Central Bank's EFEMS Sees Naira Gains Significantly on Its Way to Price Discovery
Nume Ekeghe
www.thisdaylive.com
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Senate yesterday described the privatisation of the power sector in Nigeria as a total failure, chiding power sector operators, including Generation Companies (Gencos), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Distribution Companies (Discos) for failing to deliver reliable electricity.
The senators’ position was sequel to the presentation of a report by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe that investigated frequent national
grid collapses and related issues. They insisted that the players in the sector have added no significant value to the sector, warning that it might propose legislative measures to repeal the policy.
The red chamber insisted that it would probe the activities of
Gencos, the TCN and Discos, for failing to deliver reliable electricity, threatening to come up with legislative measures, including new laws. It claimed that the privatisation, introduced in 2013, has plunged Nigeria deeper into darkness, leaving citizens without solutions.
The Upper Chamber directed the Abaribe panel to conduct a holistic investigation into the challenges of the sector. The panel was asked to come up with recommendations that should cover possible reversal of privatisation and declaration of an
Failure
emergency in the power sector and report at plenary in six weeks. In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio who was showed visible annoyance said, "They have added
Bamidele: Tax Reform Bills Alive, Were Never Suspended Senate Declares Power Sector Privatisation Total
Red chamber restructures panel, confirms first meeting with AGF’s team Abba Moro cautions against politicisation of debate South-south senators pass confidence vote in Akpabio, back proposed laws CITN urges stakeholders to make facts-based recommendations
CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU CHAIRMAN VISITS SENATE...
The launch of Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS)
L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Olamilekan Adeola; Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno; Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Abdullahi Bello; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Murtala Kankia and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate in his office ....on Thursday.
SIGNING CEREMONY OF A $50M PORTFOLIO GUARANTEE AGREEMENT...
between the two organisations ... yesterday
BoI, AGF Sign $50m Deal to Boost Credit to MSMEs, Women Entrepreneurs, Green Businesses
Olusi: Agreement will dismantle barriers, unlock unprecedented opportunities
James Emejo in Abuja
The Bank of Industry (BoI) yesterday signed a $50 million portfolio guarantee agreement with Guarantee Fund (AGF) to unlock unprecedented financing for women entrepreneurs; Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and green businesses in the country.
The portfolio, which is in support of the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) launched by African Development Bank (AfDB), guarantees up to N75 billion.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Managing Director/Chief Executive, BoI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the landmark initiative represented the dawn of an exciting new chapter for small businesses, which had struggled with limited access to finance.
He said the collaboration promised to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development as “we are unlocking unprecedented opportunities for these enterprises that represent a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic future for our nation”.
Olusi described MSMEs as “visionaries building the foundation of the economy, the innovators solving the most pressing challenges and the dreamers creating jobs that fuel our communities”.
He said the important sector was confronted with limited access to finance as a significant barrier to their growth and sustainability.
FG Launches Hazard Risk Report for Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation
The federal government on Thursday launched the 2024 Hazard Risk Countrywide Report aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts across the country.
The report, developed under the leadership of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with technical support from UNICEF, offers a detailed analysis of Nigeria’s vulnerability to hazards such as floods, droughts, and public health emergencies.
It provides policymakers, emergency responders, and community leaders with critical data to improve early warning systems and enhance risk mitigation strategies.
To this end, Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address Nigeria’s vulnerabilities to disasters and climate change as
well as building a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
Speaking during the launch in Abuja, Shettima reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods from ecological and other risks.
According to him, “This launch is a testament to our resolve as a nation to confront the uncertainties of our ecological realities with informed strategies.
“We are committed to protecting citizens from ecological risks while building the infrastructure and mechanisms necessary for disaster prevention and response.”
Noting that the nation cannot prepare for risks it does not know, the Vice President said the document provides the foundation for understanding the magnitude of the challenges facing Nigeria, empowering government "to move from reactive to proactive strategies in addressing
disasters.”
Shettima noted recent challenges in Nigeria, including devastating floods and outbreaks of diseases like cholera, which have displaced thousands and claimed lives, just as he explained that these recurring disasters bring to the fore the urgency of robust preparedness mechanisms.
“While we may not prevent every disaster, we can reduce their impact significantly by institutionalizing risk assessment and continuously monitoring hazards and vulnerabilities. This analysis is not just a tool - it is a lifeline for building community resilience,” the Vice President said.
He commended NEMA, development partners, and other stakeholders for their dedication in producing the report, describing it as a landmark achievement that reflects the administration’s focus on proactive governance.
“This is not the conclusion of our
efforts; it is the beginning of a new chapter. We must now work together to use this report as a springboard for policies and actions that will make Nigeria more resilient against future risks,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to international partners, including UN agencies and NGOs, for their contributions to the nation's disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
“Protecting lives and property is a collective responsibility, and this launch symbolizes the unity of purpose that we need to build a safer Nigeria,” Shettima further said.
Earlier in his remarks, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the launch of the report was timely.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to leveraging the findings of the report to make legislations that will impact crisis management and disaster mitigation.
UNDP Facilitates $10m Lifeline for Women Businesses in Nigeria
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has facilitated $10 million in investment from trade lender for business women in the country. This lift is coming under the recently launched #HerAfCFTA initiative of UNDP which is aimed at helping women entrepreneurs in Nigeria as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The programme offers support in areas such as: capacity building, market access, trade facilitation, business networking, investment, and digitalization.
The AfCFTA is a trade agreement that aims to boost intra-African trade and promote economic development. It presents opportunities for women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, access new markets, and grow their businesses.
Women entrepreneurs on the continent have been reported to be facing challenges ranging from gender-based violence, limited market access, and lack of access to business tools.
Speaking at the #HerAfCFTA forum in Abuja with the theme: Empowering Women-led Micro,
Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises for continental trade opportunities, the UNDP National Programme Specialist, Ms. Clare Henshaw said the UN agency under the #HerAfCFTA has been able to successfully facilitated the $10 million as seed projects.
At the forum, which is in collaboration with Women Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Henshaw also disclosed that there would be more funding for women and youth in business but they have to be ready.
She said: "As we speak, not only have they successfully facilitated
$10 million investment from trade lenders to seed projects, just one business, we've also been able to pile up a number of businesses and partners that are coming your way, if only you are ready."
She revealed that the six months old #HerAfCFTA initiative has a target of raising $30 million to support women in business.
On her part, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, speaking on equipping the women to break the barriers confronting them, said the initiative focuses on equipping them with tools needed to succeed within the AfCFTA ecosystem.
He said through AGF’s support, BoI will deepen its commitment to the enterprises, providing them with the resources to scale their operations, innovate for impact and expand into new markets.
The BoI managing director said, “By prioritising women-owned businesses and environmentally sustainable enterprises, we are saying that women must not just participate in Nigeria’s economic story—they must lead it.
“We are saying that sustainable, climate-conscious practices are not optional—they are imperative. This partnership also aligns seamlessly with the BoI's mission to drive industrial transformation and our vision to lead Nigeria into a future defined by opportunity, equity and resilience.”
He pointed out that over the past decade, the bank had disbursed over N1.6 trillion in loans, supported millions of MSMEs, and created over nine million jobs. He added that the new agreement will amplify its capacity to do more.
Olusi commended the AGF for
its unwavering commitment to supporting development across the continent.
He said, “Your work in de-risking investments and enhancing financial inclusion has been instrumental in enabling transformative change, and we are honoured to collaborate with you on this mission.
“As we formalise this agreement today, let us not just celebrate a deal but the potential it represents – the lives it will touch, the businesses it will empower and the legacy it will leave. Let us commit to ensuring that the impact of this partnership resonates beyond these walls, reaching every corner of Nigeria and setting a precedent for the continent.
“The road ahead is long, but it is also bright. Together, we will ensure that the seeds of hope and opportunity sown here today grow into a harvest of prosperity for the Nigerian economy.” Olusi thanked the BoI team, AfDB AFAWA group and all stakeholders who had worked tirelessly to bring the agreement into fruition.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Felicitates CEO of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Aliu at 50 to advancing the work of God and humanity across Ijebuland.
President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo, the Bobasuwa II, and his wife, Erelu Morenikeji Okunowo, on their investiture as Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu and Yeye Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu.
Chief Olufunmilola Okunowo, a distinguished lawyer, philanthropist, and community leader, is set to join the ranks of illustrious Ijebu sons, such as the late industrialist Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola and the late banking titan Chief Michael Olasubomi Balogun, to be so honoured.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) will confer the prestigious titles upon them on December 7, 2024.
In another development, President Tinubu also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the founder and CEO of Matrix Energy Group, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu on the occasion of his 50th birthday on December 5, 2024.
On the Okunowos, according to a release issued on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President thanked CAN for recognizing the Okunowos' decades-long dedication
President Tinubu acknowledged that the esteemed title Asiwaju Onigbagbo Akile Ijebu conferred upon Olufunmilola now has its influence extended to the entire Ijebuland. Moreover, this honour coincides with two significant milestones: the couple's 50th wedding anniversary and Chief Okunowo's 77th birthday.
The President extended his warmest wishes and congratulations to the Okunowos on this multiple celebration and wished them continued success and fulfilment in their future endeavours.
President Tinubu stated that the remarkable investiture will cement the Okunowos' legacy as pillars of their community, reinforcing their unwavering commitment to service and leadership.
The President, in another release by his Information Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, said this significant milestone not only commemorated Abdulkabir's personal journey but also highlighted his remarkable contributions to the energy sector and his profound impact on fostering economic growth and social development in Nigeria.
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
Managing Director /CEO, Bank of Industry (BOI) Dr Olasupo Olusi, and the Group CEO of African Guarantee Fund (AGF) Mr Jules Ngankam, at the signing ceremony of a $50M Portfolio Guarantee Agreement
FACILITY TOUR OF ONNE...
Director, Finance and Administration, NPA,
Creditcorp, Automakers Sign N20 Billion MoU Consumer Credit Fund for Locally-assembled Vehicles
The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and National Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) yesterday signed a N20 billion memorandum of understanding (MoU) consumer credit fund for locallyassembled automobile.
The scheme seeks to provide credit for Nigerians to buy cars without paying cash, provide credit guarantees and nudge locàl automobile manufacturers to make vehicles not only affordable but meet local demands.
At the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja yesterday were representatives of local automakers like Nord, Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria (PAN), Milan, TVS and Jet, among others.
In his remarks, the Director
General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Oluwemimo Joseph Osinipin stated that history was being made with the kick off of the N20 billion consumer credit fund for locally-assembled automobile.
According to him, steps were being taken to turn the country into a credit economy, adding that Nigerjans were looking forward to buying vehicles without instant payment of cash with the initiative by Creditcorp.
The credit scheme by Creditcorp, he stated, follows the trend in other parts of the world where vehicles owners use credit facilities to acquire and pay for vehicles instalmentally.
Osonipin noted that no country can develop without the credit system working while soliciting for support for Creditcorp.
He argued that the success of the credit scheme was dependent on the support the automakers will extend to Creditcorp, urging them to align their processes with those of the latter.
The Managing Director, Creditcorp, Uzoma Nwagwa noted that focus should be on the intial size of the credit scheme (N20 billion), but on what it sets out to achieve over time.
According to him, Creditcorp's target was to help car owners secure credit at single-digit, stressing that the credit history of individuals with financial institutions was necessary.
He also disclosed that his organisation would also provide credit guarantees to the local automakers up to a certain percentage to mitigate their losses, if any.
Nwagwa explained that while it
builds the necessary infrastructure to grow the credit scheme, automakers have the responsibility of ensuring demand for their vehicles.
The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) is a Development Finance Institution (DFI) of the Federal Government of Nigeria, established with the mandate: to democratise access to consumer credit for Nigeria’s working population.
AMCON Intervention Eases Aero Contractors Back to Profitability, Says MD
Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has pushed back Aero Contractors to profitability following its takeover of the management of the airline in 2016, which culminated in the dissolution of its board and subsequent appointment of a manager to run it in an interim capacity.
Against this backdrop, the incumbent Managing Director of
Lagos Hosts Inaugural Shopping Festival
Lagos State will host the first Lagos Shopping Festival at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed.
The festival is scheduled to hold from December 23rd to 25th.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the inaugural Lagos Shopping Festival is expected to drive commerce by supporting local businesses, attracting global brands, and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities through vendor participation, logistics, events and entertainment management.
The governor said the Lagos Shopping Festival, which the Lagos State Government is supporting through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts in partnership with Tolaram Africa Group, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and Chain Reactions Africa, will attract local and international tourists to Lagos and position the state amongst her peers with their shopping festivals.
He said: "We are a city of audacious people who dream and think big. By this December, the City of Dubai will be holding the 30th edition of its annual Dubai Shopping Festival.
“But we are just starting now, and we believe it is never too late. Through our Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts, in April, we had the proof of concept.
“We had a trade fair where sales over N5 billion were recorded by just 245 vendors in just three days.
So, we have tested the concept, and we know it can only get bigger.
"I am excited that come this December, the City of Lagos will be joining the league of other global cities such as Istanbul and Dubai with their own dedicated shopping festivals. This is part of our broader strategy to continue to market Lagos as a premium destination for business and leisure.
"For us, this festival is not just about enjoyment; it is an economic tool to achieve a number of economic objectives. It will drive commerce by supporting local businesses and attracting global brands. It will also create direct and indirect employment opportunities through vendor participation, logistics, event and entertainment management.
"The festival will attract the Diaspora community to Lagos this December because Lagos is safe. It will also attract local and international tourists to Lagos and position Destination Lagos amongst her peers with their shoppingGovernorfestivals."Sanwo-Olu also commended Tolaram Africa Group, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and Chain Reactions Africa, “for heeding the call, seeing our big picture, and supporting the maiden edition of the Lagos Shopping Festival." The festival’s Director of Organisation and Logistics, Ms. Damilola Pedro, who described Governor Sanwo-Olu as the Lead
Strategist and Biggest Salesperson for Lagos, said the shopping festival will promote trade and commerce during the three days of activities.
She said: "Mr. Governor, this project is your baby. It is one of the legacies you will be giving to Lagos. When we first presented the concept to you four years ago, we wanted to have it for seven days non-stop.
“But you counselled us to run the maiden edition over a period of three days first. We have been planning and refining the concept. Now is the time for us to join the league of other global cities such as Istanbul and Dubai.
“I am a Lagosian, and I always enjoy myself in December every time in Lagos, and that is what the Lagos Shopping Festival means to us. We believe in Mr. Governor for his vision.
“He has always been the biggest salesperson for Lagos, and we are working continuously to make sure that this event also leads us towards positive value and changing the perception of who we are as Lagosians and what Lagos means to the rest of the world.
"The Lagos Shopping Festival will happen from December 23 to 25 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island. We are inviting everyone to come and have fun.
“We will be bringing small-scale businesses through our partnership with several agencies within the government for SMEs and businesses around and outside Lagos
to come and sell their products for our people to be able to shop at very highly discounted rates so that we can all have fun this December and journey towards the rest of next year.
"For us, the Lagos Shopping Festival also places us alongside other big economies like the Singapore Shopping Festival and Dubai Festival. Lagos is thriving and opening up for more businesses.
“This is our Lagos, and we will continue to build it as long as we can as citizens of this positive state, this big state that we are all proud of under the leadership of Mr. Governor."
Aero Contractors said recently that the airline has achieved a significant financial turnaround, reducing its liabilities by 33 per cent and recording an 18 per cent profit margin in 2024, a sharp contrast to the - 69 per cent loss recorded in 2022.
Reacting to the development, Managing Director of AMCON, Mr. Gbenga Alade told senior media executives on Thursday in Lagos that the new management of the airline had been able to turn around its fortune with two aircraft they got from the Cross River State government.
According to him, “Right now, they have only two aircraft flying and yet they were able to make money from them and the two aircraft did not even belong to them. They were given to them to manage by the Cross River State Government. They don’t even have the aircraft of their own. The ones they have had problems, and they are trying to fix them.
“Now that they have started to make a profit, they are creating a pool of funds to refurbish their own aircraft. They also have plans to bring five more 737, 500 series very soon on dry lease arrangement,” adding that the same Cross River State Government has given them an additional two aircraft.
Alade told the editors to think about how the airline will transform the airline market with almost 10 aircraft, remarking that it is an airline to watch
out for and because they have a history of safety among the airlines, they will take the market by storm very soon.
“If they don’t have their own aircraft but leasing and hiring engines to fly and are able to make a profit, imagine what will happen if they have their own,” Alade enthused. He said that is a good example of an airline that is easy to transform and that is one of the success stories of AMCON.
He described the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, as a pragmatic leader with deep knowledge of the market, the business as well as a man who has integrity and is transparent. This development, the AMCON boss said makes a whole lot of difference, which is why the rebound of Aero, one of the airlines under the AMCON aviation portfolio should be celebrated as one of the many AMCON success stories.
The vibrant AMCON boss added that AMCON will not be deterred from recovering the huge outstanding N4trillion in its books no matter the gang up by obligors who have done serious damage to the economy of Nigeria with no intention whatsoever to repay their debt.
He said this class of obligors are unfortunately the high and mighty who have chosen to hide under the technicalities of the law to avoid repayment of their debt.
Cash Scarcity: Ohanaeze Chieftain Seeks
Presidency's Intervention
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
A chieftain of the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Ugochukwu Nduwuisi has urged the presidency to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) to take appropriate measures in unravelling and addressing the current cash-flow challenges in the banking system. In a statement made available to THISDAY, Nduwuisi who was the founder and president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Spain, lamented that most Automated
Teller Machines (ATMs) are either empty or have little amount of cash that can hardly meet the financial needs of Nigerians, while privately operated cash outlets like Point of Sales (POS)have so much money to give out to those in need of cash who can pay their high charges. He said: "I urge the presidency to compel the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) to re- examine the cause of lack of cash-flow within the banking sector as most ATMS are either empty or have little amount that can't solve any immediate cash matters, while privately operated
cash outlets like POS agents dish out millions in cash if you can pay a higher commission, depending on the negotiation, thus, crippling the economy which the president is determined to bring about a positive change for the poor and less privileged Nigerians.
"Why on earth would Nigerians be allowed to buy their currency (Naira) at higher service charges? "The CBN should carry out a thorough searchlight to track down the cartel within the CBN and commercial banks that is behind the illegal operations."
L-R: Executive Director of Intels Nigeria Limited, Mike Epele-; Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and Mrs Vivian Richard-Edet, Executive
during a facility tour at the Onne, Port Harcourt Ports in Rivers ... recently
Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
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When the going gets tough… the tough get rewarded!
Awards2025
the men and the women and the institutions rebuilding Democratic Nigeria.
Nominations are now being invited for the consideration of the Board of Editors of the THISDAY ARISE Group in the following categories:
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The men and women who through their vision, Action, Guts and courage have made a lasting impact on Nigeria.
Man of the Year
That man who has significantly influenced major events that defined the year 2024.
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Bank of the Year
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Submit your nominations, stating the contributions of your nominees, to - awards2025@thisdaylive.com; awards2025@arise.tv
SEND FORTH FOR RETIRED NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UBA...
L-R: Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Oliver Alawuba; Daughter of Retired Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs Onari Duke, Xerona Phillips; Retired Independent NonExecutive Director, Mrs Onari Duke; Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke and Donna Duke, at the send forth dinner in honour of Mrs. Onari Duke and other Retired Independent Non-Executive Directors of United Bank for Africa (UBA) held in Abuja…yesterday
Elumelu: AI, Other Emerging Technologies, Strategic Partnerships Will Drive Inclusive Growth, Sustainable Development
Says oil theft has reduced to less than 10% UBA to expand to Saudi Arabia, other parts of Africa in 2025, says Alawuba UBA chairman commends contributions, dedication, sacrifices of retired non-executive directors
The Chairman, Heirs Holdings, UBA, and Transcorp Groups, Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday said embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies - and fostering strategic partnerships could drive inclusive growth, create sustainable development, and unlock the immense potential in Nigeria and Africa in general.
Speaking at the graduation lecture for participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17 of the National Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, Abuja, he also said with the collaboration of the armed forces, incidents of oil theft had reduced to less than 10 per cent from 97 per cent
Elemelu said emerging technologies — artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or renewable energy — are not merely tools of convenience, but powerful engines of growth, capable of driving unparalleled social and economic development across Africa.
While commending members of the Nigerian armed forces for their dedication and role in ensuring security which he described as a cornerstone of socioeconomic stability, added “We stand on the cusp of an era where technology holds the promise of transforming the very fabric of our societies”.
Delivering his paper titled, "Emerging Technologies as a Catalyst for Social and Economic Growth and Partnership Opportunities in Africa", he noted that like many innovations in history, new technologies bring challenges.
This came as Group Managing
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a $500,000 contribution to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) as requested by the ministry.
Dangiwa spoke in Nairobi, Kenya, during the opening session of the second meeting of the 2024 executive board of the UN-Habitat which he chaired, according to a statement by his spokesman, Mark Chieshe. Dangiwa, in his opening remarks said that this aligns with the terms of
Director/Chief Executive, United bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Oliver Alawuba, disclosed the bank’s plans to expand operations to Saudi Arabia and other parts of Africa next year.
He stated this on Wednesday night in Abuja during a send-forth dinner in honour of the bank’s retired nonexecutive directors including Mrs. Onari Duke, Dr. Kayode Fasola, Mrs. Foluke Abdulrazaq, and Ambassador Joe Keshi.
Alawuba also disclosed that the bank currently has over 25,000 staff and serves more than 45 million customers across 24 countries.
However, Elemelu said, “In the domain of warfare and security, the use of technology, of drones and improvised devices, has massively changed the dynamic and increased the threat from those who do not share our values. These threats you know all too well.”
He said technology is democratising access to opportunities, breaking down barriers that have long hindered progress.
“Imagine a child in a remote village, accessing world-class education through online platforms. Imagine healthcare reaching underserved areas through telemedicine. These are not mere dreams; they are becoming realities. By investing in digital literacy and infrastructure, we can ensure that no African is left behind in this digital revolution,” he said.
Elumelu further stressed that emerging technologies offered a transformative opportunity for Africa, adding that this was “not just a vision but a call to action. The future of Africa is bright, and it is within our grasp”.
He said as stewards of security and stability, the armed forces are not just defenders, but also builders of a vibrant, prosperous, and techdriven future for Africa, urging them to seize the moment, harness the power of technology, and build a prosperous and safe continent for generations to come.
He said the Tony Elumelu Foundation is nurturing a generation of young, empowered African entrepreneurs, who are transforming their communities and industries, adding that the foundation has funded and mentored over 20,000 entrepreneurs.
He said, “And technology is transforming how we achieve our mission – our TEF Connect platform gives access to over 1.5 million young African entrepreneurs to training
and networking. We leverage our platforms for advocacy, spreading our message of Africapitalism, that the African private sector can transform Africa – can do well and can do good. It allows us to demonstrate that Africa’s economic development is the responsibility and destiny of us, Africans.”
He added that technology remained key for economic empowerment and job creation, adding that e-commerce platforms are empowering small and medium enterprises, enabling them to compete on a global scale.
He said mobile banking and digital financial services are bringing millions into the formal economy, driving financial inclusion.
According to him, “UBA is developing products and services
that allow the poorest to access financial services. The United Bank for Africa Group serves 45 million customers across 20 African countries, as well as UK, US, France, and the UAE. The UBA Group is not just a bank; it empowers businesses, creates jobs, and facilitates regional and continental trade, contributing to our nation’s and continent’s development.
“Heirs Insurance is allowing a broad swathe of our population to discover security and savings through digitally delivered insurance products. In agriculture, precision farming and new data are revolutionizing productivity and sustainability. Each of these advancements is not just an innovation, but a catalyst for creating jobs, reducing poverty, and boosting economic resilience.”
Elumelu stressed that partnerships must occur regionally, noting that positive developments such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can benefit from digital tools to harmonise trade and boost inter-African commerce. He said, “We must engage with global tech giants, venture capitalists, and academia to create an ecosystem where innovation thrives. These partnerships will not only drive technological advancement but also position Africa as a key player in the global digital economy. He assured its customers that UBA remained steadfast in its mission to build a sustainable institution. He said, “Our chairman was in Saudi Arabia recently and announced that UBA will establish its presence there next year.
FG flags off construction of internal roads in Ogun
The Minister of Works, David Umahi has met with the new Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as part of collaborations to ensure the challenges faced during construction works are tackled.
A brief statement yesterday by the minister’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, quoted Umahi as assuring that in no distant time the ‘transportation landscape of Nigeria will add value to the security architecture’ being
put in place by the Bola Tinubu administration.
Speaking when he visited Oluyede in his office in Abuja, the minister used the opportunity of the visit to discuss areas of assistance and collaboration in the road infrastructure development roadmap of the federal government.
He said that this collaboration includes the area of ongoing projects in strategic economic corridors of the six geo-political zones.
In his remarks, the new army chief assured of the continued support of the Nigerian Army to the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Works in tackling the challenges facing the works sector.
Also, the Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Goronyo, has
stated that road infrastructure remains critical to national development.
He stated that it opens up a lot of economic activities, reduces insecurity, ensure direct and indirect jobs are created, making businesses flourish while youths will be gainfully employed.
According to Goronyo, this is why the administration of Tinubu believes in providing infrastructural projects to combat the many challenges facing the country.
the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and UNHabitat for the period 2022–2027. The amount, he said, covers the outstanding tranche 1 contribution for 2022–2023.
Under the MoU, UN-Habitat is tasked with working with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development towards mobilising technical expertise, capacity, and financial resources at national, regional, and international levels to drive impactful projects. The MoU also supports the development and implementation of projects and activities, provision of technical advisory services, and capacity-building assistance to federal,
state, and local governments.
Additionally, the UN-Habitat will help foster partnerships and establish effective collaboration with bilateral and multilateral development partners.
“We recognise the critical importance of enhanced funding to support UN-Habitat’s objectives and appreciate the contributions of member states and partners in this regard.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to UN-Habitat. Just last week, our President approved a $500,000 contribution to cover Nigeria’s outstanding obligations for 2022–2023, reaffirming our dedication to the organisation through our partnership framework,” Dangiwa stated.
Nume Ekeghe
The Association of Professional Women Bankers (APWB), the female wing of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has announced its flagship event for 2024 slated to discuss on economic shifts and global trends.
The association in a statement, noted that this premier gathering is set to inspire and empower professionals in the banking, financial services, and corporate sectors.
Under the theme “Positioning for Economic Shifts and Global
Goronyo recalled that the president recently flagged off the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, while many other road projects are ongoing across the nation to open up economic opportunities that will fast-track economic prosperity for Nigerians.
Trends – 2025 and Beyond,” the event will serve as a platform for fostering meaningful connections, professional growth, and insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the global economy.
The APWB was established to foster and promote professionalism among female bankers while empowering its members with the resources necessary to succeed in the banking industry in the 21st century. Over the years, it has remained committed to its mission of driving excellence and innovation within the sector.
The highly anticipated evening is
He spoke at the official flag off of the construction of internal roads within Yewa - Awori division in Ogun state, where he also commended Senator Olamilekan Adeola, who initiated the project. In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Chukwuemeka Agbasi, highlighted the support of the federal government in the repairs and the maintenance of failed roads across the country. He announced that the construction of the road project, which will last for 11 months, will not only be handled but also maintained regularly by FERMA.
scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos. The program will commence at 5 PM, with guests expected to don elegant formal blacktie attire, reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.
The event will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and decision-makers for engaging discussions on navigating emerging global and local (glocal) trends. Participants will gain valuable insights into adapting to economic shifts and positioning their organisations for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.
James Emejo in Abuja
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Congratulations
Our Altruistic leAder
The award of the Honorary Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Benue State University, scheduled for December 7, 2024, during the 22nd-24th convocation ceremonies, is a truly well-deserved honor. This recognition reflects your remarkable accomplishments and unwavering support for the development of the University.
Your leadership style, centered on human development, continues to inspire and has earned you accolades globally, including the prestigious Socrates Award for Excellence in Leadership by the Europe Business Assembly, Oxford University, United Kingdom, in 2009.
We join millions of well-wishers in celebrating this significant and auspicious occasion with you and your family. Your perseverance and ability to overcome challenges serve as a beacon of inspiration to all, and you have undoubtedly earned every honor bestowed upon you.
Once again, congratulations, Sir!
H.E Sen. Gabriel Torwua Suswam PhD, FCIArb, CON
HiS eXCeLLenCY, HOn. SAM Ode Mni
HOn. BenJAMin MZOndU
HOn. JULiUS ATOROUgH
KenneTH ATAVTi
HOn. JOSePH TSAVSAR FCiod
HOn. JOHn TOndU
HOn. STeVie AYUA
Celebrating
THE GALADIMAN GARI NUPE
The conferment of the foremost traditional title
of Galadiman Gari Nupe on the illustrious son o f N u p e , t h e r e t
General of Customs Alhaji Galadiman Saidu PhD by his Royal Highness The Etsu Nupe, Brig Gen Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar (CFR) is a landmark occasion a n d t e s t a m e n t o f y o
p qualities and commitment to the people of Nupe Land. We have had the privilege of witnessing your dedication and selfless service to our Nation and Nupe land over the years which has earned you this well deserved recognition.
One striking quality of the Galadiman Nupe amongst others , is his friendship and unwavering approach to building bridges across the diverse people and culture of our country, which has not gone unnoticed.
Yo u r t
a c k n o w l e d g m e
accomplishments, it is a powerful call to service and l e a d e r s h i p
convinced that your turbaning as Galadiman Nupe will by the grace of God be marked by peace, progress and prosperity to Nupe land and beyond. We have every confidence that you will embrace this new role with the same grace, wisdom and humility that you have consistently demonstrated throughout your life, and you will use this new title to positively impact on your people and the nation
As you mark another milestone with your turbaning as the Galadiman Nupe, we felicitate with you , the entire family and good people of Nupe land. We are proud to see you honoured and be a part of this celebration of a new chapter in your life.
Once more Congratulations ( our dear brother from another mother) on your well deserved turbaning as the Galadiman Gari Nupe.
CHAMPION BREWERIES HOLDS EXTRA-ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING…
L-R:Company Secretary, Champion Breweries Plc, Chief Tosan Atle Aiboni; Non-Executive Directors, Alhaji Shuaibu Ottan; Mr Eric Idiahi; Managing Director/CEO, Dr Inalegwu Adoga; Board Chairman, Mr Imo-Abasi Jacob, and Non Executive Director, Mr. David Butler, during the company’s Extra-Ordinary General Meeting held in Lagos…yesterday
Govt Tasked on Rising Numbers of Delta Girls Trafficked to Cote d’Ivoire
Olawale Ajimotokan in abuja
The Co-ordinator of the Nigerian Community in Cote d’Ivoire, Chief David Ogbu, has urged action over rising cases of Nigerian girls of Delta State origin kidnapped and murdered in the West African country.
He said an average of 10
Delta girls are trafficked weekly, adding the Nigerian community had spent so much in repatriating the girls home.
He appealed to Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene as the situation was causing serious embarrassment.
“The case is becoming too shameful, we have spent so
Ebonyi to Pay N9bn Gratuity to 6,055 Retried LG Workers
Benjamin Nworie in abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Local Government Staff Pension Board has disclosed that 4,920 retirees and 1,135 dead pensioners in the 13 local government areas of the state would soon be paid their gratuities.
Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Emeka Nwonu, noted that the total amount to be paid was N9,044, 402,05.40 billion.
Nwonu said: “In compliance
with His Excellency’s directive, I immediately made significant steps, got some findings from the principal officers and related stakeholders that would ensure prospective and successful profiling and processes of payment of retirement benefits to the deserved pensioners.
“After about two weeks, I went back and presented my reports to His Excellency, having a total of N9,044,402,05.40billion to be paid to 4,920 retirees and 1,135 dead pensioners respectively.”
Experts Proffer Solutions to Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Financial experts have emphasised the need for the Nigerian aviation sector to leverage available funding opportunities, both local and international in order to compete favourably in the global space.
They also called for policy reforms that provides for transparency of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in terms of regulation of airlines to achieve sustainability.
They observed that despite the huge potential, the Nigerian aviation sector is bedeviled
with challenges in the form of weak infrastructure, little to no investments and regulatory inconsistencies
They also observed that airlines in Nigeria suffer from the impact of foreign exchange scarcity and fluctuations, noting that international airlines continue to face blocked funds.
The experts spoke at the International Civil Aviation Conference on Capital Adequacy and International Competitiveness Nigeria Aviation Sector, which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday.
NAFDAC, PCN Condemn Open Drug Market, Commence CWC
Ayodeji Ake
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) have spoken tough on open drug market elimination.
Addressing journalists jointly in Lagos yesterday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and the Registrar of the PCN, Ibrahim Babashehu-Ahmed, announced the relocation of the open drugs market in Kano to a Coordinated
Wholesale Centre (CWC), and promised to replicate such standard practice across the states.
Adeyeye said: “The chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria and open drug markets have been a sore point to drug regulatory agencies, especially to NAFDAC. The consequence of this is treatment failure or even death. Therefore, to make Nigerians healthier and reduce mortality, NAFDAC and our sister agency, PCN, must continue to fight against it.
much repatriating these girls and the more you send them back home, the more another sets are coming. We have done
all we can, we have counseled and repatriated so many of them but there is no follow-up from the state, so we want the
government to support us in this fight.
“The rate at which the girls are being trafficked into
Cote d’Ivoire is becoming so alarming that the government of this country (Cote d’Ivoire) is worried.”
Reject Cybercrime, Corruption for a Better Future, EFCC Chairman Urges Youths
Wale Igbintade and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to reject cybercrime and corruption, emphasising their detrimental effects on the nation’s economy, reputation, and future.
Speaking at the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day in Lagos, and Sokoto, Olukoyede highlighted the power of the youth to unite against corruption by exposing actions that undermine accountability and integrity.
Four Labour Party,
Juliet Akoje in Abujaand Sylvester IdowuinWarri
Four members of the House of Representatives of the Labour Party and one from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All progressives Congress (APC). The lawmakers are Hon. Chinedu Okere (Owerri municipal/Owerri north/ Owerri west constituency), Hon. Mathew Donatus (Kaura Federal
Represented by Acting Zonal Director, Michael Wetkas, Olukoyede warned about the grave consequences of cybercrime, which he described as not only destroying lives but also tarnishing Nigeria’s image both locally and internationally.
Olukoyede emphasised that cybercrime offers no sustainable future.
He urged youths to reject criminality and instead participate in initiatives like the EFCC Integrity Club and Zero Tolerance Club to promote values of integrity.
One PDP Lawmakers Defeat to APC
Constituency of Kaduna), Hon. Akiba Bassey (Calabar municipal/ Odukpani Constituency), and Esosa Iyawe (Oredo federal constituency of Edo). The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas announced the defections at plenary yesterday.
Similarly, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, Eriethake Ibori-Suenu yesterday resigned her membership of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State citing internal divisions within the party as the reason for her stance.
Ibori-Suenu, who represents Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency, was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to her letter of resignation dated December 5th, 2024 and addressed to the Local Government Chairman of PDP,
Ethiope West Local Government area, Hon. Ibori-Suenu said she attached her membership number 0777144 to completely dissociate and disengage from the party. The letter read thus Dear Sir, letter of resignation of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu as member of the PDP. Pls be informed that by this notice, o formally resign as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.
‘NASENI ‘ll Leverage Digital Media for Nigeria’s Industrialisation Drive’
The Executive Vice-Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalili Suleiman Halilu, has said the agency will leverage the power of digital media in communicating the Nigeria’s industrialisation drive through NASENI and promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of
the present administration.
Halilu stated this in Abuja while declaring open a threeday Training Workshop for NASENI’s staff writers and online media partners with the theme, “Enhancing Effective Delivery of Communication Objectives in a Changing Digital Environment,” noting that the agency was committed to driving Nigeria’s industrialisation through innovation and technology.
He added that effective communication was therefore, vital to achieving this pursuit and that the outcome of the training will enable the team to amplify the Agency’s message further, engage its audience, and showcase achievements.
According to him, the training was amongst the series of ongoing courses aimed at enhancing capacity development for staff and to reposition the agency for greater service delivery.
“I believe that the knowledge gained during these three days will in turn increase your understanding and capacity to deliver on the job of propagating positive messages about our agency,” he said.
Return to Site or Your Contract ‘ll Be Terminated, Niger Gov Tells Contractor
Laleye DipoinMinna
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, has threatened to revoke the contract for the construction of a road in Ibeto, headquarters of the Magama Local Government Area of the state if the contractor handling the project does not return to site immediately. This is even as the governor
boosted the Women Cooperative Societies in Kontagora with N250million.
The contractor handling the road project in Ibeto was said to have abandoned site even when the government was not indebted to the firm.
Governor Bago during an inspection of the project as part of his tour of Rijau LGA warned that his administration “will not tolerate compromise on the part of any contractor.”
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, said Governor Bago also frowned at the balkanisation of the length of the project by the leadership of the local government area and therefore directed that the 5km should be in Ibeto town.
Bago, according to the statement, however, assured other communities in the local government area that they would be considered for similar projects in the next fiscal year. Ibrahim in a statement also said that Governor Bago donated N250million to Women Cooperative Societies in Kontagora “as empowerment initiative.”
The Accountability Lab Nigeria, an organisation engaged in promotion of honesty and integrity has celebrated five Nigerians identified as having demonstrated exemplary integrity and ethical leadership in public service.
Among the winners of the group’s award were Police Inspector. Kamoshi Tadah, Mr. Olugbenga Johnson Kuye (Auditor), Mr. Ezekiel Osemuahu Obazele (Procurement Officer), Mrs. Ojoge Omobola Temitope (principal) and Mr. Idowu Quadri (procurement officer).
Speaking at the 8th Integrity Icon Summit and Awards Ceremony, in Abuja yesterday, the Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Mr. Friday Odeh, said the importance of integrity as a cornerstone of effective governance cannot be over-emphasised.
“It brings me joy to see that we’ve handled this for the past seven years to name and fame honest government officials. It has been tough, but we have stayed committed to making governance work for people through creative and engaging initiatives,
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in abuja
Omo-Agege welcomes Ibori-Suenu to Delta APC
POLITY
Transforming Leadership in Digital Era: Highlights from Oxford
Caroline Lucas
The recently concluded ‘Strategic Leadership Programme’, organised by TEXEM, UK, was a transformative initiative that empowered leaders to excel in a world characterised by digital disruption and rapid change. With a blend of academic excellence, actionable insights, and innovative methodologies, the programme inspired and equipped participants to drive growth, resilience, and sustainability in their organisations.
The journey began at the historic Windsor Castle, a venue that served as a metaphor for the balance between tradition and innovation—a balance that strategic leaders must master. Participants engaged in activities designed to foster bonding, trust, and collaboration, setting the stage for a week of dynamic learning and impactful networking. The evening saw Dr. Alim Abubakre, founder of TEXEM, UK, deliver a powerful presentation on ‘Strategic Leadership in a Disruptive World’.
Abubakre challenged participants to see digital disruption not as a threat but as a launchpad for innovation and growth. His call to action resonated deeply, inspiring leaders to adopt a mindset of adaptability and resilience.
The programme’s benefits were evident from the start, and organisations whose leaders participated stand to gain significantly. Leaders left with enhanced strategic agility, enabling them to anticipate and adapt to market shifts, customer demands, and technological advancements. This agility ensures that their organisations can remain competitive in fast-changing global markets.
Participants also developed the ability to make improved decisions grounded in a deeper understanding of big data, analytics, and AI. By leveraging these tools, leaders can navigate complexities, identify opportunities, and optimise operations, driving their organisations toward sustainable success.
A significant outcome of the programme was the cultivation of stronger organisational cultures. Leaders are better equipped to inspire their teams, fostering environments prioritising adaptability, inclusion, and continuous learning. Such cultures empower employees to think creatively and embrace innovation, a critical component of success in today’s fast-paced world.
The programme also unlocked increased innovation capacity, enabling leaders to embed
PERSPECTIVE
experimentation and intrapreneurship into their organisations. This focus on innovation ensures that organisations can stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge.
A highlight of the week was the insightful presentation on Cyber Security by Colonel Andrew Clarke at St Anthony’s College, University of Oxford. This session heightened participants’ awareness of cybersecurity’s strategic importance, providing them with the tools to safeguard organisational assets, protect sensitive data, and foster trust. This heightened cybersecurity awareness is especially critical for organisations operating in all sectors, including fintech and technology.
The programme also fostered stronger global connectivity, as participants engaged in peer-to-peer learning and networking with leaders from diverse industries and regions. These connections open doors to international collaborations, enhancing organisational influence and reach in an increasingly interconnected world.
Perhaps most inspiring is the emphasis on longterm resilience and sustainability. By prioritising ethical governance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance, and future-ready strategies, leaders are prepared to steer their organisations through uncertainty while ensuring enduring success. They are building organisations not just for today but for the future, creating systems capable of thriving amidst challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.
Day two focused on agile leadership and digital
transformation under the guidance of Prof Rodria Laline, while day three, led by Prof John Peters, explored the balance between technology and human capability. The programme culminated with Professor Paul Griffith, who provided a roadmap for sustainable leadership in disruptive times. These sessions combined theoretical insights with practical applications, ensuring participants left with actionable strategies tailored to their organisational contexts.
The Strategic Leadership Programme, designed and delivered by TEXEM, UK, utilised a tested and proven methodology, including games, observation practice, self-reflection, and case studies, making learning both engaging and impactful. Leaders departed with enhanced skills and renewed vision and purpose, ready to redefine success in their organisations.
This programme was more than a capacity development session; it was a call to action for leaders to champion innovation, inspire change, and create a legacy of growth and resilience. For organisations in Nigeria, it offers a pathway to building visionary leaders who can transform industries and contribute to nation-building.
Leaders’ feedback
Testimonials from participants echoed the sentiment that this programme was a transformative experience. The fusion of theoretical knowledge with practical application, coupled with the diverse perspectives
shared by the faculty and fellow participants, made for a rich and rewarding learning environment, as affirmed by some participants.
Ismael Yahaya, the GM of Production Operations at SEPLAT and a participant in the programme said, “This leadership programme has been incredibly impactful. It provided me with the opportunity to learn from top-notch resources from across the globe, coupled with highly engaging participation.
“While I previously viewed digital transformation from a different lens, this experience has given me a clearer understanding of effective leadership in a digitally evolving environment. I’m confident I can apply these insights to my current role, ensuring measurable improvements moving forward.”
Anne Omezi, the Director of ICT at NMDPRA and another participant, disclosed that the programme was an “enriching and transformative experience.” Omezi added, “I’ve gained valuable insights and skills that I’m eager to take back to Nigeria and put into practice. The true essence of training lies in its application, and I’m confident that implementing what I’ve learned here will drive meaningful change—not just within my department but across the organisation as a whole.”
To drive meaningful change and lead with purpose, TEXEM, UK, offers another opportunity to join leaders in the set of 2025 programmes, with an aspiration to shape a future defined by innovation, resilience, and strategic impact.
So, as criticism and condemnation of the arrest and arraignment of popular activist and lawyer, Mr Dele Farotimi, continues to mount, it is expedient to also state that elder statesman and legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, at the receiving end of Farotimi’s action, deserves some protection also.
Farotimi had revealed the plot to arrest him early in the week at a news conference. And true to the alarm raised, he was arrested on Tuesday by men of the Nigeria Police Force from Ekiti State at his Lagos law firm and whisked to Ado-Ekiti, where he was then arraigned before a Magistrate Court the following day, on a 16 count charge bordering on defamation.
Trouble started for the radical lawyer and social critics when he had in his new book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’, claimed that Babalola, “corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgement in the services of his clients.”
The allegation was said to have offended the senior lawyer and created a dent on his reputation and career built over several decades ago.
Babalola is not just a foremost senior advocate but one who has mentored several SANs as well as a guiding light for a majority of persons in the legal profession, be it in practice or academics, as he also owns one of the best Faculty of Law and fastest growing private university in the country.
Pained by the allegations of corrupting the apex court, the philanthropist and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, had petitioned the police, seeking the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Farotimi, for acts tantamount to defamation.
According to Section 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, a person who publishes any defamatory matter is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year; and any person who
publishes any defamatory matter knowing it to be false, is liable to imprisonment for two years.
For a statement to be said to be defamatory, such a statement must be untrue and must also negatively affect the reputation of the person who has been allegedly defamed, in this instance, Babalola.
There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria’s Judiciary, in recent past has lost a higher percentage of its reputation over perceived corruption and would further go down with such claims that a lawyer of a high standing like Babalola is an agent of corruption.
Such weighty allegations are easily believable, especially when they emanate from people like Farotimi, and as would be expected further destroy the image of the judiciary and by extension the household name of the legal giant, if established to be true.
The issue of corruption is not something a serious nation or people can take lightly because it does not only destroy the fabric of the society but the complete existence of the country, individual or group.Hence, it is expected that before such allegations are made against any individual, people or country, there must be substantial or incontrovertible evidence of such.
Farotimi, is not a new wig that may be ignored for making such a strong allegation of corruption against another senior lawyer, neither would he be said to have spoken under the influence of something or was simply engaged in idle and unsubstantiated comments.
Although, some people think Farotimi may have an axe to grind after allegedly losing in a case against Babalola and as such cannot be an impartial arbiter in this instance.
Although many Nigerians and groups, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), while condemning the role of the police in the arrest and arraignment of Farotimi, pointed out amongst others that the alleged offence of libel,
for which Dele Farotimi was reportedly arrested, is not recognised as a criminal offence under the laws of Lagos State. According to the NBA National President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011 repealed the criminalisation of defamation by omitting it from its provisions.
He explained that expulsion of the law was not only progressive but aligns with global best practices, because it treats defamation as a civil wrong rather than a criminal offence.
But, others disagree, pointing out that like anyone else, the senior citizen has the right to protect himself from libel and to clear his name. According to this group, the law allows Babalola to exercise his rights and seek legal redress in court, which he has done by filing a petition which the police have also acted upon.
While noting that defamation could either be civil or criminal, this group observed that a person who feels defamed can decide which course of remedial action to take depending on the level of punishment he/she wants to extract.
They further argued that defamation cases can be prosecuted anywhere outside the place of origin or where the offense is allegedly committed. According to them, a book where a person is defamed may be written or published in Lagos State as in the instant case but, that book written or published in Lagos is being read all over the world.
Furthermore, while they argued that the effect of the book can be on someone and a set of people in Ekiti, and other states of the federation, they submitted that because the book was published in Lagos was not enough to argue that the author cannot be arrested or prosecuted in Ekiti because Afe Babalola, who is a subject of defamation, lives in Ado Ekiti.
The effect of the defamation is on him in Ekiti, his family, businesses, associates, and friends all over the world.
Following the filing and subsequent arraignment
on Wednesday, it is expected that the defendant would now go back and put together his evidence to substantiate the claim that Afe Babalola indeed corrupted justices of the Supreme Court. This, no doubt, would either enhance his reputation or restore that of the legal luminary which is at the verge of being destroyed over alleged corruption allegations.
According to the charge, the defendant was alleged to have “sometime in 2024 authored, published and circulated your book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” which was received and read all over the world including Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District wherein you stated at page EX of the book:
“That Aare Afe Babalola corrupted the Supreme Court to procure a fraudulent judgement in the service of his clients” which is likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb the public peace knowing or having reason to believe that the statements is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of Criminal Code Act.
He was also alleged to have “sometime in 2024 authored, published and circulated your book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” which was received and read all over the world including Ado-Ekiti within the Ado-Ekiti Magisterial District wherein you stated at page X:
“That Aare Afe Babalola, Olu Daramola, Olu Faro and the law offices of Afe Babalola & Co, (Emmanuel Chambers) compromised the Supreme Court and the remaining semblance of integrity it might have had when they went back to the Supreme Court and got that Court to swim in the sewer of corruption and shameful selfabnegation” which is likely to Cause fear and alarm to the public or disturb the public peace knowing or having reason to believe that the Statements is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of Criminal Code Act.
Alex Enumah
Politics
Acting Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE
Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com
08033025611 s M s O n LY
FG to Institutionalize First Lady’s Agric Projects in 2025
Folalumi Alaran reports that the Federal Ministry of agriculture and Food Security has finalised plans to incorporate agric projects initiated by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu into its new National Urban agriculture Programme.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced plans to institutionalize the agricultural programs of the pet project of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) under the newly adopted National Urban Agriculture Programme.
The initiative, including the #EveryHomeAGarden program, will be integrated into the ministry’s 2025 Budget to ensure sustainability and nationwide implementation.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, who disclosed this in Abuja at the unveiling of the winner of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s #EveryHomeAGarden competition highlighted the ministry’s commitment to leveraging its research institutes, agricultural colleges, and extension services to support home gardening and other agricultural innovations.
He noted that these efforts align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food security and economic development.
The minister commended the #EveryHomeAGarden competition for promoting creativity and dedication to sustainable household farming practices.
He emphasized that the program’s success underscores the importance of home gardening as a solution to food insecurity and a pathway to better nutrition and livelihoods.
Meanwhile, 62 year-old retiree, Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mbaya from Borno State has emerged winner of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s #EveryHomeAGarden competition. She will receive a grand prize of ₦25 million, following an additional ₦5 million announced by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND).
National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who announced the winner, commended the women who participated for their dedication to growing healthy food for their families and communities.
Mrs Tinubu encouraged women across Nigeria to embrace home gardening, emphasizing its role in fostering food security and community well-being.
She thanked state first ladies and RHI coordinators for their vital contributions.
According to the First Lady: “After careful deliberations, with gratitude to God, I am happy to announce that the winner of the Renewed Hope Initiative “#EveryHomeAGarden” Competition is Mrs. Veronica Kidafa Mbaya from Borno State. Congratulations to our winner”.
She said the other 19 contestants will each receive ₦2.5 million, including contributions from NADFUND, state first ladies, and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
The competition, launched on October 25, 2023, aimed to promote home gardening as part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s food security drive. According Mrs Tinubu, finalists were selected after thorough inspections by delegations led by wives of top government officials.
State-level participants also received ₦1 million each for their entries, showcasing the broad engagement and impact of the initiative.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to the ministry of Agriculture and NADFUND for their support.
“In reviewing the entries, members of the RHI Governing Board sat down to thoroughly select the best three entries. Delegations headed by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the wife of the Deputy Senate President, and wife of the Chief of Staff travelled to Borno, FCT and Sokoto to inspect the gardens before
selecting the overall winner, as we have just seen in the documentary.
“We were all very impressed with the
quality of entries, making it hard to choose a winner. As we have promised, the winner of the #EveryHomeAGarden Competition
will be going home today with the sum of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000.00).
“In addition, RHI Governing Board has graciously approved the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) to the finalists from each State who submitted entries to the RHI Office. I have also been informed that State First Ladies/RHI Coordinators will be giving an additional One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00).
“As you have heard from the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND), Mr. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim who has graciously announced an additional Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) to the winner and Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) each to theother Nineteen (19) entries submitted, making it a total of Twenty-Five Million Naira (N25,000,000.00) to the winner and Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,500,000) each to the other contestants. We appreciate NADFUND for this support”.
Mrs Tinubu, however, urged participants to continue nurturing their gardens and inspire others to join the initiative, underscoring the importance of food security for all Nigerians.
Earlier in her welcome address, the National Vice Chairman of the RHI and wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, commended the creativity and dedication of the participants, highlighting the art and science of gardening and the resourcefulness displayed in the entries.
Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND), Mr. Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, announced the additional prizes of N5 million and N500,000 each for the winner and the other 19 contestants respectively.
Uba Sani: A He-for-She Governor
Cecilia Kafran writes about the concerted efforts being made by Governor Uba Sani to carry the womenfolk along in the implementation of his campaign promises to the people of Kaduna state.
As Production Editor in one of the weekly newspapers in the 1990s, most of my duties were desk-bound at the head office.
Occasionally, I covered assignments that were women, children, and family-related, including rights and health.
I recall that some names that always cropped up in the news cycle was that of Comrade Uba Sani, as he then was called.
As a Kaduna-based human rights and pro-democracy activist, his name was a household name in the media and the development circles.
I have never met him in person though, but was impressed with the focus of the Uba Sani Foundation he established in 2018, which included impacting the most vulnerable groups (including women/girls and youth) through education, skills-building, and more.
I lost track of socio-political issues in my beloved Kaduna after leaving the media in 2010 and relocating to Abuja where I engaged in development work.
Some time in 2023, I read about Comrade Uba Sani in a newspaper write-up as one of the candidates vying for the governorship of Kaduna State; I had the confidence that he would be successful in the electioneering process given his track records in other elective positions including the legislature.
As I expected, on May 29, 2023, I saw him being sworn in as the new governor of Kaduna state. That was the last time I heard of him until last week.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, Governor Sani launched the Kaduna State Women Economic Empowerment Policy, the Women
Peace and Security Action Plan, as well as the Youth Peace and Security Action Plan at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Conference Centre.
As a woman, mother, and development worker, I was interested in the subject matter, so, I followed the event on TV. I learnt that Governor Sani has done a lot for gender equality and inclusivity within a short time – a little over one year of taking the reign of Kaduna leadership.
In his speech, he reeled out what his administration has been doing to empower women in the state and the rationale for doing so. According to him, investing in women is not just investing in the economy
but the future of Kaduna State.
The Governor further stated that he wants to ‘’create a Kaduna State where every girl knows she has the right and the means to dream and achieve that dream, and a place where every woman knows that she is valued, supported, and celebrated.’’
This vision is heart-warming and brings hope to the womenfolk that this administration has placed their interest on the front-burner of its decisions.
Presently, 65,848 women out of the total 70,051, have benefited from Kaduna State’s Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme, Governor Sani disclosed at the summit. He added that his administration has ramped up the implementation of Kaduna State Women Economic Empowerment Funds (KADSWEF), an annual support initiative that provides access to financial resources for women. ‘’We provided the sum of N200 million in the 2024 Budget for this Fund; so far, 10,786 women have benefited from this initiative. Government is set to flag off the 4.0 tranche distribution to more beneficiaries with women drawn from cooperative groups and associations,’’ he added.
Likewise, his government’s poverty alleviation programme, ‘A Kori Talauci’, which means ‘drive away poverty’ in Hausa language, has empowered 4,912 underserved women across the state. This is indeed a milestone!
-Kafran writes from Abuja
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ENO’S BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION
The 2025 budget proposal intends to build on the gains of the past while setting ambitious goals for the future, writes JOHN INYANG
LAGOS
LIGA AND THAT FAAN AIRPORT POSITION DOCUMENT
Lagos Liga’s popularity brings floods of memories of recreational events, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA
CARNAGE ON THE ROAD
The ongoing controversy over the tax reform bills shows democracy is maturing in the country, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI
TAX REFORM BILLS OF CONTROVERSY
One major takeaway from the ongoing controversy over the tax reform bills is that Nigeria’s democracy is maturing. Although the debates initially evoked ethnic and regional emotions, the contestations have gradually moved towards discussing facts and figures, which should be central to the issues ab initio.
Signs of trouble emerged two weeks ago when 19 Northern governors and their top traditional rulers rose from a meeting, raising objections to one of the four bills because it was against the region’s interest. Somehow, they managed to convince the other 17 governors from the South to block the bills at the National Economic Council presided over by VicePresident Kashim Shettima.
The Council, which comprised the 36 state governors, Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Budget and Economic Planning, and Federal Capital Territory, and the governor of the Central Bank, resolved to advise the President to pause the legislative process on the bills pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders. Of course, the Presidency initially rejected the advice, saying those opposed to the bills should engage with the legislative process to make their case.
Not a few people felt that the Presidency’s initial reaction was impolitic, given the governors' influence on federal legislators, many of whom derived their positions from the benevolence of the state executives. It was not long before it became apparent that a hard time awaited the bills at the federal legislature, where they were headed for approval.
Despite passing the second reading in the Senate, the bills ran into a brick wall in the House of Representatives, which had to suspend their consideration to avoid being killed. Even the Senate has paused further consideration pending the outcome of negotiations by its 10man committee, which was set up to consult with stakeholders over the bills' grey areas.
However, it is important to note that only two clauses in one of the bills, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, have attracted controversy, which threatens to endanger the remaining bills: the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill 2024, and the
Joint Board Revenue Service Bill. The culprits are Sections 77 and 12 (12), which seek to increase the Value Added Tax from 7.5% to 10% in 2025 and 15% in 2030. They also seek to adjust the sharing formula by increasing the derivation criteria from 20% to 60%. Besides, there are complaints about attribution.
The Northern governors felt that these clauses would further impoverish their region and tilt the advantage in favour of a few states in the South, particularly Lagos, Ogun and Rivers, which host the headquarters of most of the VATpaying companies. Interestingly, Lagos and Rivers have argued that they would lose 80% of their earnings, contrary to the North's claim. Significantly, the debate has been engaging, shifting from emotional to rational arguments as stakeholders are challenged to state and defend their cases.
It is noteworthy that despite the complaints of the Northern governors, many people from the region have supported the bills, contending that they would challenge them to be more creative and productive. Some even argue that the governors’ position was baseless because the North stands to gain more from the overall intent of the bills.
Ironically, the bills aimed at fixing the economy to engender shared prosperity for all citizens have become enmeshed in steep controversy. Many analysts have argued that they contained more beneficial provisions to increase the country's revenue base and move it closer to fiscal federalism. For instance, S77 of NTAB seeks to reduce the federal government’s share of VAT revenue to 10% while increasing the state and local governments’ share to 55% and 35%, effectively putting 90% in the pockets of the subnational governments.
In addition, the bills seek to reduce the tax burden on the poor and low-
income earners while enhancing the environment for businesses to thrive. Subsequently, low-income earners will be exempt from paying income tax. This tax exemption would benefit about 90% of government and private sector workers. To cushion the poor, there will be 0% VAT on over 600 food items, education, health, electricity generation and distribution, and fuel. As for businesses, over 60 taxes have been collapsed into about 11. So, there is something in the bills for everyone. Yet, they have now been threatened by the ongoing bickering.
It remains to be understood how the product of an over 100-member committee, including 40 students, government officials, private sector players, and trade union organisations from the country's six regions, has become so controversial that it has even been accused of lack of widespread consultation.
The good news is that all the warlords realised the need to approach the table for intelligible conversations that would engender trade-offs. This is commendable and shows that the nation understands that democracy is about dialogue to resolve issues of common interest. The Tayo-Oyedeleled Presidential Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Reforms should be commended for owning the bills and stepping forward to engage. Its chairman, Tayo Oyedele, a professor and tax expert, deserves special commendation for his calmness and articulate responses to stakeholders' queries. It is reassuring that he has left no one in doubt that his committee’s proposals are not resistant to informed review.
The bottom line has to be the overall interest of Nigerians groaning under the weight of the prevailing economic hardship brought about by decades of mismanagement of the nation’s resources. President Bola Tinubu now has the mandate and responsibility to reverse this. As part of discharging that responsibility, he set up the Oyedele Committee to put the nation’s fiscal framework in shape for the revival of the economy. Now that the job is almost done, the President must take personal responsibility to engage and negotiate the grey areas for a fruitful outcome.
Adebiyi is the media aide to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu
The 2025 budget proposal intends to build on the gains of the past while setting ambitious goals for the future, writes JOHN INYANG
ENO’S BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION
It was yet another defining moment for the people of Akwa-Ibom State, as the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno presented the 2025 budget proposal to the state House of Assembly. It was a rare moment to reflect on the giant strides in various sectors since the governor got into the saddle of leadership.
Titled the “Budget of Consolidation and Expansion”, the ₦800 billion budget signifies a strategic vision for the state—one that builds on the foundation of Governor Eno’s governance blueprint, the ARISE Agenda. In all critical sectors, as exemplified in his five pillars: Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Expansion, Security, and Educational Advancement, Governor Eno has demonstrated his passion for the overall development of the society. His administration’s progress over the past 18 months, and the road map outlined for 2025.
Governor Eno’s administration has made agriculture a focal point of its efforts, framing it not only as a path to food security but also as a means to economic empowerment. It will be recalled that governor Eno, as part of his drive for food security, introduced Farm Free Days, which allows workers time to engage in farming. This reflects an innovative approach to reviving a deep cultural and economic connection to the land.
Moreover, the Ibom Model Farm initiative encapsulates the administration’s commitment to treating agriculture as both a business and a lifestyle. By integrating improved farming practices, tourism, and business opportunities, the project has attracted the attention of multilateral agencies and the federal government. This farm, alongside efforts to revive the St. Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory and Dakaadda Global Oil Palm, is poised to place Akwa Ibom at the forefront of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
A standout element of Governor Eno’s rural development agenda is the One Project Per Local Government Initiative. This policy ensures that every local government benefits from state resources, translating governance into tangible grassroots impact.
In the past year alone, the administration has rolled out projects ranging from healthcare centers and schools to road construction. These efforts, combined with ongoing project commissioning across local governments, underscore a commitment to reducing rural-urban disparity. This focus on decentralized development reflects a government attuned to the needs of its people.
Infrastructure has long been a signpost of progress, and Akwa Ibom is no exception. Governor Eno announced the initiation of 156 road projects across the state, combining new builds with inherited projects. Among these, key roads such as the Atiku Abubakar Flood Control Tunnel, the Udom Emmanuel Boulevard, and the Ikot EyoEdem Idim Okpot-Mbiekene-Nnung Obong-Ikot Ntung-East West Road have been completed, bringing relief to communities and facilitating economic activity.
In addition, the governor in a remarkable way demonstrated the state’s commitment to leveraging the dry season for further progress. Contractors have been mobilized and incentivized to complete ongoing projects, ensuring timely delivery. This approach not only accelerates development but also boosts public confidence in the administration’s capacity to deliver.
Transforming lives and securing the future of the people of the state, is also of importance to the government. Governor Eno’s approach to education is both ambitious and inclusive. His administration has upheld free education from primary to secondary levels, including the payment of WAEC fees and provision of uniforms and books. Recognizing the importance of teacher welfare, the state
has also approved ₦1.1 billion in wardrobe allowances for teachers, along with other benefits.
One notable intervention is the bursary increase for undergraduates and postgraduate students, with special provisions for those living with disabilities. This progressive step reflects an administration that values human capital development and prioritizes equitable access to education.
The government’s decision to construct model primary schools also signals a commitment to providing children with learning environments that inspire excellence. These facilities, which incorporate modern amenities, represent a forward-thinking approach to educational infrastructure.
The governor’s focus on healthcare delivery has been comprehensive, with investments aimed at both infrastructure and accessibility. The commissioning of model primary healthcare centers in multiple local government areas stands as a testament to this commitment. Additionally, the Arise Care Health Scheme, which provides free enrollment for nearly 3,000 civil servants and elders in need of critical care, underscores a people-centered approach.
Plans to establish a Medical Village along the Ibom Specialist Hospital corridor reflect a vision for healthcare excellence, combining treatment, training, and research. The procurement of six ambulances for real-time medical emergencies further demonstrates the administration’s readiness to address pressing healthcare needs.
Acknowledging that security is the cornerstone of development, Governor Eno’s administration has taken bold steps to maintain Akwa Ibom’s status as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states. The creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, alongside the establishment of the Ibom Community Watch, represents innovative approaches to tackling community-level insecurity.
By employing 6,000 youths in local security roles and equipping law enforcement with vehicles and gunboats, the administration is enhancing both urban and rural safety. The launch of the Security Trust Fund further signals a commitment to sustaining peace and fostering an environment conducive to economic and social growth.
In diversifying the economic base for more productivity, Governor Eno has consistently championed the need for Akwa Ibom to diversify the state economy. The upcoming Arise Park, with its golf course and children’s playground, reflects a vision for tourism that combines recreation with environmental restoration. Similarly, the ground-breaking for Ibom Towers and a planned four-star hotel in Abuja aims to position the state as a major player in real estate and hospitality.
The aviation sector remains a key driver of this diversification. With the expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet to nine aircraft, including two new CRJ 900 Bombardiers, the state is reinforcing its reputation as an aviation hub. Plans to operationalize the Maintenance, Repairs, and Overhaul (MRO) facility will further strengthen Akwa Ibom’s competitiveness in this space.
Inyang writes from Akwa-Ibom State
Lagos Liga’s popularity brings floods of memories of recreational events, writes JOSHUA
J. OMOJUWA
LAGOS LIGA AND THAT FAAN AIRPORT POSITION DOCUMENT
In the 90s, I did not know much of the story line but I knew that adults gathered at 8pm every week day to watch Checkmate. I knew some of the characters. I know an Akpan liked to cry, a Segun Kadiri had a look for the cameras that entailed the use of his finger on his face. I probably would have known even more but it was always a battle between staying awake and keeping up with Checkmate. There was Behind the Cloud, Ripples and the likes. Years later came Super Story on Thursdays. There were Sunday Shows too, Everyday People in later years, Fuji House of Commotion, etc.
One thing all these shows had in common was that there was a set time for them on TV. If you missed it, you’d have to endure being told what happened. If you caught it, chances are that at that same moment, you were watching with millions of Nigerians. We probably did not know it at the time, but those moments were a shared ritual. There was a social affinity that defied class, politics and religion. Technology has since changed everything. You can pick when where and when to watch your shows now. TV is just one of the options, not even a primary option for many and even for TV, you can record the show to catch up later. That’s when the entire season of the show is not being delivered at a go. What we gained in the power to choose, we lost in that sense of community that came with following the same stories at the same time, every weekday and weekend. Those days will never return.
Lagos Liga’s popularity on the Nigerian internet space over the last four weeks or so brought back memories of the times we cared about the same events. The tournament kicks off today, but it has been quite inspiring following its impact online. Players and fans are traveling to Lagos to play and cheer the teams. One of the teams got sponsored by an airline. Some 192 footballers that otherwise would not have been engaged this month are now playing to win N50m. Based on the number of matches they need to play to win the bumper prize, six matches, that’s the biggest prize money per game in Nigerian football.
Considering the institutional role played by the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) and its DG, Mr Lekan Fatodu, playing as partners of this recreational league, it is a reflection and a great example of what’s possible when government plays its role well, understanding its place as a facilitator. It takes a progressive organization like the LSSC and its world-class staff to understand the power of such platforms like Lagos Liga.
Football tournaments generally leave legacies in their wake, Lagos Liga is already showing elements of that. Infrastructure at the Campos Memorial Mini Stadium has further improved and there are reports the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (former Onikan Stadium) will follow suit as the games enter the business stage. One day, we can expect tourists to visit Nigeria just to watch or may be even play this tournament.
This brings me to the position document released by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). If you are used to reading this page, you know my views on what needs to change at our airports. I enumerated some of them again on X.
NDLEA should have no business with searches or questioning of passengers. I should have no business seeing an NDLEA official except my luggage triggers their interest. Then, AVSEC can hand the passenger over to NDLEA. NDLEA can be at the airport but to be seen by a passenger means that passenger is already in trouble.
Customs should have a limited role. This is on the back of a recent court ruling. This means that
Customs should only be required to deal with passengers who bring goods that require their attention. Your luggage should not have to be opened by customs officials all the time. It is a waste of national resources and a waste of passengers’ time.
After the scanners, when leaving Nigeria, passengers have no business with any official except their luggage triggered a need. That means all the NDLEA, Customs and whatever else others waiting to ask pointless questions right after the scanner, they should be posted where they can do actual jobs and not the make-belief consular one.
DSS have no business with documenting passports in or out. Leave that to Immigration. DSS and Immigration already exchange data. That process must become robust enough to keep DSS away from arriving and departing passengers. Again, except when needed.
Arriving passengers should only be engaged based on suspicion. The current practise of engaging every arriving passenger and asking that they open their luggage is anachronistic and frankly speaking, barbaric.
The FAAN position, signed by the MD/CE Mrs Olubunmi Kuku and thankfully approved by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo (SAN), addresses some of these issues head on. The elimination of joint inspection tables. That means we don’t get to see those officials at those tables on departure and arrival anymore. Passenger screening will now be streamlined, so checkpoints are reduced for passengers. Other measures were announced by this new position.
This suggests to me that the right people are listening and taking responsibility. A policy position and its execution are two different things, but the position is a template that the agency and the people can use to engage and monitor progress. Good intention is a form of progress, enhancing the capacity of the officials to carry out these new procedures is the next step.
Credit to the MD of FAAN and the Minister of Aviation for doing this. It is my belief that were they to succeed here, it will be one of the most telling impacts made at our airports, ever. And then, events like Lagos Liga can confidently grow to attract the rest of the world to Nigeria.
Omojuwa is chief strategist Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA
Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
CARNAGE ON THE ROAD
The authorities must do more to stem the scourge
Dozens of muslim worshippers were killed recently in Saminaka, Kaduna State, when their bus collided with an oncoming truck. An official of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency put the death toll at 36. Within the same month, 59 others were killed in Niger State when a fuel tanker collided with a lorry carrying passengers and cattle. Fatal road crashes have become an epidemic of sort as hardly a day passes without some families thrown into mourning. Only recently, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed revealed that between January and September this year, no fewer than 3,767 people lost their lives to road crashes.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has in recent years identified the behaviour of road users as one of the reasons for high fatalities in road crashes. Many do not use seat belts. Certainly, seat belts are not mere ornaments. They are standard safety equipment of every modern car to cushion the impact of a car crash on the occupants, particularly the driver and the passenger in the front seat. In studies carried out in many developed countries, it had been proved statistically that seat belt, if properly worn, greatly reduces the risk of death and injury in most car crashes. In a survey of 28,000 accidents in Sweden for instance, unbelted occupants sustained fatal injuries whereas the belted in most cases, walked away with minor injuries. Airbag, another safety device in many modern cars, increases the effectiveness of the seat belt but is not a replacement as it does not protect against side impacts. Indeed, many modern
cars are equipped with intelligent seat belt reminders. Moreover, the belts are comfortable and can even be slackened.
A reckless driving culture occasioned by making calls or texting on cell phones while on the wheel, drunk driving, poorly maintained vehicles and bad roads to boot have combined to make Nigerian roads a theatre of blood
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
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA
GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU
DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE
Unfortunately, in many of the country’s cities and on the highways, the law is observed more in the breach. Besides, a reckless driving culture occasioned by making calls or texting on cell phones while on the wheel, drunk driving, poorly maintained vehicles and bad roads to boot have combined to make Nigerian roads a theatre of blood. In many countries, there are enlightenment campaigns on the danger of these habits. As a way of addressing this challenge, the FRSC once promised to open a 'Shame Register' which would be a sort of black book for notorious traffic offenders regardless of their status in the society. It was not to be. To compound the challenge, the FRSC, like many other federal agencies, seems more interested in revenue generation than pursuing their core mandate.
The state of the roads is another major cause of accidents. Nigeria’s total highway length of 194,394 kilomentres is rated second worst in the world. While we commend initiatives like the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (20212030) and the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) by the FRSC, more should be done to prevent the needless deaths on our roads. Both the World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics and that of the FRSC place Nigeria as one of the countries with very high road fatalities in the world. This high turnover of victims on our roads is undesirable given that they are often people in their prime. We urge the FRSC to collaborate with other stakeholders, including the Road Transport unions on this issue. We must put an end to the avoidable carnage on our roads.
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.
NIGERIA AND THE THORNY TAX REFORMS
The Nigerian government is out to increase its tax revenues amidst soaring cost of living, pathological government borrowing, stratospheric costs of governance, and a general lack of public prudence. The outcry is entirely understandable.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a little more than a year in office, but there has been nothing auspicious about an administration that promised to renew hope among Nigerians. Rather, there has been a lot to make Nigerians suspicious that in the name of cleaning the Augean stables that Nigeria is, there is a carefully disguised attempt to lead them down the garden path. Since the advent of the current administration in May 2023, one policy has followed another in striking fashion. The most jarring for Nigerians has been the removal of the fuel subsidy, a decision which trembled out of the lips of the president on the day of his inauguration, before sending a tremor through Nigeria. Twenty months later, the decision to remove fuel subsidy without clear plans of how to steer the post-subsidy era has generated protests and outrage. These protests have further complicated and compounded the issues for the FG as it struggles to build confidence in what is still early days.
Nigeria has largely and roundly failed to learn from other
countries that have scaled the Olympian heights of development, that the feats which have proved startlingly elusive to many other countries who continue to languish in poverty could not have been possible without effective and efficient taxation. While yawning gaps remain in Nigeria’s taxation framework, the country remains on the back foot in its bid to catch up with development. While this is ongoing, tax evaders continue to rip the country off, denying it of much-needed funds for development, hindering development, and patronizing tax havens.
Notorious tax havens like the Caymans Islands,Bermuda, Luxembourg, Switzerland, British Virgin Islands have a long list of patrons that should be remitting taxes to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While tax evasion remains high and compliance low, tax havens remain in thriving business, feeding fat off the loot of those who successfully evade the slippery watch of Nigeria’s tax authorities.
The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clearly recognizes the importance of increasing Nigeria’s tax revenues. Simply, the government recognises that more taxes mean more resources in government coffers for development, even allowing for the rampant corruption the country has to contend with.
However, in a gripping demonstration of the challenges taxation faces in a country of riotously diverging interests and distracting diversity, a proposed tax reform bill drawn up by the government has stoked tension, especially in the North where it is clearly stated that it is an attempt to confer undue advantage on the two states of Rivers and Lagos.
As with its democracy, security, and many other major issues, it is no surprise that there is a sharp disagreement on tax reforms. What is disquieting is that as usual, the disagreement has descended into a disturbing debate between competing interests of the North and South in a country that should be united around questions of economic development that can break the stranglehold of poverty over millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria is not living up to its taxation potential. This failure largely lends an explanation to Nigeria’s failure to kick on more than 60 years post-independence. As long as every opportunity to discuss economic growth and policies that can support same reflect Nigeria’s deep-seated divisions, Nigerians can expect stagnation to remain their lot.
Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com
Stakeholders Identify Obstacles to Airport Concession, Insist PPP Not Solution to Infrastructure Challenge
Chinedu Eze
Aviation industry stakeholders have identified political uncertainty, policy summersault and high cost implication as barriers to the planned concession of major airports in the country.
They dismissed the idea that concessioning Nigerian airports would be the solution to the perennial problem of poor and obsolete infrastructure and insisted that the facilities were not attractive enough and may not be able to bring investors who may be willing to expend high capital outlay on them.
The stakeholders also posited that from practical experience, successful airports were largely not even the ones taken over and being managed by private concerns but
those owned by government with disciplined management system.
One of the stakeholders who was responsible for the recent expansion and upgrade of the Lagos and Abuja international airports, told THISDAY that the huge capital that would be needed to upgrade facilities at these airports may be a disincentive to possible investors who may doubt whether they would be able to recover their investment.
He also observed that the Nigerian government has become notorious for repudiating agreements, which has made investing in Nigeria unattractive, insisting that policy summersault is the bane of aviation development, but expressed the hope that things would be different this time.
“There is real challenge in the
concessioning of airports. Airports require huge investment. As far back as eight years ago OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, spent R4.5 billion to upgrade its facilities and the Caro International Airport spent between $500 and $1.2 billion to upgrade its facilities.
“Since we built the Murtala Muhammed Airport international terminal in 1976, it has not been comprehensively upgraded, except perch works. So, the money that will be needed for the upgrade, expansion of the apron and extension of the runway will be huge and recent in-house estimate puts it at N30 billion. These will include expansion of the apron, the runway, from 2400 to 3000 cubic feet, installation of Category 2 airfield lighting. The N30 billion estimated for the upgrading of
the airport is in-house estimate, which does not involve the construction. Come to think of it, which concessionaire will be willing to spend about N40 billion to upgrade infrastructure at the Lagos airport?
“The last rehabilitation done concentrated on airport aesthetics. You need to work on the conveyor belt, electronic gates etc. Who will be willing to spend such amount of money with the uncertainties government policy hanging on your head? Just look up the cost of upgrading and the building of new airports in other parts of Africa,” the stakeholder said.
He also said that many investors would not want to do long term investment in airport development in Nigeria because of the political terms or even undertake a
concession, stressing that political uncertainty is the major reasons investors are unwilling to invest in airport facilities in Nigeria, adding that with such uncertainty an investor is not sure of his return on investment and urged that for government to attract big investors it should build trust first with policy consistency.
“Lagos airport requires total change of conveyor belts. The quality type that can last very long that is in keeping with global standards. There should be upgraded security networks with state of the art, advanced technology security equipment. Ideally, in modern airport, there is no physical contact with passengers and their luggage. Nobody has anybody’s time; you just do what you are directed to do and there
will be seamless movement and facilitation. So, we need to upgrade the security infrastructure. It will go a long way if you procure the right equipment. So, what is the timeframe that will be given to the concessionaire for return on investment? Such agreements are usually long-term,” he further said.
Speaking, the Managing Director and CEO OF Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that in order to avoid the failure of the past efforts to concession the airports, the federal government should define what it wants to concession; is it the terminal, the runway, the general aviation or others.
PIN
Insists on Data Protection, Explains Role in Seeking Legal Action against
Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a panAfrican organisation and thought leader in digital rights and inclusion space, has stressed the need for government agencies that are in possession of the data of Nigerian citizens to protect such data in order to avoid breach and undue expose of same.
Worried that the data of Nigerian citizens may have been stolen from the database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), PIN accused NIMC of improper protection of such data, and has
gone to an Abuja High Court to challenge NIMC for negligence over citizens’ data kept in its custody.
Executive Director at PIN, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, who revealed this at a media briefing in Lagos to spotlight key digital rights and inclusion issues on the African continent, said PIN also joined in the lawsuit, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Interbank Settlement Systems (NIBSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Attorney General of the Federation. According to him, “The reason we’ve joined all of them in the
lawsuit is because they all have questions to answer in the matter.”
Sesan insisted that Nigerian citizens must be treated with equal rights and their data must be protected at all cost, and that no Nigerian citizen should be treated as a second class citizen in his own country.
Giving reasons why PIN had to challenge NIMC in court, Sesan said: “We went to court to challenge NIMC for three reasons. Number one is to establish that there was a data leak. Number two is to invoke the powers of the Nigeria Data Protection Act that seeks to
protect any citizen whose data is abused. The third reason is to make NIMC accountable for all Nigerian data in its possession.”
He said the court has fixed January 22, 2025 for hearing of the lawsuit filed against NIMC and other defendants.
According to him, Nigeria is not the only country where PIN carried out extensive work in data protection this year, adding that PIN did same in some other countries, like Tanzania, Kenya and Cameroon, which recently got its data protection law.
“The new data protection law in Cameroon is not perfect by any
standard, but of course we commend the government of Cameroon for what they have done in that regard, just the same way we had commended Nigeria last year for getting a data protection law,” Sesan further said.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at PIN, Nnena Paul-Ugochukwu, in her opening remarks, spoke about how PIN would continue to leverage research outcomes as powerful tools for effective policy advocacy.
According to her, PIN has developed toolkits called RIPOTI, which empowers citizens to report and document rights violations and
AYETA, which equips users with tools and knowledge to stay safe and secure online.
“Our communication strategy has undergone continuous refinement, adapting to the changing landscape. In addition to conventional communication methods, we have integrated innovative approaches to amplify our outreach and impact. Our strategy employs diverse channels, and this approach ensures that our message reaches and resonates across diverse audiences, deepening awareness of digital rights and broadening our influence,” Paul-Ugochukwu said.
Emma Okonji
L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. Enase Okonedo; Lecturer, Lagos Business School, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu; Managing Director, Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited, Ziad Maalouf; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bamkole and President and Chairman, Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmas Maduka at the TEDx PAU (Pan-Atlantic University) event at Lagos Business School held in Lagos… recently
Aero Offers Lowest Fare to Celebrate Customers at Christmas
Chinedu Eze
Nigeria’s oldest carrier, Aero Contractors has announced starting fares of N80, 000 to any of its destinations within Nigeria, saying that it decided to bring down its fares to celebrate Christmas with its customs in appreciation of their loyalty over the years.
With a starting fare at N80, 000, Aero Contractors is offering the lowest cost of ticket in the domestic air travel market, especially at this period of Christmas season, when fares have averaged N120, 000 for one hour domestic flight.
The airline has also indicated that it is now ready for investors to invest
in the company as it has for the first time in eight years recorded a profit of 14 per cent and reduced its liability by about 33 per cent.
This was made known by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, who was responsible for resuscitating the airline when it became moribund in 2017.
Aero faced financial challenges for some years, which led to its takeover by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) that currently owns 60 per cent stake in the company.
Sanusi said the modest profit of about 14 per cent profit recorded
by the airline, was a testimony of the hard work the management and other staff have put in the company for the positive turnaround being recorded currently.
“We believe the next aspect of our recovery will be to invite investors to come and invest into the company. We have also reduced our liability by about 33 per cent. So, we are preparing the company for investors to come in and invest. This is a great success story for us. A company that was closed down before I came, I think in 2021, I believe, for about eight months. And now we have turned it around, and it is in the trajectory of recovery.
Aviation Ministry, Nigeria Air Force Partner on Air Show
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Air Force have agreed to a joint partnership to host the forthcoming Nigeria International Air Show, scheduled to take place in 2025.
The landmark decision was made during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, at
‘Abidjan-Lagos
Arthur Eriye
his office in Abuja.
During the visit, Abubakar revealed that the Nigerian Air Force had been independently planning its own air show before he got wind of the Ministry’s similar initiative.
Recognising the immense potential of collaboration, the Air Chief thought of the partnership idea, realising that a united approach wll significantly enhance the event’s impact and reinforce its global appeal.
Special Adviser on Media and
Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, said in a statement that Keyamo lauded the Chief of Air Staff’s foresight and his gesture of collaboration, describing it as a critical step towards showcasing Nigeria’s aviation and aerospace capabilities to the world.
In his remarks, Keyamo highlighted the importance of synergy between the ministry and the Nigerian Air Force in achieving shared objectives.
Corridor Highway Will Boost Economic Activities’
The African Development Bank (AfDB), has disclosed its plans to make the Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway a potent economic and industrial hub by 2023, courtesy of the Spatial Development Initiative. The coastal motorway when completed will serve as a link to five major West African countries.
The 1,028-kilometre transnational coastal motorway will connect Côte d’Ivoire to Nigeria, while crossing through Ghana, Togo and Benin. Work is due to commence in 2026 and is earmarked for completion in 2030, the African Development Bank revealed at an online workshop held on Thursday 22 November
with all the partners associated with the project. Under the African Development Bank’s leadership, feasibility studies, financing options for the motorway and institutional arrangements for getting the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Management Authority up-and-running have already been overseen.
The Director of the Bank’s Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, Mike Salawou said the transport corridor needs to become an economic corridor:
“This economic corridor approach also naturally overlaps with major urban development. It will support the growth of major economic hubs and improve links between large
urban centres, secondary cities and rural areas within the five countries.
The Bank has launched the Spatial Development Initiative to enable transformative industrialization right along the highway, to stimulate the growth of major economic clusters,”
The Director of Transport at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Chris Appoiah added, “Our ultimate objective is to ensure that the corridor and the economic activities to be developed along the corridor contribute to the ECOWAS regional integration agenda. It’s an integrated project which, once implemented, will help us to achieve the economic union we desire in our area.”
Ethiopian Airlines Resumes Flights to Monrovia
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the resumption of passenger flights to Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, effective November 30, 2024.
The significant milestone was celebrated during an inaugural flight event in Monrovia attended by the President of Liberia, Ministers, Ambassadors, high-ranking officials, and Ethiopian Airlines executives.
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Eromosele Abiodun
Deputy Business Editor
chinedu Eze
Comms/e-Business Editor
Emma Okonji
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Emmanuel Addeh
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Nume Ekeghe
Correspondents
Kayodetokede(CapitalMarkets)
James Emejo (Finance)
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reporter Peter Uzoho (Energy)
The event highlighted the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering collaboration across the African continent.
The resumption of services to Monrovia brings significant benefits, as it not only expands travel options for passengers but also plays a vital role in promoting economic integration between Ethiopia and Liberia.
The new route aims to facilitate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, ultimately contributing to the socio – economic development of both nations.
Speaking on the development, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, said: “We are pleased to resume our flights to Monrovia, reinforcing our dedication to connecting Africa and promoting intra-African trade. In line with our vision of providing the best travel experience, we believe that our presence in Liberia will enhance opportunities for business and tourism, thus driving mutual growth.
This resumption of services represents the strengthening of ties and the bridging of cultures between our two great nations.”
Verve Partners AliExpress to Expand Global Reach
Verve International, Africa’s leading domestic payments card scheme and token brand, has announced that its cards are now accepted on AliExpress, one of the world’s largest online retail platforms.
Speaking on the partnership, Managing Director, Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, remarked: “We are excited to announce that Verve is now accepted on AliExpress, a globally recognised e-commerce leader. This marks a significant milestone in our global expansion journey, reflecting our commitment to providing cardholders with access to more possibilities in today’s digital economy. The addition
Air
WAtCh
As Nigeria Records Improvement in Africa Visa Openness Index
Chinedu Eze
Nigeria has recorded a remarkable improvement in the Africa visa openness index, as it is now number six in Africa, indicating the ease in obtaining visa from Nigeria.
According to African Development Bank (AfDB) and other reports, visa openness refers to the ease with which travellers can obtain authorisation to travel to and enter a country, pending final determination by the destination immigration officials. This indicates that the more visa-open a country is, the easier it is for a traveller to visit that country.
AfDB published the Africa Visa Openness Index last year and observed that there was progress in visa openness in Africa to ease cross-border travel, boost trade, investment and regional integration. Many countries in the region, including Nigeria, have embraced the new diplomatic behaviour and it is becoming more flexible in visa issuance.
Travel expert and the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, confirmed that Nigeria was listed as number six on the African Development Bank AfDB 2024 AVOI (Africa Visa Open Index).
He described the improvement as massive and observed that to be the 6th most open country in Africa out of 54 countries is important progress Nigeria had made.
“Seen before as a difficult country to visit by Africans, the continuous improvement is noteworthy. In January 2020, President Buhari announced that all Africans could visit Nigeria with a visa on arrival. Though it took some time to improve the process, but eventually, Nigeria got it right. Even this year in September, with the advocacy of the former Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John and the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, government dropped the Visa on Arrival fees by over 50 per cent.
At the Vision 20:2020 project of the federal government, I was the head of the Tourism Subcommittee. My major presentation was on the introduction of transit visas for travellers coming to Nigeria. I promoted this in the media, especially THISDAY Newspapers, Uko said.
“The idea then was that Transit Visa will enable Nigerian airlines dominate West Africa and make Lagos airport hub. Then Virgin Nigeria provided the same day connections for Europeans going to the Gambia. They leave Europe on the 11 am. flight from Frankfurt, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris to Lagos. They took the night flight from Lagos to Banjul. I knew so many people who were on that route because there were no direct scheduled flights to The Gambia,” Uko recalled.
He also recalled that even the South African World Cup made Lagos the connection with North America, noting that most professionals flew to Lagos on Arik and joined SAA to Johannesburg.
It was the shortest route to South Africa.
“I had wanted to open up the Market for Tourism with a one day Transit Visa.
I was not very successful with that push. I was invited by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to send a paper on the impact of transit visa. In 2015, I started bringing a large number of foreigners for Akwaaba African Travel Market and Carnival Calabar. NIS was gracious to grant visa on arrival for most of my visitors, he said.
of AliExpress to our growing network is just the beginning, there’s much more to come as we continue to innovate, expand, and deliver value to millions of Verve cardholders in Nigeria and beyond.”
Verve’s expanding global network is bolstered by partnerships with renowned brands such as Google, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Uber, Spotify, among others, enabling cardholders to conveniently pay for subscriptions in Naira. These alliances solidify Verve’s position as a trusted leader in the digital payments space, ensuring that consumers can access top-notch services across diverse industries.
In a kind of rhetorical question, Uko wanted to know the impact of visa openness and whether Nigeria is exploiting the benefits of this improvement. He explained that there are benefits to improved visa openness and these include improved tourism receipts and disclosed that Rwanda, Gambia, and the Seychelles are true tourism success stories based on visa openness.
“Going through the list of countries in Africa, you will see that countries with tourism contributing over 40 per cent to export income are also in the top 10 on the AVOI list. Ghana has issued an order allowing all visitors to apply for a visa on arrival from the 1st of December until the 15th of January 2025, in order to generate more tourists for the already successful ‘December in Ghana Tourism project’.
“Nigeria might not benefit tourism wise because
there is no national plan to attract African tourists. Lagos, Cross River, and a few other states have been marketing globally but not at the scale expected from a big country like Nigeria. Compared to Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and the Gambia, Nigeria is yet to start. Hopefully, the country will wake up soon,” Uko said.
The second benefit, Uko pointed out, was the creation of aviation hub. According to him, with the success of the Arik and Virgin Nigeria experience, the visa openness will be a huge advantage like Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Dubai had done, remarking that Nigeria now has the right visa policy, but Nigerian airlines has regressed in importance.
“Air Peace hasn’t been the perfect to Arik as it has not connected as many places as Arik once did. Most Cameroonians in America still fly through Lagos, connecting on Arik and ASKY to Cameroon. Ibom Air has not yet stepped into the shoes of Virgin Nigeria with West African connections. It flies only to Accra on the West Coast.
“Our airport has not improved its connectivity since 2010, even with the new Chinese built airports in Abuja and Lagos. There are no top quality transfers and interlining desks and sections at our airport. In the last one year, I have travelled through, Lagos, Abuja, Cotonou,Accra,Lome, Abidjan, Banjul and Dakar Airports, and I know those airports have better transfer connections than Lagos or Abuja,” Uko stated.
The third benefit, he pointed out was the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) and described it as the new bread and butter for most countries. Uko pointed out that Kigali shot up to the second biggest MICE destination in Africa after Cape Town based on visa openness.
“I saw this growth happen before my eyes. In 2014, I was honoured in Rwanda with one of the highest Awards. I named a Gorrilla. Then, the whole MICE project was at its beginning, and I knew the team that worked on the project. Today, it is drawing millions of dollars to Rwanda. Ghana is using 5th Freedom as a strategy to grow its airport as a hub. What is the airline and airport strategy for Nigeria? Now, we have the right policy for visa openness,” he said. He noted that Nigeria has no MICE strategy that is well known, remarking that he is fully involved in MICE activities in Africa and noted that Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events are the lowest hanging fruits for most countries.
The fifth benefit of visa openness is related to trade and cargo. Ambassador Uko observed that when people move trade moves, remarking that when trade moves cargo moves.
“We are still far from becoming an air cargo logistics hub. Do we have a trade policy for Africa? The Nigerian AfCFTA coordination office is making efforts to support Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Nigeria Agriculture Quarantine Service (NAQS) to derive benefit from the abundant opportunities available for Nigeria. It is expected that all these plans are coordinated towards a common goal. I will end this by suggesting that Nigeria develop an overarching national strategy to connect the dots and grow its economy based on the policy of the visa openness,” Uko said.
ProPerty & environment
Resilience, Flexibility Necessary to Survive Turbulent Economy, Says Onashile
Bennett Oghifo
President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN), QS Obafemi Oluwole Onashile, FNIQS, has said that Quantity Surveyors, professionals and businesses must reinvent ways to survive the current turbulent economy in the country.
Onashile stated this at the opening of the national conference and annual general meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), at Horlikins Event Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently. The theme of the conference was ‘Strengthening the Quantity Surveying Practices and Processes for Sustainable Growth in a Turbulent Economy.’
He said, “Undoubtedly, we are currently confronted with a turbulent economy in Nigeria and as always when confronted with such, you have two alternative options. One you
can emigrate to another land whose economy hopefully is not under similar or any turbulence at all, but then you may have to live as a stranger in that land for many years until you are taken in or you return to your home country later upon the cessation of the turbulent times. The other option is to confront and wait the turbulence out. I believe this is the approach the NIQS is trying to prepare us all for and we should thank the Institute for leading the light in the direction.
“Turbulent economy does not last forever. Turbulent times require a very deep reflection. Lifestyles or tastes will change. Production or business types will change as many existing businesses will fold up, whilst others will look for new clients to buy their products or perhaps you sell new products i.e change in products and/or change in pricing.
“New and more efficient
businesses will enter the market. There will be a scramble for market share. We are already seeing new developments in Lagos islands being led by Contractors. Contractors now employ design team consultants including the Quantity Surveyor. Developments are now being designed outside Nigeria for Nigerian contractors to execute. A Change or dislocation in the market.
“To stay and survive beyond a turbulent economy as a business or as a professional, there must be a determination to survive/excel and also the readiness to accept a change from the usual. You need to be resilient and exhibit some form of flexibility. Flexibility in the sense of readiness to take on unusual or hitherto rejected undertakings.
“Unusual undertakings, that is, a never done service before but which is now being requested and ready to be paid
for. E.g Project management, facility management, project monitoring services, contract management services, Arbitration, Expert Witness, Construction Claims Expert services, Construction Health and Safety Services, Project Scheduling and Project controls. Sometimes, in order to be able to undertake
these unusual services, there may be the need to quickly acquire additional capacity by way of further education i.e a post graduate degree or a short-term certification training like those organized by the NIQS Academy or the RICS.
“Some hitherto rejected undertakings, could be in the form of engagement for preparation of Schedule of Dilapidations and Repairs for a Maintenance Work, or engagement for preparation of Schedule of Materials for relatively small projects. These are services that hitherto in good times you would have rejected for lack of availability of time.
Sharing Knowledge, Experience Good for Sustainable Land Management, Says UNILAG’s VC, Ogunsola
Bennett Oghifo
The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Akoka, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, has emphasised the urgent need for seamless collaboration among professionals to foster sustainable land management.
Prof. Ogunsola stated this at the 2nd International Conference and Fair on Land and Development, which was
held at Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, recently.
The conference theme was, “Sustainable Land Management for Inclusive Development in African Cities.” It was attended by academics, and policymakers, among other professionals.
According to the Vice Chancellor, “This conference marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards
addressing the complex land challenges that confront our continent.
“The University of Lagos is not just a university; it’s a land-lover’s paradise. We are the only university in Nigeria that is accessible by land, sea, and air. This unique perspective gives us a deep understanding of the importance of land. We are committed to using land wisely and sustainably for the
benefit of future generations.
“Land, the bedrock of our existence, has been an integral part of African societies for millennia. It has nourished our bodies, shaped our cultures, and fueled our economies.
From the fertile plains that sustain our agriculture to the bustling urban centres that drive our development, the land remains the lifeblood of our continent. However,
the rapid urbanisation and population growth that characterise African cities have placed enormous pressure on our land resources. Land disputes, informal settlements, and inadequate infrastructure have become commonplace, hindering our progress towards inclusive and sustainable development.
“Research plays a crucial role in guiding sound land
policies and practices. It should be considered in the context of land reform processes in Africa as a necessary prelude to their transformative power.
“In recent years, the University of Lagos faculty and researchers have been engaged in groundbreaking research in land use patterns, urban planning, environmental impact assessments, and climate change adaptation.
GiriToday, e-Commerce Platform, Connects Best of Africa to Global Markets Speedily
Bennett Oghifo
GiriToday, a new ecommerce platform, has been created to take the best of Africa to the world, quickly, efficiently and seamlessly.
Addressing a virtual press conference recently, the originators/co-founders of the platform, Wale Ayantoye and Ola Ajiboye, said, “GiriToday is a revolutionary B2B platform that bridges the gap between global businesses and skilled African artisans, transforming how companies
source unique, high-quality products. Offering wholesale services tailored for bulk purchases, GiriToday provides an extensive catalog of authentic African products, such as arts, fabrics, specialty foods, and handcrafted furniture.”
According to them, GiriToday, (www.giritoday.com) to be launched in February 2025, is set to revolutionize e-commerce across Africa by becoming the continent’s largest online marketplace platform, connecting local sellers with international
buyers. The platform offers a seamless, efficient, and cost-effective way for African businesses to reach a global audience, providing them with the tools to expand their market presence and grow revenue.
They said there are free listings for sellers: “GiriToday allows local sellers to list their products for free, reducing the financial barrier to entry and giving small businesses the opportunity to access a global marketplace.”
Other advantages, they
said, are FX Rate Settlement at Payout: The platform offers a unique advantage by settling payouts in local currencies at competitive exchange rates, ensuring sellers get the best value when transacting internationally. • It ensures global reach for local products: “Sellers can tap into international markets, creating new growth opportunities while buyers get access to authentic African products, directly from the source.”
They said, “By eliminating
intermediaries, GiriToday ensures competitive pricing, authenticity, and quality, creating a trusted marketplace for global buyers. This model not only allows businesses to tap into Africa’s vibrant cultural heritage, but also empowers local artisans to showcase their craftsmanship on an international stage, fostering economic growth and opportunities.
procurement from verified suppliers, enabling companies worldwide to source ethically and reliably while contributing to a brighter future for African entrepreneurship.”
GiriToday’s mission, they said, is to empower African businesses, create economic opportunities, and foster a direct trade link between Africa and the world. As we prepare for launch, we are seeking media partners who share our vision of supporting entrepreneurship and innovation on the continent.
Lafarge Africa Celebrates Retail Excellence with Q3 Loyalty Promo Awards in Lagos
Fadekemi Ajakaiye
Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, recently concluded its Q3 Lagos Retail Loyalty Promo with an exciting award ceremony to honour and reward its dedicated retailers. The event celebrated outstanding performances across the Lagos region, with winners receiving prizes across four categories: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and
Bronze.
A total of 171 winners emerged from the promo, spread across the state. At the Lagos Island ceremony, held at the Ajah Depot, Fradjen Warehouse in Ibeju Lekki, three platinum winners received cargo tricycles, two gold winners were awarded 2.8KVA generators, six silver winners took home 43” TV sets, and 28 bronze winners were presented with rechargeable fans. Similarly, the Lagos Main-
land event, hosted at Lafarge Africa’s Oregun NKB Plant, saw eight platinum winners receive cargo tricycles, 12 gold winners rewarded with 2.8KVa generators, 14 silver winners claim 43’’ TV sets, and 98 bronze winners walk away with rechargeable fans.
Speaking at the events, Babatunde Odufote, Head of Sales, Lagos, Lafarge Africa Plc, expressed the company’s deep appreciation to the retailers. “Your support has been pivotal
to our success,” he said. This event is our way of honouring the commitment you’ve shown. Let’s continue this partnership and take it to new heights.”
He further encouraged the retailers to leverage the Lafarge REAL app for seamless order placement, assuring them of timely deliveries within 24 hours.
In his remarks, Vorke Enite, Channel Development Manager, Lafarge Africa Plc, emphasized the crucial role of retailers and
stakeholders in the company’s success: “You, our valued retailers and stakeholders, are the backbone of our value chain, helping us build and strengthen our presence in the market. Together, we’ll continue to reach new heights. Thank you for your partnership and trust as we embark on this journey to shape the future of building solutions.”
During the award ceremony, several winners shared heartfelt remarks, expressing their
gratitude for the recognition and rewards.
Nora Blossom of Nora Cement, a Platinum winner from Ibeju Lekki, described Lafarge as a company that delivers on its promises. “This recognition has truly motivated me. I believe even greater opportunities lie ahead, and I’m confident I’ll be one of those grabbing those future opportunities because hard work truly pays off. Thank you, Lafarge, for this incredible journey.”
L/R: NIQS President, QS Kene C. Nzekwe, FNIQS; Member, NIQS Board of Trustees, QS Tony Ndah, FNIQS and President, Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QS Obafemi Onashile, FNIQS, PPNIQS at the AGM event recently
Bringing the Festive Spirit to Lagos, The Collaborative o ptiva Capital Partners Way
in a clear demonstration of the power of collaboration and aligning with SdG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), Optiva Capital Partners, africa’s premier wealth management and retention firm, has brought the festive spirit of Christmas to life at the Murtala Muhammed airportTerminal 2, Lagos. in partnership with MBr Signature and Bi-Courtney aviation Services, the firm is hosting a 20-day Christmas Festival at the domestic terminal airport to enhance the travel experience of travelers. Chiemelie ezeobi, who witnessed the “Light-Up Show”, writes that it transformed MMa2 into a festive haven as the getaway terminal was adorned with dazzling Christmas lights, towering trees, and breathtaking decorations, sprinkled with scintillating carols, live music, comedy and even dance, thus infusing Nigerians and foreigners alike with the festive spirit while ushering them into the festive season with joy
World over, the Christmas season is a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection, but for travelers passing through Lagos, this year’s festive cheer has taken on an entirely new dimension.
A groundbreaking collaboration between Optiva Capital Partners, MBR Signature, and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services has transformed the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) into a magical wonderland, kicking off a 20-day Christmas Festival that promises an unforgettable experience for all.
As witnessed by THISDAY, as the first initiative of its kind in Nigeria, the Christmas Festival at MMA2 is much more than a celebration; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural pride, and community engagement. This unique event, running from December 1, brings the joy of the season to travelers and visitors while showcasing Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy to the world. From dazzling light displays to enchanting carols, live music, comedy, and family-friendly activities, the festival is a perfect representation of Christmas magic brought home.
A Grand Kickoff with the Light-Up Show
The festival officially began with the “Light-Up Show,” a ribbon-cutting ceremony that symbolises the spirit of the holiday season as the MMA2 was transformed into a radiant holiday destination, complete with thousands of twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and ornate decorations. The terminal came alive with energy and festive cheer, captivating all who were present. Adding to the evening’s magic were spellbinding Christmas carols, including an emotive performance of “That’s Christmas to Me” by the talented Precious Emmanuel, whose soulful voice resonated throughout the terminal, setting a warm and inviting tone for the celebrations ahead.
Flash mobs delighted unsuspecting travelers with spontaneous dance routines, while renowned comedian Kenny Black delivered laughter, ensuring that the event was as entertaining as it was uplifting. This was in addition to the choristers decked in white robs, who lined up the walkways of the first floor of the MMA2, casting a melodious spell on all.
This breathtaking spectacle marked the beginning of an immersive festival experience, creating a joyous atmosphere for travelers, staff, and the wider Lagos community.
Uniting Communities Through Celebration
The Christmas Festival at MMA2 is about more than decorations and entertainment; it’s a powerful example of how partnerships can drive meaningful change. The collaboration between Optiva Capital Partners, MBR Signature, and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 17, which emphasises the importance of partnerships for achieving shared goals.
Speaking at the Light-Up Show, Dr. Jane Kimemia, CEO of Optiva Capital Partners, highlighted the significance of the festival. She said: “This lighting ceremony is symbolic of what this festival represents— hope, joy, and connection. At Optiva Capital Partners, we believe in creating memorable experiences that go beyond wealth creation. Through this festival, we are giving back to the community where we operate, bringing the magic and wonder of Christmas, and showcasing the richness of Nigeria’s culture.”
Dr. Kimemia further emphasised how the festival reflects Optiva’s commitment to global access and enriching lives. Thus, for families who might typically travel abroad to experience the festive season, the Christmas Festival at MMA2 brings that same wonder and magic right to their doorstep.
Reviving the Spirit of Christmas
Stanley Ezeani, Managing Director of MBR Signature and the visionary behind the Christmas Festival, spoke passionately about the event’s purpose.
“Over time, the charm and fantasies of Christmas have diminished due to various modern challenges. However, this festival seeks to rekindle the spirit, bringing back the joy, uniqueness, and enchantment that make Christmas truly special,” Ezeani stated. He described the festival as a chance to revive cherished traditions while fostering new memories.
By creating a festive hub at MMA2, the organisers hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the season, proving that the magic of Christmas
is alive and well in Nigeria.
Kola Bamigboye, acting Chief Operating Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, echoed these sentiments:
“This partnership with Optiva Capital Partners and MBR Signature is proof of what we can achieve when we work together. The Light-Up Show and the activities to come will spread joy and unite our community during the most wonderful time of the year.”
A 20-day Array of Activities
The 20-day Christmas Festival offers an array of carefully curated activities designed to engage all age groups including the Santa Claus Grotto where families can step into a magical world where children and parents can meet Santa, enjoy festive treats, and create heartwarming memories.
Also, live performances is sure at the festival as the festival features a lineup of talented musicians, comedians, and performers who bring the spirit of Christmas to life through captivating shows.
As experienced on the first day, flash mobs with dance routines and enchanting carol performances have been keeping the atmosphere lively and joyful while the free-to-play piano in the departure lounge invites musically inclined travelers to share their talents, adding a personal touch to the festivities.
Not done, the festival highlights Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage by offering visitors a chance to experience traditional and contemporary expressions of the season.
According to Dr. Kimema, all these activities aim to create a sense of community and shared joy, transforming MMA2 into more than just a transit hub, to now a destination for holiday celebration and reflection.
Broader Impact
Beyond the festive cheer, the Christmas Festival has broader implications for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. By hosting an event of this scale, the organisers are fostering economic growth, creating job opportunities, and showcasing Nigeria’s
potential as a hub for tourism and cultural exchange. The festival also underscores the importance of cultural pride and representation. Dr. Kimemia highlighted how the event demonstrates Nigeria’s ability to excel on the global stage. “This initiative reflects our belief in the remarkable ability of Nigerians and Africans to excel. Through this festival, we aim to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and showcase its endless possibilities to the world,” she said.
And as the lights shine brightly at MMA2 and the festivities continue, travelers and visitors have been immersing themselves in the magic of the season- whether it’s the joy of a child meeting Santa for the first time, the laughter shared during a comedy performance, or the warmth of a carol sung in unison, the Christmas Festival has been creating moments that will be cherished for years to come.
With the festival well underway, the excitement at MMA2 shows no signs of slowing down. As travelers continue to pass through the terminal, they are greeted with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Christmas, ensuring that their journey is filled with warmth and wonder.
Essentially, the Christmas Festival at MMA2 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring magic of the season. For Lagos and beyond, it’s a reminder that Christmas is not just a date on the calendar but a time to come together and share in the joy of the holidays.
As Dr. Kimemia aptly put it:“Through this festival, we’ve brought cherished traditions to life while creating new ones. MMA2 is not just a transit hub—it’s a destination where families, friends, and communities can come together to make unforgettable memories.”
For Optiva Capital Partners, MBR Signature, and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, the success of this festival is a testament to their shared vision and commitment to enriching lives. Together, they have set a new standard for holiday celebrations in Nigeria, proving that the true spirit of Christmas lies in connection, generosity, and joy. And for Lagos State? This festive season, the state has proven that the magic of Christmas truly knows no bounds.
Chief Executive Officer, Optiva Capital Partners, Dr. Jane Kimemia, flanked by Member, Board of Directors, BI-Courtney Aviation Services, Dr. Segun Amodu (Left), Executive Director, Optiva Capital Partners, AMB. Amaka Diane Okeke (Right) and DMD, MBR Signature at the Light-Up Show of the MBR Christmas Festival powered by Optiva Capital Partners at MMA2
The Christmas Cheer at the departure hall of Murtala Muhammed Airport 2
Members of Staff of Optiva Capital Partners at the Event
Santa’s Grotto
Polaris Bank Partners Amtis to Empower Young, Next Generation Designers
Oluchi Chibuzor
In its determination to produce the next generation of young designers who will go on to capture the imagination of the world in fashion, Polaris Bank partnered, with Amtis Skills Place, a body dedicated to producing contemporary vocational skills to young Nigerians to identify, train and mentor young designers through the 2024 Amtis Fashion Competition.
Since its inception in 2015, Amtis Skills Place has been committed to equipping young Nigerians with vocational skills, bridging
the gap between traditional education and the evolving job market.
This year’s event, proudly sponsored by Polaris Bank brought together emerging designers aged 18 to 35 gathered to design garments inspired by vintage styles.
In an address to the participants delivered on behalf of Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal remarked: “Polaris Bank ensures that you achieve your dreams in the right perspective, which is why we partnered with Amtis Vintage Fashion. We can assure you that there will be bigger things
in the coming year: a more expanded event, more content, more giveaways, and greater empowerment for the business sector.”
The Managing Director of Amtis Skills Place, Omotunde Adebusola, commended Polaris Bank for their pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship in the country especially, the competition saying: “We are deeply grateful to Polaris Bank for believing in our vision to nurture young talents. Their partnership made this year’s event a resounding success, and we look forward to even greater collaborations in the future.”
SABI Project Empowers 70 Lagos Women With N4.7m Seed Grant
SABI Woman, SightSavers, Anita Kevin, said that the project was geared towards developing the business skills of women with disabilities.
Lagos…recently SightSavers’ Strengthening Access to Business Education and Inclusion (SABI) Woman project, has empowered 70 Lagos women with disabilities with a N4.7 million seed grant to start their own businesses.
The project in partnership with Unilever Nigeria Plc and Growing Businesses Foundation (GBF) and aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship, boosting employability, and advocating inclusion in the country’s financial sector.
Speaking at the event, Programme Officer, Girls Educational Skills Partnership/
Kevin said that the NGO was supporting each of the beneficiaries with Unilever products worth 60,000, totaling N4.7 million, under the SHAKTI programme of Unilever.
According to her, “We planned to train 100 women with disabilities in Lagos, and we have reached the 100, but having screened them, we got 70 who are ready to
have access to the business skills. We are giving each of the 70 women a business basket worth N60,000 to start a business or add it to their existing businesses,” she said.
For the Project Manager, SHAKTI Initiative of Unilever, Mr. Ehis Goodluck, the programme was meant for women living in the rural and suburban communities.
Also, the Project Manager, GBF, Mr. Jubril Yusuf, said that the foundation, as an implementing partner of the project, would ensure that it is implemented successfully.
Book Industry Stakeholders Seek Reduction on Import Duty
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s book Industry have called on the federal government to consider granting them tax weavers and a reduction in import duty on anything educational in the country.
This for them is necessary as their businesses are currently challenged with low patronage, piracy, and high prices which is forcing many players out of business and students to stay at home.
They disclosed this at the maiden Angel Expression Limited and Binary Vision Publishers Award, held in Lagos over the weekend.
Speaking at the event, The Publisher, Angels Expressions Limited, Mr. Michael Igele, said although they are challenged with piracy, the sector remains critical to the survival of the Nigerian economy.
For him, the event which honoured 38 outstanding book sellers in Lagos, is a way to showcase the importance of the sector.
According to him, “The industry is gainfully employing hundreds of thousands of people today. But they are not recognized. And if you go to their shops, the same shop that has trained
graduates does not look good.”
Speaking, the Managing Director, Jamganza Bookshop, Eze Peter Umeh, said business and patronage has dropped significantly as he is considering closing down.
According to him, “The business has dropped. There’s no money in town. So, I want a situation whereby some of the educational goods coming into the country are cleared at five percent . The price of books are very expensive now. So I want a situation whereby the government will bring the price of anything educational very low.”
GEIL, Lekoil, Inaugurate Renovated School, Flag-off Water Project
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Operators of Otakikpo field
PML 11, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) & Lekoil and Gas Investment Limited Joint Venture has officially inaugurated renovated school buildings and flag-off water project in its host communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
As part of efforts to positively impact the host communinites in Rivers state and beyond, the joint venture has successfully completed the renovation of key educational facilities under the
Ikuru Town Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
Speaking during the inauguration at Community Secondary School Otunchit, a mini community at the waterfront in the area, Chairman, Board of Trustees Ikuru Town HCDT, Prof Lysias Gilbert commended the Joint Venture for the achievements so far in the area. Gilbert who explained that the settlors have built a strong relationship with the host communinites in Andoni, said “Lowendo is owned by architect Julius Orombo and Pima is owned Uchente Sampson. They are all indigenes of
Ikuru town Ikurutau and it is their handwork that you are seeing now”.
Also speaking, Vice Principal, Administration, of the School, Mrs Mercy Felix expressed gratitude to the joint venture, saying the innovation will transform the staff and students of community secondary school, Ikuru town.
Felix said “I want to appreciate the Ikuru town HCBT, the green energy, the lekoil and gas limited for making us feel happy, giving us a sense of belonging. We really appreciate it because we never felt it would be so fast like this.
Bakre Honored with African Leaders of Integrity Merit Award
In recognition of his exceptional leadership and transformative impact on the banking and finance industry, Managing Director and CEO of Parallex Bank, Dr. Olufemi Bakre, has been honored with the prestigious African Leaders of Integrity Merit Award.
The award, conferred during the 20th African Leadership Development Conference in Accra, Ghana, celebrates Bakre’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and innovation.
Held at the Sun Lodge Hotel in Ghana recently, the event, themed, “Issues, Challenges, and Prospects of Achieving Poverty Eradication
in West African Countries by 2030,” brought together a distinguished audience of policymakers, business leaders, and thought influencers from across the continent. Organized by African Integrity Magazine, the awards spotlight individuals who exemplify integrity, inspire progress, and redefine excellence in their fields.
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
(Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).
L-R: Current Vice President of the 1984 set of Adeniyi Jones Primary School, Ajibulu Olugbenga; Executive Member of the Alumni Association of the 1984 set, Mr. Babatunde Ogunsan; Current President, Mrs. Ndidi Adewole; Chairman of the 40th Reunion Committee, Dr. Oladehin Olakunle and Executive Member of the 1984 set, Mrs. Ebi Arojo during the 2024 Reunion Gala AGM held in Ikeja,
Champion Breweries Gets Shareholders’ Approval to Raise Fresh Capital
Kayode Tokede
Champion Breweries Plc, has successfully concluded its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), where shareholders approved two groundbreaking resolutions that will propel the company to new heights of growth and market dominance.
The approved resolutions focus on pivotal initiatives that will strengthen Champion Breweries’ operational capac-
ity, improve market liquidity, and ensure full compliance with regulatory standards
Champion Breweries will issue up to 1,579,058,099 ordinary shares to meet the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) free float requirement.
This capital raise will significantly enhance market liquidity, fund essential infrastructure upgrades, expand production capacity, and increase overall operational efficiency.
The company has also
received approval to float a N15 billion bond programme and N5 billion series 1 issuance through a specially incorporated funding vehicle. This strategic bond issuance will provide the necessary financial backing for Champion Breweries’ ambitious expansion plans and ensure long-term operational stability.
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacob expressed his enthusiasm about the resolutions, saying “These approvals represent a bold and necessary
step for Champion Breweries as we position ourselves for the next phase of growth. With the backing of our shareholders, we are well-equipped to enhance our operational capacity, meet regulatory requirements, and deliver exceptional value to all our stakeholders. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our journey”
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Champion Breweries, Dr. Inalegwu
Adoga expressed his optimism following the approval. He stated that “Today marks a historic moment for Champion Breweries. With the approval of these resolutions, we are not only ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements but also setting the stage for an exciting future. These steps will allow us to enhance our operational capacity and unlock significant growth opportunities for our stakeholders.”
With the approval of these
strategic initiatives, Champion Breweries is poised to reinforce its market leadership, enhance operational efficiency, and create enduring value. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and its vision for shaping the future of Nigeria’s brewing industry. Champion Breweries remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional value to shareholders, customers, and the broader community.
PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF DECEMBER 5/24
OPEC Delays Oil Output Increase, Leaves Nigeria’s
1.5m bpd Quota Unchanged
FG says its 2.06m bpd production target in 2025 on course
Emmanuel
Addeh in Abuja
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday deferred the commencement of its proposed oil production cuts by a year, until the end of 2026, following current weak demand and rising output by non-members of the international oil cartel.
OPEC left Nigeria’s current production quota unchanged at 1.5 million barrels per day, with the country struggling for at least four years to meet its monthly allocation as prescribed by the now 12-member group after the exit of Angola last year.
But the oil producers’ organisation, which has cooperation from 10 other countries, collectively called OPEC+, had been planning to start unwinding
cuts from October 2024, but has had postponed the plans several times.
Aside Nigeria’s 1.5 million bpd quota, OPEC and its allies also agreed to Saudi Arabia’s 10.47 million bpd; Russia’s 9.94 million bpd allocation; Iraq’s 4.43 million bpd production and Algeria’s 1 million bpd output.
However, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who represented Nigeria at the virtual event, noted that Nigeria was on course to meeting the 2.06 million barrels per day crude oil and condensate production target in the 2025 proposed budget.
But despite the group's supply cuts, global oil benchmark Brent crude has mostly stayed in a $70 to $80 per barrel range this year and yesterday it traded near $72 a barrel, having hit a 2024 low below
$69 in September.
On the 38th Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) meeting, Lokpobiri, in a statement by his spokesperson, Nneamaka Okafor, stated that the decisions were taken to ensure oil market stability.
Beyond reaffirming the crude oil production adjustments agreed during the 35th OPEC ministerial meeting, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2026, the ministers emphasised the critical importance of full conformity with production levels and the implementation of a robust compensation mechanism to enhance transparency and preserve market equilibrium.
“For Nigeria, these resolutions provide a strategic pathway to achieving the nation’s 2025 production target of 2.06 million barrels
per day, inclusive of condensates, as outlined in the draft 2025 appropriation bill, positioning the country to leverage its resources effectively while aligning with global market trends,” Lokpobiri said.
The head of the Nigerian delegation reiterated the country’s commitment to the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC) and emphasised the critical role of collaborative efforts in ensuring a balanced and sustainable oil market.
“This meeting reflects the unity and resolve of OPEC and its partners to maintain stability and ensure a balanced market. Nigeria remains steadfast in supporting these efforts while pursuing our national objectives within the global energy landscape,” Lokpobiri stated.
BAMIDELE: TAX REFORM BILLS ALIVE, WERE NEVER SUSPENDED
As it is, OPEC+ members are
holding back 5.86 million barrels per day of output, or about 5.7 per cent of global demand, in a series of steps agreed since 2022 to support the market.
The steps include cuts of 2 million bpd by the whole group, 1.65 million bpd of first stage of voluntary cuts by eight members and another 2.2 million of second stage of voluntary cuts by the same eight members.
But yesterday, OPEC+ agreed to extend the 2 million bpd and the 1.65 million bpd of cuts until the end of 2026 from the end of 2025, according to statements issued by the group.
OPEC+ also agreed to allow the United Arab Emirates to raise output by 300,000 bpd gradually from April until the end of September 2026, instead of the earlier plan to start
Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday, maintained that the tax reform bills currently before the upper chamber were very much alive, saying at no time were the proposed legislations suspended by the lawmakers. Bamidele said this in a statement summarising his comments on the floor of the senate, made available to THISDAY.
That was as the senate yesterday confirmed a first meeting in Abuja between its special committee on the tax reform bills, headed by Minority Leader Abba Moro, and the team from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
The red chamber also removed Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, as a member of the ad hoc committee, and asked the senator for Borno Central, Kaka Shehu, to replace him.
As controversy over the tax reform bills continued, Moro expressed concern that the ongoing discussion regarding the proposed tax reform had become increasingly politicised.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS yesterday, Moro called for a more focused examination of the proposed legislations.
Senators from the South-south geopolitical zone, also yesterday, passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, pledging to align with him in advancing the collective interest of the country. They also backed the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly.
The South-south senators’ position was contained in a communique at the end of their meeting, signed by Senator Seriake Dickson.
In Lagos, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi, urged stakeholders to be fair-minded in their consideration of the proposed tax reform bills in order to present factdriven recommendations that would enhance the quality and effectiveness of the legislations.
Agbeluyi spoke during CITN's "Presidential Press Briefing and Media Workshop for Tax and Finance Reporters."
Bamidele insisted that nobody
withdrew deliberation on the tax reform bills, stressing that the bills are executive communications, and only the executive arm can withdraw them.
In the summary of his comments at the National Assembly, Bamidele described the purported suspension or withdrawal of legislative activities on the bills as a “misrepresentation”. He maintained that the upper chamber “cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure” not consistent with its rules and proceedings.
Bamidele recalled how the senate on Wednesday constituted a special committee, chaired by Moro, to resolve grey areas of the tax reform initiatives.
The upper chamber, presided by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jubrin Barau, had on Wednesday set up the special committee to engage the AGF to try to resolve the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.
Bamidele invoked Order 42 of the Senate Rules as well as Section 60 and 62 (1-4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended) to clarify the position of the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.
He stated that there was no part of the votes and proceedings of the senate where it was stipulated that further consideration of or deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024 had been suspended or withdrawn.
The senate leader explained that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), through the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, sponsored the bills at the two chambers of the National Assembly. He explained that the bills were not private member bills.
Bamidele stated, “Whatever we are doing is in accordance with the provisions of our constitution. We are the legislative arm of government. We take our instruction and guidance from the 1999 Constitution and not from any other institution or individual no matter how highly placed, not even from the governors or any other person than the 1999 Constitution.
“What was reported is that the senate had suspended further consideration of or deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills 2024. The media platform even invited the Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullah Sule, pointedly telling the governor that the senate had withdrawn the bills.
“The media platform even described the bills as conundrum,
SENATE DECLARES POWER SECTOR PRIVATISATION TOTAL FAILURE
no value at all.
Akpabio and other senators lampooned the power sector, especially the Discos, just as they said that the operators had forced Nigeria more into darkness since 2013 when the policy took off, leaving the citizenry “helpless.”
The President of the Senate said:
“Why do state governors and communities buy transformers, hand them over Discos and still pay for installation? The people who took over (power sector) are just making money from those transformers and they are not adding value at all.
“Why do we hand over Gencos and the TCN can't move what they generate? Why are Discos not investing in transformers, or we have to pay the Discos for transformers bought by Nigerians? We can make the laws, we can reverse the laws and ask the federal government to take back those things from them.”
Abaribe attributed the persistent grid failures to factors such as aging infrastructure, abandoned projects worth trillions of naira, regulatory inefficiencies, security lapses, and lack of modern monitoring systems like SCADA, among others.
which suggested that the bills were problematic and we do not move from one television to another. The privilege that we have is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This is where we do our deliberation. This is where we make the law. This is where we do effective representation of our people. If we have an issue to clarify, this is also the floor that we have rather than issuing press statements.
“Mr. President, we have just passed our votes and proceedings. It is a reflection of our deliberation of the previous legislative day. Nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that we suspended further deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills 2024. This is because we did not.
“It is important to place on record that this Senate did not suspend and does not intend to suspend deliberations, considerations of the Tax Reform Bills 2024. As to withdrawal, Mr. President, this is simply my position.
“It is a misunderstanding of the legislative process for any person to have even reported that we have withdrawn the bills. The bills were executive bills transmitted by the executive arm of government through the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is only the executive arm that can withdraw these bills. It is not
a private member bill sponsored by any senator. So, no senator is going to withdraw the bills and there is no reason for these bills to be withdrawn.”
The senate leader added, “In a legislative process, it is normal that some people will have concerns, that is why in its wisdom, this Senate is referring this matter to the Senate Committee on Finance.”
He also warned that any attempt “to intimidate the parliament will be undemocratic,” stating that the National Assembly and its members would not be distracted from discharging their constitutional mandates.
Bamidele added, “We will encourage consensus, discussion and engagement at all levels. But we cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure not consistent with the rules and proceedings of the senate.
“As far as we are concerned, the Tax Reform Bills 2024 are still alive in the senate. The bills are equally receiving consideration at various levels. And we are open to further discussion, consideration and engagement on the bills.”
Bamidele’s comments distancing the upper chamber from an earlier statement by Barau alleging suspension of the tax reform bills elicited confusion in the red chamber.
Barau had while chairing plenary on Wednesday declared that the Senator Sani Musa-led finance panel should halt its six-week legislative assignment on the fiscal legislations until all grey areas were addressed.
But Bamidele countered the declaration, saying at no time was such a decision agreed upon at Wednesday’s plenary.
Bamidele stated, “Our instruction was that they should organise public hearing and submit their report no later than six weeks. It might not be up to six weeks, but if they choose to be up to six weeks, nobody will quarrel with them. Six weeks is long enough in a country that wants progress for a consensus to be reached.
“We are continuing with the deliberation, with the consideration of this bill. We drew out people from each geopolitical zone. And we constituted them into an adhoc committee to, on our behalf, further interface.
“We were clear about what we were doing. The Senate Committee on Finance is in charge of public hearing. But we set up an adhoc committee as a further legislative action to, on our behalf, interface.
“Even the president of the country called on us to, please, interface with the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, which also we would have done in our public
hearing.”
While stressing that the senate was open to discussions and negotiations, he pointed out that it will be laughable for anybody to think, say or report that the bills were withdrawn.
According to him, “They are executive bills that can only be withdrawn by the executive and there is no reason to do so because these bills we believe are in overriding public interest and will do everything possible to ensure that across geopolitical interests.
“Any political party, religious interest and everybody that has concern, civil society, everybody that has concern, is given a chance to contribute to the passage of these laws.”
In his remarks, Akpabio commended Bamidele for his submission and explained that some sections of the media were misled to report that the senate had withdrawn the bills.
The senate president stated, “At the National Assembly, we were all elected to do our work and that is the work of law-making in the overall interest of Nigeria. We do not do our work through social media. Neither do we do it through any committee or congregation of the church or any forum of any nature.
“We do our work according to
Continued
CENTRAL BANK'S EFEMS SEES NAIRA GAINS SIGNIFICANTLY ON ITS WAY TO PRICE DISCOVERY
Tuesday, trading at N1,720/$1 from a stagnant rate of N1,745/$1, which had persisted for over a month.
On Wednesday, the naira appreciated sharply to N1,670/$1and further strengthened to N1,640/$1 yesterday.
On the official market, CBN quotes for the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) showed the average rates starting at N1,662.77 on Monday, improving to N1,644.78 on Tuesday, and further to N1,613.86 on Wednesday, before hitting N1,587.29 yesterday.
In a circular announcing the EFEMS platform, the CBN detailed that it facilitates spot foreign exchange transactions between the naira and the U.S. dollar. The platform, operated through Bloomberg’s BMatch system, requires a minimum trade value of $100,000, with incremental trade sizes of $50,000.
The apex bank stated that the platform seamlessly integrated with banks' middle and back-office systems, and it generated consolidated trade statistics that were accessible to the market, according to Bloomberg.
The platform is accessible to all CBN-licensed dealer banks, the central bank said.
According to CBN, EFEMS is a critical tool for reducing counterparty risks and ensuring market discipline.
Trades conducted on the platform are binding, with participants required to set credit and settlement limits to avoid exceeding thresholds.
Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, speaking at the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN) 59th annual bankers’ dinner in Lagos, recently, stated that EFEMS was a transformative step towards market
transparency and price discovery.
He said, “The unification of the exchange rate is a pivotal reform, but it marks just the beginning.
On the 2nd of December 2024, the foreign exchange market will begin trading on the electronic FX matching system to further enhance transparency, restore confidence, and attract new investments.
“Coupled with an improved framework for deploying products targeting the Nigerian diaspora and efforts to establish a well-functioning FX market, we anticipate increased diaspora and foreign investments over the next 12 months, building a more resilient and liquid FX market.”
Cardoso said over the past year, CBN had undertaken critical reforms to unify Nigeria’s exchange rate, eliminating distortions and restoring transparency.
He also addressed misconceptions about the FX market, emphasising the role of EFEMS in countering panic-driven distortions.
He said, “It is vital to address the disinformation circulating about a supposed demand-supply gap in the FX market, which is fuelling unnecessary panic.
“The current USD exchange rate reflects the price that the most desperate buyers are willing to pay, and this does not represent the true market value of the naira.
“The introduction of the electronic matching system will correct these distortions by enhancing the price discovery process. Additionally, it will significantly boost the central bank’s oversight and intervention capabilities, ensuring a more stable and transparent foreign exchange
market.”
Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, at the Parthian Economic Discourse 2024 (PED24) in Lagos, recently, forecasted a 10 per cent appreciation of the naira in 2025 and anticipated Nigeria's economy will recover from the most challenging phase of its reform adjustment process by the same year.
Rewane said, “We think that the exchange rate will appreciate mildly, not anything significant. We got it wrong. We thought that this time of year to be about N1,200, we are so far away from that. Even the government has said we'll be happy to settle at N1400. So, we anticipate a 10 per cent appreciation which can take you to about N1550.
“Nothing suggests or justifies a currency losing half its value without major external shocks such as an earthquake, war, or natural disaster. The question remains what is responsible for this significant decline?”
Speaking with THISDAY, Head, Financial institutions Ratings at Agusto&Co, Ayokunle Olubunmi, described the new platform as a significant step forward, emphasizing its potential to unite key market participants while ensuring that transactions are conducted with transparency.
Olubunmi said, “What EFEMS has done is that it automatically is redefining the market. It’s a way of sanitising the FX market. All the major players, including the Bureau De BDC guys, who are serious and know what they’re doing, can participate in this market. It’s also about digitising the
system. Prices will be transparent.” In an interview with THISDAY, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Anchoria Advisory Services, Sam Chidoka, lauded EFEMS and stated that it was a step in the right direction.
Chidoka stated, “I think that is the way to go. I feel that when you have a two-quote system, and there is liquidity provided by that two-quote system, and there is a matching of bids and offers, I think that gives the ability to gauge pricing better.
“This system introduces some sort of market-making into the FX market. And when you have that, then the result is that you're going to get more market-driven pricing than the former system that we had where people just had to take whatever quotes they were given because they didn't have an oversight to give you an idea where the market was.
"It is a step in the right direction. And, hopefully, we will see the naira aggregate round about a marketdriven price that is reflective of a two-way quote system. “
Chief Executive Officer, CFG Advisory, Tilewa Adebajo, lauded the new initiative, saying, “The new foreign exchange matching system is a welcome development for price discovery to try and put some sophistication in our markets and remove discrepancies.
“The whole essence of how naira is appreciated, I think it's too early to attribute it to this new system. So let's see how it pans out. But I think transparency in any market is very important and it is a very important step towards that kind of transparency.”
Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe, Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos
it in January 2025. The group reaffirmed the mandate of the JMMC to closely review global oil market conditions, oil production levels, and the level of conformity with the DoC, and hold the OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting every six months.
Mele Kyari
AMCON'S INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH THE MEDIA...
Executive Director Resolution/Enforcement, Asset Management Corporation of
Keyamo Launches New Reforms at MMIA, GAT, Orders Dismantling of Joint Luggage Inspection Table
Chinedu Eze
In a move at incepting new reforms, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the dismantling of joint inspection tables managed by multiple security agencies, which they use for physical inspection of passengers’ luggage.
The minister ordered, henceforth, inspections will focus on intelligence-
based screening, use of advanced scanning technology equipment, and non-physical passenger profiling to enhance efficiency and accuracy, insisting that these new reforms must be implemented immediately at the international terminal and General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
In addition to that; the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has designated new observation zones
equipped with surveillance cameras, which will ensure real-time monitoring and comprehensive screening expected to improve transparency and accountability.
The minister who initiated the new security system at the airports dubbed ‘Operation Air Clean’, said it is aimed at eliminating corruption, enhance transparency, and improve passenger satisfaction at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and the General Aviation
Terminal.
These reforms, the minister explained, are particularly timely as airports prepare for the busy endof-year travel season, characterized by increased passenger volumes.
As part of the new measures, the Department of State Services (DSS) and Immigration officers will now work collaboratively at integrated checkpoints. This change eliminates redundant screening processes for outbound travelers, significantly
...Aviation: NCAA Launches Air Transport Regulations E-Portal
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has unveiled the Directorate of Air Transport Regulation (DATR) Electronic Portal (E-Portal), marking another major step toward modernising aviation processes.
The launch, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, was led by Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo.
In his opening remarks, Capt.
Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
Over hundred passengers of MaxAir Aircraft, including Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, escaped an air mishap following emergency landing.
The aircraft that was heading from Maiduguri International Airport for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, few minutes into its flight was forced to head back to Maiduguri after a bird-attack, which caused one of its engine to catch fire.
The incident, it was learnt, occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday about ten minutes into the flight, making pilot and crew to have an emergency detour and landing back at the Maiduguri Airport to avert a major disaster.
A Max Air staff, who spoke to journalists on the condition of anonymity, explained that, “Shortly
Najomo described the E-Portal as a single-window platform designed to modernise and streamline the processes and operations of the Directorate of Air Transport Regulations (DATR).
He emphasised its alignment with international best practices, aimed at enhancing service delivery and providing seamless electronic interface for stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem. Najomo underscored the portal’s
potential to define a new era of digital aviation processes characterized by innovation, efficiency, competence, and productivity.
He however called for the adoption of the E-Portal, highlighting its transformative impact on the aviation sector.
The E-Portal, highlighted by Director of DATR Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, offers features like process optimisation, data centralisation, real-time tracking, and improved transparency, aiming to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and improve stakeholder operations in Nigeria’s aviation sector
Key industry leaders, including the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, and the CEO of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, praised the initiative.
after take-off, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”
Many of the passengers, could only wait to collect their luggage, returning home to their families and friends.
Some of them were said to have continued with the journey, joining another flight that the management of MaxAir promptly arranged from Kano. The deputy governor was said to have been in this team.
At the time of this report, the ill-fated aircraft was said to have remained grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing extensive repairs.
The airport authorities have, however, reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and thanked the crew for their professionalism in managing the situation.
Prof. Okonkwo commended Capt. Najomo's leadership, describing his appointment as "putting a round peg in a round hole." noted that the E-Portal launch exemplifies the NCAA’s dedication to innovation and efficiency, significantly improving the ease of doing business in the aviation sector.
Similarly, Mr. Onyema applauded Capt. Najomo’s commitment to transparency and adherence to global aviation standards. "This initiative reflects the NCAA's renewed dedication to fostering a business-friendly and efficient regulatory environment," he said.
The launch of the E-Portal represents a landmark achievement for the NCAA, solidifying its position as a forward-thinking regulator in Nigeria's aviation industry.
reducing delays.
Customs officials will also relocate to Aviation Security (AVSEC) screening points, optimizing currency declaration procedures while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Arriving passengers will undergo secondary screening in dedicated profiling rooms located at Terminals 1 and 2. These rooms will display real-time information about the officers on duty, including their names, agencies, and contact details, to promote transparency during search procedures.
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) personnel will support AVSEC officers at screening points and conduct roving checks in arrival halls, redefining roles for improved security oversight.
A mobile court will be established at the airport to facilitate swift prosecution of offenders, particularly touts and individuals engaging in illegal activities. To further enhance the passenger experience, secure meetand-greet zones will be designated for visitors awaiting arrivals.
Minister Keyamo has reiterated that misconduct of any form would no longer be tolerated within the airport premises and ordered that Bureau de Change operators and car hire staff found loitering or engaging in unauthorized activities will face immediate prosecution and non-compliant businesses risk suspension or revocation of their operating licenses, ensuring strict adherence to operational guidelines.
Additional improvements include enhanced lighting and signage to improve visibility and navigation across the airport environment.
Integration into BHCS needed, says Kalu
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The federal government has said that family planning campaign will complement current efforts at addressing rising poverty and some of the root causes of insecurity and social upheaval across the country. It said the present administration acknowledges the importance of family planning in the evolution of modern society.
Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas Ibrahim, who spoke at the formal opening of the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference in Abuja on Thursday, said that family planning is a critical aspect of the country 's development agenda, closely linked to economic growth, poverty reduction, and
improved health outcomes.
She said: "In Nigeria, we face significant challenges, including security concerns, climate change, and poverty. Family planning is critical to addressing these challenges, as it enables individuals and families to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
"As a nation, we have made progress in promoting family planning, but we still have a long way to go. Our statistics show that we have a high total fertility rate, which poses significant challenges to our economic and social development".
Mrs. Ibrahim said that in order to address these challenges, there is need to work together, "to create a future where every woman and girl in Nigeria has access to family
planning services".
“We must also ensure that our conversations are inclusive and take into account the perspectives of all stakeholders.
“Faith-based organizations, community leaders, and traditional rulers have a critical role to play in promoting family planning. "We need to engage with them and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary information and resources to promote family planning in their communities."
According to Ibrahim, one of the key challenges facing the family planning is the lack of access to family planning services, particularly in rural areas
While advocating a homegrown solution to family planning challenges, Ibrahim said the need to develop
Prominent signs will enforce the three-minute pickup rule, while free Wi-Fi services will be promoted within the terminals to provide greater convenience for travelers.
The minister promised that a timed parking system will replace the current setup, at the General Aviation Terminal, with charges applied for both short-term and long-term parking. He added that to prevent congestion, the number of car hire vehicles allowed in the parking zone will be limited and remarked that sustained enforcement actions will eradicate touting and harassment by drivers, ensuring a safer and more organized environment for passengers.
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s airports with global standards. “The federal government is committed to ensuring our airports operate at the highest standards of security, service delivery, and transparency. These reforms are a critical step toward transforming the passenger experience and addressing systemic challenges.
“I commend FAAN for its proactive leadership in implementing these measures and assure Nigerians of the government’s continued support in advancing the aviation sector,” he stated.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has also urged stakeholders, airport users, and the public to cooperate with Operation Air Clean, telling them that this initiative represents a significant milestone in building safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airports across the country.
strategies that are tailored to our unique context and needs cannot be over-emphasized.
"We need to work with community leaders, faith-based organizations, and traditional rulers to promote family planning and ensure that everyone has access to accurate information.
"We also need to address the issue of cultural and religious barriers to family planning. We also need to address the issue of funding for family planning programs. We need to work with our development partners to secure funding for our family planning programs," she said.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said that family planning is a key driver of national development and should not be ignored.
R-L:
Nigeria (AMCON) Mr. Adeshola Lamidi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer AMCON, Mr. Gbenga Alade; Company Secretary, AMCON Mrs. Oyinlola Adebayo; and Head, Corporate Communications Department of AMCON, Mr. Jude Chiedozie Nwauzor, during an interactive session with the media in in Lagos... yesterday
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
INAUGURATION OF MEMBERS OF DELTA STATE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT COMMISSION...
PDP BoT Expresses Deep Concern Over State of Party
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after its emergency meeting Thursday at the party's national secretariat, Abuja, expressed deep worry over the current state of affairs of the major opposition party, particularly with regard to its administration.
Also, at the emergency meeting of the party’s BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara who is chairman of the board vowed that the party will not be allowed to die, cautioning the party's NWC and governors elected on its platform not to work against the party.
Meanwhile, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan has commended the party's Board of Trustees (BoT) for expressing concerns over the problems plaguing the party and agreeing to nomination to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as the substantive national chairman early next year.
The communique of the meeting signed and by the BoT chairman, Senator Wabara, demanded that the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, immediately commence the restoration of internal harmony, unity, stability and public confidence in the party by respecting the PDP Constitution and adhering to the zoning of NWC offices to the various geo-political zones in the country.
The communique said that the BoT called on the PDP Governors' Forum to be more united and work along with other organs of the party to resolve issues in the party expeditiously.
The communique said: ''The BoT is deeply disappointed over
the continued postponement by the NWC of a date of convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
“This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members but portrays our Party as having been hijacked by certain interests.
''The BoT demands that the NWC should show leadership, honour its word and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled in February 2025. This is critical for resolving pressing issues and charting a clear path forward for the party. Any further postponement will exacerbate existing challenges and may spell doom for our party.
''The BoT calls on the leaders of the North Central Zone to immediately convene a meeting of North Central stakeholders with a view to nominating a replacement for former National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.
''The BoT calls for unity and strict adherence to democratic principles by all organs of the party so as to strengthen the PDP to effectively play its role as true opposition party in the country
''The BoT stressed that the strength of the PDP lies in collective resolve and not in individual pursuits. The BoT cannot therefore afford to let personal ambitions or differences overshadow the shared vision for a better Nigeria.
“To this end, the BoT remains committed to its search for true reconciliation, unity and harmony in the Party.''
On the national front, the communique said the BoT lamented that the harsh economic policies of the Tinubu Administration have exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians as hightened cost of living has pushed
millions of our citizens deeper into poverty with no hope in sight under the APC administration.
On his part, Wabara stated: ''I was dialoguing with the secretary of the board of trustees. We never anticipated that we still had these great men and women in this party.
“I read and saw and was told a lot of things; so many people left the party. But seeing us here and many more who could not make it for some reasons, I am so happy that the party is alive. This party will not die.''
Wabara further stated: “As custodians of the People's Democratic Party’s conscience and legacy, it is our responsibility to uphold the integrity
of this institution and ensure that it continues to serve as a beacon of hope for our democracy and good governance for our dear nation.
''It is with a deep sense of disappointment that I must express the Board’s dismay at the continued shifting by the National Working Committee (NWC) in convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. This delay not only undermines the trust and confidence of our members.
“We recognize that challenges may arise during governance and administration, but adherence to timelines and commitments is non-negotiable. Inasmuch as the Board of Trustees serves as the conscience of the party,
we expect that the NWC would honour its word and convene the NEC meeting as scheduled. This is critical for resolving pressing issues and charting a clear path forward for the party.''
The PDP Board of Trustees chairman told the meeting of the importance of unity in the party as well as the National Executive Committee (NEC)
According to Wabara, ''Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity and adherence to democratic principles. The NEC serves as a vital platform for decision-making, consultation, and collaboration among all levels of the party’s leadership. Further delays
could exacerbate existing challenges and sow unnecessary discord within our ranks.
''As the BoT, we will not relent in our efforts to ensure accountability and adherence to the party’s constitution. We urge the NWC to rise to the occasion, demonstrating leadership and responsibility by making sure that the time fixed next year February to convene the NEC meeting is adhered to.''
Counselling PDP governors, Wabara said, "'Internally, we must put our house in order. I want to use this platform to call for unity among our PDP governors. The strength of our party lies in our collective resolve, not in individual pursuits.
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Professor Kehinde Olayode of the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has revealed that no amount of rallies, advocacies and lobbying can answer, or solve the quest for the 35 percent affirmative action that has been promised to women in elective and appointive positions if it is not made a law by the National Assembly as well as enforced in line with the constitution.
Olayode said while pursuing for the affirmative action, it’s
important for women to see the need of pushing for a Gender Equal Opportunity Bill which will bring to a stop, cases of marginalization and its attendant consequences which has continued to place women at a disadvantage and receiving end.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja during a two-days national meeting with Civil Society Organisations on “gender budgeting and accountability to ensure SGBV issues are costed”, and which was supported by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and African Women’s Development
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
A nongovernmental organization, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, has called for 0.5 percent of consolidated revenue for the implementation of Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) for improved awareness-raising campaigns, and stronger enforcement mechanisms to end Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGBV.
Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, the Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode- Afolabi, emphasized on the need for an inclusive allocation criterion that prioritizes gender equity in all areas and sectors of the nation.
In the briefing in collabora-
tion with Care International on strengthening and accountability on VAAP Act 2015, she called for public hearing on the VAPP Repeal Bill by the National Assembly to enable stakeholders present opinions that will support a more robust VAPP Act.
According to her, "We call for increased funding for implementation and we demand at least 0.5% from the total national tax, to ensure consistent funding for prevention of SGBV, and adequate response to GBV issues to address issues of capacity for legal, medical, and psychosocial support services for victims.
"It will demonstrate government’s commitment to eradicating GBV and supporting victims. We believe
Enforced By Law
Fund, Olayode said the current trend in Nigeria and which is unfortunate, is the feminization of poverty and which has placed women at the level of tokenism.
While noting the number of female representatives in the national assembly, the university don said the number is grossly inadequate in a population of over 200 million people with 50-60 percent that will be women - remarking that such is grossly inadequate.
According to him, “The way forward is to have the Gender Equal Opportunity Bill that is approved by
the National Assembly that makes affirmative action legally binding.
“In essence, there must be a certain percentage that is allocated for women, otherwise, nothing is going to work out and there will be further advocacies, rallies and lobbying, but if there is nothing that is backed by law and can be enforced by law, nothing is going to work out.
“That is what women activism should be pushing for - which is the gender equality bill that has provision for affirmative action for women.
that adequate funding and sustained advocacy are crucial in achieving a violence-free society for all and will translate to an improvement in the economic and social development of the nation.
"We believe that adequate funding and sustained advocacy are crucial in achieving a violence-free society for all and will translate to an improvement in the economic and social development of the nation.” She informed that some of the reasons for the inability to effectively fight violence against women and girls include the culture of silence and concealment, stigmatization, trivialization, threats and intimidation, and inadequate funding of necessary structures and mechanisms for implementing anti-VAWG legislations, among others.
FG
Inaugurate New Addressing Council to Boost National Security, Service Delivery
Deji Elumoye
in Abuja
The federal government will soon inaugurate a new National Addressing System Council in a bid to drive Nigeria’s agenda on planning, economic/financial inclusion and national security.
The Council, as well as a technical committee, are to be inaugurated next year, according to a statement issued by Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s office on Thursday after a pre-meeting of the Council which he chairs at the State House, Abuja.
“We live in cities where most houses are either haphazardly numbered or not numbered at all. This does more than complicate address mapping - it undermines trust in address verification, slows emergency responses, and excludes millions from financial services.”
The Vice President stressed that a standardised addressing system will enhance logistics, strengthen e-commerce, and foster trust in financial services and also enable accurate emergency response and disaster management, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.
Underscoring the need for the immediate standardisation of Nigeria’s addressing system, Shettima described the move as essential for improving basic navigation, service delivery, enhancing urban planning, and driving economic growth; thereby ending decades of infrastructural deficits and create a systematic approach to national address mapping. He said: “We cannot solve the challenges of urban planning, service delivery, or even basic navigation unless we establish a system that creates order. A robust addressing system is not just about convenience; it is about national development, security, and socio-economic progress.
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
L-R: Comrade Venture Daniels, Mr. Edwin Eruno Abraka (D.G), Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Denis Guwor (Speaker DTHA); H.E Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State; Barr. David Igbodo, Chairman; Dr. Kingsley Emu, SSG; and Mr. Fyncountry Goodluck Tamaraebi, during the inauguration of Chairman and members of Delta State Public Procurement Commission by the governor in Asaba Delta State... recently
UNVEILING OF THE LAGOS SHOPPING FESTIVAL SYMBOL...
Labour Party Opens 'Hall of Shame' Register for Defecting Lawmakers, Elected Officers
Tasks Nigerians to end careers of defecting politicians
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
The leadership of the Labour Party, LP, yesterday expressed discontentment on the news of defection, of some lawmakers representing the party in the National Assembly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defecting members of the House of Representatives are Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo) and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). Their letter of defection to the APC was read on the floor of the Green Chamber by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
Reacting to their defection, the
Labour Party in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh said, ''the Labour Party leadership is undaunted by the defection, it has however, elected not to allow it slide and has therefore instructed its legal team to commence the legal actions against the defectors and to also commence the process of regaining our mandates in line with the 1999 constitution and 2022 Electoral Act as amended.
''The party will also approach the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare vacant the seats occupied by these former Labour Party members in line with the House Rules. It is inappropriate and unacceptable for these lawmakers
to continue to function as representatives of their constituencies illegally.
''The party has also decided to open a 'Hall of Shame' register for these lawmakers or any lawmaker or elected officer of the party who engages in fraudulent act of defection without first dropping the mandate gotten under the ticket of the party.'', the party's National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said.
The following lawmakers include 1. Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Imo East); 2. Reps Bassey Akiba (Calabar Municipality/ Odukpani Federal Constituency); 3. Reps Tochukwu Okere (Owerri Federal Constituency); 4. Reps. Donatus Mathew (Kaura Federal Constitu-
ency.); 5. Reps Iyawe Esosa (Oredo Federal Constituency): and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). These lawmakers will feature prominently in the register.
''On that note, we will call on Nigerians to beware of this genre of politicians lacking in clear democratic ideology and ethos rather than 'Jumpology' ideology; jumping from one party to the other, in disregard to the enabling laws and without any ideological leaning.
“If we really want this democracy to thrive, we must isolate these political merchants and opportunists and help bury their mercantilist political enterprise by snubbing, affronting and rejecting them in future polls having exhibited grave level of character
Polio Eradication: UNICEF Commends Northern Monarchs for Positive Contributions, Promotion of Improved Healthcare Delivery
Traditional Rulers in the Nineteen Northern States and FCT have been commended for playing active and positive role in the fight to eradicate the wild poliovirus and now, in the critical war against outbreaks in the country.
The commendation was made by the United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) through its Country Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, yesterday, during the quarterly review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on, PHC delivery in Bauchi.
Represented by Shamina Sharmin, the UNICEF Country Representative said: “I applaud our Royal Fathers for being a significant part of writing the unique story of Nigeria in the fight to eradicate the wild poliovirus and now, in the critical war against outbreaks."
She also stated: “The vital roles the traditional leaders are playing in the polio response, routine immunization, and primary health care cannot be underestimated."
According to her, “This is especially when it comes to raising awareness and encouraging the use of healthcare services which is especially important for vulnerable populations like women and children.
“Combating polio requires a collaborative effort involving the government agencies, international organizations, local communities, and other stakeholders.”
She noted that UNICEF could not
make a difference alone calling for more collaborations with all stakeholders to "overcome the challenges, stop the nomadic movement, low routine immunization coverage, and ultimately achieve zero doses and a polio-free Nigeria."
The UNICEF Country Representa- tive further called on the traditional leaders to continue to do more to strengthen routine immunization and kick polio completely out of Nigeria.
Cristian Munduate added: “UNICEF is committed and dedicated to implementing approaches in close coordination with other stakeholders like the Ministry of Health and National Primary Health Care Development Agencies to ef-
fectively affect vaccination-related behaviour change in individuals and communities."
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, explained that President Bola Tinubu was clear in his vision for the country to be better than it was.
He said: “To be prosperous into the future and at the core of that prosperity, good health begets hope because, without health, there is no hope."
According to him, “It is the consequences of that that he unveiled a specific transformational agenda just a year ago, and all the 36 governors of this country signed a compact, and 17 development partners also
signed a compact with the federal government."
Ali Pate added that, “This is to focus on improving the health of our population and the governor of Bauchi did that and we are joining hands with all the 36 state governors and FCT to expand the services that will reach our population.”
According to him, 8,800 primary healthcare facilities are now being reached regularly with quarterly disbursement of resources through the basic care provision fund.
He said about 4,000 Primary healthcare centres all over Nigeria were in the process of being revitalised with the support of the federal government.
deficit by betraying public trust.
''The defection, to us, is quite unfortunate and we condemn the action which is irrational, untenable, inconsistent and alien to all known norms for which democracy stands for.
''Section 68(g) of the 1999 constitution is emphatic on when to defect and what happens when a lawmaker sponsored by a political party decides to jump ship.
''The Constitution states (g) being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected;
Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored;''
Ifoh said that since the formation of Labour Party in 2002, the party has been very active in the political scene having in the past produced a governor and several other elected officers across board.
''But it was in the 2023 general election that it achieved its highest feat under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure having won a governorship seat, 8 Senate and 35 House of Representative seats as well as numerous state House of Assembly seats.
“The party also caused a major upset at the presidential election, one that many Nigerians still believed that Labour Party won.
''The successes achieved at that
election expectedly elicited some pockets of internal pressure which have since being dealt with through internal peace mechanism and also through judicial means.
“Presently, while some other big parties are swimming in their own political tempest, Labour Party has since moved on having resolved all its challenges. It is therefore safe to say that there is absolute peace in the Labour Party.
“Therefore, no one elected on the ticket of the Labour Party has the constitutional protection to decamp from the party along with the party's mandate'', he explained.
For emphasis, the Labour Party spokesman said: ''You will recall that the leadership of the party in 2022, in line with the party's manifesto, threw the doors of the party open to all Nigerians who desire to be in the leadership cadre but could not because of the monetization policies of some of the octopus parties then in existence.
“The Labour Party thought it wise to percolate power down to the grassroot to serve the intended population rather than allowing power to be exclusively for the urbane and rich few.
“Labour Party did not only give out free membership cards but also gave out free nomination forms to as many that could not afford the ridiculously low fees.
''Thousands, including Okada riders, brick layers, young unemployed graduates, and artisans of all sorts including a palm kernel crusher in Enugu, took advantage of the party's policy to participate in the 2023 general election, for which many of them won their elections.
Coalition Urges FG to Canvass Reservation Clauses in Samoa Agreement
Oluchi Chibuzor
A coalition of 23 Nigerian Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) under the Foundation for Cultural Heritage (FACH) have urged the federal government to push for reservation clauses in the Samoa Agreement for the country.
The groups argue that the agreement, signed by Nigeria and other African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries, contains provisions that contradict Nigeria’s cultural values, laws, and sovereignty.
They stated this in Lagos at a world press conference held in Lagos, where they urged the federal government to either withdraw
from the agreement or push for a reservation clause.
Speaking at the event, a lawyer and chairman of the Human and Constitutional Rights Committee of the African Bar Association (AfBA), Sonnie Ekwowusi, highlighted specific provisions in the agreement that he allegedly said contravene Nigeria's Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act of 2014 and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He cited Article 36(2), which states: "The parties commit to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the Programme
of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the outcomes of their review conferences and commit to sexual and reproductive health and rights, in that context.”
According to him, “Article 97 of the Agreement states that no treaty, convention, agreement or arrangement of any kind between one or more member States of European and one or more OACPS Members shall impede the implementation of this Agreement." He explained that the Agreement is superior to any treaty, convention or further agreement. Ekwowusi argued that these
agreements impose external values on Nigeria and undermine its sovereignty by making African nations accountable to the European Union (EU).
He explained that “by seeking reservation clause it would ensure that nothing or no term in the agreement shall be construed as promoting LGBT, same-sex marriage, comprehensive sexuality education, abortion, and transgenderism in countries that have signed the agreement. So, we urged the federal government to seek reservation clauses in the agreement.”
The coalition includes; Family
Action Africa, Project for Human Development (PHD), Global Pro-life Alliance (GPA), Doctors Health Initiative, Happy Home Foundation and among others. Convener, Parental Care Initiative for Future Leadership, Mrs. Omoye Olaye, lamented that the school curriculum is regurgitating what the colonial masters want the children to believe as it has decolonized the education system. According to her, “We want something that reflects our past, that tells us about our present, and actually gives us hope for the aspirations that we have for tomorrow.
L-R: MD/Chief Strategist, Chains Reactions Nigeria, Mr. Israel Jaiye Opeyemi; Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Girish Sharma; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe and others during the unveiling of the Lagos Shopping Festival Symbol at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday
Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi
ANNUAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES...
L-R Registrar/Secretary Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria Mr Henry Ifeayin; Chairman of the Council Chief Olabode Afolabi an awardee, Mr Simpa
East Representatives of the council Dr. Mohammed Danjuma and the representative of the ministry of Education, Mr Henry Okoye; during the 2024 annual Project management conference and presentation of certificates for new members, in Abuja ... recently
Dele Farotimi: Labour Party House Caucus Demands Fair Hearing
Timi Frank gives FG 48 hour to release activist
The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has called for judicial neutrality, impartiality and fair hearing in the defamation case brought against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi by Chief Afe
Babalola, SAN.
An Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court, Ado Ekiti Division, had Wednesday, ordered the remand of Farotimi in the state’s correctional centre after he was arraigned in the court over alleged defamation of character in his book, ‘Nigeria
and its Criminal Justice System’ where he alleged, among others, that Babalola had compromised the Supreme Court. However, leader of the caucus, Hon. Afam Ogene, in a statement, expressed concerns over the growing trend of anti-democratic activities
and developments that undermine Nigeria's civil governance.
He noted that democracy was under threat when democratic institutions were manipulated against the people by highly placed individuals.
“The manner the embattled lawyer
Navy, Lawmakers, CSOs Reject Nigerian Coast Guard, Urge Senate to Kill Bill
The Nigerian Navy, two members of the National Assembly and a coalition of civil society groups, were among those who opposed the Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Coast Guard.
The Senate Committee on Marine Transport, had slated November 7 for the public hearing on the Bill, but was shifted due to the demise of the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The bill sponsored by Senator Wasiu Eshilokun (APC, Lagos), has the overriding intent to enact legislation that seeks to make Nigerian Coast Guard a full-fledged military service and a branch of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, to be domiciled under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
At the public hearing held in the National Assembly Library, yesterday, the Nigerian Navy objected to the establishment of the Nigerian Coast
Guard.
They cited duplication of functions, security threats, incoherent crafting of the Bills, resource constraints, economic imperatives of nature, amongst others.
The Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, represented the Chief of Naval Staff.
He took his time to analyse both Nigeria's maritime security needs and global best practices, with huge global examples of consolidated maritime security frameworks.
"United Kingdom does not have a Coast Guard with military powers similar to those being proposed in this bill.
“Rather, the Royal Navy is responsible for military defence and maritime security operations, including facial protection, and this is quoted from the House of Commons briefing paper of 2020.
"On the other hand, the UK Coast
Guard, is under the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency, which manages search and rescue and Occupational Safety.
"Given Nigeria's more regional maritime focus and resource constraints, creating a similar structure will lead to redundant functions and stretch limited resources."
Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, said Nigeria was living on borrowed funds, adding that it was improper to take loan and establish a new agency.
Member representing Ado/ Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Philip Agbese, said Nigeria needed to strengthen the existing marine agencies and institutions to function to maximum, instead of creating irrelevant agencies, whose duties are already being performed by others.
Various Speakers, including, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, Honorary Secretary
of Nigerian Maritime Law Association; Rear Admiral Chris Ezekobe (Rtd.); and Igwe Ude Umanta, who spoke on behalf of coalition of other 10 Civil Society Groups; all rejected the establishment of Nigeria Coast Guard, urging the Senate to drop the Bill.
was arrested in a gestapo style from his office in Lagos State, and the harassment of members of staff of his law office, has sparked worries about the erosion of democratic principles and the silencing of dissenting voices in Nigeria.
"The judiciary remains the last bastion of hope for all citizens in a democratic society, as such, it is imperative that the judiciary upholds the principles of impartiality and neutrality at all times, regardless of the social status or connections of any party involved in a dispute before it.
"The Labour Party Caucus is committed to upholding the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and in this regard we call on the authorities involved in this controversial case to ensure that Barrister Farotimi's rights and privileges are not denied.
"We also demand that the embattled lawyer be given fair hearing, and not made to suffer from any manipulated processes, as was alleged by him in a statement before his forceful arrest and subsequent imprisonment."
Meanwhile, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has given the Federal and Ekiti State Governments 48 hours to release Farotimi from remand or face mass protests. Frank in a statement called on Nigerians to occupy all police stations and formations in the country should the government fail to release the rights activist unconstitutionally within the stipulated time beginning from when he was remanded. Frank said there was more to the arrest and remand of Farotimi than the alleged defamation alibi.
German President to Visit Nigeria Next Week
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
German President, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to pay a state visit to Nigeria between December 10 and 12, the German Embassy in Nigeria revealed yesterday.
“The German Embassy in Nigeria is pleased to announce the visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Nigeria on the 10th to 12th of December
CDS Musa Cautions against Over-reliance on Military to Maintain
Linus
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, yesterday, said national security could not and should not solely rely on the strength of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He explained that national security should rather be strengthened by Nigeria’s educated, healthy and socially cohesive population underpinned by development journalism.
The CDS expressed this view while delivering a keynote address at the Roundtable Discussion on Nigeria’s Security and National Interest with Defence Correspondents’
Association of Nigeria, organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre Office of the National Security Adviser.
Speaking on the theme, "National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat," Musa explained that in a world fraught with echoes of conflict, uncertainty, security dilemmas, ambiguous and complex geopolitical challenges, the narrative surrounding national security often emerged from a narrow lens.
"It is easy to find that the focus on national security is often skewed and confined to discussions of military strength as well as the immediate
National Security
threats posed by hostile state and non-state actors.
"Although these views are essential, it is important that our understanding of national security is expanded to incorporate broader social, economic, and environmental elements which are hallmarks of what is termed 'development journalism'.
"In a nutshell, national security entails the protection of our nation's core values, institutions as well as citizens from both external and internal threats while national interest involves the broad goals and objectives guiding our nation's actions and decisions."
He said the actions of the military in ensuring Nigeria’s national security accounted for only 30 per cent of the overall efforts required while the remaining 70 per cent for maintaining Nigeria’s peace and security rest on the socio-economic elements of the country.
In his welcome address, the National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, assured the media that the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser, would continue to collaborate with them and other critical stakeholders to achieve and sustain the destruction of terrorist propaganda.
2024,” a statement said.
The visit, according to the statement, aims to underline the strength of Nigeria-Germany relations and to mark Germany’s appreciation of Nigeria.
“Following the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Nigeria in October 2023 and the visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Germany in November 2023, President Steinmeier’s visit is the third exchange between both countries on the level of head of state or government since President Tinubu’s inauguration.
“This high frequency of visits is proof of the close relations between both countries and the serious interest of Germany in Nigeria. It is also evidence of a willingness to work together as strategic partners – an obvious fit, as both countries share striking commonalities, including being the strongest economy and the most populous country on their respective continents,” it added.
The statement revealed that Steinmeier will be accompanied by a business delegation of chief executives and high-ranking board members of some of Germany’s most successful companies in the fields of IT, high-tech and energy – an indication of the rising interest of German businesses in opportunities to invest in Nigeria.
“While in the country, President Steinmeier will meet with President Tinubu as well as with the President of the Commission of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), His Excellency Dr. Alieu Omar Touray.
“The German President will then proceed to Lagos, where he will engage with business representatives, visit a start-up hub and meet with members of Nigeria’s culture sector and civil society.
“The German President will further meet with Dr. Nike Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike, of the Nike Art Gallery, and the legendary author and Nobel Laureate for Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
“There will also be an opportunity to be part of a tour of the city of Lagos to gain insights into the urban development of megacity Lagos, including environmental and social challenges,” it stated.
The statement explained that the President of Germany is the Head of State, representing Germany at home and abroad, with his role largely representative and that of a mediator and communicator and usually not involved in day-to-day politics. It added: “We look forward to our continued cooperation, and strengthening our important bilateral relations.”
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
Aleke in Abuja
Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
Daniel; North
AT THE SECOND REUNION OF CESLA...
L-R: President, Class of 97 Eminent Schools Lagos Alumni Association (CESLA) and Representative of Igbobi College Yaba, Ladega Olajide; Secretary, BOT CESLA and Representative of Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Yaba, Chinoyerem Adetayo; Immediate Past Global President, Methodist Girls High School Old Girls Association, Maj. Gen. Olatilewa Amusu (Rtd); 1st Vice President CESLA and Representative of Queen's College Yaba, Omobolanle Giwa; Member, BOT CESLA and Representative of Queen's College Yaba, Ndidi Nwaogu; and Chairman, BOT CESLA and Representative of Igbobi College Yaba, Olawale Abiola, at the 2nd Reunion of CESLA held at Methodist Girls High School, Yaba Lagos recently
House Passes Anti-Gas Flaring Bill for Second Reading
venting of natural gas, except in strictly regulated circumstances, for second reading. The Bill sponsored by Hon. Baba-
also provides a robust framework for enforcement, monitoring, and the imposition of penalties to ensure compliance.
FG: Final Draft of Industrial Relations Policy Ready
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
The federal government has said that the final draft copy of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) is ready for presentation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and subsequently the National Assembly for legislation.
While speaking at the validation session of the draft NIRP, Minister of Labour And Employment, Mr. Mohammadu Dangyadi said that the policy was developed through extensive collaboration, guided by robust research work and experiences of labour experts.
According to the minister, the wide consultation on NIRP was meant to create a clear and coherent framework that will effectively balance the rights and responsibilities of all the employers, unions and government agencies in line with global practices.
He said that developing the national policy will open a new chapter in Nigeria’s approach to handling industrial relations issues.
"Consequently, my ministry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice will ensure that this policy document is forwarded to the appropriate government bodies for final legislative exercise as required
by law," Dangyadi said He explained that the processes of drafting the policy document went through a wide consultation involving social partners from across the six geo-political zones of the nation where inputs of relevant stakeholders were harvested culminating in the initial draft with several other engagements leading this final draft.
In her remarks, ILO Director, Vanessa Phala said the policy was a comprehensive framework designed to address the evolving challenges in our labour market and to promote sustainable economic growth. She said that the workshop was
meant to validate the policy which will play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and social landscape of any nation.
According to her, effective industrial relations policies contribute to economic stability, social justice, and the overall well-being of workers and employers alike
Phala said: "Ensuring the protection of workers’ rights is at the core of this policy. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining. We must also address issues such as gender equality, non-discrimination, and the protection of vulnerable workers.
BAMIDELE: TAX REFORM BILLS ALIVE, WERE NEVER SUSPENDED our conscience in the best interest of Nigeria. The mechanism of lawmaking can be further explained to the public.
“The moment the bills went through second reading in the senate, it simply means that the bills are alive. The next procedure is for the committee on finance to commence the process of consultations and public hearings.
“This is with a view to bringing recommendations back to the chamber. In the wisdom of the senate yesterday (Wednesday), we had, in a closed session, set up a committee to be headed by the Minority Leader (Abba Moro) before the passage of the second reading.
“We said, in the event that some people are either uneducated on some aspects of the bill or confused or there are grey areas to be sorted out, they should interface with the necessary executive quarters, from the chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Attorney General of the Federation, and if need be, even Mr. President.
“That committee was an internal mechanism of the senate, different from the committee on finance. I think that was what was announced yesterday (Wednesday), and we said the committee should immediately move to work.
“There seems to be some grey areas to be sorted out. I want to thank Senator Abba Moro, the chairman of the committee, because as soon as that announcement was made yesterday, he immediately started consultation.
“In fact, he held a meeting today (Thursday) that he has set up to enable him to abstract the process so that the chairman of the Senate
committee on finance and members of the committee can commence public hearings either next week or as soon as practicable.
“The bills are alive, they have not been suspended, the actions have not been suspended, the bills have not been withdrawn and the bills have passed second reading in the Senate and further legislative actions are taking place, including the setting up of this adhoc committee.”
Akpabio advised any state governor not comfortable with any section of the bills to make themselves available for the public hearing.
He said, “So if any state governor in Nigeria, no matter whether the person is a religious leader or a business man that has problems with the bill, you know where to go, to public hearing. The senate will not be bullied. We are doing our work in the interest of Nigerians, and by the time we come up with our final position, it will reflect the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
“Any reform that we can make, painful as a reform may be, so long as this Senate is convinced that it is in the interest of Nigerians, we will go ahead with it. We refuse to break our economy on a forward march in support of the administration.
“We will not also shy away from deleting or abrogating or stopping whatever we feel is not in the public interest. But for the tax reform bill, we believe that there are many provisions there that will definitely help Nigerians.”
Amid the tax reform debate, the senate minority leader expressed worry over the increasing politicisation of the legislation. He called for a more focused examination of the proposed legislation.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS yesterday, Moro spoke on the terms of reference for the bills, emphasising the importance of addressing concerns raised by critical stakeholders, including the legal implications of some provisions.
He pointed out that one of the central issues raised was the proposed changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution model, which critics argued could disproportionately disadvantage some states, especially in the north.
According to Moro, the concern of some people is that the current VAT distribution system, which is based on equity, equality, and population, may not be adequate under the proposed model that shifts the focus to consumption.
“It is assumed that if you introduce derivation in sharing VAT, now, you’re going against the constitution because there is no constitutional provision for that,” he added.
Moro emphasised that one of the issues in the current situation was the excessive hype surrounding the process. He stated that based on social media comments and recent publications, the entire debate had been politicised, trying to create a divide between the north and south.
He stated, “I want to say that it is the politicisation of this bill that is, in the first place, responsible for where we are now. So I don’t want to look at the political side of it.
“I think that by the time further advocacy and sensitisation is carried out, very many people who out of lack of understanding, apparently may have been kicking against this bill, will come to realise that the bill means well for the entirety of Nigeria.”
Nonetheless, South-south senators
passed a confidence vote in Akpabio’s leadership and pledged to support him in advancing the collective interest of the country. They also expressed their full support for all legislations aimed at promoting national development, hailing the landmark tax reform bills and insisting that they would enhance national revenue and foster economic stability.
The South-south senators’ position was contained in a communique they issued at the end of their meeting yesterday.
Part of the communique read, “We, the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the South-south geopolitical zone, met on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to deliberate on key national issues and the role of the senate in advancing the collective interest of the country.
“After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were made: The South-south senators unanimously agreed and passed a vote of confidence in the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to standing by him and supporting his leadership in steering the senate toward its constitutional mandate of making laws that serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
“We pledge our full support to the senate president and the leadership of the National Assembly in their efforts to ensure the effective and timely passage of legislation aimed at promoting good governance, national unity, and economic development.
“Recognising the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support
The lawmaker noted that the proposed law aims to mitigate the environmental, health, and economic impacts of gas flaring, aligning Nigeria’s oil and gas operations with international climate change commitments.
Benson explained that gas flaring had plagued Nigeria for decades, leading to severe environmental degradation, public health crises, and economic losses.
Environmentally, he argued that it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and acid rain, exacerbating climate challenges.
The lawmaker pointed out that public health impacts are equally dire, as pollutants from gas flaring cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among residents of communities close to flaring sites.
He added that flaring results in the waste of a valuable resource that could otherwise be harnessed for energy generation or exported to generate revenue, noting that bill
the tax reforms bills. This support will be anchored on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the content of the bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the wellbeing of the South-south region.
“The caucus calls for restraint on the part of those bent on introducing sentiments, whether regional, ethnic or tribal, to a national dialogue and looks forward to robust interactions and consultations as already commenced by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We remain committed to working collaboratively with our colleagues across the senate and all stakeholders in fostering a legislative agenda that guarantees the peace, prosperity, and progress of our beloved nation.”
Meanwhile, Agbeluyi urged stakeholders to look at the tax reform bills dispassionately with a view to presenting fact-driven recommendations to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the proposed laws.
Speaking during CITN's "Presidential Press Briefing and Media Workshop for Tax and Finance Reporters," Agbeluyi emphasised the need for constructive input backed by data to strengthen the bills.
The proposed legislations are:
Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, and Nigeria Tax Bill 2024.
Agbeluyi described the bills as products of the painstaking and exhaustive work of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
He stated, "Those who have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the bills should base
was designed to address these issues while bringing Nigeria in line with global standards such as the Paris Agreement on climate change.
He stressed that the bill provides for a comprehensive prohibition of gas flaring except in emergencies or when explicitly authorised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The lawmaker said operators are required to submit and implement Gas Utilisation Plans, detailing how gas that would otherwise be flared will be captured, processed, or commercialised.
He said: “Offenders who violate these provisions face stringent penalties, including fines of $5 per 1,000 standard cubic feet of gas flared and potential suspension of operations for repeat violations. “Furthermore, the bill ensures that communities affected by gas flaring are entitled to compensation and environmental restoration, creating a mechanism for redress.
their assertions on facts and figures and endeavour to make their suggestions and recommendations on specific provisions of concern for more enriched documents.
"As expected with major tax reforms anywhere, the bills have elicited a lot of concerns and reactions from stakeholders."
He stated that CITN, which participated at one level or the other in the process of drafting the tax reform bills, had some observations in the bill, which it will present at the public hearing on the bills.
The CITN president said the institute welcomed the great efforts by the government in envisioning and pushing for the tax reforms, stating that they are necessary at this point in Nigeria's national life.
He said the bills were capable of transforming Nigeria’s tax system by addressing systemic challenges that had bedevilled the country's tax system and engender an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He also said the workshop was geared towards building the capacity of journalists charged with reporting on tax and related issues.
"It is in recognition of the important role of the media in information dissemination, especially in times like this, where there are misconceptions about reforms in the taxation landscape in Nigeria."
According to him, taxation is a critical subject that requires that stakeholders must lend themselves to understanding the intricacies and complexities that characterise it.
"This is why we have put together this workshop to build awareness around critical developments in the tax and fiscal landscape in Nigeria," Agbeluyi stated.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The House of Representatives has passed the Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) bill, which seeks to prohibit the flaring and
jimi Benson also seeks to encourage the utilisation of gas resources to foster economic growth and energy generation. Leading the debate on the bill at
the plenary yesterday, Benson said the bill
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ...
L-R: Human Resources Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ayodeji Ajibola; Supply Chain Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Aderemi Adewoye; beneficiaries of the Guinness Nigeria Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme from the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind, Odunaro Smith; Adelaja Oluwakemi; Legal Director and Company Secretary, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Abidemi Ademola, and Corporate Relation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Rotimi Odusola, during the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of scholarship scheme in Lagos...recently
‘Over 1m People Enrolled in Lagos Health Insurance Scheme’
Segun James
As part of efforts to improve on the health care of residents, the Lagos State Government has enrolled over 1,152, 455 Lagosians in its Ilera Eko health insurance scheme.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency, (LASHMA) Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who disclosed this at a media briefing to commemorate the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2024 with the theme: ‘Health: It’s on the (house) Government’, said that in December 2023, the number of enrollees on the Ilera Eko stood at 923,000 which means that there was an increase of 229, 455 enrollees within a year.
The state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had earlier this year signed an Executive Order which was to domesticate
CHANGE OF NAME
I, formerly known and addressed as OJO AYO TOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as OJOAYO TOYIN LYDIA. All former documents remain valid, bank and the general public should please take
I was formerly known and addressed as ADEGBITE LASISI KUNLE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADELU LASISI KUNLE. All former documents bearing my former name should remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I formerly known and addressed as GRACE EDET DANIEL now wish to be known and addressed as GRACE AKAN EKOP. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I,formerly known and addressed as MOSES VICTORIA FUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as MOSES VICTORIA OLUWAFUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I formerly known and addressed as MISS OPEYEMI GRACE OGUNDIPE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OPEYEMI GRACE ADEWOLE All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
I formerly known and addressed as MISS UDEME IME-ESSIEN Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEME OKUh. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act to the state.
The order was also to strengthen the Lagos State Health Scheme Law of 2015,
which makes enrolment in Ilera Eko mandatory for all residents by ensuring that more people can access quality healthcare services.
“This year’s theme
underscores the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. It also provides the opportunity for us to
showcase the Government’s immense contributions to healthcare using the Ilera Eko Way.
“Universal Health Coverage is not just a global ideal; it is
a fundamental human right that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
New Factories Excite Benue Governor
George Okoh in makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has disclosed that with the establishment of new factories by the Benue Investments and Property Company (BIPC) the state will be amongst developing ones in the country.
Speaking yesterday during the inauguration of the polythene
and nylon factory, the nail factory, and the expansion of the bread and water factories, Governor Alia said the ventures marked the beginning of a new chapter in the journey towards an economic revolution.
He added that the establishment and expansion of factories in the state signal his administration’s resolve to reduce reliance on
imports, foster local production, and conserve valuable resources.
Governor Alia added that the projects represent more than mere industrial expansion but symbolise hope, progress, and the determination of his administration to uplift the lives of the good people of the state.
He said: “The BIPC Polythene and Nylon Factory will play a
key role in meeting the growing demand for packaging materials, a sector that has traditionally relied heavily on imports.
“By producing locally, we are not only boosting our own industries but also creating jobs for our people and laying the groundwork for economic self-sufficiency.
“Similarly, BIPC Nails Ltd. will
be instrumental in supporting the state’s construction and infrastructure sectors, providing essential materials that will be critical in the ongoing development efforts within the state.
“This venture will not only create jobs but also contribute significantly to the growth of local industries.”
Hardship: Nigerians Urged to Leverage their Networks, Slash Expenses
Senior citizens and Nigerians generally have been advised to slash expenses and leverage their established networks to survive the lingering economic hardship.
A human capital development and management expert, Mr. Yomi Babasola, gave this advice during the 2024 reunion
forum of the 1989 Business Administration Set of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, (UNN) held in Lagos.
Babasola, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Giant Strategies Limited, in his lecture themed, “Forging ahead in such a time as this,” urged
all participants present to slash their expenses, insisting that it is much easier to cut expenses than to crave for more money.
He said: “The seasons have finally changed. It is our responsibility to change. We are used to difficulty already. The seasons of life are climatic
in nature, and the best way is to look for how to adjust. We need some little adjustment.”
He explained that relationships are the currency the rich and the mighty spend.
“Elites ruling today, their strengths lie in networking. They have what we call social capital,” he said.
“As businesses are running down, our strategy will determine how well we will survive. The best way to forge ahead is to network. The essence of a relationship is mutual benefit and being open to opportunities.”
NOA Organises Values Charter Campus Debate On Core Values of Citizenship
Segun Awofadeji in bauchi
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has organised the 2024 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate with the North East zone battle featuring Yobe State University and Gombe State Polytechnic with the aim of creating awareness on the core values of citizenship.
The zonal final debate topic was ‘The National Values Charter Striking the Balance Between
CHANGE OF NAME
I was formerly known, called and addressed as MISS ADAOBI OLUChI UFONDU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS ADAOBI OLUChI OKI. All documents bearing my former name remain valid general public should take note.
I was formerly known and addressed as INISO AKANINYENE UMONDAK, now wish to be known and addressed as INISO EKANEM EKANEM All former documents bearing my former name should remain valid. The general public should please take note.
CORRECTION OF NAME
I formerly known and addressed as BLESSING LAWRENCE ITA, as in my NIN now wish to add ESThER to my names and now be known and addressed as BLESSING ESThER LAWRENCE ITA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.
Government’s Promises and Citizens Responsibilities in Nation Building’, held yesterday at the Conference Hall of ASUP Secretariat, Federal Polytechnic
Bauchi.
At the end of the keenly contested debate final which revolved around values of good citizenship, the panel
of judges declared the pair of Hassana Musa Abubakar and Boyi Lydia Kanku of Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga winner with a total point of 466 while
the pair of Yunusa Abdullahi Barde and Jajere of Yobe State University, Damaturu, scored a total of 445 points to emerge runners up.
NPA Positions for Increased Investment, Woos Private Investors to Eastern Ports
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has called on private investors in the maritime and ports sector to move in to invest in Nigerian ports, promising to be accommodating.
The NPA boss disclosed that the recent tour of Lagos Ports of Apapa and TinCan signposted the current administration’s readiness to deepen Nigeria’s competitiveness in vessel and cargo traffic to match the needs of Nigeria’s huge population of over 200 million inhabitants.
Dr Dantsoho made the assertion yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a two-day facility tour of Onne and Port Harcourt ports.
THISDAY on the tour observed that the MD visited the facilities of BRAWAL Oil Services Limited, Onne Multipurpose Terminal, INTELS, INDORAMA,West African Container Terminal (WACT), and NOTORE and the terminals at Rivers Port Complex Port Harcourt. The operational and investment campaign tour is in continuation of Dantsoho’s resolve to galvanise port concessionaires and terminal operators into increasing their in-country investments in Port infrastructure equipment.
Colgate Unveils Ali Nuhu as Brand Ambassador
As part of efforts to deepen awareness of good oral care among Nigerian consumers, ColgatePalmolive, a leading oral care company, has unveiled a popular Kannywood and Nollywood actor, Ali Nuhu as its brand ambassador for the northern part of Nigeria. The ambassador was unveiled during the ‘Yanga with Your Smile”
market activation held at the everbusy Bata market, Kano State. The activation exercise, which consisted of a series of activities, saw residents troop out in their numbers to do dental checks.z
Speaking during the activation exercise, the Regional Sales Manager, Colgate North, Abdul Musa, explained that the choice of
Nuhu was informed by his wide acceptability and recognition in the North, considering his role and influence in the Nigerian movie industry.
Musa noted that Nuhu remains the best fit to communicate and promote the importance of good oral care and the benefits of using Colgate products in a way that resonates with the local audience.
“We are quite excited to have Ali Nuhu as the face of the brand particularly for the northern part of Nigeria. This is someone who resonates easily with the local audience. We know how much he is respected and revered here and will be glad to leverage his influence to promote oral hygiene.
Ibadan Media Publisher, Olanrewaju, Inducted as IPD-CRM Member
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
Publisher of an online news platform, Ibadan Media and public relations strategist, Olalekan Olanrewaju, has been inducted into the Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (IPD-CRM).
The induction, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Lead City University, Ibadan, was in recognition of his contributions to media, advertising, and youth mentorship.
As a full member of the Institute, Olanrewaju earned
the professional title of MPD-CR, which now accompanies his name in professional engagements.
The recognition came shortly after he was named “Brand Promoter of the Year” by JCI Ibadan Elite, a testament to his excellence in enhancing organizational visibility through
innovative public relations strategies. The President of the Institute, Dr. Ayobami Owolabi, in his remarks, emphasised the role of leadership education and personality development in driving progress across all sectors in the country and shaping leaders who inspire societal progress.
FOR DELE AND MY UNCLE
The first inkling I heard of his plight was from Chief Ayo Adebanjo whom he was getting set to visit when the storm troopers struck and bundled him into their vehicle en route to Ado-Ekiti.
Predictably, the backlash came thick and fast and in torrents. It is a public relations disaster for my Uncle (Babalola), the Nigerian police force and the judiciary. Given our contemporary experience with these dysfunctional institutions, this is not the company Babalola should be in active connivance. This is not the resplendent image we have of him.
To the contrary, this is Dele’s finest hour as the nation rose as one to canonise him as the embodiment of resistance to all that is wrong with Nigeria in this season.
ASUE, COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON
“That day will forever be etched in our history as one of our darkest moments, marked by the brazen theft of our mandate and the shameful subversion of the will of the people”- Asue Ighodalo
At a ceremony I attended a week ago, a side discussion ensued and centred on the recent Edo state governorship election and the experience of a mutual friend, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
I have not seen Asue for a while. But for the participation of Olumide Akpata, governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, I would have volunteered to join his political campaign. For Nigeran politics to stand a chance of development these are the kind of enlightened people, with unimpeachable pedigree, we would have to recruit into the political system
Human beings are a creation of hope and so despite myself, I prayed that his venture would be the exception to the rule of political depravity that has ceased Nigeria’s jugular. So I cannot claim to be surprised at his predictable fate.
A mutual friend observed that Asue was not looking his robust and vibrant self, the last time he saw him. I suggested that this is attributable to the ‘culture shock’ experience he encountered at the election.
Asue is relatively new to the culture of defiant gangsterism that passes for politics in Nigeria. It is difficult to estimate just how brazen and
blatant the culture has become unless you are a direct witness.The standard playbook goes like this.
The caucus of the status quo candidate (invariably the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC) will prevail on the INEC to declare victory for the candidate no matter the contrary outcome. Shoot first before asking questions.
Knowing fully well its a futile gesture, the practice of Nigerian democracy would now invite the victim to follow the mockery of seeking justice at the temple of a state captured compromised judiciary.
There the fate of the INEC declared losers will be sealed with the imprimatur of the Nigerian judiciary. And all righteousness would have been fulfilled having gone through all the constitutionally required procedure.
Then the outcome will be rationalised by such
MUCH ADO ABOUT TAX REFORM: ISSUES AND PERSPECTIVES
will be effected in two stages. The Bill proposes a reduction from the current 30% to 27.5% in 2025 and 25% in 2026. It also imposes a development levy of 4 % to harmonise the multiplicity of taxes and levies companies pay. The levy will be reduced at intervals to 2% in 2030 and devoted to funding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), thereby phasing out the 2.5% education Tax, the 0.25% National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure tax and the 1% National Information Technology Development Levy. Thus, in place of all these taxes and levies, companies will only pay a 4% development levy from 2025 to 2029 and 2% after that to fund the student loan scheme. Given the millions of indigent Nigerians expected to benefit from the NELFUND scheme, the provision is commendable as it will bring succour to the low-income bracket of the population. Promotion of synergy: The Nigerian Revenue Service Bill seeks to promote synergy between and among the three tiers of government. This includes- discretionary power to delegate tax collection functions, harmonise revenue administration, reduce the cost of revenue collection and remove all forms of bottlenecks inhibiting revenue remittances to the federation by government agencies.
Implications of the Tax Reform Bills
A critical analysis of these proposed amendments will reveal implications for individuals, corporate entities and national and sub-national governments. These include:
Increased Tax Burden: The VAT tax rate increase is not in the interest of Nigerian consumers and small businesses. The proposed increase in VAT from 7.5% to 10% is potentially an increase in the prices of products. For a tax system to be used as an instrument to uplift the welfare and living standard of the people, put smiles on their faces and direct the course of the economy towards growth and development without losing its traditional grip of revenue generation, it must strive to balance the need for revenue generation against the desire to preserve the taxpayer. In other words, the Nigerian taxpayer must not be taxed to death. VAT rate increase is ill-timed, coming in the heat of the effects of the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol. The redistribution of income argument, where higher taxes are imposed on the rich to provide social services in favour of the poor, is not even obtainable under a regime of a general increase in VAT rate as proposed. VAT as a consumption tax can only be imposed in favour of the poor, where the increase is aimed at taxing the rich at a higher rate and not a flat rate as proposed. Increased Administrative burden: The proposed reforms could also lead to an increased administrative burden on both tax authorities and businesses and impact negatively on the economy in the following ways. Clause 8(2) of the Nigeria Tax
idle speculations and gossip that the election couldn’t have gone any other way, because Asue’s principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki has offended the divine king of Benin.
To the question, why would a man of Asue’s pedigree make frivolous allegations on the election, referencing it as “one of our darkest moments, marked by the brazen theft of our mandate and the shameful subversion of the will of the people”.
If we are agreed that Atedo Peterside is a credible third party, then he could not be reasonably expected to associate himself with a bogus claim of that magnitude. Yet here is:
“Ever since the election in Osun, where INEC came out with credible result sheets on IREV, it is as if something has changed right from the presidential election, they went rogue. I hope that I will be held accountable,”said Peterside For personal and Party records purposes. I will not dissuade Ighodalo from going to court. Whatever the veracity of the claims, the Nigerian Supreme court is guaranteed to come down on the side of the party with the biggest machete. It has become a vicious cycle.
In the belief of our host, we might as well abandon the field to the APC and withdraw from participation in further elections altogether, if the role designed for our participation is lending legitimacy to the premeditated charade.
As noted by the American based Council on Foreign Relations, CFR, “The problems for champions of democracy run deep. The very meaning of the term has been called into question for too many populations who have experienced plenty of elections, but little in the way of real political choice or accountability.. when democracy is understood as a label applied to governments that simply stage elections, or a fig leaf that conceals corruption and repression, it is easy to devalue democracy”.
The perspective of President Olusegun Obasanjo is “Let me go back to the beginning where we got it wrong—the western liberal democracy, that is what the Europeans have. When you look at the western liberal democracy, it is a product of their history, a product of their culture, a product of their way of life”
“I have looked into most African languages, western democracy has what they call loyal op-
position. What is opposition in African languages? Enemy. Western democracies called oppositions “loyal” because the oppositions are loyal to the monarchy. That’s where their loyal democracy began. They used to have monarchies”.
He believes that the notion of liberal democracy is alien to Africa and it is not consistent with the spirit of African communalism hence its contextual failure in the continent.
What I think the former President meant to articulate as the bane of post colonial African states is the absence of autochthony, (in which regard, it is the totality of the colonial transition that has failed) of which the bastardisation of democracy is an epiphenomenon.
The concept of autochthony is the Greek word translated ‘as springing from the land. It usually means the assertion of not just the concept of autonomy, but also the concept that the constitution derives from their own native traditions’.
Peter Ekeh illustrates “Take the Japanese, the Taiwanese, The Indian and the Chinese. They have evolve with their culture and tradition intact. They evolved, wearing their own clothes, speaking their own language, teaching every subject up to university level, on their own language, keeping their values, their gods, their own religion...
“They have all come out better for it. Their economy, education, health, orientation, better than that of the Blackman and in some cases, better than the whiteman’s”.
The biggest political challenge Tinubu confronted was the Buhari legacy of divisive and primitive nepotism bordering on apartheid rule. If this is the case, why does he want to travel the same road?. To become a Yoruba hero the way his predecessor remains the Hausa-Fulani folk hero?
That would be a wrong lesson to learn from the precedence of the Afenifere choice of Olu Falae over the late Chief Ajibola Ige as the AD candidate in the 1999 presidential election.
Professor Bolaji Akinyemi deems it ironic, that Afenifere college of electors, actually predicated the choice on the logic that Ige was the personification of Yoruba irredentist politics which may be a disability in the context of national elections. Coincidentally the President was a member of that college and I have not seen a divergence from this position by Yoruba intelligentsia.
Administration Bill 2024 makes the provision of a Tax ID a mandatory requirement or precondition for opening a new bank account or operating an existing account. This provision, though, has the advantage of identifying taxpayers in the country; it may discourage banking habits, particularly for those employed in the non-formal sector. A lot of money may circulate outside the banking system. Clauses 20, 23 and 24 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024 have proposed to make filing of monthly returns mandatory for specific categories of businesses, including Air Transport and Mining. This can increase the operational cost of businesses, which will be transferred to customers.
Clause 75(1) of the proposed Tax Administration Bill gives the President the unlimited powers to exempt from income tax any company or class of companies and any profits of any company or class of companies from any source on any ground which appears to be sufficient. By Clause 75(2), the President may, by order, amend, add or repeal any tax exemption. These unlimited powers are susceptible to abuse in a political environment where there are limited checks on the use of presidential powers. Clause 25 of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024 provides requisite qualifications for appointment as a Commissioner of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, including a retired public servant with at least 10 years’ experience in tax administration. Clause 27 of the same Bill provides that a person shall cease to be a Tax Appeal Commissioner where that person, among others, attains the age of 70 years. With the retirement age of 65 years from public service, the above provisions regarding appointment and pleasure to be a commissioner can disqualify experienced manpower from serving as Commissioners on the tribunal.
VAT Distribution formula
Clause 77 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill deals with the distribution of VAT revenue. According to the clause, 10%, 55%, and 35% shall be distributed to the federal, state governments/the federal capital territory, and the local governments, respectively. The proviso, however, is that, of the percentage accruing to the State and Local Governments, 60% of it shall be based on the principle of derivation. This proviso has generated mixed reactions from stakeholders from different segments of the country who have expressed their fears that it could lead to an unfair revenue allocation to their states. What needs to be made clear is that in the context of VAT-generated revenue, two mutually inclusive actions are indispensable: production and consumption. Production cannot be complete without consumption, so VAT is also known as consumption tax. Revenue sharing based on the formula of derivation can be aimed at encouraging and promoting increased industrial activities,
which are central to a thriving economy and an attempt to reward the same. This can be a potential incentive to trigger industrialisation in other states. On the other hand, its consumption side is also germane. It creates the difference between the states with neither production nor consumption on the one hand, production and consumption on the other hand or production and consumption per se. VAT can be used to either encourage or discourage consumption patterns. Therefore, the consumption side to the derivation formula would be a deliberate effort to recognise and reward where the actual consumption is taking place.
Under the new regime as proposed in the tax reform, clause 145 (1) of the Nigeria Tax Bill provides that a taxable supply shall be deemed to take place at the time the supplier issues an invoice or receipt, or where goods are delivered or made available for use, or payment is due to or received by the supplier in respect of that supply, whichever occurs first. Clause 145 is particularly to be construed within the context of imposition of VAT. The provision carefully examined would convey the meaning that VAT revenue would be deemed to have been generated where they were supplied for use of consumption. This stance therefore aligns with our postulation above.
Addressing the challenges
A cursory reading of the Tax Reform Bills will reveal a commendable effort by the government to revolutionise the national economy, bring to an end the era of liquidity crises, and promote a genuinely competitive environment for businesses, irrespective of the sizes or structures, to seamlessly thrive. However, despite the laudable objectives of the Reform Bills, it has not been received with the requisite enthusiasm from the sub-national governments. The Bills have been criticised as illtimed, regressive and antithetical to the aspirations of the people, as well as detrimental to the interests of other segments of the federation. The Nigeria Economic Council (NEC), a constitutional body established by section 153 of the Constitution, has called on the president to withdraw the bills before the National Assembly for further consultations. The Governors Forum and the Northern Governors Forum have all asked for a stand down of the Bills for further consultation. Despite these calls, the Executive branch is in favour of a process that allows for public engagement with the National Assembly presently considering the Bills. It should be appreciated that Nigeria is operating a democracy, and no matter how beneficial the tax reform bills are, they still require the buy-in of all parts of the federation. This can only be achieved through the process of consultation and enlightenment that engenders confidence in the people. Best practice suggests that the Executive Branch should have publicly engaged all relevant stakeholders,
such as the Governors, Organized Private Sector and Labour Unions. Town Hall Meetings should have been organised to sensitise the populace on the objectives of the Bill before sending the Bills to the National Assembly for passage into law. It may not be too late in the day to allow for further consultation and public awareness on the provisions of the Bill, which can only ensure its acceptance and provide the legislature with the opportunity to thinker with the provisions likely to occasion hardship or dissent.
The National Assembly should also take its job of representing the collective wishes and aspirations of the people more seriously to engender confidence in the people. The hurry with which the legislative process is undertaken by the National Assembly leaves many questions unanswered regarding whose interests they are serving. For instance, the haste with which the National Anthem was passed (arguably within 24 hours) created doubts about the integrity and sanctity of the legislative process in Nigeria. Amid these calls, the Presidency has responded to the effect that those concerned about the Bills should engage the National Assembly. While this ordinarily should have been a good option, it would appear that Nigerians do not have much faith in the capacity of the National Assembly to engender a robust consideration of the Bills in the interest of all segments of the population. For instance, the Bills passed the Second Reading amidst rancorous deliberations in the Senate, with Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, frowning at the rushed passage of the Tax Reform Bills for the Second Reading. According to him, the hurry with which the Presidency and some lawmakers want to pass the bills is suspicious. The House of Representatives perhaps took a cue from what had transpired in the Senate, suspended debate on the Bills and urged members to take the opportunity to consult widely with their constituents. This is the recommended procedure as the buy-in of all stakeholders is required for effective implementation of the Tax Bills when passed into law. Finally, data is required to demonstrate the Tax Bill’s utility and its capacity to ensure fairness in the distribution of the accruals from VAT, which appears to be one of the most contentious areas of the reform Bills. There is a need to show through credible data that the derivation principle proposed to be used to distribute the VAT accruals will benefit all parts of the federation. Therefore, the Tax Reform Committee and the Executive branch must do more in this regard to convince the people. Only when the people’s confidence is restored in the process will a smooth passage of the Tax Reform Bills be guaranteed.
•Mr. Adoke, CFR, SAN, FCIArb, was AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2010 to 2015.
Asue Ighodalo
MISSILE
Gov Uzodimma to Nigeria
“With agriculture, Michael Okpara made Eastern Nigeria’s economy the fastest growing one in Sub-Saharan Africa. His developmental model of 1962 to 1968 focused on agriculture to achieve industrialisation. A nation that records progress in agriculture will experience a leap in national development through food security, employment, poverty reduction, rural development, sustainable and industrial development, social stability, trade and foreign exchange earnings” --Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, urges Nigeria to tap her abundant agricultural resources for economic development.
For Dele And My Uncle
For Dele, Christmas day is coming fifteen days earlier on December 10th. His present ordeal represents a climax of the crucial role he has played in the political firmament of Nigeria. He will be rapturously celebrated on that day.
The first time I encountered him was as the lawyer who perfected the title of a land I bought twenty five years ago. I never knew he was far bigger than that occupation.
The first notion I have of him as a public intellectual was a message I received from him while I was at the University of Oxford in 2020.
He wanted my permission to use a column (I had written on the passage of the erstwhile chief of staff to President Mohammadu Buhari in his book) “Don’t die in their war”. I, of course, had no reservations whatsoever in granting his request.
When I returned to Nigeria and heard him speak on the cable TV network, I realised we have another giant in our vocation of public intellectualism. I sought him out and we became brothers. I subsequently recruited him for the role of spokesperson, Peter Obi presidential campaign.
The uniqueness of Dele does not merely lie in his intellectual flair. He shoots from the hips and takes no prisoners.
Chief Afe Babalola is my uncle from my mother’s side. In the thick of the violation of the Yoruba
sufficient stature, we easily resolved on Chief Babalola as the convener.
Of all his outstanding attributes, the one I admired most is his unwavering commitment to
constitutional reforms with the specific objective of the restoration of federalism.
Hardly a month passes without Babalola advocating for this Nigerian life saver (true federalism) in his regular public interventions.
He is one of Nigeria’s biggest role model in the legal profession, education, community development leader and as an investor.
As my father’s pupil in the senior standard school in the forties. He did so well in an English language test that my dad scored him eleven over ten.
Babalola once told me a tragic experience he would never forget (a first hand experience of how destitute Nigerians had become).
About ten illiterate petty traders came to seek his financial support in Ado-Ekiti. He asked them how much they needed to start off. They said ten thousand naira per person. He said he rushed to the restroom to cry. Ten thousand naira!!!
Dele constantly briefs me on his difficulties with Babalola. When we recently had a ceremony in honour of Professor Jide Osuntokun, we had lined up Chief Babalola as special guest of honour. Dele expressed reluctance to attend, drawing my attention to the attack he was certain to receive from the legal luminary and potentially two others who were going to play significant roles.
BELLO ADOKE
Much Ado about Tax Reform: Issues and Perspectives
Taxation is an indispensable tool for governments worldwide to raise revenue and promote economic development, as domestic revenue mobilisation is key to sustainable development globally. Generally, the productivity of the Nigerian tax system has not been encouraging, mainly due to the low level of voluntary tax compliance. Consequently, the government has, over time, embarked on various tax reforms to ensure maximum performance of the tax system for better economic outcomes. Over the past decade and a half, the government has attempted major tax reforms informed by the realisation of the glaring inequalities and inefficiencies that have resulted from imposing high rates on constricted tax bases under complex legislation in the face of weak tax administration. Under such circumstances, the tax policy’s redistributive, developmental and revenue goals became largely unrealisable.
The present administration, to reform the tax system, proposed Revenue Reform Bills, 2024 to the National Assembly to amend/enact four laws, namely: (i) the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, (ii) the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, (iii) the Nigeria Tax Bill, and (iv) the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. The stated objectives of these bills are to expand Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and establish sustainable revenue
streams for the nation’s development. On the one hand, the Bills can potentially increase government revenue, which would have a trickle-down effect on the economy through increased funding for public goods and services, such as infrastructure,
education and healthcare; on the other hand, some of its provisions may have negative impacts on businesses and individual consumers if not adequately considered and redrafted.
This analysis aims to highlight some salient provisions of the proposed Bills, discussing the salutary nature of the provisions and implications on the economy.
Salient provisions of the Bills
Review the formula for sharing the value-added tax (VAT): Clause 77 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill provides for a reduction of VAT distribution to the Federal Government from 15% to 10% and concedes 55% and 35% to state governments and local government councils, respectively. It also provides under Clause 22 (12) that a 60% derivation shall be reflected in the sharing formula of VAT standing to the credit of states and local governments in the spirit of fairness and justice.
Tax Incentives. Clause 22 (5-9) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill provides tax incentives for defined beneficiaries or entities that will either be exempted from the taxable community or be incentivised to spur economic growth and guarantee collective prosperity. It provides for Zero VAT on exports and essential consumption by low-income earners and exempts food and related items from VAT with the prospect of reducing the rising food
prices and increasing the purchasing power of the people. Also exempted from VAT are rents, public transportation, renewable energy, etc.
Tax waiver for low-income groups from Personal Income Tax. Chapter 2 of the Nigeria Tax Bill completely takes the tax burden off the low-income bracket of the society. To qualify for the tax waiver, the employee must be earning N800,000 and below annually. The threshold covers all minimum wage earners or all low-income households within the threshold, ostensibly to reduce their tax burden and boost their purchasing power.
Exemption of small businesses from payment of taxes. The Bill raises the threshold for the grant of tax exemption from the present N25 Million annual turnover to N50 Million to benefit small businesses. Small businesses with total assets of N250 million are also exempted. It is posited that since small businesses constitute about 48% of GDP and provide employment all over the country, the exemption of such businesses from tax burden will positively impact their operations and encourage the growth of the entrepreneur class in the country. Streamlining of multiple taxations. To address the perennial concerns of the business community about multiple taxation, Clause 56 of the Bill provides for a significant reduction in company income tax, which
territories by rogue fulani militia, I got President Olusegun Obasanjo and Professor Wole Soyinka to sponsor a Yoruba political summit. In our search for a credible Yoruba man of
