MONDAY 3RDJANUARY 2025

Trade War: Canada, Mexico, China Set to Retaliate Trump's Sweeping Tariffs

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Canada, Mexico and China have vowed to respond to sweeping new tariffs to their exports to

the United States announced by President Donald Trump. Trump said a levy of 25 per cent on Canadian and Mexican imports as well as an additional 10 per cent

tax on Chinese goods would come into force on Tuesday.

The US president said the move was in response to his concerns about illegal immigration and

drug trafficking – two of the main promises on which he was elected, BBC reported yesterday.

In response, both Canada and Mexico said they were preparing

similar tariffs on US goods, while China added it would take "necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests".

The implementation of tariffs and the subsequent retaliation could mark the start of a new

Continued on page 5

2025 Grammy Awards: Tems Wins Best African Music Performance

www.thisdaylive.com

First Bank Admits

Defeat in Mareva Case, Seeks Appeal Without Due Process, GHL Sees Desperation

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has finally admitted defeat in the Mareva Case between it and

General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL), and has begun seeking appeal in a desperate attempt to overturn the ruling by Honourable Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the

Federal High Court, Lagos.

In a statement yesterday First Bank acknowledged recent media reports suggesting that some banks had begun complying with the

ruling of Justice Dipeolu’s order which lifted the Mareva order placed on GHL, its directors, and shareholders.

However, it said such action

was premature, as the necessary steps for banks and stakeholders to comply with the court's decision had not yet been completed.

Notwithstanding the above, First

says it has appealed against the discharge of the Mareva Order and

Court Stops Customs from Collecting Excise Duty on Non-alcoholic Carbonated Beverage

Declares ministry of finance circular null and void

Stops Customs from collecting transport, feeding allowance from NECA

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ruled that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) should stop the collection of excise duty on non-alcoholic carbonated sweetened beverage from members of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

The NECA members included Nigeria Bottling Company Limited (NBC) and Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited (SBC).

According to the court, the ruling barring NCS from collecting the excise duty would be in force pending when the provisions of Section 13 of the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act, Cap C49 LFN are complied with. Egwuatu gave the order in a judgement he delivered in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/ CS/2004/2022 on January 30, in a case between NECA, NBC and SBC, as first, second, and third plaintiffs, respectively,

Continued on page 5

SOLID MINERALS ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Nasarawa State Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule; Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; and the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, after meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals on developments in Nasarawa State last Friday

Dike Onwuamaeze

FG Alerts Nigerians, Activates Emergency Measures Following Ebola Outbreak in Uganda

Cancer claimed 79,542 lives in Nigeria in 2022, says advocacy group UNAIDS calls for continuation of essential HIV services

Michael Olugbode, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Chinedu

Eze in Lagos

In a bid to prevent a recurrence of the deadly Ebola virus, which was brought into Nigeria in 2014 by a Liberian national, the federal government yesterday announced that except for essential services, citizens of the country should stay away from impacted nations until further notice.

The government also advised persons already in Nigeria but with recent travel history to or transit through countries with Ebola cases in the last 21 days who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhoea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising to adhere to the certain guidelines.

It said that although there are no cases of the Ebola disease in the country yet, it had commenced efforts with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and partners through the National Emerging Viral Hemorrhagic Diseases (EVHD) Technical Working Group, to monitor disease occurrence.

In 2014, Nigeria experienced an Ebola outbreak that was part of a larger West African epidemic, after an infected traveler from Liberia arrived in Lagos, Nigeria on July 20, 2014, potentially exposing 72 people at the airport and hospital.

The Federal Ministry of Health declared an Ebola emergency, but

not before the outbreak spread to Lagos and Port Harcourt, with 20 cases laboratory-confirmed, and 8 people dead by the end the dust settled.

The government said a contingency plan had been put in place with heightened surveillance especially at the points of entry, and an optimising the working group, which has continued to monitor disease occurrence and has initiated measures that can be activated to scale up testing if the need arises.

A statement by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), stated that there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, but pointed out that it has initiated measures to strengthen preparedness in the country.

The statement signed by the Director General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said it also placed the country's health system on alert with an emergency response team in place to maintain round the clock surveillance of possible outbreak in the country.

The disclosure was made as a leading anti-cancer advocacy group , Project Pink Blue, said yesterday that Nigeria recorded 79,542 cancer deaths in 2022, urging the authorities to take additional action to curb the ravaging effect of the ailment.

However, the NCDC noted that the measures to ensure that Ebola is not brought to Nigeria, include the update of its emergency contingency plan, heightened surveillance

COURT STOPS CUSTOMS FROM COLLECTING EXCISE DUTY ON NONALCOHOLIC CARBONATED BEVERAGE

and Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) and Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, as first and second defendants, respectively. The case was filed on October 28, 2022.

The Finance Act of 2021 imposed the collection of N10 per litre of non-alcoholic, carbonated and sweetened beverages meant to take effect from 2022, but was vehemently opposed by members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), especially NECA and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

The court further declared the implementation of the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments of March 1, 2022 that was issued by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning as null and void. Besides, it said NCS was not entitled to demand transport and feeding allowances from the plaintiffs.

After three years of legal fireworks, the presiding judge, Egwuatu, in his judgement, made the following orders:

“A declaration is made that the First Defendant (NCS) lacks the power to administer, assess, or enforce the collection of excise duties on non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sweetened beverages without enabling statute specifically empowering the first defendant to do so.

“A declaration is made that that the elements of the phrase ‘non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sweetened’ as used in Section 17 of Finance Act, 2021 is to be read and applied conjunctively and not disjunctively in determining excisable beverages.

“A declaration is made that the circular entitled ‘Approval

especially at the points of entry, and optimising diagnostic capacity for testing in designated laboratories in cities with international airports of entry and the national reference laboratory.

In addition, Idris said that all lassa fever testing laboratories can be activated to scale up testing if the need arises.

He said that though the World Health Organisation (WHO) had advised against any restrictions to travel and /or trade to Uganda, the NCDC was urging Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed cases of the Ebola Virus Disease.

He said: "Persons already in Nigeria but with recent travel history to or transit through countries with

Ebola cases in the last 21 days who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhoea, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising should adhere to the following guidelines:

"Promptly call 6232 or State Ministry of Health hotlines for assessment and testing. Shelter-inplace to avoid further spread through shared transport systems (public or private) until health authorities reach out. Await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment center if required.

"On our part, we will continue to strengthen surveillance across the country, including our borders and airports especially for travelers from

affected areas; alerting our health workers to heighten their level of suspicion for suspected cases; enhancing our laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases; as well coordination with the WHO and the African Regional Health Authorities to monitor developments and share critical information’'.

The DG assured that NCDC will continue to manage several other disease outbreaks, like lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, mpox, measles and anthrax, ravaging communities and will continue to provide periodic updates on these.

On January 30, 2025, the Ministry of Health in Uganda confirmed an outbreak of the Ebola virus. The Ebola disease was caused by the Sudan specie, in Wakiso, Mukono

and Mbale city in Mbale district of Uganda.

Only one case has so far been reported, and one death (confirmed by postmortem) with 44 transmissions in Uganda. Also, a leading anti-cancer advocacy group , Project Pink Blue has advised the federal and state governments and all other private sectors to invest in advanced cancer technologies, precision medicine, targeted therapy and medical equipment instead of just building hospitals.

FIRST BANK ADMITS DEFEAT IN MAREVA CASE, SEEKS APPEAL WITHOUT DUE PROCESS, GHL SEES DESPERATION

or suspension of the discharge order pending the determination of the appeal. "In view of the pending appeal and Motion for Injunction, banks are expected to maintain the status quo."

Meanwhile, GHL yesterday accused FBN of seeking to abuse court process by asking banks not to obey Justice Dipeolu's ruling when the court had not grated any stay.

A statement by the oil firm pointed out that the FBN has also falsely informed the public that it has filed a notice of appeal against the said orders of Justice Deinde Dipeolu, lifting the Mareva orders, together with an application for injunction/suspension of the discharge order.

for the Implementation of the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments’ dated March 1, 2022 (the circular) issued by the Second Defendant (Honourable Minister) and which purports, inter alia, to amend the schedule to the Customs and Excise Tariffs (consolidation) Acts is invalid, ultra vires the powers of the Second Defendant and, therefore, null and void.”

Egwuatu also declared that by Section 124 of the Customs and Excise Management Act, Cap. C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the first defendant was not empowered to demand and collect from members of the First Plaintiff, including the second and third plaintiffs, transportation, feeding and monthly allowance for costs and expenses incurred by its officers while carrying out their statutory duties.

“A declaration is made directing the first defendants forthwith to stop the collection of excise duty on non-alcoholic, carbonated and sweetened beverages from members of the first plaintiff, including the second and third plaintiffs, pending when the provisions of Section 13 of the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act, Cap C49 LFN are complied with.”

The court awarded a cost of N200,000 in favour of the plaintiffs.

According to Egwuatu, “The law is settled that when a law makes provision for the procedure of doing an act, non-compliance renders the act done null and void. In the same vein, where a statue prescribes how services is to be affected, the non-compliance with the provisions of the statue renders the service void.”

It stated unequivocally that at the time of this publication last night, no notice of appeal or motion for injunction had been filed by FBN against the discharge orders of Justice Dipeolu, explaining that if they had been filed, they had not been served on GHL.

“Our attention has been drawn to various reports and advertisements by First Bank over the weekend purportedly proffering reasons why the banks should not comply with the orders of Hon. Justice Deinde Dipeolu lifting the interim Mareva orders and other orders made on 30 December, 2024 claiming they have appealed or are appealing the ruling of Justice Dipeolu in the dispute between FBN and GHL over FBN’s non compliance with its obligations.

“The purported appeal process filed by FBN and the said motion for injunction/ suspension of the discharge order, is another incidence of gross abuse of process. Compliance with the order is therefore a completed act and does not need any further steps to be taken as erroneously claimed by FBN. In law you cannot injunct a completed act,” GHL argued.

Secondly, it maintained that the order discharging the Mareva is a declarative order, observing that in

law, a declarative order cannot be stayed neither can it be suspended , particularly after it has been obeyed. It reiterated and confirmed that banks have complied with the extant orders of court, except perhaps FBN.

“These orders were set aside by Justice Dipeolu, primarily because FBN had deliberately withheld material facts about an existing order of court made by Justice Allagoa restraining FBN from approaching the courts (or any other forum) to enforce the facility agreement between FBN and GHL pending the arbitration between the parties which was initiated almost two months before FBN had approached Dipeolu J. for the interim Mareva orders.

“It is important to state that orders of court are valid and enforceable upon pronouncement and do not require more for them to come into effect. The order of Justice Dipeolu lifting the Mareva orders is therefore the status quo between the parties with respect

to accounts maintained by GHL, its directors and shareholders with the banks,” GHL said. It explained that even if these court processes had been filed and served on GHL, they do not have the effect that FBN has deliberately misrepresented to the public. This, according to the statement, is so because no positive orders of court have been made in respect of the court processes to bind the banks or GHL.

“In all, it is safe to say that these publications have been made without appropriate legal advice and we urge the public to disregard them.

“In the interim, the arbitration process initiated by GHL in relation to FBN’s non compliance with its obligations upon which it declared profit from a loss position I. 2021/2022 is ongoing and GHL remains committed to participating in that process and bringing this dispute to a logical conclusion,” the company stated.

TRADE WAR: CANADA, MEXICO, CHINA SET TO RETALIATE TRUMP'S SWEEPING TARIFFS

era of global trade wars.

Economists had warned that the introduction of the import taxes by the US, and the responses from other countries could lead to prices rising on a wide range of products, from cars, lumber, and steel to food and alcohol. But Trump has indicated he is ready to escalate the duties further if the countries retaliate.

"Today's tariff announcement is necessary to hold China, Mexico, and Canada accountable for their promises to halt the flood of poisonous drugs into the United States," the White House said in a statement on X on Saturday.

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, "This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our citizens, including fentanyl."

A tariff is a domestic tax levied on goods as they enter the country, proportional to the value of the import. They are a central part of Trump's economic vision. Trump sees them as a way of growing the US economy, protecting jobs and raising tax revenue – and in this case, pushing for policy action from allies.

Together, China, Mexico and Canada accounted for more than 40 per cent of imports into the US last year. Canada, Mexico and the US have deeply integrated economies, with an estimated $2 billion (£1.6 billion) worth of manufactured goods crossing the borders daily, the BBC report added.

In its announcement, the White

House accused Mexico's government of having "an intolerable alliance" with Mexican drug trafficking organisations.

In her response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called allegations that the Mexican government had alliances with criminal organisations "slander". Sheinbaum called on the US to do more to clamp down on the illegal flow of guns south to arm the cartels.

Her country is willing to work with the US, she said. "Problems are not resolved by imposing tariffs, but by talking," she stressed.

Sheinbaum stated that she had instructed her economy minister to respond with tariff and non-tariff measures. They are expected to include retaliatory tariffs of 25 per cent on US goods.

Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country will also respond to the Trump administration tariffs.

"We don't want to be here, we didn't ask for this," Trudeau said at a news conference.

"But we will not back down in standing up for Canadians," he stressed.

His government will impose 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods - $30 billion will come into force on Tuesday and another $125 billion in 21 days.

Targeted items include American beer, wine, bourbon, fruits and fruit juices, vegetables, perfumes, clothing and shoes, as well as household appliances, sporting goods and furniture. Lumber and plastics will also face levies.

Non-tariff measures being considered are related to critical minerals and procurement, although Trudeau did not offer more detail.

The Canadian prime minister pushed back on the suggestion the shared border posed a security concern, saying less than one per cent of fentanyl going into the United States comes from Canada.

In a bid to avoid the tariffs altogether, Ottawa had promised to implement $1.3 billion Canadian dollars ($900m; £700m) of new security measures along its US border. "Tariffs are not the best way we can work together to save lives," Trudeau said.

He also said he had not spoken to Trump since the inauguration, but would keep lines open with US counterparts.

Canada is America's largest foreign supplier of crude oil.

According to the most recent official trade figures, 61 per cent of oil imported into the US between January and November last year came from Canada.

China said in a statement that it was strongly dissatisfied with the levies and "firmly opposes" them. The 10 per cent tax will be added over and above tariffs already imposed on China by Trump in his first term and by President Joe Biden.

China added that it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the US for its "wrongful practice".

"Trade and tariff wars have no winners," said a spokesperson at China's Washington embassy.

China's Vice Premier Ding

Xuexiang told the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, last month that his country was looking for a "win-win" solution to trade tensions and wanted to expand its imports.

The auto sector could be especially hard hit. Auto parts cross the three borders multiple times before a final vehicle is assembled. TD Economics suggest the average US car price could increase by around $3,000.

A January report by the Peterson Institute for International Economics suggested blanket 25 per cent tariffs on Canada and Mexico would slow growth and accelerate inflation in all three countries.

The White House, explaining why it was targeting its top trading partners, said Mexican cartels were responsible for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs. It said tariffs on Canada would remain until it "co-operates with the US against drug traffickers and on border security".

It said "China plays the central role in the fentanyl crisis" with exports of the lethal synthetic painkiller.

Both the northern and southern US borders have reported drug seizures, though amounts at the border with Canada are considerably lower than those with Mexico, according to official data. US border agents seized 43lbs (19.5kg) of fentanyl at the northern border between October 2023 and last September, compared to more than 21,000lbs (9,525.4kg) at the southern border.

Dr. Jide Idris

Oando Releases 2024 Financial Result, Grows Revenue to N4.1tn

Kayode Tokede

Oando Plc has announced a strong financial performance for the full year 2024 with N4.1 trillion in revenue, about 45 per cent growth from N2.9 trillion reported in its 2023 results. Africa’s leading integrated energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), also announced N65.5 billion as profit after tax, about 9 per cent growth from N60.28 billion reported in 2023.

Speaking on the results, Group Chief Executive, Oando, Wale Tinubu, in a statement said: “2024 was a year of transformation for Oando, the key highlight being our successful acquisition and subsequent integration of NAOC Ltd, which significantly enhanced our production capacity, attaining peak operated production

of 103,206boepd and net entitlements of 45,000 boepd.

“Despite a challenging operating environment, we achieved a 45 per cent increase in revenue to N4.1 trillion, reflecting the strength of our business model, and 9 per cent rise in profit after tax to N65.5 billion, notwithstanding the costs associated with the onboarding of NAOC.”

Chief Compliance Officer and Company Secretary, Oando, Ms Ayotola Jagun, in the statement, explained that the company’s production for the 2024, averaged 23,911 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), an increase from the 23,258 boe/d achieved in 2023.

According to her, the growth was primarily driven by the acquisition of an additional 20 per cent stake in the NAOC JV in Q4, partially offset by production disruptions due to shut-in wells resulting from sabotage

activities.

“Additionally, the Group incurred $18.1 million on capital expenditures related to the development of oil and gas assets and exploration and evaluation activities, compared to $52.3 million in the twelve months to December 31, 2023,” the statement added.

Looking ahead to 2025, Wale Tinubu stated: “In 2025, our priority shall be to drive cost optimisation, operational efficiency, streamline processes, enhance procurement, and leverage technology to improve productivity across our operations.

“In parallel, we will intensify efforts to boost production through the dual approach of rig-less and workover initiatives while executing an aggressive drilling programme across three rig lines.

“Simultaneously, in collaboration with other stakeholders, we are

proactively tackling above-ground security challenges by implementing a revamped security framework that integrates advanced surveillance technology and intelligence-driven initiatives to curb the perennial, unnecessary, and unjustifiable theft of oil to ensure the long-term integrity of our vast network.

“As we look ahead to an exciting and successful 2025, we recognise that achieving our goals requires the unwavering support of our host communities and partners. Through extensive engagement, we will foster a collaborative ecosystem that not only secures our operations but also drives shared prosperity and sustainable development for all.”

The company explained further that as the company prepares for its 2025 targets, it was bolstered by optimistic oil demand predictions.

“The U.S. Energy Information

NLNG Prizes to Spotlight AI, Digital Innovation, Prose Fiction in 2025

The Nigeria Prize for Science and the Nigeria Prize for Literature sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) have opened submissions for their 2025 awards.

NLNG announced this in a statement issued yesterday, saying this year, the Science Prize is looking for innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies that can drive development.

It said the Literature Prize is calling for entries in Prose Fiction.

The company explained that the

focus on AI came as the technology continues to reshape global economies and industries, creating new job opportunities and transforming productivity.

It quoted recent studies suggesting that AI could add between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion to global corporate profits each year.

“The rapid evolution of AI and digital technologies provides a unique opportunity for Nigeria and other developing nations to leapfrog traditional development trajectories. Our goal is to celebrate groundbreaking solutions that can directly impact Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development,”

Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Science Prize, Prof. Barth Nnaji, was quoted to have said

“Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a tool; it’s a game-changer. From optimising agriculture in diverse climates to improving public health infrastructure and transforming Nigeria’s digital economy, AI holds immense potential to drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he added.

With a $100,000 prize, the statement said the science competition is open to global scientists and innovators whose completed works demonstrate a proof of concept and tangible social impact.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature, reputed to be one of the country’s

most prestigious literary accolades, has shifted its focus to Prose Fiction for the 2025 edition.

According to the organisers, authors of Nigerian descent, resident anywhere in the world, are invited to submit books published from 2022 onward for a chance to win the USD 100,000 prize.

“Prose literature is a mirror reflecting our society. Through storytelling, we find ways to understand our collective experiences and envision a better future.

"This year’s competition promises to bring forward stories that resonate deeply with both local and global audiences,” Chairperson of the Advisory Board for literature prize, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo remarked.

FCT Police Commences Enforcement

Administration’s (EIA) global oil demand predictions forecast global demand to grow by 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, a significant increase from the estimated growth of 0.9 million b/d in 2024.

“This projected growth surpasses the pre-pandemic 10-year average (2010-2019) of 1.5 million bpd, indicating a positive trajectory for the global oil market. With this announcement, Oando enters 2025 on a strong foundation,” it added.

The announcement brings the

company up to date on its financial reporting, successfully meeting all regulatory requirements, the company said. Notwithstanding the operational realities, Oando said it was positioned to build on the momentum of a successful 2024 committed to its strategic vision of becoming Africa’s first International Oil Company (IOC) by leveraging its strong operational capabilities and strategic partnerships to deliver value to its stakeholders.

5G Coverage Will Create 15m Internet Users in Nigeria by 2028, Says GSMA

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The migration to 5G coverage will add additional 15 million people to the number of internet users in Nigeria by 2028, said a finding of the Nigeria Digital Economy Report in 2024 presented by GSMA over the weekend.

The Head, Sub-Saharan Africa, GSMA, Angela Wamola, at a joint virtual media discussion with the Senior Director Public Policy and Communications Sub-Saharan, Caroline Mbugua, said the growth and development of the sector and the broader economy would be stimulated by 2028 if the necessary 4G and 5G coverage with the right level of quality of service was provided.

She noted that the major challenge in Nigeria and Sub- Sahara Africa was that few people were using mobile internet.

It is estimated that Nigeria has only 1 per cent of 5G of coverage and is only aspiring to get to 17 percent of its population by 2030.

To break the cycle, according to Wamola, will require a collective approach and tightening of belts.

Her words: “The challenge today that we have in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria included, is that the minority of the people are using mobile Internet. The infrastructure exists, but very few people are using mobile internet.

“Overall, to be able to place Nigeria in the context of sub-Saharan Africa, which mirrors the challenges that we face, we see only about 19 per cent of our population are using

mobile internet, using a smartphone and another 8 per cent are using mobile internet but using a smart feature phone.

“Now you will have a huge, section of about 60 percent of our population who have access to at least a 4G coverage today but have never used mobile Internet. That number is 60 per cent. We have another 13 per cent who don't even have a 4G or broadband coverage in their area.

“So that means we are facing some sorts of infrastructure challenges, not only just quality challenges, to make sure that the population, rural, urban, male and female everybody benefits from a mobile, economy and meaningful connectivity.” She urged action including investment in spectrum reach, noting that although 2G and 3G might be working in several communities, but is not the technology of the future when the rest of the world is already competing almost 80 per cent coverage in 5G and inching at 6G technology towards the end of the decade.

“We are at a point in time where if we do nothing and take serious bold decisions as a country, we risk creating another digital divide that leaves Africa and her population behind because these are the infrastructure will have to be built through a lot of capital, and capital is attracted by growth, by showing adoption, and uptake in the services that are given. Otherwise, we scare private capital from investing in Africa,” Wamola said.

Peter Uzoho

PSC TEAM VISITS SENATE LEADERSHIP...

L-R: Commissioner in the Police Service Commission, Justice Adamu Paul Galumje rtd; Chairman PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd; President of the Senate, Godswill

a

2025 Grammy Awards: Tems Wins Best African Music Performance

Vanessa Obioha

For the first time, a Nigerian artist has won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance. Tems clinched the award in a

category dominated by Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy and Asake. Her song ‘Love Me Jeje’ from her debut album ‘Born in the Wild’ stood out, making her the second-ever winner of this

ACOMIN Advocates More Private Sector Funding for Health Sector

The Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has pleaded with governments in Africa as well as private sector businesses to step up funding for healthcare services in order to reduce dependency of foreign assistance.

It said that more investment in the healthcare systems by government and private sector entities will not only improve standard health facilities but also help reduce the burden of health challenge facing African countries.

National Coordinator of ACOMIN, Mr. Ayo Ipinmoye, who spoke at the overview meeting of programmes being implemented by the group said although the United States Government has clarified that it's recent policy pronouncement on suspension of grants in aid to countries does not include health and other life-saving interventions, Nigeria should begin to look inwards to develop alternative

NIDCOM

funding from local sources.

He said: "One thing we are saying is that since the US government is saying that they are trying to cut down wastes within governance systems, we are hoping that from the savings they made they will be able invest more in helping to reduce the disease burden on poorer nations.

"As we are talking to the US government, we are also requesting our governments in Nigeria and other parts of Africa to step up their funding for health. In addition to government's funding, our rich private sector is also being challenged to vote more of their resources to the health sector".

Speaking on the initiative being implemented by ACOMIN, Ipinmoye said that leaders of the various CSOs are working to develop frameworks which was geared towards bringing together all the different strains and stakeholders, government, community leaders, faith-based organisations so that everyone will have specific roles to play.

Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated Amanda Azubuike on her historic promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Army.

In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa lauded Azubuike’s remarkable achievement as a testament to her dedication, resilience and exceptional service.

Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, Azubuike’s journey is a source of pride for Nigerians worldwide.

She joined the U.S. Army in 1994, becoming an aviator after completing the Army Aviation

Officer Basic Course.

Over her distinguished career, she has held pivotal roles, including serving as a platoon leader, flight operations officer, and public affairs officer. She currently serves as Deputy Commanding Officer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the significance of Azubuike’s promotion, stating, “Amanda’s elevation to Brigadier General not only shatters glass ceilings but also highlights the invaluable contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to global advancements.”

The NiDCOM Chairman urged Nigerians worldwide to draw inspiration from Azubuike’s accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and excellence in their respective endeavours.

category, introduced just last year and first won by South African sensation Tyla.

“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team,” Tems said in her acceptance speech. She dedicated the award to her mother, whose birthday is on February 3.

While Tems made history as the first indigenous African musician to be nominated in the R&B category at the Grammys, her hit ‘Burning’ did not take home the award, which went to SZA’s Saturn. She also lost out

in the Best Global Music Album category to Matt B and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Born Temilade Openiyi, the 29-year-old now joins the ranks of Burna Boy, who won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for his album Twice As Tall.

The award will mark her second Grammy win. In 2023, she won in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to the hit song ‘Wait for U’ with Future and Drake.

The 2025 Grammy Awards took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, US.

Telcos Explain Tariff Hike, Promise Service Quality Improvement in 3 Months

Emma Okonji

Telecoms operators at the weekend broke their silence and explained reasons for the recent approval granted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on telecoms tariff hike, which will take effect this month.

Their explanation at the weekend in Lagos was sequel to agitations from several telecoms subscribers’ groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), that kicked against the planned tariff hike.

The agitators said the planned increase would add to the financial burden that Nigerians and telecoms subscribers currently faced. But the telcos, who spoke after two weeks of silence since NCC announced the tariff hike, said the hike was necessary

to save the telecoms industry from collapse.

Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo, who spoke at the Telecoms Forum in Lagos, said the telecoms industry was almost sliding into inflation before the tariff adjustment penultimate week. Okigbo added that the 50 per cent hike in telecoms tariff will help save the industry from sliding into inflation.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, who was also present at the Telecoms Forum, representing all the telecoms operators in Nigeria, said telecoms operations in Nigeria had become the superhighway on which the Nigerian economy rode. Adebayo said if Nigerians should allow the

highway to collapse, everyone, including government, will suffer for it.

Adebayo stated, “That's what can happen when the highway is broken. In our sector, we are nearing death. And you know what the implication of that can be when the communication superhighway of Nigeria breaks down.”

Asked when Nigerians would begin to feel the impact of improved telecoms services, based on the 50 per cent hike in tariff, Okigbo said in three months from the date of implementation of the tariff hike, subscribers would experience significant improvement in the quality of service across networks.

He said, “In the past one year, the prices of tomatoes have increased

381 per cent, yam, 296 per cent, Irish potato 286 per cent, among others. So, I think the conversation here is not whether the industry should get a price increase.

“I think the conversation is, what do we want to see from the price increase? I assure Nigerians that before three months, Nigerians will begin to experience improved service quality across networks.” In his response, Adebayo said, “I think we will go through, first, a period of recovery, because of the deep hole that we have suffered in our finances. And in recovery, we hope things get better.

“As has been said, I don't want to echo that enough. We have become the most critical infrastructure for anyone, and we will do well to satisfy Nigerians with quality service.”

NACCIMA’s Oye Emerges OPSN Chair, Pledges to Address Pressing Issues

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Oye, has been elected Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), with a pledge to ensure that issues besetting the sector are resolved.

He called for a united and inclusive private sector to drive sustainable economic growth

and development in the country, in a letter upon assuming office, emphasising the importance of collaboration in strengthening the private sector.

Oye promised to create an environment where all voices are heard and actively considered in decision-making processes and ensure equitable representation of all stakeholders.

“Oye promised to work collectively with all stakeholders to address the pressing issues

facing the private sector while leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of its diverse membership,” a statement from the organisation stated.

He expressed his belief in transparency and inclusivity, which he said are paramount in the efforts to foster a dynamic and collaborative private sector, noting he will strive to ensure that everyone's voice is not only heard but actively considered in discussions and decision-making processes.

He further noted: “I recognise the importance of balanced nominations and appointments in all OPSN boards and agency representations. My promise is to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and all members feel equally represented.

“We will work collectively to address the pressing issues facing our private sector while leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of our diverse membership.

Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Deputy Senate Whip, Onyekachi Nweboyin; and Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu, after

courtesy call on the Senate President by members of the PSC, in Abuja

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Tems

SIGNING THE CONCESSION AGREEMENT BETWEEN ARG AND NNPCL...

REA, GEF, UNDP Sign Deals to Deliver 23 Power Mini-grids to 70,000 Nigerians

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, have signed grant agreements to deliver electricity to 70,000 Nigerians through 23 power mini-grids.

Under the Africa Mini-grids Programme (AMP), the partners said the plan would advance the country's clean energy ecosystem and catalyse socioeconomic development through the deployment of renewable infrastructure, especially for agricultural development.

An impact-focused initiative active in 21 countries, the Africa mini-grids programme, which was launched in 2022, is being funded by GEF and supported by UNDP. With capacity ranging from 30 kilowatt peak (kwp) to 200kwp, the intervention is designed to impact over 70,000 Nigerians, enabling over 600 productive use connections and over 375 social connections, a statement made available to THISDAY in Abuja stressed.

Already, 18 renewable energy developers have been awarded grant agreements to the tune of $5.91 million, the statement added.

Out of 120 sites in the energy pipeline developed through the Energising Agriculture Programme (EAP), 23 sites have been prioritised for the pilot phase of the AMP, spread across the six geographical zones of the country.

The statement said, “These sites reflect diverse agricultural activities across these zones with a focus on grain processing; enhancing energy efficiency in staple food production; non-grain processing; strengthening support and value addition for cash crops and other agro by-products.

“It will also include cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses and enable access to cooling and refrigeration solutions.”

While speaking on REA’s partnership with the GEF and UNDP, Chief Executive of the agency, Abba Aliyu, explained that the programme aligned with the federal government’s focus on the optimisation of decentralised renewable energy solutions.

Aliyu stated, “REA’s focus on

NDDC Sponsors 300 Youths, Women on Skill Acquisition in Rivers

Over 300 youths and women from the Niger Delta Region are currently benefiting from the ongoing threemonth skills acquisition programme organised by Victorious Prayer Network (VPN) also known as King Makers Ministries.

The skills acquisition programme which was sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is aimed at creating opportunities, reducing crime, poverty and hunger among the people, as well as equipping youths and women with skills for jobs and entrepreneurship.

The event, which is taking place in Port Harcourt, capital city of Rivers State has youths, women and children from across the Niger Delta States as participants.

Network founder, Mrs. Victoria Agori, said the 300 beneficiaries were being trained in tailoring, catering, shoe making, hairdressing, barbing, video and photography, making of soap, air freshener and beads/head ties, as well as Information Communication Technology (ICT), amongst other skills.

Agori stated the trainees will be provided with starters packs and cash at the end of the training programme in March, 2025 to enable them start a living for themselves and their families.

She said: "This skills acquisition programme is being sponsored by the NDDC. I want to sincerely appreciate the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and his management team for sponsoring this programme to ensure the poor masses, especially the widows and orphans who are also here, acquire these skills to put food on their tables, earn a living and also become employers of labour tomorrow."

She lauded the NDDC Boss, Ogbuku for his commitment to adding human capacity building via several youth development and empowerment schemes, to his mandate to developing the Niger Delta region. She said the NDDC boss has allowed God used him to alleviate the people's sufferings and cushion the effect of the economy on them and their families with these skills.

energy access for agricultural productivity is deliberate, as agriculture remains a central industry that will aid economic growth and inclusion, if well harnessed.

“Beyond powering homes, the implementation of the AMP will energise businesses, strengthen innovation in the sector, foster job creation, and reduce energy poverty across the country.”

GEF Operational Focal Person, and Director, Planning, Research

and Statistics (PRS), Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr. Stanley Jonah, explained that the completion of the AMP projects will not only enhance the agricultural value chain but also impact the quality of lives of rural dwellers.

UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, represented by the Head of Climate Change Unit, UNDP Nigeria, Muyiwa Odele, explained that the timely delivery of the energy access interventions will ensure broader opportunities

for the private sector and serve as a guide for the over 21 implementing countries in Africa.

AMP Programme Lead at REA, Dr. Bala Tyoden, while commending the renewable energy developers for working closely with REA on the implementation of AMP, urged the grantees to uphold the culture of compliance and adherence to standards and specifications.

Tyoden added that REA and its partners remained committed to the delivery of efficient and sustainable

infrastructure to Nigerians in lastmile communities. While speaking on the programme’s “gender marker”, he urged the developers to encourage female inclusion within their workforce to improve female participation in the energy sector. With a 48-month timeline, the mini-grids are targeted at catalysing access to energy efficient and sustainable infrastructure for small-holder farmers in last-mile communities.

University Funding: Reps Speaker Advocates Increased Tuition Fees

For Nigerian universities to be ranked among the best in the world, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Tajudeen Abbas, has advocated increased funding of varsities by the states and federal governments with the private sector also playing more roles in research funding.

In addition, Alhaji Abbass wants parents to pay increased fees for their wards in the universities.

This is even as the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State, turned out 5816 graduates at its 33rd Convocation on Saturday where 119 of the graduates emerged with first class degrees.

Delivering the convocation lecture of the university themed: "From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigerians Transformation Agenda" at the weekend, Abbas lamented that Nigerian universities are lowly rated globally due to poor funding, poor infrastructure, and poor remuneration of lecturers saying only the Covenant university is rated high among ivory towers of the world.

His words: "Globally, universities adopt diverse funding models that reduce reliance on government allocations. In the United Kingdom higher education funding is shared responsibly between taxpayers and graduates, the government covers approximately 35% of teaching costs, while graduates contribute

65% through tuition fees and loans

"By emulating successful funding models from the UK, US and leading African universities, Nigerian institutions can reduce dependence on government funding, improve infrastructure and enhance research capabilities.

“This shift would elevate the quality of education and position Nigerian universities as globally competitive institutions capable of driving innovation and economic development."

He also postulated that to address the challenges facing universities in the country there is an urgent need to increase the remuneration of academic staff and also expand opportunities for professional development.

Additionally, the Speaker suggested stricter enforcement of ethical standards and implementation of transparent evaluation systems to curb academic corruption and restore the integrity of Nigerian universities insisting that the shortage of academic staff is further exacerbated by inadequate remuneration and limited opportunities for professional development.

He stressed the need for the country to invest heavily on technology for the nation to make the necessary technological breakthrough like other nations of the world insisting: "Technology is no longer an abstract concept it is the foundation upon which modern economies are built.

Kayode Tokede

Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc worth N8.6 billion by market capitalisation have been forcefully delisted from Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

Findings by THISDAY showed that Tourist Company of Nigeria was trading at N2.50 per share on NGX and has an outstanding share of 2,246,437,472.

As at January 31, 2025, when it

was delisted, Tourist Company of Nigeria market capitalisation stood at N5.62 billion.

For Union Homes Savings & Loans, its stock price was delisted at N3.02 per share and 976,562,505 outstanding share, contributing N2.95 billion market capitalisation on NGX.

THISDAY further gathered that, the management of Tourist Company of Nigeria, failed to submit 2020 audited results to the investing public, while that of Union Homes Savings & Loans has not submitted over six

years audited

L-R: Executive Director, Subsidiaries, African Refinery Group, Tosin Adebajo and Chief Financial Officer, NNPCL, Dapo Segun, signing the Concession Agreement between ARG and NNPCL in Abuja..recently

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Stakeholders’ Fight for Soul of PDP Not Abating Soon

Chuks Okocha in this report chronicles the crisis rocking the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in recent times explaining that the crisis is far from being over.

Like the famous novel, ‘One Week, One Trouble’ authored by Anezi Okoro, activities at the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is gradually taking another dimension as the crisis rocking the main opposition party is by no means showing any sign of being resolved.

Since January 13, 2025 when the party resumed from new year break, the once largest political party east of the sahal region has not stopped from being embroiled in one controversy or the other, especially the unending leadership tussle between two claimants to the National Secretaryship seat, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Hon Sunday Ude-Okoye.

From December 20, 2024 when Ude Okoye

got a Court of Appeal order from the Enugu Division affirming him as PDP National Secretary and January 2, 2025 when Anyanwu filed an application for a stay of execution of the appeal judgement to date, the once vibrant party has been involved in crisis of attrition.

And to cap it all, the main victims of the fight at the Abuja national secretariat of the party are the road users who are either blocked or diverted to other roads through no fault of theirs. When the party resumed from break, the party secretariat was blocked by police and security agencies. In fact one of the claimants to the office of the

national secretary had to import thugs from the neighbouring state of Nasarawa and as usual, the roads were condoned off.

The same thing happened last Wednesday when the party had it’s Board of Trustees’ meeting. What started on a peaceful note ended in fracas. At the meeting, fighting broke out at the national secretariat of the party over the presence of the two claimants to its national secretary post.

After the opening ceremony, and newsmen were asked to go out to allow the party trustees to settle down for the main business of the day, Anyanwu’s aide confronted Ude-Ude-Okoye and that was the beginning of trouble for the day.

Ude-Okoye’s attempt to get back to the meeting

resulted in fisticuffs with the Board Chairman and former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, trying to intervene with little success. However, individuals who were said to have accompanied Ude-Okoye, responded, forcing the gate open in an attempt to shepherd him back into the hall. The thugs that came with Ude-Okoye jumped the PDP secretariat fence but were rebuffed by a combined team of mobile police men and detachment of soldiers. Over five trucks of policemen were mobilised to the scene with hooded police men.

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

DAVOS 2025 and Nigeria’s Audacious Push for Growth

Stanley Nkwocha writes about Nigeria’s aggressive push for growth presented before World leaders by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the recent World Economic forum meetings held in Davos, Switzerland.

In 2023, when President Bola Tinubu was striving to take a shot at the presidency, he notably championed renewed hope and vowed to change the nation’s governance narrative. One of the things he promised was rebooting and resetting Nigeria’s economy on the global stage as the largest in Africa.

While the Tinubu presidency is now working doggedly to bring about reforms in this regard, only a few would have predicted so much positive change in less than two years in office. One of the factors working indubitably for him behind the scenes is the quality of Nigerians executing government policies in his cabinet.

President Tinubu had in March, 2023 assured that he would assemble a team based on competence. He noted pointedly that it was time for politics to take backstage for governance, and that only those who shared his vision of good governance would make his blueprint for the nation feasible. Even before making his intention clear, he already had a dependable ally, Vice President Kashim Shettima, as part of the team.

Who says Vice President’s can’t be veritable tools in the hands of the President? In times of crisis, the Vice President can support the President in responding to challenges, helping to develop and implement contingency plans and providing guidance on crisis management and communication strategies.

By promoting a culture of teamwork and collaboration within the government, they can encourage open communication, trust, and re-

spect among team members. A competent Vice President can play a very salient role in helping the President fulfil his campaign promises and provide strategic support and advice on key policy issues that align

with his vision. This is evident in Vice President Shettima’s brilliant outing at the just concluded 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, where he energetically

promoted President Tinubu’s agenda for the nation on the global stage.

From strengthening relationships with foreign leaders and other stakeholders, Shettima fostered partnerships and collaborations that support President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms back home as well as advance shared Africa’s interests.

His participation in WEF 2025, particularly in the session on “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” demonstrated his adeptness at engaging with global leaders and pushing Nigeria’s interests.

Availing himself of the platform provided by the forum, he marketed Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership to the world - a Nigeria that is poised to invade the global business platform with modernisation and robust investments. With President Tinubu, a seasoned chartered accountant whose economic reforms are rapidly turning the nation into an investment destination in Africa, and himself, a banker, who rose through the ranks in the banking ecosystem to become general manager in the country’s largest bank, Shettima said Nigeria is ready to embrace the path of modernization with very robust investments.

-Nkwocha is Senior Media Assistant to Vice President Shettima

Shettima

Damagun

Ude-Okoye

Anyanwu

www.thisdaylive.com

opinion@thisdaylive.com

WHEN THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL IFEANYICHUKWU

AFUBA argues that the Southeast region is still sidelined

page 20

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF

EDUCATION

Despite its positive potential, AI poses significant risks to students, the teaching community and education systems, argues DANIEL IGHAKPE

Building a great team isn’t choosing between loyalty and competence; it’s creating an environment where both thrive, argues LINUS OKORIE

SHOULD YOU HIRE FOR LOYALTY OR COMPETENCE?

Every CEO, at some point, faces a hiring decision that tests their core beliefs: Should you prioritize loyalty or competence when building your team? The stakes are high; when you hire the wrong person, your company could suffer inefficiency, stagnation, or even reputational damage.

A fiercely loyal employee might stick with you through thick and thin, but what if they lack the skills to move the business forward?

On the flip side, a highly competent hire could drive outstanding results, but what happens if they leave at the first sign of a better opportunity?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on factors like your business model, industry demands, and leadership philosophy. But if you get this balance wrong, you risk building either a slow-moving, overly comfortable team or a high-performing yet unstable workforce.

Consider two CEOs with contrasting hiring philosophies:

The CEO of Company A values loyalty above all else. Their company has employees who have been around for years, creating a tight-knit culture. But innovation is sluggish, and the business struggles to attract highlevel talent. When new challenges arise, the team lacks the expertise to navigate them.

On the other hand, the CEO of Company B prioritizes competence. They recruit only top-tier talent, creating a fast-paced, resultsdriven organization. However, turnover is high—employees view the company as a stepping stone rather than a long-term home. Projects get abandoned mid-way as key team members leave for better opportunities. Both leaders have built companies that are imbalanced. One risk becoming obsolete, while the other suffers from instability. So, how do you find the middle ground?

The smartest leaders don’t see this as a binary choice. They recognize that the right mix of loyalty and competence varies depending on multiple factors. Let’s explore how to make hiring decisions that align with business goals while creating a sustainable, high-performing workforce.

One, How Top Executives Approach the Loyalty vs. Competence Debate

Experienced business leaders view hiring as a long-term investment, not just a shortterm fix. They ask these important questions: What does the company need at this stage of growth? Will this hire complement or disrupt our culture? How do we retain top performers while fostering loyalty?

Jeff Bezos, for example, built Amazon on a culture of high performance, famously emphasizing competence over loyalty. His philosophy? “Good intentions don’t work; mechanisms do.” Amazon’s high standards attract top talent, but employees know that results drive their longevity. On the other hand, Warren Buffett has built Berkshire Hathaway with long-term, trusted relationships. His approach to hiring senior leaders is rooted in loyalty, betting on

individuals who share his values and are committed to the company’s future. Both strategies work—but in different contexts.

Two, The Role of Business Size and Industry in Hiring Priorities. The right balance of loyalty and competence depends largely on your industry and stage of business growth.

Startups & Fast-Growing Companies: In early-stage businesses, competence is nonnegotiable. You need people who can hit the ground running and drive results. However, without some level of loyalty, you risk high turnover, which can cripple momentum.

Established Companies: Larger, stable organizations benefit from loyalty in key positions. A company with a strong brand and structured processes can afford to nurture long-term employees while still hiring specialists for critical roles.

Industries with High Employee Turnover: In tech, consulting, and investment banking, competence often outweighs loyalty because innovation and expertise are key to success.

Industries Built on Relationships: In law, healthcare, and family-owned businesses, loyalty plays a bigger role because trust and long-term relationships drive value.

Three, When Competence Outweighs Loyalty—and Vice Versa. Prioritize Competence when:

A. You need specialized skills to solve complex business challenges.

B. You’re in a fast-moving industry where staying ahead of trends is critical.

C. Your business is scaling, and you require top performers to maintain momentum.

D. You’re launching a new product or service that demands expertise.

Prioritize Loyalty when: You’re in a peopledriven industry where relationships are key; You’re building a leadership team that will shape the company’s future; You’re in a stable business where cultural fit and continuity matter more than constant reinvention; You need employees who will stick around and preserve institutional knowledge.

Four, The Impact of a Leader’s Personal Values on Hiring Choices. Every hiring decision reflects a leader’s personal values and leadership philosophy. Leaders who value stability and trust tend to hire for loyalty, ensuring a committed team that aligns with their vision. Leaders who emphasize innovation and disruption prefer

competence, willing to accept turnover if it means breakthrough results.

Steve Jobs was famous for prioritizing competence. He once fired a loyal team member because he didn’t meet Apple’s high standards. Conversely, Richard Branson believes that if you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of the company. Loyalty is at the heart of Virgin Group’s culture. Summarily, your values as the CEO shape your hiring strategy and the workplace culture. The key is self-awareness.

Five, How to Assess Both Loyalty and Competence in Potential Hires.

Smart hiring decisions require structured assessments of both qualities: Competence Checks: Look for proven expertise through skills assessments, past experience, and measurable achievements. Conduct case studies or problem-solving exercises during interviews. Loyalty Indicators: Evaluate career trajectory—have they stayed long at previous jobs? Ask about their commitment to long-term goals. Assess their alignment with your company’s mission. Behavioral Questions: Use questions like: Tell me about a time you stayed with a company despite challenges; describe a situation where you had to learn something new quickly to deliver results.

The best hires demonstrate both a high level of skill and a commitment to something bigger than themselves.

Six, Creating a Work Culture Where Loyalty and Competence Reinforce Each Other

The real secret to building a great team isn’t choosing between loyalty and competence; it’s creating an environment where both thrive. Develop a strong company vision that employees buy into. Loyalty grows when people believe in what they’re working toward.

Invest in continuous learning so that even loyal employees stay competent, and competent employees feel invested in. Use retention strategies that work: Recognize contributions, offer career growth opportunities, and build a culture of trust. Hiring is one of the most critical responsibilities of a leader. The question isn’t whether loyalty or competence matters more. Rather, it’s about finding the right balance for your business.

If you hire only for loyalty, your company risks stagnation. If you hire only for competence, you risk instability. The best leaders cultivate both by setting clear expectations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and building a team that’s both highly skilled and deeply committed. At the end of the day, your people define your success. Hire wisely and manage them effectively.

Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.

IFEANYICHUKWU AFUBA argues that the Southeast region is still sidelined

WHEN THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL

Ordinarily, the Igbo elite don't believe in Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa. Who organises a coup against himself? The Igbo business and political elite have vested interests in Nigeria and would argue that Nigerians are better off in one united country. Majority of educated southeasterners, those you could say are struggling with life, are indifferent to the agitation for separation. They are not convinced about the practical prospects of realising Biafra. The lower social strata of citizens, the hoi polloi, acknowledge the courage of Kanu and Ekpa in confronting Nigeria's system of injustice. Many, however, are sober enough not to be part of their foot soldiers. Yet, despite these reservations, the two separatist leaders have not gone into political oblivion. On the contrary, there's sympathy for their plight; solidarity with Kanu and continued sentiment for their path of self determination. Take a critical look at the legal, political and civic support the detained IPOB leader receives each time his case comes up in Abuja. Now, there's no contradiction here when we reiterate that this does not translate to endorsement of IPOB's mission. What is playing out is basically a game of engagement.

While not subscribing to the agenda of separation, emergent Igbo outlook nevertheless insists that the region should not be taken for granted. A closer assessment of the political climate shows systematic undermining of southeast regional interests by Nigeria's ruling elite. What makes the situation gall is the bold, assertive pattern it has taken over succession of decades, so much so that the dismissive treatment of the region has assumed unwritten Nigerian State policy. The discrimination against the zone has the effect of provocation on the people, prompting the unheeded protests that ultimately feed separation ideas. At this juncture, Igbo political thought places the background to regional resentment on the front burner. Igbo society calls out the inequity of Nigeria's federation as far more destabilising than engineering alternative statehood. This reappraisal mitigates the controversy of secession. In the event, the stigma of anarchists being invoked on the agitators is rejected.

Do you actually expect us to crucify these young fellows, these victims of circumstance? Who created the condition that gives impetus to IPOB's agitation? We would be betraying the truth, our duty and the people by condemning this movement. It would be different if the current authorities were taking steps to remedy the grave injustice against a section of the country. But no, the present government is faithfully continuing the discrimination from where the last government stopped.

Now, we take a look at a long tradition of regional demotion, suppression and disregard. Following are sample lists of Nigeria armed forces key estab-

lishments and their regional locations.

*ARMY* One, NA University, Borno State, NE. Two, NA Depot, Zaria, NW. Three, NA College of Logistics & Management, Lagos, SW. Four, NA Armour School, Bauchi, NE. Five, NA School of Infantry, Jaji, NW. Six, NA School of Artillery, Kachia, NW. Seven, NA School of Engineering, Makurdi, NC. Eight, Nigeria Army Resource Centre, Abuja. Nine, NA School of Signals, Lagos, SW.Ten, NA College of Education, Kwara State, NC. Eleven, NA Training & Doctrine Command, Minna, NC. 12. NA School of Supply & Transport, Benin, SS. 13. NA Intelligence School, Apapa, SW.

*Ranking* North West Three; South West Three; North Central Three; North East Two; South South, One; (FCT) One; South East Zero.

*NAVY* One, NN School of Armament, Kachia NW. Two, NN Basic Training School, Onne, SS. Three, NN Centre for Education & Training Technology, Ile Ife, SW.Four, Naval War College, Calabar, SS.

Five, Naval Dockyard, Lagos, SW.

Six, NN University, Ibusa - Ogwashi Ukwu, SS; Seven, Naval College, Port Harcourt, SS.Eight, NN College of Engineering, Apapa, SW;Nine, NN School of Health Science, Offa, NC; Ten, NN College of Accounts & Finance, Owerrinta, SE.

Eleven, NN Logistics College, Kano, NW.

12. NN Institute of Technology, Sapele, SS; 13. NN Hydrographic School, Borokiri, SS; 14. NN Provost & Regulatory School, Makurdi, NC.

*Ranking* South South,six; South West, three; North West, two North Central, two; South East,one; North East,Zero.

*AIR FORCE* One, Aircraft Maintenance Hangar, Bauchi NE.Two, School of Finance & Accounting, Ibadan, SW.

Three, Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Ikeja, SW. Four, NAF Mother & Child Hospital, Badagry, SW. Five, NAF Institute of Safety, Ijesha, SW; Six, NAF Regiment Training Centre, Kaduna, NW. Seven, NAF Protection Wing, Kainji, NC.

Eight, NAF Institute of Technology, Kaduna, NW.Nine, NAF Research & Development Institute, Osun, SW.

Ten, NAF College of Aviation Zaria, NW. Eleven, NAF School of Medical Science & Aviation Medicine, Kaduna, NW.

12. Air Traffic Services Training Centre, Kaduna, NW.13. NAF Helicopter Flying School, Enugu, SE.

*Ranking* North West, five; South West, five; North Central, one; South East,one; North East one, and South South, Zero.

The above chart is not an isolated pattern but represents a trend of Igbo relegation since the end of the civil war. By the laws of this structural marginalisation, the Igbo areas were allocated the least number of states and local governments; ensuring by this organic disadvantage that the zone was sentenced to the lowest receipt from the federation account. It's the same tale of woes in the siting of projects and distribution of federal appointments. Tokenist, peripheral projects are the lot of the southeast. Accordingly, Nigeria's steel complex would not be sited in Onitsha regardless of it's choice by the technical partners. For the north - dominated military rulership, the east, an oil producing area, did not qualify to host a refinery but there were a thousand reasons why a major refinery had to be built in Kaduna, a non oil producing State. In the last 40 years have we had substantive Ministers of Defence; Agriculture; Industries; Water Resources and FCT of Igbo origin? Let those who reject the indictment of anti Igbo conspiracy please explain these exclusions to us.

Afuba writes from Awka

Despite its positive potential, AI poses significant risks to students, the teaching community and education systems, argues DANIEL IGHAKPE

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

Technology is changing our world at an astonishing pace! Its sweeping changes can be found everywhere and they can be described as both thrilling, and at the same time terrifying. Although people in many parts of the world are still trying to come to terms with earlier technological revolutions along with their sweeping social and educational implications - which are still unfolding, they have been awoken to the reality of yet another digital revolution – the AI revolution.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology refers to the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks that would otherwise have been carried out by humans. AI systems are designed to have the intellectual processes that characterize humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize or learn from past experience. With AI technology, vast amounts of information and text can be processed far beyond any human capacity. AI can also be used to produce a vast variety of new content.

In the field of Education, AI technology comes with the potential to enable new forms of teaching, learning and educational management. It can also enhance learning experiences and support teacher tasks. However, despite its positive potential, AI also poses significant risks to students, the teaching community, education systems and society at large.

What are some of these risks? AI can reduce teaching and learning processes to calculations and automated tasks in ways that devalue the role and influence of teachers and weaken their relationships with learners. It can narrow education to only that which AI can process, model and deliver. AI can also worsen the worldwide shortage of qualified teachers through disproportionate spending on technology at the expense of investment in human capacity development.

The use of AI in education also creates some fundamental questions about the capacity of teachers to act purposefully and constructively in determining how and when to make judicious use of this technology in an effort to direct their professional growth, find solutions to challenges they face and improve their practice. Such fundamental questions include:

· What will be the role of teachers if AI technology become widely implemented in the field of education?

· What will assessments look like?

· In a world where generative AI systems seem to be developing new capabilities by the month, what skills, outlooks and competencies should our education system cultivate?

·What changes will be needed in schools and beyond to help students plan and direct their future in a world where human intelligence and machine intelligence would seem to have become ever more closely connected – one supporting the other and vice versa?

· What then would be the purpose or role of education in a world dominated by Artificial Intelligence technology where humans will not necessarily be the ones opening new frontiers of understanding and knowledge?

All these and more are daunting questions. They force us to seriously consider the concerns that arise

regarding the implementation of AI technology in the field of education. We can no longer just ask: ‘How do we prepare for an AI world?’ We must go deeper: ‘What should a world with AI look like?’ ‘What roles should this powerful technology play?’ ‘On whose terms?’ ‘Who decides?’

Teachers are the primary users of AI in education, and they are expected to be the designers and facilitators of students’ learning with AI, the guardians of safe and ethical practice across AI-rich educational environments, and to act as role models for lifelong learning about AI. To assume these responsibilities, teachers need to be supported to develop their capabilities to leverage the potential benefits of AI while mitigating its risks in education settings and wider society.

AI tools should never be designed to replace the legitimate accountability of teachers in education. Teachers should remain accountable for pedagogical decisions in the use of AI in teaching and in facilitating its uses by students. For teachers to be accountable at the practical level, a precondition is that policymakers, teacher education institutions and schools assume responsibility for preparing and supporting teachers in the proper use of AI. When introducing AI in education, legal protections must also be established to protect teachers’ rights, and long-term financial commitments need to be made to ensure inclusive access by teachers to technological environments and basic AI tools as vital resources for adapting to the AI era.

A human-centered approach to AI in education is critical – an approach that promotes key ethical and practical principles to help regulate and guide practices of all stakeholders throughout the entire life cycle of AI systems. Education, given its function to protect as well as facilitate development and learning, has a special obligation to be fully aware of and responsive to the risks of AI – both the known risks and those only just coming into view. But too often the risks are ignored. The use of AI in education therefore requires careful consideration, including an examination of the evolving roles teachers need to play and the competencies required of teachers to make ethical and effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology.

While AI offers opportunities to support teachers in both teaching as well as in the management of learning processes, meaningful interactions between teachers and students and human flourishing should remain at the center of the educational experience. Teachers should not and cannot be replaced by technology – it is crucial to safeguard teachers’ rights and ensure adequate working conditions for them in the context of the growing use of AI in the education system, in the workplace and in society at large.

Ighakpe writes from FESTAC Town, Lagos

Editor, Editorial Page PETER

ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

HIV/AIDS AND THE FUNDING GAP

All the stakeholders should do more to contain the scourge

Although the federal government has tried to downplay the decision by President Donald Trump to halt funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( PEPFAR) one of the most consequential assistance programmes of the United States in Africa, authorities in Nigeria are now confronted with a huge burden. “Undoubtedly, PEPFAR Nigeria remains the biggest donor for the treatment programme in the country as their contributions cover approximately 90 per cent of the treatment burden,” said the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) Director General, Temitope Ilori. He however expressed optimism about domestic resource mobilisation strategies towards ownership. But the challenge is huge.

At a ceremony to mark the launch of Preventing Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and Paediatric AIDS Acceleration Plan Committee last year, then Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, painted a grim picture of the situation in Nigeria. “As you are aware, Nigeria contributes 25 per cent of the global burden of HIV transmission between mothers and their children,” said Alausa, now Minister of Education. “Despite testing approximately four million pregnant women in 2023, our Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric HIV coverage remains at about 35 per cent, falling significantly short of the 95 per cent target.”

viral treatment to prevent its transmission to their infants.

For sure, Nigeria has made significant gains in the battle against the menace. It reportedly achieved a 35 per cent reduction in new infections between 2005 and 2013, a no mean feat. But there are still dreary statistics of how many young people are still being infected through careless sexual habits. It is indeed worrisome that HIV/AIDS is still a serious public health issue with enormous negative impact on the health of Nigerians and the economy. Yet one of the key issues fingered by health authorities for the present scary situation is inadequate funding, but there are other challenges. For instance, less than 50 per cent of people needing anti-retroviral treatment have access while barely half the numbers of people living with HIV know their status.

Less than 50 per cent of people needing anti-retroviral treatment have access, while barely half the numbers of people living with HIV know their status

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

To compound the challenge, a recent report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) stated that Nigeria contributes 46 per cent of new infections among children in the West and Central African region and 18 per cent of the global figure. Furthermore, only about 30 per cent of children who need antiretroviral therapy (ART) are receiving it compared to 90 per cent of adults living with HIV while only about a third of pregnant women living with the virus are receiving antiretro-

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

With unprotected sex said to account for about 80 percent of new cases, health authorities in Nigeria must scale up their enlightenment campaigns, particularly in the rural areas, especially on the many risk behaviours that could lead to infections. According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria ranks third among countries with highest burden of HIV infection in the world. The prevalence rate of Nigerians between the age bracket of 15 and 49 with HIV infections is also 3.1 per cent, making the country the second largest in Africa, after South Africa.

Given that the annual allocation for the health sector in Nigeria is far below the 13 per cent recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the 2001 African Union (AU) 15 per cent Abuja declaration, the recent decision by the Trump administration can only compound the challenge. We hope critical stakeholders in the country will rise to support NACA in helping to address the inequalities that hinder progress in ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. That will require both public and private sector collaboration in the country.

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.

ARE ATMS GOING OUT OF FASHION?

Nigeria is a cash-driven economy. Yet, today, when cash is needed, the default option isn’t the bank’s ATM but the nearest Point-of-Sale (POS) agent. ATMs, once the backbone of convenience banking, now sit idle, often empty, gathering dust, while POS agents offer the only real alternative for cash withdrawals. In a cash-driven economy, ATMs have become extremely unreliable for Nigerians needing cash.

This shift begs several critical questions. Are ATMs going out of fashion in Nigeria? Is the massive infrastructure investment in ATMs now a waste? And most importantly, why do ATMs rarely have cash since the infamous CBN naira redesign policy?

ATMs were once symbols of banking convenience. Their introduction in Nigeria in the early 1990s revolutionized cash withdrawals, offering 24/7 access to money without the hassle of entering a bank hall. However, the story changed drastically after the CBN’s naira redesign policy in late 2022. The move, which sought to limit cash circulation and encourage a cashless economy, led to a severe cash crunch. Even after the policy was reversed and old notes returned into circulation, ATMs never fully recovered.

While several factors contribute to the near-death of ATM cash availability in Nigeria, the CBN’s cash policy hangover tops the

list. The cash scarcity that began with the naira redesign created a shift in how banks handled cash distribution. Even after the policy softened, many banks still operate under the mindset of cash rationing, and ATMs remain dry.

Secondly, running an ATM is expensive. Each machine requires regular cash loading, security, power supply and maintenance. With the high cost of diesel and frequent power outages, keeping ATMs functional has become a burden for banks. Many banks prefer to direct customers to digital transactions or POS agents reducing the need for constant ATM maintenance.

Another reason is that ATMs are prime targets for fraudsters and criminals. Cases of card skimming, machine tampering and outright vandalism have discouraged banks from investing in more ATMs. It appears easier, safer and maybe more convenient to work with POS agents, who assume the risk of handling cash.

In addition, POS businesses have exploded across Nigeria, filling the cash withdrawal gap that ATMs once occupied. With over 1.6 million POS terminals in the country, these agents are more accessible than bank ATMs. Banks themselves appear to encourage this shift by supplying POS agents with cash, while ATMs remain empty.

Furthermore, reports indicate that many banks struggle with logistics, making it difficult to restock ATMs efficiently. Poor cash management strategies, delayed cash deliveries and a lack of urgency in ATM restocking contribute to the ongoing crisis.

Yet, considering the millions of naira invested in ATM deployment, maintenance and security, the decline of ATMS feels like a massive waste of resources. Many banks invested heavily in ATM infrastructure over the years, only to see the machines fall into disuse.

So, while ATMs may not be entirely obsolete, their role has significantly diminished. Digital banking and mobile money are rapidly replacing the need for physical cash withdrawals. It is no surprise therefore to see banks now focusing on mobile transactions, transfers and QR code payments rather than cash-based transactions.

But all hope is not yet lost. To restore ATMs to their former usefulness and balance the cash distribution system, things must be done differently.

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) Banking Index exhibited exceptional performance in the first month of 2025, recording 9.76 per cent Year-till-Date (YtD) to emerge as the best-performing index January.

Analysis of trading numbers showed that the banking index surpassed the overall market indicator on the backdrop of huge demand for banking stocks.

As the NGX Banking index gained 9.76 per cent YtD to close at 1,190.35 basis points in January 2025, the NGX All-Share Index appreciated by 1.53 per cent YtD in January 2025 as investors trade the stock market with caution.

After a double-digit capital gain in 2024, bank stocks are showing early signs of a bullish year. With

selloffs in the NGX Industrial Goods Index, NGX oil and gas and NGX Insurance Index dragging the market to a slow start, financial services and consumer goods stocks have been moderating the market situation.

Further analysis by THISDAY showed that the NGX Industrial Goods Index emerged as the worst performing index, dropping by 8.52 per cent in its YtD performance, followed by NGX Oil/Gas Index and NGX Insurance Index that depreciated by 1.61 per cent and 1.1per cent in their YtD performance, respectively.

Wema Bank Plc, followed by FCMB Group Plc led other banking stocks in price appreciation in January 2025.

The Wema Bank’s stock price gained 25.8 per cent to close January 2025 at N11.45 per share from

with Nigeria and other partner countries.

In a bid to further enhance infrastructural development in Nigeria and other African countries, the European Union (EU) has said that it will through its special purpose vehicle - Global Gateway initiative disburse €150 billion in four years with Nigeria set to feature prominently in the investment package.

The initiative, it said, will enable Nigeria to achieve enhanced infrastructure connectivity, including transport, energy, and digital networks; support agriculture, economic growth, health and education; promote sustainable development and environmental protection; and foster cooperation and partnerships

Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, who disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos State, explained that the initiative is deliberately designed to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable development, and strengthen economic ties between the EU and its partner countries, including Nigeria.

He said, “In Nigeria, the initiative is supporting the following sectors: Digital, climate and energy, transport, education and research, and health. The EU has projects in Nigeria and in the region. During the period of 2021 to 2024, as EU Delegation in Nigeria, we implemented about

N9.1 per share the stock opened for trading in 2025 while FCMB Group’s stock appreciated by 17.55 per cent to close January 2025 at N11.05 per share from N9.40 per share it closed for trading in 2024.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings saw its stock price at N64.35 per share as at the close of trading activities in January, 11.71 per cent increase over N57.60 per share it opened for trading in the period under review.

So far, only three banks have released unaudited financial statement for full year ended December 31, 2024.

While Wema Bank declared N102.1 billion profit in 2024, about 134 per cent increase over N43.66 billion in 2023, while FCMB Group posted N117.29 billion profit in 2024, representing an increase of 12.3 per cent from N104.43 billion declared

€700 million in cooperation from the EU in Nigeria alone.

“Our activities in Nigeria are very important. The EU, plus the the EU member states with embassies in Nigeria here in Nigeria, in Abuja in particular, together, we still represent the biggest donor partner for Nigeria.

“For the EU, over the last two years, the focus has been very much on what we call the Global Gateway. Global Gateway is indeed a massive initiative. It is about €300 billion in finance to be deployed mostly in Africa, but also in other developing countries in Latin America and Asia.”

De Luca explained that the EU, through the Global Gateway initiative, instead of focusing solely on capacity building, technical

in 2023.

In addition, Stanbic IBTC Holdings closed 2024 with N303.8 billion profit, a growth of 76 per cent from N172.91 billion reported in 2023. Meanwhile, the listed banks on the Exchange have either concluded their capital raising exercise, or still in the process of meeting the CBN requirement before 2026.

Already, three banks have met the new minimum capital requirements for their licences. Seven banks successfully floated offers in 2024, with emerging results showing substantial oversubscription.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex capital market regulator, had confirmed that banks raised some N1.7 trillion in new equity funds, in less than onethird of the current recapitalisation timeline.

assistance, and trying to lift up the capacity of the country in specific areas, it uses investments as the anchor.

“This is exciting but a bit unusual for us because it requires us from the Development Cooperation department of the EU to work closely with investors. Investors can be in the private sector or public sector. We don’t discriminate, as long as they commit to an investment that needs to be sustainable for the long-term,” he said.

Noting that finance for the focus sectors is essential for the initiative, he added, “The instrument that we use is not necessarily the use of grants or contracts for technical assistance, but finance becomes an essential part. There must be a loan or equity. There must be somebody

The CBN in March 2024 released its circular on review of minimum capital requirement for commercial, merchant and non-interest banks. The apex bank increased the new minimum capital for commercial banks with international affiliations, otherwise known as mega banks, to N500 billion; commercial banks with national authorisation, N200 billion and commercial banks with regional license, N50 billion.

Others included merchant banks, N50 billion; non-interest banks with national license, N20 billion and non-interest banks with regional license will now have N10 billion minimum capital. The 24-month timeline for compliance ends on March 31, 2026.

Under the new minimum capital base, CBN uses a distinctive definition of the new minimum

ready to put finance in the project. This is done to ensure the viability of the project.

“This is why our relation with EuroCham, for example, has been so important because they aggregate European investors already present in Nigeria, and they can work with us to identify the priority projects they would like to pursue.”

De Luca further disclosed that the EU is supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation plan by working closely with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria, Bosun Tijani, particularly through the deployment of 90,000 km of fibre optic cables throughout the country, establishment of systems for e-governance, and the development of digital skills, particularly for young Nigerians.

capital base for each category of banks as the addition of share capital and share premium, as against the previous use of shareholders’ funds. While most banks have shareholders’ funds in excess of the new minimum capital base, their share premium and share capital significantly fall short of the new minimum definition. This implies that nearly all banks will need to beef up their capital base to meet the new definition of qualified capital. Investment banking experts said with the strong start and continuing investors’ appetite for banking stocks, banks are on stronger footing to retain their licences.

He said, “We are working closely with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria, Bosun Tijani. We want to play a big role in supporting the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy with regards to three aspects of his agenda. First, is the deployment of the 90,000 km of the fibre optic cables throughout the country, where a number of development partners are also contributing. There is also the establishment of systems for e-governance in Nigeria to facilitate the interoperability and sustainability of the e-governance systems in the country. The third is digital skills.

Eromosele Abiodun

NNPCL: Are We Allergic to Success?

Kola Adeleye

The attempt by vested powerful interests to cast serious doubt on the resumption of crude oil production at the rehabilitated and modernised Port Harcourt refinery complex exposes the feline underbelly of a nation suffering from serious trust deficit and the desperate gambit of political predators for mischief.

After decades of hiatus, during which the Port Harcourt refinery laid in limbo, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari delivered a ground breaking milestone with the resumption of crude oil processing at the complex under his guidance and leadership. This remarkable achievement under the Tinubu administration rattled implacable opponents of his government; instead of celebrating this significant achievement and the new era of energy independence and economic growth for our nation that it portended, what we have witnessed is an extensive propaganda campaign to diminish the milestone.

Instead of being applauded for his service, his consuming passion and unwavering commitment to the transformation of our nation’s energy landscape, Kyari is being vilified for guiding the Port Harcourt refinery back to full operations by a misguided cabal.

As has become self-evident, there are those who believe that the present administration and even our brightest technocrats are incapable of any meaningful achievement, that our nation is irredeemable. As a result of the combination of this dark mindset and hatred of the present administration, decent and informed discourse has become practically impossible. As a result of the desperation to control the narrative of a country where nothing works, we are, unfortunately, being cudgeled and browse beaten with lies and false narratives by agent provocateurs in their relentless pursuit of a questionable political agenda nourished by the determination to score cheap political points. Every action and policy of government and activities of institutions in which government has vested interest are unnecessarily demonized; in order to achieve their selfish objective, malicious lies are being weaponized to rubbish the government.

If dissent is indeed the highest form of patriotism as often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, then purveyors of vile propaganda in this instant case should be regarded as villains. Truth is immutable and will always survive attempts to bury it no matter the determination of the undertakers.

The truth remains that in 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt refinery. Against the backdrop of

Kyari

failed Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the refinery on several occasions in the past amidst allegations of sabotage, Mele Kyari assured the nation that his leadership would ensure the successful completion of the rehabilitation process. True to his commitment and pledge, the refinery resumed production officially on November 26, 2024 with the initial release of one million litres of refined products. This breakthrough engineered by Kyari caught the peddlers of the malicious lies off guard and punctured the central plank of the narrative of a failed energy behemoth.

Needless to state that the inconsolable propaganda merchants have deployed every nasty tactics from their infamous playbook to sow doubts about one of the major achievements of the Tinubu administration without much impact . Their pushback notwithstanding, the significance of successfully bringing back the Port Harcourt refinery on stream and the implication on the economy is not lost on discerning citizens. The refinery complex comprising two operational

units established in 1965 and 1989 respectively with a combined capacity of 210,000 barrels per day had at various times been shut down due to a combination of factors- lack of maintenance, technical issues and funding constraints. But with the return to production, the Port Harcourt refinery is set to play a critical role in the country’s oil landscape and economy.

In line with his vision of innovation, openness and accountability which continues to define the remarkable transformation of NNPCL under his guidance, Mele Kyari, in his reaction to the sustained false claims by lie peddlers invited them and indeed Nigerians for a complete on the spot tour of the Port Harcourt refinery. In response to his invitation, several professional bodies and stakeholders have undertaken the tour of the refinery and have become compelling witnesses to the revamp and upgrade of the refinery with modern equipment.

Recently, a fact finding delegation of the Nigeria Society of Chemical Engineers led by its President, Tony Ogbuigwe and other stakeholders visited the revived facility and from what they saw on ground confirmed that the refinery was back in operation and indeed running smoothly.

The team of core professionals whose assessment carries a lot of weight also took samples of the products - petrol, diesel and kerosene. During the tour of Area 5 housing the revived refinery, they witnessed a seamless production process; after the crude oil arrived the refinery, they observed it go through the Crude Distillation Unit, there is distillation in the column with products coming out from the column at various levels. From this stage, the top is gas, which invariably produces cooking gas; the next level down is straight-run gasoline. The next level is heavy naphtha, then kerosene, diesel and then crude oil at the bottom of the column. The stakeholders including marketers and regulators witnessed the loading of about 200 trucks at the gantry.

With the re-streaming of the Port Harcourt refinery by Mele Kyari validated beyond doubt by independent stakeholders, paving the way for the delivery of high quality petroleum products into the market, the country’s flagship giant with eyes firmly fixed on satisfying demands in the local market, has proven that it also has the capacity to play the big league in the international scene.

Already, NNPCL has sold the first cargo of Port Harcourt low sulfur straight run fuel oil (LSSR) to Gulf Transport & Trading Limited (GTT) based in Dubai. The loading of 15,000 metric tons of the product which translates to about 13.6 million litres onboard the Wonder Star MR1 ship signaled the commencement of the exportation of petroleum products by NNPCL.

Currently, the global market share may not be huge but this development has the potential to impact the Very Low Sulfur Oil (VLSO) benchmarks in the future with the capacity to change the market realities for Atlantic Basin exporters into Nigeria and other regions.

According to Kpler, a data and analysis company, the sulfur content of the export by NNPCL is at 0.26 per cent wt and a 0.918 g/ml density at 15 centigrade. This significant move by NNPC, according to experts, would help displace imports from traditional suppliers in Africa and Europe. This is because Nigeria’s falling clean product( CPP) imports are already declining, dragging imports into the wider West Africa region lower as well.

Despite the huge leap represented by the coming on stream of the refinery, the march towards energy self-sufficiency is still on. With the first unit of the refinery complex already on stream and the second unit of the plant with the capacity to deliver 150,000 barrels per day set to come on stream by mid-2025, the prospects are hovering on a positive territory.

Mele Kyari’s pledge of delivering proper rehabilitation including turnaround maintenance is fundamental; under his guidance, NNPC has ensured that there is an established professional technical operations and maintenance (O&M) team with the responsibility of operating and maintaining the facilities.The combined effect of the operationalization of the two units is that with the first unit already running smoothly and the coming on stream of the upgraded 150,000 barrels second unit by mid 2025 will resolve all fuel insufficiency challenges and make Nigeria a net exporter of refined petroleum products. This Eureka moment which is within touching distance would not have been possible without the managerial acumen, strong corporate governance skills, unrelenting commitment, consuming passion, relentless advocacy and patriotic zeal of Mele Kyari.

• Kola Adeleye, the Head of Practice of Atlantic Star Logistics Consulting wrote from Ikoyi, Lagos.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

BUA Foods Reports Exceptional 2024FY Performance, Profit up

BUA Foods Plc has announced its unaudited financial results

for the fiscal year 2024, posting significant growth across all key performance indicators. Specifically, the company

Raspberry Pi Focuses on Nigerian Market, Showcases Tech Products

Emma Okonji

Having launched its first product in 2012, with subsequent launch of various products across different market segments that have enhanced global business growth and job creation, Raspberry Pi recently showcased its different varieties of products in Lagos, with a promise to focus on key African markets like Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and others in the next one year.

Chief Commercial Officer at Raspberry Pi, Mr. Mike Buffham, who gave the promise while giving an overview of Raspberry Pi products, said all the products from the company, were designed and developed for high performance with low cost, as individuals and organisations use Raspberry Pi products to build their own solutions that address specific challenges.

“In 2014, we launched a second tier of the product called Compute Modules. This has become really popular since then. So it’s basically the same product, which we call the industrial module design.

So the Raspberry Pi 1 and the Compute Module 1 use the same, basically the heart of the product is the same. The current one, the Compute Module 5, is exactly the same compute technologies as the Raspberry Pi 5, but it’s put in an

industrial module footprint. So a customer can design and do mass production with a Raspberry Pi 5,” Buffham said.

So customers can take our module and use it to build their own motherboard that uses the functionality and the input-output capabilities and the connectivity that they want specifically for their application, Buffham further said, adding that there is a huge market for this type of computing business.

Although the educational part of our business is only about 30% of our business today, while 70 per cent of our business is with industrial customers today, but the educational enthusiast market is still big, and we estimate that’s just under $5 billion globally today, so a very big market, Buffham further said.

One of the great advantages customers see with the Raspberry Pi in the industrial marketplace is time-to-market. They can take the product, they can design with it, because it is available in small quantities and in large quantities, Buffham said.

Addressing the issue of technical support, Buffham said the company had developed partners and had constantly trained them to provide technical support, to complement the online training that the company conducts on a regular basis.

closed 2024 with a profit of N274.95 billion, about 145.3 per cent increase from N112.1 billion reported in 2023, while profit before tax stood at N289.07 billion in 2024, representing an increase of 167 per cent from N108.12 billion reported in 2023.

The significant increase in profits further solidified BUA Foods’ position as a dominant player in Nigeria’s food manufacturing sector.

The company’s revenue moved from N729.4 billion in 2023, up by 109.3 per cent to a

record of N1.53 trillion in 2024, attributable to strong sales growth across key product segments, optimized pricing strategies, and enhanced cost management measures.

Also from the profit & loss figures, BUA Foods’s gross profit stood at N541.71billion in 2024, an increase of 107.9per cent from N260.46billion declared in 2023.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) climbed to N15.27 in 2024, about 145.3 per cent increase from N6.23 in 2023, underscoring the company’s

ability to drive value creation for shareholders.

The Founder and Chairman of BUA Foods, Abdul Samad Rabiu, in a statement attributed the company’s strong results to its unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and market expansion.

He stated, “BUA Foods’ exceptional growth in 2024 is a testament to our longterm vision of ensuring food security in Africa. We have continued to invest in capacity expansion, optimize our supply chain, and enhance operational

efficiencies to meet growing market demand.

“As we move forward, our focus remains on driving sustainable growth, strengthening our market leadership, and delivering superior value to our customers and stakeholders.”

Speaking on the results, Managing Director of BUA Foods, Engr. (Dr.) Ayodele Abioye in a statement said: “We are pleased to report another year of exceptional performance despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.

Raheem Akingbolu

Guinness Nigeria Plc, has announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2024, showcasing impressive resilience and strategic growth in a challenging macroeconomic environment. According to the report, the company recorded an 82.2 per cent revenue increase, growing from N142.60 billion in H1’24 to N259.60 billion in H1’25. This performance reflects the success of its revenue generation strategies and expanded geographic footprint.

In a related development, Unilever Nigeria Plc, has released its unaudited interim report for the 12 months period ended 31st December 2024. In the report, the company recorded turnover of N149.8 billion in the period under review which represents 44 per cent topline growth compared to

N103.9 billion Turnover recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

Despite inflationary pressures and rising costs, Guinness Nigeria delivered a gross profit of N59.01 billion, marking a 28.4% increase from N45.94 billion in the prior period. While operating profit declined to N11.26 billion from N16.40 billion in H1’24 due to higher costs, the company achieved a remarkable recovery, reducing its net loss to N302.7 million in H1’25 compared to N5.23 billion in H1’24.

The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its listed status on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). The company has no intention of delisting and remains focused on delivering value to its esteemed shareholders.

Commenting on the results, Board Chair, Dr. Omobola Johnson, stated: “These results highlight the

strength of our strategy and our ability to adapt in an ever-evolving macroeconomic environment. While we faced significant headwinds, our team’s commitment and strategic initiatives enabled us to deliver substantial growth in revenue and a significant reduction in losses. We remain confident in our long-term vision to create sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

Managing Director, Girish Sharma, added: “Our H1’25 performance is a testament to our agility and determination to navigate economic challenges while focusing on long-term growth. The 82.2% revenue increase reflects the effectiveness of our portfolio and geographic expansion, and the efficient execution of key strategic priorities. As we continue to navigate a dynamic market landscape, we are committed to delivering value through operational excellence, innovation,

and deepened stakeholder engagement.”

Meanwhile the breakdown of the Unilever analysis shows that the company recorded a gross profit of N55.7 billion for the period ended 31st December 2024 which is 75% increase versus N31.9 billion reported for the same period 2023.

The result for the total business shows a net profit of N15.9 billion for the period ended 31st December 2024 compared to a net profit for the corresponding period in 2023 of N8.4bILLIOn which is 88% improvement in current year versus 2023.

Speaking on the results, the Managing Director, Tobi Adeniyi, said, “our year-on-year sustained growth trajectory is a testament to our commitment of serving consumers with our best brands to meet their daily needs of improved health and hygiene.”

Kayode Tokede

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at

January-2025, unless otherwise stated.

OPS Chairman, Oye Calls for United Private Sector to Drive Sustainable Economic Devt

Eromosele Abiodun

The Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., has called for a united and inclusive private sector to drive sustainable economic growth and development in the country.

Oye, who was recently elected chairmen of the OPS in Nigeria, in a letter upon assuming office, emphasised the importance of collaboration in strengthening the private sector, pledging to create an environment where all voices are heard and actively considered in decision-making processes and ensuring equitable representation of all stakeholders.

Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by OPSN members, Oye promised to work collectively with all stakeholders to address the pressing issues facing the private sector while leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of its diverse membership.

The new OPS boss said, “I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the

trust and confidence placed in me by the members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) as I assume the role of Chairman. It is indeed an honour, a privilege, and a profound responsibility that I do not take lightly.

“As we embark on this journey together, I want to make a commitment to you and all stakeholders within OPSN. I believe that transparency and inclusivity are paramount in our efforts to foster a dynamic and collaborative private sector. I will strive to ensure that everyone’s voice is not only heard but actively considered in our discussions and decision-making processes.”

He further noted, “I recognize the importance of balanced nominations and appointments in all OPSN boards and agency representations. My promise is to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, and all members feel equally represented. We will work collectively to address the pressing issues facing our private sector

while leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of our diverse membership.

“In pursuit of this vision, I intend to facilitate open discussions and debates on relevant matters within our platform, ensuring that we cultivate a culture of engagement and collective deliberation before making any official decisions or statements on behalf of OPSN.

“I believe this approach will not only enhance our decision-making processes but also reinforce the integrity of the OPSN as a united front for private sector advocacy. Starting with this, I suggest we agree on a convenient date next week to do a zoom meeting to articulate our activities in the next two years.”

“Once again, I thank you for your support and guidance. I am excited about the path ahead and eager to work with you and all members of OPSN towards achieving our shared goals for economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria,” Oye added.

Agro-Eknor Launches N5bn Commercial Paper to Accelerate Agribusiness in Nigeria

Sunday Ehigiator

Leading agribusiness powerhouse Agro-Eknor has launched an N5 billion commercial paper issuance programme on the Financial Market Dealers Quotation (FMDQ).

This transaction, facilitated by United Capital Plc, provides AgroEknor with strategic funding to expand its export operations, enhance supply chain efficiency, and unlock greater value for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The signing ceremony, held at United Capital Plc, Afriland Towers, Lagos, brought together

industry leaders, financial experts, and key stakeholders to celebrate this milestone. It is a testament to investor confidence in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector and highlights the increasing role of alternative financing solutions in supporting sustainable economic development.

The proceeds from this N5 billion issuance will strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in global agricultural trade, enhance supply chain efficiency and Improve logistics, processing, and distribution networks while supporting smallholder farmers to expand their

production capacity.

Speaking on the significance of this financing, the CEO of Agro-Eknor, Mr Timi Oke, said:

“This commercial paper issuance is a testament to Agro-Eknor’s financial strength, credibility, and unwavering commitment to revolutionizing agribusiness in Nigeria.

“This successful issuance is expected to encourage more agricultural enterprises to explore capital market financing as a means to scale operations and increase economic impact.”

‘LG Electronics Committed to Provision of Clean Water for Nigerians’

LG Electronics has reiterated its commitment to continue to make clean water accessible to Nigerians as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The Corporate Marketing Manager of the company, Mr. Paul Mba, gave the commitment at the commissioning of a solarpowered borehole donated to the people of Ayeye community in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. He said access to clean water is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone, stating that LG Electronics is committed to leveraging its innovations to create sustainable solutions that positively impact

communities.

According to him, “The solar-powered borehole which is the eight that LG Electronics is donating across the country will not only provide clean drinking water but also reduce the burden on the residents, especially women and children, who traditionally spend hours collecting water. This initiative aligns with LG Electronics’ ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, showcasing the company’s dedication to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.”

The Mogaji of the Balogun Ibikunle family, Rear Admiral Lateef Akintola (rtd), who

spoke on behalf of the family and community, expressed deep appreciation for LG’s remarkable gesture, noting that the initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of the community but also sets a powerful example of corporate social responsibility and support for sustainable development in the country.

He said, “We are profoundly grateful for this thoughtful act by LG Electronics. While many companies operate in Oyo State, few have stepped up to make such a significant impact in our communities. LG’s commitment to providing constant access to clean water through solar energy is not just a gift; it’s a lifeline for us.”

Verteil Fetes Travel Agents, Airlines, Introduces New Products

Travel facilitating company, Verteil Technologies recently met with travel agents, airlines representatives and other stakeholders in the travel industry to unveil new products and also feted with its clients to mark the new year.

Verteil which held a dinner event recently in Lagos, provides a direct connect platform that enhances the accessibility of travel by seamlessly connecting airlines and travel agents to provide efficient service to travelers in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Speaking at the exclusive evening event with airlines and travel agents in Nigeria, the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Verteil Technologies, Satheesh Satchit, highlighted how Verteil’s innovative technology empowers airlines to distribute their products and services to travel sellers worldwide at significantly reduced costs.

“This means that airlines can significantly reduce their distribution costs, which is particularly impactful given that distribution ranks as the third-largest expense for airlines, following fuel and

staff costs.The platform also allows them to move into a more retailing world.”

Satheesh Satchit goes on to describe - “So today, they just sell commodities. Commodity means seat. They are only able to sell seats. Tomorrow, they will be able to sell a lot of things like car rentals, hotels, meals, Wi-Fi vouchers, and lunch access, amongst others. A person traveling on a flight is a potential customer for many such additional services called ancillaries. Ancillaries can be air-related or non-air-related products. Anything which makes sense to a traveler can be sold.”

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).

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

ChineduEze

SEC Reiterates Commitment to Foster Women’s Inclusiveness in Financial Ecosystem

Kayode Tokede

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has emphasized its commitment towards fostering a women inclusiveness in financial ecosystem that empowers them across all sectors.

The Commission stated that in recognition of the critical role financial inclusion plays in national development, women—whether traders, entrepreneurs, professionals, or investors—have equitable access

to financial services, investment opportunities, and the necessary tools to build sustainable wealth.

Speaking at the She’s Included Gender Inclusion Conference and Summit 2025, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Economic and Financial Inclusion,” SEC’s Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services, Mrs. Samiya Usman, said that as Nigeria’s apex regulator of the capital market, the SEC operates with a dual mandate: to regulate and develop

the market.

In fulfilling this mandate, she noted that the Commission recognizes the pivotal role financial inclusion plays in national development, saying that a financially empowered woman is an empowered household, and an empowered household is the bedrock of a prosperous economy.

She disclosed that over the years, the SEC has taken deliberate steps to ensure that the Nigerian capital market fosters inclusivity and caters to the unique financial

needs of women.

“Through policy advocacy, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships, we continue to encourage the development of women-focused financial products and services. I am pleased to highlight that some of our capital market operators have heeded this call by designing tailored investment solutions.

“A notable example is United Capital’s Women Wealth for Women Fund, which seeks to empower women with

wealth creation opportunities. Similarly, within the commodities market, innovative financial products have been structured to enhance women’s participation in agribusiness, an area where many Nigerian women play a critical role.

“At the mention of this summit, we mobilized our operators to key into this conference as part of their support towards financial inclusion and they are all represented here with their booths showcasing their products and

ready to discuss and educate you on your investments and opportunities in the capital market. We have 6 Registrars under the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) and Fund Managers of Nigeria (FMAN). Additionally, she said the Commission has actively promoted Investor Education for Women, through Webinars, reaching market women, SMEs, and women-led businesses through targeted financial literacy programmes.

POLITY

NNPC and the Berthing of CNG Revolution

By Clement Obiora

In the aftermath of the removal of subsidy on petroleum products contained in his inaugural address in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu followed up this consequential policy shift with the launch of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) to cushion the adverse impact of the subsidy removal on Nigerians. The establishment of the Presidential CNG Initiative targets nationwide adoption of workshops for smooth transition to CNG-fueled vehicles. Described as a game changer by industry experts, the initiative is envisioned to transform the transportation ecosystem in the country; the first leg of the roll out targets over 11,500 new CNG-enabled vehicles and 55,000 CNG conversion kits for existing PMS-dependent vehicles. With an initial focus on mass transit systems and student hubs, the CNG initiative is transformative and provides the country with affordable alternatives to existing products and contributes significantly to the reduction of emissions and combating climate change.

Armed with the Presidential Initiative, dynamic vision, and an iron clad determination, the current management of NNPCL under the leadership of Mele Kyari has taken the lead in the deployment of AutoCNG stations across the country. To enhance and strengthen its delivery capabilities, NNPCL struck a strategic partnership with NIPCO Gas Ltd. Working in close collaboration with NIPCO, NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd, a subsidiary of NNPCL, immediately developed an Auto-CNG rollout for the construction of thirty five CNG stations across the country.

By middle of last year, the collaborative efforts of NNPCL with NIPCO led to the commissioning of the first ever Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations in Abuja and Lagos, a significant milestone driving the country towards a more sustainable energy future. Already, this strategic partnership yielded the commissioning of 12 CNG stations to dispense Compressed Natural Gas (CGN) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos These CNG stations are imbued with advanced reciprocating and hydraulic booster compressors, a feature that ensures a dispensing pressure of 200 bar for CNG vehicles. Within the FCT, the stations are located at Airport Road, Gwagwalada, Dutse-Bwari Road, Kubwa, Gaduwa, Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Zone 1 and Dei-Dei whereas in Lagos, the stations are located at Mobile Way, Apapa, Lekki-Epe expressway, Lateef Jakande, Agidingbi and Mushin.

The NNPC and NIPCO partnership is also set to deliver 35 state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide; the strategic locations of these stations in Abuja and Lagos are offering CNG to a wide range of CNG vehicles including cars, buses, heavy transport vehicles and tricycles. Arrangements have been perfected to supply CNG to stations in Lagos and Abuja from mother stations in Ibafon, Ogun State, and

Ajaokuta, Kogi State. On completion of the AKK Pipeline Project, the Abuja station is expected to be connected to it. The aim of the partnership is to reduce the need for fuel importation; it is envisaged to substantially leverage domestically produced natural gas and, in the process, reduce transportation costs. This will foster economic growth at the national level.

The leadership role of NNPC in expanding the country’s Compressed Natural Gas Infrastructure, improve access to CNG and accelerate the adoption of a cheaper and cleaner alternative is not an accident of history nor was it foisted on the current management by a Presidential directive. Before the announcement of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Mele Kyari was an unrepentant advocate of the transformative capacity gas in the emergent economies of the 21st century.

A ceaseless campaigner and gas champion, at different fora, Kyari advised for the implementation of pro-gas policies that will leverage Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to deliver advantages to citizens. He has not been merely talking; he has continued to walk the talk. As the visioner at the helm of NNPCL, he has focused heavily on the gas sector as a focal point of the economic diversification strategy of government. His concerted effort achieved the Final Investment Decision on the NLNG Train 7 Project, which was on the drawing board for over 10 years before he mounted the saddle. On completion, the project is expected to generate over $20 billion of revenues to the government, 10,000 direct jobs,

and 40,000 indirect jobs. Kyari has also spearheaded the flag-off of the construction of the Ajaokuta-KadunaKano (AKK) gas pipeline project, an integral part of the Trans-Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP) with a capacity to transport about 2.2billion cubic feet of gas per day. Under his guidance, NNPC commissioned the Oredo Integrated Gas Handling facility (IGHF) and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Storage and Dispensing Unit.

He threw his weight fully behind Autogas initiative, a percussor to the current Presidential CNG Initiative; it was driven by Dipreye Sylva, the former Minister of State and envisioned to provide an alternative to Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) as the sole automotive fuel in order to reduce the huge importation bill of the product. Under his guidance, NNPC executed a JV agreement with NIPCO to help in the marketing and distribution of the product to encourage as many Nigerians as possible to migrate to the use of gas as automotive fuel. Mele Kyari has worked tirelessly to make the Brass Gas Hub a reality. In 2021, he led NNPC to take the Final Investment Decision (FID) with the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company for the $3.6 billion Brass Methanol Plant located at Odioma, Bayelsa; NNPC under his leadership also signed a $260m financing agreement for the Assa-North Ohaji South (ANOH) Gas Project with Seplat which is expected to deliver 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and 1,200 megawatts of electricity to the domestic market. NNPC, on April 22, 2021, executed a Gas Development Agreement (GDA) for the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 143 with

its partner, Sterling Oil Exploration and Production Company (SEEPCO). On completion, the project is expected to boost the nation’s gas production by 1.2 trillion cubic feet (tcf). With an indelible imprint on Nigeria’s progress in the development of its gas infrastructure, it is not surprising that Kyari is overly enthusiastic and fully committed to the full and robust implementation of the current Presidential CNG Initiative. His declaration that the ongoing drive to bring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) closer to Nigeria is irreversible underscores an unwavering commitment to deliver on President Tinubu’s marching orders. To Kyari, the gains of CNG and its transformative capacity are too enormous to ignore. Migration to CNG is cost effective; its price is 40 percent cheaper than PMS with a cost advantage that can translate into substantial savings for both transport operators and consumers. Commercial vehicles account for about 80 per cent of current petrol demand in the country; the potential use of CNG will reduce transport costs by an estimated 70 per cent and will deliver 40 per cent savings to car owners.

Compared to petrol powered vehicles, it has been proven that CNG vehicles are prone to less wear and tear, leading to long-lasting use and reduced need for repairs. Lower maintenance costs will benefit Nigerian commercial transporters and private users. High carbon emissions from vehicles are one of the major sources of pollutants like carbon monoxide, which degrade air quality and constitute health problems. CNG has a lower carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel, and by switching to its use, Nigeria can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The embrace of CNG by Nigerians will assist the government in combatting climate change and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean energy and climate action (SDG 7) and (SDG 13). The proliferation of the CNG Initiative presents business opportunities for different segments of the business class; both local and foreign investors. The construction and operation of CNG filling stations, pipelines and distribution network development, CNG storage, and transportation facilities are different segments investors can explore. Equally important, the use of CNG for transport will reduce the country’s fuel imports by 5.5 billion liters and save $4.4 billion every year. The potential of CNG adoption and use for job generation is high; it will lead to the establishment of CNG conversion centers and refueling stations within the value chain. This will create jobs for gas engineers, CNG conversion technicians, and CNG equipment manufacturers. These activities will create economic growth and numerous job opportunities for Nigerians who will play various supply chain roles.

•Clement Obiora, an investment banker, contributed this installment from Falomo, Ikoyi Lagos.

Kyari

IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure Extension and the Controversy of ‘Legitimacy’ Despite Police

Act Amendment

The continued stay of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun in office has ignited controversy over the legal interpretation of his tenure. While the Police Act mandates retirement at 60 or after 35 years of service, another section guarantees a four-year term for the IGP, leading to conflicting legal positions. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that while the recent amendment to the Police Act granting the IGP a full term regardless of age, should have doused the matter, it has only served to deepen the debate with his critics bent on questioning the legitimacy of Egbetokun’s continued service, arguing that it violates existing laws and undermines police reforms

The continued stay of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun despite attaining the age of 60 last September, has recently sparked debates over conflicting provisions in the Police Act regarding retirement age and tenure duration. While the law mandates police officers to retire at 60 years or after 35 years of service, another section guarantees a four-year term for the IGP. While the recent amendment to the Police Act should have put the matter to rest, many are however concerned over its implications for police leadership and institutional stagnation.

Legal Framework

What does the law say? According to the Police Act 2020 Section 18(8), it stipulates that every police officer shall serve for a period of 35 years or until attaining the age of 60 years, whichever comes first, while Section 7(6): Specifies that the person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.

Based on this, it was expected that IGP Egbetokun, who was born on September 4, 1964, and had reached the age of 60 on September 4, 2024, which, under Section 18(8), would typically mandate his retirement.

Legislative Amendment

However, Section 7(6) provides for a four-year tenure for the IGP, creating a legal ambiguity between the general retirement provisions and the specific tenure of the IGP. It was to address this inconsistency that the National Assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.

This amendment introduces a new subsection, 18(8A), which states: “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector- General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.”

This amendment clarifies that the IGP is entitled to a four-year tenure, regardless of the general retirement age or years of service limitations. Based on this, it’s is expected that IGP Egbetokun is legally permitted to continue serving until 2027, completing his four-year term as outlined in his appointment letter.

Stirring the Hornet’s Nest

Expectedly, the extension of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure elicited mixed reactions. While some stakeholders within the security sector lauded the extension, others expressed concerns that extending the IGP’s tenure beyond the traditional retirement age could lead to stagnation within the police force and potentially impact internal security dynamics. They further argued that regular leadership changes are essential for maintaining an effective security architecture.

To the latter, the NPF has clarified that the approval of the IGP’s four-year tenure is not an extension but a proper application of the law governing the office of the IGP and therefore aligns with the provisions of the amended Police Act.

Although there were underground discontent in the force over the extension, it was Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and former presidential candidate, who however stirred the hornet’s nest and initiated public controversy by challenging the legality of IGP Egbetokun’s extended tenure.

Sowore contended that Egbetokun’s continued service beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 and after completing 35 years in service was unlawful. He labeled Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” in public statements and social media posts. This dispute has led to legal actions, with Sowore facing charges for allegedly using his social media platform to refer to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.”

Police React

In response, the Nigeria Police Force refuted Sowore’s claims, asserting that IGP Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure are legally sound. In a press release issued by the Force Spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, he cited the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which stipulates a four-year term for the IGP, regardless of age or years of service. The police emphasised that Egbetokun’s

appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council and confirmed by the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027.

AGF’s Clarification

To douse the controversy, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also affirmed the legality of Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, referencing the amended Police Act, which allows the IGP to serve a full four-year term irrespective of the retirement age.

In his clarification he said: “The continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful. The appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024.

“However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.

“This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun's continous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act

amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023. This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public.”

Challenging the Legality of the Tenure Extension

Of course the clarification by the AGF instead of dousing the situation only served to through up more opposition and questions. Among those who countered the AGF’s position was the Secretary of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, who an open letter to the AGF challenged the legality of the tenure extension.

According to him, the extension, which was based on the amended Police Act 2024, is unconstitutional because the IGP’s office is a creation of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, and any changes to its tenure must be made through a constitutional amendment rather than an ordinary Act of the National Assembly.

In his four arguments, he first argued that the IGP’s office is governed by the Constitution and not the Police Act. According to him, Sections 214, 215, and 216 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as altered) establish the office of the IGP and govern appointments, tenure, and control of the Nigeria Police Force, therefore any alteration to the IGP’s tenure must come through a formal constitutional amendment, not an amendment to the Police Act.

He quoted Section 215(1) of the 1999 Constitution which states that “There shall be – (a) an

For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun's continous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023

Inspector-General of Police who, subject to section 216(2) of this Constitution shall be appointed by the President on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council from among serving members of the Nigeria Police Force.”

Thus, he said since the Police Act is subordinate to the Constitution, any provision in the 2024 amendment that contradicts the Constitution is null and void under Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which states: “If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.”

In his second argument, he posited that the retirement age for the IGP cannot be extended without amending the constitution. Dr. Jaja referenced the Fifth Alteration Act No. 37 of June 8, 2023, where the Constitution was amended to adjust the retirement age for judicial officers. He therefore argued that since the IGP’s office is also created by the Constitution, the same legal process—constitutional amendment—must be followed to change the retirement age or tenure of the IGP.

Thirdly, on highlighted the Public Service Rules 2021 (as amended), under which the compulsory retirement age for public servants, including police officers, is 60 years or 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first. He noted that since the Police Act 2020 classified police officers as public servants, the IGP is therefore bound by the same retirement rules. He went further to support his claim with the case law, citing Olaniyan v. University of Lagos (1985) 2 NWLR (Pt. 9) 599 and Shitta-Bey v. Federal Public Service Commission (1981) 1 SC 40, where the courts affirmed that public service appointments derive authority from the Constitution and cannot be arbitrarily altered by ordinary legislation.

Finally, he referenced the Supreme Court’s Position on Constitutional Supremacy in Attorney-General of Bendel State v. AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (1982) NCLR 1, which reaffirmed that any law inconsistent with the Constitution is invalid. By this principle, he said the provision in the Police (Amendment) Act 2024 extending the IGP’s tenure beyond 60 years is unconstitutional.

While charging the AGF to reconsider his stance, he said if they insist on defending the Police Act’s tenure extension, then ALDRAP will file a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria to seek a judicial ruling on the matter. This is just as he reiterated that without a constitutional amendment, the IGP must retire upon reaching 60 years of age, in accordance with the Constitution and established public service rules.

Retirement of Senior Officers Inflame Situation

Instead of dousing the thorny issue, the approval by the Police Service Commission (PSC) for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who are either over 60 years old or have completed 35 years of service, has only served to draw public ire against the IGP, who they alleged was removing likely successors. In a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, head of Press and Public Relations, he said the decision to retire those senior officers was made during the PSC’s first extraordinary meeting on Friday. One of those that criticised the move was human rights activist, Chidi Odinkalu. In a tweet he wrote, “So here you have it…. This is why @YeleSowore called this IGP of @PoliceNG “illegal”. Facts are stubborn. Now the #PSC has retired all officer over 60. That will be enforced by an IGP who is over 60. Folks should care about the institutions they lead.”

Also adding his voice, human rights activist, Dele Farotimi said: "The reality is that Yele is completely correct. The Inspector General of Police is illegal. He has exceeded his term in office, but what the presidency is telling you is that the law does not matter."

Not done, Sowore also chimed in that it was “unacceptable for Kayode Egbetokun, the Illegal General of Police, to supervise the retirement of his contemporaries and age-falsifying co-conspirators while retaining his position in the Nigeria Police Force. Equal principles must apply to everyone. #EgbetokunMustGo #RevolutionNow.”

IGP Egbetokun

FOCUS

Wale Tinubu’s Oando Defies All Odds with Impressive Growth

In spite of the vicissitudes and volatile nature of both the local and global oil markets, Oando Plc led by the indefatigable Wale Tinubu has continued to break new grounds, consolidating itself as an industry leader in Nigeria and steadily conquering the African market, one deal at a time, writes Emmanuel Addeh.

Oando Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy companies, has been on a remarkable run, achieving a string of significant milestones that are redefining the country’s energy landscape.

From its recent groundbreaking acquisition to its latest financial results to strategic partnerships and investments in sustainable energy solutions, Oando Plc has demonstrated its commitment to growth, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Without argument, in the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Oando has demonstrated its ability to adapt and thrive, making giant strides in recent times and solidifying its position as a dominant player in the sector, even while others are falling apart.

Today, Oando is at the forefront of Nigeria’s energy revolution, driving growth and sustainability in the critical sector. With a diversified portfolio of businesses spanning, among others, exploration and production as well as power generation, the company is now well-positioned to meet the evolving energy needs of Nigeria, Africa and even beyond.

Expanding Upstream Footprint in Africa

In a sector, where funding has become a major challenge, Oando Plc, recently successfully completed and won the bid for the operatorship of oil block KON 13 in Angola,a feat seen as major among industry operators.

After acquiring Eni of Italy’s oil assets in Nigeria, the company undeterred, left the shores of Nigeria, going straight to take over the oil block located in Angola’s onshore Kwanza Basin, following a competitive bidding process by the country’s oil and gas sector regulator.

The asset, being through its upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources (OER), has an estimated prospective resources of 770 to 1,100 million barrels of oil.

An elated Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, expressed confidence in the capacity of the company, in collaboration with its co-venturers, to unlock the full potential of the asset for the country and indeed Africa.

According to Oando Plc, it also solidified the company’s position as a prominent player in the continent’s energy landscape, evolving from a local indigenous operator to a regional powerhouse.

Over 1bn Barrels Oil Reserves

At the just concluded World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, Oando highlighted that it currently has over 1 billion in oil reserves, 300,000 barrels a day of oil processing capacity, 2 billion cubic feet a day of gas capacity, with net present value of the oil in its facilities put at over $10 billion.

The company said that Nigerians have the skills and the capability to secure funding to thrive in onshore operations.

“The onshore assets in Nigeria are best in the hands of local players. The level of technology that is required to drill them is something that is commonplace. Nigerians have the skill, and the capacity, and we can also secure the funding,” Wale Tinubu stated at the event.

At the Davos, Switzerland, event attended by world leaders, top executives of the 1,000 foremost global companies, leaders of international organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations, Wale Tinubu underscored the immense prospects of indigenous energy companies taking over the divested assets by International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria.

He emphasised that by combining robust

working capital, advanced technologies, and the unique skills, capacity, and local acumen of the indigenous players, who now significantly control Nigeria’s onshore assets, the industry can unlock previously untapped potential.

As one of the first indigenous companies that successfully acquired an IOCs’ onshore assets, Agip, Wale Tinubu highlighted the importance of partnership and critical financing to not only extract value from these material reserves but also accelerate the rate of extraction.

“As a company, we have over a billion barrels of reserves, 300,000 barrels a day of oil processing capacity, and over 2 billion cubic feet a day of gas capacity. Effectively, the net present value of the oil we have in our facilities is well over $10 billion,” remarked Wale Tinubu.

The Oando chief also unveiled plans on how the company was set to adopt artificial intelligence, among other technologies, in its next drilling campaign to explore its over 1 billion barrels of oil reserves to strengthen decision-making and optimise costs in oil exploration.

Deployment of 5,000 Electric Buses

Oando Plc’s plan to partner the Lagos state government to deploy 5,000 electric commercial vehicles to the state are also now in top gear.

According to the company, the decision of the firm to invest in electric vehicles, particularly public transportation, was triggered by its commitment to adopt cleaner energy solutions as part of its energy transition drive.

Oando further defended its position on ‘just transition’ as against decarbonisation in Africa as the continent remains a victim of global warming, bearing the brunt of climate change despite contributing only about 3 per cent of global emissions.

Wale Tinubu argued that Africa cannot decarbonise or abandon its large deposits of fossil fuels for clean energy sources while the majority of its citizens wallow in energy poverty.

“The arguments for decarbonisation are as important as the arguments for a just transition, and that transition has to recognise the fact that Africa has 45 per cent of the people who have no access to electricity or energy products.

“So our first step really must be to use what we need, which means that we need to use our gas as part of the energy mix to service the needs of our continent and that we need to do so as a transitional fuel whilst we work with an energy mix,” he maintained.

He noted that the company, being a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, is deploying EVs as a “carbon capture technique” to contribute to the global decarbonisation campaign.

Speaking passionately on the need for Africa to take full advantage of its God-given resources, he added: “For every modicum of carbon we put into the economy, into the world, and the environment, we are also taking that out by ensuring that we have carbon capture techniques as well as ensuring that our clean energy offering as part of our products and services is high, so we’re focusing a lot on e-vehicles,” he stated.

Beyond just talking, Oando is also walking the talk, funding projects that align with its plan to reduce emissions rather than halting oil and gas production altogether.

“We are using gas as a transitional fuel to create electricity to generate the power to power buses. Transport is 10 per cent of global emissions, so if we tackle public transport, we would be able to reduce emissions by 5 per cent almost immediately.

“ The first step we’re taking now is also working on a public system of being able to transit the bus system in Nigeria from diesel or petrol to electric vehicles, starting

with a project that we’re working on with the Lagos state government as a pilot case where we expect to see up to 5,000 buses, e-buses, being deployed in our streets,” Wale Tinubu disclosed.

Oando Stocks on Fire

With growing investors’ confidence in the company, Oando Plc’s stocks have been on the upward swing, shooting up by over 14 per cent in the third week of January and increasing from an opening price of N62.50 to close at N71.80.

Recall that the company reported a post-tax profit of N13.6 billion for the third quarter of 2024, a 510.48 per cent increase from the previous year, bringing the total for the nine months ending September 30 to N76.2 billion. For the third quarter, revenue reached N1.1 trillion, a 15.7 per cent increase from the previous year, while total revenue for the nine-month period was N3.1 trillion.

Record N4.1tn Revenue

In a year that was characterised by several challenges, Wale Tinubu led Oando Plc to a record 45 per cent increase in revenue to N4.1 trillion for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to N2.9 trillion recorded in the previous year. The company’s unaudited financial statements, released at the weekend on the Nigeria Exchange Limited, showed a nine per cent growth in profit after tax, rising to N65.5 billion from N60.3 billion in 2023.

Oando disclosed that the revenue growth was driven by higher crude oil volumes, increased gas prices, and the impact of foreign exchange gains, despite lower trading volumes and a decline in realised crude oil prices.

Speaking on the development, Wale Tinubu attributed the performance to the company’s strategic expansion, especially its acquisition of a 20 per cent additional stake in Agip, boosting production capacity.

He said: “Our successful integration of NAOC Ltd (Agip) enabled us to achieve peak operated production of 103,206 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) and net entitlements of 45,000 boepd.”

Besides, the company recorded a 46 per cent increase in exit production, rising to 30,712 boepd in 2024 from 21,036 boepd in 2023, while average production grew by 3 per cent to 23,911 boepd from 23,258 boepd in the previous year.

Furthermore, Oando’s production data showed that crude oil output increased by 27 per cent to 7,864 barrels per day from 6,211 bpd in 2023, while natural gas production declined by six per cent to 15,801 boepd from 16,808 boepd.

Wale Tinubu stated that henceforth, the company would focus on cost optimisation, operational efficiency, and an aggressive drilling programme across three rig lines to boost production in 2025.

“We are also implementing a revamped security framework with advanced surveillance technology and intelligence-driven initiatives to curb oil theft and ensure the integrity of our operations,” the Oando Plc chief executive stated. In 2025, it is clear that Oando Plc is poised for even greater success. Beyond making profits, as Nigeria seeks to grow its economy and address its energy challenges, companies like Oando Plc will play a critical role in driving progress.

With its impressive track record, commitment to innovation, and focus on sustainability, Oando Plc is undoubtedly one of the companies to watch in Nigeria’s energy sector in 2025 as the company continues to make giant strides.

Wale Tinubu

PROMOTION DECORATION CEREMONY...

L-R: Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Newly promoted Comptroller, Gambo Aliyu; and Assistant Comptroller General Headquarters, Isah

Goldman Sachs: Crude May Hit $93/barrel If Additional Sanctions Hit Iran, Russia

Nigeria emerges US’ 8th largest oil exporter

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Goldman Sachs analysts have predicted Brent crude prices could temporarily surge to $93 per barrel if sanctions successfully curb oil exports from Iran and Russia by a combined 1 million barrels per day (bpd).

In a note shared on X, reported by oilprice.com, the

bank outlined a scenario where Iran faces persistent supply disruptions while Russia experiences temporary setbacks, tightening global crude markets. With geopolitical tensions already pressuring supply chains, traders are watching for any policy shifts that could exacerbate the squeeze.

"We estimate that Brent could temporarily rise to

$93/bbl in a scenario where sanctioned supply falls by 1mb/d persistently for Iran and temporarily for Russia," Goodman said.

But one potential spanner in the works with Goldman’s $93 per barrel scenario is production plans by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which are facing pressure from Trump to ramp

up production to lower crude oil prices—ostensibly for the purposes of forcing Russia’s hand even further to give up its ambitions in Ukraine.

Standard Chartered, however, feels that the US president is unlikely to be successful in his attempts to wield lower oil prices as a geopolitical maneuvre—in part because of the lower oil prices that would

Food Security: FG, Ogun, Unveil $12m Springfield Agrochemical Plant in Sagamu

Ogun highlights importance of vocational education

In an effort to boost food security and promote local manufacturing in the country, the federal government and Ogun State Government unveiled a $12 million agrochemical plant by Springfield Agro Crop Protection Chemical Plant in Sagamu over the weekend.

The agro chemical plant, owned by Kewalram Chanrai Group, is expected to drive agricultural productivity and economic growth while reducing dependence on imported agrochemicals by farmers.

In another development, the state government expressed concern over

the long neglect of its eight technical colleges by previous administrations, despite the importance of vocational education to skills development.

The Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr. Tunji Odunlami, expressed the position during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of Government Science and Technical College, Ilara-Remo, Ogun East Senatorial District.

Speaking at the commissioning of the agro chemical plant, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasised the plant’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

According to him, food security can only be achieved by expanding industrial capacity across the value chain, and the new facility aligns with the government’s agenda to combat hunger and ensure sustainable food production.

Shettima stated, “This project is a demonstration of what can be achieved when the private and public sectors collaborate for growth. We cannot achieve peace unless the robust committees we roll out as a government are complemented by the ambition and commitment of the private sector.”

He lamented that despite being a continent blessed with vast arable land and the potential to be the food

basket of the world, Africa’s share of global manufacturing was less than two per cent.

He said, “Our duty as a government is to remove barriers and provide the necessary support for businesses.

“Agriculture remains a cardinal priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this resolve has inspired the quality and scale of programmes designed to support farmers in increasing their productivity and yield, through research institutes, mechanisation schemes and cuttingedge technology. Our focus on food security is driven by the unshakeable belief that Nigerians have no reason to grow hungry.”

sink the US oil industry as well.

According to StanChart, OPEC+ is unlikely to adjust its current production plans, which saw a delay to the ramp-up until April of this year and extends the unwinding period to the end of next year to prevent oversupply in the market.

In October, Goldman Sachs estimated that its Brent price forecast would peak $10-$20 per barrel this year due to potential disruptions in Iranian production.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has emerged as the United States

8th biggest exporter of crude oil behind Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia and Iraq. Data from Reuters indicated that Canada, which is currently in a tariff war with the United States exports 3.8 million barrels per day to the country and Mexico (457,000 bpd). Also, Saudi Arabia exports 275,000 bpd to the US; Venezuela (228,000 bpd); Brazil (224,000 bpd); Colombia (210,000 bpd); Iraq (198,000); Nigeria (139,000 bpd) and Ecuador (120,000 bpd).

UNICEF Moves to Enhance Quality Digital Education in Bauchi

Segun Awofadeji

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has emplaced measures to enhance digital education in government schools in Bauchi State towards improving quality education outcomes.

To this end, the state government, philanthropists and other well-to-do in the society have been called upon to support child education by leveraging on the availability of Digital Learning programme under the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) initiative to improve Learning outcomes in the state.

periodically to see the level of usage of the tabulates and other digital Learning gadgets provided to the schools.

The education specialist who enjoined the government of Bauchi State to take ownership of the learning gadgets also reminded the benefitting communities that those gadgets belong to them and not the UNICEF.

Ibrahim Oyewale in

Communities affected by the 2024 flood in Kogi State have commended the International Non-Governmental Organisations, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations EC and Nigerian Red Cross for providing post-flood interventions to the victims.

The commendation came during the weekend when the Nigerian Red Cross visited the affected communities who had received ATM and other items, the victims pointed out that their appreciation became imperative in view of the positive impacts on the people of the riverine communities enjoyed from ECHO and Nigerian Red Cross . The Nigerian Red Cross had profiled the most vulnerable in affected communities and provided 1100 households with ATM with N77,000 each ,20litres Jerry cans, buckets and aquatabs for the purification of water

for consumption in the communities. The programme which was funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations ECHO, monitored and distributed by Nigerian Red Cross across the selected three local government areas in Kogi State . The beneficiaries were drawn from Idah, Lokoja and Kogi Lokoja local government areas of the state . Similarly, the international NGOs also extended the gestures to 1,600

communities in Delta State and 1100 communities in Anambra State.

The Acting Secretary, Abdullahi Abubarka, Nigerian Red Cross ,Kogi State, explained that following the devastating effect of the 2024 flood in about eleven local government areas of the state and other parts of the country, the Red Cross had instructed the field officers to profile the victims and seek for the most vulnerable in the affected communities in State. Post Flood Reprieve: Kogi Communities Laud

The UNICEF Education Specialist, Bauchi Field Office, Abdulrahman Ado stated this yesterday during a one-day media dialogue to celebrate the 2024 International Day of Education held in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The initiative which was launched in Bauchi in 2022, according to UNICEF, is aimed at Leveraging Digital Technology to improve learning outcomes in Bauchi State.

Ado who called for proper monitoring of the programme to ensure its success, said that the schools need to be visited

"Sometimes the teachers think the Nigerian Learning Passport belongs to the UNICEF. But no, it belongs to Bauchi State Government and it is the responsibility of the state government to provide Education for all Learners", Ado pointed out.

The UNICEF Education Specialist who stressed the need for developing local content to complement the existing one, urged the state government to establish the Nigeria Learning Passport studio and procure more of the tabulates and other gadgets required for the digital learning.

Ado who observed that the number of tabulates, Projectors provided are not enough, considering the number of schools and learners in Bauchi, appealed to the state government to procure more tabulates and other gadgets to reach more learners.

Lokoja

in Bauchi

Sunday Ehigiator and James Sowole in Abeokuta

Umar, at the recent Promotion and Decoration Exercise at the Nigerian Customs Service Headquarters, Abuja

NEPC ON 2024 NON OIL EXPORT PERFORMANCE INDEX...

L-R: Director States Offices Coordinating Department, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Arnold Jackson; Director Policy and Strategy NEPC, Mr. Dalhat Lawal; Executive Director / CEO NEPC, Mrs. None Ayeni; and the Director Corporate Services Department NEPC, Mrs Esther Ikporah, during the NEPC Press Conference on the 2024 Non Oil Export Performance index to the Nigerian Economy, held yesterday in Abuja

Edo Lawmakers Seek Court Interpretation

of Section 20 of Edo Local Govt Law

Emenyonu

The Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has taken out a writ of summons against the "supposed" suspended chairmen of the 18 local governments areas of the state to seek the interpretation of some sections of the state local government law 2000.

In the summons, through C. O Edosa of C. O Edosa and Co, the 18 chairmen were joined in the suit as defendants with the Edo State Government, the governor of the state and three others. Similarly, the state legislature,

Speaker of the assembly Blessing Agbebaku were listed as claimants alongside councilors from the 18 council areas of the state.

In the suit No. B/34/2025, dated January 28, 2025 and filed at the Edo State High Court, the state legislature put forward four issues for determination and also sought for more reliefs.

In the summons, the claimants seek to know whether having regard to the provisions of Section 20 (b) of the local government law, 2000, the assembly does not have the power to suspend a chairman and/or the

vice chairman of a local government council in Edo state.

To determine if the assembly ran foul of section 20(b) of the law or by suspending obliterated the existence of the democratic structure of local government councils in Edo State by suspending the chairmen and their vice.

The court is also to determine whether by the combined reading of the provisions of Sections 11 (3) and Section 14 of the law, the leaders of the legislative arms of the councils in were not democratically elected members of the council.

Lastly, if the legislative arms are not entitled, in the absence of the chairman and vice chairman, to act on behalf of the Council particularly with regards to the administration, management and/or control of the affairs of the local government council and all the funds due to the local government Council.

In a similar manner, the claimants seek amongst the following declaration if by it action, the legislature has not in any way obliterated the existence of the democratic structure of councils, therefore the democratic system of

At UBA Series, Experts Urge SMEs to Ensure Proper Tax Documentation, Scrutinise Agreements to Avoid Liabilities

James Emejo in Abuja

Tax experts have urged the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to scrutinise tax documentation and agreements to avoid unnecessary tax liabilities.

The advice came against the backdrop of the new withholding tax regulations and their implications for small businesses.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Knowledge Series webinar, titled “2024 Withholding Tax Regulations: Specific Emphasis on How They Affect SMEs,” which held in Lagos, the tax resource personnel further provided insights on how businesses can navigate the evolving tax landscape to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Head, SME Banking, UBA, Babatunde Ajayi, Financial Analyst at Anderson Consulting, Adeyemi Adeniran and Financial Analyst at Anderson Consulting, Vincent Okoukoni - all shared practical insight and strategies for SMEs to comply

with the new regulations while minimizing financial burdens and maximizing growth opportunities.

They also offered useful guidance to participants to enable them avoid pitfalls

Adeniran, while explaining the fundamentals of the newly proposed withholding tax regulations, noted that the updated system aims to address inefficiencies in the previous regime and ensure timely tax remittances to support government obligations.

He said, “What this means is that while individuals and companies are required to pay their taxes at the end of the year, the government is saying, through withholding taxes, that it cannot wait until the end of the year to collect these taxes because it has immediate obligations.

“Therefore, as transactions occur between parties, the customer is required to withhold a portion of the tax and remit it to the government, rather than wait until year-end.”

Adeniran said, “This regulation addresses the fact that, for the

past few years, there have been no significant changes to the withholding tax mechanism, which has created certain challenges and inefficiencies.”

Adeniran added that SMEs are expected to satisfy two key conditions, one of which is “It must be registered with the tax authority, and in any given month, the transaction amount should not exceed 2 million Naira.”

However, highlighting the benefits of the 2024 withholding tax to SMEs, Okoukoni elaborated, that businesses with an annual turnover of less than N25 million are exempted from tax deductions on payments received.

According to him, “For SMEs, the new regulations bring a significant benefit. If your business has an annual turnover of less than N25 million, your customers are not required to deduct taxes from the payments they owe you.

“This means you receive the full payment, which directly improves your cash flow. It’s a positive development for SMEs, as it allows them to retain more funds to support and grow their operations.”

Ajayi, on his part, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs in light of the new withholding tax regulations.

He said, “At UBA, we will continue to ensure SMEs get the needed support to thrive and soar, especially under the new withholding tax framework. “SMEs are not just businesses; they are innovators and risk-takers who play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the continent.”

Also, speaking at the event, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, commended the participants for sharing valuable insights and noted that the session will be an invaluable guide for SME’s and small businesses to the age the new tax regime effectively.

He said, “At UBA, it is not just about banking; we are also passionate about helping our customers grow thriving businesses, and that is why we have launched this new series to increase the knowledge of our customers.”

local government council, its structure, administration and governance is still intact and in place.

A declaration that by virtue of the provisions of Section 20 (b) of the Local Government Law, 2000, Edo State, the 1st Claimant (Edo State House of Assembly) has the power to suspend a chairman and/or vice chairman of a local government council in Edo State.

A declaration that by the combined reading of the provisions of Sections 11(3) and Section 14 of the Local Government Law, 2000, Edo State,

the 3rd- 19th claimants (Leader (s) of the Legislative Arms of the local government councils in Edo State) are democratically elected members of the local government council. In the summons, the defendants are to enter appearance personally or through their counsels within forty-two days of being served. "If the defendants do not enter appearance within the time and at the place above mentioned such order(s) will be made and proceedings may be taken as the Judge may think just and expedient," it stated.

UBEC, ONSA Collaborate on School Safety, Access to Basic Education

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has met with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access and security in Nigerian schools.

A statement by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol of UBEC, Mr. David Apeh, said the engagement focused on strategies to address challenges such as the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions, and the promotion of equitable education for all children.

According to the statement, the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on improving access to basic education and safety of safety schools across the nation.

"This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework," it added.

Earlier, the UBEC boss had pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.

She said: "My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery. "Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials, and adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges, state by state and region by region".

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu “to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly probe allegations that over N26 billion of public funds are missing, diverted or stolen

from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021”. These revelations were documented in the 2021 audited report published on November 13, 2024 by the Office of the AuditorGeneral of the Federation.

is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”

SERAP urged Tinubu to “use any recovered stolen funds to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget and to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis”.

a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations. Tackling corruption in the oil sector would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.”

“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.” SERAP to Tinubu: Probe ‘Missing’ N26bn in Ministry of Petroleum Resources, PTDF

SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there

In the letter dated February 1, 2025 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “There is

According to SERAP, “The allegations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.”

The letter read, “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the oil sector.

“Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.

“According to the 2021 annual audited report by the AuditorGeneral of the Federation, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in 2021 reportedly paid over N25 billion [N25,607,890,403.11] for ‘contracts without any supporting documents.’

Adibe

in Benin City

PRESENTATION OF COMMENDATION LETTERS AND CERTIFICATES...

L-R: Director, Special Duties, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Fatimah Suleiman Kasim; Director General, NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar; Principal Confidential Secretary, Mrs Oluchi Onoabhagbe; and Director, System Study and Review, Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Olusegun Adigun, during the presentation of commendation letters and certificates of recognition by the Director General NEMA to deserving staff in Abuja on Thursday

Atiku to Tinubu: Policies of Your Govt on Democracy Still Remains ‘Snatch and Grab’

Says

president has no plan to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar has berated President Bola Tinubu, saying his policy on democracy still remained 'grab and snatch'.

In a statement by media aide, Paul Ibeh, the former vice-president said, accused Tinubu of having no plans to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

''It therefore becomes pertinent to tell the Tinubu administration that last week's gathering of political leaders across the country is aimed at fostering the ethos of democracy in Nigeria, making sure that elections in Nigeria

are credible and that democracy is the vehicle for progress and social justice in the country,'' he said.

Atiku explained that late in the evening of Sunday, February2, the Special Adviser on Public Communication and one of President Tinubu’s Spokespersons, Mr. Sunday Dare, posted two comments on his verified X handle.

According to him, ''The first post made a case for countries to tighten their belts on the heels of the announcement from President Trump’s administration to impose tariffs in line with his America First agenda, and the other post which

came much later the same night tried to discredit the actions of political leaders in strengthening democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

''The second post is a lame attempt to impugn the credibility of political leaders, who seek a better direction for Nigeria, and, in so doing, Dare painted a picture of what is to be expected in how the Tinubu administration plans to take the next election in the country as ‘a combat and a fight’ or better still the deepening of their notorious ‘snatch and grab’ agenda.'

''We find it curious that the Tinubu government would react to these noble ideals as

‘Machiavellian inclinations’. If the Tinubu administration could describe opposition in a democracy in the language of the era of Dark Ages, we find such behaviour as unbecoming and a stark attack on the collective impression of our hard-won democracy and the fundamental human rights that it guarantees.'

''The other post by Dare speaks to the ‘Tariff War’ by which the Tinubu administration seeks to interpret President Trump’s America First approach to international trade.

''First of all, we condemn the careless remarks by the

Sunny Onuesoke: THISDAY/Arise Tv Best Governor Award Will Spur Oborevwori to Do More

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Delta State gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has affirmed the best Governor Award of the year 2024 bestowed on Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by ThisDay/ Arise Media Group will encourage him to do MORE, echoing the governor’s MORE Agenda.

Spokesperson of President Tinubu on an issue that potentially affects Nigeria’s relations with the U.S. and other countries, including partner institutions in international trade.

''That aside, it is a contradiction in terms that the Tinubu administration, which came into power on the philosophy of self-right to rule, will mock Nigerians on matters of patriotism.

''We urge the Tinubu administration to practice what it preaches by

embracing the Nigeria First ideals in replacement to the self-entitled and other primordial sentiments it panders to.

''Nigeria has gone through all kinds of class, ethnic and religious divisions since the advent of the Tinubu administration.

''This is the first government in the history of Nigeria that will put Nigerians on Band A or Band C on the cadre of access to social infrastructure.

NOSDRA Disburses N150m to over 300 Farmers in Rivers

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

While congratulating Oborevwori for the prestigious award, the PDP Chieftain said the honour was timely and welldeserved for the governor who has shown commitment to the growth and development of the state since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

He maintained that the prestigious award reflects his dedication to excellence and his tireless efforts to advance Delta State through his visionary leadership stressing the honour is as a result of his numerous strides in road infrastructure, health and education among others.

Onuesoke who spoke on the sideline to journalists at Eko Le’Meridian and Towers, Ikoyi , Lagos during the award ceremony, said the achievements of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State since he assumed office under his MORE Agenda are record-breaking adding there is every assurance that the end is yet to come.

The PDP chieftain explained that Oborevwori’s action and achievements has shown that a leader could lead by example adding that this award was a clear evidence that his activities are not only appreciated by Deltans but by event watchers and critics averring that the award would encourage the governor to do more for Deltans.

Onuesoke who identified the ongoing fly-over projects being handled by Julius Berger both at PTI Junction and Enerhen Junction end as star projects designed to give Warri, Effurun and its environs a face-lift deserving of modern cities further explained that it is evident that the MORE Agenda of his Excellency, Hon.

Sheriff Oborevwori had yielded desired results in Delta state just within the few period he has been in office.

He recalled that Governor Oborevwori was underrated on assumption of office 18 months ago, but surprised all doubting ‘Thomases’ hence since he has been in power, he has not borrowed any cent from any bank and he keeps building infrastructure across the state.

“Besides, it is on record that the governor has paid over N200 billion to liquidate the state’s debt stock while contractors are being mobilised with new jobs with outstanding job certificates paid as they fall due. His achievements are incredible,” Onuesoke stated.

Police Intercept Syndicate Trafficking Humans, Rescue 13 Victims, Other Targets

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) under the leadership of its Director General, Chukwuemeka Woke, has disbursed a grant of N150million to over 300 farmers across the 14 wards of Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State.

The beneficiaries comprising 200 women and party supporters, aides to the former Chairman and social media aides, could not contain their excitements as they smiled home with N50,000 each.

According to the NOSDRA DG, the initiative aimed to aid small-scale farmers in the LGA by providing financial support to rent portions of land, purchase staple crops, and cover the costs of clearing and weeding their farmlands.

This, in turn, is expected to facilitate a bountiful harvest by the end of the year.

Speaking at the distribution event in Isiodo community, Emohua LGA, Woke stressed the initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and back-to-farm initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

However, for some, it is a financial burden to get parcels of land to farm on, which can cost N10,000 or more. Additionally, they would need to pay for clearing and weeding their farmlands at least twice before harvesting.

He explained: "The true essence of empowerment is empowering people for a cause, for survival, for sustainability, and that is what the Renewed Hope Initiative stands for. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and contribute to the overall food security of the state."

Also speaking at the presentation which could be described as a rainbow coalition of both PDP and APC in the council, Dr. Benibo George, the embattled PDP State Secretary, representing the State Chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, praised the initiative, saying, it is a true definition of human development.

George encouraged the beneficiaries to use the grant judiciously, urging Woke to sustain the tempo of the initiative.

He noted that farming is the backbone of the local economy and that the initiative would go a long way in boosting food production in the state.

The Police, yesterday, said their operatives attached to the Kaduna State Command, intercepted a three-man human trafficking syndicate and subsequently rescued 13 victims from their net. The members of the gang are identified as Samson Peter 'm' aged 25 yrs, Haruna Duniya 'm' aged 45 yrs, and Abdulazaq Olawole 'm' aged 58 yrs. A statement by Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the suspects were arrested on the 31st of January 2025, at about 7pm, while trafficking 13 victims to Oyo State in an unmarked vehicle. He added that the victims were rescued, and investigation was still ongoing.

The Command has also launched an immediate manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

This was as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command, successfully rescued a young woman from the clutches of a suspected ritualist.

The Force Spokesperson, recalled that on January 29 2025, police operatives of the Ogun State Command carried out a covert operation and located a den of kidnappers responsible for an earlier reported abduction on January 25 2025.

"The goal is to empower these farmers so that by December, they can harvest their produces, especially cassava, and produce garri, which they can sell and make hundreds of thousands of naira," Woke explained.

Woke noted that Emohua people are known to be subsistent farmers, and every beginning of the year, they make preparations to return to their farms.

The APC State Chairman Tony Okocha also thanked the coordinator of the initiative on behalf of the Renewed Hope Family. He thanked the leader of the Renowned Hope Family in the state the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike for the enabling support.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

ORDERPAPER'S COURTESY VISIT TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY...

Chief Executive Officer of OrderPaper

Assembly on Thursday

Dauda Lawal: PDP’ll Come Out of Crisis Stronger

AfDB president, minister, NFF president, Ajimobi's son visit Makinde

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, yesterday, said the decision by the governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to back Sunday UdeOkoye, as the National Secretary of the party remained valid, noting that the party would come out stronger from its current crisis.

He maintained that the PDP needed to learn lessons from certain mistakes, stating that the resolution of the governors' meeting in Delta showed that the party was making efforts to come out stronger to lead

Nigeria to the promised land.

He stated this in Ibadan, on Sunday, when he paid a condolence visit to the Governor of Oyo State, 'Seyi Makinde, over the death of his elder brother, Sunday Makinde. He said, “Concerning what is currently going on in the PDP,in politics, there are always issues. With what happened in Delta two days ago, it shows we are making waves to be back to the people to lead this country.

“We (governors) are the leaders of this party. We have a say and whatever we say is what would be implemented.

"There is nothing really wrong with the PDP. The ongoing crisis is normal and it happens like that in other parties too. So, it is nothing new. It is one of those things.

“This will make us even stronger because we need to learn from certain mistakes and that will be a learning process.”

Lawal, who visited Makinde with some members of the cabinet, said, "Governor Makinde is my very good friend and it is an obligation for me to come and commiserate with him and his entire family on the loss of his older brother. I am also here with

my team.

"Death is inevitable and we are here to comfort and tell him that we are with him in this trying moment."

Makinde also received the African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha and the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Livestock Development, Mr. Idris Ajimobi; the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau and some members of the Board.

Adesina, while addressing journalists shortly after visiting Makinde,

2027: Lukman Advises Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, Others to Drop Their Presidential Bid

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A former National Working Committee (NWC) member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Moh’ Lukman, has advised key political figures in the country to abandon their presidential aspirations ahead of 2027 and instead provide leadership for a proposed new political party.

Lukman directly urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to prioritise party-building over personal ambitions.

He also extended the advice to former APC members and opposition figures, including Rotimi Amaechi, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

In a statement in Abuja, titled: “Re: Early Outline of the Permutations for

2027”, Lukman reacted to the recent National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria.

He argued that if these leaders set aside their personal ambitions, it would prevent the imposition of candidates in 2027 and foster a stronger political alternative.

The former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) also criticised the political class, stating that many opposition and displaced politicians lacked the necessary credentials to emerge as better leaders.

“Based on layperson’s legal knowledge, many of these politicians would be adjudged to being accessories, whether before or after, to our current political travesty.

“Given their records of service, they are most likely to be worse than former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and

now President Tinubu.

“Based on their records, they exhibit intolerant dispositions and poor relationships on accounts of which they have mismanaged their transitions and are today hardly in control of political structures in their states.

“Some of them, on account of their influential roles in past administrations and the failures of those administrations should be humble enough to take a backseat in effort to build a strong coalition to strengthen Nigerian politics. Instead, it is more like a case of unrepentant show of shame.

“Just imagine Alh. Atiku Abubakar, or Mr. Peter Obi, or Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, or or Dr. Kayode Fayemi, or Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal or Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, or other opposition and displaced leaders with ambitions to contest becoming leaders of the

new party.

“Imagine all these people decide that in order to lay a solid foundation for the emergence of strong party, all of them or majority of them will instead aspire to become part of the leaders of the new party.

“Certainly, if that happens, the new party can guarantee collegiate leadership similar to what we had in second republic political parties especially the NPN. Failure to have that could simply mean that the new party risked being oriented in old ways with political culture of imposition becoming dominant,” he said.

Lukman noted that in the last one year, he has engaged virtually all the aforementioned leaders on the need to cut a new trajectory of taking the path of honour and providing new political leadership to the country.

APC Rift over Soon, Ex-Deputy Senate President, OmoAgege, Tells Ndokwa Nation

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, weekend, assured his people in Ndokwa Nation, that the crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) would be over soon.

Omo-Agege, leader of the APC in Delta State, who visited the region in continuation of his thank-you tour and interactive stakeholders meeting with APC leaders and members in Delta North Senatorial District, said everything was being done to put the leadership rift in the state chapter of the party behind and forge ahead. He thanked the people of Ndokwa Nation for their consistent support for the APC and for standing behind him as the state governorship candidate of the party in the 2023 election, and even during his tenure in the Senate. While urging all party members to remain united and resolute in their

support for the party, Omo-Agege reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and development of the APC, noting that only through collective effort could greater political heights be achieved for the benefit of the party and people. He also thanked them for the warm reception, which was an expression of the people's confidence in the party and preparedness for future electoral challenges.

APC Candidate for Ndokwa West Constituency of the Delta State House of Assembly in the 2023 general election, Hon Valentine Nneoma Oyemike, in company with APC leadership in Ndokwa West Local Government Area, key stakeholders, and a large cheering crowd of party supporters were on ground to welcome Omo-Agege, with a grand reception held in Kwale, the administrative headquarters of Ndokwa West.

commiserated with the governor and his family.

"He (Makinde's older brother) passed away at such a young age. So, I came here to be with the governor and I pray that God would give him the strength and fortitude to bear the loss over the tragic loss. I just pray everything will go well.

“I also conveyed the condolences of my wife and the AfDB because he is a partner. May the soul of his brother rest in perfect peace,” he said.

The NFF president, Gusau, equally

commiserated with Makinde, saying, “My words of encouragement to Governor Makinde is just to pray for him that God will give him the ability to contain this loss. To lose a senior brother at the age he died and at a moment like this is not something easy.

“But as a friend and brother and one who has been doing great works not only in Oyo State but also in Nigeria, we felt it is important to be with him to commiserate with him and the family."

Uzodimma Tasks Commission on Substantive Chief Judge for Imo

Tony Icheku in Owerri

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has charged the newly inaugurated Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to commence, immediately, the process of selecting a substantive Chief Judge for the State stressing that only Judges with credible records are nominated for positions of trust.

Speaking at Government House, Owerri, while inaugurating the JSC, Uzodimma mandated it to show integrity and courage by ensuring adequate and most effective dispensation of justice in the State. "Fasten your seat belts and weather the storm, no matter whose ox is gored."

The governor further warned against falsification of age in the system, stressing that those involved in such acts should desist as it brings disrepute to the state and the judiciary

He further charged them to find courage to sanitise the judicial process in Imo, saying, "ensure we have credible records, sincere and honest people who will oversee the affairs of the judiciary."

He also advised them to take government's support for their assignment for granted, and that he will not appoint a Chief Judge who will ridicule his administration.

Members of the JSC include: Mssr Louis M. Alozie, SAN; Eze Duruiheoma, SAN; Paul Obinatu and Lady M.M. Anyanwu.

Same day, Uzodimma inaugurated nominees for the Board of the Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU), Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), and the Imo State Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA).

Also inaugurated were five new

Commissioners, Chairmen and members of Civil Service Commission and that of Local Government Service Commission.

The governor said the idea is to strengthen the capacity of his administration towards the endowment of more democracy dividends to Imo people, and enjoined the appointees to demonstrate highest ethical standard in the discharge of their duties.

Addressing the five Commissionersdesignate including Prof. Boniface G. Nworgu, Chief Kenneth Okafor, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Dr. Anthony Mgbeahuruike and Dr. Elias Emedom, the governor said they were brought on board to help strengthen the capacity of his administration to deliver on the mandate of call to serve the people. He warned against toying with the call and honour to serve, reminding them to comport themselves in high ethical standards, devoid of any form of bickering with their Permanent Secretaries and the existing government bureaucracy.

To the members of the Civil Service Commission - Dr. (Mrs) Julie Onyeukwu (Chairman), Dr. Uche Edomobi, Goddy O. Dike and Dr. Romanus Ezeogu - the governor expressed delight over the Commission's performance in his first tenure, saying it informed the reason most of them were reappointed. However, he urged them to do better than they did before by show casing their capacity, and adding more value to the development of Imo State. Uzodimma urged them to take his reforms in the civil service seriously, sustaining them as far as ongoing digitalisation is concerned, and even align the Service with the current global emphasis on Artificial intelligence.

Nigeria, Oke Epia (left) in a warm handshake with the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, Hon. Henry Nwawuba, during a courtesy visit to the National

Obasa Daydreaming, No Presidential Order to Reinstate Him, Lagos Lawmakers Declare

Segun James

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, have denied knowledge of any directive from President Bola Tinubu to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, saying the former leader of the assembly must be daydreaming.

The denial followed a report by an online news medium, which claimed that President Tinubu had ordered members of the Lagos Assembly to allow Obasa to return as speaker.

The medium claimed the lawmakers should be prepared to return Obasa because the political price for his removal could potentially outweigh the

benefits of punishing his excesses, which it stated, bordered largely on corruption and abuse of office.

“The president has sent instruction that we should start preparing to let him come back,” a senior Lagos politician, who participated in a series of meetings last weekend, said, adding: “The president said Obasa will spend only a short time before resigning on his terms.

“We have agreed to let him come back to give him a soft landing that he told us he deserved because of the serious political consequences of allowing this matter to endure.”

However, some lawmakers said his return would be difficult for those who participated in his

impeachment, especially those who circulated copies of The Gazette’s story that preceded it.

“We’re afraid that bringing him back will be like trying to pacify a snake after its head was severed,” a source said, adding: “Its venom will be super deadly.”

Hon Stephen Ogundipe, who represented the assembly, stated in a WhatsApp message, that, "I don't understand. I'm not aware."

He said the report showed the level of desperation by the former Speaker, stressing that Obasa has not been suspended, except when he returns to the assembly, he will be like any other member.”

Another source told THISDAY

yesterday that the same way Obasa had abused the name and relationship with President Tinubu to perpetrate many things, is the way he is using the name of the president to project his return as speaker.

“The report is not only false, but a story planted and circulated by Obasa and his camp to disrupt the peace of the assembly and the state. It has nothing to do with the president. If anything, the president had told him clearly he’s done enough after almost a decade as speaker.

“Besides, and most importantly, the president understand that such an order, no matter how angry he is

Ex-Anambra Gov, Obi, Criticises FG over Delay in Paying Retirees Gratuities, Pension

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the President Bola Tinubu government for delaying the payment of pensions and gratuities to retirees.

He said many elderly citizens struggled to meet their basic needs and access healthcare because they have not received their entitlements.

In a statement, Obi shared a touching experience he had with a retired civil servant in Nsukka,

Enugu State.

While visiting Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, he noticed an elderly woman trying to speak with him. Although people around attempted to silence her, he insisted on hearing her out.

The woman introduced herself as a retired civil servant, who had dedicated her working years to serving the country. She told Obi that she had not received her pension for some time. Even more heartbreaking was the fact that she had been hospitalised

for over a week without any money to pay for food, let alone medical bills.

“I felt a surge of anger and pity,” Obi said, adding: “Anger at leaders like me, who, out of greed and insatiable desperation for material acquisition, have made life a living hell for others by denying them the fruits of their labour. And then pity for the poor elderly woman, and many others like her whose painful stories may never be heard.”

The former Anambra State governor urged the government

to make retirees’ welfare a priority, even as he emphasised the need for compassion and humanity in leadership.

“I have said it before, and I still maintain, that any government that withholds the pensions and gratuities of our senior citizens in their vulnerable years is wicked.

“As a governor, I inherited and paid off over N30 billion in pensions and gratuities accumulated over the years, because I understood the pain the elderly citizens were going through,” he stated.

Von Blake Unleashes New Singles

Rising Nigerian artist Von Blake has announced two singles slated for February release.

One of the hits, ‘Fallacy,’ produced by Nameless, is love-themed with a twist.

“I came to a point where I was not in a romantic space at all,” the artist stated. “I was getting signs that we shouldn’t be. I was in a space where I felt God was speaking through me. I needed to really focus on myself, and not lose myself to her. She was entitled and a conflict of interest.

So it’s basically me declaring or stating where I stand in that respect. It’s a really crazy song with interesting fusions.”

‘Fallacy’ will be released on all streaming platforms on February 6, 2025..

His second release for the month is ‘Dance (Egwu)’ featuring V.I.C.

“‘Egwu’ in traditional Igbo dialect, which is my language means ‘dance’ and also something impressive and grand,” he explained. According to him, the song describes the beauty of a graceful African female dancer.

“It can be a fierce and aggressive beauty. Basically, it is about meeting a girl and the

passion that comes with it. It has a very unique sound, and I was really in love with that sound and we made that.” The song is also produced by Nameless and will be released on February 13.

For the second quarter of the year, Von Blake will be releasing the remix of ‘Awelle,’ another love song, this time featuring B-Red.

“I’m questioning if real love is meant for me because it’s quite rare in this generation. Despite my fame, she doesn’t care about all of that. She is not about the things of the world; she’s real, and for that, I beg her not to run away from my tortured nature,” he said.

A release date for ‘Awelle’ is yet to be announced.

NGF Greets Diri as New S’South Govs’ Chair, Says Election Recognises His Efforts

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has congratulated the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on his emergence as chairman of the South-south Governors’ Forum.

Diri was elected last Tuesday at a meeting of the region’s governors held at the Government House, Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. His Cross River counterpart, Senator Bassey Otu, also emerged as vice-chairman of the forum. The NGF, in a congratulatory

letter by its chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said Diri’s election was a recognition of his “leadership, dedication to governance, and commitment to the progress of the South-South region.”

The letter read in part: “Your

election, alongside His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State as Vice Chairman, reflects the confidence your colleagues have in your ability to contribute meaningfully to the development and unity of the region.

“I am confident that your

collaborative efforts will foster policies and initiatives that will drive economic growth, security, and infrastructure advancement across the South-South states and Nigeria as a whole.

“As you take on this new responsibility, please be assured

of the support and partnership of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

“We look forward to working closely with the Forum in strengthening intergovernmental relations and ensuring that governance continues to positively impact the lives of our people.”

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

over Obasa’s removal, would greatly harm his democratic credentials and he would not want to travel that route,” the source told THISDAY.

Von Blake

EMPOWERING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS...

L-R: Representative of the Akimi Ikara, Sani Bello; Representative of the Sarkin of Ikara Local Global Area, Adamu Suleiman; Managing Director of AACE Foods Processing and Distribution Limited, Gloria Nwabuike, and Co-ordinator, Diadem Women Farmers Kafanchan, Naomi Agwaza, at the launch of a training programme to empower smallholder farmers in Kaduna…recently

Bad Governance, Corruption Responsible for Insecurity, Says Varsity Don

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

A university teacher, an erudite professor of Criminology and Sociology of Law, Etannibi Alemika, has identified bad governance and corruption in the system as responsible for high rate of insecurity in Nigeria at the moment.

Professor Alemika, who was the guest lecturer at the 12th Distinguished Public Lecture at the Federal University Lokoja at the weekend declared that security agents alone cannot solve the problem of insecurity in any given nation. In the lecture titled: ‘Combating Insecurity Through Good Governance and Partnership Between Government and Citizens’, the don maintained that the alarming cases of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping among

30 Killed in Ondo Road Accident

Fidelis David in akure

No fewer than 30 persons lost their lives in a road accident that occurred at Onipetsi, on the Ore-Lagos highway, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

THISDAY gathered yesterday that the incident occurred last Saturday when two commercial buses had a head on collision and burst into flames.

The Ondo Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Commander,

Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the incident, explaining that a total of 28 persons were burnt beyond recognition while two others died while being taken to the hospital for treatment.

He said two survivors are receiving treatment in a hospital.

However, Ibitoye said preliminary investigation showed one of the vehicles drove against traffic.

He also assured the public that investigation would unravel more details on the incident.

AACE Foods Empowers Farmers to Tackle Food Waste

AACE Foods Processing and Distribution Limited has announced the launch of a transformative training programme aimed at empowering smallholder farmers and agro-transporters in Nigeria. This initiative seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce food loss and waste, and enhance food security and nutrition within local communities.

Recognising the critical role of agriculture in Nigeria’s economy, the programme focuses on strengthening the livelihoods and economic resilience of key players within the country’s agricultural value chain. According to a statement, through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the adoption of

innovative techniques, AACE Foods Processing and Distribution Limited will address the pressing challenges of food waste and post-harvest losses while fostering long-term sustainability.

Commenting, Managing Director, AACE Foods Processing and Distribution Limited, Gloria Nwabuike, said: “Agriculture is at the heart of Nigeria’s economy, and reducing food loss and waste is critical to achieving food security. This training initiative demonstrates our commitment to equipping farmers and agro-transporters with the tools and knowledge needed to drive sustainable growth, strengthen livelihoods, and enhance resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.”

2023/2024 Bursary Payment to Delta Students Begins Today

Omon-Julius Onabu in asaba

Delta State Government has announced that payment of the 2023/2024 Students Special Assistance Scheme (Bursary Award) to 32,028 eligible students of Delta extraction in various higher institutions across the country would commence today (Monday), February 3, 2025.

Executive Secretary, Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Dr. Godfrey Enita, stated this in a statement in Asaba.

While commending Governor

Sheriff Oborevwori for approving commencement of the payment, Enita stressed that only qualified students of Delta State origin would benefit from the bursary scheme.

Enita said: “This is to notify the general public, particularly students of Delta State origin in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, that the Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board will commence payment of the 2023/2024 Students Special Assistance Scheme (Bursary Award) on the 3rd of February 2025.

others can only be tackled via good governance and corruptionfree society.

The guest lecturer, who noted that insecurity is a global

problem and not only in Nigeria, recommended that provision of basic infrastructure that would enhance the living conditions of citizens by the government is the

surest way to end the menace and corruption in the system.

He explained that corruption on the other hand is not only about financial inducement to

perpetuate evil, but generally about not doing things in the right or correct way either to favour someone or please as the case may be.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo:Eneka Clan Condemns Attacks on Senator Mbata

Blessing Ibunge inPortHarcourt

The attacks on the newly elected President General (PG) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Mbata on his emergence in his new position has been condemned by his indigenous community, Eneka Clan, in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The community people insisted

that their son has not committed any crime by associating with Igbos or assuming the leadership of the prestigious Igbo ethnic group.

After the emergence of Senator Mbata as the PG of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre cultural organisation, publicly disassociated itself from him, alleging that it (group) has stripped the former senator of his traditional entitlement

for accepting to lead the Igbos, one of the world recognised tribe in Nigeria. However, during a congratulatory visit to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo president in his residence at Eneka Community, the leadership of the clan, clarified that as a citizen of Nigeria, Senator Mbata has the right to belong to any peaceful organisation and association of his choice.

In a statement disclosing the outcome of the critical meeting of Eneka leadership and opinion leaders, yesterday, the community insisted that Sen. Mbata does not need to seek the approval of individual or groups, including the Ogbakor Ikwerre organisation before exercising his franchise as a Nigerian citizen and as a member of Ohanaeze.

PDP Chieftain Berates Governors Forum’s Stand on National Secretary Position

Chuks Okocha in abuja

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Umar Abdullahi, has berated the statement of the Governors Forum over the position of the National Secretary of the party. Abdullahi, who is a member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) said the statement is inflammatory and capable of deepening the crisis.

According to a statement signed by the PDP NEC member, ‘’The use of communique in addressing a conflict within the party is not an appropriate step for such a dignified forum. The governors are supposed to deploy all internal conflict resolution mechanisms before resorting to public pronouncement. The forum holds a place of honour and should discharge their duties in a fatherly manner.’’

He added: ‘’Again, disregarding the legal position of the matter in issuing a public statement of such nature, the governors appear to be exercising authority beyond their constitutional powers. Their opinion counts but cannot override the decision of the court of competent jurisdiction and that of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party which is a statutory organ of the party.’’

New NRC Boss Promises to Take Operations to a New Level

Sunday Okobi

The newly appointed Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has promised to represent and be the face of the vision of the government as summarised in the Renewed Hope Agenda

of Mr. President, and ensure that the NRC adequately fulfils its responsibility to the Nigerian people.

He stated this in his speech during his acceptance of the role to manage the affair of the corporation held in Lagos recently.

Opeifa, who thanked God and the president for the appointment, said: “I stand this morning to testify to the goodness of the Almighty God for He is ever faithful and His mercies endureth forever.”

“I Thank the Almighty God for this recognition by His Excellency,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my mentor, our national leader, the pathfinder and my benefactor. “I am grateful for the trust and confidence reposed in me to lead this vital institution, which is one of the oldest and most impactful in the history of our great nation.

Global Rights Calls for De-escalation of Violence in DR Congo

A civil society organisation, Global Rights, has called on the African Union, the United Nations, and regional leaders— including Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame,to take swift and concrete steps

to de-escalate the ongoing crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) and address its root causes.

Global Rights also called on all parties involved in the violent conflict, particularly the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, to immediately agree

to a ceasefire and engage in meaningful dialogue to restore peace.

A statement by Executive Director, Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, urged all factions involved in the conflict to respect human rights and adhere to international humanitarian law.

According to her, the protection of innocent civilian lives must remain paramount. Her words: “Global Rights is deeply saddened and gravely concerned by the escalating violence in the DRC, particularly the intensifying clashes in the strategic city of Goma.

AVA Global Asset Managers Unveils N1bn Money Market Fund

AVA Global Asset Managers Limited (AVA GAM) has launched its Money Market Fund, following approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

According to the company, this milestone aligns with its commitment to drive financial inclusion, support economic

growth, and offer Nigerians a reliable avenue for achieving their financial goals.

The AVA GAM Money Market Fund, with an offer size of N1 billion and a unit price of N1.00 and launched last week, is an open-ended fund designed to provide unit holders with a

steady stream of income while preserving capital.

Ideal for retail investors, high net worth individuals andi nstitutional investors, the fund offers competitive returns, professional management, ease of subscription, and liquidity, making it a credible choice for both new and seasoned

investors seeking financial stability. Speaking during the launch, the Managing Director of AVA GAM, Mr. Efe Shaire, said: “The AVA GAM Money Market Fund comes at a crucial time when Nigerians are seeking secure ways to safeguard and grow their wealth amid economic uncertainties.”

Coca-Cola Unveils Packaging Hub to Address Waste Collection Challenge

Raheem Akingboluwithagency reports

The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its authorised bottler, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC),

has unveiled a packaging collection hub in Lagos to tackle waste collection.

During the inauguration recently in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Coca-Cola, Zoran Bogdanovic, said that the facility aimed to reduce

waste by collecting and recycling its packaging in Nigeria.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the facility, a landmark initiative in Nigeria’s plastics recycling infrastructure, has the capacity to process up to 13,000

metric tonnes (MT) of plastic bottles annually. Bogdanovic said that by investing in the hub, the company was supporting local communities, creating jobs and demonstrating its commitment to building a more sustainable future.

Linus Aleke in abuja

BACK ON THE FRONT BURNER

contributes a small quota.

Don’t forget, 1300 years ago, the great Kanem Empire sprang up to the north east of this lake and was deeply connected to Sudan and North Africa through trade and other exchange. The Borno Empire, of the same roots, later supplanted it to the south west of the Lake. Much more recently in 2009, Abubakar al-Shekawi pretended to succeed them by creating an “Islamic Caliphate” on the same great soil, leading to the greatest ravage this basin has witnessed since the Sudanese warlord and slave trader Rabeh az-Zubair ibn Fadl reigned over it in the late 19th century.

Why has this lake shrunk so much? Three things account for the water level of an African lake, namely rainfall, inflow from rivers and evaporation. Rainfall has reduced in the region; evaporation is high due to high temperatures and inflow from rivers has been severely reduced because they have been dammed for irrigation purposes. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said in Maiduguri last week that all hands must be on deck to rechannel water into Lake Chad and end the basin area’s agony. He should know; Ganduje spoke not as APC National Chairman but as a former Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Looks like help is on the way, because the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum for Regional Cooperation on Stabilization, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development just ended its three-day meeting in Maiduguri, its fifth since 2018. It is an unusual forum, with regional governors of Chad Basin territories from four countries. Its theme was “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment

to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community.” Although Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni hosted the meeting, it was held at Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre of the University of Maiduguri for logistic reasons. Participating along with the regional governors was African Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], civil society organizations, media, embassies, technical and financial partners from the United Nations system, International Support Groups (ISGs) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Traditional rulers from all the regions were also brought in; they are a key factor in security, rehabilitation and resettlement efforts.

The key document for discussion at the forum was the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery and Resilience of the Areas Affected by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS SRR). This epic document was prepared by LCBC with the help of international development partners. The Governors Forum long ago adopted it and the African Union Peace Commission endorsed it. It is a very comprehensive document that addressed all the Lake Chad Basin’s multi-faceted problems including violence by Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province [ISWAP] and associated terrorist groups, millions of refugees, some internally displaced while others are displaced across international boundaries, massive destruction of communities and their facilities and collapse of local and regional economies, on top of environmental problems. No progress is possible on any aspect of these problems until the insurgents and

CASH FOR LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL

approving budgets and bills. The infamous "Ghana-Must-Go" scandal in 2000, where lawmakers received cash-stuffed bags to pass bills, exemplifies this era. The scandal exposed how much money influenced legislative decisions, setting a persistent precedent. About four Senate residents were removed between 1999 and 2007, all linked to issues of alleged corruption.

Between 2007 and 2015, bribery became more institutionalised. Legislators exploited constituency projects for personal gain, diverting public funds intended for grassroots development. For instance, a 2013 audit revealed that over 60% of allocated constituency project funds in Nigeria were either unaccounted for or misappropriated. Lawmakers would allocate funds for non-existent projects, facilitate the award of contracts to their associates, or inflate project costs to siphon money for personal use. In her book "Fighting Corruption is Dangerous," former Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala revealed that in 2014, the National Assembly was allegedly bribed with ₦17 billion by the administration of then-President Goodluck Jonathan to pass the budget. These claims underscored concerns about the integrity of the legislative budgeting process.

Between 2015 and 2023, the Nigerian National Assembly was implicated in several corruption scandals, highlighting challenges in governance and accountability. Notable instances include allegations that in 2016, some members of the House of Representatives had inflated the national budget by inserting unauthorised projects, a practice known as budget padding. This led to internal conflicts and calls for investigations. However, the matter was not conclusively resolved.

The present-day National Assembly is increasingly perceived as a bastion of corruption, where financial inducements determine legislative actions rather than public welfare. The growing perception that lawmakers prioritise their financial interests over governance responsibilities further alienates citizens from the democratic process. Public perception of the National Assembly as the “house of corruption” has far-reaching implications. It could create a legitimacy crisis for the entire government, lead to significant erosion of public trust in that institution, generally lead to poor service delivery as every implementing agency has a ready excuse not to perform, impede oversight function due to lack of

terrorists are completely eradicated. In the forefront of this effort is the Multinational Joint Task Force [MNJTF], based in Ndjamena with a Nigerian commander, and to which Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Benin Republic have all contributed troops. The forum said efforts by MNJTF and by other national armies and security forces have greatly reduced the threat posed by terrorist groups, enhanced civilian protection and compelled many members of these groups to surrender.

A communique was issued after the Forum’s meeting ended on Friday. Among others, it commended the Governors of the eight most affected territories of the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria for their steadfast political leadership, unwavering commitment and strong support for the effective implementation of the RS SRR in their respective territories. It said substantial progress was achieved in advancing stabilisation, peace and sustainable development across the LCB region since its formation in May 2018.

There are several major tasks at hand, the communique stated, including strengthening operational capacity of Multinational Joint Task Force, investing in transborder security, ensuring member states effectively occupy Lake Chad islands and control its waterways, neutralising remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP, and combating illicit trade of arms, drug trafficking and drug abuse. Also needed is the scaling up of effort in climate resilient initiatives and environmental protection, rehabilitation of the Lake Chad Basin ecosystems and biodiversity. The governors also called for establishment of Free Trade Zones in the Lake Chad region to promote cross-border

cooperation, and could worsen corruption in ministries, departments and agencies (MDA).

Legislators are elected to represent the will of their constituents and, therefore, the nation. Taking cash for legislation or even oversight is a corrupt thwart of popular will and public interest. A legislature degrades itself to the level of a bazaar floor where the highest bidder gets any legislation passed, including appropriation. The perception, rightly or wrongly, that whatever the executive wants passed, they must pay in advance does irreparable damage to the reputation of the symbol of the Nigerian people. Worse still, inviting corporate entities by the National Assembly committees to be harassed to cough out cash is a significant disincentive for investment. Although with scanty evidence, this "cash-for-legislative approval" phenomenon is now popularly referred to as the "midnight economy ". Legislative corruption has severe and

trade and economic connectivity.

Before this meeting thrust the Lake Chad Basin’s dilemma back into the spotlight, it looked like Boko Haram fatigue and the rise of bandits and kidnappers in the North West, had thrown it off the national front burner. The Federal Government never forgot, though, with its whole Army Theatre and numerous other security agencies committed to the war in the region. Vice President Kashim Shettima, the shon of the Borno shoil who opened the meeting on President Bola Tinubu’s behalf, said Nigerian leaders are not at ease because a part of the country is not at ease. If and when the crises of the Lake Chad Basin region are overcome and its full productive potentials are revived, this country would have found a major contributor in its march to the post-oil age.

A lot of the work going forward falls on the shoulders of Mai Mala Buni, the Governor of Yobe State who was elected to chair the trans-national governors’ forum for the next two years. He said in his acceptance speech that “it is imperative that we move beyond dialogue to concrete and collective action” and “ensure that the resolutions adopted here are implemented at all levels.” Complicating Buni’s task is the current strained relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic and the latter’s withdrawal, with two others, from ECOWAS last Thursday. But those issues should never be allowed to impede the governors’ efforts. Without cooperation and collaboration, neither Nigeria nor Niger Republic nor any of the other basin countries will be safe from the menace of terrorists and insurgents or the socio-economic dislocation caused by a shrinking lake.

waste.

Thirdly, when corruption dictates policy decisions, essential public services— such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure—suffer due to misallocated funds. The alleged diversion of funds in the 2025 Budget Scandal exemplifies how universities, already struggling with poor infrastructure and inadequate funding, are further deprived of necessary resources. The long-term impact includes declining educational standards, brain drain and reduced economic competitiveness. When legislative approval paid for has economic consequences, the adverse impact is passed on to the public in the form of inflation, unfavorable trade terms, and high development project costs.

far-reaching consequences. First, it erodes public trust in the National Assembly, creating a legitimacy crisis that can lead to political apathy and instability. According to a 2024 Transparency International report, 76% of Nigerians believe their legislature is corrupt, reflecting a profound loss of confidence in governance. As citizens become disillusioned with democratic institutions, voter turnout declines, and political engagement diminishes, weakening the very foundations of democracy.

Secondly, weak legislative oversight allows financial mismanagement within ministries and government agencies, exacerbating governance failures. A 2019 report by Nigeria’s Auditor General found that over N300 billion in government funds remained unaccounted for due to weak legislative scrutiny. When lawmakers prioritise personal enrichment over oversight responsibilities, government agencies operate with little accountability, increasing inefficiency and

The practice of cash-for-legislative approval threatens the foundation of democracy. Its legitimacy is severely compromised when the legislature operates as a marketplace where financial transactions dictate legislative decisions. The perception that legislative approvals are contingent on bribery damages the National Assembly's reputation and discourages foreign investment. On a broader scale, corruption in the legislative branch of government sustains social injustice and economic inequality. It undermines the making of just laws, fair competition, and economic growth by fostering an atmosphere where only those with money and connections can get legislative approval. Without immediate reforms, Nigeria's government's credibility remains at risk. Corruption's unchecked influence in legislative decision-making fosters a culture of impunity, where lawmakers feel emboldened to continue illicit practices without fear of consequences.

Restoring accountability and transparency is imperative. Strengthening anti-corruption institutions, fostering media and civil society participation, and ensuring businesses operate free from legislative coercion are critical steps toward reform. The public must recognise that democracy is not self-sustaining; it requires active participation and vigilance to hold leaders accountable. Ultimately, the Nigerian people must demand change, as the survival of democracy depends on it. The battle against legislative corruption requires collective action, persistent advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice. Through these efforts, Nigeria can build a future where governance serves the people rather than private interests.

Senate President Akpabio

Boniface Put Failed Move to Al Nassr Behind, on Target for Leverkusen Again

Another Nigerian, Gift Orban, scores consolation goal for

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Victor Boniface puts behind him his failed big money transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr to score in Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 win over an injury-hit Hoffenheim on Sunday evening.

The victory extends Die Werkself’s victorious home run to nine matches

BUNDESLIGA

while conceding just six times in the process.

The game was barely 15 minutes when the Super Eagles striker registered leverkusen’s first shot which incidentally found the net. Alejandro Grimaldo’s pass found

Boniface who wasted no time to strike it with his left foot. The goal came just days after his potential move to Al Nassr broke down.

Four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong made a darting run down the right to collect Aleix Garcia’s long ball, entered the area and hit low

into the far corner to double the hosts’ advantage.

Some history was made shortly after that when referee Robin Braun announced the overturning of a penalty - originally awarded to Leverkusen via the BayArena’s PA system - the first time that had

happened in the Bundesliga.

Despite some more promise early in the second half, the visitors were pegged back further as new Leverkusen loan signing Emiliano Buendia produced a tricky run into the box, and although his shot was saved, the rebound was smashed in

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has chosen Nigerian teenage fencer, Wisdom Okanlawon as one of five athletes from 30 African countries to attend a high-performance training camp and compete at the 2025 Cadet & Junior World Championships in Wuxi, China.

According to the FIE, the training camp, which takes place from April 1 to 12, is organised in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity and aims to identify and support top talent from across Africa, providing athletes with world-class training and competition opportunities. The camp will bring together some of the most promising fencers from around the world.

In a statement issued by the Nigerian Fencing Federation, the 18-year-old inclusion in this elite group underscores his remarkable achievements in the sport and his potential to excel at the highest level. His selection recognizes his exceptional skill, dedication, and potential to represent Africa on the global stage. The training camp will offer Okanlawon the chance to refine his skills under the guidance of top coaches. After the camp, he will compete at the World Championships from April 13 to 15, where he will face off against the best junior fencers globally.

The Commissioners for Sports and Chairmen of Sports Commissions in the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have hailed the leadership of the commission for establishing the Niger Delta Sports Festival, stressing that it will greatly impact sports and human capital development across the region.

At a stakeholders meeting of the NDDC with the heads of sports in the states held at the NDDC Headquarters on Friday, January 31, the delegates unanimously expressed their excitement at the intervention of the NDDC in the region's sports sector, especially with the initiative of the competition, which they described as the greatest thing to happen to sports in the region.

Presiding over the meeting, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC, also the Chairman of the Planning Committee and former Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, revealed that the project was conceived in recognition of the fact while the Niger Delta produces a huge percentage of Nigeria's elite sports men and women, there is urgent need to sustain their output in order to elevate the fortunes of both the region and the nation's sports, in line with the objectives and drive of President Bola Ahmed

Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the NDDC had been working with the Project Consultants, Dunamis Icon Limited, for several months, and having achieved several milestones in the preparations, the meeting was called to properly brief the state sports commissioners so that all the stakeholders will be on the same page.

"We considered it imperative to partner and support the states for the discovery and grooming of talents into national and international stars and enable the region effectively tap into the global sports economy," he declared.

Welcoming the development, all the states of the NDDC declared their readiness to participate in the festival and pleaded with the NDDC to sustain it as an annual event.

The highlight of the occasion was a presentation by the Project Consultants, following which the meeting unanimously endorsed Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as host of the maiden edition, the schedule of April 1 to 9 for the event and the inclusion of traditional wrestling alongside Olympic style wrestling as part of the competition.

Other events include Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing, Chess, Football, Handball, Para-Athletics, Para-Powerlifting, Scrabble, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball and Weightlifting.

Plateau Utd Halt

Femi

Solaja

Long-time winner Shooting Stars of Ibadan missed the chance of a seven-match winning streak in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) yesterday following a 1-1 scoreline with host Plateau United in Jos.

But the day's shock win was at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, where Emmanuel Amuneke’s Heartland FC took their pound of flesh off the Finidi George’s Rivers United with a two nil victory.

The result took the title contenders from Port Harcourt further away from the top pack and rooted at 35 points but in third position while Remo Stars are still runway leaders on 45 points.

At the Jos Stadium, both the host, Plateau United and Shooting Stars had a busy first half with no goal to show for their respective efforts.

However, Kabiru Tijani put the away side in the lead in the 76th minute but the near-capacity stand went into a frenzy mood after Albert Hilary scored the equaliser from the right side of the goalkeeper just a minute later.

The result ended the Oluyole Warriors’ seven-match winning streak after the wins against Abia

Warriors, Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars, the famous away win at Enugu Rangers, Kwara United, and the Nasarawa United before this score draw that placed the side in second position but eight points behind leaders Remo stars.

Two goals from Christian Molokwu in the 62nd minute and Joel Okoro in the 73rd gave Heartland of Owerri a massive 2-0 win over Rivers United.

The result leaves the Naze side in the ninth position with 29 points.

In Kano, Pillars came from a 1-4

by fellow substitute Patrik Schick - his 14th goal in 10 league matches. However, the last half-hour was made far trickier when Grimaldo was shown a second yellow card for his challenge on Bulter, and Hoffenheim immediately hit back through Nigerian international Gift Orban, who tapped in among the melee of the resulting free-kick. But with no immediate second goal, Hoffenheim became increasingly frustrated and ultimately fell short in their comeback efforts.

Having been beaten just once in their last 53 Bundesliga matches, it’s a wonder that Xabi Alonso’s men still have significant work to do if they are to successfully defend their title.

Bose Odusanya continues her recordsetting streak at the annual Molade Okoya-Thomas National Table Tennis Championships, securing her 10th consecutive Women’s Singles title at the 56th edition of Africa's longestrunning table tennis tournament over the weekend in Lagos.

National champion Matthew Kuti also maintained his unbeaten run, winning his first senior Men’s Singles title at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup with a convincing 4-1 victory over Kwara’s Abbulbasit Abdulfatai. Despite being seeded fourth, Odusanya raised her game to bulldoze her way into the final, where she defeated Amina Fashola of NSCDC 4-1 (8-11, 11-4, 11-9, 11-6, 11-8), becoming the first player in

the competition's history to claim 10 consecutive titles.

Kuti, the top seed in the Men’s Singles, entertained dignitaries, including Ogun State First Lady Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and former Kwara State First Lady Mrs. Oluwatoyin Saraki, along with the home fans. He confidently claimed his first senior title at the tournament. Despite losing the first game 7-11, Kuti rallied back to stun his left-handed opponent with a commanding 4-1 (7-11, 11-8, 11-6, 11-5, 11-9) win, emerging as the new Men’s Singles champion. A delighted Odusanya described this year’s win as the toughest, noting it was the first time the tournament was played as a national event. She commended her opponent for putting

at home to

with a

up a good fight in the entertaining final.

For Kuti, winning the Molade Okoya-Thomas Cup title adds to his numerous titles in the country. He also praised the family of the tournament's initiator for making it a national event. In the U-15 finals, Usman Ayoola of Oyo State and Chinenye Okafor claimed the boys’ and girls’ titles. Ayoola defeated his Oyo State counterpart Ahmed Ayatullahi 3-0 (11-8, 11-8, 12-10) to lift the boys’ title, while Abia’s Okafor, who was on the brink of defeat after taking a 2-0 lead, calmly claimed another national victory with a 3-2 (11-7, 11-6, 7-11, 3-11, 11-8) win to be crowned the girls’ U-15 champion.

Victor Boniface…confidence restored with goal in Leverkusen’s 3-1 win against Hoffenheim

L-R (front row): Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Obinna Onyeocha; Cross River State Commissioner for Sports, Mrs Agnes Atsu; Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barr Chris Green; NDDC EDFA, Alabo Boma Iyaye; Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Hon Daniel Igali; Chairman, Dunamis Icon Limited, Project Consultant, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo Ksm; Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports, Lady Nsa Bassey, at the Niger Delta Sports Festival Stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt …last Friday

defeat in Lagos to Ikorodu City but laboured to a goalless scoreline

Bayelsa United while Abia Warriors compounded Akwa United woes

2-0 win in Aba just as Nasarawa United pipped visiting Niger Tornadoes 2-0. Action resumes this evening as Lobi Stars welcome Enyimba while Bendel Insurance will be at home against Katsina United. Enugu Rangers will play host to Ikorodu City while Kwara United will host El Kanemi Warriors in Ilorin.

MISSILE

Nigerian Immigrant toTrump's Regime

“My life has been disrupted. I can't even go to work anymore. I spent over N18million while migrating here and am still in debt back in Nigeria. If I am ever deported, my life would crumble because how do I begin to pick up my life again from the debt I am in? I can't even work to earn money for the last three weeks.We are all living in anxiety in this precarious DonaldTrump regime" –AtraumatisedNigerianImmigrantlamentingin USoverPresidentDonaldTrump'sdeportation policy.

MAHMUDJEGA

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Back on the Front Burner

One of the most heart-warming stories in Nigeria last week was that seven governors, only three of them from Nigeria, met in Maiduguri to push forward with concerted efforts to salvage the Lake Chad Basin. This [once great] water basin covers one million square kilometres, more than the size of Nigeria. It straddles four countries, so the Governor of Niger Republic’s Diffa Province, Governor of Cameroon’s Far North region as well as the Governors of Chad’s Hadjer-Lamis and Lac provinces joined the governors of Nigeria’s Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states to attend the meeting.

I was counting on my fingers regions of Africa that, in recent decades, became synonymous with violence and crises. Count northern Uganda in the days of Lord’s Resistance Army; count Democratic Republic of Congo’s Katanga/Shaba province, Kolwezi and more recently North Kivu province; add to the list Sierra Leone’s border regions straddling Liberia in the heydays of Foday Sankoh; include southern Mozambique in the heydays of South African-sponsored Renamo; include central Angola when Jonas

Savimbi’s CIA-supported UNITA reigned supreme; add Zimbabwe’s Ndebele Province during the post-independence civil war of the early 1980s; don’t forget Rwanda, the scene of an epic 1994 genocide; add Ethiopia’s Somali and Amhara regions; don’t forget

Sudan’s Darfur region; not to mention South Sudan, where two rounds of civil war lasted for decades before it attained independence; add Algeria when Islamic Salvation Front [FIS] guerillas of the were carrying out mass slaughter; include northern Mali, when Tuareg rebels swept in from the Maghreb; add northern Chad, when the armies of Hissène Habré, Goukouni Waddeye and Abdelkader Kamougue once battled for control. Sadly, add also our own Lake Chad Basin which, in the last 15 years, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province [ISWAP] turned into another African hell on Earth.

In Lake Chad Basin’s case, most probably, the shrinking of the once mighty lake was the beginning of its problem. In old maps of Africa dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, Lake Chad was a conspicuous presence, nearly as conspicuous on African maps as Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi. I was reading recently about the Aral Sea between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Once the size of Lake Victoria at 68,000 km2, it completely dried up two decades ago, with heart-breaking pictures of ships stranded in the sand. Lake Chad has shrunk to one tenth

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

BENEATH THE SURFACE

of its size since 1960, with every danger that it could one day disappear like Aral Sea. How can that not be a major disaster for millions of people that for centuries relied on it and its associated rivers and tributaries for water to drink, irrigate farms, raise huge cattle herds and catch fish, hundreds of trucks laden with which left Lake Chad’s shores every day before the onset of Boko Haram?

Fifteen thousand years ago, according to geologists, Lake Chad was so mighty that it covered an area of 400,000 km2 [nearly half of Nigeria’s current land area], had depths of 180 metres and was connected to both Rivers Benue and Niger, through which its waters flowed into the Atlantic. Okay, that was a long time ago but in the late 19th century when White explorers visited it, Lake Chad had a surface area of 28,000 km2. As recently as 1966, its land area was 22,000 km2 which sank to 1,200 km2 in 1994 but is now about 2,200kms. Most of the water comes from the Ubangi-Chari River in Central Africa and Chad, but Komadugu-Yobe river also

Continued on page 38

Cash for Legislative Approval

Democracy thrives on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. The legislature, as the guardian of democratic governance, plays a crucial role in lawmaking, budget approval, and oversight. These functions ensure that government policies align with the public interest, resources are allocated equitably, and the executive remains accountable. However, legislative corruption, particularly the exchange of money for legislation, undermines democracy, distorts policymaking, and erodes public trust in governance. Corruption in the legislature is a reduction of the sanctity of the legislature itself and a reduction of its credibility. In Nigeria, the escalating issue of legislative corruption is a cause for immediate concern. Public confidence in government institutions is rapidly eroding as lawmakers are perceived to prioritize personal gain over national development. At a recent Investors roundtable convened by the office of the Vice President, concerns were raised

about the National Assembly's obstructive stance towards business. Similarly, at a civil society gathering, participants alleged that the 10th National Assembly trades freely in legislation and legislative approval.

Recent allegations, such as the 2025 Budget Scandal—where the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND allegedly demanded N8 million from each university vice chancellor for budget approval—highlight the systemic nature of bribery. With 60 federal universities involved, this equates to N480 million diverted from education to corruption. University administrators, already struggling with limited budgets, are left with no choice but to comply, exacerbating the crisis in the education sector.

The issue extends beyond education. Foreign investors report that legislative hostility and demands for illicit payments deter business. A 2023 World Bank report ranked Nigeria 131st out of 190 in ease of doing business, citing bureaucratic corruption as a significant obstacle. These corrupt practices not only discourage

foreign investment but also stifle economic growth, underscoring the urgent need for economic reforms.

Civil society organisations have played a crucial role in exposing and challenging the 10th National Assembly's corrupt practices. They have accused the Assembly of openly demanding cash or contracts before approving government projects and bills. This normalisation of corruption signals a dangerous shift in governance, where financial incentives dictate policy decisions rather than national interests. When bribery becomes a prerequisite for legislative approval, policies that could enhance economic development and social welfare are either delayed or distorted, ultimately harming the general populace.

Corruption in Nigeria's legislature has deep historical roots. During the Second Republic (1979–1983), legislators were accused of accepting bribes to influence national policies. Research conducted in 1996 by Dr Okonkwo Cletus Ugwu has this to say about the 1979-83 set of legislators: "The executive used other patronages like allocation of plots and distributorship to

lure some of the Legislators into dancing to its tune." This historical context of corruption in the legislature underscores the need for long-term solutions to this pervasive issue.

Corruption in the legislative arm of government in Nigeria was not entirely the result of the legislators' actions. In 1980, at the inception of the second republic, chief executives or heads of the executive arm of government at the federal and state levels introduced what was called “Assembly liaison officers”. Their main job was to lobby legislators, but it was in a negative sense here. Constituency projects entered the lexicon and were liberally abused without consequence. Transparency in the conduct of legislative business got blurred, and the culture of cash exchange for legislative support got entrenched.

The return to democracy in 1999 saw a resurgence of corruption, with lawmakers demanding kickbacks for

Gov Zulum