online shopping, and virtual healthcare, this shift has profound benefits. It means fewer worries about personal data being leaked, fewer fears of identity theft, and stronger safeguards against fraud. For businesses, it presents an opportunity to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded digital marketplace.
“Businesses here understand that without trust, there is no long-term growth,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Zoho Nigeria’s country head, at the unveiling of the study. “The latest study proves that Nigerian businesses are leading the way in responsible AI adoption, as they temper the new technology with privacy measures.”
a model of responsiBle adoption
The report, titled ‘The AI Privacy Equation: The Nigerian Model of Responsible AI Adoption’, surveyed 386 business leaders across Nigeria. The results were striking. Ninety-three per cent of respondents said their organisations had already embarked on the AI journey. Among these, thirtyone per cent reported advanced integration of AI across their organisations, while more than a quarter said they were already deploying AI across multiple departments.
This rapid adoption stands out in comparison to global averages, where AI often remains in pilot phases or limited experiments. What makes Nigeria’s story even more compelling is the way companies are embedding AI responsibly.
Ninety-four per cent of organisations now have a dedicated privacy officer or team, a figure far higher than what is common in most markets. Eighty-four per cent of businesses reported that their privacy frameworks have grown stronger since adopting AI, and nearly two-thirds described the improvements as significant.
Adding his voice, Michael Fauscette, CEO of Arion Research, framed the finding as a direct challenge to long-standing assumptions.
“Too often, the story of AI is told as one of trade-offs: innovation versus privacy,” he said. “Nigeria challenges that narrative. When eightyfour per cent of companies say AI has actually strengthened their privacy frameworks, it shows privacy-conscious design can enhance outcomes, not limit them.”
finance industry at the forefront
The financial services sector is playing a central role in this transformation. According to the report, the industry represented 29 per cent of survey respondents, making it the largest sector in the study. Nigerian banks and fintech companies are embracing AI in areas such as customer service automation, software development, and marketing optimisation. Customer service alone accounts for nearly half of all AI deployments in the sector.
For Nigerians weary of scams, fraud, and identity theft issues that have grown sharply in recent years, these AI-backed safeguards serve as essential guarantees. The Nigerian Communications
Commission reported more than 70,000 cases of cybercrime in 2024 alone, making privacy-by-design a matter of urgency for financial services.
the challenge of skills
Yet even as adoption deepens, challenges persist. The study highlights a growing skills gap as one of the primary barriers to the wider adoption of AI. Thirty-seven per cent of businesses cited lack of technical expertise as the primary obstacle. A further thirty-five per cent pointed to privacy and security concerns as challenges that slow down adoption.
To overcome these hurdles, companies are investing heavily in people. Data analysis and interpretation are emerging as priority skills, with nearly seven in ten firms focusing on training staff in this area. Over half are driving efforts to increase AI literacy across their organisations, while a growing number are beginning to invest in the relatively new field of prompt engineering, an essential skill for making the most of generative AI tools.
This emphasis reflects a broader recognition that success in artificial intelligence depends not only on algorithms and systems, but also on human capability. Nigerian firms are increasingly aware that technology acquisition must go hand in hand with the development of expertise if AI is to be used responsibly and effectively.
regulation as a catalyst
Another force driving change is regulation. The passage of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act in 2023 has had a profound effect on business culture. Since the law came into force, nearly 65% of organisations report being more aware of regulatory requirements.
Many firms are adopting concrete practices to ensure compliance, particularly in sectors where consumer trust is fragile.
This regulatory push has reshaped the way companies view privacy. What was once considered a compliance burden is now becoming central to corporate strategy. A Lagos-based data protection consultant noted, “Before the law, many companies viewed privacy as a secondary issue. Now, it is front and centre in every AI conversation.”
leadership at the top
The report also highlights the role of leadership in this transformation. More
than half of the respondents to the survey were CEOs or executives. This signals that AI adoption in Nigeria is not being left to middle managers or experimental teams. It is being driven from the very top of organisations.
This level of executive involvement helps explain why Nigeria’s adoption rate is so high. In markets where leadership is cautious, AI often remains in pilot phases, with projects struggling to scale. In Nigeria, top-level commitment has accelerated the journey from experiment to enterprise-wide deployment.
“Nigeria’s AI journey is not being delegated,” said Fauscette. “It is being owned at the top. That makes all the difference.”
privacy as a competitive advantage
Why, then, are Nigerian firms investing so heavily in privacy when many of their global counterparts still treat it as an afterthought?
The answer lies in how they view governance.
The report points out that forty per cent of organisations allocate more than thirty per cent of their IT budgets to privacy protection. Far from being seen as a constraint, strong governance is recognised as a competitive advantage. It fosters customer trust, mitigates the risk of reputational damage, and lays a foundation for sustainable growth.
In a digital economy where consumers can switch allegiances with a click, businesses recognise that trust is a valuable currency. Privacy investments are not just about avoiding fines or meeting legal requirements; they are about winning and keeping customers.
Zoho’s rising footprint in nigeria
For Zoho, the findings provide validation of its long-standing approach to building privacy-first solutions. The company, which provides a suite of more than 55 integrated applications for businesses, has consistently rejected data monetisation in favour of customer privacy.
In Nigeria, that stance has paid off handsomely. Zoho announced a seventyfive per cent customer growth rate in the country in 2024, making Nigeria one of its fastest-growing markets worldwide.
The company’s most popular products include Zoho Workplace, which provides enterprise email and collaboration tools; Zoho Books, an accounting platform; Zoho
Campaigns, used for marketing automation; and Zoho One, an all-in-one suite of integrated applications. Customers come from across various industries, including IT services, finance, energy, real estate, media, education, and retail.
“We continue to invest in Nigeria as businesses here accelerate their adoption of technology to grow and scale,” Ogundare said. “This is only the beginning.”
a gloBal reference point
Beyond the statistics and product announcements, the report positions Nigeria as a potential global standard for striking a balance between AI adoption and privacy protection. In many regions of the world, concerns over surveillance and data misuse dominate the debate around AI. Nigeria’s experience suggests that there is another way.
Fauscette was emphatic.
He said, “Nigerian businesses are proving that robust governance isn’t a constraint on innovation. It’s a competitive advantage that builds customer trust and creates sustainable AI implementations.”
The story resonates beyond Nigeria’s borders. It demonstrates that emerging economies do not have to follow the same flawed patterns of larger markets. Instead, they can craft their own path, one where technology and trust grow together.
the road ahead
Nigeria’s AI revolution is still in its early stages. The skills gap is real, regulations will continue to evolve, and global competition for AI talent is intensifying. Yet the foundations being laid are strong. With more than nine in ten firms already on their AI journey, and nearly all embedding privacy protections, the trajectory points to deeper integration in the years ahead.
For ordinary Nigerians, the implications are significant. Whether chatting with an AI-powered banking bot, applying for a loan, or shopping online, they want to know their data is safe. The new model of privacy-first AI offers that assurance.
For businesses, the payoff may come in the form of increased customer loyalty, new investment opportunities, and leadership in Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy. For regulators and policymakers, Nigeria’s experience offers a compelling example that innovation and responsibility can coexist and advance side by side.
Report: Multilateral Development Banks Recorded $137bn Climate Finance in 2024
Arthur
Eriye
Multilateral development banks (MDBs) recorded an unprecedented $137 billion in global climate finance in 2024 – a 10 per cent rise that highlights the expanding magnitude of international climate investment.
According to a report released recently by the European Investment Bank (EIB), in collaboration with other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) such as the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the majority of this funding was directed towards low- and middleincome economies.
In addition, MDBs
mobilised $134 billion in private finance for climate action in 2024, a 33 per cent increase from the year earlier, according to 2024 Joint Report on Multilateral Development Banks’ Climate Finance.
Expanding climate finance will be a central theme at COP30, which is scheduled to take place in Belém, Brazil in November 2025. At the COP29 summit, held late last year in Baku, countries agreed to scale up support for developing countries to at least $1.3 trillion annually from public and private sources by 2035. The findings are expected to inform discussions during the conference.
“Africa is pushing the
pedal on actions that transform Africa’s green potential in energy, naturebased solutions, innovation and a vibrant workforce,” said Anthony Nyong, African Development Bank Director for Climate Change and Green Growth.
“And we are putting climate adaptation at the heart of this effort. At the African Development Bank, we are walking the talk, we continuously meet our climate finance annual target and over half of our climate finance goes to helping African countries build resilience, protect livelihoods, and secure a climate-resilience future, while still investing in greener future.”
AI Sovereignty: Cortex Hub Launches MCP Hackathon
Emma Okonji
The Cortex Hub has announced the launch of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Hackathon Africa 2025, a continent-wide initiative designed to embed African languages, culture, and priorities into the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The MCP Hackathon Africa 2025 is a strategic effort to ensure Africa plays a leading role in shaping the infrastructure of Artificial General Intelligence. By contributing African languages, legal systems, and
development priorities to MCP servers, participants will help safeguard digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on closed technologies.
A total prize pool of $9,500 will be awarded, with a grand prize of $5,000 for the best overall solution, $3,500 for outstanding innovation, and $1,000 for excellence in execution. Winners will also gain visibility at AfricaCom, one of the continent’s largest technology events, where they will present their work to investors and industry leaders.
Patron of The Cortex Hub, Andile Ngcaba, said, “The Model Context Protocol is Africa’s opportunity to move
from being consumers of AI to creators of the standards that govern it. By coding MCP servers for our towns and cities, participants will be embedding African contexts, cultures, and priorities into the very fabric of AI’s evolution.”
Group CEO of Datacentrix, Ahmed Mohamed, said: “Datacentrix’s sponsorship of the MCP Hackathon reflects our ongoing, long-term commitment to cultivating local talent, fostering African innovation and, ultimately, helping to shape a digital future where our continent is not on the sidelines but at the very centre of global AI development.”
Airtel Nigeria to Expand Broadband Access with SmartConnect 5G Router
Emma Okonji
Airtel Nigeria has launched of its SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) Router, a new broadband solution designed to deliver affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet access to households and businesses across the country.
The SmartConnect router, offered at an entry cost of N25,000, comes with a SIM card, free installation, and a complimentary 30-day unlimited data bundle at speeds up to 50 Mbps. Customers can thereafter subscribe to flexible plans: N25,000 monthly for unlimited 50 Mbps or N45,000 monthly
for unlimited 100 Mbps.
With the ODU design, the router is mounted outdoors to capture stronger and more stable signals, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in dense urban and peri-urban areas.
The device also includes features such as nationwide usability with access to Airtel’s 5G where available and seamless fallback to 4G LTE; multi-user capability, supporting up to 64 simultaneous device connections; built-in power backup lasting up to five to six hours during electricity outages; as well as parental and usage controls for managing browsing access.
Speaking about the product, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel
Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said: “Our mission has always been to democratise access to technology.
With SmartConnect, we are removing the barriers of cost and complexity. Every household, and every small business deserves to be connected without compromise.”
Marketing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Ismail Adeshina, added: “SmartConnect was designed with the Nigerian reality in mind. Families, entrepreneurs, and students need reliability and confidence that their router will keep them online even in the face of power cuts or network fluctuations. This product delivers exactly that.”
Sniper Introduces Powerful New Solutions
In a bold stride toward reimagining pest control for today’s homes, Saro Lifecare Limited has unveiled two innovative additions to its widely trusted Sniper brand: Sniper Hotshot Multipurpose Insect Killer and Sniper Bedbug Killer.
The vibrant launch event, held recently in Lagos, marked a milestone in the brand’s ongoing
journey of protecting Nigerian households.Attended by families, media, lifestyle influencers, and health experts, the event celebrated more than just new products—it celebrated the evolution of a brand that has earned the confidence of millions across Nigeria.
Managing Director of Saro Lifecare Limited, Gbemileke Otun expressed the brand’s
vision:“This launch is more than a business milestone—it’s a promise to Nigerian families.
“Our goal with the Hotshot Multipurpose Insect Killer and Bedbug Killer is to offer effective, easy-to-use, and safe products that meet the everyday needs of our consumers. We are proud to continue building a legacy that stands for protection, trust, and innovation.”
Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic
Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
Stock Market Reacts to Slowdown in Inflation, Gains N705bn
Kayode Tokede
The local stock market yesterday reacted to a slowdown in inflation, appreciated by N705billion on investors’ demand for BUA Foods Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and 29 others.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its
Consumer Price Index (CPI) report announced 20.21 per cent inflation rate in August 2025 from 21.88 per cent declared in July 2025.
As the stock price of BUA Foods and GTCO advanced by 6.73 per cent and 1.29 per cent, respectively, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (NGX ASI) appreciated by 1,113.31 basis points or 0.79 per cent, to
close at 141,659.00 basis points.
Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value gained N705 billion to close at N 89.627 trillion.
Sectoral performance was mixed as the NGX Consumer Goods index (+3.5per cent) and NGX Banking index (+0.1per cent) advanced, while the NGX Insurance index(-0.2per cent) and NGX
Oil & Gas index (-one per cent) closed lower. The NGX Industrial Goods index remained unchanged.
Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth closed positive as 32 stocks advanced, while 30 declined. Living Trust Mortgage Bank recorded the highest price gain of 9.96 per cent to close at N5.08, per share. eTranzact International followed with a
gain of 9.70 per cent to close at N16.40, while Regency Alliance Insurance rose by 9.64 per cent to close at N1.82, per share.
NNFM appreciated by 8.62 per cent to close at N93.90, while Unilever Nigeria rose by 8.41 per cent to close at N72.80, per share.
On the other hand, McNichols led the losers’
chart by 9.90 per cent to close at N3.55, per share.
Honeywell Flour Mills followed with a decline of 9.13 per cent to close at N20.90, while UACN declined by 8.01 per cent to close at N67.15, per share.
Omatek Ventures lost 7.58 per cent to close at N1.22, while Champion Breweries depreciated by 6.00 per cent to close at N15.98, per share.
BUSINESS WORLD
Amid N5.6trn Debt, Gencos Lose N2.2trn to Stranded Capacity
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The magnitude of Nigeria’s long-running electricity supply crisis has once again come to the fore, as new industry data reveals that Generation Companies (Gencos) lost over N2.2 trillion to stranded power in the last 10 years and eight months.
The figures released by the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), seen by THISDAY, highlight a persistent structural failure in the sector. Even though Nigeria has the installed capacity to generate far more power than is being supplied to homes and businesses, a huge chunk remains idle because of bottlenecks
in transmission and distribution infrastructure.
In essence, stranded power generation refers to the electricity capacity that the country’s Gencos could produce but is not actually delivered to consumers. It is power that exists in theory but remains unused due to a combination of technical, financial, and operational constraints.
Currently, outstanding debt owed to the owners of the power plants stands at around N5.6 trillion, raising concerns over the stability of the national grid and the country’s ability to sustain its electricity supply.
The data showed that for instance, in 2015, stranded generation was high, with 3,010.24MW (45.50 per cent) left unutilised,
costing the sector N214.93 billion. Similarly, in 2016, Nigeria recorded its worst year on record, with 3,827.98MW stranded on average, representing 54.38 per cent of available generation capacity. That year, the financial loss to the sector stood at N273.32 billion.
In 2017, 3,311MW of power was stranded, leading to an annual
capacity payment loss of N236.47, while in 2018, losses reached N264.08 billion as stranded capacity hit 3,698MW, while in 2019 and 2020 the figures were N256.85 billion and N266.10 billion respectively as well as roughly 3,597MW and 3,742MW in the various years.
Stakeholders Reject NERC’s Move to Wheel Excess Solar Power to National Grid
Some stakeholders in the Nigerian renewable energy sector have expressed their rejection of the proposal by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to design a rule that will allow excess solar power generation to be wheeled to the nation’s electricity grid. They argued that the
country is not generating enough solar power to warrant muting the idea of taking the excess to the grid, adding that even if there was excess, frequent outages and other encumbrances associated with the grid do not support such a proposal by the regulator.
President of the Governing Council of Nigeria’s Renewable
Energy and Energy Efficiency Association Alliance (REEEAA), a body comprising developers, innovators and the likes, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, expressed his members’ view during an exclusive chat with THISDAY.
NERC had in a recent statement called on Nigerians to provide views on its draft regulations designed to
enable solar power users to sell excess electricity back to the national grid.
It stated that Nigeria’s solar energy has grown significantly in recent years, pointing out that in 2023, Nigeria imported over 4 million solar panels, valued at more than $200 million while the value of imported solar panels reached about N125.29 billion in 2025.
The regulator also said
that in 2024, Nigeria added 63.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power, stating that the country now has a total of 385.7MW of solar power.
It explained that this expansion reflects the increasing adoption of renewable energy, particularly in rural and off-grid areas, driven by government initiatives and private sector investments.
However, reacting to NERC’s proposal, Onuoha, who is also a developmental economist, stated that the idea was not feasible as the country was not yet generating enough solar power and that even the grid has a lot of barriers like frequent outages caused by system collapse.
Peter Uzoho
Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in abuja
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called for a deeper strategic partnership between Nigeria and China to accelerate the growth of the electricity supply chain in Africa’s most populous nation, amid the ongoing $3.9 billion investment in two key projects in the country.
The minister spoke during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, emphasising that such collaboration was essential to President Bola Tinubu’s plan to advance the local content advocacy of the federal government to
preserve foreign exchange.
The minister praised the strong existing bilateral ties, noting that trade volume has reached $20 billion and highlighting crucial Chinese investments in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. He specifically pointed to the $1.4 billion Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and a $2.5 billion transmission project for the Eastern and Western super grid, funded through Chinese financial institutions.
Stating that, “Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and China is the biggest in Asia,” Adelabu proposed that the importance of the
relationship warrants more frequent, quarterly meetings to review progress across all segments of the power sector.
While expressing gratitude for China’s support, the minister also raised two critical issues, urging Chinese
companies to help develop local Nigerian capacity by training workers and transferring knowledge. He also called on the
NNPC Extends Farmers’ Empowerment
The NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has extended its ‘Vulnerable Farmers Training Programme’ to Northern Nigeria, marking the second phase of the
initiative.
The programme is designed to equip farmers with modern agricultural techniques, covering areas such as climate-smart farming, organic fertilization, postharvest loss reduction, and enhanced market access strategies.
According to a statement, the first phase of the programme held across the Southern region (South-east, Southsouth, and South-west), empowered over 4,000 farmers with modern agricultural practices and market-access strategies, recording significant
Chinese government to take stringent measures to discourage the manufacture of substandard products for export to Nigeria.
success.
The second phase, it said, will cover North-east, North-west, and Northcentral geopolitical zones, with training sessions scheduled to hold in six designated states across the three zones, and one in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
OGTAN Reaffirms Commitment to Skilled Workforce in Energy Sector
Stories by Peter Uzoho
Despite recent delays and cancellations of projects, the clean hydrogen industry has surpassed $110 billion in investment in more than 500 projects that have moved past the final investment decision, a new report by the Hydrogen Council, has shown.
Investments in clean hydrogen projects have increased by $35 billion since last year, with the projects now past Final
Investment Decision (FID) in construction, or already operational, according to the Hydrogen Council’s first Global Hydrogen Compass report, co-authored with McKinsey & Company.
“This progress is accompanied by natural attrition, as projects with the strongest business cases advance and less viable ones are withdrawn, demonstrating continued maturation across the industry,” the Hydrogen Council said.
The lobby group acknowledged that about 50 projects have been publicly cancelled in the past 18 months, representing about 3 per cent of the total pipeline since 2020.
Comms/e-Business
Asst.
Asst.
Correspondents
KayodeTokede(CapitalMarkets)
James
ebere
Nigeria is actively exploring clean hydrogen as part of its broader energy transition strategy, aiming to diversify its energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and position itself as a leader in Africa’s renewable energy sector.
The government has launched policy frameworks and a strategic roadmap emphasising cross-sector collaboration across energy,
Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) has restated its resolve to continue grooming an effective fit-for-purpose skill set
Egbin Power Plc, Nigeria’s largest power generation company, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to education and sustainable community development as it celebrated the 10th edition of the Egbin Power Scholarship Awards.
The milestone ceremony, held at the Egbin Power Clubhouse, brought together
for a stronger and more resilient energy industry in Nigeria.
President of OGTAN, Chris Osarumwense, declared this at the Human Capacity Development (HCD) awards hosted by
community leaders, parents, teachers, the management team of Egbin Power, and beneficiaries to recognise and reward academic excellence across its host communities.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour, noted that
the group in Lagos that the association was driven by the spirit of excellence and collaboration in driving the nation’s petroleum industry forward.
The organisation recognized 11 trainers, policy drivers and corporate citizens with 10 categories of awards with which it celebrates their excellence, commitment and impact in human capacity development within our industry.
the scholarship scheme, which began a decade ago, has transformed the lives of children in host communities by easing the financial burden on parents while providing opportunities for students to pursue quality education.
“This 10th edition of the Egbin Power Scholarship
reaffirms our decadelong commitment to education and community development. By investing in these young scholars, we are not only empowering their future but also strengthening the foundation for sustainable growth in our host communities and Nigeria at large,” he said.
as CEO
Falcon Corporation Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s gas sector, has announced a significant leadership transition, saying effective January 1, 2026, the company’s Co-Founder and Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer.
The company said the leadership change followed the retirement of its founding Managing Director, Prof. Joseph Ezigbo, after 31 years of visionary leadership and exceptional growth.
It said under Ezigbo’s tenure, Falcon Corporation evolved from a promising start-up into a dynamic industry leader, championing
operational excellence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to community and environmental responsibility.
The company added that his passion for delivering sustainable energy solutions and building a values-driven enterprise has created a remarkable legacy.
Commenting on the
leadership transition, Ezigbo stated. “It has been the honour of my professional life to lead Falcon Corporation Limited through more than three decades of growth and transformation. I have every confidence that the company will achieve even greater heights under Audrey’s leadership.
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICE TO USHER IN 2025/2026 LEGAL YEAR...
L-R: The Olu of Ilaro and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba
State
Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Adebisi Femi-Segun, during the special church service to usher in the 2025/2026 legal year held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta on Monday
CVR: 4.5m Nigerians Registered in Four Weeks, Says INEC
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) revealed that a total of 4,445,505 persons had registered in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registra- tion (CVR) exercise.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement issued Monday, also said the online voter pre-registration in the Federal Capital Terri- tory (FCT) ended yesterday, Monday 15, September 2025.
Olumekun stated, “As of Sunday 14th September 2025, a total of 4,445,505 Nigerians have now pre-registered online in four weeks since the commencement of the exercise on 18th August 2025.
“The figure at the end of Week Four shows that 2,141,294 (48.17 per cent) are male and 2,304,211 (51.83
per cent) are female.
“In terms of age and occupation, the majority 2,924,643 (65.79 per cent) are between the ages of 18 and 34 while 1,112,344 (25.02 per cent) are students.”
“As of Friday, 12th Sep- tember 2025, the combined figures of the completed online pre-registration and the physical (in-person) registration is 509,929 out of which 229,758 (45.06 per cent) are male and 280,171 (54.94 per cent) are female.
“In terms of age and occupation, 378,132 (74.15 per cent) are young people between the ages of 18 and 34 while 196,529 (38.54 per cent) are students.”
Olumekun added that the detailed distribution of both online and completed registrations by state, gender, age, occupation and dis- ability had been uploaded on its website and other official platforms for public
information.
On Ward level registra- tion in FCT, he said, “As earlier announced by the commission, the online voter
MTN
pre-registration in the FCT ends today, Monday 15th September 2025.
“For the next two weeks, the physical (in-person) op-
Foundation
to
tion will be at the designated venues. Thereafter, the commission will devolve the registration to all the 62 Wards in the FCT from 29th
Train
September to 8th October 2025. Detailed addresses of the centres have already been uploaded to our official platforms.”
86,400 Students, 1,440 Teachers in 12 States to Combat Drug Abuse
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
The MTN Foundation is to train 86,400 students and 1,440 secondary school teachers across 12 states as part of its 2025 AntiSubstance Abuse Programme (ASAP), aimed at curbing drug abuse among young people.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop on Monday in Kaduna, a representative of MTN Foundation, Abubakar Zubairu, described the rise in substance abuse among Nigerian youths as a national emergency requiring urgent
Babcock Refutes Claims of Misconduct, Reaffirms Transparency in VC Selection
The management of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, has refuted allegations published by The People’s Gazette on September 12, 2025, describing the report as base- less, fabricated, mischievous and malicious.
The publication had claimed that one of the candidates aspiring to the office of President/Vice-Chancellor was being resisted by an alleged church advocacy group on account of purported sexual misconduct.
The Director of Marketing and Communication of the university, Dr. Joshua Suleiman in a statement, dismissed the report, insisting that neither the institution nor its proprietors, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, were aware of any group called ‘The Apostles Seventh-Day Adventist advocacy group’ or its supposed coordinator, Elder Samson Fasasi, labeling them fictitious andHeirresponsible. also defended Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, a former university pastor and Associate Vice President for
Spiritual Life, stating that he has never been accused, investigated, or sanctioned for sexual infidelity or misconduct. He clarified that his leave of absence in 2018 was for family reasons and processed in line with university policy. The director further emphasised the ongoing process to appoint a new President/ Vice-Chancellor is guided by the highest ethical, spiritual, and procedural standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which owns and operates 118 tertiary institu- tions worldwide.
coordinated action.
Zubairu stated, “In recent times, we have witnessed the emergence of psychoactive substances in large quantities across our markets, most of which are purchased and consumed predominantly by our“Atyouth.MTN Foundation, we have not only refused to turn a blind eye but have also made it a priority to reduce the rate of first-time substance abuse among Nigerian youth.”
Zubairu said MTN Foundation had also partnered with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a 24/7 psycho-social support helpline, designed to provide free counselling services in
Nigerian languages.
He added that the project aimed at connecting Nigerians to professional psychologists for free counselling support services.
Zubairu explained that since the launch of ASAP in 2019, MTN Foundation had reached millions of people through targeted campaigns, community outreaches in partnership with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and stakeholder engagements with organisations, such as United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“With the partnership, we can educate and disseminate the correct information about substance abuse and integrate it
into the educational curriculum to help model behavioural values in our society,” he said. He added that teacher training will help build a digital framework to scale the programme and ensure long-term impact.
“The teachers’ training in Kaduna and Kwara states will certainly pave the way for a digital framework to be developed because the need to scale impact on this subject matter is pertinent,” Zubairu said.
He said the 2025 anti-substance campaign was launched under the global theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: “It’s Everyone’s Fight.”
IGP in China Commits to Proactive Response to Emerging Security Threats
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has underscored the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to international security collaboration, intelligence-led policing, and proactive responses to emerging security threats in Nigeria.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a responsible global partner in shaping the future
of public security and law enforcement.
The IGP, who is leading the Nigerian delegation to the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (GPSCF) in China, is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the theme “Combating Transnational Crime and Countermeasures” on 18th September 2025.
A statement by the Force Spokesperson, CSP Benjamin
Hundeyin, noted that the forum — set to commence on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province — will bring together Ministers of Security, Chiefs of Police, law enforcement leaders, and security experts from around the world to deliberate on collective strategies to combat transnational crime, strengthen partnerships, and enhance global public safety.
Kehinde Olugbenle; Ogun State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Governor Dapo Abiodun; President, Ogun
Customary
Funmi Ogundare
ANNOUNCING THE FORTHCOMING ANNUAL KINGS WEEK...
L-R: Sports Secretary, King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA), Simsi Topah-Mayaki; Ex-Officio member, KCOBA, Tony Epelle; Assistant General Secretary, KCOBA, Moses Nasamu; President, KCOBA, Dr. Leke Oshunnuyi; Social Secretary, KCOBA, Arc. Wole Eperokun; CEO, KCOBA Secretariat, Dr. Chukwuemeka Azinge; and Administrative Officer, KCOBA Secretariat, Ehizogie Iyeomoan, at a press conference to announce the forthcoming annual Kings Week, at King’s College, Onikan, Lagos, yesterday
Situation Room Knocks Senate over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Ordeal
NASS Clerk: I have no power to reverse her suspension
Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Nigeria Civil Society Situa- tion Room (Situation Room) has deplored the action of the Senate in the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying that such acts pose a serious threat to the rule of law.
It described the Senate’s action as a threat to the rule of law, adding that “the continuous denial of her access to the National Assembly and resump- tion of her legislative duties is a denial of representation to her
Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produces and energy, dropped to 20.33 per cent, year-on-year, in August, a decline of 7.25 per cent compared to 27.58 per cent recorded in August
Month-on-month,2024. the core index, however, rose to 1.43 per cent, compared to July 0.97 per cent in July.
The average 12-month annual inflation rate was 23.04 per cent for the 12 months ending August 2025. This was 2.14 per cent lower than the 25.18 per cent recorded in August 2024, according NBS.
Year-on-year, in August, urban inflation stood at 19.75. per cent compared to 34.58 per cent in August 2024. Month- on-month, urban index stood at 0.49 per cent, in compared to 1.86 per cent in July.
Equally, rural inflation rate dropped to 20.28 per cent year-on-year, compared to 29.95 per cent in August 2024.
Month-on-month, rural inflation was 1.38 per cent, compared to 2.30 per cent in July.
constituency”.
Besides, the coalition said that Nigeria’s democracy is still being confronted by various challenges, including institutional weaknesses, electoral distrust, and public disillusionment.
In a press conference to mark the International Day of Democracy 2025 in Abuja yesterday, Situation Room said:
“ Although some progress has been made, three fundamental principles that form the bedrock of democracy – cultural values, political leadership and the electoral process – are being
confronted by systemic corrup- tion, growing disillusionment and erosion of cultural values.”
The Convener, Situation Room, Yunusa Ya’u, who was represented by Mr. Celestine Odo of Action Aid- Nigeria, said that apart from economic difficulties, the country is witness- ing the shrinking of civic space, systemic corruption, growing disillusionment and erosion of cultural values.
“In addition, over the couple of months, we have seen systematic attempts to decimate political op- position and render our electoral
process to be a choice-less ballot for the voters.
“These tactics include statesponsored infiltration and destruction of other political parties, harassment of journalists and punitive targeting of civil society organisations to make it difficult for them to freely operate and determination to undermine the independence and autonomy of the election management body.
“As Nigeria looks beyond 2025, the durability of its de- mocracy will depend on bridging the gap between reform and
inclusion. Deepening institutional accountability, rebuilding public trust, fostering civic engagement and national cohesion must move from rhetoric to action which will be critical to shaping Nigeria’s democratic future beyond 2027.”
A senior member of the coalition, Ms. Ene Obi spoke on the six months emergency rule in Rivers state describing
means exporting jobs and importing poverty.
it as one of the major setbacks for democracy in Nigeria in recent times.
Meanwhile, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, has said he has no power to reverse the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Continues online
exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.
Month-on-month, however, the highest increases were recorded in Yobe (9.20 per cent), Katsina (8.59 per cent), and Sokoto (6.57 per cent), while Enugu (-5.32 per cent), Taraba (-3.64 per cent), and Nasarawa (-3.56 per cent) recorded decline in inflation.
Likewise, at the sub-national level, food inflation, year-onyear, was highest in Borno (36.67 per cent), Kano (30.44 per cent), and Akwa Ibom (29.85 per cent), while Zamfara (3.30 per cent), Yobe (3.60 per cent), and Sokoto (6.34 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.
Month-on-month, food inflation was highest in Kaduna (9.37 per cent, Katsina (9.05 per cent), and Akwa Ibom (7.87 per cent), while Bayelsa (-9.52 per cent), Sokoto (-8.92 per cent), and Borno (-8.74 per cent) recorded decline in food inflation.
In directing the suspension of the FOB, the minister said the order was pursuant to the powers vested on him under Part III, Section 12 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 as Chairman of the Board of Nigeria Customs Services.
At the state level, year-onyear, headline inflation was highest in Ekiti (28.17 per cent), Kano (27.27 per cent), and Oyo (26.58 per cent), while Zamfara (11.82 per cent), Anambra (14.16 per cent), and Enugu (14.20 per cent) recorded the lowest rise in prices.
He said, “I write to direct the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of four per cent Free on Board (FOB) recently levied by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.”
On February 11, following pushback from stakeholders, NCS announced the suspension of the implementation of four per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports as provided in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCSA) 2023.
In a statement issued by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abdullahi Maiwada, customs explained that the suspension followed ongoing consultations with Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and other stakeholders.
The statement said the suspension period would allow the service to further engage with stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives.
Maiwada said that would also enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations on the NCSA implementation framework.
He added that the timing of the suspension aligned with the exit of the contract agreement with the service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS).
This, he said, presented an opportunity to review customs revenue framework holistically.
Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023, separating the one per cent CISS and seven per cent cost of collection created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in customs modernisation efforts, the statement said.
Maiwada said, “The new Act addresses these challenges by consolidating ‘not less than four per cent of the Free-on-Board value of imports’, designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives.
“This transition period will allow the service to optimise the management of these frameworks to serve our stakeholders and the nation’s interests better.”
However, the latest directive appeared to have put paid to implementation of FOB on imports.
“Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said
He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.
Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort andHecooperation. also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.
Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further sup- porting economic growth and job“Nigeriacreation.has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser. These initiatives will generate substantial foreign
“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”
He also expressed his grati- tude to the federal government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support.
In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.
Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon.
He allayed any fears of poten- tial attacks on the drivers or the trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure. However, the richest man in Africa also disclosed the company’s plan to begin investment in Electric Vehicles (EVs) from January 2026. He stated that Nigeria will start earning $500 million from the export of cement from next year.
Non-academic staff of federal universities in Nigeria, under the auspices of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non Academic Staff Union
(NASU) have given the fed- eral government seven days ultimatum, beginning from Monday, September 15, 2025 to address their demands or face industrial action.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Tunji
out from Tunisia to engulf the Middle-East and North Africa.
Alausa, the unions said that despite their repeated efforts to draw the government’s attention to address concerns affecting members in the uni- versities and inter-university centres, nothing significant was being done.
The unions raised a number of issues including: Alleged unjust disbursement of N50 billion earned allowances; non-payment of outstanding withheld salaries and 25/35 per cent salary increments; and renegotiation of 2009 FGN and
ATI ku: FG’ S Pl A nne D D I ve ST men T o F e qu ITY I n oI l Sec T or J vS D IST urb I n G dlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country”.
For its part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also yesterday, berated the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government for practis- ing what the opposition party described as voodoo economy without direction.
Atiku, in the statement, noted that whereas the primary objec- tive of any government was the security and welfare of its citizens, the masses of Nigerians are progressively wallowing in misery and poverty under the watch of the Tinubu-led APC administration.
According to Atiku, the current situation does not give cause for cheers as it engenders an increasingly progressive propensity for criminalities in the form of high-wire fraud, terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, drug addiction and ritual sacrifice, among others.
The Waziri Adamawa recalled that the most violent socio-political eruptions and revolutions all over the world had often been powered by per- vasive hunger and unbearable material conditions, especially the paradox of squalor amidst plenty in our Counsellingland. that the current unacceptable situation offers an opportunity for reflection, the former Vice President cited the French Revolution, the 1917 Russian Revolution, and the Arab Spring, in which a young man caught in the maelstrom of unbearable frustration set himself ablaze in a develop- ment that occasioned violent socio-political eruptions starting
“Back home here in Nigeria, it may not be out of place to argue that even the “ENDSARS” protest was fuelled by the traumatising frustration of hunger and insensitivity on the part of the government,” Atiku added.
He also argued that two years after assuming the reins of government, there are still no manifest signs that this govern- ment is capable of addressing the grim issue of severe hunger staring the poor in the face.
“Whatever reform the Tinubu government might claim to be undertaking, the point remains that food insecurity is a daily occurrence nationwide. There is no government worth its salt that does not place priority on the welfare and security of the people,” he added.
He stressed further that since reforms are made for citizens and not the other way round, the reforms of the present administration should have a human face.
“Whether the present powers accept it or not, the reality of our existence is that the poor are increasingly dying of hunger while the majority of the living poor exists at the mercy of the ill-advised policies of this government,” he added.
However, in its response to Atiku, the Presidency pointed to fresh National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showing headline inflation has now declined for five straight months, while the country recorded a trade surplus in August, with non-oil exports nearly matching crude oil at a 48:52 ratio.
It added that Nigeria’s foreign
reserves are climbing towards $42 billion, up from $32 billion when President Tinubu took office, despite the clearance of more than $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to airlines.
States, the Presidency stressed, are flush with revenues and able to pay salaries, gratuities and still embark on social and capital projects “on a scale never seen before.”
“After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation,” the Presidency said.
It further accused Atiku of being part of a past government that ran the nation’s economy aground which the Tinubu administration is currently trying to correct.
The Presidency in the release stated, inter alia: “Talk is cheap. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his handlers are clearly out of touch with the positive developments currently unfolding in our country.
“Their claim that hunger is ravaging Nigeria, and their comparison of our situation to the unrest in France before the 1789 Revolution or the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, is grossly misleading.
“Their latest statement demonstrates a disconnect from the authentic Nigerian reality, as recent data tells a different story. Just today, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its figures for August, showing that headline inflation has declined
for the fifth consecutive month. Over the weekend, the NBS also reported a record trade surplus, with the contribution of non-oil exports to our trade balance now nearly matching that of crude oil at a ratio of 48:52 per cent.
“Our foreign exchange reserves are on the rise, now approaching $42 billion. When President Tinubu assumed office, reserves stood at $32 billion, much of it encumbered. This administration has since cleared over $7 billion in arrears, including $800 million owed to airlines.
“Under President Tinubu, Nigeria is recording unprec- edented revenues. States are now able to pay salaries and gratuities promptly and still have surplus funds for capital and social projects—an achievement not previously witnessed at this scale.
“Nigeria is moving in the right direction. In contrast, Atiku and his party remain stuck in the past, fixated on doomsday scenarios and revolutionary rhetoric. Ironically, many of the challenges we face today stem from the economic mismanagement during the PDP years, when Atiku was Vice President. President Tinubu and his team are working relentlessly to correct those errors, with bold reforms.
“After just two years and five months in office, we are proud of the progress being made under President Tinubu’s leadership. Atiku and his allies may choose to ignore these gains, but Nigerians can see and feel the positive changes taking place across the nation”.
Meanwhile, the PDP has berated the federal govern-
NASU/SSANU agreements.
“In light of the persistent unresolved issues, and the apparent lack of responsiveness from the government to our legitimate concerns, we are compelled to serve a formal notice of seven days effective from Monday, 15 September, 2025 to address our agitations, failing which members of NASU and SSANU would embark on a series of legitimate industrial actions including strikes to press home our demands,” the groups stated.
ment for practising “a voodoo economy without direction.”
The PDP said if there are no technical glitches in the points of sale (PoS) terminals across the federation, then there ought not be any technical glitches during elections.
The party said the APC’s economic policies are anti- people which takes the welfare of Nigerians for granted.
Addressing a press conference, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said the primary purpose of any government was to ensure the welfare of the people.
‘’But the reverse is the case with the APC-led government as things continue to get worse by the day. The latest to the anti-people policies is the proposed fuel tax that would further add to the plights of Nigerians,’’ Ologunagba said.
However, he said there was panic within the APC, ‘’because we are in the process of reinvent- ing the PDP with the forthcom- ing National Convention coming up in Ibadan in November. The APC is ‘’Tinubupanicking. and the APC are panicking, this is why two years to the next general election, he is manipulating his endorsement, there is no need for his endorsements, if he had performed.
“Let his work speak for him. If he has performed, there would be no endorsement. If Tinubu is doing well, he will allow his work to speak for him. The facts speak for itself. The APC economic policies are based on a pyramid of lies. The panic moods of Tinubu’ are signs of a failed government,” Ologunagba argued.
The PDP spokesman added: “You will recall that on the 2nd of September, we inaugurated the national convention organis- ing committee and the next day they went into action with the first inaugural committee meeting.
“I can report here that all our party organs, the statutory organs of the parties, stakehold- ers, the chapters and all critical stakeholders, we’re all working together towards a seamless and a successful national convention which is scheduled for Ibadan on the 15th and 16th of November 2025.
“At the inaugural meeting of the national convention organising committee, it was decided that there will be several sub-committees as it were to help in the planning and we have about 11 subcommittees ranging from transportation to venue, to electorate to logistics to security and so many other to media and publicity and all of those that will enable us to have a very successful national convention.”
He added: “The rescue and the establishment of true democratic principle can only come into this country via the PDP and so that’s why we’re making sure that every organ of this party, every stakeholder, the chapters, all interests are being accommodated in the process and that’s why we have that large number of sub-committees so we have more people to bring in their views and bring in their own suggestions that at the end we’ll have a solid party ready to take on the APC and then re-establish democracy and re-establish good governance in this country.
Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele (right), presenting a copy of the gazetted ‘Nigeria Tax Reform Acts’ to the President of Capital Market Academics of Nigeria (CMAN), Uche Uwaleke, at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, yesterday
PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI
Abia Retirees Cry to Otti over Unpaid 13 Months Pension Arrears
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in umuahia
Retired workers of Abia State parastatals have cried out in agony over the nonpayment of their pension arrears that accumulated for 13 months under the present administration, despite several assurances by Governor Alex Otti to clear them.
‘Logistics
Linus aleke in abuja
The Commander of the Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST) of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Anaryu, has stated that logistics is the backbone of every military operation.
General Anaryu made this remark during a familiarisation visit to the Headquarters of Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in Maiduguri.
He emphasised the need for synergy between the Theatre and the Corps of Supply and Transport to sustain ongoing successes.
The commander also called for timely and realistic logistics feedback from the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation
The parastatal retirees trapped in the pension arrears conundrum include those of the Abia State Newspapers, the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia(BCA), the State Council for Arts and Culture, and the Abia State Housing and Property Development Corporation.
is the Backbone of Military Operations’
Hadin Kai (OPHK).
A statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, noted that the purpose of the commander’s visit was to obtain first-hand information on the logistics requirements of the theatre and to interface with field commanders in order to develop effective solutions.
While appreciating the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Supply and Transport Corps Commander urged field commanders to prioritise troops’ welfare and morale in line with the “Soldiers Come First” concept of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
The affected pensioners shed their tears of agony and frustration in a letter
dated September 12, 2025, by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the parastatals, which was addressed to Governor Otti through his Chief of Staff.
In the letter signed by the JAC Chairman,
Chinkwe Ikenyi, and Secretary, Chief Ikoro John Ikoro, and made available to journalists yesterday, the retirees recounted the untold hardship that has become their lot since December 2023.
They recounted the genesis of their ordeal, saying that it started when the governor stopped the payment of their pensions in December 2023, “on the erroneous impression and false premise that parastatals were not ‘verifiable.”
Man, 48, Arrested for Allegedly Defiling Minor in Rivers
Blessing ibunge in port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old man for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
A statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson of the Command, SP
Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspect, Emmanuel George, committed the crime on September 6 in the Ada-George area of Port Harcourt.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect allegedly dragged the victim, who was on an errand for her guardian, to a secluded area and forcefully defiled her
despite her pleas for freedom. Iringe-Koko stated: “On September 6, 2025, at about 1930hrs, operatives of the Rivers State Police Command attached to the CP Strike Force, Port Harcourt, received a distress call reporting that a 12-year-old girl (name withheld) who came to spend the holiday with her aunt at Mini Orlu, off Ada-George
Road, Port Harcourt, had been defiled.
“The victim, who had been sent by her aunt to buy some fried potatoes in the street not too far from the house, was unfortunately attacked by Emmanuel George, 48, a native of Akwa Ibom State but resident on Rumu-Evolu Road, off Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt.
Peter Obi, Others Hail Chimamanda Adichie at 48
yinka Olatunbosun
As Nigeria’s celebrated writer and activist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, marked her 48th birthday yesterday, fans and literary enthusiasts have shared congratulatory messages on social media
for her.
Following her message of gratitude on X, where she wrote: “+48, To God be all the Glory, Amen,” many have taken to social media to express their goodwill messages.
Leading the group of fans, the former Governor
of Anambra State, Peter Obi, eulogised the writer for her brilliant contribution to world literature.
He said: “Chimamanda has blossomed into a true literary giant, whose writings enrich global literature while uplifting humanity. She has used her extraordinary gift to
tell our stories with dignity and raise new generations of storytellers. Through her writings and literary workshops, she continues to shape young minds, encouraging them to dream boldly, think critically, and wield words as instruments of truth and transformation.
In his quest to up the pedal of development at the grassroots, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has advised the local government area chairmen to eschew financial profligacy and mismanagement that could cause gross abuse of financial autonomy granted to the councils in the state.
Oyebanji averred that the cardinal focus of financial freedom was to ignite
execution of landmark and beneficial projects at the third tier, warning that such a dream may be thwarted if monies accruing to the local governments are being pillaged or spent on frivolities.
The governor gave the charge in Igogo Ekiti yesterday while unveiling some projects executed by the Chairman of Ero Local Council Development Area, Hon. Felicia Ibiloye.
On the occasion, the governor inaugurated the new Ero LCDA Secretariat
Complex built by Ibiloye’s administration, and launched the Ero LCDA chapter of Adire Ekiti fabric and BAO Aged Foundation, where scores of indigent elderly benefited from clothing materials and rice palliative.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, appealed to Ekiti citizens to back his second term bid, so that the lofty programmes being initiated by his government canw gain momentum across all the towns.
NAHCON Explains Hajj Fare Reduction Feat
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday explained that its contract amendment with the service providers during the 2025 Hajj exercise prevented waste of fund and led to
the reduction of Hajj fare for pilgrims.
The Chairman/CEO of the NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, stated this while briefing stakeholders on the Commission’s handling
of the 2025 Hajj exercise. Some industry watchers had adjudged one of the best in the country’s recent history.
Professor Usman, also outlined some other achievements recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the 2025 Hajj exercise as a turning point for Nigerian pilgrims. According to him, despite economic and logistical challenges, Nigeria’s Hajj operations have been redefined in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. He said: “It is to be noted that in an attempt to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare, NAHCON amended its contract with Mashariq AL-Dhahabia to align services with the actual number of registered Pilgrims (52,544), down from the initial projection of 95,000.”
Amusan: I Was Not Going to Leave Tokyo 2025 Without a Medal
Says the world record holder who won a
Duro Ikhazuagbe
World Record Holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Oluwatobiloba Amusan, returned to reckoning on Monday at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan after storming to a precious silver medal behind Swiss lady, Ditaji Kambundji. Amusan who won the gold in the event at the 2022 edition in Oregon with a world record of 12.12secs, has been struggling for fitness in the last two seasons.
But yesterday in Tokyo, the 27-year-old Nigerian fondly called Tobi Express, found her form again in the barrier sprint event, blazing to 12.29secs to finish second behind Switzerland’s Kambundji who won the gold in 12.24 while USA’s Grace Stark hit the finish line in 12.34 to settle for the bronze.
Speaking shortly after she was presented the precious
silver medal that comes with a $35,000 (about N53million) prize money, Amusan insisted that she trained hard to win a medal at the Championship in Tokyo.
“I told myself that I am not going to leave Tokyo without a medal. I know nobody likes a silver but I ‘ll take it,” began the Ogun State-born petit sprint hurdler.
silver and N53m prize money
Asked at what point during the race that she realised that the she was not going to get the gold like she did in Oregon 2022, Amusan admit that when hurdling she only focuses on her race. “But I noticed to my left someone or two were ahead of me. But I told myself to keep running till I get to the finish line. At the end of the race, I got a medal (silver). I couldn’t be more thankful (to God).”
On what the silver medal meant to Amusan who failed
BARRIER SPRINT WINNERS...
L-R: USA’s Bronze Medalist, Grace Stark; Gold Medalist, Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland; and Silver Medalist, Tobi Amusan of Nigeria on the podium shortly after they were presented their 100m hurdles event medals of the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan ...on Monday
Atalanta Shut out Ademola Lookman from PSG Clash
Bellingham back for Real Madrid tonight
Ademola Lookman will continue to remain frozen out at Atalanta and so will not feature in a UEFA Champions League tie against holders PSG.
Atalanta will be guests of PSG on Wednesday night.
Atalanta Coach, Ivan Juric, has disclosed that the Super Eagles star will not feature against PSG.
“I don’t think we will see him on the pitch against PSG,” he said on Monday evening.
“We want players who are loyal to the Atalanta shirt. The situation is unpleasant.”
Both Juric and Atalanta CEO, Luca Percassi, have hit out at Ademola Lookman in the media.
Meanwhile, fit-again England midfielder, Jude Bellingham, has been named in Real Madrid’s squad for tonight’s opening Champions League fixture against Marseille. The 22-year-old had surgery on a long-standing shoulder issue in July and has not played since the summer’s FIFA Club
World Cup.
Bellingham has struggled with the problem since 2023, when he dislocated his shoulder in a game against Rayo Vallecano. He returned to training last week and has now been included in coach Xabi Alonso’s 23-man squad for the match at the Bernabeu.
Bellingham joined Real from Borussia Dortmund for £115m two years ago and won the La Liga title and Champions League in his first season, scoring 23 goals in 43 appearances.
He scored 15 goals in 58 games last season, with Los Blancos losing the league title to Barcelona and knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Arsenal.
to medal at Budapest 2023 World Championship and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Nigerian speedster waxed philosophical: “It’s been a journey and I am just thankful that I got this medal.
The race was full of amazing field of top hurdlers, all looking forward to winning medals.
“Whatever challenges that I faced last year, I put them behind me and looked forward to this season and I am thankful for
this medal at this championship. My goal today was to come here and execute my race and I am happy it fetched me this silver,” concludes Amusan who probably would have won the gold if she had a good start from the block. Meanwhile, NCAA 400m Hurdles Champion, Nigeria’s Nathaniel Ezekiel, has qualified for the semi final of the event scheduled to hold on Wednesday afternoon.
Embattled Super Eagles Drop in FIFA Ranking
With their 2026 World Cup qualification in serious danger, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have again dropped in the monthly FIFATheRanking.three-time African champions are now 45th best team in the world, a spot below their August ranking, after they beat Rwanda 1-0 and held hosts South Africa to a 1-1 in 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month.
The Super Eagles are in danger of missing out on a second World Cup.
They are third in Group C with 11 points from eight
matches, six points behind leaders South Africa with only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification to next year’s Mundial in USA, Canada and Mexico.
They will play their final two rounds of matches next month away to Lesotho and home to second-placed Benin Republic.
Only the four best runners up teams from the nine groups will qualify for continental playoff while the winner will then proceed to continental playoff for a possible 10th ticket from Africa.
NPFL, GTI Mourn Referee Assessor, Enagbare
Chairman of the Nigeria Pre- mier Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has described the death of a former referee who has been working with the league body as a match referee assessor, Mrs. Rachael Enagbare, as a huge loss to the league body and the entire football community in the country.
Enagbere was in Lagos as the Referees Assessor for the NPFL Match-day 4 fixture between Ikorodu City and Barau FC.
She was said to have been rushed to the Havanah Hospi- tal in Surulere, where she later
died of complications from a yet to be disclosed illness.
“The NPFL family is deeply saddened by the unfortunate and unexpected passing of the former referee who has been working with us as a match referee assessor.
“We extend our sincere condolences to her immediate family and to the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA),” Elegbeleye offered.
He said the league body will liaise with the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), the Lagos Referees Council, and the NRA towards having the body returned to the family.
MFM, First Bank, Six Others in Crunch Battles as Zenith Bank Women’s League Final Begins
The Zenith Bank/ Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) National Women’s Basketball League takes centre stage in Lagos from today with eight teams battling for honours. Defending Champions, Mountain of Fire Basketball team will be the cynosure of all eyes after winning the last
two edition of the competition.
The eight teams are expected to compete in a round-robin format that will see the best team emerge tops from the points accumulated in all games.
All matches are very important for these teams especially the favourites eyeing the 2025
title.
Four teams qualified from each of the two conferences, the Atlantic Conference and the Savannah Conference. And so, The Titans, Air Warriors, Royal Aces, Nigeria Customs, First Bank, MFM, Dolphins and Bayelsa Wales Basketball Clubs will compete in the Final Eight
at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
From the results posted in the First and Second Phases of the competition, this edition will be a straight fight between defending champions, MFM and former champions, First Bank just as The Titans could
be spoilers in the mix. The Chairperson of the 2025 Zenith Women’s Basketball League, Perpetua Clement, said the NBBF was ready to stage a hitch-free Final Eight, adding that the Musa Kida-led body has been working round the clock to put all necessary things in place for the finals.
hiGh-LEVEL ConSULTATion oF KATSinA inDiGEnES To DELiBERATE on SECURiTY...
L-R: Former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari; elder statesman, Senator Abu Ibrahim; and former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, during a high-level consultation that brought together the who’s who of the state to deliberate on security, governance, and development in Katsina State, yesterday
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Rivers After Ibok-Ette Ibas: What Next?
On Thursday, 18 September 2025, the six months state of emergency declared in Rivers State on 18 March would have expired and this has led to high expectations among the people. The hope that this would be the case was further raised when Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), former Governor of Rivers State and a major architect of the crisis in the state announced a few weeks back that the state of emergency will end and the suspended Governor Simi Fubara would be reinstated. It was not clear whether Wike was speaking for the Presidency of Nigeria or the National Assembly - the two major institutions that have a say in the matter within the purview of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution or he was simply speaking for himself, characteristically assuming an authority that does not belong to him. The people’s expectations were hitched higher when last week the appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas embarked on a series of valedictory activities to announce his impending exit from a government he refers to as “our government.” Except there is any strange development between now and Thursday, that is the next two days, the end of the state of emergency is certain in the light of Section 305 (6) (c) of the Constitution. It is unthinkable that the proviso in that section, that is a possible extension by the National Assembly, would be contemplated under any circumstance. In any case, the National Assembly is on recess till September 23.
As he prepares for his exit and the return of the legitimate, elected Governor of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibas allowed himself the indulgence of boasting that he has fulfilled the mandate given to him by President Tinubu on March 18 which is: to stabilize Rivers State, re-establish its institutions and return Rivers state to full democratic governance.” He referred to what he called “the successful conduct of the polls and the swearing in of elected chairmen and councillors across the 23 LGAs” as evidence. Indeed, the state held its local government elec- tions on August 30. It was largely boycotted by most of the political parties and the electorate. It was shabbily conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Out of the 23 LGAs, the AllProgressives Congress (APC) won 20 seats while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won three seats. Is it not ironic and worrisome, that in a democratic dispensation,
it is a retired military chief who is now talking about democratic transition within a democracy to restore a democracy. He says he has fulfilled the mandate President Tinubu gave him. In a democratic dispensation, the mandate belongs to the people not to the President of Nigeria. The powers of the President to declare a state of emergency in any part of the Federation has been widely dismissed in the case of Rivers state as totally unjustifiable, and thereby illegal and unconstitutional. Those who are quick to cite precedents as justification refer to Plateau State (2004) and Ekiti State (2006) when President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed General Chris Alli and General Tunji Olurin as sole administrators in both states respectively. These precedents were wrong to the extent that there is nowhere in Section 305 where the President of Nigeria or the National Assembly is given the powers to unilaterally suspend the democratic structures in a state. Besides, the extreme circumstances whereby a part of the federation descends into war or there is a threat of war or complete breakdown of law and order did not apply to Rivers state. When the Jonathan administration declared a state of emergency in some local governments in Borno and Plateau states in 2011 and in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states in 2013 -2014, no Governor of State House of Assembly was removed, which was the constitutionally appropriate thing to do in both instances.
The background to the tension in Rivers state was the refusal of the former Governor of the
state, Nyesom Wike to allow his successor, Simi Fubara to govern the state. He openly boasted that he put Fubara in the position, made him Governor, and that as his Godfather, it was his prerogative to control him and the state. Fubara was at best a figure-head. His commissioners, with the exception of may be only one, were appointed for him. Members of the House of Assembly and all the Local Government Chairmen were all Wike’s boys. The state Governor was elected on the platform of the PDP, but Wike who had one leg in the PDP and another leg in the APC had pledged his loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu, without resigning from the PDP. This amphibian posture made the politics of Rivers state all the more difficult. Rather than call Wike to order, the President apparently took his side, and helped to humiliate the elected representatives of the people. Fubara was punished for trying to assert himself. Now that President Tinubu and his hit man in Rivers state have achieved their objective: with 20 out of the LGAs in the hands of the APC, and the House of Assembly also pro-Wike, obviously the people of Rivers state are the big losers. Two days after the state of emergency in Rivers was declared, 11 PDP Governors rushed to the Supreme Court to file a case (SC/CV/329/2025) challenging its constitutionality. Six months after nobody has heard anything about the case, and similar cases about Rivers state before the Courts. It is democracy that has been dealt the biggest blow.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas says he has restored peace in Rivers state. He over-praises himself. What they have in Rivers state at this moment is not peace but the peace of the graveyard, as well as anxiety and uncertainty about what would happen next. The Sole Administrator held an inter-denominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 14. If that thanksgiving proved anything, it was his lack of popularity among the people of Rivers state. The event was boycotted by prominent leaders in the state. Those in attendance were government officials, local government chairmen, service commanders and a band of hangers-on. Traditional rulers stayed away, but the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, fulfilling all righteousness, managed to show his face. Vice Admiral Ibas quoted Bible passages and thanked God. He should not blackmail God. The crisis in Rivers state was caused by the greed and vaulting ambition of men. The Pastors who
officiated at that interdenominational service also just showed how pastors are part of the problem in Nigerian politics. Many church leaders have lost their prophetic calling. The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Federation of Nigeria (PFN) were among the first set of persons to visit and pay homage to the Sole Administrator on his arrival. No one should be surprised if the same set of Pastors show up at Brick House when Governor Fubara returns and they would also gladly officiate at a Thanksgiving Service to welcome him back!
Ibas told the people of Rivers state: “Let us forgive, let us reconcile and let us heal…” Does he even know the people whose resources he managed for six months without accountability? How many LGAs did he visit? How many town hall meetings did he hold outside the government House? What projects did he complete? He promised to rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly? Did he do so? When the House of Assembly reconvenes, the members would probably have to start looking for space, and they will nurse memories of conflict and division. Sole Administrator Ibas apparently spent the last six months sitting on his hands. He should be careful with his victory laps. He should sneak out of the state, Nicodemously perhaps, lest his exit is greeted with boos and jeers by the angry people of Rivers.
The people are asking for a probe of his tenure. Former Senator Lee Maeba (Rivers South East) articulates the concerns when he says “What has happened in Rivers is not gone. We will stand up to demand all the money that came to the state and the power of the Administrator to just jump into a state and start spending state money in the name of an emergency that does not exist. The State of Emergency that we hear is to restore security breaches or the breakdown of law and order. Now in this case, the man just came for politics because there was no case of insecurity. He came and started using state resources without any constitutional powers or law allowing him to do so.” The same sentiments are expressed by the South-South Youths Initiative, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) and the Ijaw Youth Council. In the absence of any oversight structure during the six months of emergency, the people want to know how “their money” was spent. Their demand is legitimate.
