WEDNESDAY 14TH JANUARY 2026

Nestoil, Neconde Reject ‘False, Misleading’ Reports on Supreme Court Proceedings Say apex court declared no winners, losers in lenders’ dispute Deny rift with lawyers, allege attempts to intimidate counsel

Nestoil Nigeria Limited and Neconde Energy Limited have dismissed what they described as false and misleading narra-

tives circulating in sections of insisting that the Supreme Court the print and online media over has not reached any decision an ongoing legal dispute involv- on the merits of the case.

In a statement issued on ing a consortium of lenders,

January 13, 2026, the management of both companies said their attention had been drawn to sponsored reports and viral

posts purporting to interpret They stressed that the apex proceedings at the Supreme court neither declared any party Court held on January 12, 2026, Continued on page 8 as conclusive.

FG Approves 2026 Intervention Funds for 271 Tertiary Institutions... Page 5

Wednesday 14 January, 2026 Vol 30. No 11238. Price: N400

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Tinubu Signs Comprehensive Economic Pact with United Arab Emirates

Says Nigeria will co-host Investopia with UAE in February Discloses plan to mobilise $30bn annually in climate, green industrial finance Trade deal will benefit Nigerian businesses, professionals, workers, says Oduwole UAE to remove tariffs on over 7,000 Nigerian export products

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Nigeria yesterday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Agreement (CEPA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the side-lines of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). President Bola Tinubu,

who announced this in Abu Dhabi, stated that CEPA was to deepen trade and cooperation in renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, and digital

trade.

Tinubu also disclosed that Nigeria would co-host Investopia with the UAE in Lagos in February, an

initiative aimed at attracting global investors and accelerating sustainable investment inflows.

Present at the signing of the

agreement, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, were Tinubu; his UAE Continued on page 8

Africa Confidential: FG Outguns Biafra Lobbyists Seeking to Influence Trump on Nigeria Pays $750,000 per month to DC lobbyists on US visa policy, military support, trade and tariffs Biafra Group pays Washington Lobbyists $66,000, gets support from Ted Cruz, Mike Pompeo

Story on page 8

SIGNING OF COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES...

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in-charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, during the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership PHOTO: STATE HOUSE Agreement (CEPA) between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, yesterday

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THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

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

NEWS

ALAKE PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO HIS SAUDI COUNTERPART...

L-R: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Ibrahim Al Khorayef, during the minister’s courtesy visit to his Saudi counterpart ahead of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday

FG Approves 2026 Intervention Funds for 271 Tertiary Institutions Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The federal government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has approved the disbursement of intervention funds to a total of 271 tertiary institutions, cutting across universities, polytechnics, and Colleges of Education nationwide.

Reeling out the figures at the annual disbursement meeting in Abuja, yesterday, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sunny Echono, said each university would receive a total of N2,525,932,228.02, while polytechnics would receive N1,871,059,920.53 each, and College of Education would get N2,056,527,973.04 each.

He gave the breakdown of the disbursement cycle as follows: Total direct disbursement - 90.75 percent, consisting of annual direct disbursement of 50 percent and special direct disbursement of 40.75 percent, while designated projects amount to 9.07 percent and stabilisation funds of 0.18 percent.

Echono, however, lamented

the undue delay by beneficiary institutions in processing projects for approval in principle and obtaining due process for implementation.

He advised such institutional heads to execute their procurement planning processes early enough to avoid these delays.

“Also worrisome is the slow and reluctant utilisation of the TERAS platform with all its associated services by some beneficiary institutions. The Fund will be paying closer attention to this in the year 2026.

“The Fund also expects better documentation and knowledge of its guidelines for its training and content intervention lines. This should mitigate the challenges and problems experienced by scholars across beneficiary institutions,” he cautioned.

According to the TETFund boss, the Fund has taken steps to strengthen the quality and impact of research in beneficiary institutions, prompting the introduction of a new intervention line in the 2026 annual direct intervention, which is the Nigerian Research

and Education Network (Ng REN).

He explained that the new intervention line aims to improve access to global academic resources and to integrate the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform into NgREN, with effect from 2026.

“With these investments, 2026 promises to be a year of growth, innovation, and measurable

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced a leadership transition with the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, after nearly 15 years at the helm of the pay-TV company.

In a statement yesterday, the company said Ugbe will be succeeded by Kemi Omotosho, who will assume office as Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria, effective January 2026.

“Ugbe is stepping down after a distinguished tenure during which he guided MultiChoice Nigeria through major industry and market changes, while strengthening the company’s

operational foundations and long-term resilience.

“Omotosho brings over two decades of leadership experience spanning the media, telecommunications and digital sectors across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

“She has held several senior positions within the MultiChoice Group, including Executive Head of Customer Value Management in Nigeria and Group Executive Head of Customer Value Management for Rest of Africa, where she provided functional leadership across more than 50 markets.

“Most recently, Omotosho served as Regional Director

of education.

“The Fund has sustained its equipping & upgrade of R&D offices in beneficiary institutions and shall continue the development of student hostel project through Public–Private Partnerships,” Echono announced.

He also noted that the Fund would sustain intervention in addressing security infrastructure and training, completing long-abandoned projects, and

strengthening disaster recovery measures.

According to him, research and innovation remain a priority, with support for the National Research Fund, institutional R&D partnerships, the Research-Meets-Industry initiative, and commercialisation of research outcomes, amongst others.

He said laboratory and agricultural development would receive a major boost in 2026.

Boost to Delta MSMEs as Oborevwori Gives N1bn Revolving Fund to BoI Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Delta State have been guaranteed a boost following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Delta State Government and the Bank of Industry (BoI) for the management of a N1 billion revolving fund

MultiChoice Names Omotosho CEO as Ugbe Retires Sunday Ehigiator

impact.

“We are also expanding the Special intervention projects to cover the establishment of the Centers for Robotics, Coding & AI Machine Learning, and Centre for Cybersecurity Studies in selected beneficiary institutions.

“An additional 12 beneficiary institutions shall benefit from the commercial farm project. These will be two universities, eight polytechnics and two colleges

for Southern Africa, with full profit and loss responsibility for a seven-country portfolio.”

According to the company, Omotosho has a strong track record in leading complex organisations, driving disciplined growth and building high-performing teams.

“In her new role, she will oversee MultiChoice Nigeria’s strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement, building on the foundations laid by Ugbe.”

Reacting to her appointment, Omotosho said it was a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of MultiChoice Nigeria at a critical time for the business.

that the government released to the bank as revolving loan for the MSMEs. In his remarks at the MoU signing ceremony at the Government House Asaba, yesterday, Oborevwori described the initiative as a major milestone in his administration’s quest for inclusive growth and sustainable economic development under the administration’s M.O.R.E development blueprint.

Oborevwori said, “Today marks a remarkable moment in our administration’s unwavering commitment to job creation,

inclusive growth, and sustainable economic development.”

He disclosed that the revolving fund was approved by the State Executive Council (EXCO) in 2025 and aimed at addressing the persistent challenge of access to affordable finance by Micro, Small and Medium entrepreneurs in the state.

Although it was initially planned for December, it was shifted to January to ensure maximum impact, Oborevwori revealed, expressing confidence that the initiative would go a long way in improving

structural procedures and accountability.

According to the Governor, “MSMEs remain the backbone of any strong economy as they account for the highest employment rate,” as well as serving as the key propeller of sustainable economic growth.

He explained that the financial window was deliberately structured to reduce the burden of high borrowing costs that often stifle entrepreneurial growth, while ensuring sustainability through a revolving loan system for the entrepreneurs.

NAPTIP Rescues 58 Missing Children in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), yesterday disclosed that it rescued 58 out of the 300 missing children in Benue.

The Zonal Commander, NAPTIP Zonal Command, Makurdi, Mrs. Gloria Bai, made the disclosure at a press conference in Makurdi.

Bai, represented by the agency’s Head of Operations, Mr Yusuf Abdul, said the children were rescued at

four different occasions.

According to her, the command started investigations on the matter in May 2025.

The zonal commander said the survivors were retrieved from Yelewata, Ukpam and Daudu communities in the Guma Local Government Area.

She said the children were between the ages of two and eight years.

Bai further stressed that the command has arrested the gang leader, one Archbong, and four others, saying that the investigation was still ongo-

ing to rescue the remaining children.

“We pulled all frantic efforts to investigate the case, and the command was able to make first, second, third and fourth recoveries of the survivors.

“The children involved are about 300 and between the ages of two and eight years.

“The 20 children who were taken from Benue, especially in Guma LGA, to Nasarawa and Abuja, were retrieved at first instance. They have been reunited with their families,” she said.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

HADIZA BALA USMAN’S 50TH BIRTHDAY COLLOQUIUM...

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the celebrant and Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman; Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, during the 50th birthday colloquium of Hadiza Bala Usman in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Taiwo Oyedele: I’m Receiving Death Threats Over Tax Reform Implementation Tax reforms vital for sustainable development, says Sani Shettima to public servants: selfless service key to enduring legacy Hails Hadiza’s contributions to public service, nation-building at 50th birthday colloquium

Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday, raised the alarm over threats to his life following the implementation of far-reaching tax reforms.

That was as Vice President Kashim Shettima charged Nigerian public servants to embrace selflessness, discipline, and excellence as the surest path to building enduring legacies in governance.

Shettima stressed that true service required sacrifice, consistency, and strong character.

They both spoke in Abuja at a governance colloquium organised to mark the 50th birthday of Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman.

Trying to douse tension over the new tax laws, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, called on Nigerians to support the tax reform laws introduced by President Bola Tinubu, describing the reform as critical for sustainable national development. He spoke

yesterday in Kaduna.

Yesterday’s disclosure by Oyedele underscored risks associated with structural reforms in Nigeria.

Oyedele said tax reforms were particularly difficult because they touched vested interests, compounded by low trust in government, weak tax culture, and limited visibility of fiscal exchange.

“Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s tax revenues remaid abysmally low compared to peer countries, making reforms inevitable.

He urged Nigerians who understood and supported reforms to speak up, warning that silence allows negative narratives to dominate public discourse.

The federal government commenced the implementation of the new tax laws on January 1, 2026, with the simultaneous commencement of four far-reaching statutes – the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act 2025.

Speaking at the colloquium, Shettima stated that the most

enduring legacies in public service were those built through resilience, quiet dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence, rather than the pursuit of applause or spectacle.

“If we are to raise more generations of Nigerians ready to lead with purpose, to deliver with excellence and to serve with courage, we must remember this truth: intention without the willingness to pay the price of service remains wishful thinking,” Shettima said.

Eulogising Bala-Usman, Shettima described her as a symbol of possibility, not only for young women from northern Nigeria, but for the nation at large.

He said her influence in public service was earned through deliberate choices, institutional strengthening, and the disciplined discharge of responsibility.

“There is no doubt that Hadiza’s place in our public service history is secure. It was not built on spectacle, nor did it rely on applause. What she has become is the product of decisions taken quietly, responsibilities carried fully, and institutions strengthened with care,” he stated.

The vice president stated that Bala-Usman’s rise in public service was neither accidental nor inci-

dental, but sustained by courage and fidelity to the demanding work of nation-building.

He added that her journey provided proof to young women still searching for validation that ambition and excellence were permitted.

Shettima said, “What has not been noted enough is that she emerged from a part of the country where many young women still search for proof that ambition such as hers is allowed.

“Her journey required courage, and that is why she has become that proof.”

He prayed that Bala-Usman’s example would continue to inspire Nigerians who believed that service, when done well, could ennoble a nation.

In his remarks, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, also paid glowing tribute to the celebrant, describing her 50th birthday as a milestone celebrating a life of purpose, sacrifice, and commitment to good governance.

Akume said Bala-Usman’s career reflected dedication, discipline, courage, and patriotic zeal. He stated that her leadership at the CDCU had strengthened governance delivery, improved inter-ministerial coordination, and

Obi: Nigeria’s System Skewed, Talents Doesn’t Match Opportunities David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi has said Nigeria’s system was so poorly skewed that people’s intellectual capacity and talents do not match with opportunities available.

Obi stated this when he visited Francis Cardinal Arinze Secondary School in Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he made a

donation of N10million to support the institution’s development.

The presidential hopeful was addressing the students on the need to take their education seriously as it holds the key to their future, when a female student, Miss Ifechukwu Blessing Boniface asked a question, saying most times meritocracy is slaughtered on the alter of favouritism while searching for job.

Miss Boniface had asked: “How can one navigate in a society where most time the people who are qualified for

certain jobs are not given the job, instead, people who have big men to speak for them now get the job.”

The student had contended the such scenario demoralises people who work hard in their education, and discourages students.

In his answer to her, Obi said: “My dear, the education you are receiving here today makes you job creators and not job seekers.

“It is unfortunate that the system we have in Nigeria is also not supporting people with intellectual capacity. Here, people’s

talents and opportunities don’t match.

“But I can tell you that I have never worked for anyone all my life. I have achieved everything I have today because I was educated. I was once a governor, bank chairman and the youngest then, and today I want to be president.

“If you take your education seriously, you will become someone who people like me will come to your office for one thing or the other. I concentrated on my education.”

reinforced a culture of accountability and results in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The SGF said, “As Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, you have distinguished yourself through intellectual rigour, strategic foresight, and uncommon passion for translating policy intent into measurable outcomes.”

In an emotional response, BalaUsman expressed gratitude to the vice president, senior government officials, family, friends, and colleagues, and said she was deeply humbled by the honour.

She said she never desired public attention and was initially reluctant about the colloquium, but was moved by the show of support across generations and sectors.

Bala-Usman said, “I am truly humbled today. I don’t like celebrating myself, but listening to all that has been said has touched me deeply.

“I am grateful to my family, friends, colleagues and the many young people who look up to me.”

She recalled the influence of her late father and the support she received throughout her career.

The colloquium also featured a panel discussion on governance, reforms and service delivery.

Speaking during the panel session, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi (Dattijo), said the reforms implemented in the last two years were the deepest and most far-reaching in decades, tackling structural issues that had constrained Nigeria’s growth.

Abdullahi said the removal of foreign exchange and fuel subsidies, though painful in the short term, had begun to yield macroeconomic improvements, including balance of payments and current account surpluses, as well as growing external reserves.

According to him, reforms often fail not due to weak intentions

but because of poor coordination and the inability to translate vision into durable institutions capable of withstanding political cycles and public anxiety.

The keynote address was delivered by former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah, who emphasised institutional integrity, transparency and process reforms as essential pillars of sustainable governance.

The event underscored a central message echoed by speakers: that enduring legacies in public service were built through courage, selflessness, and the painstaking work of strengthening institutions for the long-term good of the nation.

Tax Reforms Vital for Sustainable Development, Says Sani Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, called on Nigerians to support the tax reform laws introduced by Tinubu, describing the reform as critical to sustainable national development.

The governor made the call yesterday in Kaduna at a sensitisation summit organised by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT).

He was represented at the event by Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Jerry Adams.

Speaking at the summit, themed, “The Benefits of the Renewed Hope Tax Reform Laws,” Sani said the reforms were designed to streamline Nigeria’s numerous revenue sources into nine clearly defined and harmonised revenue lines.

According to him, this would simplify tax compliance, reduce confusion, and significantly improve the ease of doing business, particularly for youth-led enterprises and small businesses.

Addressing youths drawn from across northern states, the governor stressed their critical role in the success of the reforms.

Continues online

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THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

NEWS

THE PROSTATE CLINIC ON ROBOTIC SURGICAL CENTRE...

Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma (right); Founder, The Prostate Clinic, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme (2nd left); and Surgical First Assistant, Ms. Joanne Roberts, during the signing of an agreement between the Imo State government and The Prostate Clinic on a Robotic Surgical Centre at the Governor’s Office, Government House, Owerri, yesterday

NERC: Discos Billed Customers N255 Billion, Collected N210.92bn in October Billing, recovery efficiencies show mixed trends

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) in Nigeria collected a total of N210.92 billion in October 2025, according to data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reflecting a 7.48 per cent increase compared with the previous month.

The improvement in collections came amid rising billings, modest gains in efficiency, and wide performance disparities across the 12 Discos, the data showed.

According to the NERC’s factsheet, the commercial performance of Discos showed that total billing for the month stood at N255.19 billion, up by 5.65 per cent, while total energy received by the distribution companies was valued at N303.85 billion, representing an 8.73 per cent increase.

Collection efficiency across the sector improved to 82.66 per cent, a 1.40 percentage-point increase month-on-month, indicating that Discos were able to convert a larger share of billed revenue into actual cash receipts.

Despite this improvement, the gap between total billings and

collections remained significant at about N44.27 billion, underscoring persistent challenges around revenue assurance.

On revenue recovery, the allowed average tariff for October was N116.25 per kilowatt-hour, while the actual average collection stood at N95.89 per kilowatt-hour. This resulted in an overall recovery efficiency of 82.49 per cent, representing a 0.96 percentage-point decline compared with the previous month.

Besides, the data suggested that although Discos collected more in absolute terms, recovery relative to cost-reflective tariffs remained under pressure.

In the same vein, a closer look at individual Discos revealed uneven performance. Abuja Disco received energy valued at N46.32 billion and billed N38.93 billion, posting a billing efficiency of 84.05 per cent. It collected N34.39 billion, translating to a collection efficiency of 88.35 per cent, one of the stronger outcomes for the month.

In all, its recovery efficiency stood at 88.30 per cent, supported by an actual average collection of

N104.46 per kilowatt-hour against an allowed tariff of N118.30.

Benin Disco billed N19.84 billion out of N30.38 billion received, with a relatively low billing efficiency of 65.32 per cent. However, it recorded a solid collection efficiency of 83.72 per cent, collecting N16.61 billion.

Its recovery efficiency was 65.16 per cent, reflecting weaker tariff recovery despite improvements in billing.

Further analysis indicated that Eko Disco remained one

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned the Managing Director of TMDK Terminal Limited, Amadu Sule, over an alleged N311 billion money laundering scheme.

Sule, who is said to be an associate of a former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, was docked before a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering and unlawful retention of proceeds of fraud, contrary to the provisions of the

Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the charge sheet filed by the anti-graft agency, Sule allegedly exercised control over more than N311 billion traced to accounts maintained with Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, and Providus Bank Limited.

The ICPC stated the funds were received from INT Towers Limited, IHS Nigeria Limited, IHS Towers NG Limited, and Boaz Commodities Limited, purportedly as payments for the supply of petroleum products.

The Commission contended the defendant reasonably ought

Also, Enugu Disco billed N20.95 billion from N26.11 billion received, with a billing efficiency of 80.23 per cent. Collections stood at N16.91 billion, resulting in a collection efficiency of 80.74 per cent. Recovery efficiency was lower at 77.67 per cent, reflecting continued tariff shortfalls.

Ibadan Disco recorded billings of N26.70 billion and collections of N22.56 billion, translating to a collection efficiency of 84.49 per cent. However, its recovery efficiency remained subdued

at 74.16 per cent, despite an improvement compared with September.

Ikeja Disco stood out as the only operator with a collection efficiency above 100 per cent, at 102.07 per cent, having collected N42.11 billion against billings of N41.26 billion. This performance was mirrored in its recovery efficiency of 108.17 per cent, supported by an actual average collection of N124.07 per kilowatt-hour versus an allowed tariff of N114.70.

Olu of Warri to Chevron: Peace Without Justice No Longer Sustainable in Itsekiriland The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, at the weekend warned oil exploration firm Chevron and other oil companies operating in Itsekiriland, declaring the era of patience without justice has ended for oil-bearing communities in the western Niger Delta.

Speaking after a tour of riverine Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Areas of Delta State, the

ICPC Arraigns TMDK Terminal MD over Alleged N311bn Money Laundering John Shiklam in Kaduna

of the best performers in terms of billing, with a billing efficiency of 95.71 per cent and total billings of N40.29 billion. It collected N37.67 billion, yielding a collection efficiency of 93.50 per cent for the month. Notably, Eko achieved a recovery efficiency of 101.65 per cent, as its actual average collection of N120.28 per kilowatt-hour exceeded the allowed tariff of N118.33, largely due to the settlement of outstanding bills from previous months.

to have known that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activities.

It further alleged that Sule, in connivance with TMDK Terminal Limited, unlawfully retained tax components arising from the disputed transactions, amounting to hundreds of billions of naira, despite allegedly being aware that the transactions were fraudulent.

The ICPC described the alleged acts as direct handling and retention of illicit proceeds, an offence which attracts enhanced penalties under Sections 18(3) and 18(4) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

monarch said decades of oil extraction have left his people “poor, discouraged and tired,” despite contributing massively to Nigeria’s wealth.

The Olu of Warri visited amidst recent protest against multi-national oil giant Chevron.

Addressing Chevron directly, from its local operations to its headquarters in Houston, the Olu said the company must not mistake the peaceful disposition of the Itsekiri people for weakness.

In his words, “Chevron chose to remain onshore when others retreated offshore to avoid

community accountability.

We believe you recognized the blessing God has bestowed on us, and thus wish to remain here among us, to continue to enjoy the blessing.

“Despite the “facts” that could have easily pushed you away. We welcome you; we accommodate you. We believe in true partnership.

“That will yield in mutual success, one that makes your operation & presence in this part of the world, a model for your global operation.

But please, do not take our peaceful nature & mistake it

for weakness “Because the record speaks clearly. Before your arrival as Gulf Oil, our people in these communities lived better lives than they do today.

“Let us be honest, peaceful people can become desperate people, especially when 6 decades of evidence tells them that not only are they not the priority, but also, that they do not matter.

“And as is the case in the ND, the oil companies have shown that they respond faster to threats than to dialogue, which is truly most unfortunate.

Police Foil Attack on Obajana Operational Base, Arrest Scores of Bandits in Kogi State Confirm attack on Benue community

George Okoh in Makurdi and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The Nigeria Police Force

has foiled an attempted attack on the Obajana operational base by suspected criminal elements and successfully arrested several suspects.

This was contained in

a press statement by the Police Public Relation Officer, William Aya, in Lokoja, yesterday.

“It would be recalled that on 10th January, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force conducted a clearance and aggressive operation, supported by the Nigeria Police Force

Air Wing through precision airstrikes, across identified flashpoints, hideouts, and assembly points known to be frequented by bandits and other criminal elements within Kogi State. The operation recorded significant success, which is believed to have provoked sleeper cells of the hoodlums.

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NEITI: At N6tn, Nigeria Posted Highest Federation Disbursement in Q3 2025 Says allocations grew 55.6% y-o-y Oil-producing states receive N424bn in derivation Agency seeks policy action to safeguard fiscal gains

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday released its analysis of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements in Q3 2025, putting it at a record N6 trillion.

In a statement in Abuja by the Director of Communication & Stakeholders Management, Obiageli Onuorah, the organisation described it as a historic rise in federation account receipts and distributions, highlighting improved state debt metrics, and a set of policy priorities to protect

fiscal stability.

The report contained in the agency’s Quarterly Review, said the N6 trillion included 13 per cent payments to derivative states, explaining that year-onyear quarterly FAAC allocations in 2025 grew by 55.6 per cent compared with Q3 of 2024, more than doubling allocations over a two-year period.

A breakdown of the disbursements showed that the federal government received N2.19 trillion, states received N1.97 trillion and local governments received N1.45 trillion.

The review also showed that

statutory revenues accounted for 62 per cent of shared receipts, while Value Added Tax (VAT) was 34 per cent, and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and augmentation from non-oil excess revenue each accounted for 2 per cent respectively.

The distribution to the 36 states comprised revenues from statutory sources, VAT, EMTL and ecological funds. States also received additional N100 billion as augmentation from the non-oil excess revenue account.

According to the report, allocations to states showed that Lagos State recorded the

highest revenue at N179.3 billion for the quarter, translating to an average monthly receipt of N59.76 billion. Kano came second with N79.2 billion while Rivers State came third with N78.8 billion.

Besides, Nasarawa state received the lowest allocation of N42.5 billion followed by Ebonyi state with N42.9 billion and Ekiti with N43 billion. The data also showed an average monthly allocation of N14.1 billion to Nasarawa state, indicating that the range between the highest and lowest state allocations was N136.8 billion.

Also, Lagos’ allocation of N179 billion was more than double the amount received by the second and third highest - grossing states -Kano and Rivers respectively, NEITI stated.

From the quarterly review, nine oil producing states, it said, received N424 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue. This materially altered state rankings in the review, throwing up the derivative states as receiving nearly half of the gross allocations from FAAC. A closer look at the derivative disbursements showed the four oil bearing states – Akwa Ibom,

NEITI Boss, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States in the stand-out region, with Delta state grossing the highest in revenue allocation of N180.68 billion.

Continues online

AFRICA CONFIDENTIAL: FG OUTGUNS BIAFRA LOBBYISTS SEEKING TO INFLUENCE TRUMP ON NIGERIA Nigeria’s battle to shape Washington’s view of its internal security crisis has spilled into a lobbying war, with the federal government dramatically outspending Biafran secessionist groups as both sides seek President Donald Trump’s ear over claims of a Christian genocide.

According the noted UK publication, African Confidential: Alarmed by Trump’s threat last November to go into Nigeria “guns ablazing,” President Bola Tinubu’s administration and its allies have moved swiftly

to counter separatist narratives in the US capital, signing a $750,000 a month deal for six months renewable contract with the Republican-linked DCI Group to press Abuja’s case on visa policy, military cooperation, trade and tariffs, and to emphasise government efforts to protect Christians and Muslims and combat jihadist violence.

The scale of the contract dwarfs that of the shadowy and unknown Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGE), which is paying $66,000 a month to the smaller Madison

NESTOIL, NECONDE REJECT ‘FALSE, MISLEADING’ REPORTS ON SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS a winner or loser nor made companies said it had become any adverse remarks against necessary to address what they any of the parties involved. termed deliberate falsehoods being The companies explained that peddled in the public space. They the dispute originated from a specifically denied insinuations suit filed by a consortium of suggesting misunderstandings, lenders at the Federal High rifts, or untrue demands involving Court, Lagos Judicial Division. their legal representatives, describHowever, proceedings at that ing such claims as unfounded court, they explained, have and misleading.

According to the statement, been stayed following ex-parte associated insinuations in the orders obtained from the Court of Appeal by the same lenders reports were also rejected, with the companies alleging that the that instituted the action. of the narratives were Besides, Nestoil and Neconde sponsors obvious.

They noted that attacks said they would refrain from on their retained Senior Counsel commenting on the substance of had become a recurring feature the matter out of respect for the following court proceedings Supreme Court and the ongoing related to the dispute, which judicial process. they characterised as calculated “The attention of Nestoil Nigeria attempts to intimidate, blackmail, Limited (Nestoil) and Neconde or discourage their legal team.

Energy Limited (Neconde) has Nestoil and Neconde said been drawn to various sponsored they remained satisfied with the posts in the print and online quality of legal representation they media relating to the outcome of have received since the disputes proceedings at the Supreme Court were initiated by some lenders on 12th January, 2026, in respect in October 2025, noting that the of a suit initiated/originated on matters are currently pending behalf of a consortium of lenders before different courts across at the Federal High Court, Lagos the country. They described their Judicial Division. counsel as providing distinctive “The proceedings at the said and stellar representation.

Federal High Court have been The companies reaffirmed stayed by ex-parte orders obtained their confidence in the Nigerian from the Court of Appeal by the judiciary and said their trust same lenders that initiated the in, and alignment with, their suit. As a mark of respect for the external Senior Counsel remained Supreme Court and responsibility, unshaken as the legal processes we will refrain from making com- continue. ments in respect of the ongoing “It is however compelling proceedings where the Supreme that we debunk the falsehood Court has neither declared any of any misunderstanding, rift or party winner or loser, nor did untrue demands from our lawyers it make any negative remark or currently being peddled in certain decision about any of the parties quarters and viral posts/messages. before it,” the statement stressed. The associated insinuations in the But despite this restraint, the posts are also denied.

& Washington lobbying firm to push for sanctions against Nigerian officials, greater US engagement with a putative Biafran administration, and even support for military strikes and favourable oil deals with Washington in an undefined future Biafra.

The oil rich Niger Delta does not consider itself part of a futuristic landlocked Biafra.

Both sides are targeting the same political terrain, tapping into conservative and evangelical networks close to the US President.

The lobbying scramble has unfolded alongside intensified US–Nigeria security contacts, including joint intelligence coordination and US air strikes on suspected jihadist targets in northern Nigeria over Christmas, underscoring how claims made in Washington are now intersecting directly with military, diplomatic and commercial decisions affecting Africa’s most populous country.

In the details of the latest contract to promote Tinubu’s cause in Washington, his supporters are paying the Republican Party-connected DCI Group $750,000 a month – via Aster Legal in Nigeria – to explain the

Abuja government’s strategy to protect Christians and Muslims in Nigeria and secure US support to counter jihadist groups in West Africa, initially for a year, Africa Confidential reported.

The DCI Group fee is multiples higher than what the Biafran Republic Government in Exile is paying the Madison & Washington lobby company. This contract, announced on January 10 is remarkably ambitious for the fee of $66,000 with duration undisclosed.

Its aims include: seeking defence and security arrangements, counter-terrorism cooperation and engagement with US and international oil and gas companies under a hypothetical ‘new Biafran Administration’.

It argues that Christiantargeted violence in Nigeria is due to the complicity of the state under Tinubu and that a pro-US Biafran administration in south-east Nigeria would better serve US interests in the region and would also offer more favourable terms for US oil companies operating in ‘Biafra territory’. It failed to disclose that in the South-east zone, Christans are killing multiple Christians in separatist attacks.

Besides, the Pro Christian and

Biafran-secessionist groups have been tapping into the religious right and evangelical Christian organisations in the US for a couple of decades, winning endorsement from senior Republican figures such as Ted Cruz (Texas R), who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and former Secretary of State (during Trump’s first term) Mike Pompeo.

According to the Africa Confidential report, such heavyweight supporters on the ChristianBiafra team may have prompted the Tinubu government and its supporters to splurge on a topdollar lobby contract with ties to Trump’s circle in Washington.

Whatever their aims, Tinubu’s officials and their business supporters acted with extreme urgency according to the established timeline: The timeline is as follows: On November 1, 2025, President Trump threatened to send troops into Nigeria ‘guns ablazing’ to stop what he called ‘a genocide against Christians’.

Between November 2 and 19, Nigeria’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu’s team held discussions with the Department of Defense and other Trump-affiliated officials

in Washington.

Besides, on November 20, Ribadu and Nigerian military intelligence officers met US Secretary for Defense Peter Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine in Washington.

In the same vein, between November 21 to December 23, Nigeria and the US set up a Joint Working Group to ‘share intelligence and speed up arms requests’ according to Abuja; the two sides coordinate over targets and intelligence sharing.

While the US air attacks on suspected jihadist fighters in Sokoto and Zamfara states were originally scheduled for December 24, this was shifted to December 25, wherein US Airforce launched missiles against suspected jihadists in northern Nigeria after President Trump insisted that the raids should be on Christmas day and warned there will be more to come.

On January 8, 2026 President Trump told the New York Times that there are likely to be further US air attacks on suspected jihadists in northern Nigeria, while on January January 12, the Continued on page 29

TINUBU SIGNS COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PACT WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES counterpart, Mohamed bin Zayed and expanded nationwide electricity Act 2023 as a central pillar of Nigeria’s have grown by 21 per cent, supported Al Nahyan; Nigeria’s Minister of access. energy reforms, stating that it enables by a more diversified product base.

Industry, Trade, and Investment, He stated, ‘’The foundation of every decentralised power generation Capital importation has risen, and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and UAE modern economy is electricity. As and distribution to underserved Nigeria now has over 50 billion dollars Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister an emerging economy in the Global communities. in investment commitments across in charge of Talent Attraction and South, we understand the delicate He added that Nigeria’s climate key sectors.

Retention, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al balance between industrialisation and investment drive included a $500 ‘’We are ready to work with Zeyoudi. decarbonisation, ensuring neither is million distributed renewable energy partners across the world to ensure Tinubu described CEPA as a pursued at the expense of the other. fund backed by the Nigeria Sovereign that the next era of development is historic and strategic agreement that ‘’We are calling for a fundamental Investment Authority, as well as a not only green and inclusive, but would also enhance cooperation in shift in the global financial architecture: $750 million World Bank programme just and enduring.’’ aviation, logistics, agriculture, and a move away from the restrictive expected to expand clean electricity Oduwole, also yesterday, explained climate-smart infrastructure, creating requirement of sovereign guarantees, access to more than 17.5 million what Nigeria stood to gain from the enduring opportunities for people which unfairly penalise developing people. economic agreement with the UAE. of the two countries. economies.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s target Speaking with newsmen in Abu According to him, Investopia ‘’Instead, the focus should be of net-zero emissions by 2060, under Dhabi, the minister explained that would bring together investors, on blended finance and first-loss its Energy Transition Plan, while CEPA would transform economic innovators, policymakers, and business capital mechanisms that allow private pursuing industrial growth and ties between the two nations and leaders to transform opportunities sustainable capital flows directly into universal energy access. deliver tangible benefits for Nigerian into commitment and ideas into our green projects without further He invited foreign investors to businesses, professionals, and workers. investment. straining national balance sheets.’’ partner in Nigeria’s lithium and According to her, “This agree‘’We warmly invite our partners The president said Nigeria had critical minerals sector, stressing ment is the product of focused and to join us and help build the next strengthened its climate governance that the government prioritises determined negotiations led by the chapter of sustainable and shared framework with the adoption of a local processing and value addition. Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade prosperity for Nigeria, Africa, and National Carbon Market Activation Tinubu stated that Nigeria’s ongo- and Investment under the direction the world,’’ Tinubu said.

Policy and the launch of a National ing economic reforms were producing of the Minister and Chief Negotiator tangible results, including a 21 per for Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.

The president told the summit Carbon Registry. that Nigeria aimed to mobilise up He explained that those measures cent growth in non-oil exports.

“It prioritises market access for He said, ‘’These reforms, alongside Nigerian goods and services, facilitates to $30 billion annually in climate were aimed at improving transparency wider fiscal and monetary measures, and green industrial finance as it and investor confidence.

Continued on page 10 accelerated energy transition reforms Tinubu highlighted the Electricity are delivering results. Non-oil exports

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THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

NEWS

SULLIVAN CHIME UNDERGOING REGISTRATION AT APC ENUGU WEST FLAG-OFF...

Former Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Sullivan Chime (seated), undergoing registration during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic membership registration exercise for Enugu West Senatorial District in Udi, yesterday

Trump Assures of US Intervention after Killing of over 2,000 Iranian Protesters Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

More than 2,000 people have been killed during the violent crackdown by security forces on protests in Iran, a human rights group has said, as US President Donald Trump yesterday promised Iranians that help was “on its way”.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that it had so far confirmed

the killing of 1,850 protesters, 135 people affiliated with the government and nine uninvolved civilians over the last 17 days despite an internet blackout.

An Iranian official also told Reuters news agency that 2,000 people had been killed but that “terrorists” were to blame. Trump said Iranian authorities would “pay a big price” for the killings and urged people to “keep protesting”.

He has been weighing military and other options in response to the crackdown, having already announced 25 per cent tariffs on any country trading with Iran.

The protests, which have reportedly spread to 180 cities and towns in all 31 provinces, were sparked by anger over the collapse of the Iranian currency and soaring cost of living.

They quickly widened into demands for political change and became one

of the most serious challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

The protests escalated significantly last Thursday and were met with deadly force by authorities, masked by a near total shutdown of the internet and communication services, a BBC report stated.

HRANA said on Tuesday afternoon that, as well as confirming the killing of at least 2,003 people during the

2027: Ex-Gov Chime Endorses Tinubu, Says APC Best Option for South East Says “The President has done well”

Former governor of Enugu State, Barr. Sullivan Chime, has thrown his weight behind last weekend’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office

by South East governors, as well as leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in the South East, saying the president has done well.

Chime, who declared he was part of the endorsement ab initio, said he nursed no doubt that Tinubu and the APC would sweep the polls in the South East come 2027.

Chime spoke in Udi during the flag-off of the APC e-registration exercise in Enugu West Senatorial

District on Tuesday, saying the few naysayers in the region would soon see the light and embrace reality.

“I am part of the South East. So, you can take it for granted that I was part of that endorsement.

That is our decision and we all stand by it. It is easily achievable.

“The President has done well. I believe he has done well. Whatever is happening in Nigeria is global and certainly in Africa. It is all over the place. He is doing well, given the circumstances,” he stated.

The former governor said he would speak more on 2027 in the coming months.

“Elections are coming up next

year. He will do well. When the time for campaign comes, we will talk,” he stated.

Expressing his joy at the excitement with which the South East, and Enugu State in particular, were embracing the APC, he maintained that his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the 2015 election was now justified.

He said APC leaders in Enugu State were committed to surpassing the two-million membership benchmark set for them in the ongoing electronic membership registration exercise by the governor and leader of the party in the state, Dr. Peter Mbah.

“We are here first of all to thank our people. You can see how excited people are to join the APC. APC is now the only party available in Enugu State.

“Ten years ago, when I joined the APC, we saw tomorrow. We knew PDP was going down. It is now obvious that APC is the only party available. So, the twomillion mark, to me, is actually just there. We are going beyond that in Enugu State.

Alleged Terrorism Financing: Judge Returns Suit The Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. against Bauchi Finance Commissioner, Others to CJ the Ahmed Audi, has commended Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, has returned the case file of the alleged terrorism financing charge against the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.

The return of the case file was

following the resumption of the court from the Christmas and New Year vacation.

Nwite, at Tuesday’s proceedings noted the case was a vacation matter, and ordered the file be returned to the registry for reassignment by the CJ. Adamu, who is a former manager of a branch of Polaris Bank Plc in Bauchi State, and his co-defendants are standing trial on a 10- count criminal charge

bordering on terrorism financing and money laundering to the tune of $9.7 million.

The defendants which included Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, who are 2nd to 4th defendants respectively, said to be civil servants working with the Bauchi State Government, were arraigned on December 31, 2025.

his brother, and he forgot his own sorrow,” an activist told BBC Persian on Monday.

“They piled up bodies from every neighbourhood, like Saadatabad, Naziabad, Sattarkhan. So you go to your address pile and search there.

You don’t know a fraction of the level of violence that’s been used.”

Hospitals in the capital have also reportedly been overwhelmed by the number of casualties.

Prof Shahram Kordasti, an Iranian oncologist based in London, told the BBC’s Newsday programme on Tuesday that the last message he had received from a colleague in Tehran said: “In most hospitals, it’s like a warzone. We are short of supplies, short of blood.”

Other doctors at “two to three hospitals” had also said they had treated hundreds of injured or dead people, he added.

An Iranian living in Rasht, near the Caspian Sea coast, described the city as unrecognisable. “Everywhere is burnt with fire,” they said.

Not long after HRANA released its latest death toll, President Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Iranian Patriots, keep protesting - take over your institutions!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price.

NSCDC Chief Hails FCT Command’s Transformation, Showcases Obstacle Training Facility

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Alex Enumah in Abuja

unrest, it was also reviewing reports of another 779 deaths.

“We’re horrified, but we still think the number is conservative,” Deputy Director Skylar Thompson told the Associated Press. Another group, Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), meanwhile said it had confirmed the killing of at least 734 protesters.

Its director, Mahmood AmiryMoghaddam, told AFP news agency that the figures were “based on information received from fewer than half of the country’s provinces and fewer than 10 per cent of Iran’s hospitals”, adding: “The real number of those killed is likely in the thousands.”

Reuters said the unnamed Iranian official who put the death toll at about 2,000 had not given a breakdown of the figure. However, it added, he said “terrorists” were behind the deaths of both protesters and security personnel.Videos posted online showed people searching for the bodies of their loved ones at the Kahrizak Forensic Centre in Tehran. The BBC counted at least 180 shrouded bodies and body bags in the footage.

Around 50 bodies were visible in another video from the facility shared on Monday. “My friend went there [Kahrizak] to look for

the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Corps for its rapid infrastructural growth and operational innovation, describing the command as a benchmark for excellence within the Corps.

Prof. Audi made the remarks during an inspection visit to the FCT Command as part of his 2026 Operational Tour aimed at assessing readiness, training capacity, and infrastructure

development across NSCDC formations nationwide.

At the centre of the visit was the newly initiated Obstacle Course Training Facility, which the NSCDC boss described as a strategic investment in personnel capacity building and operational effectiveness.

He noted the transformation witnessed at the FCT Command since the assumption of office of the Commandant Olusola Odumosu reflects purposeful leadership, discipline, and dedication to service.

According to the Commandant General, the FCT Command occupies a critical

position as the operational nerve centre of the National Headquarters, stressing the pace of development recorded within a short time underscores the command’s commitment to innovation and professionalism.

He further described officers of the FCT Command as some of the most dedicated personnel in the Corps, working deliberately to reposition the NSCDC in line with contemporary security demands.

Prof. Audi noted the progress recorded by the command is clear evidence of the broader transformation taking place within the Corps.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

INDIAN DIPLOMAT’S VISIT TO NIBSS ...

L-R: The Indian High Commissioner To Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Abhishek Singh and Managing Director/CEO, NIBSS, Premier Owioh, at a courtesy visit to NIBSS headquarters in Lagos on January 13, 2026.

Governor Mbah Moves to Sustain Enugu’s Environmental Cleanliness Rolls out compactors, automated road sweepers, other equipment

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu To sustain Enugu’s status as the cleanest state in Nigeria, Governor Peter Mbah Tuesday has rolled out newly acquired equipment for environmental cleanliness, saying that a clean city is a healthy and competitive city ready for growth.

Unveiling the new assets at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, restated his administration’s commitment to sustaining Enugu’s emergence as Nigeria’s model green state in 2025.

The Coal City State emerged the cleanest state and winner of the maiden Renewed Hope Model Green State Award in 2025.

The equipment unveiled to sustain the prevailing environmental health include 10 brand new waste compactors, seven automated street sweepers, and 200 modern dumpsters.

Mbah noted that: “today’s event is more than the unveiling of equipment” as it represents “a clear demonstration of our

administration’s commitment to building the Enugu State of the future”.

“With the introduction of these modern equipment, we are strengthening the backbone of our environmental infrastructure and advancing a vision that places cleanliness, order, and sustainability at the heart of our development agenda,” he said.

The governor stated that keeping Enugu safe and clean was in line with his administration’s vision of growing the state’s economy from the $4.4 billion inherited in 2023 to $30 billion by 2031.

He said: “From the very beginning of this administration, we made a promise: to create a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Enugu. A city cannot grow if it is overwhelmed by waste.

“Investors will not come, tourism cannot thrive, and the health of our people cannot be guaranteed. That is why environmental reform has been a central pillar of our governance strategy to grow our economy”.

According to him, the procurement of the equipment

underscores his government’s belief in carving a path of doing things in a new way in order to achieve the best outcomes, adding that a major step forward has been taken in that direction.

Mbah explained that “the compactors will ensure faster, more efficient evacuation of waste across our urban centres. The automated sweepers will bring our streets closer to the standards

of modern, well-planned cities around the world”.

He further explained that the 3,000-litre dumpsters “will help eliminate indiscriminate dumping and reduce the pressure on existing waste points”, noting that “beyond the equipment, what we are building is a system that supports the growth we envision for Enugu”.

“As we expand our road

network, modernise our markets, attract new industries, and open our doors to investors, we must ensure that our environment reflects the discipline and ambition of a state on the rise,” Mbah said.

The Enugu governor enjoined the people to support the efforts of government in the environment sector as extensive reform was already going on at the Enugu State Waste Management Agency

(ESWAMA), aimed at strengthening its operational capacity and building higher standards of service delivery.

He stated that his administration was also investing in public awareness, “because no matter how much equipment we deploy, progress will only be sustained when our people embrace responsible waste disposal and environmental discipline”.

AFRICOM Delegation Reaffirms Support for NDLEA in Fight Against Drug Trafficking Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A high-level delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of stronger cooperation and continued technical support as efforts intensify to curb illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and the wider region.

The delegation met on Tuesday with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of

TINUBU SIGNS COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PACT WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES quality investment inflows, and “In addition, Nigerian businesses youthful population.” advances our national economic can establish operations in the UAE She said Nigeria’s commitments diversification under the Renewed through new corporate entities, under the agreement included that Hope Agenda of President Bola branches, and subsidiaries. regarding trade in goods, Nigeria Tinubu.”

“Nigerian business visitors can will eliminate tariffs on around 6,000 On what the trade agreement enter the UAE for up to 90 days products. would deliver for Nigeria, Oduwole in 12 months to explore trade and The minister stated, “Tariffs on said, “For Nigerian exporters, the UAE investment opportunities while intra- around 60 per cent of these products will eliminate tariffs on over 7,000 corporate transferees, our managers, will be eliminated immediately, with products. Immediately, our agricultural executives, and specialists can relocate the remainder phased over five years. and industrial products - fish and with their corporate entities for These imports are concentrated in seafood, oil seeds, cereals, cotton, renewable three-year periods.” industrial inputs, capital goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and Oduwole added, “For Nigeria’s and machinery that will strengthen more - will enter the UAE market investment climate, this agreement Nigeria’s productive capacity. Nigeria’s duty-free. addresses longstanding impediments Import Prohibition List remains in “Over the next three to five years, to foreign direct investment. UAE effect. the UAE will eliminate tariffs on investors now have clarity and “On trade in services, Nigeria’s Nigerian machinery, vehicles, electrical confidence to invest in Nigeria’s commitments cover 99 specific services equipment, apparel, and furniture. productive sectors. This will support across 10 sectors, including business Nigerian industrial exports now have Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda, services, communication, transport, a clear and competitive pathway into enhance transport and logistics financial services, construction, one of the world’s most dynamic connectivity, and contribute to distribution, health, environment, trading hubs. the creation of quality jobs for our recreational/sporting, and tourism.”

NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), where both sides discussed the progress of existing partnerships and future areas of collaboration.

Leading the delegation, Philip Esch, who serves as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) liaison to AFRICOM, described the working relationship with NDLEA as critical to international security.

He commended the agency’s leadership and professionalism, noting that NDLEA’s operations in Nigeria have far-reaching implications beyond the country’s borders.

Members of the delegation

also praised NDLEA for the effective use and maintenance of equipment previously supplied by the United States government, a development they said demonstrates accountability and commitment to the shared anti-drug agenda.

They disclosed that additional projects and training programmes are being planned to further strengthen the agency’s capacity.

In his remarks, Marwa expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged AFRICOM’s sustained support, which he said has contributed significantly to recent successes recorded by the agency.

He stressed that drug trafficking remains closely linked to other security challenges, including terrorism and organized crime.

The NDLEA boss called for expanded assistance in key operational areas such as airport screening technology, forensic laboratories, digital investigation tools, portable drug detection devices and the deployment of trained sniffer dogs.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation aimed at disrupting drug networks, enhancing law enforcement capacity and promoting regional and global security.

NiMet Update Its Conditions of Service Approved

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has concluded a comprehensive review of its Conditions of Service, marking a significant milestone in the Agency’s ongoing efforts to align its human resource framework with contemporary public service standards and its evolving operational mandate.

The review process it said was driven by a strong spirit of collaboration between NiMet Management and the recognised staff unions.

Director, Human Resources Management and Administration Dr. Nasir Sani, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, noted that through sustained dialogue, extensive consultations, and mutual understanding, both parties worked collectively to produce a revised Conditions of Service that addresses critical issues of staff welfare, career progression, professionalism, and institutional efficiency, while supporting the Agency’s core mandate of delivering timely and accurate weather and climate services.

Sani stated that with the backing

of the current administration, the review was diligently advanced through the appropriate channels and has now received the necessary approvals from relevant oversight authorities.

He said these include clearance from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), among other statutory bodies, thereby formally validating and operationalising the revised Conditions of Service for NiMet staff.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY UNITED KINGDOM NIGERIA ALUMNI END-OF-YEAR DINNER PARTY...

L-R: Director, Human Resources and Administration, Airtel Nigeria, Mrs. Adebimpe Ayo Elias; Emeritus Professor, University of Lagos, Prof. Olukayode Amund; Managing Partner, L’ecole Consulting Nigeria Limited and President, Cranfield University United Kingdom Nigeria Alumni, Mrs. Evbusogie Osojie; and Founder, Homebase Mortgage Bank, Dr. Femi Johnson, at the Cranfield University United Kingdom Nigeria Alumni end-of-year dinner party in Lagos …recently

Fayose: Why Tinubu Will Never Dump Wike for Fubara Says Obi is new face of opposition, declares others in ADC are spent forces Insists Tinubu not responsible for PDP’s problems Agbakoba: Rivers crisis shows politicians don’t care about Nigerians

Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has argued that President Bola Tinubu will not sacrifice the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in his bid to resolve the current impasse between them.

Fayose, who spoke during an interview aired on Arise Television yesterday, maintained that the President values loyalty, strength, and political influence and would not dump Wike who possesses those features.

The former governor appealed to Fubara to make peace with Wike in his own interest, questioning the sincerity of the Rivers governor’s reconciliatory efforts in the past, and stressing that Fubara must show genuine remorse.

In recent times, the feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, has evolved into one of the most consequential political battles in Nigeria. What began as a quiet

struggle for influence soon after Fubara assumed office in May 2023 has since spilled into the open, exposing deep cracks in the relationship between both leaders.

While Wike is widely seen as seeking to retain firm control over the Rivers political structure, Fubara also appears to be gradually asserting his independence, framing his actions as a defence of constitutional authority and the mandate given to him by voters.

But Fayose opined that those encouraging the governor to resist reconciliation would abandon him if his position weakened, drawing from his personal experience.

“People that were saying I should fight back in those days, they were not there when I was isolated and when I was alone.

That’s all I would say to you,” Fayose noted.

On his reading of Tinubu’s body language on the matter, Fayose stressed that the President does not like ingratitude. “The current situation, the President himself, that I know, hates ingratitude,” he posited.

He argued that the recent

emergency rule imposed by the President worked in Fubara’s favour, warning that impeachment would have ended his political career. “The emergency rule was all about winning for Governor Fubara. By now Governor Fubara would have been history. Because the moment you are impeached, you are out of the way. You cannot contest,” he pointed out.

Besides, Fayose suggested that Fubara’s reported foreign trip reflected desperation rather than strength. “If Fubara has gone to meet the President, then it shows he needs help. You know when you don’t praise God, when you refuse to humble yourself, look for peace, you’ll just be running helter skelter. What he’s looking for is inside his pocket,” he opined.

Fayose reiterated his position that if Tinubu was left to choose between Wike and Fubara, he will pick the FCT minister anyday. “Let me say this to Nigerians. The Asiwaju that I know, the President of Nigeria that we know will not get rid of a Wike for a Fubara.

“There’s a difference between the office and 001. What brought

about the 001? Who gave you the platform to call yourself the 001?

It is a sad narrative for Governor Fubara to be struggling. Rather, he should manage the situation.

“Even if Wike is saying he is the leader, it is not to the mouth of Fubara to be contesting that.

We all know the truth,” he said.

Fayose suggested that Wike’s political relevance to the president is based on his performance as FCT minister and his ability to deliver electoral outcomes for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Wike is in Abuja performing; we’ve never had it so good in Abuja. Even a blind man can’t deny that,” he added.

Away from the Wike, Fubara imbroglio, Fayose said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer Nigeria’s dominant opposition party, attributing its decline to internal divisions. Besides, he described former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, as a major political figure to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.

He stated that the PDP has struggled to retain its status as the country’s leading opposition party because internal weaknesses made the party vulnerable, rather than actions taken by the ruling APC. He added: “You must be very honest. When you are weak, tendencies are there for you to fall to the right of the stronger side,” dismissing claims that the PDP’s crisis should be blamed on Tinubu. “The challenges in the PDP, it’s not the fault of Asiwaju, the president. No. The failure in my home, God forbid, is not the fault of my neighbour,” he stated.

He opined: “The PDP caused themselves an insurrection. It’s a house that is divided against itself, and the nature of man is survival of the fittest.”

On Obi’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Fayose emphasised that the move has brought life to a dying ADC, describing the ex-Anambra governor as the only life in ADC. “I’m not saying they (others in

ADC) are not human beings.

I’m saying they are largely spent forces,” he maintained.

He argued that if the ADC fails to field Obi, it will run into even deeper problems than those which necessitated its formation.

Meanwhile, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has berated politicians for the crisis rocking Rivers state, saying it showed that the political class had no interest in Nigerians and accusing them of selfishness.

“Well, what’s going on is a clear indication that our political class has no interest in Nigerians because I have not heard in any of these disputes that these people understand that they are governing Nigeria, and in particular, Rivers people,” Agbakoba said on Channels Television.

He added: “It’s a toxic situation in Rivers. First, the governor was in the PDP, and Mr. Nyesom Wike was pursuing him. He now bent over backwards, resigned from PDP, and went into APC.

Egbetokun Lauds NPTF for Boosting Morale Specifically for Nigeria, Jinadu the cold war Venezuela was also on African countries. Thus began in Police Force with Decent Accommodation puts the implication like this: “The ally of America. The ideological the assault of neo-liberalism in Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Enugu profound impact on the NPF. Egbetokun assured the NPTF that HAS AFRICA COME OF AGE NOW?

toxic internal environment within which politics is pursued as public policy needs to give rise to voluble alternative voice to the drumbeats of ethnic hate, now sliding towards religious hate speech encouraged by the political class.”

Another veteran political scientist, Professor Femi Otubanjo, illuminated the discussion highly, tracing the history AmericaVenezuela relations defined by oil interests to the first half of the 20th Century. He summed up things as follows: The US has the capacity for turning a friend into an enemy. The professor calls it transfiguration. During the World War II, Venezuela aligned with the America. American oil companies dominated the Venezuelan oil industry. During

break came with the emergence of the socialist leader Hugo Chavez in 1999. Otubanjo demonstrated with facts of history that what is happening to Venezuela is not unprecedented In 1976, Murtala proclaimed that “Africa has come of age.”

Now, 50 years after that courageous declaration it can hardly be said that Africa has truly grown, much less developed. The reason is obvious. Murtala made his statement in the heat of the struggle for political freedom. But African economies re-main under the bondage of global capitalism. They are largely debtors taking dictation from their creditors. For instance, a decade after the Murtala declaration the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was imposed

the policy arena. In the decade that followed, neo-liberal experts trumpeted globalisation as the economic elixir, thereby gaslighting the African public. And as Lenin puts it, “imperialism is the highest stage of capitalism.”

With Trumpism, you hardly hear the talk of globalisation, free trade, market forces and other neo-liberal shibboleths anymore. International law is even on vacation at pre-sent.

In sum, if Africa is to come of age, it must squarely adopt a political economy approach to its development. What Trumpism has put on display globally is that economic policies are not mere technical matters; there are political motivations to them at national and international levels.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) for embarking on infrastructural projects aimed at providing decent accommodation for the police personnel.

He gave the commendation Tuesday at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of an eight-man rank-and-file quarters at the Ozalla Divisional Police Headquarters of the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP, represented by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, said that the provision of decent accommodation for the rank and file would make

“More importantly, it will significantly boost morale, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the commitment of the benefiting officers to their constitutional duties,” he stated.

The IGP specially expressed gratitude to the Board and Management of NPTF for the “landmark project” aimed at provision of decent accommodation for police officers serving in Ozalla Division.

He noted that this intervention was coming at a time President Bola Tinubu administration, “has placed premium priority on comprehensive reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, especially in the critical areas of welfare and improved working conditions for officers across the federation”.

the NPF “will provide all necessary support to ensure that this project is completed within record time and deployed for its intended purpose”.

He also enjoined the contractors and engineers handling the project to uphold the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and integrity throughout the construction process.

On its part, the Enugu Command while expressing deep appreciation for the conception and implementation of the project, appealed to the NPTF to extend its interventions to other police facilities across the state.

CP Giwa cited the existing six-man rank-and-file quarters adjacent to the new project site, saying that it is in “a seriously dilapidated condition and requires urgent renovation”.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

PUBLIC NOTICE CONSULTATION ON SATELLITE DIRECT-TO DEVICE (D2D) CONNECTIVITY IN NIGERIA The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under its mandate in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, seeks stakeholder input to better understand the potential opportunities, risks and public-interest considerations related to Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity in Nigeria.

This Consultation Paper represents an initial stakeholder engagement, in line with the Commission’s participatory and transparency-driven regulatory approach, and is intended to inform the Commission’s understanding before any formal rule-making process is initiated under Section 71 of the NCA, 2003.

The feedback received will support the Commission in developing a robust understanding of emerging D2D service models and their implications for Nigeria’s communications ecosystem, and will inform any future regulatory considerations in this area.

For the avoidance of doubt, this consultation: • Does not constitute a regulatory decision, licensing process, or spectrum allocation, • Does not prejudge any future policy outcome; and • Is intended to ensure that any subsequent framework is informed, proportionate, transparent, and responsive to Nigeria’s market realities.

Stakeholders are kindly invited to access the Consultation Paper via the link below, which provides the full background, scope, and consultation questions. Responses should be submitted through the online form contained in the document. The email address stakeholders@ncc.gov.ng may be used strictly for requests for clarification, additional enquiries, or the submission of supporting documentation.

All submissions must be received by the Commission no later than Monday, February 23, 2026.

Link: https://url-shortener.me/7FNQ Dated this 14th Day of January 2026 Signed: Nnenna Ukoha Head, Public Affairs Department Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Tel: +234-8-61-7000-29 fax: +234-9-461-7514 Toll Free No: 622. E-mail: ncc@ncc.gov.ng

www.ncc.gov.ng www.ncc.gov.ng KHALEESI

arpa6429

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

15

NIGERIA DATA PROTECTION ACT (NDP ACT) COMPLIANCE AUDIT The Data Protection Compliance Audit for the 2025 audit year has commenced.

Deadline: 31st of March, 2026

All Data Controllers and Processors of Major Importance (DCPMI) are required to comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023.

Accordingly, registration/renewal with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is still ongoing.

Compliance fosters public trust and confidence and helps organisations avoid regulatory sanctions and penalties.

Engage a Licensed DPCO

services.ndpc.gov.ng/ repo/?flp=dpco

For more information, send an email to: info@ndpc.gov.ng OR Call: +234 9160615551

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

ABIANS. NIGERIANS. LEND ME YOUR EARS.

By New Abia Movement

I have come not to trade insults, but to put truth in order ; to name the pattern, expose the method, and defend the future.

They call themselves honourable.

So let us measure honour ; not by titles, not by convoy sirens, but by roads that work, schools that teach, hospitals that heal, and a treasury that serves the people, not private appetites.

For years, Abia carried the weight of grand promises and small results.

Projects announced, not completed.

Budgets passed, not felt.

Contracts awarded, not delivered.

Yet those who presided grew louder, larger, and more comfortable ; while our communities grew tired, poorer, and forgotten.

And still they ask to be called honourable men.

Shakespeare warned us: the evil that men do lives after them.

But I say this: in governance, evil does not wait for graves ; it lives in the present, in the potholes, in the darkness, in the unpaid wages, in the opportunities stolen from a generation.

If any good was done, let it be recorded honestly.

But let the harm be counted too; fully, fearlessly.

Now the noble chorus of yesterday; and the professional mourners of a fading era; tell you that Governor Alex Chioma Otti lacks “political ambition.ˮ If that charge were true, it would be a strange crime: to be ambitious for clean streets, ambitious for transparent accounts, ambitious for a government that works.

They call it “no ambitionˮ because he did not arrive to feast.

Because he did not come to negotiate the peopleʼs welfare like a market bargain.

Because he did not come to build a private empire with public funds.

And that, apparently, unsettles those who grew used to the old order.

While the builder labours, the ruiners litigate.

While work is happening in real time, some prefer courtroom smoke, procedural tricks, and manufactured confusion; not because they love Abia, but because they fear accountability.

Let us speak plainly.

When public funds vanish, it is not poetry that suffers; it is people.

When projects become “paper projects,ˮ it is not grammar that breaks; it is lives.

When governance becomes a private club, it is not politics that dies; it is hope.

We have heard of figures that do not add up.

We have heard of awards and approvals that raise questions.

We have seen investigations, controversies, and public disputes that deserve clarity.

And when citizens ask for answers, they are told to be quiet; or distracted with noise, alliances, and sudden “friendshipsˮ built on convenience.

These men parade titles but titles are not character.

They wear fine words but fine words are not results.

They say “honourableˮ as if the word can erase the record.

Yet Abia remembers.

Abians, look around you.

You have seen Aba stir again.

You have seen signs of order returning where chaos once settled.

You have seen the dignity of work replacing the theatre of propaganda.

You have heard citizens testify; not from paid stages, but from lived experience that something has changed: that governance is beginning to look like service.

And that is why they are agitated.

Because if Abia can be governed with discipline, then their excuses collapse.

If progress can be measured, then their stories cannot survive daylight.

If the people taste what works, then the era of intimidation and entitlement ends.

So when they say, “He lacks ambition,ˮ understand the translation: “He refuses to join our old ways.ˮ “He will not share the spoils.ˮ “He insists on performance.ˮ And for that, they rage.

But I speak not only to critique the past ; I speak to secure the future.

The mandate of 2023 was not an accident.

It was a verdict.

A declaration that Abia is not for sale.

And if we remain vigilant, if we stay focused ; 2027 will not be a return to ruin.

Let no one mistake silence for acceptance.

Let no one confuse patience with weakness.

Let no one think Abia will trade evidence for slogans.

Abians. Nigerians.

Let us choose governance over gimmicks.

Let us choose results over reputation.

Let us choose builders over performers.

And if anyone still insists on being called honourable, let them prove it; in the light, in the numbers, in the work, and in the lives of the people.

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T H I s D Ay • WEDNESDaY JaNUaRY 14, 2026

Politics

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

Senators’ Yuletide Gifts Ignite National Debate on Governance

In the harmattan hush of December, 2025 as carols floated over cracked roads and empty pots, convoys of trucks arrived senatorial constituencies with rice, cash and cows. Senators became Santas overnight, hailed as saviours by the hungry, scorned by critics who saw not compassion, but politics wrapped in festive red. sunday Aborisade reports.

Bamidele

A

s Christmas lights flickered across towns and villages in late 2025, another familiar ritual unfolded across Nigeria’s senatorial districts. Trucks loaded with rice, beans, garri, spaghetti, sugar, cows and assorted hampers rolled into community squares, party secretariats and traditional palaces.

In some places, envelopes of cash accompanied the food items. At the centre of these Yuletide gestures were Nigerian federal lawmakers who said they were responding to deepening economic hardship and the moral call of the season.

From Kogi to Ekiti, Imo to Osun, Ogun to Borno, and other states in Nigeria, lawmakers reached out to constituents with seasonal gifts aimed at easing the burden of Christmas celebrations.

While beneficiaries welcomed the interventions as timely relief in a difficult period, critics condemned the practice as a symbol of governance failure and an overreliance on what has derisively been called “stomach infrastructure.”

The contrasting reactions once again brought into focus a perennial question in Nigeria’s democracy: should elected representatives prioritise short-term relief or long-term empowerment?

Among the lawmakers who stood out during the festive season was Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan of Kogi Central. In a large-scale outreach that spanned the district’s five local government areas, including Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okene, Okehi and Ogori-Magongo, the senator distributed over 2,000 bags of 25-kilogramme rice to constituents.

The exercise, held simultaneously across the LGAs, targeted women associations, youth groups, religious bodies, the elderly and other vulnerable residents.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the initiative was driven by compassion and the need for leadership to have a direct impact on people’s lives.

During the distribution, Akpoti-Uduaghhan said, “Christmas is a season of love, sacrifice and shared joy. At a time when many households are struggling with the cost of living, it is important that we stand with our people in practical ways.”

Community leaders who supervised the

Akpoti-Uduaghan

exercise described it as one of the largest Christmas rice distributions ever witnessed in the area.

A traditional ruler in Okene noted that the scale and reach of the intervention showed “genuine concern for the grassroots,” while a youth representative in Adavi praised its inclusiveness, saying party affiliation did not matter.

Beneficiaries described the gesture as timely and compassionate, offering prayers for the senator and expressing confidence in what they termed responsive representation.

In Imo State, Senator Osita Izunaso of Imo West (Orlu) senatorial district distributed bags of rice across the district’s 12 local government areas.

Speaking after the exercise at his Owerri residence, Izunaso said the distribution was part of his efforts to ensure that food scarcity did not significantly affect his constituents during the festive season.

Beyond Christmas handouts, Izunaso pointed to his longer-term interventions through the Mkpapando Foundation, which he said had empowered thousands of Orlu indigenes in mechanised farming, fishery, poultry and palm plantation, including the provision of seedlings and take-off grants.

In Ekiti Central, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele combined food distribution with cash support.

According to a statement signed

ndume

by his Senior Legislative Assistant, Gbenga Banji, Bamidele distributed N50 million in cash alongside thousands of bags of rice and beans across the state’s 177 wards.

Each ward reportedly received N250,000, while each local government area got N200,000.

In addition, 5,380 bags of rice, 3,350 bags of beans, 5,000 bags of salt and 50,000 twokilogramme packs of garri were distributed, with the lawmaker stressing that the exercise cut across party lines and was strictly supervised to prevent diversion.

In Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola said thousands of 50-kilogramme bags of rice, cows and other hampers were shared as part of his annual yuletide goodwill. Describing the practice as a tradition, Adeola said sharing goods needed for festivities was part of effective representation.

Similar scenes played out in the North-East.

Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno of Borno North flagged off the distribution of rice, sugar and spaghetti to 4,704 constituents, while Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South provided relief materials including wrappers, blankets and buckets, as well as cash, to vulnerable households and internally displaced persons.

In Benue South, Senator Abba Moro began distributing palliatives to communities in Apa and Agatu local government areas affected by flooding, while in Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi distributed thousands of food items to mark Christmas.

Perhaps one of the largest single interventions came from Osun East, where Senator Adenigba Fadahunsi distributed over 20,000 bags of rice

The debate, however, remains unresolved.

While beneficiaries continue to applaud the compassion behind the gestures, policy advocates insist that nigeria must move beyond episodic generosity to structured empowerment that creates jobs, boosts productivity and restores dignity.

and millions of naira in cash across the 10 local government areas of the Ife-Ijesa zone.

The distribution, which cut across party lines, reached market women, okada riders, religious leaders, traditional institutions and support groups.

Speaking via party structures, Fadahunsi pledged to sustain such interventions, while APC State Chairman, Hon Tajudeen Lawal, commended the senator’s dedication to constituent welfare and urged continued prayers for his success.

Voices of Gratitude from the Grassroots For many beneficiaries, the senators’ gestures came at a critical time. With inflation and food prices biting hard, especially in rural areas, Christmas celebrations would have been muted without external support.

Women leaders in several communities described the rice and cash as a lifeline that helped families cook festive meals.

Elderly beneficiaries said the relief reduced their dependence on relatives, while youth groups welcomed what they saw as inclusive interventions that transcended party politics.

In Kogi Central, residents said the December 23, 2025 distribution strengthened confidence in responsive governance.

Similar sentiments were echoed in Ekiti, Osun and parts of the South-East and North-East, where beneficiaries framed the gestures as empathy in action rather than political theatre.

Supporters of the lawmakers also argued that such programmes were part of constituency outreach and an efficient way to reach the grassroots, especially in the absence of robust social welfare systems.

Yet, even as rice bags were being shared, criticism simmered online and in policy circles.

For many commentators, the spectacle of senators distributing food and cash during festive seasons symbolised deeper structural problems in governance.

Critics argued that legislators are elected primarily to make laws, perform oversight and advocate policies that improve citizens’ lives, not to engage in seasonal charity.

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

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WEDNESday, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

FEatures

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

How Protest against Rising Insecurity Led to Arrest, Detention of AAU Students When students of Ambrose Alli University and residents marched into the street to protest escalating kidnappings and violent attacks in their community, what started as a peaceful call for safety quickly spiralled into chaos and vandalism.

The aftermath led to the arrest and detention of 52 students, sparking a national debate over the right between lawful protest and criminality, as well as the state of insecurity in Edo. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

S

ome students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, were among 52 persons arrested following protests in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, over escalating insecurity.

Residents and students had taken to the streets to protest incessant kidnappings and killings in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the protest initially began peacefully but soon turned violent. Several shops were looted, and the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Anthony Ehizogie Abumere, was vandalised during the unrest.

Several AAU students told reporters they were asleep in their hostels when security operatives arrested them at around 3 a.m. They were transported in a Black Maria van to the court, where they awaited arraignment.

Presiding Judge, Justice William Aziegbemi, said he lacked jurisdiction to try the case and instructed counsel representing the defendants to file a bail application at the Ubiaja High Court. The suspects were remanded to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, and the case was adjourned to February 26, 2026, for hearing.

Police Reaction The Edo State Police Command clarified that the 52 suspects were involved in violent acts including vandalism, assault, looting, rioting, and cruelty to animals, which disrupted public safety. The Command emphasised that no peaceful protester was detained, and those who conducted themselves lawfully were advised to return home.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, personally supervised a heavy deployment of security personnel in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters.

The deployment was aimed at sustaining public safety and tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area. The police also alleged that some arrested suspects forcibly entered the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, assaulting him and his wife while destroying property.

“Contrary to claims circulating on social media, the Edo State Police Command guarantees that no peaceful protester was arrested,” the statement read. “The suspects have since been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.”

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights to lawful and peaceful protest while maintaining zero tolerance for criminality, violence, and acts that infringe the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Edo State Government’s Reaction The Edo State Government described the Ekpoma protest as a “well-organised riot” allegedly sponsored by Nigerian residents in Russia and other locations overseas. Dr Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press

by hoodlums who turned it violent, leading to the destruction of property, particularly that belonging to the Enogie of Ekpoma Palace.

He also demanded the immediate release of students remanded in the Nigeria Correctional Service and blamed Governor Okpebholo for failing to address long-standing cries of citizens over banditry, herders, and other attacks.

Governor Okpebholo

Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, said security agencies had identified the masterminds, who purportedly planned coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.

Regarding students’ involvement, the government insisted that AAU was already closed and all students had vacated hostels prior to the incident.

“Those arrested were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on campus, while others were faces identified on the viral video of the incident showing various acts of arson,” the statement read.

The government emphasised that the suspects arrested were rioters, not peaceful protesters, and insisted the incident had no connection with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). It also debunked another viral video falsely tagged as a kidnapping in Ekpoma, calling it a gross misrepresentation.

it as an example of “intolerance and high handedness” by the Bola Tinubu administration.

“The level of intolerance and high handedness of the Bola Tinubu administration is concerning. It is unacceptable that the authorities’ response to students’ protest against insecurity in the Ekpoma area of Edo State is to arrest and detain dozens of students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU).

“The right to protest is not only enshrined in the constitution but has also been validated by the courts.

Meanwhile, I wish to remind the Tinubu-led APC administration that the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of the citizens.

“If the energy with which innocent students and citizens are arrested for raising concerns about insecurity were deployed to fighting terrorism and banditry, instead of negotiating with the criminals, our communities would be safer.

“I call for the immediate and PDP Reacts unconstitutional release of all those The Edo State chapter of the Peoples unjustifiably detained for asserting Democratic Party (PDP) criticised their legitimate rights to protest.” the state government for neglecting security. Spokesman Dan Osa-Ogbegie Coalition of Registered Political said Ekpoma has been abandoned Parties (CRPP) Reacts to kidnappers and violent criminals, The National Chairman of the with residents living in fear as attacks CRPP, Dr. Samson Isibor, called on escalated unchecked.

Governor Okpebholo to prioritise OSA-Ogbegie further condemned the security of lives and property.

Governor Okpebholo for neglecting Speaking after the body’s first the command-and-control security meeting of 2026, he said Edo people framework inherited from the were more concerned about their administration of Godwin Obaseki. He personal safety than the purchase argued that Edo had existing security of vehicles and motorcycles for structures but lacked leadership, security agencies. coordination, seriousness, and political “All we want is to be able to sleep will under the APC government. with our two eyes closed. That should Atiku Abubakar Condemns be the priority of the government—to Handling of Protest ensure the security and welfare of Former Vice President Atiku the people,” Isibor said.

Abubakar also condemned the He condemned the alleged handling of the protest, describing hijacking of the peaceful protest

Senator Natasha Calls for Dialogue Rather than Detention Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan called for dialogue rather than detention, urging the government to release the 52 detained AAU students. She said youths must not be criminalised for protesting issues affecting their environment, welfare, and future.

“The government of Edo State must focus on addressing the concerns of kidnappings as well as other forms of insecurity and not suppress discerning voices,” she said, pledging solidarity with the students.

SERAP Demands Unconditional Release Also lending their voice, the Socio Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP), said the government and authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all 52 people mostly students, adding that the authorities must immediately drop their policy of crushing peaceful student protests, respect the rights to peaceful assembly and expression, and drop all arbitrary charges and sanctions against students for their involvement in them.

NANS Describes Arrest as Violation of Rights to Peaceful Assembly The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the students. In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS described the arrest and prosecution of the students as unjust, oppressive and a direct violation of their fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria According to the association, the students were demanding that the government should live up to its responsibility of protecting lives and properties and should not be bundled into prison custody.

Growing Debate The Ekpoma protest has sparked nationwide debate over civic rights, government accountability, and youth activism. While police and government insist that the arrested were violent rioters rather than peaceful protesters, political parties, opposition figures, and activists argue that the government’s response has criminalised youths and failed to address the underlying insecurity.

As attention focuses on the students’ remand and the upcoming court hearing, many residents and observers are urging a shift from punitive measures to dialogue and proactive security measures to protect lives and property in Edo State.

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 2026 20 TR

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& RE A S O

Wednesday January 14, 2026 Vol 27. No 11237

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

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BALA MOHAMMED, TERRORISM AND THE LESSONS OF HISTORY EMMA AGU reckons that the Bauchi State governor is being criminalised by political opposition

See page 21

FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE

Heirs Energies, the investment vehicle of Tony Elumelu, acquires controlling stake in Seplat Energy, writes DAN AIBANGBE

See page 21

EDITORIAL

AVIATION INDUSTRY AND NEW TAX REGIME

See page 22

1

PAT AKEM-VINGIR argues the need to pile relentless pressure on the insurgents

A STRIKE, AND A CAMPAIGN Nigeria should view the December 25, 2025, strikes as a turning point rather than just a headline. Strikes can cause disruption. They can create shock.

They can buy time. But insurgencies are not defeated by brief moments. They are defeated by systems—consistent pressure, protected communities, and early intervention by governance.

Unfortunately, Nigeria has numerous ungoverned spaces in the North.

So, this is the point too many spectators overlook: a strike is an event; a campaign is a system.

The “Pinpricks” Line We Keep Forgetting.

There is a line President Barack Obama used in September 2013 that I always remember when people celebrate “one clean strike” as if it concludes anything: “Let me make something clear: The United States military doesn’t do pinpricks.” (whitehouse.gov) He was not trying to sound tough.

He was being strategic. Even a “limited” American strike carries weight, signal, and consequences that smaller militaries often struggle to project. The metaphor holds.

A pinprick draws blood. It irritates. It can shock for a moment. But it rarely changes the outcome of a sustained fight.

Irregular warfare has a stubborn rule: the decisive effect is not the strike itself.

The decisive effect is what follows—when the dust settles, and the enemy tries to reform.

Insurgents do not need conventional victory to survive. They need time. They need space. They need the state to become episodic—showing up loudly, briefly, and then disappearing again.

They reconstitute, recruit, relocate, and wait for attention to drift.

December 25: An Event, Not a Campaign That is why the Christmas Day strikes of December 25, 2025—U.S. action in coordination with Nigerian authorities, aimed at disrupting militant targets in the North-West—should be understood soberly: as an event, not a campaign. (The Guardian) The aftermath also delivered a warning Nigerians should never take lightly: do not touch debris or pick up suspicious metal because unexploded ordnance can kill the curious and the desperate. Reports in the weeks after raised concerns about unexploded munitions, civilian exposure, and the kind of harm that can undo legitimacy faster than any press statement can rebuild it. (The Washington Post) That warning is not “PR.” It is battlefield hygiene. Battlefield hygiene is part of civilian protection. Civilian protection underpins legitimacy. And legitimacy in COIN is not charity—it is combat power.

What Strikes Can Do—and What They

Canno Yes, precision strikes can disrupt camps, unsettle command nodes, and interrupt supply rhythms. A strike can force movement, scramble communications, and create short-term confusion.

Even when executed precisely, pinprick strikes rarely defeat insurgents on their own. If a strike is not followed by a disciplined sequence, it becomes a pause the enemy can absorb — not a pivot the state can exploit.

The Boring Work That Breaks Insurgents What must come next is not glamorous.

It is not suitable for television. It is the relentless grind that suppresses insurgents: persistent pressure. Tight coordination.

Credible intelligence. Visible protection for communities. Intense operations. Killing insurgents. It involves applying relentless pressure on insurgents.

The aim is not to create drama. The aim is to deny sanctuary—to remove the conditions enabling armed actors to rest, train, tax, extort, indoctrinate, recalibrate and return.

Clear–Hold–Build: The Anatomy of Lasting Gains This is where classic counterinsurgency logic must be stated without apology: Clear–Hold–Build is not a theory. It is the anatomy of lasting gains.

The U.S. Army/Marine Corps counterinsurgency field manual (FM 3-24) made this logic widely accessible: security and legitimacy are inseparable, and durable gains require more than raids and strikes. (The International Criminal Court Forum) CLEAR means more than hitting a target. It means breaking the armed presence and dismantling the local machinery of coercion—routes, recruiters, couriers, caches, extortion points—so that the enemy is not merely displaced but dislocated.

HOLD is where many campaigns fail because it demands persistence: presence that stays, response that communities can trust, and security that is not seasonal.

Clear and withdraw, and you create a vacuum. Vacuums are invitations that insurgents accept more quickly than

bureaucracy can respond.

BUILD is not “soft” work. It is strategic denial—justice that shows up, dispute resolution that works, protected markets, reopened routes, and credible consequences for criminality. When governance arrives late, extremists sell themselves as “order,” and that narrative becomes recruitment fuel long after the last crater cools. For example, in parts of Sokoto State, the Lakurawa operate as a shadow government, taxing villagers and enforcing rules on beards and dress codes.

So the real question after December 25 is not whether the strike was loud. The question is whether Nigeria implements a hard handover architecture that sustains pressure, without outsourcing sovereignty, legitimacy, or the responsibility for protecting Nigerians.

Nigeria may welcome external support, but it cannot surrender ownership of its security problem—or its strategy. The recent U.S. involvement has underscored the sensitivity of sovereignty, legitimacy, and the quality of intelligence in such cooperation. And we should not be ashamed to seek help when needed, after all, the US supports Israel, which has more equipped armed forces than Nigeria.

Measure what citizens can feel That architecture is measurable. Not by body counts alone—because body counts can flatter and still fail—but by outcomes ordinary citizens can feel: Route freedom: Can people travel without paying the terror tax?

Market activity: Are trade corridors functioning, or hostage to fear?

Community safety: Are kidnappings falling, no-go areas shrinking, farms reopening?

Trust signals: Do communities report threats early, or remain silent because they expect abandonment?

Nigeria must be brutally honest: aerial disruption without sustained ground security and governance follow-through is not a strategy. It is punctuation. It inserts a loud comma into a narrative that the enemy is still writing.

Tempo: Consistency Beats Spectacle I have seen what manpower strain looks like. I have watched units stretch thin across too many tasks. I have observed good officers and soldiers burn out because demands were constant while the systems that should support them—equipment readiness, intelligence fusion, mobility, rapid response, welfare—lagged behind.

Major General Akem-Vingir(rtd), PhD, is a Nigeria-based security analyst and former senior military officer with experience spanning command, logistics, investigations, and counterinsurgency operations.

T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 2026

EMMA AGU reckons that the Bauchi State governor is being criminalised by political opposition

BALA MOHAMMED, TERRORISM AND THE LESSONS OF HISTORY “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” — George Santayana Emma Agu History, they say, is a stern teacher— unyielding, relentless, and unforgiving to those who ignore its warnings. In politics, this truth is axiomatic: those who forget history are condemned to repeat its tragedies. Today, as Nigeria navigates the treacherous waters of governance, the unfolding drama around Bala Mohammed eerily mirrors a chapter from our past.

In 1974, Godwin Daboh, a self-styled anti-corruption crusader, unleashed a barrage of allegations against Joseph Tarka, the famous Tiv politician and Minister of Communications under General Gowon. Tarka, who had earlier served as Minister of Transport, was hounded out of office—not by the weight of evidence, but by the weight of political intrigue. His resignation marked a turning point in Nigeria’s political history, a cautionary tale of how allegations can become weapons in the arsenal of vendetta.

Fast forward to 2025, and the script seems chillingly familiar. Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Finance, stands accused—first of laundering ₦5.7 billion, then of funding terrorism to the tune of $2.3 million. But peel back the layers, and the real target emerges: Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State. Adamu is but a pawn; the king they seek is Bala.

Why does this matter? Because in governance, perception is power. Adamu’s trial is not just about alleged financial impropriety; it is a calculated attempt to smear Bala Mohammed by association. The logic is simple: if the servant is guilty, the master cannot be innocent. Yet, constitutional immunity shields Bala—for now. But immunity is temporal; reputation is eternal. And that is what this proxy war seeks to destroy.

It is instructive that the Bauchi Attorney General Hassan Usman El-Yakub, SAN had petitioned the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, protesting subtle “attempts to unlawfully drag the Governor of Bauchi State into a criminal narrative without evidence or jurisdiction”.

Of particular concern is the claim made by the Bauchi State Attorney General, and I quote: “Although the Governor of Bauchi State is not an accused person, his name is repeatedly and gratuitously mentioned in the charge sheet, often more prominently than those actually standing trial. This has no legal justification and can only be understood as an attempt to try the Governor in the court of public opinion and to criminalise political opposition by insinuation”. Sadly, time and again, such weaponisation of justice by the executive branch as is playing out presently often leaves the judiciary holding the

short end of the stick when its rulings fall short of expectations.

In the instant case, it is also instructive to note that the earlier charges against Alhaji Bello Badejo—the alleged beneficiary of ‘terrorism funds’—were dropped in 2024 on the instruction of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

If the recipient is cleared, what crime remains for the supposed source? The only plausible motive is political—an attempt to tarnish Governor Bala Mohammed and weaken his clout as forces rally for a broad coalition to challenge the APC-led Tinubu administration in 2027.

The Tinubu administration denies any witch-hunt. But public opinion whispers otherwise. Bala Mohammed himself has accused the federal government of persecuting him for refusing to join the defection bandwagon—a bandwagon that threatens to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. For months, rumours of his imminent defection to the APC dominated headlines. Each time, Bala Mohammed stood firm. Each time, the threats grew louder. Now, the storm has broken.

Why Bala? There are at least four probable reasons for moving against the Bauchi State Governor: The Opposition’s Vanguard: As Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed has been the rallying point against anti-people policies. When blackmail loomed, and some of his compatriots flipped, he stood in the gap between the federal government and the masses.

The Tax Law Revolt: Bala Mohammed spearheaded resistance to Tinubu’s controversial tax laws, leveraging every platform—from the PDP Governors Forum to the Northern Rulers Forum. His advocacy forced a presidential retreat and a review of the tax bill as presented. From that moment, insiders say, the die was cast, Bala must be “dealt with.” Ironically, even now, the controversy trailing the tax law is yet to abate.

The Northern Bastion: Aso Rock views Bala Mohammed as an obstacle to its northern conquest—a leader whose popularity remains unshaken despite threats and sabotage. In 2023, many northerners believed Tinubu would outshine Buhari.

Agu is a veteran Journalist

Heirs Energies, the investment vehicle of Tony Elumelu, acquires controlling stake in Seplat Energy, writes DAN AIBANGBE

FORTUNE FAVOURS THE BRAVE Tony Elumelu’s influence on the African business landscape is now undeniable, carrying a prestige comparable to global icons like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or Nike in the fashion world. His track record is so formidable that it would likely impress even a figure of legend like King Midas.

Ultimately, Elumelu’s ascent proves that in the competitive world of commerce, fortune favors the bold, and true success always leaves a visible trail.

As the curtain rose on 2026, the Nigerian business landscape was electrified by a landmark acquisition.

Heirs Energies, the investment vehicle of Tony Elumelu, successfully acquired a controlling 20% stake in Seplat Energy—Nigeria’s premier indigenous International Oil Company. The deal, valued at $500 million, saw Elumelu’s firm take over the shares previously held by the French company Maurel & Prom. It is a definitive "power move" to start the new year, signaling a bold new era for indigenous participation in the energy sector.

While the general public may view this deal as extraordinary, industry insiders see it as a predictable milestone.

The transaction signals the maturity of African financial institutions, fueled by Afrieximbank and led by a champion of Pan-Africanism. This move is a logical progression of Heirs Energies’ strategy following its successful acquisition of OML 17. It reinforces the company’s clear ambition to become one of the fastest-growing indigenous players in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector.

Tony Elumelu's entry into Seplat ​ Energy marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria's oil and gas. A true industry frontrunner, Seplat remains an investor favorite, distinguished by its prestigious dual listing in Lagos and London.

To understand the weight of this move, one must look at the man behind it.

Over two decades ago, during the Soludo-era banking consolidation, Elumelu led the relatively young Standard Trust Bank (formerly Chrystal Bank) in a historic merger with the established UBA. Under his leadership, UBA has transformed into the global financial powerhouse it is today.

As the Founder and Chairman of ​ Heirs Holdings, Elumelu has built a diversified empire with significant stakes in financial services (UBA), power and hospitality (Transcorp), real estate (Afriland Properties), and healthcare (Avon Medical).

His philosophy of Africapitalism— the belief that the private sector must lead the continent’s development through long-term investment—is the engine behind Heirs Energies. ​The landmark investment in Seplat Energy, comes at a critical time for

the industry. While the launch of the Abuja-based Africa Energy Bank has faced delays, Elumelu’s move ensures that momentum in the sector remains high. ​Just as the globalized UBA, Elumelu is expected to bring a new level of rigor to Seplat. Having stabilized its internal corporate governance, Seplat is now primed for the "Elumelu Effect."

Known for his discipline and his ability to inspire teams to match his own passion, Elumelu’s presence is expected to catalyze financial and operational excellence within Seplat. ​Born in Jos in 1963 and educated at Ambrose Alli University and the University of Lagos, Elumelu is a "thoroughbred" Nigerian.

His journey serves as a powerful rebuttal to the "Japa" trend, proving that world-class success can be engineered right here at home through vision and preparation. ​Beyond the boardroom, his impact is felt through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). By providing grants and mentorship to thousands of African entrepreneurs, he is personally ensuring that the next generation has the tools to succeed without excuse. ​Elumelu’s entry into Seplat is more than just a business transaction; it is the manifestation of the Petroleum Industry Act’s (PIA) highest aspirations.

As he navigates the complex waters of the energy sector, there is high hope for future synergy between upstream assets and downstream refining.

I congratulate Mr. Elumelu and ​ Seplat Energy on this giant stride.

May your signature touch bring the transformation that Nigeria’s energy value chain needs.

Aibangbe is a Media & Public Relations Consultant

22 4

T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 2026

EDITORIAL

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

AVIATION INDUSTRY AND NEW TAX REGIME There should be measures to lighten the burden in the sector

R

ecent concerns by the Airline operators regarding the new tax laws are worthy of consideration by relevant authorities. With the current spike in airfares that has reduced the number of domestic travellers, there are fears that some of these new provisions could eventually bankrupt the few domestic airlines still in operation.

We are already witnessing the consequences of excessive charges in the sector. Last Tuesday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) released its 2025 data which revealed that domestic passenger traffic declined to 12.54 million in 2024, down from the 14.52 million recorded in 2022. That represents a contraction of 13.6 per cent within a period of three years.

A combination of several factors has led to an astronomical increase in domestic flight costs that are now beyond the means of many Nigerians. Meanwhile, domestic airlines are also protesting against existing taxes and charges, on grounds that they constitute a huge financial burden that makes their operation unprofitable and contributes to high fares.

This is the vicious cycle that must be dealt with by relevant authorities in the air transport sector. One of the reasons given for the new tax regime in the country was the need to eliminate multiple taxation.

No sector exemplifies that than aviation.

Investigations reveal that domestic airlines customers pay no fewer that 54 separate charges, fees and taxes, but only six of these levies are directly visible to passengers. These charges include payment for services offered and are spread across four major government agencies: Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and FAAN. Beyond the levies and charges paid by the airlines, five of the numerous other charges in-

clude passenger service charge (PSC) – domestic and international, common user terminal equipment (CUTE) fee and passenger terminal facility charge all of which go to FAAN. Meanwhile, the same FAAN collects about 18 separate payments from airlines: From $7 per hour to boarding bridge fees pegged at $250 per use. Rent per square meter (office) in Abuja, N75,000; Lagos, N50,000 , and Port Harcourt N55,000 while service recovery charge goes for 20 per cent.

The NCAA also collects many such charges and levies which include ticket sales charge (TSC) of 5 per cent; $20 security levy, while another advanced passenger information system (APIS) levy of $11.5 commenced last December.

Airlines also pay the following fees and charges to the NCAA: 5 per cent cargo sales charge (CSC); 5 per cent excess baggage charge (EBC); medical certification issue/renewal fee – N5,000 per crew; cabin crew license issue/reissue – N7,500; aircraft type inclusion on license – N5,000 (per type), and others.

While we have no problem with these agencies, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has explained that Nigeria should align with international best practices in the aviation industry. It is therefore expected that the NRS will take cognisance of these fees in their review of the taxes for the aviation industry to ensure that airfares do not skyrocket beyond the disposable income of the less than one per cent of Nigeria’s population who travel by air.

Authorities in the sector must understand the meaning of losing almost two million domestic air travellers within a period of two years as revealed

by FAAN. Operating airline business in Nigeria is precarious due to high taxation and other disincentive factors, including high insurance premium, high cost of spares due to the high exchange rate and the cost of aircraft maintenance overseas.

Domestic airlines customers pay no fewer that 54 separate charges, fees and taxes, but only six of these levies are directly visible to passengers T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS CRIME AND BIDA’S MORAL COLLAPSE Bida is hurting, and pretending otherwise only deepens the wound. What confronts the ancient town today is not merely a spike in internet fraud or the rise of so-called “Yahoo-yahoo” among its youths; it is a far more troubling crisis of conscience that cuts across homes, streets, institutions and leadership structures. A silent war is being fought daily, not with guns or bombs, but with smartphones, compromised values and collective denial. The tragedy is not that crime exists, but that it has become normalised, tolerated and, in some quarters, subtly celebrated.

Across Bida, stories abound of young people between the ages of 12 and 25 living lifestyles that defy logic and legitimate income. Many are still in secondary school; others are barely out of it. Some are students in tertiary institutions who should ordinarily depend on parents or modest allowances, yet they cruise expensive motorbikes, erect buildings and spend lavishly. What alarms residents is not only the visibility of this wealth, but the boldness with which it is displayed in a community where, traditionally, everyone knows everyone and progress is often traceable.

Yet, to reduce the matter to youthful recklessness alone would be dishonest. The deeper crisis lies in the complicity of adults who should know better. Parents, guardians and relatives often know the sources of this sudden wealth, but choose silence over confrontation. Some benefit directly from the proceeds, eating from it, dressing with it, using it to expand households or acquire assets. In some compounds, luxurious bungalows rise beside modest family homes, built by children whose income cannot be explained. These structures stand not as symbols of success, but as quiet indictments of a community that looked away.

Still, the narrative requires balance. Not every young person displaying comfort or success in Bida is a criminal.

There are legitimate hustles that flourished in recent years, including agricultural produce trading such as shea butter and other commodities that experienced a boom before border closures, insecurity and economic downturn discouraged investors. The danger, however, is that the prevalence of fraud has blurred distinctions, breeding suspicion and eroding trust even for those striving honestly. Today,

when young men gather at night with their phones, no one can confidently say whether they are engaging in legitimate online business or digital theft. That uncertainty itself is corrosive.

It is also important to situate Bida’s challenge within a broader national context. Internet fraud is not peculiar to the town, nor is it confined to any single region. However, Bida’s closely-knit traditional setting, where families are interconnected and social mobility is closely observed, makes the moral dissonance more visible and painful. In a society where people know one another’s backgrounds and means, unexplained wealth raises eyebrows. Unfortunately, instead of triggering collective correction, it often breeds quiet envy, resignation or rationalisation.

There are structural injustices too that cannot be ignored. Many young people grow up watching opportunities circulate within closed networks.

Aliyu Umar, aliyuumar721@gmail.com

23

T H I S D AY • Wednesday, January 17, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

J a n u ar y

S & P INDEX

1 3 ,

S & P INDEX

2 0 2 6 EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

25.34%

CALL

23.25%

INDEX LEVEL

595.26

1/4 to daTE

0.24%

N1,465.11/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

25.18%

1-MONTH

21.37%

1-DAY

0.10%

YEAR TO DATE

-10.99%

*AS AT Tues., JAN. 13, 2026

3-MONTH

22.41%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.24%

Money Supply: Currency Outside Banks Remain Dominant, Now 93.34% of CIC

Nume Ekeghe Currency outside the banking (COB) system remained dominant in Nigeria’s money supply profile accounting for 93.34 per cent of total currency in circulation (CIC) as at November 2025, money and credit statistics released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has revealed.

The statistics showed that currency outside banks stood at N4.91 trillion in November 2025, compared with total currency in circulation of N5.26 trillion.

This left only about N350.52

billion, or 6.66 per cent, of currency held within deposit money banks during the period.

A year-long review of currency held outside the banking system showed that in November 2025, cash outside banks rose to N4.91 trillion, up from N4.65 trillion in October, reflecting a renewed accumulation of cash toward the end of the year.

Earlier in the year, currency outside banks experienced a gradual moderation. From N4.46 trillion in August 2025, cash holdings declined to N4.42 trillion in July, before

rising slightly to N4.49 trillion in June and N4.63 trillion in May. Into the first quarter of 2025, with currency outside banks stood at N4.57 trillion in April, N4.60 trillion in March, and N4.51 trillion in February. By January 2025, cash outside banks was N4.74 trillion.

At the end of 2024, currency outside banks surged from N4.65 trillion in November 2024 to N5.13 trillion in December 2024, reflecting the typical year-end liquidity pattern.

The spike was driven by festive spending, heightened

informal sector transactions, and increased cash withdrawals by households and businesses.

A review of Nigeria’s currency in circulation shows a largely stable but seasonally influenced trajectory over the past year. In November 2025, total currency in circulation stood at N5.26 trillion, up from N5.06 trillion in October 2025, reflecting renewed liquidity in the system as economic activity picked up toward the end of the year.

Earlier in 2025, currency in circulation experienced gradual fluctuations. From

N4.95 trillion in September to N4.92 trillion in August and July, the figures showed a modest moderation, while June 2025 recorded N4.92 trillion, May 2025 rose slightly to N5.01 trillion, suggesting minor seasonal or transactional adjustments in cash demand.

The first quarter of 2025 also displayed mixed movements as currency in circulation rose to N5.01 trillion in April, it held steady at N5 trillion in March and moved to N5.03 trillion in February, before increasing again to N5.04 trillion in January 2025, indicating a relatively stable

base amid seasonal liquidity changes.

Looking back to the end of 2024, currency in circulation was significantly higher. From N5.24 trillion in November 2024, it surged to N5.44 trillion in December 2024, mirroring the traditional year-end build-up in cash for festive spending, informal sector transactions, and higher household withdrawals. By November 2024, total currency in circulation had been N4.88 trillion, reflecting normal pre-year-end levels.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Customs Intercepts Smuggled Goods Worth N1.2 billion in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Kwara Area Command, yesterday said it intercepted and seized contraband with a duty paid value of N1.2 billion within this period of the year.

Speaking in Ilorin during a media briefing, the Acting Area Controller of the NCS, Kwara Area Command, Mr.Najeem Ogundeyi said smugglers in the command have murdered sleep and as a result, would leave no stone unturned at getting rid of them

in the command.

He said the success recorded during this period underscore the unwavering commitment of the command zero tolerance for smuggling activities.

According to him, “The command is working inline with customs Act 2023 to ensure the activities of smugglers is reduced to the bearest minimum.”

He said, “Upon assumption of duty, I made it clear that this command would operate strictly in line with the Customs Act 2023, guided by professionalism, intelligencedriven operations and zero

tolerance for compromise. I am pleased to report that these directives have already begun to yield positive results.”

He stated that, “Among the seized items were 389 bales of second-hand clothing and 108 sacks of used bags, intercepted around the Ogbomosho– Eyankorin Expressway at about 4:34am.”

Ogundeyi also said the command intercepted 6,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit at various patrol bases along the Bukuro border axis.

Ogundeyi further revealed that 450 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing

50kg, were seized at different patrol points along the Okuta border axis.

“In addition, three vehicles were intercepted, including a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser VX and a 2025 Lexus LX 600, both seized around the Bode Saadu area of the state, as well as a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, 2016 model, intercepted along the Okuta axis and they are currently under detention for further investigation,” he added.

The command said it also seized 170 pieces of used tyres along the Lagos–Jebba Expressway.He stated that

the total Duty Paid Value of the seizures stands at N1,219,209,369, warning that the command would not tolerate smuggling or economic sabotage.

“These seizures clearly demonstrate that smuggling activities will not be tolerated under my watch, and anyone involved in such illegal acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Ogundeyi warned.

Ogundeyi said the command will not allow smugglers and economic saboteurs to operate freely.

The custom boss said

anyone caught involved in the act of smuggling would be punished in accordance with the provisions of the law.

He commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, resilience and selfless service to the nation.

Ogundeyi urged the general public to continue to provide credible and timely information to the command for prompt action.

He therefore said the command will continue to sustain the tempo of enforcement within the confined of the law and respect for human right.

M a r k e t d ata A s at T u e s d ay, J a n u a r y 1 3 , 2 0 2 6 BONDS Description Price Yield Change Updated Time (%) ^16.2884 17January 99.24 16.95 0.00 13, 2026 MAR-2027 January ^19.94 20102.00 17.89 -0.01 13, 2026 MAR-2027 ^13.98 23January 94.94 16.90 0.01 FEB-2028 13, 2026 ^21.00 20January 107.42 16.74 -0.01 MAR-2028 13, 2026 ^14.55 26January 103.58 17.76 0.25 13, APR-2029 2026

BILLS Maturity NTB 5-Feb26 NTB 5-Mar26 NTB 9-Apr26 NTB 7-May26 NTB 4-Jun26

Discount Yield

CPs

Change (%) Updated Time

Maturity

15.55

15.70

January -0.01 13, 2026

15.70

16.05

January 0.00 13, 2026

15.92

16.54

January -0.01 13, 2026

16.54

17.44

January 0.53 13, 2026

16.90

January 0.00 13, 2026

EULL CP IX 18-JAN-26 SKIS CP XV 23-JAN-26 VAAG CP XII 2-FEB-26 DANC CP XXI 11-MAR-26 NEVE CP II 3-APR-26

15.85

Discount Yield 21.58

21.64

22.06

22.19

22.76

23.04

19.19

19.78

19.78

20.67

CLEARED NAIRA-SETTLED NDFS Change (%)

Updated Time

January 2.35 13, 2026 January 2.21 13, 2026 January 1.96 13, 2026 January 0.88 13, 2026 January 0.27 13, 2026

Contract Current Tenor Contract Rate ($/₦) (Month) NGUS JAN 13M – 27 2027 NGUS FEB 14M – 24 2027 NGUS MAR 15M – 31 2027 NGUS APR 16M – 28 2027 NGUS MAY 17M – 26 2027

Updated Time

January 13, 2026 January 13, 2026 January 13, 2026 January 13, 2026 January 13, 2026

24

Wednesday, January 17, 2026 • T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

ECONOMY

Manufacturers Target 10.2% Contribution to GDP in 2026

After booking a fragile growth and declining contribution to the country’s economic growth, Nigerian manufacturers are optimistic that the sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product will hit 10.2% in 2026, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

N

igerian manufacturers are optimistic about the New Year. They are hoping that their fortunes would be better in 2026 than it was in 2025 when the manufacturing sector posted a fragile growth of 1.6 per cent and contributed 7.62 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Hence, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is projecting that the sector’s real growth would reach 3.1 per cent while its contribution to real GDP is expected to rise to 10.2 per cent.

The manufacturers hinged their optimism on three premises. The first is the expected effective execution of incentives for under the new tax laws. The second is the operationalisation of the National Single Window Project and the third is the purposeful implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Policy in close alignment with the “Nigeria First” Policy framework.

They are also hoping that sustained reduction in lending rates and completion of the bank recapitalisation exercise “will enhance credit availability to manufacturers” and strengthen investment and capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector.

In its economic outlook for Nigeria in 2026, PwC noted that adoption of technology in the manufacturing sector accelerated in 2025 with widespread deployment of blockchain, AIpowered predictive maintenance, automation, and IoT-driven smart factory systems.

PwC, therefore, projected that in 2026, manufacturing output is projected to grow by around 3.1 per cent, supported by new tax incentives, harmonised levies, and deeper adoption of AI automation and smart factory models.

It also said that in 2026, investment inflows are expected to increase moderately if ongoing tax incentives, credit support, and infrastructure improvements materialise.

Despite this, PwC warned that limited access to affordable credit, high borrowing costs, and infrastructure gaps culd constrain widespread investment across large-scale manufacturing projects.”

The Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Muyiwa Oni, expressed hope that better days are on the way of the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

Oni said: “We now see the Nigerian economy growing by 3.8 per cent y/y in 2025 and 4.1 per cent y/y in 2026. Both manufacturing and services are likely to see higher growth in 2025 compared to 2024 levels, based on the results from the PMI surveys so far this year.

“Elsewhere, the government has been visible in infrastructure, livestock development, easing trade constraints, and attracting investments in oil and gas and manufacturing.

“Aside from that, the Dangote refinery is expected to continue to have forward-linkage impact on other sectors of the economy.

Additionally, likely lower interest rates in line with lower inflation and exchange rate stabilisation should support private consumption and business investments in 2026.

“Because of these factors, we see more sectors contributing to real GDP growth rate in 2026 compared to 2025, likely translating

to an improvement in the quality of lives of the citizens compared to 2025.”

In its outlook for the manufacturing sector in 2026, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), said that the macro-economic gains that were recorded in 2025 would have positive impacts on the manufacturing sector. These macro-economic gains included greater foreign exchange market stability with prospects of gradual appreciation and deceleration in inflation that could eventually translate into lower interest rates The Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said, “Given the import-dependent nature of Nigerian manufacturing, FX stability alone offers meaningful relief on input costs and planning certainty.”

Yusuf also said that the improving macroeconomic fundamentals are expected to support better manufacturing outcomes in 2026, especially for firms that are backward-integrated, less exposed to FX volatility and better aligned with domestic input sourcing.

“These segments are likely to record stronger returns on investment under current reform conditions,” he said.

Yusuf, however, warned that the optimistic expectations for the manufacturing sector must be carefully managed. He pointed out that structural bottlenecks in energy, logistics and ports could not be resolved within a single fiscal year.

“The biggest risks to manufacturing growth remain structural. High energy and logistics costs, expensive and short-tenured financing, unmanaged import competition, which can crowd out local producers if trade policy is weak. Without addressing these risks, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector will remain structurally uncompetitive,” Yusuf said.

Yusuf’s called for managed expectations might not be out of place.

These structural challenges hindering

the full realisation of the the potentials of the manufacturing sector, might have informed the PwC conclusion that the service-sector would lead Nigeria’s economic growth in 2026. It said that persistent structural bottlenecks in the real economy, especially agriculture, manufacturing and trade, are likely to remain constrained by insecurity, high energy and logistics costs, port inefficiencies, and import dependence.

It said, “These structural challenges are expected to continue suppressing productivity and raising operating costs across the real economy.

“As a result, recovery in employmentintensive sectors may remain slow in 2026 despite ongoing reforms and investment commitments.”

It recalled that in Q3 2025, the sector grew by 1.25 per cent, contributing 7.62 per cent to GDP despite structural challenges such as high energy and logistics costs, dependence on imported inputs, and weak export competitiveness.

“Raw material imports remained high at N3.53trillion in H12025, while manufactured goods exports were limited, highlighting a persistent trade deficit and the need for stronger local production and export capacity.

“In 2026, demand for manufactured goods is expected to improve modestly as inflation eases and consumer purchasing power stabilizes,” PwC said.

The MAN CEO’s Confidence Index (MCCI) for Q3 2025 said that the manufacturing sector is over burdened with alternative energy cost of N676.6 billion and raw material import of N1.72 trillion in H1 2025. The sector also recorded 18,935 job losses in the same period.

The MCCI also reported high average lending rates of 36.6 per cent, a reduction in credit access to N7.72 trillion and rising unsold inventories of N1.04 trillion continue to limit performance.

“Overall, the sector’s fragile recovery calls for urgent policy actions to cut energy costs, strengthen FX liquidity and expand

affordable credit access to accelerate growth,” the MCCI said.

Commenting on the MCCI, the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that it is important to emphasise that all current indices of the MCCI were below the 50-point threshold, indicating that the underlying challenges, particularly high inflation, exchange rates and interest rates have continued to weigh on the sector.

He said: “On a brighter note, the projected indices for the next quarter all remain above 50 points, showing sustained optimism among manufacturers.

“This optimism is buoyed not only by recent policy adjustments, such as the 50-basis point cut in the benchmark interest rate, the suspension of the 4.0 per cent Free-on-Board levy and the approval of tax incentives for local sourcing of raw materials, but also by strong expectations that the forthcoming National Industrial Policy will be highly private sector-driven.

“Manufacturers are confident that a policy framework anchored on private sector participation will catalyse industrial competitiveness, stimulate productive investment and open new frontiers for growth.”

He added, “There is also a heightened anticipation for the Presidential assent to the 30 per cent value addition requirement on raw material exports, a policy that promises to deepen backward integration, reduce foreign exchange exposure and boost Nigeria’s export competitiveness.

“Further analysis shows that 9 out of 14 industrial zones recorded higher confidence scores, while 10 performed above the 50-point threshold, pointing to a gradual strengthening of optimism across several manufacturing hubs in the country.”

“It is, however, pertinent to note that this recovery is fragile and could easily falter if manufacturing does not receive deliberate, adequate industry-friendly interventions.

“As we often say in the industrial community, a nation that neglects manufacturing may grow in numbers, but not in wealth. Real growth begins only when raw potential is refined into productive capacity,” he said.

25

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

This Week In Tech 08097710984 (WhatsApp only)

alekhuogien@yahoo.com

Nosa

Alekhuogie

Why Nigeria Is One of Africa’s Top Cybercrime Targets

N

igeria ranked among the most targeted countries for cyberattacks in Africa in November 2025, as rapid digital expansion continued to outpace cybersecurity readiness, according to a new Global Threat Intelligence report by Check Point Research.

The report found that organisations operating in Nigeria faced an average of 3,374 cyberattacks per week during the month.

This placed the country second among the four African nations analysed, behind Angola, which recorded 4,251 weekly attacks per organisation. Kenya followed with 2,384 attacks, while South Africa recorded 1,863.

The findings highlight Nigeria’s growing exposure to cyber risks at a time when digital services are expanding rapidly across banking, education, government, and commerce. They also come despite a 13% year-on-year decline in cyberattacks across Africa as a whole, showing that Nigeria remains an outlier in the regional trend.

Globally, organisations faced an average of 2,003 cyberattacks per week in November. That figure marked a 3% increase from October and a 4% rise compared to the same period last year, underlining a steady escalation in cyber threats worldwide.

Digital growth brings new vulnerabilities Nigeria’s position among Africa’s most targeted countries reflects the scale and speed of its digital transformation. Over the past decade, millions of Nigerians have moved online through fintech platforms, mobile banking, e-commerce, digital education, and government services.

These changes have driven financial inclusion and economic activity. They have also created a wider digital footprint that attackers can exploit.

Cybersecurity experts say the country’s rapid digitalisation has not been matched by equal investment in awareness, secure systems, and user education. As more people and businesses come online, attackers find more entry points.

“Our cybersecurity intelligence quotient is very low,” said Adewale Obadare, a digital trust expert in an interview. “We do not understand what needs to be done technically. We also do not understand the processes. The most dangerous part is the human element.”

According to Obadare, technology alone cannot protect systems when users lack basic understanding of cyber risks. He described human behaviour as the weakest link in cybersecurity, one that attackers exploit repeatedly.

Key sectors under pressure The Check Point Research report identified government institutions, financial services firms, and companies in the consumer goods and services sector as the most targeted organisations across Africa in November.

In Nigeria, these sectors play a central role in daily life. Banks handle millions of transactions every day. Government agencies manage sensitive citizen data.

Retail and service platforms rely heavily on uninterrupted digital access.

Globally, the education sector faced the highest volume of cyberattacks. Institutions recorded an average of 4,656 attacks per organisation per week, representing a seven per cent increase year-on-year. Government institutions followed with 2,716 weekly attacks, while associations and non-profit organisations experienced a sharp rise, reaching 2,550 attacks per week.

Universities and public institutions Weak applications and data in Nigeria have increasingly become exposure targets due to their large databases, limited security budgets, and open Cybersecurity experts also point to digital environments. insecure digital infrastructure as a major contributor to Nigeria’s risk exposure.

Ransomware tightens its grip “There is a very high number of worldwide insecure applications collecting our data,” said Confidence Staveley, Ransomware remained one of the a cybersecurity expert. “The APIs most damaging cyber threats globally in powering many fintech and e-commerce November, according to the report. There applications are not secure.” were 727 publicly reported ransomware As more apps collect personal and incidents worldwide, marking a 22% financial data, weaknesses in design, year-on-year increase. North America testing, and protection make breaches accounted for 55% of reported cases, more likely. Poor encryption, weak while Europe made up 18%. access controls, and outdated systems Although Africa recorded fewer publicly give attackers easy entry points. disclosed cases, experts say ransomware The growing reliance on digital continues to affect emerging markets, platforms means that a single where incidents are often underreported. vulnerability can expose thousands, Industrial manufacturing, business or even millions, of users. services, and consumer goods and services were the most affected industries globally. New risks from generative The most active ransomware groups during AI tools the month were Qilin, Clop, and Akira, which together accounted for a large share Beyond traditional cyber threats, the of victim disclosures. report highlighted growing risks linked to While Africa experienced an overall the enterprise use of Generative Artificial decline in attack volumes, North Intelligence tools. According to Check America recorded a nine per cent Point Research, one in every 35 GenAI increase, driven partly by intensified prompts submitted from enterprise ransomware activity. Europe saw a networks globally in November posed slight decrease, while the Asia-Pacific a high risk of sensitive data leakage. region remained relatively stable.

The report found that 87% of organisations that regularly use GenAI The human cost behind the tools were affected by high-risk prompts. numbers An additional 22% of prompts contained potentially sensitive information such as Cybercrime is not only a technical internal communications, customer data, problem. It is also a deeply human proprietary code, or personal identifiers. one. Psychologists say cybercriminals Organisations now use an average of succeed by understanding how people 11 different GenAI tools each month. think, feel, and react under pressure. Many operate outside formal security Messages are crafted to trigger urgency, governance frameworks, increasing the excitement, or fear. likelihood of accidental exposure.

“All those cyber guys try to paint a big picture of what is desirable to you,” Why Nigeria remains a said Jeph Oluwagbemiga, a psychologist. prime target “At that moment, you are not thinking properly. Later, you read it again and Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s wonder how you clicked.” most targeted countries for cyberattacks Many victims only realise they have reflects a combination of rapid digital been scammed after money has been lost growth and weak cybersecurity maturity. or personal data has been exposed. The Over the past decade, a large chunk of emotional impact often includes shame, Nigeria’s population has moved online confusion, and regret, which can prevent through mobile banking, fintech apps, reporting and delay response. e-commerce platforms, digital education

services, and government portals. This expansion has created a large and diverse digital footprint, giving cybercriminals more systems, users, and data to target at scale.

While digital access has grown quickly, cybersecurity awareness among users has lagged behind. Many individuals and small businesses lack basic knowledge of online safety, making them vulnerable to phishing messages, fake investment schemes, SIM swap fraud, and social engineering attacks. In many cases, victims do not fully understand how their data is used or how breaches occur.

Attackers have also become more sophisticated. The use of artificial intelligence has enabled cybercriminals to automate phishing campaigns, personalise scams, and increase success rates. These AI-driven threats allow attackers to reach thousands of victims at once, often bypassing traditional security filters.

Weak application security further worsens the problem. Many fintech and e-commerce platforms collect large volumes of sensitive data but rely on insecure application programming interfaces and limited security testing. These weaknesses create easy entry points for attackers seeking financial gain or valuable data.

Experts also point to the human factor as a critical vulnerability. Cybercriminals exploit fear, urgency, and financial pressure, manipulating users into making poor decisions that bypass technical defences.

Economic challenges add another layer of risk. High unemployment and poverty, and corruption can push some individuals toward cybercrime.

A growing sense of urgency The scale and speed of cyberattacks facing Nigeria have created a growing sense of urgency among experts, businesses, and policymakers, who warn that delaying action will only deepen financial losses and erode public trust in digital systems.

Experts say the first line of defence must start with individuals and organisations.

Basic cyber hygiene remains one of the most effective tools against attacks. This includes using strong and unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, keeping software updated, and thinking carefully before clicking on links or opening attachments.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

26

WEDNESday, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

business/MOnEYGUIDE

Tranter IT Sets Standard for Business Process Outsourcing Delivery in Nigeria Oriarehu Bony

With over 22 years of enterprise technology delivery in Nigeria, Tranter IT has formalised its position as the country’s most experienced Business Process Outsourcing delivery partner, operating one of the largest embedded support workforces in the Nigerian enterprise market.

The company in a statement said it currently deploys over 268 certified support engineers across more than 14 enterprise organisations in six industry categories, including banking, manufacturing, government, healthcare, oil and gas, and logistics.

“These engineers deliver IT operations support, HR support services, customer

operations, reporting, and workflow automation under fully governed service level agreements.

“Unlike other outsourcing providers, Tranter IT operates an embedded BPO delivery model built around real-time performance dashboards, escalation protocols, audit-ready reporting, and continuous improvement frameworks.

Every engagement is contractually tied to uptime, response time, compliance, and service quality benchmarks,” it said.

Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Tranter IT, Melanie Ayoola, said Nigerian organisations are no longer experimenting with outsourcing.

“They are demanding control. With over 22 years

in enterprise delivery and hundreds of engineers already embedded in regulated environments, we are not entering the BPO conversation; we are defining it. Tranter IT has spent two decades building the infrastructure, governance systems, and operational depth required to run missioncritical processes for banks, manufacturers and government institutions.

That is why we are the reference point for BPO in Nigeria.”

The company, he stated, reports sustained growth in demand from financial services, public sector agencies, and manufacturing firms seeking BPO partners with proven delivery capacity rather than theoretical capability.

Insurance FirmTakes Financial Education to Lagos Markets Ebere Nwoji

Insurance giant, SanlamAllianz, has launched a financial education campaign at Lagos markets.

The company said the campaign was aimed at aiding the financial knowledge and management of traders, shop owners in popular markets in Lagos.

Speaking on the campaign, the Managing Director and Chief Executive officer, Sanlam Allianz Nigeria, Tunde Mimiko, said the campaign was planned for two phases, including a physical market activation across organised market associations in both Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island as well as a radio programme debuting on

two high listenership radio stations in January 2026.

“Ours is not your every-day insurance company, we pride ourselves as a protection organisation with a suite of solutions that empowers generations to be financially prosperous, secure and confident.

And we all agree that no one can aspire to financial confidence without basic knowledge of how finances work vis-a-vis budgeting, investing, retirement planning, income protection and, of course, the place of insurance in all these.

This is what we are bringing to these markets: an educative session on how to manage their finances and the necessary information they need to scale,” he

stated.

Also speaking, Group Head, Strategy, Marketing and Corporate Communications at SanlamAllianz Nigeria, Chris Ekwonwa, said that the campaign was being piloted in Lagos with a view to taking the initiative round the country in the new year.

He said the underwriting company was aware that Lagos was not Nigeria, therefore, had planned to roll out the initiative across major markets in the country in the new year.

“We have done this before -we toured Nigeria as part of our rebrand, a bold roadshow never seen in these climes in our industry- we will do it again,” he concluded.

LeadwayAssuranceCommencesVerification Exercise forAfricanAllianceAnnuitants Ebere Nwoji Leadway Assurance Company Limited, said it has officially commenced a comprehensive verification exercise for all African Alliance Annuitants following the successful takeover of the African Alliance Insurance Annuity portfolio.

The company said the critical validation process was the first step in the transition, designed to accurately identify all existing annuitants and update their records.

The company said the primary objective of the exercise was to safeguard the immediate welfare of retirees and ensure that every individual’s benefits were secured for efficient and timely payment.

The verification exercise according to the company was a direct response to the regulatory measures introduced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to protect policyholders and strengthen confidence in the sector.

The company said by participating in this exercise, retirees under the African Alliance portfolio could transition seamlessly to the Leadway brand, ensuring the continuity of their payments without disruption.

Speaking, Executive Director, Technical and Operations at Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Olufumilayo Amanwa, spoke about the development, saying the verification of annuitants was more than just a process but demonstrated

Leadway’s commitment to retirees.

He said the underwriting firm wanted to ensure that their years of service and contributions were rewarded with financial certainty and dignity. He added that the validation exercise established a solid foundation for timely benefit payments and maintaining the trust placed on Leadway.

She said the transfer followed NAICOM’s intervention in appointing an interim management team as part of the process in settling outstanding annuity payments.

She said the successful transfer to Leadway not only secures the immediate welfare of annuitants but also represents a broader step toward strengthening Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem.

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

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95 • Source - CBN

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

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

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE As At 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

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

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

27

WEDNESday, JANUARY 14, 2026 • T H I S D AY

mARKET NEWS

NGX Market Cap Crosses N106trn as Stock Market Sustains Positive Momentum Kayode Tokede The Nigerian stock market yesterday closed on a stronger note, extending its positive momentum for the seventh trading activities in 2026, with its market capitalisation crossing the N106 trillion mark.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited All Share Index (NGX ASI) gained by

2,592.64 basis points or.59 per cent to close at 165,837.33 basis points.

Accordingly, market capitalisation rose by N1.661 trillion to close at N106.182 trillion.

Market sentiment was robustly bullish, with 55 advancing stocks outweighing 13 declining counters. DEAP Capital Management & Trust, eTranzact International, PZ Cussons Nigeria, Caverton

P R I C E S MaiN Board

F O R DEALS

Offshore Support Group and MTNN recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N3.63, N18.15, N58.30, N7.70 and N605.00 respectively, per share.

Ellah Lakes followed with a gain of 9.97 per cent to close at N17.10, while NCR Nigeria rose by 9.95 per cent to close at N96.65, per share.

On the other hand, Universal Insurance led the losers’ chart by 6.25 per

S E C U R I T I E S Market Price

quantity traded

cent, to close at N1.20, per share. Prestige Assurance followed with a decline of 5.81 per cent to close at N1.62, while Regency Alliance Insurance FTN declined by 5.17 per cent to close at N1.10, per share.

Academy Press depreciated by 5.06 per cent to close at N7.50 and Royal Exchange declined by 3.98 per cent to close at N1.93, per share.

However, the total volume traded declined slightly by

T R A D E D

value traded ( N )

MaiN Board

A S

O F

1.58 per cent to 1.131 billion units, valued at N33.550 billion, and exchanged in 49,216 deals. Transactions in the shares of Sovereign Trust Insurance topped the activity chart with 343.543 million shares valued at N1.117 billion. Access Holdings followed with 86.227 million shares worth N1.980 billion, while eTranzact traded 61.104 million shares valued at N1.109 billion.

Linkage Assurance traded

J A N UA RY DEALS

49.929 million shares valued at N87.999 million, while Chams Holdings Company sold 35.353 million shares worth N139.210 million.

On market outlook, Imperial Asset Managers Limited said, “market sentiment is expected to remain cautiously positive in the near term, supported by strong early-year momentum and continued interest in large-cap and fundamentally sound stocks.

/ 1 3 / 2 6 Market Price

quantity traded

value traded ( N)

28

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

FLAG-OFF OF 2025/2026 DRY SEASON FARMING...

Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri (middle), and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese (left), during the flag-off of the 2025/2026 Dry Season Farming at the rice farm in Otuasega Community, Ogbia Local Government Area, yesterday

Kukah: A New Nigeria Possible But Not By Lamentation, Resistance to Bad Governance Disagrees with notion the country has failed Says most of challenges not peculiar to nation Believes Nigeria has achieved a lot so far

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Dr. Mathew Kukah, Sunday, declared during a debate on Nigeria’s rebirth, that the current governance crisis and economic problems plaguing the country would soon birth a new nation beyond reproach.

Kukah, an advocate of ethical governance spoke during the 39th edition of the popular monthly interview discourse, “Boiling Point Arena”, hosted by a media professional, Dr Ayo Arowojolu.

The programme was transmitted via Zoom and broadcast live on six radio stations across Lagos, Ogun and Delta States.

Dwelling on “whether Nigeria’s destiny is beyond redemption”, the cleric and public intellectual, stated that a transformed Nigeria would not come through the trending culture of vociferous lamentations and bad-mouthing of the country by the people, but via resistance to bad governance.

“As far as I am concerned, this country is not where I would have wanted it to be. I totally and fundamentally disagree that Nigeria has failed. I think what has happened to us is the evolution

of rising expectations. We have been too hard on ourselves.

“Most of the challenges we complain about are not peculiar to Nigeria. We complain too much about government. The peoples’ ability to protest, ability to threaten, ability to engage matters. Nigerians must develop the capacity to resist.

“If we say we want a better society, government is not the one that is going to give you a good society. But, government will respond to the pressure coming from ordinary citizens.

“Not for us to become de-

spondent. What I am saying is that if we decide that we want a new Nigeria, we will have a new Nigeria. But we’re not going to have it by lamentation.

“We’re not going to have it by merely abusing ourselves and flogging ourselves. We are going to have the day we decide to become sufficiently disciplined and play by the rules. We must learn a culture of protest and the sacrifice that comes with it.”

Although Kukah admitted that successive presidents had made some terrible mistakes through

The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded a crucial stakeholders’ meeting, yesterday, stressing the importance of ramping up e-registration efforts to ensure a landslide victory ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement, Chief of Staff to the former APC National Chairman, Comrade Muhammad Garba, described the exercise as vital for building a comprehensive, credible and verifiable membership database, which would significantly

failure in Nigeria is that we pay very little attention to a very vital component of leadership, that is, the conveyor belt of intentions, namely the bureaucracy. Every country is as good as the bureaucracy it has.

“There is something more to be said, which is elite responsibility or lack of responsibility. The reason why the country cannot grow is not because the ordinary people are not doing what they ought to do. They are not making the sacrifices.

“An elite that is not prepared to play by the rules. Elites that are not

prepared to submit to the discipline that you require for nation building.

The reality is that Nigerians are not generally committed to process and due process. We have refused to empower the discipline that is required to build the kind of country we want to build.

“What we are witnessing today is the result of our collective irresponsibility. So I think the day that all of us decide to play by the rules, to obey the laws, that’s when a new Nigeria will be birthed.”

Continues online

Kwankwaso: Kano Govt Asking Appointees to Pick Between Kwankwasiyya, Gandujiya

Says he’s dismayed, advises those concerned to play along Declares choice in Kano is between light and darkness

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the Kano State Government of pressuring political appointees in the state to choose between Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya, saying he was dismayed by such a disposition.

He, however, urged the appointees in Governor Abba

Kabir Yusuf’s administration, whom he alleged were being pressured to defect to the APC, to play along in order not to lose their source of income.

In viral video released last night, the former governor expressed displeasure over the recent development, saying: “I am dismayed by the government’s decision to put pressure on local chairmen and councillors, secretaries and other appointees to

Kano APC Launches e-Registration Drive, Urges Support for Tinubu’s Policy Agenda Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

lackluster leadership, he nonetheless stated, “I agree we ought not to be where we are. But I think that on a very optimistic note, I believe that this country has achieved quite a lot of things.”

He linked blame for the country’s retrogression to the hangover effects of prolonged military rule, which interrupted the nation’s democracy in 1966.

He said further that: “I think that, for me, I remain very, very cautiously optimistic about the future.

What is very much ignored when we are talking about leadership

enhance the party’s electoral performance nationwide.

The statement noted that after briefings from APC State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, and e-registration coordinator, Shafi’u Darma, the meeting urged all party members to get registered and mobilise others, leveraging Kano’s strong grassroots support.

The meeting further stressed that Kano’s proactive participation in the e-registration exercise would strengthen the party’s prospects, building on over one and a half decades of loyalty and organizational influence in the state.

“Stakeholders called for sustained and effective mobilization, noting that accurate registration is instrumental in reinforcing the party’s political structure, expanding voter outreach and maximizing electoral performance in the coming elections.

“Members were also urged to remain united and rally behind the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the socio-economic development of Nigeria, emphasizing that political cohesion is essential for achieving both party and national objectives,” the statement added.

choose between Kwankwasiyya (NNPP) and Gandujiyya (APC).

“It is indeed troubling all our supporters, not only in Kano but nationwide, will not be happy with this. The list of the loyalists is being compiled to negotiate stake as the governor prepares to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

According to him, significant number of government appointees, caucus members and lawmakers have been under intense pressure to append their signatures on the list of those who endorsed the governor’s defection to APC.

“The appointees are in a dire situation. They are disturbed since the issue of going to Tinubu and Ganduje’s party came up.

A number of local government chairmen and some councillors have called me, lamenting their dilemma. Some are in distress and hospitalised, while others are having sleepless nights.

“After due consultation, in view of the fact that our supporters have given so much towards bringing the government — and the government is owing them — we call on the chairmen, councillors and all others to append their signatures.

“We believe it not yet electioneering period of 2027, and our supporters wherever they are will show up in the time of need.

“If signing the loyalty list will take them out of the distressing situation they found themselves in and also douse the tension in the state, so be it,” Kwankwaso said.

Kwankwaso recalled what happened in Kano in 2015 during Ganduje’s administration when the state witnessed the worst form of betrayal, which his supporters resigned to fate because of patriotism and waited till 2019.

Girl Stages Own Kidnap, Demands N10 Million as Ransom in Edo

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

An 18-year-old girl Obehi Odine has been arrested

by Edo State Command for allegedly staging her own kidnapping and demanding a ransom of N10 million.

According to the police, she was apprehended on Monday, 12 January 2026, following a report of a suspected abduction along Old INEC Road, Ekpoma.

“Following a report of a suspected kidnapping along Old INEC Road, Ekpoma, received at about noon on 12th January, the new DPO immediately swung into action and deployed operational resources to track the caller,” said Eno Ikoedem, the Command’s Spokesperson.

“Technical intelligence and field investigations led to the arrest of the suspect, which later revealed a case of self-

kidnapping. She has confessed to the crime, admitting that the incident was deliberately fabricated to extort money,” he added.

In a related operation in Ubiaja, the police, working with the Nigerian Military and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), conducted a bush-combing exercise that led to the arrest of eleven male suspects believed to belong to a kidnapping syndicate.

29

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

NEWS

WHATADEAL E-COMMERCE MEGA TRADE FAIR...

L–R: Managing Director, Whatadeal, Mr. Fela Bank-Olemoh; Founder, Sandiertw, Sandra James; Chief Executive Officer, Murphy Cigada, Mr. Monrufu Oladimeji; Founder, Deluxe Skincare, Matilda Mbanu; and Head of E-Commerce, Whatadeal, Mr. Wale Lawal, during the Whatadeal E-commerce Mega Trade Fair held in Lagos...recently

Atiku: APC Hunting Down Students over Ekpoma Protests, Negotiating with Bandits Akpoti-Uduaghan slams Edo govt, demands immediate release of 52 undergraduates

Chuks Okocha and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and detention of students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, describing the action as a sign of growing intolerance under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement posted on X, yesterday, Atiku expressed concern over what he termed the “high-handedness” of the federal government in responding to students’ protests against insecurity in the Ekpoma area of Edo State.

According to him, “It is unacceptable that authorities would respond to peaceful protests by arresting and detaining dozens of students.”

Atiku stated that the right to protest was guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and upheld by the courts. He reminded the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration that the primary responsibility of government was the security and welfare of citizens, stressing that students should not be punished for raising legitimate concerns about their safety.

He said if the same level of

energy used in arresting protesters were applied to tackling terrorism and banditry, rather than negotiating with criminals, communities across the country would be safer.

The former vice president called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those he said were unjustly detained for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.

Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan, while condemning the arrest and continued detention of the 52 students, described the action as an assault on democratic freedoms and an alarming attempt to silence legitimate youth voices.

In a statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan faulted the conduct of security agencies and the Edo State authorities over what she described as the “unlawful and heavy-handed” treatment of students who were involved in a protest.

She insisted that civic engagement, peaceful protest, and dissent were fundamental pillars of democracy and must not be treated as criminal acts.

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the students, Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that the growing tendency to respond to grievances with arrests, rather than engagement, could further erode

public trust in government and state institutions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, “Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress. Our youths must never be criminalised for speaking up on issues that directly affect their environment, welfare and future. A society that silences its young people is one that mortgages its tomorrow.”

The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, expressed concern that the incident reflected a broader pattern of intolerance for dissent across the country, particularly against students and young Nigerians who were

increasingly vocal about governance, security and economic challenges.

She urged the Edo State government to reassess its priorities, and said that the state was grappling with serious security challenges that required urgent attention rather than the suppression of peaceful protests.

She stated, “The government of Edo State should be more concerned about the rising cases of kidnapping and other forms of insecurity that have continued to put residents in fear. Suppressing discerning and courageous voices will not solve these problems; it will only deepen frustration and alienation.”

AFRICA CONFIDENTIAL: FG OUTGUNS BIAFRA LOBBYISTS SEEKING TO INFLUENCE TRUMP ON NIGERIA

DCI Group, with close Trump ally Roger Stone as advisor, announced it was being paid $750,000 for months, renewable subject to performance to explain the Tinubu government’s efforts to protect Christians and Muslims in Nigeria to the US administration.

The timeline of actions will continue into the 1st quarter of 2026 when the US Congress is to decide whether to approve $346 million precision bombs and rockets to Nigeria, via the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The office of the NSA has confirmed that its effort with the Trump administration is yielding fruits, saying that they have received over a $100 million of military equipment in the last few weeks.

At least 12 Bell Textron AH1Z Cobra attack helicopters worth $997m are also due to be delivered to Nigeria by 2028, the report added. DCI’s managing member Justin Peterson and senior Advisor Doug Davenport are to lead on the contract.

Trump appointed Davenport, who worked on the presidential campaigns of George W Bush and Elizabeth Dole, as his representative on the Financial Oversight Board for Puerto Rico.

Davenport worked on the Trump campaigns in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

According to Africa Confidential which has published since 1960, another key figure, Diane London, is the contractor to DCI and is paying the company’s $750,000 fees on behalf of Aster Legal, which has offices in Nigeria and Florida.

“The filings don’t explain where Aster Legal raises the funds from – but insiders say it would come either from wealthy Tinubu supporters or indirectly from the government.

Well plugged into Washington, London is also a commentator and a columnist for Newsmax, whose chief executive Christopher Ruddy is close to Trump.

“Insiders in Washington say the DCI lobbyists will focus on the Tinubu government’s moves ‘to protect Christians’. Tinubu is desperate to avoid being defined through a ‘Christian persecution’ lens and to preserve strategic cooperation (counter-terrorism support) and diplomatic alignment (Dispatches 22/9/25, Warlords to Washington).

“DCI’s lobbying rival on Nigeria – Madison and Washington – is a much smaller outfit despite having some influential friends in the US Congress. Its Chief Executive Elias Gerasoulis, 29, formerly a vice president and partner at Moran Strategies in the US capital, set up Madison & Washington and took the firm’s Biafran and Eritrean clients with him, announcing this on social

media on 10 January.

“Joining Gerasoulis at Madison & Washington is Arman Dabiri, a Washington-based lawyer who was the legal counsel to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi’s regime in the 2003 settlement where it accepted responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing and paid $2.7 billion to compensate the families of the victims (AC Vol 45 No 1, Fresh start for old faces).

“Gerasoulis, a Republican fundraiser who has donated funds to Ted Cruz, is trying to use the Trump administration’s claims of genocide against Nigerian Christians to promote Biafra’s independence.

He wants to capitalise on the US’s designation of Nigeria as a country which violates religious freedom on 31 October last year which prompted Trump’s threats to attack Nigeria,” the report added.

Yet the so-called Biafran Republic Government in Exile, the publication said. is in turmoil.

Madison & Washington’s contract is with Isaiah Harrison Anyaogu, aka Ogechukwu Nkere, who gives an address in Baltimore, Maryland and describes himself as the acting Prime Minister of the Biafran movement in exile, while his predecessors Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa have been detained in Nigeria and Finland respectively.

But it added that Nkere’s

status has been disputed by the BRGIE’s governing council, which stated last August that he had been expelled and his position abolished. A letter signed by BRGIE governing council chair, Emma Maduabum, said that Nkere has cloned the BRGIE’s website and is ‘misleading Biafrans and the world, and collecting money from uninformed public’.

Gerasoulis will also lobby the White House to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials at federal, state and local level and will “explain to U.S. officials the role of Nigerian government proxies in Biafraland, such as the so-called Nigerian ‘Southeast Governors’, in acting against both Biafran and U.S. interests by conspiring with US adversaries.”

It accuses Nigeria’s south-east state governors of allowing ‘malign foreign influence, such as Iran, to the oil rich, strategic Gulf of Guinea’ and of being ‘complicit in Christian genocide and highly dangerous to U.S. interests’.

However, feelers from Aso Rock confirmed yesterday that the federal government has indeed engaged DCI Group, a United States–based public affairs and government relations firm, to support the country’s strategic engagement with the United States across diplomatic, security, trade, and values-based policy priorities.

The engagement, it was learnt, reflects Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining strong bilateral relations with the United States and ensuring clear, consistent, and credible communication of its policy actions, reform agenda, and national security priorities under the leadership of President Tinubu.

“Through this collaboration, Nigeria seeks to strengthen engagement with key U.S. stakeholders across government, Congress, policy institutions, faith-based leaders, the business community, and media platforms.

The focus is on reinforcing mutual understanding around Nigeria’s democratic governance, religious freedom, economic reforms, and efforts to promote stability across West Africa.

“The engagement will support the communication of Nigeria’s actions to protect all citizens, including Christian communities and people of all faiths, from violent extremism and insecurity. It will also provide a structured platform to engage U.S. policymakers, faith leaders, and opinion shapers with accurate, evidence-based information on Nigeria’s evolving security environment and reform efforts.

“In the area of security, the collaboration supports Nigeria’s continued partnership with the United States in countering jihadist groups, transnational criminal networks, and other

destabilising forces threatening regional stability and democratic institutions. It underscores Nigeria’s commitment to coordinated international action against terrorism and violent extremism,” a person with knowledge of the deal told THISDAY. The engagement also prioritises strengthening trade and commercial relations between Nigeria and the United States.

Similarly, strategic communication and stakeholder engagement will highlight opportunities for expanded investment and cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology, and other sectors critical to shared economic growth.

Additionally, the collaboration will support constructive dialogue on international religious freedom considerations, ensuring that Nigeria’s policies, reforms, and on-the-ground efforts are clearly understood within relevant U.S. policy frameworks and institutions.

Commenting on the engagement, a representative of DCI Group said: “We are pleased to support the Government of Nigeria in communicating its ongoing efforts to protect Christians and people of all faiths from radical jihadist groups and other destabilising elements, while also strengthening trade and commercial ties that benefit both Nigeria and the United States.”

30

WEDNEsday january 14, 2026 • T H i s d ay

NEWS

HAPPY 86th BIRTHDAY TO CHIEF OKOYA…

L–R: Founder/Chairman, Gilbraltar Construction Nigeria Limited, Sir Clement Oluwatumininu Okeowo; Chairman, Premier Lotto Nigeria Limited, Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Founder/Chairman, Eleganza Group of Companies, Chief Razaq Okoya; Founder/Chairman, Doyin Group of Companies, Prince Samuel Adedoyin; wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, and Managing Director, Eleganza Industrial City Limited, Chief (Dr.) Folashade Noimat Okoya, during day 8 of the Okoya Community Free Healthcare Outreach to mark 86th birthday of Chief Okoya held at Oluwanishola Estate, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Lagos… recently

Osun ADC Guber Candidate Defends Modulated Salary Policy, Promises Workers-first Governance

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, Dr. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, has broken his silence on the controversial modulated salary policy

implemented during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, describing it as a painful but necessary response to an unprecedented fiscal crisis.

Reacting to renewed criticisms and social media calls urging civil servants

to distance themselves from leaders linked to the policy, Salaam rejected what he termed “simplistic narratives” that overlook the economic realities that

prevailed at the time.

In his response to the critic, the ADC flag bearer acknowledged the hardship and sacrifices endured by Osun workers, stressing

that leadership must take responsibility, particularly in periods of collective suffering.

He explained that the introduction of modulated

salaries coincided with a severe national economic downturn triggered by the crash in global oil prices, which significantly reduced federal allocations to states.

Ewhrudjakpo: Deputy Govs, Coscharis CEO, IYC Condole with Bayelsa Gov, Family

Obila (Ebonyi), Dr. Chinyere approached it with the best of NLM Decries Non- Olusegun SamuelinYenagoa Ewhrudjakpo.

The forum was led by its Ekomaru (Imo), and Prof. intellectual content, adding that he had the best of times and Forum of Deputy chairman and deputy governor Ngozi Odu (Rivers).

Registration by INEC The The forum said relationship with his principal.

Governors in Nigeria of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, and was accompanied by the Ewhrudjakpo served Bayelsa Ossai described The leadership of the Nigerian Liberty Movement (NLM), a political movement seeking registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC for not registering some political associations as parties.

In a special communique titled, ‘INEC’s Stubborn Refusal to Certify NLM: Another Proof of Tyranny Under Bola Tinubu’s Repressive Administration, Nigerians Will Not Be Silenced,’ NLM said: “INEC has stubbornly refused to issue our certificate as a

legitimate political party. We were the first association to express interest and declare our serious intention. We have fulfilled every single legal requirement demanded by the Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with no shortcuts and no excuses.”

The communique, which was signed by the National Leader of NLM, Amb ThisDayMoses Adebisi, noted: said, “We, the Nigerian Liberty Movement (NLM), ThisDaysMoses / Al’Musa, National Leader of NLM, are sounding the alarm once more against this shameless injustice staring us all in the face.”

NumeEkeghe

and fully integrated edible oils group in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The transaction received strong support from shareholders, with high participation from existing investors, and achieved a subscription level of 103 per cent, reflecting continued confidence in the Company’s long-term strategy and performance.

Commenting on the successful completion of the transaction, Executive Director & Head of Investment Banking at Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, Chidi Iwuchukwu, stated: “We are pleased to have led the successful and oversubscribed rights issue for Presco PLC, a clear testament to the market’s confidence in Presco’s growth ambitions and long-term strategy.

was at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa, to commiserate with Governor Douye Diri and the Ewhrudjakpo family over the demise of the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence

deputy governors of Akwa Ibom (Sen. Akon Eyakenyi), Benue (Dr Sam Ode), and Delta (Monday Onyeme) Others were Dr. Dennis Idahosa (Edo), Princess Patricia

State with affection and dedication as senator, deputy governor and community leader.

It also stated that the deputy governor loved his job and

Ewhrudjakpo as a gentleman with a problem-solving approach to issues, always calm and gave advice drawn from his age and experience as a senator.

Agency, NRC Launch Business Skills Training for Plateau Youths Yemi KosokoinJos

The Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), has commenced a five‑day business skills development training aimed at equipping young people with practical entrepreneurial

competencies.

The programme, which kicked off at the PLASMIDA office in Jos, is targeting 60 youths selected from Bassa and Riyom Local GovernmentAreas.

Participants were divided into two cohorts of 30 to enhance engagement, interaction, and personalised learning.

According to PLASMIDA,

the initiative aligns with the policy direction of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who has prioritised youth empowerment, enterprise development, and sustainable livelihoods across the state.

Day one of the training featured an orientation session introducing participants to the objectives and expected

outcomes of the programme. It also included group counselling and a pre‑training assessment designed to gauge participants’ existing business knowledge and entrepreneurial mindset.

Organisers said the assessment would help tailor the training to individual needs and measure impact at the end of the programme.

Distributes N64m to Indigent Undergraduates RMB Nigeria Leads Presco’s Scholarship: Umeh session in various institutions and colleges of Nursing but Peter Obi. David-Chyddy Eleke in N236bn Rights Issue Awka of higher learning and could not pay their school He said that though he

Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited has announced the successful completion of the N236 billion Rights Issue undertaken

by Presco Plc, a leading player in the Nigerian agro-industrial sector.

The bank, in a statement, noted that the Rights Issue is the largest non-financial services public capital raise completed in 2025.

RMB served as the Lead Issuing House on the transaction, working closely with Presco to structure, coordinate, and execute a seamless capital raise.

The transaction was undertaken to position the company for sustained growth and to advance its vision of becoming the most profitable, sustainable,

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial district, Senator Victor Umeh, has distributed N64cmillion to 326 indigents students in higher institutions.

The monies are meant to fund their education for the

educational departments.

The beneficiaries of the funds, which were distributed by the Fidelity Bank yesterday at Cana House, Awka were brilliant students who gained admissions into higher institutions including universities and polytechnics

fees.

Addressing the beneficiaries and some of their parents, Victor Umeh said he was inspired more to invest in education of the youth by his political leader, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party ( LP), Mr.

started assisting indigent students several years ago, even before joining politics when in his Aguluzigbo community in Anaocha Local Government Area when children whose parents could not pay their fees approached him for help.

Army Offers Free Medical Services to 1,000 Persons in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

As part of the event to mark this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebration, the Nigerian Army has offered free medical services to no fewer than 1,000 persons in a community in Sokoto State.

The gesture is a significant

display of corporate social responsibility, which offered free medical services in the Sefe community.

The initiative, aimed at improving healthcare delivery, saw a team of doctors and healthcare workers providing medical consultations, treatment, and essential drugs to women, children, and the

elderly.

The exercise was inaugurated by Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Musa, Commander of 108 Equipment Support.

In his address, Maj.-Gen. Ajose said the exercise was

a way to reflect on the sacrifices of fallen heroes who selflessly laid down their lives for the peace, unity, and security of the country.

He also celebrated the commitment of serving personnel, encouraging their dedication to defending the sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of the country.

31

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Eagles Defiant, Confident as they Battle Hosts Morocco for Final Ticket Gusau quashes fears of manipulative officiating in today’s semifinal in Rabat Duro Ikhazuagbe in Rabat

The Super Eagles camp is in buoyant mood ahead of this evening’s Africa Cup of Nations second semifinal clash with hosts Morocco inside Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI in Rabat.

Coach Eric Chelle and his wards have continued to radiate confidence and self-belief ahead of the encounter, as the players keep strictly and professionally to their daily schedule at the Hotel Rihab and at the training ground of Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI. Feelers from the Atlas Lions camp however revealed that the Moroccan players are

in trepidation of the impact that Nigerian midfielder, Alexander Iwobi, can have on the Wednesday night’s game.

Iwobi supplied 22 linebreaking passes in the quarter-final game against Mozambique (which Nigeria won 4-0) and 14 against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in Saturday’s quarter final duel in Marrakech. Nigeria won both games, scoring six goals and conceding none.

The 29-year-old, who debuted for Nigeria against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Belgium on 8th October 2015, also supplied the assists for Nigeria’s first two goals of the competition,

in the 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fés on 23rd December.

He will earn his 96th cap for the Super Eagles on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has dismissed fears of possible biased officiating when the Super Eagles lock horns with hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco tonight in Rabat.

“I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have. I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level. I do not see a situation in which the match officials will be working against any team’s interest.

“Last summer, we were here in Morocco, for the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and we played

the host nation in the Final, even coming from two goals behind to achieve victory.

There is nothing to fear. This is the highest level of football on the African continent, and the officials know that CAF as well as the whole world is watching, and will not do anything untoward.”

The NFF supremo and President of WAFU B spoke against the backdrop of

widespread fears among Nigerian ball fans that the match officials could blatantly or surreptitiously work in favour of the host nation, which is looking for a second AFCON title after its maiden gong 50 years ago.

TODAY Senegal Nigeria

v Egypt 6pm v Morocco 9pm

AFCON 2025 Semifinals Live on SuperSport The Super Eagles will seek to play in their second Africa Cup of Nations final in as many editions when they play hosts, Morocco, in Rabat tonight.

The match will kick off at 9:00 pm. Earlier on the same day at 6pm, Senegal will face Egypt in Tangier. The two matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four with a 2–0 quarter-final win over Algeria in Marrakech, a disciplined performance decorated by goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.

Nigeria’s defence held firm as Algeria failed to register a shot on target until the closing stages.

Morocco, playing in front of a home crowd, advanced with a 2–0 victory over Cameroon and remain one of the tournament’s most balanced teams, combining defensive solidity with a potent attack.

Senegal against Egypt is a tasty clash and marquee pairing.It pits two former Liverpool stars, Sadio Mané

and Mohamed Salah, twothirds of Liverpool’s famed forward line for much of the last decade.

Senegal reached the semifinals after a composed 1–0 quarter-final victory over Mali, extending their reputation for defensive strength and efficiency. Egypt advanced with a thrilling 3–2 win against Côte d’Ivoire, with Salah scoring and creating goals.

The Senegal–Egypt semi is a repeat of the 2021 AFCON final which Senegal won on penalties. Both sides arrive unbeaten in the tournament’s latter stages, setting up a tactical battle between Senegal’s structured defence and Egypt’s attacking cohesion.

For Nigeria, the semi-final represents a clash of continental styles: the tournament’s highest-scoring team against a Morocco side built on organisation and home support.

Meanwhile, the Senegal– Egypt match pits two of Africa’s most storied football nations against one another, with elite talent on display in key positions.

Super Eagles are confident of upstaging hosts Morocco to reach the final of the AFCON 2025 in Rabat this evening

Pamodzi Warns Over Ambush Marketing of MTN Nigeria Super Eagles Sponsorship Rights Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, the marketing partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has singled out Airtel Nigeria, to stop ambushing the sponsorship rights that belong to MTN Nigeria.

MTN Nigeria is the exclusive official communications partner and sponsor of the NFF and all of Nigeria’s national football teams.

This deal gives MTN the sole rights to use the teams, including the Super Eagles, for promotions, advertising,

marketing, and other commercial activities, as well as players’ image rights.

Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi accused Airtel of trying to benefit from the Super Eagles without paying for sponsorship and continuing to link its products and services to the team.

In a statement, Pamodzi said: “The Super Eagles’ impressive outing and the inherent potentials shown at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco have endeared them to Nigerians and corporate citizens

Igoche Mark Hails NSC DG, Bukola Olopade’s Intervention on NBBF Tenure Impasse A major stakeholder in Nigerian basketball, Mr Igoche Mark, has commended the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon Bukola Olopade, for taking bold steps to address the lingering crisis in the country’s basketball family.

In a statement, Mark, a basketball promoter and initiator of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship,

praised Olopade’s initiative to summon basketball stakeholders across the country, saying it was a “right move from a right-thinking leader”.

“Right move from a right-thinking leader, who is ready to confront the impediment; a path others have avoided. For this, I salute the DG’s thoughtfulness. This is a masterclass in sports administration,” Mark said.

The NSC’s move, Mark noted, is a significant step towards bringing lasting peace to Nigerian basketball, which has been plagued by disunity among stakeholders. “Unity is lacking among stakeholders, and it’s time we transition from disunity to unity for the common interest of the sport,” Mark emphasized.

On the way forward, Mark said, “The DG’s approach is a

good starting point. We need to put aside our differences and work towards a common goal, the development of Nigerian basketball.”

Mark also urged basketball stakeholders to support Olopade’s efforts, saying, “Let’s give the DG our full support and cooperation. We owe it to ourselves, our players, and the future of Nigerian basketball.”

who have been identifying with the team.”

Pamodzi added: “Airtel’s activities around the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025 were aimed at raising their brand awareness without the proper rights, which is unethical and unlawful. What Airtel has done is infringing MTN Nigeria’s trademarks and other property rights in relation to the Super Eagles around AFCON 2025.

“This is unlawful and Pamodzi, as the agency responsible for the implementation of the rights between MTN Nigeria and the NFF, will not watch the abuse of the rights MTN Nigeria has paid for as the exclusive Official Communications Partner and Sponsor of the Nigeria Football Federation.”

Pamodzi stressed that the rights given to MTN Nigeria are exclusive and that the NFF has not and will not grant similar rights to any other company in relation to its products and services.

“The promotional, advertising, and marketing rights granted to MTN Nigeria

cover the products stated in the contract. MTN Nigeria and the NFF signed a threeyear renewable contract in 2023, making MTN Nigeria the official communications partner and sponsor of all Nigeria’s national football teams,” Pamodzi stated.

Pamodzi also praised sponsors of the NFF such as MTN Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Premier Lotto, and Mr Chef, saying: “The Super Eagles are flying high today thanks to the support of these sponsors. These sponsors are strategic partners to the NFF, and the Football Federation has not closed the door to other companies that want to associate their brands with the national teams.

“The Super Eagles have renewed our hopes in them with the way they rose up to the challenge at AFCON 2025 in the true ‘can do’ Nigerian spirit. Corporate organizations and individuals who wish to associate their brands with our national teams are welcome to discuss with us and the NFF, and their rights will be protected.”

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026

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AFRICOM DELEGATION VISITS NDLEA TO DISCUSS COLLABORATION...

L-R: Doug Carr, Dr. Benjamin Okonofua, James Elseth; United States Drug Enforcement Administration Liaison to the United States Africa Command, Mr. Philip Esch; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd); Christopher Flaherty, Maj. T.C. Bowcutt; and Alex Menez, when Mr. Esch led an AFRICOM delegation on a visit to discuss further areas of collaboration between NDLEA and AFRICOM at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja, yesterday

KAYODEKOMOLAFE Has Africa Come of Age Now? THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

O

n Sunday, January 11, it was exactly 50 years that former Head of State General Murtala Mohammed made an anti-imperialist statement at a summit of African leaders in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. He was killed in an abortive coup on a Lagos street 33 days later, on February 13, 1976. He was succeeded by General Olusegun Obasanjo.

In the exceptionally pan–African speech entitled “Africa Has Come of Age,” Murtala, who was 38 years old, said inter alia: “Mr. Chairman, when I contemplate the evils of apartheid, my heart bleeds and I am sure the heart of every true blooded African bleeds. . . Rather than join hands with the forces fighting for selfdetermination and against racism and apartheid, the United States policy makers clearly decided that it was in the best interests of their country to maintain white supremacy and minority regimes in Africa. . .

“Africa has come of age. It’s no longer under the orbit of any extra continental power.

“It should no longer take orders from any country, however powerful. The fortunes of Africa are in our hands to make or to mar. For too long have we been kicked around: for too long have we been treated like adolescents who cannot discern their interests and act accordingly.

“For too long has it been presumed that the African needs outside ‘experts’ to tell him who are his friends and who are his enemies. The time has come when we should make it clear that we can decide for ourselves; that we know our own interests and how to protect those interests; that we are capable of resolving African problems without presumptuous lessons in ideological dangers which, more often than not, have no relevance for us, nor for the problem at hand.”

Among the leaders who attended summit of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was the founding president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda.

He was reportedly in tears of joy as he listened to a fellow African leader speak truth to American imperialism. The shower of emotions would be understandable given the context of the meeting of OAU, the precursor of African Union (AU).

The OAU meeting was to take a position on the support for the Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the party in power in the southern African country that won independence in 1974. The par-ty was opposed by rival National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Apartheid South Africa was in support of these MPLA rivals with the blessing of America. In the build-up to the meeting, American Ambassador in Lagos Donald Easum brought a letter from President Gerald Ford to Murtala. The purpose of the letter was to manipulate African opinion to withdraw support for MPLA government because it had the support of the old Soviet Union. That was a common feature of the era of the Cold War. Obasanjo, as the Chief of Staff Supreme Head-

The late Murtala Mohammed quarters, was said to be initially scheduled to deliver Nige-ria’s speech at the OAU summit, only for the Head of State, Murtala to change his mind on receiving the “insulting” letter from America.

At the end, Africa rose in support of MPLA and the rest as, they say, is history.

Little surprise that Murtala’s memory was specially honoured two years ago in Angola when the nation celebrated the golden jubilee of its freedom from Portugal.

The import of that rallying statement made by Murtala was that Africa rejected dictation from America 50 years ago.

The anti-imperialist fervour was palpable in the Nigerian public sphere in the 1970s. The military government and public intellectuals were united in the pan Africanist mission of decolonisation of the continent.

In 1979, the Murtala-Obasanjo military regime of Obasanjo nationalised the assets of British Shell Petroleum (BP) in Nigeria. This was done to speed up the independence of Zimbabwe on which the colonial master, the United Kingdom, was dithering.

The United Kingdom wanted oil supplies to be steady for the apartheid South Africa, The rest of Africa had ostracised South Africa at the time. The support for the liberation struggles in Southern Africa was a matter of national consensus regardless of what imperialism felt.

The zeal for freedom of the 1970s was reminiscent of the anti-colonialist spirit of the immediate

“It is appropriate that the NIIA is doing what is expected of serious think tanks in the situation: harvest ideas that could help in shaping policies”

0805 500 1974

post-independence period when Nigerian youths, students and other nationalists stoutly opposed the Anglo-Nigerian Defence Pact. As a result, the United Kingdom was denied a military foothold in Nigeria.

The mood in Africa today is in sharp contrast to what was prevalent in 1976. African leaders are routinely summoned by the United States, European countries and even some countries of the South in the name of seeking investments. The other day, President Donald Trump of America invited five African presidents to Washington for interaction.

In one moment during the meeting, Trump told an African president patronisingly that he spoke “good English” and asked which school the African head of state attended. Such is the total absence of dignity of purpose in the way Africa relates to America 50 years after Murtala’s speech. Even at the rhetorical level, bold statements have been replaced with massaging the ego of a bully. It is as if the pernicious role of imperialism has been deleted from the pages of African history. The study of the post-independence African history requires a greater rigour in a post-truth age when the youths assume that the full story could be told in a tweet or on Instagram. The matter is made worse by massive disinformation and distortion of historical facts.

This is important as Nigeria responds to the geo-political dynamics of the world at the take-off of the second quarter of the 21st Century.

The public sphere of 1976 was also vigorous with debates from which ideas were harvested to help in shaping foreign policies. Scholars of various ideological hues offered perspectives and campuses were intellectual barricades of the struggle for nationalism and freedom.

Outside the campuses think thanks were truly platforms for debates and discussions. For instance, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) attracted prominent figures around the world who came to deliver lectures or participate in colloquiums.

So, as we recollect today the historical significance of a great speech that roused the pan-African spirit, it is important to emphasise the importance of rigorous public discussions of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

True to its tradition, the NIIA organised a forum last Tuesday on the implications of the January 3 ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. The American gunboat diplomacy has doubtless generated a global resonance. In different ways nations at various levels of power are expected to be concerned about the implications of upending the rules-based international order that has prevailed since the end of World War II. So, it is appropriate that the NIIA is doing what is expected of serious think tanks in the situation: harvest ideas that could help in shaping policies. It is important that the implications of the unfolding developments in the world be properly understood.

At the roundtable held in Lagos, scholars, retired diplomats, analysts and other enthusiasts of global af-fairs had a robust discussion of the issues thrown up by the intervention. It was generally agreed that what happened on January 3 was not unprecedented.

The discussion ranged from “the history and catalysts” of the conflict to “the international law dimensions.” Useful suggestions were also made on the way forward without nursing any illusion that that there is any power out there that could stop America at it torpedoes the world order that has subsisted for 80 years.

The Director-General of NIIA, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, reminded the forum that while Venezuela might be geographically distant from Nigeria, the implications of the American attack should be troubling for developing countries. While Dr. Chinyere Rita Agu of the NIIA critically examined the action of United States within the context of international law, public intellectual and development expert, Magnus Onyibe, proposed that the world should begin to look for “alternatives” to the post-1945 rules-based order. A lawyer, Mr Femi Ojumu, emphasised the “dangerous precedent” of the American action.

Former permanent secretary at the foreign ministry Ambassador Joe Keshi eloquently located the problem partly in the historical “over-dependence” of the international system on America in solving problems.

Now America is deploying its raw power blatantly for selfish reasons. And the world is wondering.

The forum was chaired by former foreign minister Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, who as foreign minister over three decades ago had articulated the concept of “concert of medium powers,” an idea whose time seems to have truly come in the current geo-political deployment of powers on the globe. Akinyemi, who is also the chairman of the board of NIIA, set the tone when he observed that different nations had responded based on their interests and power relations. The nations that have been muted in their responses have strategic reasons for doing so. He explained that governments should not be expected to respond to the development the way commentators and activists would do. For instance, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refrained from condemning President Donald Trump for violating international law in the egregious assault on Venezuela. He is only calling for a “proper transition to democracy” in Venezuela after the abduction of the nation’s president and the killing scores of security agents.

Eminent political scientist Professor Adele Jinadu kicked off the roudable on a theoretical note examining the “notion of the world order” and the “evolution of the nation state.” Jinadu drew attention to the distinction between the government and the state structure. While governments could be elected or voted out periodically, the state is permanent.

Indeed, there is a question on the lips of experts and non-experts alike: who will stop America? He cautioned that the “trees should not be mistaken for the bush.” In other words, the larger picture of the issues is important to grasp the implications of the intervention for the idea of state sovereignty; the new world order; the U.S. itself and the third world in general.

Continued on page 12

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