TUESDAY 24TH JUNE 2025

Tinubu Launches 2,000 Tractors to Drive Agricultural Revolution

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s

Wale Edun: FG Generated

Trillion Revenue in Q1 2025

Senate raises Customs’ 2025 revenue target to N10trn Urges stronger action against smuggling, illicit drug trade

Ndubuisu Francis and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, revealed yesterday that the federal government’s revenue stood at N6.9 trillion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

The figure represents a 40 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase over N5.2 trillion posted in the corresponding period of 2024.

This emerged as the Senate Committee on Customs directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to raise its projected revenue target for 2025 from N6.584 trillion to N10 trillion, citing the agency’s commendable revenue performance in 2024.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), gave the directive during a budget defence session in Abuja, following a presentation by a delegation from the NCS led by Deputy Comptroller General, Jibo Bello, who represented the Comptroller General.

For his part, Edun who spoke in Abuja, at the citizens and stakeholders’ engagement session, attributed the 40 percent rise in revenue, to ongoing reforms, particularly in foreign exchange (FX) policy and improved fiscal governance, buoyed by enhanced deployment of technology and automation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Edun, who was upbeat about

revenue ramping up in the coming months, stated that the government was determined to collect all the revenues due to it.

He said: “Through improved transparency, automation, and plugging revenue leakages, we’ve moved from an annual revenue of about N12.5 trillion to over N20 trillion in 2024.

“In the first quarter of this year (when we even take April into account)—the first four months, we do have a substantial increase in revenue, and that effort continues.

“There is a commitment to diligently go after all that should be brought in. So, by the end of April, about N6.9 trillion was generated, and as I’ve said, rising.”

He acknowledged that some revenue generating agencies and government-owned enterprises were not remitting in a timely manner, arising from auditing and reconciliation procedures, thereby limiting inflows.

“Institutions that are mandated to remit up to 80 percent of their operating surpluses to the federal purse under the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the 2020 Finance Act often delay until audited figures are finalised,” he stated.

According to him, under the President Bola Tinubu administration, there is a stronger debt-related security to the position before.

He explained that debt service-torevenue stood at 60 per cent at the end of 2024, far below the 150 per cent

recorded in the first quarter (Q1) of 2023 when the former administration was in power, a situation which translated to debt servicing exceeding generated revenue.

He also admitted that oil revenue performance was below target due to below production benchmark and global price fluctuations.

“We’re not where we expected to be on oil output. Every effort is being made to raise production, but this has had an impact on short-term revenue projections and debt service funding,” he said.

However, the minister was optimistic on the long-term gains from Nigeria’s return to value-added exports and industrialisation

He cited the country’s growing domestic refining capacity, led by the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries, which collectively provide up to 1.2 million barrels per day in capacity.

“This reduces raw exports, creates jobs, and boosts foreign exchange earnings by exporting refined petroleum products and supplying domestic industries with inputs,” he

said.

He disclosed that the third phase of the government’s economic plan was to increase investment in production to reduce the multidimensional poverty, adding that several macroeconomic indices were on the right trajectory.

He alluded to Shell Development Company renewed interest to invest over $5 billion in oil production in the country, despite concerns in some quarters that the company was divesting its onshore assets from Nigeria.

At the event, the Managing Director and CEO of Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, who was represented by Alhaji Tajudeen Ahmed, said 20 portfolio companies’ assets under management had grown N38 trillion in just two years of MOFI’s transformational touch. Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Customs has directed the NCS to raise its projected revenue target for 2025 from N6.584 trillion to N10 trillion, citing the agency’s commendable revenue performance in 2024.

NPA Sets N1.28trn Revenue Target for 2025, Remits N400bn to CRF

Sunday Aborisade and Juliet

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has projected a record revenue target of N1.279 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, an ambitious 40 percent increase, compared with the N865 billion projected in 2024, which it has already exceeded with N894.86 billion in actual revenue.

The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho,

Says Nigeria deepening investments to expand capacity of small businesses

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Africa’s future economic success depends on its ability to integrate its informal sector into the formal intraAfrican trade framework, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, the promise of a better future for Africa does not depend on the skyscrapers being constructed in capitals of nations or the transactions in stock exchanges but lies in the reality that the “potential of the informal sector, which accounts for nearly 90 percent” of the continent’s workforce, must be harnessed.

Shettima, who stated this yesterday, while declaring open the 4th African

Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum in Abuja, warned that if Africa fails to harness the potential in the informal sector for small businesses to grow, the continent would “keep going round the same cycle of despair.”

To achieve this, he demanded the integration of the informal economy into the fabric of formal intra-African trade, noting that this informed why small businesses have remained at the heart of policy formulation in Nigeria.

“There can be no African prosperity without a strong MSME ecosystem. This forum is a continental call to action. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to generations unborn, to integrate our informal economy into the framework of formal intra-African trade.

disclosed this while presenting the Authority’s 2025 budget proposals before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Marine Transport yesterday.

Dantsoho also revealed that the NPA remitted N400 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly double its remittance in the previous year.

According to him, the projected revenue of N1.279 trillion for 2025, would be driven by improved cargo throughput, increased ship traffic, enhanced concession arrangements, and administrative charges.

Specifically, the breakdown included: N430 billion from cargo services; N544 billion from ship

“I am confident that through our collaborative efforts, this forum will mark a turning point.

“We hope to see our shared aspirations translated into concrete actions that empower our MSMEs and propel Africa towards a brighter, more sustainable future,” the Vice President told delegates and other participants at the forum.

Welcoming delegates and participants to the forum, Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message of assurance, of Nigeria’s hospitality, and the nation’s readiness to join other countries on the continent in learning from one another, as well as the determination to agree on the direction taken to effectively compete with the rest of the world.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has expressed readiness to encourage and assist Nigerian companies with plans to open subsidiaries in other West African countries, noting that any initiative that aims to unite the sub-region and deepen the economic and commercial ties across the region was welcome.

NGX Chairman, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga gave the assurance in his remarks at the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja, weekend.

dues; N240 billion from port concession agreements, and N73 billion from administrative fees.

Dantsoho said, “This budget is more than just figures. It reflects our commitment to building a more efficient and globally competitive port system.”

He also said over 70 percent of the projected expenditure would go into capital infrastructure.

The 2025 budget proposal, he added, included a total expenditure of N1.14 trillion, out of which N778.46 billion was earmarked for capital projects.

He said the investments, would focus on the revitalisation of key port infrastructure in Calabar, Warri, and Burutu, as well as improvements in towage services, channel depth, and compliance with international maritime security standards.

Citing some Nigerian quoted companies such as Dangote Cement, First Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, and Ecobank, among others which have established subsidiaries in several other West African countries, he assured that the NGX was always available as an exchange to encourage and assist companies with similar plans.

Describing WAES as a great initiative, he explained that any initiative that aims to unite the sub-region and deepen the economic and commercial ties across the region was a welcome idea.

He added: “There is power in unity

Dantsoho, emphasised that the revenue projections were anchored on several strategic initiatives and developments. These he said, included full operationalisation of the Dangote Refinery’s marine terminal, expected to attract over 600 vessels annually through its Single Point Mooring (SPM) system and the commissioning of modernised terminals at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) and OMT.

and there is strength and prestige in size. The great economic powerhouses of the twenty first century such as the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China have risen to prominence partly because of the size of their population and land areas.

“I am confident that a United States of Africa can attain the same status in the near future if we work on initiatives such as this.

“That was the principle on which bodies such as the African Union and ECOWAS were established and this Summit will help to make the dreams of their founding fathers become reality.

Akoje in Abuja

L-R: MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi; UNDP Resident Representative, in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah; Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship and Tourism at the African Union Commission Mrs. Ron Osman Omar; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, and Special Adviser on Job Creation & MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, during the 4th micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Forum 2025, held at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa, Abuja .. yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI.

deji elumoye in Abuja

L-R: Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; Speaker, Hon. Emomitimi Guwor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; and his wife, Tobore, during the second anniversary thanksgiving service of the eighth House of Assembly held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarters, Unity Modern Parish, Asaba on Sunday

Manufacturers Decry Lagos

Proposed Ban on Single Use Plastics

Urges Nigeria to exploit $114.18bn global plastic recycling industry

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has decried the proposed implementation of the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), which is scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2025, calling on the Lagos State Ministry of Environment to abandon the move.

The association said the implementation of the ban would be,

“a move in the wrong direction” and one that was “riddled with needless and potentially adverse economic and social impacts on the state and the country.”

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made this call yesterday in a statement titled, “Re-Examining the Lagos State Ban on Selected Single Use Plastic.”

The statement highlighted that implementing the ban would oc-

casion several jobs losses, lead to a further reduction in the availability of feedstock for recycling plants and loss of revenue, especially foreign exchange for manufacturers that sell their products in other states and export to neighbouring African countries.

It also urged Nigeria to position itself to tap into the enormous economic, environmental, and social benefits that are associated

with advancing circularity through improved recycling solutions as the global plastic recycling industry is projected to reach $114.18 billion by 2032.

Ajayi-Kadir submitted that “plastic products are not the problem,” arguing that the plastics crisis being experienced in the state and the rest of the country in general is either “as a result of the absence of plastic waste management or its

Akpabio, 11 Govs, 20 Senators, Among Premier List of 4th Republic ICONS

As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, OrderPaper Nigeria ihas announced commencement of the ICONS (Initiative for Celebrating Outstanding National Statespersons) of the Fourth Republic programme.

ICONS is a prestigious, legacydriven programme created to celebrate exceptional individuals whose service in both the legislature and executive arms of government has significantly shaped the country’s governance landscape and democratic trajectory.

It entails the publication of the Book of Records, a premier legacy publication profiling confirmed ICONS with data-driven documentation of their journeys, legislative contributions, and executive footprints; and a historic digital archive capturing 25 years of impactful governance transitions and democratic service across both arms of government.

The book of records and digital

archive will be presented at an exclusive award and gala night scheduled for August 2025 to celebrate the inductees and their legacies.

Dozens of politicians, both current and former officials, have been preselected as nominees for the premier edition of the Book of Records, which is billed to be unveiled at a high-profile event in August.

Top on the list is President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and First Lady Remi Tinubu. Eleven governors also make the list: They are Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, and Monday Okpebholo

of Edo State.

Twenty-one incumbent senators have also been listed, including Orji Kalu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Yahaya Abdullahi, Simon Lalong, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Seriake Dickson, Aliyu Wamakko, Mohammed Goje, Adamu Aliero, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abdulaziz Yari, Gbenga Daniel, Haruna Manu, Idiat Adebule, Ikra Bilbis, Abdulhamid Madori, Abubakar Bello, Abba Moro, and Ipalibo Harry. Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. (Prof.) Julius Ihonvbere joins the list from the 10th National Assembly.

Twenty-two members of the Tinubu cabinet will be vying for slots in the book of records, the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria.

They are led by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Ministers who make the list are: Minister of State

for Labour & Employment - Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of Interior - Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Minister of Works - Sen. David Umahi.

Others are Minister of Foreign Affairs - Hon. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister for Regional Development - Hon. Abubakar Momoh, Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security - Sen. (Dr.) Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) - Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Defence - Bello Matawalle, Minister of Police Affairs - Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Agriculture & Food Security - Sen. Abubakar Kyari and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) - Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri.

mismanagement.

“There is objective evidence that one of the major causes of SUPs pollution in Nigeria, Lagos inclusive, is a function of the inadequate waste collection and management system in the country.

“The practice of dropping skips bins for waste collection in markets and crowded areas, which releases a lot of waste into the environment, the absence of sorting infrastructure such as material recovery facilities, and low recycling rates are significant issues in the system.”

He said the menace of SUPs to the environment could be better addressed through effective implementation of circular economy that prioritises reuse of materials through recycling of products.

He averred that, “it is the failure of management of plastic waste that may result in adverse environmental and social impacts,” adding that “MAN and its members share the global concern on the challenges created by plastic waste mismanagement and, therefore, recognise that a policy environment that enables circularity is indispensable in ending the so-called plastic pollution in Nigeria as a country and globally.

“The approach to achieving circularity in the plastic system needs to be life-cycle oriented, contextually relevant, and systemic, with strong consideration for the interaction of the societal system, human behaviour, and environmental impacts.”

Ajayi-Kadir pointed out that the current plastic recycling rate in Nigeria was estimated at less than 15 per cent while existing capacity of most local recycling facilities underutilised due to insufficient feedstock.

“Therefore, advancing provision for improving plastic waste collection is critical to fully harness its associated value, which includes improved livelihoods through increased income; job creation opportunities, and a boost in government revenue through payment of tax.

“The state governments need to support improved plastic recycling with infrastructure, especially the leasing of lands as dumpsites for sorting at scale to enable recyclers to access plastic feed stocks,” he added.

The manufacturers association affirmed it would support government’s environmental intent of plastic waste management that could be achieved through policies that are inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainably implemented.

It, however, noted that the proposed ban on SUPs by Lagos State Government did not have the input of relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers of these products.

According to MAN, there was no participatory consultation or social dialogue about the challenges of the industry and everyday users of these items preceded the announcement of these bans.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), yesterday, commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his dedication to the growth and sustainability of local airlines in Nigeria. In a statement signed by the Vice President of AON, Chief Allen Onyema, the association described Keyamo as “God-sent to Nigeria’s aviation industry,” acknowledging his proactive, reform-driven leadership

since assuming office in August 2023. According to Onyema, “Love him or hate him, believe it or not, Festus Keyamo is absolutely God-sent to Nigeria’s aviation industry.”

He emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a genius when selecting the right persons for strategic positions of national importance, noting: “The appointment of Keyamo is one made right.”

The Minister had, at the inception of his tenure, unveiled a comprehensive 5-point agenda for repositioning Nigeria’s aviation

industry, with the second point focused explicitly on, “supporting the growth and sustenance of local airline businesses whilst holding them to the highest international standards.”

According to AON, Keyamo has demonstrated uncommon political will and deep understanding of the industry’s challenges. Through targeted interventions and reforms, they pointed out that he has not only defended the interests of local carriers but also elevated Nigeria’s profile on the global aviation scene.

As the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) surges among Nigerian youth, the advocacy group Gatefield Impact has launched a strategic campaign calling on the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, to immediately ban the sale of vape and e-cigarette products to individuals under the age of 18.

In a statement released by Gatefield’s Media Officer, Elizabeth Nwaiwu, in Abuja yesterday, the organisation urged the Ministry of Health to also enforce strict ageverification measures, warning that Nigeria faces an emerging public health crisis unless swift action is taken.

According to the statement, “Vaping is no longer a fringe is-

sue; it is fast becoming a national epidemic.”

“Flavoured e-cigarettes are flooding schools, social spaces, and online platforms - fueled by aggressive marketing that deliberately targets young Nigerians,” it added.

The group cited the growing presence of sleek, tech-inspired vape devices, colourful packaging, fruity flavours, and social media endorsements as tactics used to attract minors.

Despite these clear trends, the firm warned that enforcement of sales restrictions remains weak or non-existent across the country.

The statement quoted a tobacco control advocate, Dr. Odunola Olabintan, highlighting the industry’s strategic targeting of youth. Olabintan said: “There’s a

deliberate attempt to addict a new generation. These products are designed to appeal to children - easy to access, cleverly disguised, and marketed as trendy. We must say no to this deception and protect the health of our youth.” Gatefield is holding the government accountable for what it describes as dangerous inaction. At the core of the campaign is a pressing appeal for leadership to prioritize public health over industry profits.

According to the organisation, the health risks associated with vaping are well documented. Vapes contain nicotine - a substance known to impair lung function, increase the risk of heart disease, and disrupt brain development in adolescents.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Cutting AnniverSAry CAke tO 60th AnniverSAry gAlA Dinner...

ODA Cuts: UN Tasks Nigeria on Embracing Domestic, Private Sector Funding

Says $17bn annual illicit financial flow loss would have made impact

The United Nations has advised Nigeria to adopt an alternative model of funding to drive its economy, following the Official Development Assistance (ODA) cuts from major donors to poor and developing countries.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, who gave the advice on Monday at a press briefing organised ahead of the United Nations, Co-convener of the forthcoming 2025 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) holding next month, advised Nigeria to explore domestic resources from the state and the private sector.

He said: “We are entering a new era where ODA, where development financing, where humanitarian financing will never be the way it has been for the past decade.

“This is why we think that it is time for us to focus on what kind of alternative model is the most viable for financing development in context like the one of Nigeria. And today financing development cannot find any other source than the domestic resources.”

As Co-Convener of this year’s ASIS, the UN official noted that, “This summit is taking place at a time where we really need to pull together our effort, our reflection and see which direction we need to take to make sure that private sector comes to the development financing not only as a charity or not only as corporate social responsibility, but as an investment

for development with a shared value and a shared understanding that any investment or any gain you make in development is going to benefit the private sector, to the shared value or the win-win concept of the partnership.”

Fall who emphasised the $17 billion Nigeria loses through illicit financial flows annually, noted it would have made meaningful contribution to the nation’s development.

He said: “If you compare how much Africa gets in ODA to how much Africa loses when it comes to illicit financial flow or any other financial flows that take capital out of the continent, you can agree that what we receive in ODA is maybe five, six, seven times less than the money we lose into those kinds of mechanisms.

“If I take the case of illicit financial flow, people say that the African continent will lose up to maybe $90 billion through illicit financial flow.

“Nigeria alone loses 20% of those $90 billion. It means what? It means around $17 billion a year lost through illicit flow. If that one was converted into development, it could represent up to 50% of what the state is spending annually, including for the debt service recovery.

“This is why we want this to be a forum of deliberation, exchanging ideas, identifying opportunity, to go beyond the narrative to an action.

“We want the forum to go beyond the rhetoric to an implementation of plan where we see truly how private sector can help to drive the

development agenda, not only based on the charitable spirit that the private sector or the capital of industry can have, but by their own interest that when they develop the sector or when development takes place, it’s first and foremost for the benefit of their own business.”

Managing Director and CEO, Sterling Bank PLC, Abubakar Suleiman, while stressing the importance of partnering the UN on ASIS, said

the private sector in Nigeria must engage in activities that would generate both financial and social values to the country.

He said: “And we asked ourselves, who could possibly help us achieve this objective? Who could call and every serious-minded person who is interested in solving Nigeria’s problem would show up? And there’s no better candidate for that than the UN.

“We need to create a culture where

those of us that are profitable and make money working in Nigeria do more. Not just for the sake of the media, but do more to change the fabric of the country itself. Not through charity, but by developing programmes and products that put money where it can create value.

“There is a crisis that needs to be solved and that this is probably our biggest opportunity to come together towards solving that.

“This is the platform. And I want to commit on behalf of Sterling Bank that we will continue to raise the standard. We will continue to push so that it’s not just a one-man war.” Suleiman further charged the private sector to step up and bridge the resources gap occasioned by ODA saying: “The days where we can count on resources coming from across the border to solve our problem, they’re over.

10th Senate at Two: Bamidele Charts Legislative Achievements, Lists Future Goals

Says NASS engaging executive without compromising independence

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele has highlighted the accomplishments of the 10th National Assembly in the last two years, charting the road ahead for Nigeria’s democratic future.

Bamidele in a comprehensive midterm statement released to journalists yesterday, described the democracy day, celebrated on June 12 as a moment of reflection - both on Nigeria’s journey away from military rule and the work still needed to entrench representative governance.

“Reaching this midterm milestone

is not just symbolic. It is a call to reflection - on our democratic gains, the sacrifices made, and the road still ahead,” the Senate Leader stated.

Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the 10th Assembly, stressing they stemmed not from internal failings but from the complexities of national recovery in a difficult era.

Nevertheless, he said the Assembly had embraced its legislative role with a sense of responsibility, working under intense public scrutiny and criticism.

Responding to frequent criticisms branding the legislature as a “rubber stamp,” Bamidele defended the Assembly’s strategic choice of collaboration with the executive arm of government.

He argued that the adversarial posture of previous Assemblies often hampered governance, while the 10th Assembly has pursued constructive engagement without compromising its constitutional independence.

This approach, he said, has yielded tangible results: between June 2023 and June 2025, the legislature enacted or amended 108 laws aimed at improving lives and securing Nigeria’s future.

On Landmark Legislation and Economic Reforms, Bamidele identified two standout legislative achievements were the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, and the Tax Reform Bills, 2025.

The student loan law, facilitated through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), according to him, has already received over

one million applications, with more than 500,000 students granted institutional and upkeep loans, adding this reflects “real progress in human capital development.” He said the tax reforms - awaiting presidential assent - are projected to boost investor confidence and economic growth, observing if implemented effectively, they could raise Nigeria’s GDP from $363.8 billion to $1 trillion by 2030.

Bamidele noted a significant increase in legislative activity within the Senate. A total of 983 bills were introduced in two years - 477 in the first session and 506 in the second, representing a 6% rise. He said: “More importantly, bill passage jumped by 232%, from 25 bills in 2023/2024 to 83 in 2024/2025. The number of executive bills passed also doubled, from 13 to 26.

Billion Pension Increment to Retirees FAAN Introduces Cashless Payments at All Airports to Close Revenue Leakages

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced it has introduced cashless payments in all its revenue channels and it is poised to enforce the payment of newly introduced tariffs in coming weeks.

The agency said that in order to multiply its revenue it must close all possible leakages and in addition to that; it has to increase tariff in order to charge for its services in tandem with present economic realities.

The agency revealed that 92 percent of its revenue comes from aeronautical sources, while only eight percent is generated from non-aeronautical sources.

The agency said this contrasts

with other developed airports in the world, which generate over 40 percent of their revenue from non-aeronautical sources.

FAAN hopes to change the situation with the automation of its revenue points and introduction of contactless system to eliminate human interface in its financial transactions.

FAAN made this known during the Directorate of Commercial and Business Development (DCBD) Stakeholders Engagement Forum with concessionaires yesterday in Lagos.

The Director of Commercial and Business Development, Adebola Joy Agunbiade, told the business partners, “We have to find the means to review our tariff in such a way that it’s not too much on you but

it’s also helping us to pay our bills.”

She assured that FAAN would notify service providers early enough before implementing the tariff increase.

“We have done it already, we will be putting out notices on it, but please rest assured that we will not be getting a review on tariff that probably has been done too recently. But we are reviewing our tariff, and we will also ensure that we notify you early enough so that you as businesses can plan towards it.”

Agunbiade emphasised the importance of lease agreement restructuring, stating: “We’ve had a lot of issues around this, and I think it’s mostly because most times when we give out these agreements, people don’t read them to see what the terms are.”

James emejo in Abuja

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) said it has finalised the payment of an additional installment of pension arrears arising from the N32,000 increment approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024.

the first increment of 20/28 per cent approved by the president, which took effect from January 2024. The breakdown of the payment includes N5.7 billion paid to 59,342 eligible pensioners under Parastatals Pensions Department (PaPD); N2.3 billion paid to 71,084

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L-R:: Country Head, Knight Frank Botswana, Mr. Eranse Mooki; Country Head, Knight Frank Malawi, Mr. Desmond Namangale; Country CEO, Knight Frank, South Africa, Susan Turner; Senior Partner, Knight Frank Nigeria,Mr. Frank Okosun; his wife, Kehinde Okosun; Global Chairman, Knight Frank LLP, Mr. William Beardmore-Gray; Partner (Quality Partner), Knight Frank LLP, Rachel Wright; Head, Africa Desk, Knight Frank LLP, Ben Woodhams; Country Head, Knight Frank Tanzania, Ahaad Meskiri; Country Head, Knight Frank Uganda, Judy Rugasira Kyanda; and Country Head, Knight Frank Zimbabwe, Siza Likando Masuku, cutting the anniversary cake during a glittering 60th anniversary gala dinner in honour of Knight Frank Nigeria in Lagos... recently

Chinedu eze

Trump Announces End to 12-day Israel-Iran War

How Iran launched missile attacks on US base in Qatar Concerns over planned closing of critical oil route Uncertainty over Nigeria-Doha flights

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Chinedu Eze in Lagos

US President, Donald Trump, last night announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to a 12-day war, during which both Israel and the US sought to degrade Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme.

In a Truth Social post announcing the development, Trump said the ceasefire will start to take effect in about six hours from when he spoke, after Israel and Iran have “wound down” their final strikes against each other.

Trump stated that the ceasefire will come fully into place in 24 hours, bringing about an official end to the war. He said: “Iran will start the ceasefire and, upon the 12th hour, Israel will start the ceasefire and, upon the 24th hour, an official end to the 12-day”. It was not completely clear

from Trump’s post when each side will begin holding its fire. However, Trump added: “I would like to congratulate both countries —- Israel and Iran —- on having the stamina, courage, and intelligence to end, what should be called, ‘the 12-Day war,’”.

“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total ceasefire (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the war will be considered, ended,” the president wrote on social media.

Neither Iran nor Israel had made any comments about a pending ceasefire. The ceasefire will be phased in during the next 24 hours, according to the president’s post.

In an interview on Fox News that began moments after the president’s announcement, Vice President JD

Vance praised Trump for getting the deal “across the finish line.”

“We were actually working on that just as I left the White House to come over here. So that’s good news, that the president was able to get that across the finish line,” Vance said.

Vance also said that he read a draft of Trump’s post “two minutes before we went on the air” and that it was “a little bit different from what the president had shown me a couple of hours ago. But again, I knew that he was working the phones as I was on the way over here.

“Iran is incapable of building a nuclear weapon with the equipment they have, because we destroyed it,” Vance added.

Earlier, yesterday, Iran launched missile attacks on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the

volatile Middle Eastern region. Iran said the attack in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on its nuclear sites over the weekend, signaling its likely desire to deescalate. Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas.

The country announced the attack on state television as martial music played. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response” to “America’s aggression.”

The Ain al-Assad base housing U.S. troops in western Iraq was also targeted, an Iraqi security official who was not authorised to comment publicly told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It was not immediately clear if there was damage to the Iraq base or any injuries.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the attack by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards was “a flagrant violation of

T I nubu L A unc H e S 2,000 Tr A c T or S T o Dr I ve Agr I cu LT ur AL r evo L u TI on that “infrastructure means nothing if it is not developed for the benefit of the people”.

The president stressed the importance of rural connectivity in driving national growth and prosperity.

However, during the inauguration of the tractors, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector by modernising farming practices and ensuring national food security.

He described the initiative as a landmark moment in his administration’s food security agenda and a crucial part of efforts to empower farmers and stimulate rural development.

Tinubu stated, “We are very proud of what we are doing. We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise.

“Two years ago, I sounded the alarm on our nation’s food security crisis. I demanded immediate and innovative solutions. That, again, is answered today—this is the first phase of it.

“This government recognises that agricultural productivity is synonymous with national stability and food sovereignty. The ability to nourish our population forms the bedrock of a prosperous nation. Our ambition extends beyond mere self-sufficiency.

“We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse—supplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen can access affordable, nutritious food.

“That’s why we took a bold decision to establish this new agricultural mechanisation programme. We are just beginning.”

Tinubu disclosed that the 2,000 tractors and accompanying implements would be distributed nationwide

through a service-provider model to support smallholder farmers with access to modern equipment, reduce manual labour, and increase yields.

He said, “We must seize this opportunity to achieve agricultural independence. Nigeria has the land, the people, and the tools. Let history recall this day as the beginning of Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance— where modern technology met our farmers’ legendary resilience to usher in greater prosperity.”

The president acknowledged the contributions of international partners, especially the Republic of Belarus, which played a key role in procuring the equipment, transferring technology, and providing training support for Nigerians.

“We have friends across the world. We have Belarus committed to a programme that will empower our youth—teach them how to do things, get them off the streets, and empower them in technology, machinery, and fabrication,” he said.

Tinubu paid special tribute to Alex Sigman, a Belarusian businessman and former classmate at the University of Chicago, for facilitating the collaboration.

He said, “Alex was my very good neighbour and schoolmate in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus—working together to promote the prosperity of our two countries.

“I believe our university will be very proud that we are doing this here today.”

The president commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its proactive leadership in rolling out the programme and called for strict stakeholder accountability.

“To all stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy it with maximum efficiency. We will work with you, supervise you, and hold you accountable,” he stated.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to take ownership of the agricultural transformation drive and contribute actively to achieving food sovereignty.

Earlier, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, recalled that on July 13, 2023, Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on food security and issued a presidential directive for urgent and innovative solutions.

Kyari stated that mechanisation was placed at the core of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister outlined four key initiatives launched under the Tinubu administration’s mechanisation policy, including the John Deere Tractorisation Programme, Greener Hope Project, Green Imperative Programme, and the newly launched 2,000 tractors procured from Belarus.

According to him, the Belarus project, implemented in collaboration with AfTrade DMCC and supported by the Republic of Belarus, delivered 2,000 high-quality tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 9,000 implements, and 9,000 spare part kits.

Kyari said, “Never in Nigeria’s history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition, and national focus.

“We are today unveiling the single largest mechanisation drive ever undertaken in our country.”

He added that the programme was expected to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, produce more than two million metric tons of staple food, create over 16,000 jobs, and directly benefit over 550,000 farming households.

Other programme components include mandatory operator training, GPS-enabled tracking for accountability, a structured repayment model, and pro bono equipment allocations to research and training institutions.

He further stated that the initiative would engage Nigeria’s youth through new roles in equipment handling, maintenance, logistics, extension services, and agri-tech innovation.

Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Viktor Karenkevich, congratulated the Nigerian leader and the people of Nigeria for initiating a strategic and timely intervention to strengthen national food security.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Belarus’s President, Alexander Lukashenko, Karenkevich described Tinubu’s choice of Belarus as a trusted partner in the supply of agricultural machinery as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.

He stated that Belarusian equipment was known for quality, affordability, and durability and was present in over 100 countries worldwide.

Karankevich recalled that both nations signed a roadmap agreement during the 2024 Belagro Exhibition in Minsk, setting the foundation for joint agricultural mechanisation efforts.

He said, “Today, Belarusian machinery begins to serve the people of Nigeria. This marks the first phase of a landmark bilateral project that has already elevated our cooperation to a new level.”

The Belarus deputy prime minister confirmed his country’s readiness to move into the second and third phases of the programme.

He said the phases included establishing service and maintenance centres for Belarusian machinery in Nigeria, setting up local assembly plants for agricultural equipment, constructing grain storage complexes, and training Nigerians to operate and maintain advanced farming machinery.

He said, “Agricultural mechanisation is just one example of our cooperation.

“It confirms the immense potential of Belarus–Nigeria relations, grounded in friendship, equality, mutual respect, and trust.”

The deputy prime minister echoed the words of Lukashenko on Belarus’ approach to Africa, saying, “We come to Africa as friends. We are ready to help you become masters of your land, to benefit your people, and to develop your industry, agriculture, science, and technology.”

Karankevich delivered a personal

advancing nuclear programme, AP said.

Qatar’s sovereignty, its airspace, and international law.” While condemning the attack on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar stated that it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace was safe.

The retaliation came a day after the U.S. launched a surprise attack Sunday morning on three of Iran’s nuclear sites.

Earlier in the day, Israel expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country’s struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests.

As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran’s rapidly

letter and official invitation from Lukashenko to Tinubu, inviting the Nigerian leader to visit Belarus at a future date.

Meanwhile, Tinubu stressed the importance of rural connectivity in driving national growth and prosperity.

Speaking while inaugurating the 15-kilometre A2–Pai Town Road in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the president lauded the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, for prioritising rural development.

He told Wike, “You are doing commendable work in the underserved rural areas. We will ensure that development is not one-sided but balanced, inclusive, and aimed at improving lives.

“The commissioning of this newly constructed road, from the A2 junction on the Abuja–Lokoja expressway to Pai Town, is symbolic and strategic. It is symbolic because it represents Renewed Hope. It is strategic because it opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, and mobility—all of which are essential to strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up.”

The president called on the Pai community to take ownership of the road and preserve it for local growth.

“Let this road serve as a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for farmers, traders, students, and youth,” he said.

Tinubu stated that on his way to Pai from Sheda after inaugurating the 2,000 tractors for mechanised farming, he observed the pressing need for grain farmers and livestock owners to establish grazing opportunities and do what was necessary to improve productivity.

“We will help you. We will work with you. We will convert what used to be a liability and a source of conflict into a means of prosperity,” the president said.

Earlier, Wike said 150 kilometres of roads had been completed or were in progress across all six Area Councils of the FCT since the beginning of the Tinubu administration.

According to the FCT minister: “This is not propaganda. All six emergency roads approved in the 2023 supplementary budget have been completed and commissioned. These roads have transformed access and connectivity for our rural populations.”

The six completed roads are the 9km Paikon-Kore–Ibwa road in Gwagwalada Area Council, the 5km Gaba–Tokulo road in Bwari Area Council, with a two-span river bridge, and the 5km Asphalt carriageway

On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked “regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran,” but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran’s government, their arch-enemy since the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

But hours after the U.S. launched attacks on Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities, the Iranian parliament expressed support for shutting down the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical routes for fossil fuel transportation, particularly oil and LNG.

Sardar Esmail Kowsari, a commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a member of parliament, told local media that shutting down the strait “is under consideration,” adding that “Iran will make the best decision with determination.”

“Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response,” Kowsari said, as quoted by EuroNews.

from Tipper Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council. Others are the 11km Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo Road in Kwali Area Council, the 5km Saburi 1 & 2 Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and the Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council. The minister listed roads scheduled for inauguration later this week to include the 18km Karshi–Nyanya road, the 7.4km Old Ushafa Road, rehabilitation of Dutse–Lower Usman Dam, and the 16.4km dualisation of Ushafa–War College–Army Checkpoint Road. According to Wike, these projects are vital for more than just transportation. He added that they contributed to food security, improved security response, and support socioeconomic inclusion.

He stated, “With better access, isolated communities can be reached, farmers can access their farmlands, and security agencies can patrol more effectively. We encourage real farmers—not speculators—to use this infrastructure to support the government’s food security agenda.”

The minister emphasised that the FCT administration, under Tinubu’s leadership, is working to expand development beyond the city centre, especially in terms of roads and electricity access.

“You can give someone an appointment, but nothing happens if you don’t support them. You have done both, and the results are visible across the FCT,” he said.

On his part, the traditional ruler of Pai, Sarkin Pai, Alhaji Sani Abubakar, expressed profound gratitude to Tinubu for his leadership and for appointing the FCT Minister.

Abubakar said, “Mr. President, we want to thank you for two things. One is appointing Mr Project to the FCT because the FCT minister has transformed how we live in rural communities. He is the right man for this job. We cannot thank you enough.

“This road has opened up many economic activities for us. Many of us had serious challenges transporting goods to market in the past—it hasn’t been fun. But now, you can see that everybody is happy. They have shown a large amount of appreciation for you and the minister.

“The minister used to say that we need leadership in this country, and you have given us that leadership. We want to thank you, Mr. President. I want to thank the Honourable Minister; he has been doing well for us, and a lot is still coming in this direction. We thank you, Mr. President.”

US President Donald Trump

LAWYER

The Bloodbath in Benue

BeNUe STaTe GoverNor, Fr. HyaciNTH alia

PreSideNT Bola aHmed TiNUBU, GcFr

cHieF oF army STaFF, lT. GeN. olUFemi olUyede

LAWYER

The Bloodbath in Benue

Determination of Parties' Rights on Document Tainted With Fraud Allegation

Page IV

’Artificial Intelligence, a Tool, Not Substitute’, CJN Cautions Judges

Page V

Quotable

‘Mr President, it is not Herders-Farmers clashes; it is not communal clashes; it is not reprisal attacks. What we are dealing with here in Benue State is a calculated, well planned, and full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by Herder Terrorists and Bandits…. We appeal to you to end the genocide….We know you are capable of doing it’. - HRM

Begha U Tiv, Orchivirigh, Professor Ortese Ayatse, Traditional Ruler of the Tiv People

Babalakin & Co Celebrates 37 Years of Legal Excellence with Inaugural Art Exhibition

Page V

NBA Lagos Law Week Champions Ethics and Innovation: “Let’s Be Lawyers Again”

Page V

BeNUe STaTe GoverNor,Fr.Hyaci

PreSideNT Bola aHmed TiNUBU, GcFr

GeN. olUFemi olUyede

It’s Time to Arrest the Killings

The violence and insecurity that appear to have enveloped Nigeria are multi-faceted, and even if the different scenarios may be driven by different reasons, it is obvious that in some parts of the country like the South East and North East, they have experienced considerable amounts of terrorism, while in areas such as Benue Plateau, even if it could have begun as clashes between herders and farmers, their circumstances appear to have long since escalated to unprovoked attacks and massacres, even considered by many as genocide against the people of Benue Plateau. Some have also accused foreign nationals in cahoots with some unscrupulous Nigerians, such as Chinese nationals involved in plundering Nigeria’s land and engaging in illegal mining (for instance, in 2023, 13 Chinese nationals were arrested in Ilorin for illegal mining in almost all the 16 local government areas of Kwara State), as being sponsors of violence against Nigerians, in order to displace indigenes and have a free run of the areas they are plundering. Also see the case of the explosion that occurred in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State in January 2024, as a result of a Malian storing explosives used for illegal mining in his house located in Bodija, a high brow residential area in Ibadan.

Terrorism and Genocide

Though they are both heinous, there is a difference between terrorism and genocide. Terrorism concerns non-State actors hitting certain targets, not just to impose their warped ideology on the State and the people, but to intimidate and instil fear in them. See Sections 1 & 2 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 (TPPA). See Musa Abdulmumuni v FRN (2017) LPELR-43726 (SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC (now CJN) on the definition of terrorism; Nnamdi Kanu’s cases - FHC/ABJ/CR/ 383/2015 & CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022. So, for instance, Boko Haram unleashing a suicide bomber in the market place in Maiduguri, and bombing in Kano, or kidnapping the Chibok Girls possibly to intimidate parents into not sending their children, let alone daughters to school, because they claim that Western education is prohibited in Islam; or IPOB/ ESN bombing State facilities such as Police Stations (State symbols of authority and law enforcement) and forcing Monday sit-at-homes for the people of the South East, are all acts of terrorism. See Musa Abdulmumuni v FRN (Supra); Simon Ekpa’s case in Finland bordering on incitement of terrorism online and participating in a terrorist group. Genocide, on the other hand, involves the intentional, organised killing of a particular group of people to annihilate/destroy them, whether race, ethnic group and so on. Sometimes the genocide may be State-sponsored, or Government may be aware of it and stand by/condone it while it happens. See the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, in which hundreds of thousands of Tutsis were killed by Hutu militia groups when the Government populated by Hutu extremists, was led by Hutu President Habyarimana. Just over a week ago, gunmen alleged to be Herders murdered about 200 people in Yelwata, Guma LGA, Benue State, even setting fire to bodies in a marketplace where people had taken refuge. For many years now, violent Herders or Herders-so-called have attacked farming communities and killed, raped and maimed innocent people, including children, and the Nigerian Government has looked away, calling it Farmers-Herders crisis, pretending that it was a case of two fighting, when it had become clear that, even if the attackers were real Herders, most times there was no provocation by anybody; they were trespassing on people’s farms with gusto and aplomb to graze their livestock, and attacking and killing innocent Farmers for good measure! The systematic killing of farmers to take over their farms for grazing cattle, is also an example of genocide. In 2015, when Chief Olu Falae was kidnapped by about 7 Fulani Herdsmen who were convicted, and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ondo State High Court, was it because of Farmer-Herder crisis? No! Subsequently, Fulani Herdsmen attacked Chief Falae’s farm again, and killed his staff. The truth of the matter is that those responsible for these horrible crimes are a mixed bag - some Herders, maybe some Farmers, some outright criminals, some Nigerians, some foreigners. The most important thing is stopping them, whoever they are.

President Tinubu, the Tor Tiv and the Townhall Meeting

I am pleased that, unlike his predecessor,

onIkepo BraIThwaITe

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

onikepo braithwaite The Advocate

“….the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, alluded to the fact that there are moles within the ranks of the military colluding with these criminals…..I have always advocated for the use of foreign military contractors who are paid to render their services, to assist Nigeria in her fight against insecurity, not because our Forces lack the capacity to tackle insecurity head on, but because our security agencies are overstretched, compromised and riddled with moles.

No matter how effective and efficient an agency may be, no matter how excellent a plan may be, once it is leaked out to the enemy, it will be frustrated; it will fail”

President Bola Tinubu realises what the primary purpose of government is - the security and welfare of all Nigerians - see Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended)(the Constitution) and Tanko v State (2009) LPELR-3136(SC) per Pius Olayiwola Aderemi, JSC on the primary purpose of government. It is good that President Tinubu visited Benue State personally, saw some of the survivors of the violent attack of June 15 in the hospital, particularly the innocent children, and was part of a fact-finding townhall meeting. I am also happy that during this meeting, HRM, the Tor Tiv, Professor Ortese Ayatse, told it as it is directly to President Tinubu - that what has been happening in Benue State "is not Herders-Farmers or communal clashes, nor reprisal attacks, but a calculated, well planned, and full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by Herder-Terrorists and Bandits". This is what immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Eufai, who stated that he himself is 87.5% Fulani, had to say in a 2016 Channels TV interview: “Cattle rustling and banditry is an essentially Fulani phenomenon. It is Fulanis, and we know where they were….Today, we have over 300 young Fulanis between age 18 and 30 in custody, for kidnapping, cattle rustling and robbery….This problem has multiple dimensions….To a large extent, we degraded cattle rustling; they moved on to kidnapping……”.

Stopping the Killings

Beyond President Tinubu’s visit to Benue

which was a good step in the right direction, the next step that Government must necessarily take, is to stop the wanton killings - shi ke nan. Manipulating the narratives to try to be politically correct or to secure votes in some quarters, is ruining the country, and we can no longer continue like this.

I believe that without saying so, President Tinubu is more or less declaring a state of emergency with regard to Nigeria’s security. See Section 305(3) of the Constitution. Declaration of a state of emergency allows for a limited suspension of some constitutional rights, if need be. While the endless debate on the establishment of State Police/State law enforcement apparatus rages on, Government can no longer fold its arms while the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate because its initiative to immediately try to curb insecurity may appear to be more of Unitarianism than Federalism. Section 5(1)(b) of the Constitution empowers the President to take measures to execute and maintain the Constitution, including Section 14(2)(b) thereof - security. For example, whether or not the Forest Guard is a Federal initiative to man State Forests, it is urgently required in the interest of public safety, as criminals have turned Nigerian forests into havens of criminality, not just being the place where kidnap victims are held, but using the forests as their residence and command post, from where they commit all kinds of atrocities. Some of the issues that have been raised against State Police are not trivial - that the Governors, who, even without State Police,

are more like mini-Emperors and accountable to no one, will become uncontrollable when they have a State Police Force to command. That they may use them as their own personal militia against the people (this is the accusation against Katsina State Hisbah), their opponents or even the Federal Government, particularly if the Governors are able to form themselves into a group and combine their Forces. Another argument is that, it may be dangerous to establish State Police because of lack of adequate funding. How will Governors, who have mostly argued that they do not have enough funds to run their States and are fond of owing civil servants salaries, sometimes even for years, pay their State Police? Like former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who, for example, through his first term as Governor, owed salaries for almost the whole four year period - when you arm people and don’t pay their salaries, they can easily become armed robbers or resort to other criminal activities to make ends meet! A suggestion to surmount this problem, is that many State Civil Services can be pruned, while some staff may be reassigned to State Police, without increasing the State wage bill. In the meantime, while the 26 year old or more debate on State Police continues, the Nigeria Police Force must undertake mass recruitment of personnel as a matter of urgency, ensuring that the new intakes are local to each State.

It is also necessary, to physically secure some of Nigeria’s vast and porous borders. If President Trump’s wall-building initiative may be too expensive to adopt everywhere, walls call be built at the more troubled borders, while deep trenches which may be cheaper in cost to create can be dug. This will stop pedestrian crossings by foreign Herders and criminals, into Nigeria. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has also spoken about the deployment of technology to man our porous borders.

Most importantly, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, alluded to the fact that there are moles within the ranks of the military colluding with these criminals, to assist them in their dastardly activities and to help them avoid detection. I have always advocated for the use of foreign military contractors who are paid to render their services, to assist Nigeria in her fight against insecurity, not because our Forces lack the capacity to tackle insecurity head on, but because our security agencies are overstretched, compromised and riddled with moles. No matter how effective and efficient an agency may be, no matter how excellent a plan may be, once it is leaked out to the enemy, it will be frustrated; it will fail. I recall narrating the 2011/2012 story of two men, British and Italian, who worked for a Construction Company, and were kidnapped in Kebbi State. The rescue mission planned by their governments failed, because it was alleged once the Nigerian Government was involved, moles within the Nigerian security agencies leaked out secret information to their kidnappers, and they were killed by their captors before they could be saved. These days it appears that when such rescue operations are carried out by foreign governments, they are done without the knowledge of our people to avoid frustration or failure.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Government has its work cut out for it, whether it’s to secure Benue Plateau or the whole of Nigeria. President Tinubu has seen and heard first-hand, what the people of Benue are experiencing in the hands of these criminals. For one, the people cannot continue to be left as sitting ducks, particularly in remote villages, completely unprotected, waiting for the next massacre to occur. There needs to be a mass deployment of armed law enforcement agents, especially to vulnerable areas like Benue Plateau, to protect the people. What is the use of law enforcement rushing to the scene of an attack after the fact? They must be proactive and preemptive.

The Tor Tiv has explained that one reason for the genocide, is land grabbing. This can only be curtailed by policy reforms and dealing with perpetrators harshly, to the fullest extent of the law when they apprehended, instead of making excuses for them, by shifting the blame onto largely innocent parties in order to protect wrongdoers and not to offend the sensibilities of some people. It is also unacceptable for people to be equated with livestock. This lackadaisical or nonchalant approach which has hitherto been used by successive Governments, if anything, has only emboldened perpetrators and spread the cancer. It’s time to stop it.

Determination of Parties' Rights on Document Tainted With Fraud Allegation

s

Fact

The Respondent commenced an action at the Federal High Court via an Originating Summons dated 21st June, 2013 seeking the determination of several questions including: (i) “Whether given the circumstances of this case, the 2nd Defendant is at law the debtor with the primary obligation, given the failure, refusal and/or otherwise neglect of the 1st Defendant to liquidate the debt owed to the Plaintiff in the sum of N970,743,041.15 plus interest” and (ii) “Whether having regard to the provisions and Clauses of the Deed of Tripartite Legal Mortgage dated 15th August, 2012 between the Plaintiff and the Defendants, the Defendants, their agents, privies howsoever described, are estopped from challenging the appointment of Mr Norrisson I. Quakers SAN as Receiver/Manager over the asset covered by the said Deed of Tripartite Legal Mortgage, upon the failure of the 1st and 2nd Defendant to liquidate their outstanding indebtedness to the Plaintiff as covenanted in the said Deed of Tripartite Legal Mortgage dated 15th August, 2012”. And, upon the court answering these questions in the affirmative, they prayed the court to grant the reliefs sought in the Originating Summons.

The Appellants filed a 31-paragraph Counter-Affidavit and Written Address to the Summons. On 26th March, 2014, the trial court heard all pending applications including the substantive suit, and adjourned to 5th June, 2014 for delivery of ruling on all the applications and judgement. However, on 4th of April, 2014, prior to the date scheduled for delivery of ruling, the Respondent filed a 19-paragraph Further Affidavit & Reply on Points of Law and a Motion to regularise same.

On 16th April, 2014, the Appellants filed their CounterAffidavit and Written Address to the motion and on 12th May, 2014, the trial court re-opened the matter, heard the said motion and adjourned for final judgement again. On 20th June, 2014, the trial court delivered judgement in favour of the Respondent and granted the reliefs sought in the Originating Summons. Aggrieved, the Appellants appealed to the Court of Appeal.

Issues for Determination

The Appellant formulated three issues for determination of the appeal. However, the appellate court struck out ground one of the Appellant’s Amended Notice of Appeal, from which issue one was derived. As a result, the Appellant had only, two surviving issues for determination, which were adopted by the court, to wit: i. Whether there was a valid Tripartite Deed of Legal Mortgage, entitling the Respondent to appoint a Receiver over the property of the 2nd Appellant? ii. Whether the trial court was right in holding that the Respondent was entitled to the reliefs sought in its Originating Summons, and in granting the said reliefs?

Arguments

On issue one, the Appellants argued that under Section 15(1) of Mortgage and Property Law, Cap M5, Laws of Lagos State 2015, a valid mortgage in Lagos State must be in writing, specifically by deed or using one of the statutory forms in the Schedule. They contended that the purported Tripartite Deed of Legal Mortgage was only executed by the Borrower, the 1st Appellant, and the Respondent, as shown by the signatures of their respective officers and one witness. Although the 2nd Appellant was named as the mortgagor, the Appellants contend that he did not sign the document. Thus, there was no legal mortgage between the 2nd Appellant and the Respondent. As such, enforcing the document against the 2nd Appellant, as the trial court did by granting the Respondent's application to appoint a receiver over his property, amounted to a clear violation of the doctrine of privity of contract. Counsel then urged the court to set aside the order of the trial court, appointing Mr Norrison I. Quakers, SAN as receiver over the property of the 2nd Appellant.

In response, Counsel for the Respondent relied on the 2nd Appellant's Petition dated 27th August, 2015, 2nd Appellant's petition dated 11th November, 2016 which were duly investigated by the Police, and the Certified True Copy of the striking out order of Hon. Justice Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Lagos dated 23rd day of October, 2015 in Charge No. FHC/L/285C/15, submitting that there was proper execution of the document forming the nucleus of the judgement of the lower court. Counsel thereafter, submitted that by virtue of Section 168(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011 on the principle of presumption of regularity attached to official acts and Section 4 of the Police Act 2020, the acts of the Police and the court having investigated and found that the Appellants’ petition on the 2nd Appellant’s alleged invalid execution of the Tripartite Deed of Legal Mortgage

In the Court of appeal Holden at Lagos On Wednesday, the 18th day of June, 2025

Before their lordships Paul ahmed Bassi Polycarp Terna Kwahar abdulaziz M. anka Justices, Court of appeal

Ca/L/888/2014

Between

1. RCN NeTWORKS LIMITed aPPeLLaNTS

2. aLHaJI SI-NuRaINI aGBOOLa aBIOLa And GuaRaNTy TRuST BaNK PLC

ReSPONdeNT (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Paul Ahmed Bassi, JCA)

was unmeritorious, the 2nd Appellant cannot continue to maintain that he did not sign the Tripartite Deed of Legal Mortgage with a view to getting the Court to invalidate same. Counsel argued further that an allegation of fraud by the Appellants is an allegation of crime which must be proved beyond reasonable doubt whether in civil or criminal case, of which the Appellants had fallen short of. Counsel then urged the court to resolve the issue in favour of the Respondent.

On the second issue, Counsel for the Appellants argued that the 1st Appellant took only two loans from the Respondent i.e., N508,000,000 at 16% interest per annum and N1,000,000,000 at 16% per annum, and that it had repaid the said two loans even above the stipulated amounts, while protesting the interests charged by the Respondent at several times. Additionally, the Respondent did not discharge the burden of proof placed upon it under the law, to entitle it to the reliefs in the Originating Summons. Furthermore, the law prescribes specific requirements for proving a customer’s indebtedness in loan transactions. Counsel submitted that the documents exhibited

“… a court cannot proceed to make a determination of rights of Parties on a contested Deed or Document, especially one tainted with allegations of fraud or Forgery. The Court cannot fill in the gaps, in establishing authenticity or the Fraud by itself. That would be proceeding on a faulty premise”

Originating Summons procedure should only be applicable in circumstances where there is no dispute on questions of fact, and should never be a substitute for initiating contentious issues of fact. The court summarised the contentions in this issue as follows: (i) the 1st Appellant as the borrower signed the Tripartite Deed of Legal Mortgage alongside the Respondent; (ii) the 2nd Appellant denied signing the Deed and rather, alleged that the execution page bearing his signature was from an entirely different document which was fraudulently attached to the Deed of Tripartite Legal Mortgage to bring the assets of the 2nd Appellant into contemplation as part of the security for the loan; (iii) the Respondent insisted the 2nd Appellant signed the Deed and was therefore, liable. Their Lordships, therefore, noted that there were obvious conflicts in the Affidavits, and that the trial court misconceived the issue when it held in its judgement that the Plaintiff (Respondent) was merely seeking the construction of the provisions of the Deed of Tripartite Legal Mortgage and nothing more.

The Court of Appeal highlighted the Appellants’ consistent position, that the Respondent unlawfully combined two distinct loan agreements without their consent, in order to leverage the collateral located at Oyinkan Abayomi Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. That the Appellants alleged that the Respondent had improperly used the execution page of the N508 million loan agreement and attached it to the N1 billion loan deed, and after selling the shares pledged for the N1 billion loan, attempted to recover the shortfall from the 2nd Appellant’s property in Ikoyi.

by the Respondent being entries from a banker’s book relating to the 1st Appellant’s account, constitute secondary evidence and must comply with Sections 89(h) and 90(1)(e) of the Evidence Act 2011, to be admissible. As such, since the Respondent failed to satisfy both the admissibility requirements under Sections 89 and 90, and the evidential sufficiency requirement under Section 51, the trial court erred in law by granting the Respondent’s reliefs.

Responding, Counsel for the Respondent argued that the Appellants, having failed to appeal the ruling of the lower court as regards the commencement procedure adopted by the Respondent, they cannot be heard to oppose the nature of the proceeding adopted to suit another proceeding, since Originating Summons are proper for matters that were non-contentious. Counsel opined further that, having put forward affidavit and documentary evidence in support of the reliefs claimed, the burden of proof shifted to the Appellant to show that the debt had been fully liquidated and that this ought to have been done by documentary evidence. Counsel argued that the denial of liability could not amount to a reasonable defence in a claim where debt had been admitted, and the burden of proof in this regard rested on the Appellant. Additionally, the Respondent relied on Jukok International Ltd v Diamond Bank Plc (2016) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1507) 55 to contend that the law is trite that, a document attached or exhibited with an affidavit forms part of the evidence adduced by the deponent and is deemed to be proper before the court, thereby dispensing with the formality.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale Starting with issue one, the Court of Appeal rehashed the trite principle of law that the

The court noted further, that the 2nd Appellant had lodged a formal complaint with the Police, prompting an investigation into the alleged forgery of the mortgage instrument and that this led to the prosecution of the Respondent and some of its officers, although the criminal charge was eventually struck out. However, that the Police carried out two separate investigations and issued corresponding reports, with the first report recommending that the dispute be resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) or arbitration, and that the second report concluded that the alleged irregularities concerning minor amendments on the consent page of the Tripartite Legal Mortgage were not sufficient to invalidate the mortgage, which had been duly executed by six undisputed signatories. Their Lordships thereby, expressed that taking into consideration that the Deed as a whole was called into question, the trial court could not validly rely on the said document to make a pronouncement on the rights of the parties. The Court of Appeal held “that a court cannot proceed to make a determination of rights of Parties on a contested Deed or Document, especially one tainted with allegations of fraud or Forgery. The Court cannot fill in the gaps, in establishing authenticity or the Fraud by itself. That would be proceeding on a faulty premise.” Further, it is the law that where there are highly disputed facts in the affidavits of parties to a suit, such action ought not to be resolved via originating summons procedure, but via writ, thereby requiring filing of pleadings and oral evidence taken. The court observed that a review of pages 27 to 35 of Volume 1 of the Record, which contained the disputed legal mortgage, revealed notable inconsistencies. While pages 28 to 36 bore handwritten notations ranging from “2 of 9” to “9 of 9,” the execution page (page 9 of the Record) was computer-numbered as “11 of 17.” Furthermore, page 36, the disputed execution page contained a unique printed line, which appeared nowhere else in the document. The Appellate Court expressed concern that the trial court failed to address these material discrepancies, before reaching its decision. Despite the Respondent’s reliance on Police reports and the striking out of the related criminal charge, the anomalies in the documentation remained unexplained. The Respondent also failed to respond to, or explain the irregularities identified in the relevant pages of the Record. The court held that it was an error for the lower court to base its findings on a document alleged to be forged, without first resolving these issues. Consequently, the court held that the trial court’s decision could not be sustained on such a flawed evidentiary basis, and resolved this issue in favour of the Appellants.

As a corollary, the court held that, based on the findings of this issue one, that the other issue became an academic exercise. The appeal, therefore, succeeded. Appeal Allowed.

Representation

Dr Charles Adeogun-Philips, SAN with I.O. Apalando and C.C. Azuwike for the Appellants.

N.I. Quakers, SAN with E.E. Ekwonye and E.I. Itene for the Respondent.

Honourable Paul Ahmed Bassi, JCA

’Artificial Intelligence, a Tool, Not Substitute’, CJN Cautions Judges

Stories by Steve Aya

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat KekereEkun, GCON, has emphasised the importance of applying caution in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the nation’s judicial system. While acknowledging the promise AI holds for enhancing justice delivery, she stressed that its adoption must be guided by robust ethical and legal safeguards. Justice Kekere-Ekun made this known at a public lecture hosted by the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos, at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall on last Wednesday.

Delivering her lecture themed “Justice in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for an Efficient and Accessible Judiciary in Nigeria”, the CJN noted that “AI is increasingly being used to improve operational efficiency and legal service delivery. From virtual assistants to sophisticated data analytics tools, many technologies are now available to support legal processes and

improve outcomes.”

Her Lordship also pointed out that although AI use in Nigeria’s Judiciary is still at a preliminary stage, legal tech companies such as LawPavilion and Publisher of the Nigeria Weekly Law Reports have already introduced digital solutions that provide electronic access to case laws, legal precedents, and court forms.

The CJN further noted that while AI can streamline operations, it must not undermine the independence

or impartiality of the Judiciary.

“Artificial Intelligence should support, not replace the judgement and discretion of Judges. Its implementation must be approached cautiously, with careful attention to issues like data privacy, ethical use, and algorithmic bias.”

She added that the Judiciary’s embrace of technology, would depend on the broader strength of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and multi-sector collaboration.

“The Judiciary cannot achieve digital transformation in

isolation. It requires support from other institutions, continuous investment in infrastructure, and the development of digital skills among Judges, Lawyers, and court personnel.”

Justice Kekere-Ekun also listed some digital reforms currently being undertaken the Judiciary, which include virtual court sittings, digital case filing and service, online portals, case management systems, automated transcription, and the gradual use of AI tools. Despite these advancements,

she also acknowledged the major obstacles still facing the digital transition of the courts which include poor infrastructure, limited access to internet and power, low digital literacy among legal practitioners, cybersecurity risks, and the absence of clear regulatory frameworks.

The CJN concluded by stressing the need for targeted investments, and deliberate policy efforts to bridge infrastructural and digital divides across the nation’s Judiciary.

“Unless these gaps are addressed, disparities in access to justice will continue to grow between regions”, she warned. The event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Pro-Chancellor of UNILAG, Chief Wole Olanipekun; Vice-Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola; and the Chairman of the Lecture, Prof Akin Oyebode.

Babalakin & Co Celebrates 37 Years of Legal Excellence with Inaugural Art Exhibition

On July 1, 2025, the law firm, Babalakin & Co, will mark its 37th anniversary with a powerful and inspiring celebration of creativity: the firm’s inaugural Art Exhibition and Prize Giving Ceremony. This event, which will be held at its Lagos office, serves not only as a commemoration of the firm’s legacy, but as a strong statement of its commitment to social impact, innovation, and

cultural investment.

As part of its growing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the Art Competition and Exhibition was conceived to spotlight and uplift emerging Nigerian artists across painting, drawing, and sculpture. With over 250 submissions received from across the country, the final exhibition will showcase the top 26 shortlisted works, each

a testament to the immense talent thriving in Nigeria today.

The highlight of the evening will be the announcement and award of the top three winners, alongside a People's Choice Award selected through public voting. Cash prizes will be awarded: N5 million to the winner, N2.5 million to the second place submission and N1.5 million for 3rd place. In addition, N1

NBA-SBL Conference to Discuss Future of Business Law in an Intelligence Age

The future of doing business and law in the Intelligence age and the challenges that comes with it, will be the focal point at this year’s Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Business Law (NBASBL) 19th Annual Business Law Conference in Lagos from July 2 to 4, 2024, with a bold theme: “The Future of Business Law in an Intelligence Age”. The event will bring together Lawyers, business leaders, and policymakers to explore how technology is transforming the legal profession.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, NBA-SBL Chairperson Ozofu Latunde Ogiemudia, said the Conference is about preparing Nigeria’s legal sector for a new world driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital systems. “This is more than a conversation. It’s a call to reimagine the legal profession in a time of intelligent technology”, she said.

Ogiemudia explained that intelligence systems like AI and machine learning are not just futuristic concepts, they are already shaping how companies operate and how legal issues

arise. “Our laws and practices must catch up with how fast businesses are changing”, she noted. “We cannot afford to lag behind.”

Now seen as the leading business law event in Nigeria, the Conference will feature top experts and practical sessions across fields such as data protection, cross-border transactions, and AI’s impact on contracts and negotiations.

According to Ogiemudia, “Lawyers must go beyond local relevance. Clients now compare us to global standards.”

This year’s event will include five plenary panels, breakout sessions, masterclasses, and structured mentoring. One of the highlights will be a keynote address by His Highness the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Mohamed Sanusi II. Ogiemudia said the Conference “will set a new bar for legal innovation in Nigeria.”

Solape Peters, Chair of the 2024 Conference Planning Committee, added that Lawyers must be more than observers of tech trends; they must lead the way in shaping Nigeria’s legal

response. “We are positioning ourselves not just to adapt, but to influence the legal architecture that supports business growth,” she said.

She emphasised that the legal profession has a direct impact on every part of the economy. “Whether you’re advising in agriculture, tech, oil and gas, or finance, your legal advice shapes outcomes for businesses and communities”, she explained. “We must think beyond borders and act with a global mindset.”

Mrs Yeside Asolo, who chairs the Conference content team, said the agenda reflects urgent issues facing the legal profession. Sessions will explore cybersecurity, digital trade, AI in legal automation, and how Nigerian law can align with international standards. “These aren’t abstract ideas”, she said. “They affect how businesses run, and how ordinary Nigerians live.”

As the countdown begins, the NBA-SBL is calling on stakeholders to attend. “This is not just a legal event,” said Ogiemudia. “It’s a moment

for Nigeria, to rethink how law supports progress in a digital economy.”

million will be awarded to the People's Choice recipient. These prizes not only recognise excellence, but also represent a meaningful investment in the artists’ futures.

The success and credibility of the competition would not have been possible without the invaluable support of a distinguished Panel of Judges, Sehinde Odimayo, Duke Asidere, Dotun Sulaiman and Kola Aina - renowned figures in Nigeria’s art and creative community - who generously offered their time and expertise to review each submission.

Beyond its legal expertise, Babalakin & Co. has long championed excellence in

education, social development, and nation-building. This art exhibition further expands that commitment, by integrating the arts into its vision for a more inclusive and dynamic Nigerian society.

Set to become an annual event, the Babalakin & Co Art Exhibition is poised to become a touchstone within Nigeria’s creative and professional communities - a space where law meets art, and where innovation is honoured in all its forms.

As the firm celebrates 37 years of legal excellence, this event is a bold reminder of its continued dedication to impact, innovation, and a future where creativity and professionalism coexist and thrive.

NBA Lagos Law Week Champions Ethics and Innovation:

The 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Law Conference kicked off at the Muson Centre, with a passionate call for the legal profession to return to its ethical roots. The theme, “Reimagining the Practice of Law: Ethics, Innovation and the Future of Legal Services”, sparked critical conversations around justice, professionalism, and the role of technology in law.

NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Olabisi Makanjuola, in his welcoming address posed bold questions to the audience: “Do we use the law as a tool of oppression, or to uplift the downtrodden? Are we willing to damn any scruple for a fee, or do we stand as conscientious defenders of justice?” He shared the Branch’s key achievements under her leadership, including becoming the first NBA Branch to attain NDPR audit compliance. “We didn’t want to be premier

“Let’s Be Lawyers Again”

only in name, but in action”, he said. “We have blazed a trail, others can follow.”

Lagos State Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, SAN, in his remarks, underscored the role of ethics in preserving public trust. “The legal profession is only as strong as its integrity”, he declared. “Ethics is not just a code - it is our moral compass.” He cited the digitisation of case management and the Lagos Criminal Information System, as examples of how innovation can reinforce justice. “We must embrace technology, but never at the expense of fairness and due process.”

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, in his goodwill remarks reflected on the profession's direction. “It is easy to lose sight of who we are”, he said. “Yes, we must evolve. But, innovation must walk hand in hand with conscience.”

He urged Lawyers to internalise the Rules of Professional Conduct,

not as obligations, but as pledges to excellence. “Let’s lead with courage. Let’s evolve with purpose. Let’s be Lawyers again.”

Keynote Speaker, Richard Atkinson, KC, President of the Law Society of England & Wales, issued a caution on technology.

“Artificial Intelligence must remain a tool, not a substitute for professional discretion”, he said.

“The Lawyer’s judgement, rooted in human values, is irreplaceable.”

Justice Atinuke Ipaye, representing the Chief Judge of Lagos, did not mince words about the profession’s challenges.

“The chambers of law, were once sanctuaries of wisdom”, she said.

“Now, we see delay tactics, disregard for court orders, and a worrying decline in public trust.”

She added, “We must reclaim our dignity. A 21st-century Lawyer must be versatile, principled, and not swayed by clients’ pockets.”

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON

L-R: Artists Kola Aina, Dotun Sulaiman, Sehinde Odimayo and Duke Asidere

L-R: NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN; Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN; Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch, Olabisi Makanjuola and Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Tolulope Aderemi

The Bloodbath in Benue

The recent extermination of over 300 lives in Benue State has come as one too many, in the series of calculated bloody attacks in the State and environs, including Plateau and Taraba. Many are of the view that the Federal Government hasn’t done enough, to curtail these bloody incidents. Others are of the opinion that, even President Tinubu’s visit to the scene of the killings, isn’t enough to address the problems. and, the role of the Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth alia, is also being questioned. How well has he performed, in terms of making his State safe? Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN; Daniel Popoola; Emmanuel onwubiko and Sylvester Udemezue review the series of bloody incidents, and suggest ways that the Federal and State Governments can end the seemingly unending bloodshed in Benue State and its neighbouring environs

Time to End these Senseless Killings of Our People

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN

My heart is heavy. The horrific and inhumane attack that occurred in Benue State a few nights ago, where over 200 innocent lives, including women, children, and the elderly, were burnt to death in their homes, is further proof that nowhere is safe again for Nigerian citizens. This appalling act is not only a blatant violation of the law, but a grave crime against humanity, underscoring the escalating insecurity and unchecked impunity

that threatens the very core of our nation. These relentless massacres and senseless bloodshed, must come to an end.

Enough is enough! It is the fundamental duty of our Government, to safeguard lives and

“I call on both the Federal and State Governments, alongside the nation’s security agencies, to fulfil their constitutional mandate, by prioritising the protection of citizens….This massacre, must not go unpunished….Nigeria cannot afford, to normalise these killings”

property. The right to life is sacrosanct, and constitutionally guaranteed.

I call on both the Federal and State Governments, alongside the nation’s security agencies, to fulfil their constitutional mandate, by prioritising the protection of citizens. It is intolerable that communities remain exposed and vulnerable, while perpetrators of such atrocious crimes operate with apparent impunity.

This massacre, must not go unpunished. We need to understand the root causes, and ensure accountability.

We demand a thorough investigation, swift justice for the victims, and immediate humanitarian support for those who have been displaced.

Nigeria cannot afford, to normalise these killings. Every Nigerian life matters. The Government must act decisively and transparently, to restore peace and rebuild trust in the system.

Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, OON, SAN, Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria; former United Nations Rapporteur on Human Trafficking

Daniel Popoola

Brief Introduction

For the past one week, Benue State has gained international and local prominence, not for any good reason, but for very agonising reasons that beat all human imaginations. Even though there have been several acts of genocide and pillaging of the Benue patrimony, the recent attack on Yelwata, a sleepy town on the Benue-Nasarawa border by suspected Fulani herdsmen, which resulted in the death of over 200 persons and the displacement of thousands of the locals, gripped and greeted the whole world with utter consternation and trepidation. The Papacy, in a rare show of concern for happenings of this nature in Africa, condemned the man-made catastrophe. Even the international media that has shown scant or no interest in the rapidly worsening security situation in Nigeria, beamed its searchlight on Nigeria and Benue State. Brief Trajectory of Crisis in the Benue Trough The Benue trough, is largely made up of farmers. From Taraba to Plateau, Na-

The Genocide in Benue State

The Bloodbath in Benue

sarawa, Kogi and Niger States, farmlands in are littered on over 80% of the landscape. Poor and medium income farmers, engage largely in shifting cultivation of principally annual crops. Their very existence, not even sustenance, depends solely on the products of their farms. To say that these farms are the mainstay of these folks, is just stating the obvious.

However, for the past two decades, roving Fulani herdsmen have been launching murderous attacks on these farmers, sacking them and seizing their farmlands. The death toll so far, runs into tens of thousands, while displacements from places of origin/settlement and living in IDP camps runs into hundreds of thousands.

For the first time during the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, a wrong narrative was forced down the throat of Nigerians, that what has been happening is a herder-farmer conflict, notwithstanding that Fulani herdsmen, emboldened by the deliberate inaction of the Federal Government, unleashed terror on these farmers and others carrying out associated trades.

Upon assumption of office by the current democratic institutions on May 29, 2023, the attacks have become even more brazen and daring. The apogee of these attacks took place on 13th-14th June, 2025, when over 200 farmers and traders in Yelwata were slaughtered and burnt by the invaders.

Government’s Reaction So far

It is often said that the primary duty of all levels of government in Nigeria, is the protection of lives and property. The re-energised Fulani herdsmen assault on Nigerians has however, proved that the Federal Government and some of the State Governments have woefully failed in the discharge of this constitutional responsibility.

The removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu-led Federal Government, has resulted in State and Local Governments having a very strong financial war chest to confront terrorism, if the funds are properly utilised. Money is highly needed, both in funding and combating terrorism. The United Nations by its Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373 on prevention and suppression of terrorism and terrorist financing, stipulates that countries are under obligation to freeze without delay, funds or other assets that are directly or indirectly for the benefit of persons or entities designated as terrorists. While the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) was designated a terrorist organisation by the Buhari-led government in 2017, IPOB was also listed in 2023 under the Global Terrorism Index as the 10th deadliest terror group worldwide.

On the other hand, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders (MACBAN) and several other Fulani militant groups which have owned up to the murder of thousands of innocent Nigerians, have not been designated as terrorist organisations to date. Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, made several fruitless calls on the Federal Government to declare MACBAN as a terrorist body. Also, in January, 2018, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Organisation called on the Federal Government to declare Miyetti Allah as a terrorist organisation. This call was ignored, and remains ignored to date.

In April, 2021, the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), in a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and Secretary, Miss Zainab Yusuf, openly asked the Federal Government to declare these Fulani groups as terrorists. This also fell on deaf ears. In July, 2021, the United States Chapter of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), urged President Buhari to, without any delay whatsoever, declare MACBAN as a terrorist organisation. Similarly, in September 2021, the Chairman of the Nationalities Alliance for

Self-Determination, Prof Banji Akintoye even took the bold but fruitless step of approaching the United Nations Headquarters in New York, urging it to make the declaration. This has not been done to date.

In summary, the blatant refusal of the Federal Government to declare these militant Fulani organisations as terrorist organisations, and its refusal or failure to go after their financiers, has, over time, not only emboldened them, but has also contributed in no small measure to the acts of terrorism carried out by them for over two decades. As of 2025, Nigeria is ingloriously occupying the 6th position on the Global Terrorism Index. This is coming when from all available statistics, attacks by Fulani herdsmen far exceeds attacks by IPOB, which has since 2017 been declared a terrorist organisation. What an irony.

As stated above, the Tinubu-led Government removed fuel subsidy, and increased monthly financial allocations to the various States by at least 300%. State Governors currently have much money at their disposal, hence, combating terrorism within their territories is much easier.

Another bold step the Federal Government took, was the victory it secured at the Supreme Court on July 11, 2024, where financial autonomy was secured for the hundreds of Local Government Councils in Nigeria. The President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Ibrahim, while hailing the judgement, stated in March 2025 that this financial autonomy will enhance security in Nigeria. Earlier in December 2024, Albert Osipa, the National President of Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, had taken the same position.

Unfortunately, the State Governors have not only resisted this autonomy, some of them do not care a hoot about the security of their citizens. While State Governments like those of Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and a few others have recorded

“Both the local and social media have posted various actions, inactions, statements and even the body language of the State Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia, as having no genuine interest in the security of the Benue people. …He, at a point, also stated that his people had killed and consumed cows belonging to the Fulani, which accounted for those repeated merciless attacks….This is the height of executive recklessness”

significant successes in the war against terrorism, the focal State, Benue, appears to be shockingly sound asleep while its citizens are being slaughtered. It is very important, to call a spade by its name.

Both the local and social media have posted various actions, inactions, statements and even the body language of the State Governor Fr. Hyacinth Alia, as having no genuine interest in the security of the Benue people. He once said that ‘Abuja politicians’ of Benue State origin wrote a letter and dropped it at the Northern border of Nigeria, inviting the Fulani terrorists to come and attack Benue State. This sent shock waves to the length and breadth of Nigeria – since the border stretches over hundreds of kilometres. The Governor was later to change his posturing by saying that the ECOWAS’ Protocol on Cattle Movement within the Subregion (the Transhumance Protocol), was responsible for the influx of armed bandits into the State. He, at a point, also stated that his people had killed and consumed cows belonging to the Fulani, which accounted for those repeated merciless attacks.

The same Governor has severally called those attacks leading to such harvest of deaths, as mere “skirmishes.” This is the height of executive recklessness, to say the least. If the Pope (the Governor’s spiritual father) in far away Rome and other well-meaning commentators wasted no energy in labelling this ongoing banditry as genocide, its rather shocking that the sitting Governor would be constantly calling it mere skirmishes. Such a Governor has no business, still superintending over the same people he took an oath to protect.

In a recent interview on AIT, Governor Alia shocked the whole world when he insisted that what is happening in his State, amounted to mere skirmishes. His interviewers, in deep shock, put the question to him again, and he shamelessly repeated the answer. As if that was not enough, the interviewers asked him what he thought was the immediate solution, and he stated that only amendment of the law to usher in State Police would be the solution. The Governor knew and he still knows, that for State Police to be established, the 1999 Constitution will further be amended, a process that is long and tedious. Undone, the interviewers asked him whether he preferred that solution to self- defence. He rejected their suggestion, predicating his position on the fact that the locals would merely arm themselves only with machetes, cutlasses and sticks.

Two major facts emerge, from this most shameful interview by Governor Alia. First, in all of Borno, Zamfara,

Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, etc the various State Governors have armed civilians, called Civilian Joint Task Force, Amotekun or whatever name, who have recorded successes against these terrorists. Yet, Fr. Governor stated on national television that all his citizens are entitled to are machetes, cutlasses and sticks. Secondly, those Fulani invaders are well armed – a fact admitted by the Governor on several occasions. If non-State actors are armed and freely killing your people, nothing stops you from also arming your people to defend themselves. It is interesting to note that, this interview took place a day before the President arrived in Benue State – when the date for the Presidential visit had already been communicated to the Governor. It is no news that the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Mr Samuel Ortom, had pushed an Anti-Open Grazing Bill to the State House of Assembly. He immediately signed the Bill, and put in every nerve of his to enforce it. Nigerians and non-Nigerians are fully aware of this fact, including Governor Alia. On the other hand, Governor Alia has refused to implement this Law. A few days ago, the Benue State House of Assembly unanimously passed resolutions asking him to implement the Law and to also ensure financial autonomy for the Local Government Councils. He has kept silent on these resolutions.

A few months ago, Governor Alia’s neighbour, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State openly accused Governor Alia on national television of refusing to enforce his predecessor’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, thereby subtly aiding and abetting the large influx of Fulani bandits into Benue State. Fr. Alia’s reaction, as he has always done, was to release his social media boys to rain insults on Governor Sule. In any case, Governor Sule was also accused by the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse during the recent Presidential visit to Benue State, of harbouring those criminals and also pushing out the Tiv people from Nasarawa State.

During his visit to Benue State last week, President Tinubu was only short of openly labelling Fr. Alia a total failure in governance. Mr President stated in the open, that he had expected to be invited to Benue State to inaugurate projects, not to meet mourners. He asked Fr. Alia to see what his counterparts in Plateau, Abia, etc were doing in their States, in terms of development. The President must have known that Governor Alia has not commissioned any project, two years into his tenure. President Tinubu also told Alia that the peace and security of his State, lay on his shoulders. He concluded by asking him to unite his people, which is the very opposite of what Fr. Alia has been doing

The Bloodbath in Benue

since assumption of office.

Conclusion It is hereby, concluded that, even though the Federal Government has not done enough to quench the raging attacks of the Fulani on locals in Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Alia’s lacklustre attitude to the genocide going on in his State, is most shocking and questionable. He was elected and he took an oath to protect his people. Anything short of this, is a clear case of abdication of duty. Fr. Alia should better sit up, to stop the massive blood flow in his State.

Daniel Popoola

Insecurity and President Tinubu's Lackadaisical Approach to Benue Killings

Emmanuel Onwubiko

"The greatest source of power available to a leader, is the trust that derives from faithfully serving followers"

- James O’Toole, Professor of Leadership Studies, University of Southern California

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful"

- 1 CORINTHIANS 4:2

"Leadership is character in motion"

- Les T. Csorba

A profoundly resourceful author of an informative and educative book on leadership, said a very important thing about how contemporary Americans look at the government and view their political leaders essentially.

From his evaluation of a country that is rated as the most advanced democracy in the world, it would seem that the philosophical and logically well-rounded generalisation that no human being is perfect, was proven.

But, beyond that, what we Nigerians living through some of the most incompetent, corrupt, inept and ineffective political governance system would decode from the Central proposition of this book about the American politicians, is that if Americans have this unsalutary opinion about the ethical inadequacies of the political leaders of a country looked upon as a model of where institutions are working without interference, it goes without doubt that the Nigerian situation is abysmally incomparable.

This Nigeria, is a place whereby the current President was accused of compromising both the electoral commission and security agencies to rig himself into the office of President of Nigeria in 2023, as to the dysfunctionality in the Constitution, he was sworn into office even before the dispute about the integrity of his candidacy and the manipulated process were resolved. This is when the rain started to beat us as a nation, because if someone with integrity deficit becomes a leader then the question of legitimacy is as good as an experiment in futility. But, let's continue analysing the book about Americans.

The author who would be identified at the end of the citations from his book, stated as follows: “It is true, when we begin to view the various social and cultural ills surrounding us, that we invariably comment on the deficiencies of certain leaders-politicians in government, journalists on television and in print, fathers in families, the clergy in churches, and corporate executives in business”.

Surveys have questioned Americans about their perceptions of the "governing elite" regarding their patriotism, intentions, commitment to values, character, religion, and whether they were to be considered threatening or sympathetic: The result is a distrust and cynicism that are at the highest levels in our nation's history.

In America, it is deep-seated, and directed primarily at leaders. Perhaps, at no other time in our history has leadership been in such great demand, both in terms of the quantity of leaders, as well as its quality. (Source: TRUST The one thing makes or breaks a leader by Les T. Csorba).

Nigeria

Going through Csorba's postulations aforementioned, and looking at how the general climate of fear enveloping Nigeria and Nigerians due to the crass and institutional failures of Nigerian political leaders beginning from the President who lawfully controls the Military and Police architectures, down to the Governors of the 36 States, including the political leadership of the Federal Capital Territory, we can conclude that political corruption has made Nigeria a Failed State.

Even if we decide not to use the general situation in the country devastated by insecurity and terrorism, and delve exclusively to the attacks by armed Fulani insurgents in only Benue and Plateau States, we can conclude that President Tinubu and the Governors have lost the trust of the people of Nigeria, for the reason that the Constitution in Section 14(2)(b), clearly extrapolates that the security and welfare of lives and property of the citizens, are the primary duties of government. And, also, if we also reason that Chapter 2 of the Nigerian Constitution states that Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from where government derives the legitimacy to exercise authority, we can justify our conclusion that President Tinubu and the Governors, irrespective of their political affiliations, have failed and subsequently, lost the legitimacy to exercise authority. If we were in advanced democracies,

“Amnesty International has raised the alarm over what it described as the Nigerian Government’s failure to protect citizens from relentless attacks by armed groups and bandits, revealing that at least 10,217 people have been killed and 672 villages sacked in the past two years”

there would have been very loud calls for resignation of the President who primarily has the responsibility to control and command the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the constitutionally clothed Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

But, we are in our Nigeria, whereby majority of the citizens are not ready to defend democracy and fight for their rights no matter the threats from the Government, especially the President who controls the Armed Forces.

Amnesty International has raised the alarm over what it described as the Nigerian Government’s failure to protect citizens from relentless attacks by armed groups and bandits, revealing that at least 10,217 people have been killed and 672 villages sacked in the past two years.

In a news report released on Wednesday, the human rights organisation said Benue State recorded the highest number of deaths with 6,896 people killed, followed by Plateau State with 2,630 deaths. Other heavily affected States include Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

“A new investigation shows that, in the two years since the current Government has been in power, at least 10,217 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen in Benue, Edo, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Benue Massacre

“Benue State accounts for the highest death toll of 6,896, followed by Plateau State, where 2,630 people were killed.

“Since 29 May, 2023, hundreds of people have been killed in rural areas where, our research since 2020 shows, a total absence of governance has given gunmen and criminal groups a free hand to commit atrocities.

“Our investigation verified the killing of over 294 people in Katsina State, and documented the abduction of 306 people, mostly women and girls, between May 2023 and May 2025”, the report partly read.

Zamfara State

In Zamfara, AI said no fewer than 529 villages are under the control of bandits.

“In Zamfara State, attacks have occurred daily, with multiple attacks sometimes taking place in a single day. In the last two years, over 273 people have been killed and 467 people abducted. Since the beginning of the bloody security crisis, bandits have sacked 481 villages across, while 529 villages are under the control of bandits, across 13 local governments of Zamfara State”, it stated.

Plateau State

“In Plateau State, armed herders carried out 38 attacks. Bandits have sacked at least 43 villages, in four local government areas. Between 27 March and 2 April, 2025”, the report added.

The Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, lamented that insecurity has been on the rise since the President took over.

He said, “Today marks exactly two years since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, with a promise to enhance security. Instead, things have only gotten worse.

“The authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty and the security of tens of thousands of people across the country.”

The organisation, however, warned of looming humanitarian crises as a result of the rising insecurity.

“The majority, if not all of those affected by these attacks, are farmers, whose displacement means they can no longer cultivate their farms. This is causing a looming humanitarian crisis.

“The majority of those displaced in Plateau and Katsina States, told Amnesty International that they had to resort to begging to survive daily life. At Dangulbi District of Zamfara State, farmers have to watch their harvest of sweet potatoes rot because bandits have prevented them from transporting them to the nearest market”, the report added.

This author, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, endorses the report of Amnesty International aforementioned as factually accurate and reliable.

I can only then add that, it is only in a country like ours with the generality of the populace concerned only about chasing for their daily bread and nothing else, that a President like Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the allegedly corrupt and ineffective Governors are sitting pretty tight in their offices even when the people who voted for them are facing imminent extinction, particularly from primarily Fulani insurgents and Islamic terrorists.

In Nigeria, Government both at the centre and the federating units fraternise with terrorists and Fulani herders who have mostly become terrorists, insurgents and mass killers of farmers in their communities. Take for instance, the Nigeria Army pampers terrorists, they are re-baptised as repentant terrorists and have armed these bloodied mass killers to lead the Army in their attacks of other terrorists who are killing Nigerians and have seized control of over 3 local government areas in Borno State. This undermining of the Constitution by pampering terrorists is replicated in other States, especially in the North West such as Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kaduna state.

The Bloodbath in Benue

Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Sokoto State Governor, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd), had reiterated the State Government’s commitment to the so-called lasting peace and security, expressing readiness to explore non-violent solutions to the lingering insecurity challenges in the region. And, of course, what this statement is going to say in the next paragraph, is that the Sokoto State Governor is about to romance and pamper terrorists through the unlawful peaceful settlement with terrorists who have blood of Sokoto citizens in their hands.

It bears repeating to state that, by this above flowery semantics, the Governor of Sokoto State has started romancing terrorists in a country with unambiguous laws spelling out penalties for blood thirty terrorists.

This Nigeria Army, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara evil models of going to bed with terrorists, apparently against the clear provisions of the law, is the reason most experts both locally and internationally have asserted that Nigeria as it were is a failed State.

Usman, the man who spoke for the Sokoto Governor, while speaking with newsmen, declared the Government’s socalled openness to dialogue with repentant bandits, who are 'genuinely' willing to lay down arms and embrace peace. Just imagine a government and a Governor who, holding the Constitution on one hand, and his religious holy book on the other, swore an oath to abide by the provisions of the Constitution but this same person has decided to pamper mass killers and terrorists. How wouldn't the public trust vanish into thin air, about the Nigerian political architecture?

In his attempt at justification of the illegality, the Sokoto State Governor went into overdrive by committing several genres of fallacy by stating as follows: “We wholeheartedly welcome any development that promotes peace and security in our region.

“It’s important to recognise that, historically, many conflicts have ended not solely through force, but through dialogue.

“In Sokoto, we’re open to engaging in negotiations with bandits who are genuinely willing to surrender and embrace peace.”

In Katsina State, the Governor has established special schools for terrorists, even when there is a law against mass murders. This pampering of terrorists by Tinubu and almost all the Governors of the federating units, has led to the loss of trust of the people in their so-called political leaders. I propose that the citizens should wake up, and demand accountability from the President and the so-called Governor.

Emmanuel Onwubiko, Founder, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA); former National Commissioner, National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria

Herdsmen Menace in Nigeria: Presidential Visit to Benue Cannot Stop the Killings

Sylvester Udemezue

On or about 15 June, 2025, gunmen believed to be herder-militias killed over 150 persons including villagers in Yelwata, Guma LGA, burning bodies in a marketplace where families had been sleeping for safety. Survivors like farmer, Fidelis Adidi, lost five relatives in one night.

President Tinubu announced a visit to Benue scheduled for 18 June, 2025. As Benue Governor, Mr Alia, confused, overwhelmed and traumatised, is busy beautifying Benue, declaring public holiday and ordering massive-crowd turnout to mark the Presidential visit, I asked myself, “Is the President coming to Benue on a condolence

visit, or for a picnic on a battlefield?” Yet, many a discerning Nigerian ask what difference the motorcade will make, while the soil is still warm with blood.

Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution provides: "The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” Yet, from January to mid-June 2025, more than 600 Benue indigenes and residents have already been killed in similar raids since January 2025. Five further hard questions:

(1) Will one handshake in Makurdi melt the killers’ resolve?

(2) Can a TV address succeed where armoured patrols and curfews failed?

(3) Will Benue protesters still be arrested for demanding safety once the Presidential convoy departs?

(4) Why hasn’t the promised State Police Bill left Committee?

(5) Exactly what will the President’s visit change on the ground?

Four Recommendations for the Nation to Start Now, Towards an End to the Protracted Herdsmen Menace in Nigeria:

1. Give The Fulanis and Herdsmen their Own Safe Zones: Carve out two new special States (one in the North-East, one in the North-West) with irrigated ranch clusters, vet clinics and schools, etc. This will remove the daily land contest in the crop-rich Middle Belt, and let security forces guard a clearly defined perimeter. A similar thing is seen in Ethiopia’s Afar & Somali Regional States host purpose-built pastoral settlements that now serve about 4.5 million people.

“Until Nigeria implements herder safe zones, a national grazing ban, real-time enforcement, and State-level policing, condolence visits such as the one embarked upon by Mr President to Benue on 19 June, 2025, risk becoming other grim rituals”

2. Ban Open Grazing Everywhere:

Make Benue’s 2017 law a national rule: “No individual shall engage in open nomadic livestock herding… Offenders face five years in jail or a ₦1 million fine.” This will stop farm destruction, allows satellite tracking of cattle trucks, and ends the anonymity roaming herds enjoy. Most ECOWAS neighbours, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire included, already require ranching or trucking of cattle across State lines.

3. Build an Enforcement Machine that Works: Create Mobile Livestock Guards funded 60% by the Federation and 40% by the States. Tag every animal with a digital ear-tag linked to its owner’s BVN; impound untagged cattle. Launch rapid-response courts that sit weekly inside IDP camps, for on-the-spot justice. This is important because, laws without teeth feed impunity; swift penalties create quick deterrence. An analogy is seen in Kenya’s multi-agency North Rift Taskforce cut cattle rustling by 62% in 18 months.

4. Establish State Police immediately to empower the States with an enforcement arm: Push the constitutional amendment on State and Local-Government Police through both Chambers within 30 days, then have the 36 Houses of Assembly vote upor-down within 60 days. This will give communities officers who speak the language and know every footpath, ending the current “stranger in uniform” problem. Federal nations from the USA to India, maintain tiered policing without disintegration.

Until Nigeria implements herder safe zones, a national grazing ban, real-time enforcement, and State-level policing, condolence visits such as the one embarked upon by Mr President to Benue on 19 June, 2025, risk becoming other grim rituals. The choice before us is stark: (1) act on these four suggested solutions, or (2) keep counting coffins by the hundreds. Nigerians must choose. The choice we make, either makes or mars us.

Post Scriptum: Facts to Take Note Of

1.In my opinion, what is being referred to as Farmers-Herdsmen Crisis is in reality a Full-Scale Aggression by Herdsmen: 'To “live and work” must be seen to mean “to be law-abiding, and be not a bully nor a terror unto your host State”. The constitutional right of all Nigerians to live and work in any part of the country, does not permit

anyone to go on another’s land without that other’s permission. Look at the scenario below, for a clearer illustration of the point I try to make: ‘Okon, from Rivers State, is a farmer, producing yam, cassava, coco yam, etc, on his own (Okon’s) ancestral land. Ade, an indigene of Ogun State, is a livestock farmer (a herdsman) rearing cattle. Now, Ade takes his cows and travels to Rivers State; goes on Okon’s land, and (without Okon’s knowledge or consent) begins to graze his cattle on Okon’s ancestral land, and in the process, destroying Okon’s farms, crops, and lands. In reaction, Okon, frustrated after several warnings and pleadings, takes a stick or whatever and hits a cow. Then, Ade gathers/mobilises fellow killer herdsmen and they attack Okon’s house and village, in the night, killing Okon’s kith and kin, destroying houses, properties and human lives. Then, the press/newspapers and governments tell us there was/is a farmer-herdsman clash’. The above scenario shows pure injustice against Okon and his people, and against Okon’s village and villagers. It is not a mere clash, neither is it a two-fighting scenario. It is pure terrorism. The herdsmen ought to be immediately cautioned to either acquire land legitimately for cattle-grazing in their host States, or to take their cows and go back to their own land. Until we adopt this approach to the so-called “farmers-herders crises”, these problems might never end. Nigerians are tired of being killed as chicken and common animals by people who come on their lands illegally". *Read More:* "Farmers-Herdsmen Crises: Understanding the Confines of Freedom of Movement & Residency in the Light of Extant Law on Ownership & Control of Lands, Forests in Nigeria" by Sylvester Udemezue, published 14 February, 2021.

2. The Solution to the Herdsmen Menace Must be Comprehensive, Pragmatic and All-Inclusive. For a broader perspective on the ongoing debate, please see:

(1) "An Open Letter of National Emergency: A Call for the Creation of Special States for Fulani Herdsmen" by Sylvester Udemezue, published 02 June, 2025.

(2) "(Part 2) Proposing Peace, Not Privilege: A Coordinated Reply to Critics of the Proposed Special States for Fulani Pastoralists in Nigeria" by Sylvester Udemezue; 18 June, 2025.

(3). "Part 3 – Why Nigeria Needs to Create Special States for Fulani Herdsmen: Doing Things Differently to Achieve Different, Better Results" by Sylvester Udemezue, published 09 June, 2025.

Sylvester Udemezue, Proctor, The Reality Ministry of Truth, Law and Justice (TRM)

Last Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the University of Lagos Law Faculty held a Special Public Lecture themed “Justice in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for an Efficient and Accessible Judiciary in Nigeria,” at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, chaired by Professor Akin Oyebode. The Lecture was delivered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON. Here are some of the personalities who attended the event

Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola

MD, Lotus Bank, Mrs Kafilat Araoye (left) and former Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, SAN

L-R: Mrs Titi Akinlawon, SAN and Judges of the Lagos State High Court

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba (left) and Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR

Hon. Justice Adewale Abiru, JSC and Hon. Justice Stephen Adah, JSC

Mr & Mrs Remi Makanjuola

Distinguished Prof Taiwo Osipitan, SAN

Pro-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN (left) and Pastor Tunde Bakare

L-R: Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof Abiola Sanni, SAN; Mr Koye Kekere-Ekun and Hon. Kunle Fasinro

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON

Chairman of the Lecture, Prof Akin Oyebode

L-R: Mr Bode Olanipekun, SAN; Major General Muyiwa Badewole (Rtd) and Mrs Yemi Badewole, SAN

Past NBA President, Mr Paul Usoro, SAN (left) and former Edo State Attorney-General, Mr Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN

interview

Tunde Ayeni: Skye Bank’s Collapse Was Political, Not Mismanagement

...I regret ever meeting Adaobi Alagwu

Former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, has stated that he regrets ever meeting Adaobi Alagwu, who claimed to have had a child with him. Speaking in an interview with journalists, Ayeni, who also discussed how and why Skye Bank’s licence was withdrawn, said Alagwu is now history, as that chapter has been erased from his life trajectory. Excerpts:

Let’s start from the basics. How was your growing up like?

Growing up, I schooled partly in Kaduna. As a toddler, I began my primary education at the Army Children’s School in Kaduna. I then completed my primary education in Yola at the Army Children’s School, as my parents, being public servants, were always on the move. They were transferred to another state, which determined where I had to be. I subsequently returned to my village to attend Baptist Secondary School, Iyah Gbede, a seminary secondary school in Ijumu LGA, Kogi State. From there, I did my HSC in Ilorin at Kwara State College of Technology. It’s now called Kwara State Polytechnic. After that, I had the privilege of studying law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. I later attended the University of Lagos for my LLM programme, which pretty much sums up my educational background. All of which are aside from the numerous management courses abroad.

Your personality is synonymous with the banking industry. How did you transition from law to banking?

Let me correct an impression. I am a lawyer, and I’ll always be one. It’s a profession that I am always very proud of. It’s also good to mention that being a lawyer does not necessarily mean going to court. You can be a lawyer without going to court. The two aspects of legal practice are combined in Nigeria. By this, I mean that you can effectively practice as a solicitor and an advocate, but in a place like England, for instance, you can either be a barrister or a solicitor. You can’t combine the two. I still run my law office actively to date, both in Lagos and in Abuja. However, at a very early stage in my career, I ventured into business. After my youth service, I worked with a company that afforded me the opportunity to have a flair for business.

The company was in the business of marketing products and also manufacturing goods. In those days, things were relatively easier than they are today. This gave me the background to venture into business. When I left to set up businesses of my own, my then-CEO, who had trained me in the art of making deals, Mr. Rodney Hecksher, who is of partly Nigerian and Irish origin, was such a dedicated and devoted employer of labour. So, I was exposed to business at a very early stage of my work life. I was the company’s legal adviser and his personal assistant for about two years, and in that position, I could see everything that my peers were not able to see. After I voluntarily resigned from my employment, I went ahead to set up my law firm, from which my other businesses came. Also, at a very early stage in my career, I realised that what most business people need is the funding capability to succeed in business. You can have different business ideas, but what is most important is the privilege of having the capacity to fund them to succeed. So, I made the decision to seek partners, and we set up a banking institution at a very early stage to support my business ideas so that I wouldn’t always have to speak too much grammar to secure funding.

Was that how Skye Bank came about?

There was Bond Bank before Skye Bank. I ventured into the banking business at the time, not as an employee, but as a part-owner. In those days, the value of the naira was reasonably good, so the requirement for capitalisation of a banking institution was initially set at N500 million and later N2 Billion when our license was granted. This system continued to change as productivity, and the value of our naira continued to decline, even though the economy continued to expand. I was, therefore, on the board of directors of Bond Bank Nigeria Ltd as a non-executive member. I’ve never worked in a bank as an employee. By this, I mean doing day-to-day work. I was on the board of the bank until 2005 when we merged with the group that eventually became Skye Bank Plc following regulatory intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

At the beginning of Skye Bank’s operation, I opted out of the board. At that time, I had a representation on the board, but later on, when I felt

When people refer to her as my ex-mistress, I hate to even hear it because it’s one of the darkest moments of my life. I regret ever meeting that lady. Initially, I was trying to manage the entire episode to protect my family, reputation and legacy. But it quickly became obvious to me that I was dealing with somebody who would go to any lengths to take advantage of and blackmail me with the support of her family. For someone like me, who often avoids social media drama because of the reputational fallout it raises for business both locally and internationally, I did not want anything that could negatively affect my image when checks are being cleared out.

I needed to watch over my investment, I rejoined the board. I came on the board sometime in 2008, and I can confidently say that we did very well for the institution at the time. In that, we grew the balance sheet very well and brought in good businesses. The bank grew profitably well because everybody, including staff, board members and other stakeholders, was very committed. Sometime in 2011, I was elected as the chairman of the bank. Looking back on those moments, I can authoritatively say there is politics in every aspect of human endeavour. One thing I used to say, and which I still maintain, is no matter how smart you might be, you can only see what is in front of you and hardly see what lies behind you. For instance, 90 per cent of the time, when a bank fails, the non-executive directors may not actually be aware of 99 per cent of the reasons that may have led to the failure. It always falls on the laps of the executive directors because, as a non-executive director, you can only know what the executives want you to know and see. However, no matter how much time you devote to watching—because you don’t earn income from the institution other than the so-called sitting allowance—you have your own primary responsibility of watching over your other business ventures that pay your bills; things tend to go wrong when it is least expected. Because our level of corporate governance in most institutions is still poor in this environment, there are a lot of corporate deceits that lead to corporate failures. In my career, I have seen a situation where credit has been designed from the very beginning to fail, and you will not know because they will lie to you about what the actual purpose of the credit is all about. I have seen a credit that was designed for real estate investment but made to look like it is a credit for an oil and gas business. When this is presented to you, and you sign off as a non-executive, that is the extent to which you may be aware. From that moment, the rest lies with the executives, as they are the ones who disburse the loans and manage the customers. So, it is the information they provide you that you will work with as a non-executive director.

So, are you saying politics led to the collapse of Skye Bank?

Well, to a large extent, maybe or maybe not. The point is that, as an experienced journalist, you would agree with me that if you hold a public office for one month, no matter how prudent or clean you might seem to appear, if the powers that be want to find something against you, they will surely do. The same thing applies to banking. If the regulators want to find you culpable for certain reasons, I can assure you that it will be very difficult for you to escape it. But there are some facts that are very difficult and unwise for me to share with you at this moment. I’m sure when I’m a bit older or retired from business, it’ll be much easier for me to do so.

But specifically on the story of the withdrawal of the licence of Skye Bank, I believe either someone else or myself will tell the real story one day. All I can say for now is simply the bank’s failure was not because we didn’t run the bank well or maybe we did not know what to do at the time. Neither was it that the bank was not doing well. It failed because the licence just had to be withdrawn, and it was withdrawn.

Away from banking and its politics, tell us about the back and forth between you and your so-called ex-mistress, Adaobi Alagwu. When people refer to her as my ex-mistress, I hate to even hear it because it’s one of the darkest moments of my life. I regret ever meeting that lady. Initially, I was trying to manage the entire episode to protect my family, reputation and legacy. But it quickly became obvious to me that I was dealing with somebody who would go to any length to take advantage and blackmail me with the support of her family. For someone like me, who often avoids social media drama because of the reputational fallout it raises for business both locally and internationally, I did not want anything that could negatively affect my image when checks are being cleared out. Unfortunately, characters like this lady know this, and they take advantage of that, believing that people like me cannot come out like them on social media platforms. However, sometimes, it

gets to a point where, as a man, you just have to come out and fight your battle, and that’s exactly what I had to do, and it’s what I’m still doing. Like I said earlier, it’s a regrettable episode for me, and I never wish such for even my enemy.

What do you mean? It never happened, or how?

She and her mother are desperate. I regret ever having anything to do with her and her entire family. I don’t even want to remember that period of my life. It is completely blocked out of my memory. Most people don’t understand what actually happened. I can tell you for a fact that I’m not an irresponsible person. With hindsight, when all this started, and I saw all the red flags, I should have just walked away. People should take it as a lesson from me. Once you discover that you are in a circle you shouldn’t be, just cut the line and just move on. Let the heavens fall if it has to fall. But I was trying to manage the situation, and I was doing things that ordinarily I shouldn’t have done, like providing maintenance, even helping with accommodation, and so on. Those things that I did out of the goodness of my heart were used to blackmail me, and that was why, at a point, I came out openly to say I did this, it’s all over, and I’m recovering everything that I can recover from her and her mother.

As we speak, the Magistrate Court in Dawaki, Abuja, on March 11, 2025, ruled to the effect that there was no marital affair between the lady and myself and that I am not responsible for her child. In any case, I was never the father. The child is not mine. It is, therefore, clear that the episode has ended. Now I’m back in court with her to recover my two houses from her and her mother, which they’re still occupying. It’s clear that people like them just like to reap where they did not sow. But this time, it will not work. They’ve been served the legal notice to immediately vacate my properties. What lessons have you learnt so far?

A very big lesson, and for the sake of my name, my children, my wife, and my legacy, I have learnt so much during this period that it is only good for people to watch very carefully before they make friends because I have also identified roles some of my friends had played during this period. Secondly, just stay focused, and there is no need for men to have a relationship that has no meaning and has no value in it. These sorts of relationships come with short moments of pleasure but with huge, devastating consequences. As a responsible man, you don’t need it. It was a distraction for me—especially when the person involved is one who can misbehave without thinking of the dire consequences of their actions. That is exactly what Adaobi did. From the bottom of my heart, I must thank my family very well because they stood by me, especially my wife and my children. At a point, I had to come clean to them; they understood, and to date, they still stand with me. Even though my actions were not permissible, they understood, and together, we’ve been able to weather the storm. Do you regret anything in all of these? My singular regret in all of this is the fact that I ever came across Adaobi Alagwu in my life. This is the reason why I have boldly taken all the steps you’ve read about, from the disclaimers in the national dailies to the letters to the Nigerian Immigration Service to the cease-and-desist letters to the sworn affidavit, and I am still involved in the legal process to recover my two properties from her and her mother. Looking back and seeing all the steps I have taken, I was taken aback when I saw reports online emanating from Ada and her cohorts online that my wife was behind the media reports, and it further dawned on me that I had gotten myself involved with a fellow I should not have gotten involved with in the first instance. Sometimes, when people feel insulted, they can use N1 million to fight to recover N10,000, not because you cannot overlook it, but because if people think you are stupid, you have to prove to them that you are not. I can promise you that she and her mother will not succeed in their bid to reap where they did not sow.

TundeAyeni

Bankers’ Award: Cardoso’s Monetary Reforms At CBN Recognized As Model For Africa

Ifeanyi onuba

When President Bola Tinubu appointed Olayemi Cardoso as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in September 2023, he faced an economy grappling with surging inflation, a volatile exchange rate, and waning investor confidence. Tasked with restoring macroeconomic stability and credibility to Nigeria’s financial system, Cardoso took swift action—ushering in a series of sweeping monetary and regulatory reforms that have since reshaped the country’s economic trajectory.

Less than two years into his tenure, those reforms are not only beginning to yield measurable results at home—they are also gaining recognition beyond Nigeria’s borders. At the 2025 African Banker Awards held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Cardoso was named Central Bank Governor of the Year, a testament to his “bold and strategic” leadership in stabilizing the naira, fostering transparency in the foreign exchange market, and restoring institutional credibility to the CBN.

A Mandate For Reform: Cardoso’s

Appointment Amid Crisis

Upon assumption of office, Cardoso faced a multitude of significant economic challenges that required immediate and decisive action. Nigeria’s inflation rate had surged to 33.88 per cent, up from 28.20 per cent at the start of the year. The persistent inflation was driven by rising fuel prices, exchange rate depreciation, and supply chain disruptions.

The naira experienced significant depreciation before Cardoso’s tenure. This depreciation was attributed to a backlog of over $7bn in unmet foreign exchange commitments and a fragmented exchange rate system

Prior to Cardoso’s appointment, the CBN had been financing government deficits through Ways and Means advances, which had reached an unsustainable level of N22.7tn by 2023. This practice undermined the CBN’s primary mandate of price stability and eroded market confidence.

Nigeria’s economy faced structural issues, including declining oil production, inadequate economic diversification, and infrastructure constraints. These factors contributed to a decline in government revenue and foreign exchange inflows, while public expenditures increased, leading to a deterioration in macroeconomic indicators.

The banking sector faced public skepticism regarding its transparency and efficiency, exacerbated by the complexities of post-pandemic recovery and global economic uncertainty.

Through targeted policies, transparent market operations, and stronger coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities, Cardoso outlined a pathway to a more stable exchange rate regime, lower inflation, and an overall more enabling environment for economic growth.

Barely 20 months into his tenure, Cardoso’s reform strategy, anchored on monetary tightening, foreign exchange market transparency, and improved financial governance, is taking shape. These efforts are laying the groundwork for lasting macroeconomic stability and ushering in a new era of transparency and investor confidence.

Key Reforms Reshaping Nigeria’s Monetary Framework

Since assuming office in 2023, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has introduced a series of far-reaching reforms aimed at stabilising the foreign exchange (FX) market, improving dollar liquidity, and restoring investor confidence. These reforms have been pivotal in addressing long-standing structural challenges and repositioning Nigeria’s monetary framework for long-term growth and stability. Key measures include:

Unifying Exchange Rates: Ending Arbitrage and Restoring Trust

One of the Governor’s first major policy decisions was the unification of Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates. Previously, the country operated various official and parallel market rates that encouraged arbitrage and reduced transparency. The CBN moved towards a single, market-determined exchange rate regime, allowing the naira to float more freely and better reflect market realities. This shift helped eliminate distortions, reduced speculation, and improved overall investor confidence in the FX system.

Clearing the Backlog: Restoring Credibility in Foreign Payments

The CBN under Cardoso’s leadership made

significant efforts to address the country’s outstanding foreign exchange obligations, estimated at over $7bn. Settling these backlogs—payments owed to airlines, manufacturers, and foreign investors—was critical to rebuilding trust in the Nigerian market. By honouring these obligations, the CBN sent a strong signal to international investors and trading partners about Nigeria’s commitment to financial transparency and stability.

A Freer FX Market: New Rules, Greater Transparency

Under Cardoso’s leadership, the CBN reintroduced the willing-buyer, willing-seller model to promote greater flexibility and reduce artificial controls in the FX market. This system allows buyers and sellers of foreign currency to negotiate rates freely, with minimal central interference. In tandem, the Bank occasionally intervenes in the market to manage excessive volatility, ensuring a balance between liberalisation and stability.

The model encourages price discovery and helps establish a more realistic valuation of the naira, while also attracting more participants into the formal FX market.

Another core reform involved scaling back excessive government intervention in foreign exchange pricing. By reducing administrative controls and allowing the naira to find its true market value, the CBN facilitated a more transparent and investor-friendly environment. This approach discourages rent-seeking behaviour and supports the development of a more robust and autonomous currency market.

Reviving Investor Interest: Policies That Attract Capital

To attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio inflows, the CBN adopted a series of measures to make Nigeria a more attractive destination for capital. These included raising benchmark interest rates to improve returns for investors, enhancing the ease of profit repatriation, and maintaining policy consistency to reassure the global financial community. These actions aimed to reverse capital flight and increase dollar inflows into the Nigerian economy.

Curbing Speculation: Strengthening Oversight In FX Markets

Recognizing the impact of speculators and unregulated actors on FX volatility, the CBN launched a crackdown on unethical practices in the market. It imposed tighter regulations on

Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and raised their minimum capital requirement to approximately N2bn to strengthen oversight and professionalism in the sector.

In January 2025, the Bank also introduced the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at promoting ethical conduct, professionalism, and transparency among authorised dealers. The FX Code ensured that all market participants operate with integrity and adhere to global best practices in currency trading.

Banking Sector Overhaul: Recapitalization For Resilience

In March last year, the CBN under Cardoso had announced new guidelines on its recapitalization policy for banks in the country, directing commercial banks with international authorization to increase their capital base to N500bn and national banks to N200bn. Commercial banks with national licenses must meet a N200bn threshold, while those with regional authorization are expected to achieve a N50bn capital floor.

Similarly, non-interest banks with national and regional authorizations would need to increase their capital to N20bn and N10bn, respectively.

The current capital base is stratified based on the type of banking license – banks with regional, national, and international licenses are currently expected to maintain the minimum capital bases.

The proposed increase in the capital base comes nearly two decades after the CBN’s 2004 banking reform, which increased the then-prevailing capital base from N2bn to N25bn.

The 2004 banking reform was characterised by massive mergers and acquisition activities, ultimately reducing the number of banks in the country from 89 to 25.

Signs Of Progress: Gains From Cardoso’s Reform Agenda

Collectively, these reforms have yielded significant gains. The FX market has become more transparent and efficient, dollar liquidity has improved, and foreign investor sentiment is gradually recovering.

The naira, while still subject to volatility, is now priced more realistically, and speculative pressure has eased.

More importantly, Governor Cardoso’s policy direction has re-established the credibility of the Central Bank and laid a firm foundation for macroeconomic resilience in the years ahead.

Just last month, the Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) announced a Balance of Payments (BOP) surplus of $6.83bn for the 2024 financial year, marking a decisive turnaround from deficits of $3.34bn in 2023 and $3.32bn in 2022.

This improvement reflects the impact of wideranging macroeconomic reforms, stronger trade performance, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

The current and capital account recorded a surplus of $17.22bn in 2024, underpinned by a goods trade surplus of $13.17bn, while petroleum imports declined by 23.2 per cent to $14.06bn. On the export side, gas exports rose by 48.3 per cent to $8.66bn, and non-oil exports increased by 24.6 per cent to $7.46bn. Remittance inflows remained resilient, with personal remittances rising by 8.9 per cent to $20.93bn.

International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) inflows surged by 43.5 per cent to $4.73bn, up from $3.30bn in 2023, reflecting stronger engagement from the Nigerians in diaspora.

The CBN stated that official development assistance also rose by 6.2 per cent to $3.37bn, with improved financial account and reserve position whch enabled Nigeria to record a net acquisition of financial assets totalling $12.12bn. Portfolio investment inflows more than doubled, increasing by 106.5 per cent to $13.35bn, while resident foreign currency holdings grew by $5.41bn, indicating stronger confidence in domestic economic stability.

The country’s external reserves increased by $6.0bn to $40.19bn by year-end 2024, bolstering its external buffer.

Recently, President Bola Tinubu disclosed that his administration had received over $30bn in commitments from foreign investors in less than two years of his administration, further demonstrating that his policies have yielded positive results, making the country increasingly attractive to domestic and international investors.

Essentially, the policy reforms and policy initiatives by Cardoso have led to more transparency in FX market operations as well as earned the apex financial regulatory institution improved ranking by global ranking agencies as well as commendations from the World Bank.

A Model for the Continent:

Cardoso’s Leadership Recognised

Last Tuesday, Cardoso was named the Central Bank Governor of the Year at the 2025 African Banker Awards Gala. The event was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The award, presented by African Banker magazine, recognizes Cardoso’s “bold and strategic” leadership in steering monetary and regulatory reforms that have restored stability and confidence in Nigeria’s financial system, according to event organizers.

The Awards Committee praised the Central Bank of Nigeria under Cardoso for implementing key policy measures aimed at stabilising the naira, improving transparency in the foreign exchange market, and re-establishing policy credibility.

The Committee noted that these efforts have laid the groundwork for long-term macroeconomic resilience and renewed investor confidence.

“The award reflects the Committee’s recognition of Governor Cardoso’s recent achievements and the Central Bank’s critical role in addressing market imbalances and repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth,” the organisers said.

The annual event draws senior figures from government, banking, and development finance institutions across the continent to celebrate excellence in African finance.

Rebuilding a Stronger Future: Nigeria’s Path to Stability

Cardoso’s tenure at the CBN marks a decisive break from past monetary approaches defined by opacity, inefficiency, and short-term fixes. Through deliberate reforms including exchange rate unification, improved foreign exchange governance, and stronger regulatory oversight, Cardoso has re-established the CBN’s credibility and restored confidence among investors and global partners.

The results speak for themselves: improved dollar liquidity, a strengthening of Nigeria’s external reserves, rising foreign inflows, and a historic balance of payments surplus. More importantly, these reforms have laid the foundation for long-term macroeconomic resilience, opening new pathways for sustainable growth in Africa’s largest economy. Cardoso’s recognition as Central Bank Governor of the Year is not just a personal accolade—it is an affirmation that Nigeria’s monetary reforms are setting a new standard for economic management on the continent. As the nation continues on its recovery path, the bold policy choices made today may well define Nigeria’s economic future for decades to come.

Yemi Cardoso

FEaturEs

Troops Reinforcement, Critical Combat Enablers and Nigerian Army’s Renewed Push against Asymmetric Threats in North-central

Following the recent massacre by the marauding herdsmen in Benue State, the Nigerian Army is taking decisive steps to stem the tide of violence in the state and North Central region. It was in response to these relentless wave of attacks on defenceless communities that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, recently deployed 300 additional troops and delivered critical combat enablers to the Joint Task Force of Operation WHIRL STROKE to enhance troop mobility, improve tactical agility, and increase operational reach, especially in remote and forested areas where many of the attacks are carried out. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that this renewed military push is targeted at breaking the cycle of killings, restore stability, and reassure displaced residents that they have not been abandoned

As communities across Benue and other parts of the North Central region battle deadly attacks by armed groups, the Nigerian Army is stepping up its response under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede.

In a significant intervention, the COAS has delivered vital combat enablers and deployed 300 additional troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE, a joint task force operating in one of Nigeria’s most volatile theatres.

The intervention came against the backdrop of recent violent attacks in rural areas—killings that have left families devastated, homes razed, and thousands displaced. Communities in parts of Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States have borne the brunt of these unrelenting assaults by armed herders and criminal gangs, heightening calls for urgent and effective military response.

For many residents of rural Benue, the past few months have been particularly harrowing. Villages in Gwer West, Guma, Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas have been repeatedly attacked, often in the early hours of the morning or late at night. The attackers—heavily armed and highly mobile—descend on farming communities, leaving trails of destruction in their wake.

Entire families have been wiped out in some of these attacks, while survivors now live in makeshift camps, fearful of returning home. Many farms have been abandoned, worsening the food insecurity in a region once known for its agricultural productivity.

The humanitarian toll is immense. In several internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across the state, thousands of women, children, and the elderly live in overcrowded conditions, with limited access to food, water, and healthcare.

Combat Assets Delivered to Benue

During a working visit to Benue State, the Army Chief presented a consignment of operational equipment to the troops at the Headquarters of

the Joint Task Force in Makurdi.

The items included over 100 motorcycles, Troop-Carrying Vehicles (TCVs), and personal protective equipment—all intended to enhance troop mobility, improve tactical agility, and increase operational reach, especially in remote and forested areas where many of the attacks are carried out.

The motorcycles are expected to play a particularly vital role, allowing soldiers to quickly respond to distress calls and navigate difficult terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible to larger vehicles. The protective gear, meanwhile, is aimed at safeguarding troops during high-risk engagements, while the TCVs will support rapid deployment and sustained presence in flashpoints.

Army Chief Condemns Attacks, Assures Residents of Protection

Speaking in Makurdi, General Oluyede expressed deep concern over the wave of killings that has continued to afflict the region. He extended condolences to families who have lost loved ones and reiterated the Army’s commitment to ending the bloodshed and restoring calm. His visit, he said, was not just to deliver equipment but to send a clear message to those behind the violence: that the Nigerian Army will not stand by while innocent civilians are slaughtered.

The COAS also paid a courtesy visit to the Benue State Government, where he again condemned the recent attacks and pledged intensified military operations. He assured that under his watch, the Army would act with resolve and purpose to dismantle the armed groups responsible for the carnage.

Strategic Review of Operations

Ordered

In response to the deteriorating security situation, General Oluyede directed the immediate review of operational frameworks guiding Operation WHIRL

STROKE. The objective, he explained, is to ensure that troop deployments are intelligence-led, flexible, and responsive to rapidly changing threats.

He emphasised the importance of reinforcing troop presence in the most vulnerable areas and maintaining close engagement with local communities to improve early warning systems.

This recalibration, according to military sources, will also focus on quicker mobilisation of units, more aggressive patrols, and improved coordination between different security agencies involved in the operation.

Force Commander Welcomes Timely Intervention

The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE expressed appreciation for the COAS’s intervention, describing it as timely and vital. The newly inducted assets and reinforcements, he said, would immediately be deployed to expand coverage and strengthen operational momentum.

According to the Commander, the current security threats require not just firepower but mobility, speed, and adaptability—attributes which the motorcycles and TCVs are expected to bring to the frontline. The added manpower will also help relieve over-stretched units and ensure more robust presence in rural communities previously left vulnerable to attack.

A Boost for Troop Morale

General Oluyede’s visit has had a visible impact on troop morale. His hands-on approach—engaging directly with soldiers and inspecting operational readiness—has sent a message of confidence and backing from the top. During his visit and subsequent delivery of critical enablers, troops were reminded that their sacrifices are recognised, and that the institution is actively investing in their safety and success.

The COAS emphasised that the military’s mandate was not simply to chase after attackers after the fact, but to create and maintain secure conditions where communities can live without fear. He urged commanders to strengthen communication with local residents, enhance surveillance, and act swiftly on actionable intelligence.

Since assuming office, Lieutenant General Oluyede has demonstrated a clear focus on internal security operations, particularly in areas worst hit by insurgency, banditry and communal violence. His leadership style—grounded in visibility, responsiveness, and strategic reform—has already begun to reshape operations across multiple theatres. From the North East to the Middle Belt, his administration has prioritised mobility, rapid deployment, and coordination between ground troops and intelligence assets. The latest reinforcements to WHIRL STROKE form part of this broader national framework aimed at curbing insecurity through adaptable, well-equipped and well-supported forces.

Communities Still Await Justice

Despite the latest intervention, residents continue to demand accountability for years of violence that have claimed thousands of lives. Many point to the lack of arrests and prosecutions, and the ease with which attackers seem to move across state lines. While the Army’s renewed efforts have been welcomed, civil society groups and traditional leaders are calling for a more holistic approach—one that combines security operations with justice, reconciliation, and long-term peacebuilding. For displaced families, the ultimate test of success will not be military hardware alone, but the ability to return to their homes and rebuild without fear of another attack.

Betting on their Army

While the killings in Benue and the wider North Central are a national tragedy that has lingered for too long, with his recent visit and intervention, General Oluyede has taken a step that many hope marks a turning point as the arrival of combat enablers and new troops has raised hopes in a region that has seen too many false dawns. Many stakeholders believe that this will translate into lasting peace will depend not only on the Army’s effectiveness in the field but also on continued political will, community cooperation, and a justice system capable of holding the perpetrators accountable. For now, though, the people of Benue and the region are placing their faith on their army.

A Broader Security Shift Under Lt. Gen. Oluyede

The over 100 motorcycles, Troop-Carrying Vehicles (TCVs), and personal protective equipment delivered by COAS to troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, with the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, after he paid a courtesy visit to the state government

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, addressing troops

Commissioning of the newly Constructed Road from A2 Junction (Abuja – Lokoja Road) to Pai Town, Kwali Area Council, FCT

R-L: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje and Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud

R-L: Publisher of This Nigeria newspapers, Eric Osagie, PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, Senator Philip Aduda and Abaji Area Council Chairman, Abubakar Umar Abdullahi

R-L: FCDA Ag. ES, Engr Richard Dauda, FCT Head of Service, Mrs Grace Adayilo, Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, Coordinator, STDD, Hon Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Chairman of Zeberced Group, Alhaji Sani Sambo and MD, Aidel Aiden Kurt

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago and APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje

Kwali Area Council Chairman, Hon. Danladi Chiya, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Barau Jibrin and MD of Zeberced Group, Aidel Aiden Kurt

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, delivering his address

Traditional Rulers

R-L: Former Governors of Abia, Benue and Enugu States, Okezie Ikpeazu, Samuel Ortom and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Professor Adibe

Mr Project takes a bow before Mr President

R-L: Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, MD of Zeberced Group, Aidel Aiden Kurt, APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Minister of Justice and AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Despite Stunted Output Growth, Nigeria Rakes in N70tn Revenue from Oil Export

In spite of the many challenges besetting Nigeria’s struggling oil and gas sector, the country’s revenue from the sector rose to N70.1 trillion in 15 months, spanning January 2024 to March 2025.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reviewed by THISDAY showed that despite the multiple setbacks, ranging from crude theft to underinvestment, Nigeria managed to sustain a strong export drive, driven in part by moderately high global commodity prices.

According to the NBS data, total exports for the 15-month period stood at N70.1 trillion, marking a notable increase from preceding cycles, and underlining the complex dynamics

shaping Nigeria’s economy at a time when oil output, the traditional backbone of the economy, continues to underwhelm.

The significant export sales revenue is coming despite Nigeria hovering just below the country’s official Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota averaging 1.4 million bpd for much of the period under review.

On a brighter note, Brent crude prices averaged $80 per barrel during much of the period in question, buoyed by geopolitical tensions and coordinated production cuts by oil-producing countries. That, coupled with the depreciating naira, which makes exports more attractive, played a significant role in boosting export figures in naira terms.

According to an analysis of the NBS data, exports trade in the first quarter of 2024 was dominated by crude oil exports valued at N15.49 trillion representing 80.80 per cent of total exports from January to March of last year.

In the same vein, in the second quarter of 2024, Nigeria’s crude oil exports were valued at N14.56 trillion, representing 74.98 per cent of the country’s total exports. However, this figure was a decrease of 5.99 per cent compared to the N15.49 trillion in the first quarter of 2024, but a substantial increase of 190.86 per cent compared with N5.01 trillion in the second quarter of 2023.

Besides, in Q3 2024, Nigeria’s crude oil exports were valued at N13.406 trillion. The figure

represented 65.44 per cent of the country’s total exports for the quarter, according to the statistics bureau.

In Q4 2024, Nigeria’s crude oil exports were valued at N13.78 trillion. This represented a 33.68 per cent increase from Q4 2023, which was N10.31 trillion and a 2.81 per cent increase from Q3 2024, which was N13.41 trillion, according to the NBS.

For that quarter, crude oil accounted for 68.87 per cent of Nigeria’s total exports during that period.

Finally, although Nigeria’s crude oil exports fell in the first quarter of 2025, totaling approximately N12.96 trillion ($9.2 billion), marking a 16.3 per cent decline compared to N15.49 trillion ($11 billion) in Q1 2024, and a 6 per cent drop from N13.78 trillion

($9.8 billion) recorded in Q4 2024, it was nevertheless a good showing for the country.

Despite the upbeat tone of the export data under the current administration, oil remains the central pillar of Nigeria’s external earnings as worries over the country’s significant dependence on a single commodity persist.

It is believed that this dominance comes with risks. A recent report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) warned that the country’s overreliance on oil earnings in a volatile global energy market remains a fiscal danger.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, continues to struggle with stagnant crude production

despite abundant reserves and rising global demand. Even with intermittent recoveries, the country has rarely sustained output above 1.5 million bpd, excluding condensate, in recent years.

The country holds over 37 billion barrels of proven crude reserves and about 200 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) of natural gas. Yet, production remains erratic, constrained by issues that reach deep into the country’s energy infrastructure and governance systems.

Although there have been recent modest signs of recovery, these gains remain fragile, being the outcome of years of structural neglect and policy inertia, as the global energy market continues to shift rapidly.

Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea Ink Deal on Gas Project Execution

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

In a significant milestone for regional cooperation, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea have signed a joint communiqué outlining the roadmap for the implementation of the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline (GOGGP) Project Treaty.

The communique was signed by the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining

Development, Antonio Oburu Ondo, at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC Towers in Abuja.

Both ministers reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the full implementation of the GOGGP Treaty, a significant regional project for economic growth, energy security, and industrial development, a statement by Ekpo’s spokesman, Louis Ibah, said.

The parties agreed to establish a Joint Steering Committee and Sub-Committee on Gas Supply, with

membership drawn from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The other side comprised the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea (SONAGAS) and the Project developer, Gas Invest Limited / Amitee Global with the mandate to source gas supply as well as incorporation of holding and pipeline

companies for the project.

The Roadmap included the finalisation of the International Project Agreement (IPA), ratification and deposit of the project institutional documents with the United Nations, inauguration of inter-institutional committees, and establishment of sub-committees as provided under the Treaty.

Ekpo said the GOGGP Treaty representee a shared economic vision and a bond of trust between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, stressing the

importance of implementing the Treaty with legality, mutual respect, and transparency and ensuring compliance with constitutional processes.

The treaty, he noted, is not just a political commitment but a national obligation to the people and future generations.

On behalf of Nigeria, Ekpo reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the project’s success and readiness to collaborate with Equatorial Guinea to meet all necessary legal and procedural requirements. Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development, Ondo, welcomed the progress made on the GOGGP project during the Abuja meeting, noting that the project would strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Ondo urged the joint committee overseeing the project’s implementation to work diligently, transparently, and with utmost integrity to meet the set deadlines.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria First: SON Parleys Manufacturers on Roofing Sheet Standards, Warn Defaulters

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned against the production and importation of substandard aluminum and roofing sheets, saying that defaulters risk prosecution.

The warning was delivered on Friday by the Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, at a stakeholders’ forum held in Lagos with the theme: “Boosting the Building Industry Value Chain With Standard roofing Sheets.”

Represented by the Director of Corporate Affairs of SON, Mrs Talatu Ethan, he said that the move has become urgent with the Nigeria First policy of the federal

government, which required the prioritisation of locally made goods and services.

Okeke said: “We have intensified market surveillance exercise in the building material sector. We have carried out several raids and initiated prosecution where necessary to serve as deterrent.”

He said that roofing sheets are not just construction materials, rather”they are the final protective barriers that improve the durability, efficiency and beauty of any building”

He added: “Whether in urban centres or rural communities, roofing remains a defining investment that one should never play with. It should deliver peace of mind to homeowners, developers

NEITI Seeks Debt Justice, Equitable Climate Financing

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has set the agenda for the forthcoming international conference on financing for development in Spain, urging delegates to canvass for debt justice and equitable financing.

Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, stated this in Abuja at the National Dialogue on Financing for Development in Nigeria organised by ActionAid Nigeria, a statement by the Deputy Director, Communication and Stakeholders Management, Chris Ochonu, stressed.

Orji emphasised the need for delegates to be guided by welldefined national interests and speak with a unified voice, noting that the current global economic order is rapidly evolving.

He urged the delegates to canvass for: Redefinition of

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development financing rules; champion debt justice and fiscal sovereignty; advance equitable climate financing; support reform of international financial institutions and promotion of EITI’s global resource mobilisation agenda.

He appealed to the delegates to: “Advocate for a more just global tax regime that curbs illicit financial flows, closes loopholes exploited by multinational corporations, and protects the tax base of developing resource-rich countries”.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria. Dr. Andrew Mamedu stated that the upcoming Conference in Seville Spain presents a vital opportunity to advocate for reforms that center on domestic resource mobilization, financial accountability and inclusive economic growth.

Represented by the Governance Manager, ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Celestine Odo, he stated that the world must push for practical, people-oriented solutions grounded in justice, equity and the living realities of Nigerians.

and infrastructural investors.”

Okeke said that SON is alert on its mandate of developing standards that would improve the quality of products and services in Nigeria.

He stated that this could be achieved by developing the parameters for manufacturers in the production of products and services.

In his remark, the Director

General of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who was represented by Mr. Joseph Imoleke, said that manufacturers are exceptionally patriotic.

Ajayi-Jadir said because of their love for creating jobs through manufacturing, manufacturers have ignored sectors with quick returns on investments and opted to invest in manufacturing.

The Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) is set to hold its 2025 summit on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.

This year’s theme, “Marine Debris: The Danger Ahead,” highlights the urgent need to address the crisis of marine debris and its burgeoning threat to the maritime industry, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.

The summit will gather industry leaders, environmental experts, policymakers, and stakeholders

from across the sector to explore the multifaceted challenges posed by marine debris.

With studies indicating that millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans annually, the implications for marine life, human health, and economic stability are dire. This summit aims to facilitate dialogue, share knowledge, and build collaborative strategies to combat marine pollution effectively.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E Adegboyega Oyetola CON is the special guest of honour, while the President,

National Association of Master Mariners, Capt. Tajudeen Alao is the guest speaker. Other guests of honour expected to grace the event are; Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah and the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, among others.

To Reduce Opacity, NUPRC

Dike Onwuamaeze

Olam Agri has entered a strategic partnership with the IDH and Arzikin Noma that would empower and improve the productivity of 5,000 smallholder farmers across soybean-growing communities in Kwara State.

The partnership is aimed at unlocking the potential of smallholder soybean farmers, particularly women and young people, through a comprehensive support programme. This empowerment would be delivered through the provision of credit facilities for farming inputs, mechanisation support, financial access, training in sustainable

President SCAN, Moses Ebosele, said as an association dedicated to promoting sustainable practices within Nigeria’s maritime sector, SCAN is committed to raising awareness about the challenges posed by marine debris. He said: “The growing prevalence of marine debris is not just an environmental issue; it is a socioeconomic threat that can undermine the very foundations of our maritime industry and coastal communities. Through this summit, we seek to unite all stakeholders in addressing this challenge head-on.”

Issues New Guidelines for

Export Dangers Of Marine Debris Tops Agenda At SCAN 2025 Summit

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the release of new guidelines for the advanced cargo declaration regime, a move aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s crude oil and petroleum exports.

The guidelines issued under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, 2024, are designed to establish a robust framework for declaring and tracking crude oil and petroleum product exports from Nigeria, a recent statement from the commission said.

It will also ensure the monitoring and accounting for the movement

of crude oil within the country, preventing disruptions, theft and under-declaration at export terminals and making sure that only certified and measured products are exported, supporting accurate revenue generation for the government.

The review endorsed by the Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, stated that the new regulations apply to all licences and leases granted or preserved under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, covering crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and petroleum products exported from all terminals and export points in Nigeria.

Under the revised regime,

Olam Agri Partners IDH, Arzikin Noma to Boost Soybean Production in Nigeria

practices, and crucial market linkage.

Olan Agri said that market access is crucial for empowering smallholder farmers and driving sustainable agricultural growth, adding that “this partnership will strengthen local agricultural productivity and also lay the groundwork for long-term farmer resilience and prosperity.”

Speaking on the partnership, Country Director at IDH, Eniola Fabusoro, said: “We are excited to partner with Olam Agri and Arzikin Noma to boost productivity across the soybean value chain in Kwara State, Nigeria.

“This partnership exemplifies our approach of bridging the

gap between large corporations and smallholder farmers through local partners. By combining our networks, resources, and field experience with proven SMEs like Arzikin Noma, we can transform supply chains while ensuring measurable impact for 5,000 farmers and long-term value for all stakeholders.

Speaking in the same vein, the Managing Director of Arzikin Noma, Adeoluwa Adeshola, said, “Our commitment to food security and sustainable farming remains strong. This partnership in Kwara will raise both the quality and quantity of soybean produced locally, and we are proud to play a role in driving that progress.”

Oil, Gas

exporters must obtain an export permit, vessel clearance and a Unique Identification Number (UIN) through the NUPRC’s online platforms before any shipment.

“The Commission will validate the identity of exporters and verify export volumes before issuing clearance notifications, which will be embedded with a UIN for tracking. All relevant export documents, including the Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin and cargo manifest, must reference the UIN, ensuring traceability and compliance.

“The NUPRC’s Advance Cargo Declaration Portal is a real-time, technology-driven system that integrates seamlessly with other government export systems,

allowing for real-time tracking and reconciliation of crude oil exports, immediate upload of export documentation within 24 hours of cargo loading and enhanced data integrity and transparency across the export chain,” the statement added.

According to the statement, the guidelines also empower the NUPRC to refuse vessel clearance applications that are incomplete, inadequately documented, or contain false information.

In addition, exporters found to be in violation may face administrative fines and sanctions, a move the commission said reinforces its commitment to regulatory compliance and sector integrity.

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19 June-2025, unless otherwise stated.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Stanbic IBTC,PAU Collaborate on Female Entrepreneurs’Empowerment, Capacity Building

Dike

Onwuamaeze

The Stanbic IBTC Group, in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Africa University, last weekend hosted the Bloom Weekend meant to empower female entrepreneurs’ through training and capacity development that would bolster their businesses.

The Head, Enterprise, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Ms. Jumoke Bello, said that the Bloom Weekend with the theme “Bloom Into More,” is to empower women through entrepreneurial training and showcasing them on a platform that connect them to other women whom they could network and engage with to grow.

Bello said: “It is for us to work together to support women; to promote women and empower women entrepreneurs and women businesses. We

use this to support, empower and celebrate women to enable them to thrive and prosper, which is the main reason we are here.”

The Lead, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning, EDC, Dr. Stanley Ibeko, harped on the need to provide capacity training to women entrepreneurs on how to structure and manage their businesses.

Ibeko said: “We believe in the power of finance. We believe in the power of sound financial advice and all that. But not just finance is important for you to grow and scale your business, you also need to know about business structure, how to be able to market your product by making your services and products ready for the market in addition to accessing the right type of market.”

The Deputy Chief Executive,

Stanbic IBTC Bank, Ms. Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, said that the Bloom Weekend was an occasion to guide and support female startup businesses and SMEs on their growth path through financial empowerment and capacity enhancement.

She said: “But we have learnt that as they grow their business if you do not put other structures to support them that growth will get mismanaged. So, putting support structure has seen them sustaining that growth.”

Commenting on the Ladies at the Table Empowerment Series (LATTES), which ran as part of the Bloom Weekend, the Executive Director of Operations, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Ms. Lara Osunsoko, said that LATTES is meant to create a safe space where women could lead conversations about their future.

Sofri Unveils Revamped App Platform to Drive ESG Principles

Oluchi Chibuzor

Sofri, a technology and purpose-driven financial institution, powered by Links Microfinance Bank, has announced a significant revamping of its digital app platform aimed at making banking simpler, inclusive, and impactful.

As part of the process the firm emphasised that they are embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into their lending and operational models — from offering green financing options, to supporting wasteto-wealth entrepreneurs, and making inclusive finance part of Nigeria’s circular economy.

Speaking in Lagos recently, the Managing Director, Sofri,

Paul Adebayo, said that the revamp highlights Sofri’s commitment to enhancing the banking experience for individuals and businesses across Nigeria, with a strong focus on societal well-being and environmental sustainability.

According to him, “The motivation behind this comprehensive overhaul was to address previous challenges and re-engineer processes to deliver a more robust and efficient service.

Sofri’s core values of dignity, inclusion, and hope underpin all its operations, focusing not just on financial metrics but on the lives they touch.

“A key highlight of the relaunch is the introduction of several upgraded features

like revamped mobile app: the new mobile application offers faster onboarding, a cleaner interface, and the ability for customers to instantly apply for and receive loans. This aims to simplify traditional banking for individuals.

“Another key change is out corporate internet banking portal designed for small and medium-scale businesses, this portal enables secure payments, direct transfers, payroll processing, and enhanced account management, reducing the reliance on sending instructions to the bank.”

Speaking, General Manager of Sofri Powered By Links Microfinance Bank, Frank Ayala, said a pilot test is currently underway with

IT Horizons Sponsors Free Medical Outreach in Ogun Community

Sunday Ehigiator

As part of its commitment to promoting community well-being through technology and innovation, IT Horizons, in partnership with ShepherdHill Healthcare Initiative, recently sponsored a free medical outreach in the Magboro community, Ogun State.

This impactful CSR initiative provided residents with access to essential health services, expert consultations, and preventive care education. The outreach featured comprehensive health education sessions focused on hygiene, nutrition, lifestyle diseases, and preventive care. Residents also benefited from

general health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar checks, eye tests, and BMI assessments.

Medical professionals conducted one-on-one consultations, offering diagnoses and health advice, followed by on-site distribution of prescribed medications. To ensure continuity of care, patients were registered, and basic records were documented for follow-up.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer, IT Horizons, Mr. Olusegun Enitan Dada, expressed the company’s deep sense of responsibility to support the health and well-being of its surrounding communities.

“At IT Horizons, we understand

that sustainable development starts with healthy communities. Through this outreach, we are not only giving back—we are building stronger, healthier foundations for the future. This is one of many ways we continue to use our resources and expertise to create real impact.”

Also commenting on the partnership, the Founder, ShepherdHill Healthcare Initiative, Mrs. Odeyemi Toyin, noted that, “This collaboration with IT Horizons enabled us to extend critical healthcare services to a community that has long needed support. We are grateful for IT Horizons’ sponsorship and for recognising that Corporate Social Responsibility must also address health equity.”

Sarsoli Industries Championing Africa’s Role in Global Plastics Innovation

This October, from 8th to 15th, the global plastics and rubber industry will reconvene in Düsseldorf, Germany for K 2025, the world’s biggest trade fair for plastics innovation, under the theme “The Power of Plastics: Green, Smart, Responsible.” Renowned for driving industrial transformation, K is set to break new ground this year with an ambitious agenda centred on the circular economy, digitalisation, and humancentred manufacturing.

Held every three years at Messe Düsseldorf, the K Fair brings together over 3,000 exhibitors and 220,000 visitors from more than 160 countries. It provides a global stage for product launches, technical exchange, and policy dialogue that shape the future of plastics. Among the industries it attracts is Nigeria’s petrochemical value chain, drawing hundreds of representatives and stakeholders.

“K has consistently delivered exposure and real

industry relevance, connecting us with decision-makers who understand innovation, value sustainability, and shape the future of plastics,” said Jaiprakash Changrani, Managing Director of Sarsoli Industries. “Our continued presence at K reflects our belief that Africa, particularly Nigeria, has a critical voice in that dialogue. This year, we’re proud to again contribute West Africa’s perspective to the global movement toward circularity, digital transformation, and inclusive trade.”

(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE)

Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Toyin Olajide; Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema; and Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs Ejiro Eghagha all of Air Peace during a media parley by Dr Allen Onyema with Aviation Correspondents held at Air Peace Headquarters, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos...recently..

Neimeth Shareholders Commend 103% Revenue Growth in 2024FY

Kayode Tokede

The shareholders of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, yesterday have said that the company now stands on the good stead to make profits and will soon begin to give dividends.

Various shareholders who spoke at the 66th Annual General Meeting of the company were of the view that the performance of the company has improved to the level that gives confidence

that it shall return to profitability very soon.

Neimeth achieved a 103per cent revenue growth during the 2024 financial year despite the daunting environmental challenges in 2024 according to the chairman of the company, Mr. Christopher Oshiafi.

Presenting the 2024 financial year report to shareholders at the AGM in Lagos. Oshiafi said that the total sales of the company rose to N4. 485 billion in 2024 as

against N2.209 billion in 2023 .

He attributed this growth to an invigorated sales volume drive.

Gross profit jumped by 167per cent from N734.070 million to N1.957 billion. Operating Profit changed from a loss of N1.021 billion in 2023, to a profit of N18.886 million in 2024 a 102per cent positive growth.

During the 2024 financial year, several cost management measures adopted by management yielded good results. For instance

despite the 10per cent increase in sales revenue, marketing and distribution expenses fell by 14per cent from N792.382 million to N628.176 million. In a similar vein, administrative expenses fell by 28per cent from N868.115 million to N628.176 million.

However finance cost rose by 32 per cent from N667.948 million to N873.320 million.

A 41per cent increase in foreign exchange losses from N1.459 billion to N2.047 billion changed

the narrative to a loss before tax (LBT) of N854.434 million and loss after tax (LAT) of N885.333 million for the year.

Compared to LBT of N1.689 billion and LAT of N1.797 billion in 2023, the company’s performance in 2024 was indeed excellent, Oshiafi said.

Also speaking at the AGM, the Managing Director/Chef Executive of the company. Pharm. Valentine Okelu said Neimeth experienced a significant recovery

in its operations, positioning as one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical companies on Nigerian Exchanges Limited (NGX) in 2024.

“The full year reports and accounts show a strong growth outlook driven by fundamental improvements in our business.

“Our emphasis on cost efficiency and effective routeto-market strategies resulted in all-round operational enhancements,” OKelu said.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE/23/25

Digital Asset Markets

with Nicky Okoye ( digitalassets@anabelgroup.com )

The Five Pillars of the Next One Hundred Trillion Dollars

Nicky Okoye discusses the strategic impact of digital asset markets in the growth and dynamics of the global markets and dives deep into the monumental forces that are driving the growth of the next hundred trillion dollars in global GDP. In this series of essays, policy makers, legislators, enterprise executives and investors can gain strategic positioning variables as they unfold in real time.

If you have been following this series, in my third article I mentioned that the global economy as measured by nominal GDP is projected to grow to over two hundred trillion dollars over the next twenty five years. I have taken the time to outline the core pillars that will not only drive this growth but will also determine the winners and losers, especially as Nation States position for the future. In the following text, I will define why I think these five pillars are extremely important pillars for Nation Building. In addition, I make the case that these five pillars, if used carefully, can guide strategy design which will reposition our Nations, as well as stimulate policy that itself will be used to ensure value is extracted on behalf of all our people for the foreseeable future.

The five Pillars of the Next One Hundred Trillion Dollars explained in brief:

1. Global Population Growth: This matrix will guide Leaders to study the growth patterns of the World’s geographical populations. Data will indicate where the new markets will be and where the new centres of global productivity will also be. Global population growth patterns will define and determine National purchasing power, consumer trends and economic market dynamics over the long term. Productive populations with high growth rates will be winners in the Next one Hundred Trillion Dollars.

2. Digital Asset Markets Strategy: All leaders today and leaders in the future will need to understand the driving forces behind the digital asset markets in explicit detail. Many African leaders, have up till now, somehow gotten away with not developing effective capital markets for their economies. However they will not be able to ignore the digital asset markets, no matter how lame or disconnected we wish to be. Valuations of National assets, valuations of nation states and even enterprise balance sheets will all be affected by the way digital asset classes are treated and represented in the future. Currently only fifteen African Nations out of fifty four Nations, have effective capital markets operating within their economies. And even for these fifteen, their capital markets are mostly illiquid, weak and ineffective for wealth distribution and capital formation.

3. China Strategy: Making the Case for China has been an exciting experience for me. It is clear that most of the World sees the new role China is playing from different vantage points. In geopolitics, China has gained monumental influence among Nation states. However more importantly, China is hitting the ball out of the ball park in global output, exports, industrial value chains etc. China is currently blasting on all sixteen cylinders, and so for Nigeria and Africa, the best advice would be for us to study China, learn from them and position ourselves for the future. A China Strategy for Nigeria, or for Nigerian Industry and by extension for Africa as a whole, will be most fundamental to positioning in the industrialized global ecosystems of the 21st century.

4. Africa Content Strategy: African Leaders must understand and adopt what I call an “AFRICA CONTENT STRATEGY” for the future, if we will be able to position for the Next One Hundred Trillion Dollars in global GDP. Making the Case for Africa Content will involve leaders at all levels to better understand and embrace this concept. In my thesis, African Content refers to Africa’s human capacity, African technology, Africa’s rare earth minerals, Africa’s processing capacity for agricultural products, Africa’s livestock etc. African content can already be found in most value chains in several industries across the World. Our job as leaders is to make sure that every industrial value chain for the foreseeable future contents an aspect of Africa’s content within the value chain mix that will ultimately

benefit the African people and create new jobs on a monumental scale. In addition, Africa’s digital asset classes and future digital asset markets will have to take a centre stage in filling the funding gap for Africa’s development, as Africa’s asset bases are already playing major roles in global development, without the resultant benefit to African Nations. This double standard that does not benefit the African people and the African continent will be eliminated once we adopt an African Content Strategy for all African and Caribbean Nation States.

5. Technology and Innovation: Nothing has demonstrated over the years to be more important in National Development, economic development or raising the standards of living of the citizens of a nation state than access to cutting edge technologies. To be honest as I have continued to maintain, access to 21st century technologies, will define the winners and losers in the 21st century, especially as it relates to the next one hundred trillion dollars in global GDP. I have studied many nation states and their rise to power and dominance, it has always been their access to technologies and in many cases that access being very exclusive, that made the difference. This is true for the way in which the British Empire became a Maritime powerhouse, overtaking the Dutch empire in ship building technology. It was technology that gave the United States the edge in the pacific conflicts during the second World war, eventually we saw the United States drop the first atomic bomb on two Japanese Cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is currently technology that has given China the edge in its rapid rise to World economic dominance, for which it is currently leading the World in several industrial segments and value chains. Positioning for access to 21st century technologies will take several directions, including but not limited to human capacity development, innovation in machine design, machine learning, exchange programs, and extensive incentives for a preference in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) education.

Global Population Growth

According to Statista, Nigeria will have almost 80% of the population of China by the year 2100. So whereas China’s population is expected to hover at just over one billion people (1 b) for 2100, Nigeria’s population is

projected to grow to well over seven hundred and ninety million (790 m) people, by the year 2100. The growth of a Nation’s population translates to two things, first it means that the Nation State has access to monumental numbers which can boost its productive base. Second thing is that once you have a population that is productive your nation transforms into a global marketplace. This means that local suppliers and local corporations can build wealth by simply supplying goods and services to the local population. The large population growth also gives leaders and nation builders the unique opportunity to reposition the Nation State as a global production base. In a recent projection by Goldman Sachs analysts, they declared that Nigeria’s economy will grow to the fifth economy in the entire World by 2075. The Goldman Sachs analysts projected Nigeria’s nominal GDP to hit $13.1 trillion by 2075, this obviously means that GDP PPP will be much higher.

In studying the growth of our local population, we can define three areas that Nigerian Leaders must take into account. These include:

a. The demographics of the population. For Africa and Nigeria, our demographics are very positive. Nigeria’s youth bulge is very healthy, effectively we are considered a young population. Over 60% of Nigerians are under the age of 35. A young population is a major advantage for several reasons. The younger working class can carry the burden of productivity for much longer. Whereas those Nations with an ageing populations, cannot expect to depend on those aging people to pay taxes or provide the productivity that is required to carry the economy, Nations in this situation include but are not limited to Japan and most of the OECD Nations.

b. The education and capacity of the population. The advantages of having a very positive demographic population can be undermined by having an uneducated population. The more the World digitises, the more educated the population must be. So African and Nigerian Leaders who seek to position their Nation States in respect to the projected one hundred trillion dollars growth in global GDP, they must invest heavily in education. This is not a simplistic approach to educating the population, it requires an overall human capacity development strategy which must be designed to expand the skills of the most productive population in terms of STEM and other areas that are in demand in the 21st century.

c. The Leadership of the people. The role of Leadership cannot be overemphasised. The leaders and nation builders must set the pace, set the direction and take the lead. The growth of the young population is happening, so how do we get the advantages of the young people? The answer is Leadership. “Thought leaders” are as important and even more effective in some cases as “political leaders”. In this respect Nation states must design and develop the environment for the expansion of “thought leadership” on a consistent basis. There are key areas where I advocate that Nigeria can position today for our young population:

i. Artificial intelligence labs in every University and placed in several selected special secondary schools.

ii. STEM exchange programs for all Nigerian universities with selected Chinese Universities.

iii. Special endowments for the most talented researchers and teachers from all over the World to spend sabbatical leave tenors at selected Nigerian Universities.

iv. Special programs for Africa’s Diaspora to participate in education, medical services and enterprise development across Nigeria and Africa.

v. An Africa wide program for qualification, validation and integration of global skills.

•Nicky Okoye Global Investment Advisor

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Tinubu’s Kaduna Visit and Embodied Ethos of Transformational Leadership

Auwalu Jamilu writes that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state used the recent one-day official visit of President Bola Tinubu to show case his transformational leadership in the state in the last two years.

On Thursday, 19th June, 2025, the ancient, yet forward-leaning, city of Kaduna bore witness to more than the customary grandeur of a presidential visit. It was a day when oratory met achievement, when symbolism danced with substance, and when the resonant ideals of governance found embodiment in bricks, steel, and the silent dignity of renewed trust.

President Bola Tinubu’s journey to Kaduna was not merely a federal visitation to a constituent state; it was, in essence, a pilgrimage to a rising citadel of progress — a state undergoing not just development, but transformation. And at the heart of this metamorphosis stood Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, whose stewardship has become a canvas for the artistry of good governance.

In a nation too often starved of sustainable narratives, Kaduna has quietly emerged as a bastion of intentional leadership, where peace is not a platitude but policy, and where the echoes of resilience reverberate through newly constructed roads, reopened schools, and thriving farmlands once desolate with despair. The President’s visit was not only to inaugurate infrastructure but to consecrate progress — to stamp federal endorsement upon a model that blends the soul of empathy with the sinew of strategic reform.

At Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area, the inauguration of the Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development signified more than an architectural feat.

It announced a generational covenant — a sacred promise that the youth of Kaduna shall no longer be bystanders in the economy of their

future. With the Vocational Training and Skills Development Institute replicated across Rigachikun, Soba, and the historically vibrant Samarun Kataf, this initiative transcends the limitations of mere education. It seeks to re-engineer the human resource fabric of Kaduna State, equipping young minds with globally relevant skills under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and certifications from Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and Huawei. It is a movement

from dependence to dignity, from stagnation to skilled self-sufficiency. Yet, the story of Kaduna’s reawakening is not only found in steelwork and certificates. It is equally written in the hearts of its people, who have emerged from the shadows of insecurity into the dawn of communal harmony.

As Governor Sani noted with an eloquence that sprang not from political choreography but from lived conviction, “When we assumed office in 2023, Kaduna was a state under siege.” His recollection was not apocalyptic but factual — an

honest admission that lends greater glory to the progress now evident. Villages once reduced to silence by the specter of banditry now echo with laughter, markets have burst again into colourful commerce, and roads previously deserted are once more veins of vitality.

-Dr Jamilu writes from Kawo, Kaduna.

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

Umo Eno, ADA and Politics of 2027

Etim Etim writes about the prospects of a new political association, all Democratic alliance, which submitted its application for registration to the Independent National Electoral Commission few days before the reception held in Uyo last Saturday to formally welcome Governor Umo Eno of akwa Ibom State to the ruling all Progressives Congress.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State was formally received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, June 21, 2025 in a huge rally in Uyo; attended by dignitaries from across the country, including Vice President Kashim Shetima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; 21 APC governors; NWC members and other party chieftains.

The 30,000-capacity football stadium was full to capacity with overflow swarming adjoining streets. No fewer than 30 private jets were parked at the airport on the outskirts of Uyo as at 1.30 pm when the event began at the stadium. APC now has 22 governors, four of whom are in the South-South region – an unexpected turn of events for a party founded 12 years ago. Home to the nation’s hydrocarbons resources, the region has traditionally been voting right of the center since Second Republic. Eno’s defection is therefore a hugely courageous move, a major shift in Akwa Ibom politics and a further boost to the re-election chance of President Tinubu who is facing a drop in approval rating in the northern part of the country.

Eno’s movement into APC has been widely received by Akwa Ibom people because of the expected benefits which the governor laid out in his emotional speech at the rally.

Said he: ‘’For over 30 years, Akwa Ibom has struggled to have a deep sea port. Today, we are reassured that the federal government will show us the order of reciprocity, by helping us realize our deep sea port. Akwa Ibom has the deepest draught – 19 meters deep – which does not require dredging. We have struggled as a state; I believe we have struggled enough.

‘’I believe that our President, who is a man of his word, will honour us. Even if it is one terminal, this movement would have been justified. This movement will be the beginning of a new dawn for the state in terms of infrastructure and projects that enable us to be seen as having taken a good decision…We have taken the risk to join our son, the Senate President to work

with him to deliver the President in 2027. Every risk has a reward and we know that Akwa Ibomites everywhere around the world will be happy that this marriage has brought us goodwill’’.

Some people have however expressed concerns about the future working relationship between the Senate President and the governor, given the stark contrast between the personalities of the two men. Eno is humble and genial with considerable capacity to foster harmony and teamwork, while Akpabio is bombastic and has a predilection to operate as a one-man squad who brooks no dis-

sent. Senator John AkpanUdoedehe; Obong Umana Okon Umana; Obong Nsima Ekere; Atuekong Don Etiebet are among those that have received the short end of the stick in their dealings with Akpabio. The possibility of the governor joining the list continues to rankle Akwa Ibom people immensely.

APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodinma, addressed these concerns in their respective remarks at the event. They both asserted that the governor will serve as the leader of the party in the State; as it obtains in all other APC states. Essentially, Akpabio is to leave party matters for the governor and focus on his national assignment.

Sources indicate that this was part of the issues discussed at a meeting of the party’s NWC, with the Senate President and the governor in attendance, held at the Uyo residence of Senator Akpabio Friday night.

Interestingly, the day before, the Senate President had told some party members at his residence that he has no interest in dabbling into local party matters. We shall see how well he keeps to this pledge. ‘’Akpabio should concentrate on national politics and his responsibility as President of the Senate and leave local politics for Umo Eno. Dabbling into local party politics will weaken his capacity to realize the full benefit of his stature as a National leader for the benefit of our people’’, says an APC leader in the state. Two days before the Uyo rally, a new political association known as All Democratic Alliance (ADA) had submitted an application to INEC requesting to be registered as a political party. The group is promoted by well known politicians, mostly APC and PDP members, including Atiku Abubarkar; Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir el Rufai. But Peter Obi is staying aloof, encouraged by his supporters not to play second fiddle in whatever arrangement. The emergence of ADA has created some buzz among some PDP members who feel frustrated by the internal wrangling in their party and the duplicitous role of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. But ADA’s future will depend on Atiku Abubakar and his recurring presidential ambition. If the former Vice President insists on running in 2027, it will go against the unwritten understanding that the presidency should alternate between the North and South every eight years. It’s just about the only noble idea that on which Nigerian political elites have managed to establish a consensus. Atiku’s possible entry into the 2027 race will be a litmus test for the survival of the new party.

-Etim writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Eno

Tinubu and Gov sani of Kaduna state

PWC’S CONSUMER BREAKFAST SESSION...

L-R: Manager PwC Nigeria, Oyekemi Ajayi; Associate Director, PwC Nigeria, Tunde Adedigba; Associate Director, PwC Nigeria, Emovwerha Nwaefuna; Partner and CIPS Industry Leader, PwC Nigeria, Oladele Oladipo; DG/CEO, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chinyere Almona; General Manager, Business Services, GIG Logistics, Gloria Edozie-Ozoigbo; Founder and Managing Partner, Aruwa Capital Management, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes; General Manager, Operations and Commercials, Dufil Prima Foods Plc. Rakesh Agarwal; and Partner and Assurance Leader, PwC Nigeria, Edafe Erhie at PwC’s Consumer and Industrial Products and Services (CIPS) industry breakfast session, held in Lagos… weekend

Agora Policy Wants New Framework to Halt

Abuse of Constituency Projects’ Execution

Lists five flaws in current implementation process by legislators

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Agora Policy, a Nigerian think-tank focused on evidence-based policy research, advocacy, and reform, has faulted the current constituency projects’ execution model by members of the National Assembly, stressing the need to sanitise the system and establish a sustainable framework for the future.

In its latest policy memo, the Waziri Adio-led organisation listed five major flaws in the conception

and execution of these additional projects, describing the first flaw as procedural. The paper tagged: “Sanitising the Operations of Nigeria’s Federally-Funded Constituency Projects” was written by Samuel Ajayi, Ayobami Ayorinde and Oluchi Nkeonye.

Over time, Agora Policy noted that legislators have made a habit of including in approved budgets some items not in the appropriation bills submitted by the executive. According to the organisation, a

key flaw is the resultant abuse in terms of opacity and corruption, noting that legislators have now come to regard constituency projects as their annual entitlements that they can allocate to whatever projects they want and at whatever costs they decide, with no questions asked.

Besides, the paper faulted the deployment of federal resources into projects that should fall within the purview of subnational governments, with legislators having now developed a penchant for micro

Threatens nationwide protest

The National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to make good his promise to deliver 2000 CNG-powered tricycles to its member nationwide. NATOMORAS which claimed to be an affiliate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said its members are angry - feeling used and dumped by administration after helping them during election.

It threatened to organize a nationwide protest if the administration continues to neglect them.

Addressing a Press Conference in Abuja, national president of NATOMORAS, Alhaji Usman Buba Gwoza, said the association

is appealing to President Tinubu to ensure that the 2000 CNG tricycles are provided to members.

“It is disheartening to state here that millions of Nigerian youths and poor families who voted APC because of our campaign and grassroots mobilization, now find it difficult to trust and believe in our integrity as an association. We therefore feel used, we feel dumped, and we feel betrayed.

“Let us be clear, NATOMORAS is not begging. We are simply demanding that the federal government fulfills its own promise. We worked; we delivered. And now are being denied what we rightly deserve, “ he said. Gwoza said that association had mobilized its members whom he claimed were about 18 million nationwide to work for the election

projects such as streetlights and boreholes that should be the responsibility of local authorities. In the same vein, it highlighted the distortion and the misalignment that constituency projects introduce into the budget, pointing to the recent revelation by BudgIT that 1,142 projects worth N320.74 billion were included by the National Assembly in the approved budget of Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State alone.

It also criticised the approach

Tricycles

of Tinubu and Shettima in the 2023 general election.

He said his members were promised federal appointments, financial support and tricycles to help empower them.

However, Gwoza said: “Today almost two years after, not even one of the promises made to NATOMORAS has been fulfilled.

“I stand before you today with heavy heart. I speak not just for myself, but for over 18 million registered members of the National Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NATOMORAS) men and women who own and ride tricycle and motorcycle across all the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT.

“As an association we therefore feel used. We feel dumped and we feel betrayed,” he said

Gwoza who was flanked by placard-carrying members during the press conference said the association has made several efforts including letters to reach out to the President, the Vice President and other relevant officials to no avail

Some of placards carried protest messages such as: “18 million people await fulfillment of the 2000 CNG tricycles, federal government appointment promised us”; “We voted, we mobilized and we delivered, it’s time to fulfill your promise”.

to constituency projects potentially, arguing that it weakens the effectiveness of the legislative arm of government and opens up an avenue for patronage politics and for compromising the lawmakers.

Based on the gravity of these and other flaws in the current conception and execution of constituency projects in Nigeria, it suggested that an apparent option will be to call for their scrapping, but admitted that that would be a difficult task.

According to Agora Policy, this then leaves the option of sanitising the process for initiating and delivering federally-funded constituency projects, although there will be a lot of push back from those benefiting from the system.

It therefore emphasised that ‘the refinement option’ is more practical and stands a higher chance of success than the abolition one, adding that for this to work, the executive arm needs to take the lead and must re-assert, in a politically deft manner its authority to initiate, design and implement budgets.

“It will be necessary for the executive to develop a policy framework for implementing constituency projects. This framework should specify the upper limit of constituency projects in each budget, the modality for distribution, what federal funds can be used for, and the deadline and the channel for legislators to make inputs into budget proposals by the executive before it is sent to

the National Assembly.

“The framework should also have unambiguous provisions on conflict of interests in the procurement of contractors for these projects. Having such a framework will bring clarity and transparency and limit some of the abuses in the present arrangement.

“It will restore the authority of the executive to initiate, design and implement budgets. Legislators can make inputs/submissions on potential constituency projects to the executive when budget proposals are being prepared. But the final decision on costs and scope of the projects and the implementing MDAs should be made by the executive,” Agora Policy suggested.

In specific terms, it recommended that the executive arm of government should reassert the power to initiate, design, cost and implement all projects in federal budgets, explaining that all projects meant for legislative constituencies should be collapsed under the Strategic Intervention Projects (SIPs) or a new Constituency Projects Scheme (CPS).

“The projects under SIPs or CPS should be coordinated by a ministry or an executive agency, which will decide, based on federal priority, which projects to move forward out of those recommended by legislators, and which will determine the costs and the scope of and implementing MDAs for the projects, and prepare the proposed budgets for the projects.

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Each household displaced during the recent flood disaster in Mokwa town of Niger State is to get N1m and some food items.

The amount, from the N1bn released by the state government, is for the households to rent residential accommodations and their upkeeps in Mokwa town for “a certain period”.

Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, confirmed

to THISDAY that documentation of the victims’ households was expected to have been completed last week while release of cheques to the heads of the household will very likely start this week. Garba said the households will rent houses in the town before defending the decision to ask the victims to leave the IDP camps once they receive their cheques. Sources in the committee which carried out the documentation told THISDAY that 508 households were

registered apart from another 280 house owners who were affected by the flood while 145 people were affected in Ndayako and Raba communities but their houses were not totally destroyed.

In addition, THISDAY gathered from the sources that 31 shop owners were also affected.

The source further told THISDAY that the statistics have been computerized and will now be submitted to the government which knows what to do with it.

The Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading pan-African organisation, yesterday said it will engage with global stakeholders in shaping policies that uphold a free, open and inclusive internet as the Global Internet Governance Forum (IGF) kicks off in Lillestrøm, Norway.

The Global Internet Governance Forum is a global multi-stakeholder platform facilitating discussion of public policy issues pertaining to the internet.

In a statement on Monday, Paradigm Initiative stated that the forum, running from June 23 to 27 under the theme “Building Digital Governance Together,” brings together civil society, governments, the private sector and technical communities to address pressing digital issues, including equitable access, AI ethics,

surveillance and content moderation, building on the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 review process set for December 2025.

The Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan, said, “This forum comes at a crucial time when digital governance decisions are shaping the future of billions of individuals. It is essential that voices and solutions of grassroots communities are heard and integrated into these global conversations.

“At PIN, we believe meaningful digital inclusion requires more than just connectivity; it demands inclusive, progressive and sustainable policies and frameworks built by considering grassroots stakeholders’ realities.” PIN’s participation, Sesan said, reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to amplify digital

inclusion, protect digital rights and influence global internet governance frameworks prioritising accountability and meaningful connectivity for marginalised communities.

Representing the organisation at IGF 2025 alongside Sesan are Chief Operating Officer Nnenna PaulUgochukwu and Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements Thobekile Matimbe.

The statement stressed they will contribute to strategic sessions like Bridging the Connectivity Gap for Excluded Communities, Human Rights & Emerging Tech: Key Product Developments and Building for Everyone, Protecting the Free Open Internet with Freedom House, and the AI Dilemma: Balancing Automation and Accountability in Content Moderation.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

WEMA BANK VISITS TO ASCON...

Badagry…..,,Friday

El-Rufai: Nigerians Tired of APC, Poll Says Tinubu’s

Govt Has 91% Disapproval Rating

Slams president, declares he inaugurated projects he initiated, completed as Kaduna gov Contends govt making money with nothing to show for it States nation at war despite money sunk into security

A former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, yesterday, resumed his attacks against the government of President Bola Tinubu, saying while Nigerians were tired of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, the Tinubu administration already suffering 91 per cent disapproval rating.

Citing a recent poll conducted by the opposition coalition across the country, El-Rufai said the policies of the Tinubu government had been detrimental to Nigerians, with the economy tanking and security architecture failing.

Speaking as a guest on ARISETV last night, El-Rufai, who emphasised the need for a credible alternative to the current government, said, “Nigerians are tired of the APC. We know that. We have polled that. There is 91% disapproval of this administration across the country.

“There is no clear trade, industrial, and investment policies. Everything is going wrong,” he said, adding that the government was generating a lot of revenues with no visible result.

“Where are the results?” he asked, pointing out that President Tinubu commissioned projects in Kaduna last week, but 90% of them were

2025

The global maritime community, on June 25, would again converge to celebrate the unsung heroes of global shipping, the seafarers, under the auspices of the “Day of the Seafarer”.

The Day of the Seafarer is a vital reminder of the critical role these exceptional individuals play in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted flow of global trade and essential goods. Without them, the seamless supply of valuables across borders would be nearly impossible.

The Day of the Seafarer, an observance day recognized by the United Nations, was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in Manila, Philippines to adopt the revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

projects he initiated and completed as governor. El-Rufai also slammed the government’s handling of security, citing a recent report that over 2.2 million Nigerians were abducted and 615,000 killed in 2024.

“Is Nigeria at war?” he queried, questioning the effectiveness of the government’s security measures.

He said, “For the last 12 months or up to 18 months, every month, 100 billion naira is deducted from the federation account and sent to the security agencies. Why is there no improvement?”

El-Rufai also highlighted the importance of unity among opposition groups, stating that “big names does not equate to ambitions”, adding that, the focus should be on fixing the country, rather than personal ambitions.

“Everybody is saying we have a problem. This country is targeted for destruction by a collection of urban bandits. Let’s come together, send them back home and put this country back on track,” he said.

Asked about his plans for 2027, El-Rufai said he hadn’t made any decisions about what position to run for, but emphasised that his priority was to improve the quality of governance in Nigeria.

“If the quality of governance in Nigeria is improved, I will

thrive,” he said, noting, “I have a profession.”

El-Rufai also responded to criticism that he didn’t support Tinubu’s government after working for him.

“I just feel that having contributed to bringing about this tragedy to Nigeria, I should contribute in my last lap to removing it. Tinubu begged me publicly to join his cabinet. I changed my life plans. Thank God it didn’t happen.

“I don’t care about the potential backlash. I think God saved me from the embarrassment of having to explain to be part of this disaster. I never sought to be minister. I was a minister 20 years before. That’s nothing. Tinubu begged me... The videos are there to serve in his cabinet,” he said.

On his personal relationship with the president, el-Rufai said, “Bola Tinubu never really liked me, but

we never really got along. In the party, I was Buhari’s boy.” He added that he was closer to a former governor of Osun State and chieftain of the APC, Bisi Akande, saying, “The person I got along with was Baba Akande.”

He, however, hinted that opposition leaders doubted the possibility of registering a new political party under the current leadership of the INEC.

“The constitution is clear. If INEC doesn’t respond within the set timeline, a party is deemed registered. We know INEC is not independent under this government,” he said.

According to him, there was widespread skepticism among opposition leaders regarding INEC’s willingness under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, its chairman, to approve new party registration.

Property Dispute: Developer Admits Failure to Deliver Apartments, As Court Rejects Unsigned Agreement

Wale Igbintade

A property developer, Mr. Olukayode Olusanya, and his company, Oak Homes Limited, on Friday admitted before the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafa Balewa Square, that they failed to deliver two apartment units to a client as agreed, in an ongoing N152 million property dispute.

The admission came during proceedings in Suit No: LD/4471LM/2023 filed by the claimants against Mr. Anthony Ugbebor and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who are the first and second defendants respectively.

While being cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr. N. Salau, Olusanya told Justice Akingbola George that the company did not meet the agreed completion and handover date.

“The completion date we communicated was two and a half years - late 2019 thereabout. February 28, 2019, was the completion and handover date. Yes, we didn’t deliver to the first defendant,” Olusanya said.

When asked if he had the first defendant’s authorisation to sell the two three-bedroom apartment units at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, Olusanya responded “I got the authorisation to sell from the first defendant? No. But from the EFCC, yes.”

On whether the first defendant accepted the delay in delivery, the witness stated “Yes, he was contented

with the delay. He was fully aware of the scenario.” Olusanya confirmed their transaction was based on an offer letter dated November 6, 2017, and that the first defendant paid a total of N152 million to Oak Homes over three years, with the final payment made in late 2022.

When asked if he had documented the grounds for terminating the contract, he replied “I did not state the grounds for the liquidation of the contract. As stated in the contract, I made a refund based on the instructions of the second defendant (EFCC).”

Earlier, while being led in evidence by his counsel, Mr. Adeleke Agboola (SAN), the claimant identified two initial offer letters addressed to the first defendant, dated November 6 and November 7, 2017, respectively.

A third offer letter was issued in 2022 to Kofo Coker & Co.

On the whereabouts of the original offer letters, Olusanya said: “They are with the first defendant.” He added that communication between Oak Homes and the first defendant was primarily via email. The witness also referred to a letter from the EFCC Cybercrime Department, dated April 27, 2023. He stated that Oak Homes responded via letters dated June 8, 2023, and August 3, 2023, the latter titled “Notice to Seize to Trespass Property.”

“There were several bank drafts made to the defendant. Subsequent communications included an email from our counsel to the first defendant and the EFCC, and a letter titled ‘Notice of Trespass and Desist’ sent to both parties,” he stated.

(STCW) Convention. Its stated purpose is to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade and the world economy.

This year, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a compelling campaign aimed at eradicating bullying, harassment, and discrimination at sea. It is only fitting that the IMO has chosen this year’s theme - “My Harassment-Free Ship” - to reinforce the importance of safeguarding those who dedicate their lives to life at sea.

The 2025 campaign brings to the forefront the urgent need to foster safe, respectful, and inclusive working environments on board vessels.

According to the IMO, this year’s campaign aims to: Raise awareness

about the reality of harassment at sea; Promote proactive industry action to implement zero-tolerance policies; Encourage reporting and accountability through safe and accessible channels; and Equip seafarers with the resources and support necessary to combat harassment.

This theme highlights the oftenoverlooked challenges faced by seafarers who work under isolated and hierarchical conditions at sea, far from the protections typically available on land.

Unfortunately, the reality is that a significant number of seafarers - both women and men - have experienced bullying, discrimination, and abuse while on duty.

These incidents have far-reaching effects on their mental health, job performance, and overall well-being.

CIBN President Speaks at Akpan Ekpo Birthday Lecture

The 6th annual birthday lecture series in honour of Professor Akpan Hogan Ekpo, a former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, will be delivered by the President, Chatered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Professor Pius Oladeji Olarenwaju. Scheduled to hold at 11am on Wednesday, June 24th, 2025 at the1000-seater auditorium at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Olarenwaju, a professor of Banking Law at Babcock University, Ilishan, Ogun State,

will be speaking on the theme, “The Economic Crises In Nigeria: The Way Forward”. According to the invitation by the Governing Board of the Prof Akpan H. Ekpo Centre for Public Policy, University of Uyo, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, will be the chief host. Sworn in as President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in May 2024, Prof. Olanrewaju, a thorough bred professional and

seasoned academic, belongs to many professional bodies. He is a fellow of (CIBN), a fellow of Institute of Capital Market Registrars, a fellow of Institute of Management and Administrative Technology and a fellow of the Enterprise Risk Management Professionals. He co-authored several books and articles in learned journals. His career had traversed the economy for the past 30 years from banking, legal consultancy, management and academics.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Mary Nnah and Funmi Ogundare in Lagos

L-R: Head, revenue collection Wema Bank, Lagos, Kamaldeen Abdulraheem; Head, Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, Wema Bank, Abimbola Agbejule; Director General, ASCON, Mrs. Funke Adepoju; Head, Lagos Public sector, Wema bank, Mr Kunle Adeleke; Team Lead, ESG Wema Bank, Olamide Oladele; and Deputy Head Lagos Public Sector, Wema Bank, Mr Dotun Akomolafe; during a courtesy visit to Administrative Staff College of Nigeria ASCON, in Topo

CELEBRATION OF PHILIPPINES 127TH INDEPENDENCE DAY IN LAGOS...

L- R: Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, and Honorary Cosul of the Republic of the Philippines in Lagos, Hon.Emmanuel Akpakwu, MFR, during the 127th Independence Day Celebration of Republic of Philippines in Lagos State, held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island... recently

Odinkalu: GBV Not Problem of Poor People Alone, Female Judges, Dep Gov, Others, Too

A Professor of Human Rights Law and one-time Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu,

has disclosed that Gender Based Violence (GBV) is not a problem of the poor people alone, some highly placed Nigerian women have also been destroyed as a result.

Odinkalu said the categories

of women destroy by GBV, most times, by their spouses included female deputy governors, high court judges, professors in the academia, commissioners, and a host of others.

Odinkalu was the keynote speaker at a recent one day Access to Justice Summit held at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, with the theme, “Advancing Access to Justice for Gender-Based Violence Survivors

Tinubu: A2 Junction-Pai Road Will Boost Ranching, End Conflict

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has stated that the A2-Junction to Pai Road will support opportunities for the establishment of ranches and rural development to uplift the lives of rural people and combat what used to be source of conflict.

He affirmed this yesterday when he commissioned the 15-kilometre Road constructed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration as a part of the projects to commemorate his second anniversary in office.

“I just left the commissioning of a great mechanization project to come here. On our way here, we saw opportunities, prosperity, and the need for the establishment of ranches and rural development to uplift the lives of our rural people.

“On my way here, I observed the need for our great farmers and livestock owners to establish opportunities for grazing and do what is necessary. We will help you. We will work with you. We will combat what used to be a liability and a source of conflict, turning it into a means of prosperity,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that road and infrastructure development were meaningless if they were not developed for the benefit of the people, stressing that the project would continue to elevate peoples’ lives if the administration continued to prioritize infrastructure development in all zones.

“The commissioning of this newly constructed road from A2 junction on Abuja-Lokoja expressway to Pai Town is both symbolic and strategic.

“It is strategic because it opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, mobility, and other areas, strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up.

“Rural communities such as Pai make an important contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises.

“But their potential has been hindered by poor road access, isolation, and neglect for far too long,” the President declared.

He also lauded the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his team for doing a good job for the underserved rural areas, stressing the country would not forget what they were

doing for the development of this nation.

Tinubu also commended the contractors for their quality work, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, stating they had delivered a road built to last and serve future generations.

In his remarks, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike thanked Tinubu for placing emphasis on improvement of infrastructure in the city and in the satellite town since he came to office on May 29, 2023.

“Your Excellency, we are very happy. So, we have done, if you calculate all, and the ongoing roads, and the ones completed, within the satellite towns, you’ve done not less than 150 kilometers of roads.

“I try to say this, so people will not think every time we are in the city, what is happening in the rural areas? You have been able to open most of the roads. If you came here before, you would have wondered, assuming there is crime, how will police enter here? How will security men enter here? It will not be possible.

“And look at the vast area of land. We are talking about food

Netherlands Expresses Commitment to Nigeria’s Ongoing Migration Governance, Border Security

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Netherlands has expressed commitment to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in migration governance and border security. The commitment was shown on Monday during a visit by the Dutch delegation led by Mr. Jurgen Bartelink, Chargé D’Affaires of the Embassy of the Netherlands, to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Headquarters in Abuja for a high-level strategic meeting aimed at deepening migration cooperation between both countries.

The envoy lauded the longstanding partnership between both countries and emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing global migration challenges. According to a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer ACI Akinsola Akinlabi, the visit focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration on Migration Management, reviewing ongoing capacity-building efforts, and formalizing the handover of critical operational resources, including the Edison Software license keys and

the Passport Examination Program Manual (PEPM III) App, to the Nigeria Immigration Service. Also, part of the delegation was Director of International Affairs, Repatriation and Deportation Services, Ministry of Justice and Security of the Netherlands, Mr. Rob Bokhoven, who reiterated the strength of the bilateral relationship and announced plans to share a mobile border software programme with the NIS - an initiative designed to provide innovative, tech-driven solutions to enhance Nigeria’s border control systems.

security, food security. With this, those of you who want to be farmers, real farmers, we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmland, so that we will come out of the food problem, which the federal government is trying to solve.

in Rural Communities through the Customary Court System.”

He said, “Some of the people most destroyed by GBV are the most highly placed women in our society. We think GBV is something that happens to poor women, poor women who go to the rural streams. No.

“It happens to commissioners, female deputy governors, professors, high court judges; and their own is worse because they don’t have anywhere to go. I am not saying it happens because I was told. It happens because I have worked on such cases.

“So we have got to break down certain ideas we have about GBV or the kind of people it happens to in order to know the need to addressing it.”

Odinkalu said for the fight against GBV to succeed, the

boundaries between the urban and rural area should be removed so as to tackle the scourge holistically. He said what was equally disturbing was the fact that the cases of the highly placed women who suffered GBV was hardly heard because their cases did not come to public knowledge, and were hardly believed by those who might be in the position to help them.

Odinkalu stated “When you look at the urban areas, you will find out that in many cases many of the victims in the urban areas are worse off than those in the rural areas.

“In the rural areas, you cannot be beating someone, and assaulting without another person intervening, but in the urban areas someone can be engaging in GBV and could just walk by and say after all, it is not by business.”

Nigeria has expressed its commitment to hosting the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Investment Summit (AICIS) between August 11 to 14, 2025.

The Nigerian government also said as the world intensifies action to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and infrastructure gaps Africa, Nigeria inclusive, must be positioned not as a passive recipient of solutions, but as an active architect of its own sustainable development.

The commitment of the government was revealed on Monday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Akume, who was represented at the press briefing the Permanent Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Mr. Nadungu Gagare, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to hosting the summit, scheduled for Aug. 11 to 14, 2025 at NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

He commended Africa Business Venture and Investment Group (ABVIG) for partnering the ministries and other stakeholders to take the bold and visionary initiative in driving Nigeria’s lead in tackling climate change issues across Africa.

According to him, government supports the initiative for the summit and encourages all stakeholders

to remain steadfast in the shared mission to build a prosperous, climate-resilient Africa anchored on inclusive infrastructure.

He said: “As the world intensifies action to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and infrastructure gaps, Africa must be positioned not as a passive recipient of solutions, but as an active architect of its own sustainable development.

“The forthcoming summit is, therefore, not only timely but provides a continental platform to articulate, align and activate collaborative strategies for resilient infrastructure and climate action across Africa.

“President Tinubu’s administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, has prioritised strategic infrastructure development, energy transition, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.

“These priorities align with the goals of this summit and underscore Nigeria’s readiness to lead and collaborate on multi-stakeholder approaches toward climate resilience, and development financing.

“Today’s engagement is a clarion call to governments, private sector, development partners and diplomatic community to align efforts, pool resources, and harmonize policies,” he said.

He reiterated that such would reassert Africa’s voice and agency in the global climate discourse,

ensuring our peculiar challenges and comparative advantages are well represented in shaping global solutions.

On his part, Chairman of the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Investment Summit (AICIS) Planning Committee, Mr. Moses Owharo, extolled the Nigeria’s lead towards tackling issues that border on climate change across the African continent.

Owharo explained the event centered on the readiness to host the AICIS-2025 was put together by ABVIG in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Ministry of Environment. Owharo said: “AICIS-2025 is a landmark gathering that affirms Africa’s unified determination to address climate change through resilient infrastructure and strategic investment.

“The summit represents a continental platform for driving Africa’s sustainable development vision through climate smart solutions.

“It will unite governments, development finance institutions, private investors, technical experts, civil society, the UN system and the diplomatic community to forge actionable partnerships around Africa’s infrastructure transformation, and climate adaptation imperatives.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

ThrEE DAy prAyEr cErEmOny fOr ThE rEpOSE Of ThE SOuL Of mArwA’S

L-R: Former governor of Taraba state, Alhaji Umar Garba; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd); former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, SAN; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and former Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture, Gen. IBM Haruna (Rtd) offering prayers at the three day prayer ceremony for the repose of the soul of Marwa’s mother-in-law, Hajiya Zainab Hussain, at their Asokoro residence Abuja ... yesterday

First Lady Tinubu Condemns Recurring Incidents of Violence in Parts of the Country

Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday, condemned the recurring incidents of violence in the country, describing as it evil and unfortunate.

But Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday, blamed the escalating security threats across the federation on the widening net of poverty and hunger in the country.

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the Bola Tinubu administration was working to break the cycle of poverty and insecurity through key initiatives, like agricultural reforms, expanded social investment programmes and targeted security interventions.

Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, stressed the need for a people-centred approach to security.

Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) condoled with the governments and people of Borno and Kano states over the recent tragic incidents that claimed lives and caused injuries.

Northern Senators Forum also condemned the killing of citizens travelling in an 18-seater bus on June 20 in Mangu, Plateau State.

Speaking during the second quarterly meeting of her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), at

State House, Abuja, Mrs Tinubu described the incidents of violence as evil and unfortunate.

To put a stop to such unfortunate incidents, she asked Nigerians to be steadfast in their prayer for the country.

She said, “As mothers and women, we have to pray more for our nation. The killings in Borno and Plateau States are not new but why are they resurfacing now when the nation is getting better and people are beginning to reckon with us?

“We need prayers. This is evil, very evil. We have to pray more. Whatever we can do for Nigeria, we have to do it.”

Tinubu called on the National Assembly to provide direct funding support for humanitarian and social intervention efforts led by her office and those of state governors’ wives lamenting persistent funding constraints that have hindered outreach to underserved communities across the country.

She stressed the importance of structured legislative backing for the initiatives being driven by First Ladies at both the federal and state levels.

According to her, “Most of the resources I used to work are just given to me by well-meaning Nigerians. It is whatever they give to me that I have to distribute to the First Ladies of various states. It’s difficult.

“So, the government doesn’t run my office. I do a lot of collaboration,

which you will see.”

The first lady, a former three-term ranking member of the senate, made a direct appeal to her former colleagues in the federal legislature to support a dedicated intervention fund for the Office of the First Lady, modelled after zonal intervention projects.

According to her, “I want the Senate, I’m talking to my Senate colleagues now, because my going to the Senate for 12 years shouldn’t be in vain if they are not able to let a First Lady to take a project per year. I’m not going to go through the Ministry of Women Affairs… I’m going to the Senate.”

She said the proposed arrangement would allow first ladies to access funds responsibly and transparently, saying, “Even if it is N500 million

they want to give us, if it is N1bn, then we are going to use it for this, and then we can be accountable.

“The point for me is this. After this place, I’m going to go back into society. I want to see what I can do to make society better.”

She stressed that the position of a First Lady should not be reduced to ceremonial appearances.

“We don’t want to sit in the villa or in the government residences and be eating. It should be with the first lady who wants to do work. She shouldn’t be restricted.”

CDS Blames Growing Insecurity on Poverty

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, blamed

escalating insecurity across the country on the widening net of poverty and hunger in the country.

Musa stressed that poverty and hunger had escalated beyond social issues and now posed serious national security threats.

The defence chief made the remarks at the official opening of the 14th National Security Seminar, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in Abuja yesterday.

Represented by Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, the defence chief stated that the world was no longer solely defined by armed conflict but also by widespread economic hardship,

chuks Okocha in Abuja

not authorised by the party.

The leadership crisis in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , yesterday, widened as acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, denied the press briefing held recently by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, describing it as unauthorised.

Ologunagba had Sunday said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could not stop the party from holding the 100th NEC meeting. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating INEC.

But in a statement by the acting chairman, titled, ‘’Unauthorised Commentary by PDP Publicity Secretary,” Damagum explained that Ologunagba’s statement was

The statement dated June 23, 2025, said, “My attention, as the Ag. National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been drawn to a recent press interactions comments made by our National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, concerning the party’s scheduled 100th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the purported position of the party regarding communications from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‘’Let me clearly and unequivocally state that the comment by Hon. Debo Ologunagba was made without the authority or approval of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party.

“The comments were made prema-

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has reacted to the security advisory issued by the embassy of the United States in Abuja restricting its staff and their families from non-official travel to military sites or other government facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The government assured all residents

and visitors to the FCT of security.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, affirmed the federal government’s position in a statement Monday.

Idris said, “While the federal government recognises and respects the right of foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, to issue travel advisories to their citizens, it is important to state categorically that Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.

“Nigeria’s security agencies are working around the clock to

ensure the continued safety and protection of all residents of the FCT and across the country. The current security architecture in Abuja has not only been proactive but has also recorded significant successes in detecting, preventing, and neutralising threats.

“We understand that the U.S. advisory is based on general global developments and does not reflect any imminent or specific threat within the FCT. However, we reiterate to all diplomatic missions, investors, development partners, and the general public that there is no cause for alarm.”

food insecurity and social dislocation. Musa stated, “Insecurity today is not only defined by weapons but also by economic deprivation, food insecurity and social dislocation. Hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges – they have become national security threats.

“The North-central region, particularly Benue State, once considered Nigeria’s food basket, is a clear example of how banditry, displacement and farmer-herder conflicts have devastated agricultural productivity.”

Musa stressed that the disruption of farming communities and illegal occupation of farmlands contributed to food inflation, displacement and mass migration, thereby destabilising both the economy and national cohesion.

FG to US: Abuja Safe for Citizens, Visitors

The minister reiterated the commitment of the federal government to the safety of all residents and maintaining Abuja’s reputation as one of the most secure capitals in the world.

He assured them that the country’s security and intelligence agencies were monitoring developments across the country and were fully prepared to respond decisively to any threat. Idris urged citizens to conduct their lawful activities without fear, while also remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.

CDS blames escalating insecurity on poverty Ribadu: How we’ll break cycle of insecurity Badaru: We need people-centred approach Northern govs, senators commiserate with Borno, Kano blasts, Plateau killings’ victims Okpebholo: I’ll

turely and without due consultation, especially in light of the fact that a meeting has already been scheduled for Tuesday, 24th June 2025 between the party leaders, stakeholder, the Ag. National Chairman of PDP and the Chairman of INEC to address the concerns raised in the letter sent to our Party.

“It is shocking and unfortunate that such a sensitive matter was addressed publicly without recourse to establish internal processes or the leadership of the party.

“In my capacity as the Ag. National Chairman, I wish to make it categorically clear that the views expressed by Hon. Ologunagba in that press interactions are entirely his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the PDP.”

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged 2.5 million votes to President Bola Tinubu in 2027 as a token of his appreciation for the developmental strides witnessed across the state under his administration.

Okpebholo made the declaration at Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during a political gathering to welcome thousands of decampees from the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Fred Itua, the APC in Edo remained an open and inclusive platform for all citizens committed to progress.

Welcoming the new members, Okpebholo added that the state’s development required collective input, and contribution to advance it.

“I want to commend the

members of the PDP who have made the decision to join our great party, the APC. This defection is a testament to the fact that the PDP has lost relevance in Esan Central, my own constituency. Today marks the political end of the PDP in this local government,” he said. He noted that while efforts had previously been made to persuade many of the decampees to join the APC, they have now come voluntarily, moved by the visible impact of his administration’s developmental agenda.

CHAMPIONING REGIONAL INTEGRATION…

L-R: Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Senator Victor Umeh; Publisher of Alpha Times Newspapers, Paul Nwosu, and former Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Prof Godwin Onu, during a roundtable event on the championing of regional integration in the South-east in Awka...recently

2027: APC Chieftain, Ajibulu, Faults Tinubu’s Endorsement, Says It’s Unnecessary

Gbenga Sodeinde in ado ekiti

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Ajibulu, has described the ongoing endorsement of President Bola Tinubu ahead of 2027 general election as an unnecessary strategy.

He urged his supporters to stop the ongoing jamboree and

focus on showcasing the major achievements of the political party.

Ajibulu, former senatorial aspirant in Ekiti State, said the gale of endorsements for Tinubu is fast becoming a distraction to president, urging those behind it to redirect their energies towards showcasing the lofty achievements of the APC-led federal government

Sanwo-Olu Sets Up Market Advisory Council

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday inaugurated the Lagos State Market Advisory Council (LASMAC) and charged them to work diligently to improve market operations, enhance security, promote fair trade, and create an environment where businesses can flourish.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who urged traders to shun sharp practices during business transactions, encouraged members of the LASMAC to be proactive, transparent, and inclusive in their approach.

Speaking during the swearing in of the 21 members of the council led by the Iyaloja-

General, Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Sanwo-Olu said his administration is fully committed to supporting traders through thoughtful policies, infrastructure improvements, and initiatives that build capacity.

According to the governor, the council plays a crucial role in managing and developing markets, which are not just essential to the economy of Lagos State but are also the very heart of the communities.

He said: “Our markets are more than just places to buy and sell; they are lively hubs of culture, innovation, and social connection.”

ADCIOSA 1971/75 Celebrates Golden Jubilee with Legacy Projects

Five decades after graduation, the 1971–1975 alumni set of Ansar-UdDeen College Isolo Old Students’ Association (ADCIOSA), is set to mark its golden jubilee with the unveiling of a fully equipped clinic donated to their alma mater, alongside a series of impactful legacy projects.

The alumni, now made up of accomplished professionals, senior citizens, and respected voices in various sectors, will return to the school where their lifelong journey began as teenagers in January 1971, will kick off the milestone

celebration on Thursday, June 26, 2025, with a special school assembly at the college premises in Isolo, Lagos.

The event will be headlined by the official handover of the newly constructed and fully furnished clinic to the school management.

According to the chairman of the set, Lateef Olaseinde Karim, SAN, the fully health facility, which will also serve the surrounding community, is part of the group’s enduring legacy of giving back and preserving the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.

Wamakko Provides Free Eye Treatment to 5,000 People

Onuminya Innocent in sokoto

Senator Aliyu Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District, in collaboration with Vision Savers Specialist Hospital, Sokoto has provided free eye treatment to no fewer than 5,000 patients suffering from various eye ailments in his constituency. The initiative, aimed at bringing succour and relief to the less-privileged, has been widely appreciated by the beneficiaries.

The free eye treatment programme has brought joy and relief to many patients in the area, alleviating the economic and mental burden of eye ailments. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Wamakko, represented by Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Almustapha Abubakar Alkali Wamakko, said the programme was part of his ongoing humanitarian and empowerment initiatives for his constituents.

in the last two years.

Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Ajibulu, who also hailed the defections of some key members of the opposition,

including serving and former governors into the APC fold, dismissed the notion that the country is heading towards a one party state.

He said: “All these endorsements jamboree, to me, is unnecessary. I do not think this is what President Tinubu needs now because nobody has come out to say he or she wants contest against him in APC. So, organising endorsement jamboree up and down isn’t strategic.”

‘No Fewer Than 600 Teachers Killed in Attacks, 19,000 Displaced in Nigeria’

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools in a 2021 report has indicated that between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced.

The National Coordinator and

Commissioner of Police, School Protection Squad (SPS), Force headquarters, Abuja, Abayomi Shogunle, made this know yesterday at a stakeholders’ forum on security of schools in Osun State and the training of the schools protection squad operatives.

Shogunle, who spoke on the theme: ‘Strengthening security

resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education’, said it aligns with the national plan on financing safe schools in Nigeria.

He opined that “the security and safety of our schools and other learning environment continue to attract the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

According to him, “In recent years, Nigeria had faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure sometimes leading to school closures and negatively affecting the host communities, these incidences can be linked to the increasing numbers of out-of-school children.

Hard Drugs Found Hidden in Secondary School Building in Niger

Laleye Dipo inminna

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has begun investigation into how hard drugs found its way into the ceiling of a public secondary school building in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Some youths playing football

on the school field hit the ceiling of the building resulting in its breakage, it was learnt.

Eyewitnesses said when the youths tried to retrieve the ball from the ceiling they were shocked to find some bags in which were later said to be cannabis sativa.

The youths, according to the eyewitnesses, raised the

alarm resulting in the school’s management inviting officials of the state Command of the NDLEA. It was gathered that when the operatives entered the ceiling of the building they recovered 5 (100kg) bags loaded with the hard drugs.

The Commander in Charge of Narcotic, Mr. Shehu Gwadabawa, confirmed the incident to THISDAY, saying: “Presently, there is no actual owner of the hard drugs, and we evacuated the drugs, so we are trying to get the owner(s). Gwadabawa described the situation as “unusual”, adding that the development was made possible because the school was not fully fenced.

NDIC, Judiciary Seek Closer Synergy for Depositors Protection, Financial Stability

Nume Ekeghe

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), has underscored the need for stronger collaboration between the legal and financial regulatory systems to enhance depositor protection and maintain the stability of Nigeria’s banking sector.

Speaking at the opening of a sensitisation seminar for Federal High Court judges held in Lagos yesterday, the acting Managing Director/

Chief Executive of the NDIC, Mrs. Emily Osuji, said the corporation continues to contend with legal challenges that affect the timely resolution of failed banks despite landmark progress, including the prompt closure of Heritage Bank.

In her welcome address, she commended the judiciary for ongoing support, however pointed to persistent challenges ranging from protracted litigation and improper garnishee orders, to enforcement actions taken against NDIC assets—even when the law clearly prohibits it.

Africa’s Voice Takes Centre Stage as Voiceover Conference 2025 Holds

Sunday Okobi

The Africa’s premier voice and audio storytelling gathering, ‘The Voiceover Conference (TVOC) 2025’, will return for its sixth edition this week with the theme: ‘The Future is Africa: Our Voices. Our Stories. Our Culture.’

The hybrid event, according to the organisers in a statement, will convene a global community virtually on June 26, and hybrid (virtual and in-person) in Ikeja, Lagos, on June 27.

Organised by Voiceover Workshop and Media founded

by industry pioneer, Emmanuel “King E” Macaulay Afemikhe, the TVOC 2025 transcends a typical industry event.

The organisers said in a statement that: “It serves as a catalyst to educate, inspire, and empower voice actors, media professionals, casting directors,

producers, and storytellers across Africa and the Diaspora.

“The conference champions authentic African voices and narratives as vital forces in shaping both the continent’s future and global storytelling standards across entertainment, marketing, and media.”

UNILAG VC Rallies Alumni to Drive Global Excellence, Infrastructure Growth

Funmi Ogundare

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, at the weekend called on alumni and stakeholders of the institution to intensify their support as the school pushes toward global relevance and long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the stakeholders/ partners/ alumni engagement held at the Jelili Omotola Hall, Ogunsola explained that alumni are not just the legacy of the institution, but the key to its future.

According to her, “We are not just asking for donations, we are inviting you to invest in something larger than all of us; the continued excellence and impact of the university that helped shape who we are. Alumni are the lifeblood of any great university.”

forging new industry relationships, attracting strategic investments, and nurturing innovation.

The VC stressed that the alumni association remains central to

She cited the university’s collaborations with the Nigerian Air Force on braking systems and student-led renewable energy projects as examples of research with real-world impact.

Lagos Gov Inaugurates Yikodeen, W/Africa’s Largest Safety Footwear Factory

Nigeria’s industrial and local content landscape is set to take a bold leap forward as Yikodeen Company

Limited officially unveils its ultramodern, expanded manufacturing facility in Lagos. The inauguration ceremony today will be chaired by

the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and will attended by other highly esteemed dignitaries from across government, industry, and traditional institutions.

The event is expected to mark

a pivotal moment not only for Yikodeen but for Nigeria’s broader industrial ambitions. With the completion of this expansion, Yikodeen now operates the largest safety footwear manufacturing plant in West Africa, a 120,000-square-foot,

state-of-the-art facility capable of producing 5,000 pairs of safety boots per day. This represents a 250-fold increase from the company’s humble beginnings in 2016, when daily output stood at just 20 pairs.

Al Hilal Return for Osimhen with Irresistible €160m Wage Offer

Duro Ikhazuagbe

After five earlier attempts, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal have tabled before Victor Osimhen an irresistible offer of €160 Million over the next three years salary deal.

The deal translates to €40million a year over the next three years with additional option for an additional year. If the Super Eagles striker accepts this staggering wage offer, it will make him one of the highest paid football stars in the world.

Al Hilal officials, according to Napoli sources in Italy, are determined

TRANSFER

to lure the Nigerian away from other potential suitors that may be willing to match his release clause of €75million but may not be willing to throw such humongous cash at Osimhen as wages over the next four years.

Top Italian news outlet, Corriere dello sport, reported yesterday that this latest offer which dwarfed all the other previous ones is expected to put an end to the pursuit by Juventus and Galatasaray for the 26-year-old Nigerian.

“A crazy proposal which will

make him one of the higest paid players in the world,” the Italian sports newspaper reported.

“And above all, a concrete way out for Napoli, who thus hope to cash in on the €75 Million termination clause valid for abroad, key for reorganising their attack.”

This present offer from the Saudi Arabian side is also expected to throw Osimhen’s management team into serious debate over wether to accept the offer or not.

Osimhen’s refusal to accept the

initial offers to join Al Hilal was premised on his desire to remain in Europe to play the more competitive UEFA Champions League.

However, Galatasaray, the Turkish Super Lig giants where Osimhen spent his loan spell this past season are also not giving up hopes of meeting Napoli’s requests for them to have him permanently.

The Istanbul club was reported to be chasing the option of selling their training ground in other to raise large capital for the recruitment of Osimhen and other top players that may give the club the opportunity to compete fairly.

Super Falcons Hold Portugal in Lisbon

Nigeria’s Super Falcons battled hosts Portugal to a barren draw in a 2024 WAFCON warm-up friendly in Lisbon on Monday evening.

The nine-time African champions however failed to raise their games to the quality that thrilled the football world at the FIFA Women’s World

Cup in Australia last year.

Although they were fortunate not to be beaten by the hosts, Super Falcons suffered a huge turnover as they lost possession cheaply, relied more on

the individual brilliance of captain Rasheedat Ajibade and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and quick counters to keep up with Portugal.

Right from the first half, Nnadozie

CitySports Africa Shines with Two Trophies from Germany’s Schwabenland Cup

Africa’s leading sports development institution, CitySports Africa, has once again made history. The renowned youth sports institution returned triumphantly from the prestigious Schwabenland Cup (European Football Cup) organised by Ballfreunde in Stuttgart, Germany, clinching two championship titles in the U9 and U15 categories, a feat never before achieved in a single international tournament by the academy.

The tournament, which took place between June 6th to 8th, 2025, was the

first phase of the academy’s activities for the 2025 Global Sports Program (GSP). This trip to Stuttgart is the 14th international sports trip the academy has made over the years.

Competing in three categories, U9, U12, and U15, CitySports Africa’s teams displayed exceptional skill, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition, proudly flying the Nigerian flag high on foreign soil.

All three teams progressed to the semi-finals, with the U9 and U15 clinching gold, and the brave fight-

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T IME O UT I N Z AMFARA

built a completely new hospital behind the old one, and gave the old hospital a new look. We were conducted round the hospital by the Chief Medical Director and the Consultant in charge of the Project: a completely new Obstetrics and Gynaecology section, with theatres, labour room, ante-natal, pre-natal sections. We also visited Radiology, Radiotherapy, Haematology, Immunology, Clinical microbiology brand new departments in the hospital, fully equipped with state of the art, latest technology. On Tuesday, President Olusegun Obasanjo had commissioned the hospital. He also commissioned two roads: Zannah -Abarma road, and TsaIha-Bungudu-Kwanar Birnin Ruwa road. Obasanjo praised Governor Lawal for embarking on “a rescue mission” and pledged his support. It was clear enough that Governor Lawal is indeed on “a rescue mission”. When he assumed office, WAEC and NECO had withheld the school certificate

ers of the U12 category finishing in fourth place.

With two clean sheets and eight goals scored in the knockout phase, the outstanding U9 category clinched the European Cup title in style, while the U15 in a tightly contested final, scored in the penalty shootouts to emerge as champions of the 2025 Schwabenland Cup.

The academy’s back-to-back victories in the U9 and U15 brackets solidify its standing as one of Africa’s foremost youth football academies.

kept Nigeria in the game with a couple of saves.

The former Paris FC safe hands continued her heroics after the break, making successives saves in the 52nd and 54th minutes after Portugal pushed for an opening goal. Interestingly, against the run of play Nigeria saw an audacious effort come off the crossbar in the 79th minute with the Portugal goalkeeper completely beaten.

The team under the watch of coach Justine Madugu remain unbeaten in their buildup to the WAFCON after they beat Cameroon 2-0 at home in another test game.

Next week Sunday, the Super Falcons will tackle the Black Queens of Ghana in a final WAFCON warmup in Morocco before their opening game against Tunisia on July 6 in Casablanca.

Super Falcons Starting XI:Nnadozie – Usani (Plumptre 60), Oladipo, Ohale, Demehin – Ucheibe, Echegini (Ayinde 60), Babajide (Onumonu 60), Ordega (Sikiratu Isah 88), Payne – Ajibade (Captain)

Organisers Confirm Ashanti Kotoko, Two Others for Eko International Cup

Organisers of the forthcoming Eko International Cup have confirmed that three teams from outside Nigeria will take part in the highly-anticipated pre-season football tournament.

SKI-Hi Entertainment in collaboration with the Lagos State Government is staging the competition expected to feature a total of eight teams.

On Monday, the organisers after consultations with the originally invited teams confirmed that five teams from the Nigeria Professional Football League will take part in the tournament.

They include; Remo Stars, Ikorodu City, Shooting Stars, Enyimba of Aba and one other team expected to be unveiled soon.

The three teams expected from other parts of the continent are; FC Kallon of Sierra Leone, Ashanti Kotoko

of Ghana and FC Dadje of Benin Republic.

The Executive Director, Publicity and Strategy for the Local Organizing Committee of the EIC, Onome Obruthe, said yesterday that there have been so much work on the logistics of the participating teams.

Obruthe said: ”It is not as easy as we look at it ordinarily. Each of the teams have plans but the template we put before them is also a progressive one aimed at boosting their preparations for the new season.

“Many other factors will have to be considered but we are happy to have three teams coming from outside Nigeria while our original four teams in the NPFL have signified intention to take part. The new addition in Nigeria will be confirmed officially later this week.

NSSF National Swimming Championship to Kick off Today

The much-anticipated National Swimming Championships, organised by the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), will commence today, Tuesday, June 24, at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The two-day event will see hundreds of students from both public and private schools across the country compete for top honours.

This year’s tournament is a collaborative effort involving Dynaspro Sports Promotion—renowned for its premier private inter-school swimming competitions—and the Nigeria Aquatic Federation. The initiative aims to discover and nurture young swimming talents

who could represent Nigeria on the international stage.

Secretary General of the NSSF, Dr. Oba Funsho Usman, highlighted the growing enthusiasm among students, which led to the inclusion of private schools in the competition.

He noted that several standout swimmers from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State will also be participating.

“We’ve seen remarkable performances from students at the last National Sports Festival, where they earned medals for their states. To ensure we identify the best talents, we’ve expanded the tournament to include private schools,” Usman said.

NCAA Launches Inaugural Sports Competition

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched its inaugural sports competition, the “DGCA Sport Week,” a week-long event featuring staff from across the country.

The competition, scheduled to begin yesterday, will feature football, badminton, chess, handball, and tennis, among other sports.

Director of Corporate Services, NCAA, Dr. Becky Aghadinazu, speaking in Abuja over the weekend, announced that the

event aims to promote staff wellness and unity, stating: “Our Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, promised to introduce a sports week, and we are making it happen.”

The Chairman of the NCAA Sports Club, Sowunmi AbdulRasak, assured staff that adequate preparations have been made for a successful event.

He emphasised the importance of a balanced workforce, citing the Federal Public Service Games, a national sporting body for government workers.

results of Zamfara students for five years, because the state was owing both examination bodies. By May 2025, Lawal had cleared all the debts. Zamfara State civil servants were earning N7,000 per month under previous administrations. Pensioners had not been paid for years. Lawal paid civil servants all the arrears they had been owed under the old minimum wage, and also started the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70, 000. He paid pensioners their entitlements, including the backlog of arrears. From the Specialist hospital, we went to two other locations: the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Women Development Centre where the Lawal government had to pull down the dilapidated structures that they inherited and built a befitting edifice. Then we went to ZACAS: the Zamfara College of Arts and Science. We saw old buildings, and the newly constructed World Bank-assisted classrooms.

“We are building in all 14 Local Government Areas. This administration does not play politics with people’s lives. We don’t share money. We have created opportunities for people to work, and we have put people to work. I don’t encourage people to come around and sit around me doing nothing. No. If you come to my house, you won’t see anybody hanging around. It is a private home, not government house. I tell the people, if you need anything in your place, tell me, we will come to your rescue. This is a new order, a new way of doing things,” Lawal said. The interview held eventually, 4 to 6 pm. It was broadcast live on Arise News, TVC, Channels TV, Zamfara Radio and Zamfara TV. Governor Dauda Lawal gave a detailed account of his administration’s efforts in infrastructure, security, healthcare, agriculture, education, aviation and empowerment of the people. He said he has not borrowed

a penny from anywhere, and should he have to borrow at any point, he will be transparent and accountable to the people of Zamfara. We left very early the following day by road to Abuja. We had rejected the plan to make us travel by road to Sokoto and fly from Sokoto to Abuja. It would be better to travel Southwards, not farther to the North. An armoured vehicle led our convoy in addition to other security vehicles. Along the way, each time anyone wanted to answer the call of nature, the security men would troop out and man every corner, guns pointed strategically. I refused to step out. I held myself for over 80 kilometres. When we got to Funtua, we went to a fuel station, the armoured vehicle returned to Gusau, and we trooped out. I looked behind and I saw Kiki. I shouted: “Oyinbo,getbackinthecar!” It took us about six hours, 30 minutes to get to Abuja!

Victor Osimhen...offered irresistible wage deal by Saudi’s Al Hilal

LAUnChinG of TRACToRS AnD AGRiCULTURAL EQUipmEnT...

TUESDAY

ABATI

Time Out In Zamfara

Iwas absent on The Morning Show from Tuesday to Friday last week, because I was away in Gusau, Zamfara State, and later, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. I had been invited by the Zamfara state government to be the anchor of the maiden media chat of the Governor of the state, Dr. Dauda Lawal. I had seen one or two interviews that others had conducted with Dr. Lawal, and I felt it would be good to engage him. When you have an interviewee who is articulate and brilliant, the job of the interviewer is quite easy. Even when you forget to ask a particular question, such guests who know their onions, would frame the questions themselves and provide the necessary response, making your work easier. Besides, it was a star-studded panel of interviewers. I had already accepted the invitation before it occurred to me that I was going to a part of the country that had become notorious for banditry and kidnapping. I expressed reservations, but Suleiman, the Special Adviser to Governor Lawal on Media allayed my fears.

There were stories in the papers about killings in Benue and Plateau, but there were also reports that President Olusegun Obasanjo was on his way to Zamfara as a guest of the Governor. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as well. We were scheduled to travel to Zaria in a private, chartered jet, and from the air strip at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), we were to travel in a security convoy to Gusau, about three hours thirty minutes Northwards. We got to the NCAT, and shortly after we saw President Obasanjo and his entourage returning from Zamfara to travel towards Gombe in the same private jet that brought us from Lagos. Our convoy soon set out, and thus began the journey from Zaria, Kaduna State, through Funtua in Katsina state, till we got to Tsafe and Gusau in Zamfara state.

The landscape looked different in the savannah grassland region, with open plain fields on both sides of the road for the most part, offering a view into the far distance, with a few rural settlements along the road. We saw goats and cattle roaming freely, cultivated lands typically giving a picture of the main occupation in the area: farming and cattle rearing, and baobab trees on both sides of the road. It was different and beautiful to see. But the only source of anxiety was security. The convoy was led by truck loads of security men: terror police, civil defence, police men, in front, in the middle and at the back, speeding non-stop towards Gusau. Our vehicle was at the back of the convoy. When the bus behind us suddenly left its place in the convoy and sped past us to join in the middle, I thought maybe the driver had noticed something and he had to look for a safer place. I grew more anxious

and I kept watching the road right and left. It was in the same axis that bandits had reportedly attacked the convoys of at least three Governors between 2019 and 2023, and persons were killed.

According to Amnesty International, over 10, 217 persons were killed by bandits and over 672 villages sacked, in two years. When we got to Tsafe, Gbenga Aruleba of AIT News remarked that we were passing through the stronghold of Ado Aleru, the notorious terror leader. Hey! Hey! Hey! Aleru, also known as Adamu Yankuzo, the commander of the terror gangs in Katsina and Zamfara states, was once declared wanted by the Katsina Police Command, and a bounty of N5 million was placed on his head. Yet, nothing happened to him. Instead, he was in fact turbaned as “Sarkin Fulani” by the Emir of Yandoton Daji in July 2022. Emirs and state governors consult him and invite him to peace meetings! The same Aleru threatened as recently as June 15, 2025 that violent attacks by his group would continue if people insist on referring to them as terrorists whereas they are not criminals but freedom fighters. He is not alone. Other gang leaders who inflict terror within the North West axis include Bello Turji, Ali Zakwai, Dogo Gide, Danboko, Sanata

and late Isuhu Yellow. Hmm. May long throat not carry us to a place of Golgotha. Thankfully, we made it in one piece to Gusau without any incident. I felt even more relieved when we were given accommodation in one of the lodges in the Zamfara Government House premises. The Governor came to welcome us personally and had dinner with us. The media chat was scheduled for Wednesday. The Governor does not live in the Government House. He lives in his personal house, less than five minutes away from Government House. After he left, one of his advisers said it would be a good idea for us to go out that night to have a feel of Zamfara at night. “Zamfara is a fun place at night. You will love it,” he said. “Love what?”, I said to myself. “No be me and you.” We went upstairs to our rooms, pleading that we were too tired. When Kiki called some of her relatives and family friends to tell them we were in Zamfara, her phone rang non-stop, WhatsApp messages flooded her timeline. What kind of suicide journalism has taken you people to the North West of Nigeria of all places? Her cousins in the United States soon got back to say that they had set up a prayer and fasting team, to fast and pray until we returned to Lagos. Her father sent Hymns, Bible passages and prayer points for protection! Nigerians who live abroad, relying on media reports, actually believe that the entire country is a killing field. But we went to Zamfara and we are back safely. The Governor at the dinner had assured us that Zamfara is now under his watch a much safer place. “These bandits, we know them, they are our brothers. We went to school with some of them. We know their families. We know where they live. The people must learn not to shield them. They must give information to the security agencies, and governors must be empowered. I believe in state police. Zamfara state Government by the way funds the security agencies, so why can’t we have control?” Dauda Lawal, B Sc, M. Sc, Ph.D. is the first person to become Governor of Zamfara State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), since the return to civilian rule in 1999. In 2018, he was a member of the All Progressives-Congress (APC), but he lost the Gubernatorial primary election. In 2022, he was nominated as the Gubernatorial candidate of the PDP. In the 2023 general election, he defeated the then incumbent Governor Bello Matawalle (APC) with 65, 750 votes in what was considered a major upset. He has spent two years in office.

Ahead of the planned media chat on Wednesday, we set out early in a bus, accompanied by the Special Adviser, Media, Suleiman Bala Idris and the Permanent

Secretary, Government House to inspect some of the Governor’s projects. Our first stop was the Gusau International Airport still under construction. The paved runway is nearing completion, about 3.4 kilometres long (2.113 miles, 3, 400 metres,) with a width that can accommodate wide-body aircraft. The perimeter fence is almost completed. The terminal building is under construction. We met the civil engineer in charge of the project, who took us through the building plan for the airport and explained the scope of work. When asked about other details: solar power, generator, provision for hotels within the airport vicinity, he kept insisting that he is a civil engineer. His scope of work is to build structures. He does not know anything about other details. He is of course not a Nigerian. A Nigerian civil engineer would have spent more time talking about other people’s assignment and claim to know everything! We asked the fellow about challenges. It is difficult to get labourers, because the whole of Zamfara is full of construction projects. Contractors are reluctant to come to Zamfara for security reasons, so getting supplies is a bit difficult. Foreign experts read about the North West and they flee. He told us that on one occasion on the road between Zamfara and Katsina, the bus in which he and other consultants were travelling was attacked by bandits. He was the only survivor! “But we manage to cope”, he said. On our way out of the airport premises, we saw what looked like an old structure. “That’stheonlystructurethatMatawalle builthere,andspentbillions,claimingthattheproject hadbeen50%completed.ThebuildersadvisedHEto pulldownthestructurebecauseitisaneyesore,buton secondthoughts,wearekeepingthebuildingtoshow whatMatawallespentbillionsbetween2019–2023to construct.” The so-called Matawalle structure looked, to tell the truth, like a cow shed. Lawal, who said he has no plans to probe anybody, to avoid distractions, would tell us later that he simply decided to start the project afresh. He plans to get the airport up and running in a matter of months.

Our next stop was the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, also in Gusau, the only state-owned hospital in Zamfara State. In June 2024, Governor Lawal had declared the hospital as poor, run-down, lacking in laboratory facilities, he took a decision to upgrade and remodel the hospital to the level of a teaching hospital for the Zamfara State University. This is precisely what he has done one year later. He announced a state of emergency in healthcare services in Zamfara State, and

Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal

L - R : Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture, Sen. Adegbonnire Ayodele; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Deputy Prime Minister Republic of Belarus, Viktor Karankevich; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and Mr Alex during the launching of Tractors and Agricultural Equipment held in Sheda, Abuja...... yesterday

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI