THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2025

Fitch Ratings: Nigerian Banks Progress Towards New Capital Requirements

Nume Ekeghe Nigerian banks are making significant

PDP NWC: Udeh-Okoye is

Secretary, We’re Bound by Court Judgement

MEETS GOOGLE EXECUTIVES...

Bosun Tijani; Google Chief Executive, Sundar Pichai; President Bola Tinubu; Google Senior Vice President

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

ANAN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS VISIT DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT...

President Tinubu Hails IFC's Investment in Lagos Free Zone

Acknowledges Tolaram’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s economic development

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has lauded the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its continued confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Tinubu made the commendation following IFC’s $50 million equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone, a Tolaram initiative to support the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based, private special economic zone.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday, by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the investment as a testament to the growing trust of global financial institutions in Nigeria’s economic direction under his administration.

He emphasised that such strategic partnerships reinforced the country’s position as a prime destination for

foreign direct investment and industrial growth.

According to Tinubu: “The expansion of the Lagos Free Zone is critical to our vision of positioning Nigeria as the gateway for trade and investment in West Africa and across the continent.

“This investment by the IFC not only strengthens Nigeria’s industrial base but also demonstrates the growing confidence of international investors in our economic policies.

"With improved industrial and logistics infrastructure, we are creating an integrated ecosystem that will accelerate exports, attract more investment, and enhance our global competitiveness."

The Lagos Free Zone, strategically integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, was designed to ease import and export operations, strengthen Nigeria’s role in regional and global value chains, and create a more efficient business environment.

...Lauds Google CEO for Advancing AI, Digital Transformation in Nigeria

Deji

Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday commended Google Chief Executive Officer, Sundar Pichai for the interest of the company in advancing Artificial Intelligence and digitap transformation in Nigeria.

The President met the Google team in Paris in company of Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani. According to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Google Team engaged in constructive discussions with President Tinubu aimed at forging a strategic partnership to enhance Nigeria’s journey towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.

The collaboration seeks to position Nigeria as a prominent technology

and innovation hub, leveraging AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance global competitiveness.

The ongoing conversations focus on key initiatives such as expanding digital infrastructure in Nigeria, equipping the workforce with essential digital skills for the future, promoting AI-driven research and innovation, encouraging greater cloud adoption across various industries, and establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy. Tinubu emphasised that the partnership aligned seamlessly with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, centred on economic diversification through industrialisation, technology, and innovation.

The President acknowledged Nigeria’s potential as a burgeoning global technology destination and

expressed his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts strategic investments from leading tech companies. He appreciated Google’s ongoing involvement in Nigeria’s digital transformation and its contribution to opening new opportunities for businesses and young talents.

The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will provide strategic oversight, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will coordinate efforts alongside the private sector to ensure widespread and meaningful impact.

Speaking at the meeting, Google CEO Pichai reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, saying “Nigeria has an incredible opportunity to

Parthian Partners Named Joint

lead in AI and digital innovation in Africa. Google is excited to continue working with the Nigerian government to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic growth.”

Commenting on the engagement with the President, Dr. Tijani said partnership between Nigeria and Google represents an important opportunity to accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancement and strengthen our digital economy.

He further stated that Nigeria is committed to ensuring that AI and digital transformation create tangible benefits for businesses and citizens across the country.

The discussions will continue as both parties look to deepen their collaboration and expedite Nigeria’s digital transformation, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.

Issuing

House for MOFI’s N100 Billion Real Estate Fund

Nume

Parthian Partners Limited has been appointed Joint Issuing House for the N100 billion Series II Issuance under the N1 trillion MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund.

The firm noted that the appointment marked a major step in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit through innovative financing. As a Joint Issuing House, Parthian Partners would play a pivotal role in structuring and managing the issuance, leveraging its extensive experience in capital markets and financial advisory services.

The firm’s appointment underscored its reputation as a trusted partner in driving large-scale financial initiatives that support national development.

The MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund aims to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap by providing sustainable financing for real estate projects across the country. Parthian Partners’ involvement is expected to enhance the efficiency and success of the Series II Issuance, ensuring that the fund achieves its objectives.

Speaking on the appointment, Managing Director of Parthian Partners, Oluseye Olusoga, said:

“We are honoured to be part of this transformative initiative. Our role as Joint Issuing House reflects our commitment to supporting projects that have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economic growth.

“We look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to ensure the success of this issuance.

“We are thankful to MOFI and Dr. Armstrong Takang, the Managing Director of MOFI, for trusting us with this mandate, and deliver we shall,” Olusoga said.

Parthian Partners has a proven track record in managing high-

profile financial advisory services.

The firm’s expertise in structuring complex transactions and its deep understanding of the Nigerian capital markets make it a valuable partner for MOFI’s ambitious real estate investment programme.

The Series II Issuance is expected to attract significant interest from institutional and retail investors, further solidifying Nigeria’s position as a hub for innovative financial solutions. Parthian Partners’ involvement is a testament to the firm’s capability to deliver on large-scale projects that align with national development goals.

The IFC’s investment would support land development, industrial expansion, and logistics infrastructure within the 860-hectare zone, ensuring full integration into Nigeria’s broader economic diversification strategy.

The President also acknowledged Tolaram’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that the group’s deepening investments—from industrial zones to consumer goods and manufacturing—following its acquisition of Guinness last year reflect Nigeria’s strong potential as an investment destination. He welcomed the company’s continued efforts to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and foster economic growth.

While appreciating the IFC’s investment, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts even larger, transformative investments across key sectors. He also highlighted the IFC’s growing partnership with Nigeria, including its $70 million support for power sector initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security.

“We value the IFC’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic progress and look forward to deeper engagements that will drive large-scale infrastructure projects, strengthen our industrial base, and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians,” the President added.

Poor Revenue Generation Impedes NCAA’s Performance, Says DG

Chinedu Eze

Delayed and irregular remittance of five percent ticket sales charge and cargo sales charge by domestic airlines to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) impairs the efficient delivery of services and maximum training and retraining of the staff of the Authority due to paucity of funds, as these are the major source of funding of the agency.

This was disclosed yesterday in Lagos, by the Director General of NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, at the Aviation Finance and Revenue Assurance Summit, organised by the regulatory authority.

The Director General emphasised that indigenous airline operators in most cases, fail to remit agreed percentages on time to the regulatory agency, adopt manual or delayed reporting systems, while others also fail to remit the accurate Ticket Sales Charge/Cargo Sales Charge (TSC/ CSC) etc to the NCAA.

This he said has adversely affected the financing and planning of the regulatory body, as the gaps in revenue generation and cost recovery make it difficult for long-term fiscal planning and urgent execution of critical programmes of the organisation.

To eliminate the obstacles that cause delays in remittances of the charges, Najomo urged Nigerian airlines to leverage technology tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) in implementing automated systems for financial reporting, revenue tracking, accuracy and compliance in the system, saying

that that there is obvious lack of the required collaboration and synergy between revenue and cost recovery units of the authority and indigenous airlines.

Najomo, who was represented at the occasion by Mr. Olufemi Odukoya, the Director, Finance and Accounts (DFA), NCAA said the wide gaps between revenue generated and actual collection by the NCAA from the airline was tantamount to under-optimisation.

According to him, this was mostly traceable to the poor working capital management capacity of the Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)/Head of Accounts of the domestic airlines and their deputies on one hand and the informational inefficiency as well as lack of co-operation and synergy on the other hand.

He expressed optimism that some of the CFOs tend not to be aware of their statutory obligations to the authority with regards to prompt remittance, credible revenue reporting and financial dealing with the NCAA in line with international best practice and global air transport and civil aviation standards.

He added: “We do hope that the outcome of this summit will make a bold statement of intent and the starting point of an inclusive regulatory model that will drive the all-round growth and economic viability, increased safety, enhanced service delivery and exceptional passengers experience that we all crave for in the Nigerian aviation and air transporta- tion sector.”

Ekeghe

L-R: The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. Kayode Fasua; ANAN's President, Dr. James Ekerare Neminebor; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin; First Vice President of ANAN, Hajia Zuwaira Talatu Kishimi; and Second Vice President of ANAN, Dr. Ibrahim Agboluga Awe, during a courtesy visit to the Deputy President of the Senate at the National Assembly, Abuja… yesterday

TEF Signs $6m Strategic Partnership Deal with UAE Govt, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation

Kayode Tokede

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), one of the leading philanthropies empowering young African entrepreneurs, from all 54 African countries, yesterday signed a $6 million strategic partnership agreement with the UAE Office of Development Affairs and Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation (an affiliate of Erth Zayed), to provide business training, mentorship, access to networks, and non-refundable $5,000 seed capital, to an additional 1,000 young African entrepreneurs.

The agreement signed on the sidelines of the World Governments

Summit by TEF Founder, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, and the Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, His Excellency Mohamed Haji Al Khoori, evidenced both organisations’ shared commitment to fostering economic empowerment and entrepreneurship across Africa. A statement explained that through the partnership, the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation would leverage the TEF’s expertise and execution ability in catalysing entrepreneurship through the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, which has pioneered business management training, mentorship, and capital funding

for African entrepreneurs.

The Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a distinguished philanthropic organisation, affiliated with Erth Zayed, has a long-standing commitment to humanitarian and developmental projects, focusing on education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and enterprise development.

"Empowering entrepreneurs is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic investment in Africa’s future. By providing the necessary access to capital, mentorship, and resources, we are unlocking the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent, eradicating poverty, driving

House Passes Tax Reform Bills for Second Reading

and Juliet

The House of Representatives yesterday passed the controversial tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu for second reading.

The bills are: the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

The executive bills submitted to the National Assembly were read for the first time on the 8th of October, 2024.

However, the debates on the proposed legislations were put on hold due to the controversy it generated with some northern lawmakers vehemently kicking against some aspects, especially as it regards the sharing formula of Value Added Tax (VAT).

The National Economic Council (NEC), a body that comprises governors and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had urged the president to withdraw the bills for further consultations. However, the defiant Tinubu refused, saying that all concerns should be addressed in the National Assembly.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bills at the plenary yesterday, House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere commended the President for having the courage to institute the bills. He expressed optimism that bills would address and reform the nation’s tax laws with a view to among others address issues of multiple tax, multiply revenue

collection, and diversify the economy.

Ihonvbere was of the opinion that the opposing views helped strengthen the bills which aim to overhaul the tax system in the country as the oldest tax system in the world.

In his intervention, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, said while he supported the spirit behind the four bills, he has issues with some of the letters of the proposed laws.

He stated: “We have all agreed that the spirit behind the four bills is good. But we have issues with some of the letters of the bills.

“Why we oppose some letters of the bills, we support the spirit and want to assure Nigerians that we will watch those letters and at the appropriate time, we will ensure that the letters are corrected in the interest of Nigerians.”

Chinda, however, called for the reduction in the VAT, saying it was possible to reduce tax, while efforts should be made to tidy up all areas of conflict.

On her part, Hon. Miriam Onuoha said she was in support of the bills because they seek to balance income, adding that the essence of taxation was to make it in a manner that is progressive, where the poor get better benefits, and take more from the rich.

She cited Section 164(4a&b) which provides exemptions and reliefs for additional employment for companies that have taken new employees on a salary of N100,000 or less, adding that the bills propose a 50 percent discount or rebate for them.

Onuoha said the sunset clause for Tetfund should be expunged, adding that the agency has proved to be an interventionist by reducing infrastructure gap in the country's tertiary institutions. She also called for digitisation of audited accounts in the new bills, saying it would stop the rampant or incessant frivolous issue, issuance of audited accounts by companies.

Lending his voice, Hon. Hassan Fulata pointed out that all the bills, with the exception of the bill dealing with tax administration, have no interpretation clauses.

self-reliance, and paving the way for inclusive growth and prosperity on the continent.

“This partnership between the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation not only reflects our shared vision of empowering Africa’s next generation of business leaders, but will also create a ripple effect of economic transformation across the continent," Elumelu stated.

Since the launch of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in

2015, the TEF has provided up to 2.5 million young Africans with access to trainings on its digital hub, TEFConnect, and disbursed over US$ 100 million in direct funding to more than 21,000 African women and men, who have collectively created over 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Through its initiatives, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has brought 2 million Africans out of poverty. In addition to its self-funded programmes, TEF works with international partners including the EU, the UNDP, the

ICRC and the

The

The Tony

is currently accepting applications from young entrepreneurs across Africa with innovative business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years on TEFConnect.

NNPC Seeks End to Oil, Power Assets Vandalism, Partners Northern Artistes

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday reiterated that the incessant vandalism of key national assets, including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations pose a severe threat to the economy and overall development of the country.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, made the remarks at a workshop/engagement session with selected Kannywood Artistes in Abuja.

Soneye stated that as powerful influencers whose voices shape public opinion, the artistes use their platforms to advocate for the protection of national assets, particularly those managed by NNPC.

He said the meeting with prominent members of Kannywood was to

strengthen stakeholder relationships and support initiatives aimed at providing energy solutions for Nigerians.

The event featured top Kannywood stars such as Sani Danja, Rahma Sadau, Hadiza Gabon, Adam Zango, Mansurah Isah, Umar Sheriff, and many other actors and actresses from the north.

“Vandalism of critical infrastructure—including oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and energy installations—poses a severe threat to our economy, national security, and overall development. We must all play our part in educating the public about the dangers of such acts. As respected figures in society, you have the influence to drive this message home,” the NNPC spokesman stated.

According to him, the NNPC is at the heart of Nigeria’s energy security, standing as one of the

major contributors to the national grid, explaining that its commitment to power generation was evident in NNPC's investments in key facilities. Currently, he noted that NNPC operates the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant, a wholly owned facility providing essential electricity to the region and co-owns two major power plants—Afam VI and Okpai 1 & 2—with a combined installed capacity of 1,132 megawatts.

“These facilities play a crucial role in ensuring stable electricity supply to homes, industries, and businesses across the country. Now, imagine if these critical assets were damaged or destroyed by vandals—entire communities would be plunged into darkness, businesses would suffer, and the economy would take a devastating hit. This is why we need your voices to amplify this message,” Soneye added.

Parts of Nigeria in Blackout as National Grid Suffers Major Disturbance

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

Nigeria's wobbly electricity grid yesterday suffered its first major disturbance in 2025, plunging homes and businesses into total blackout as generation dropped to as low as 1334.91mw from over 4,000mw before a line tripped off at about 11am.

THISDAY gathered that this resulted in power outages especially in Lagos, Abuja and Osun before noon as most power plants on the grid lost generation when the incident occurred.

As of 11am, hourly power generation was 4064mw, but this dropped to 1,334mw at 12 pm and 1229.80mw at 1pm. However, as of 2pm, it gradually began to pick up, hitting 1337.69mw and then 1618.6mw. It later climbed to 2026.16mw at 4pm and 2030.16mw at 5pm.

Nigeria has been experiencing frequent power grid challenges due to several factors, including inadequate infrastructure, gas supply shortages, transmission failures, and vandalism. These collapses result in widespread blackouts, disrupting businesses

and daily life.

Although the government has made several attempts to reform the power sector, results have been painfully slow.

The latest incident, which is the first in 2025, has brought the number of grid disturbances and collapses in the last 14 months to about 13 and over 160 times since 2013 when privatisation of the generation and distribution segments took place. The grid collapsed 12 times in 2024.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) confirmed the grid collapse in a message to its

customers posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“Dear valued customer, we regret to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 11:34 am today causing a power outage across our franchise areas.

“While gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, please be assured that we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to fully restore electricity as soon as the grid is stabilised. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to serve you better,” the post read

L-R: The Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu, and the Director General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, His Excellency Mohamed Haji Al Khoori, during the signing

partnership agreement between the two foundations to provide business training, mentorship and access to network and non-refundable $5,000

entrepreneurs, at the World Governments Summit, in Dubai... yesterday

Adedayo Akinwale

Akoje in Abuja

Ikea Foundation.

partnership with the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, is the first with a Gulf based philanthropy and represents a further example of the strong investment, diplomatic and cultural ties between the GCC and Africa.

Elumelu Foundation

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

COURTESY VISIT...

AfreximBank-facilitated Hospital Complex Abuja Starts Operations June

Nigeria to save over $1.1 billion annually on medical tourism

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja, a world class tertiary medical institution spearheaded by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London said it has reached a crucial phase in the project’s finalisation.

Speaking on the progress of construction, during a Site a Tour on Tuesday, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of both Afreximbank and AMCE, Prof. Benedict Oramah, said the facility will cater for the healthcare needs of over 350,000 patients across Africa.

He further said that the health facility will "create 3,000 jobs, stimulate Intra-African trade in medical services, and strengthen critical supply chains in pharmaceuticals and healthcare delivery".

Most importantly, he said that it will help Nigeria retain the over $1.1 billion lost annually to outbound medical tourism, redirecting those resources towards strengthening our ownHesystems. further stated: This initiative is more than an investment in infrastructure - it is an investment in Africa’s future.

Oramah stated: "The Africa Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) represents a defining moment in Africa’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in healthcare. For too long, our continent has borne the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases, capital flight from medical tourism, and the exodus of skilled professionals seeking opportunities abroad. AMCE is set to change that narrative.

"By delivering world-class, lifesaving care to over 350,000 patients within its first five years, this facility will ensure that quality

healthcare is no longer a privilege reserved for those who can afford to travel overseas.

"Through strategic partnerships with governments, international stakeholders, and the private sector, we are demonstrating that Africa has both the ambition and the capability to provide world-class healthcare for its people.

"The AMCE is not just a medical facility; it is a statement of intent, a symbol of progress, and a beacon of hope for a healthier, more self-reliant continent".

Oramah said that the hospital project is a proactive investment in the well-being of millions, adding that from early diagnostics to advanced treatment and long-term disease management, AMCE will provide a seamless continuum of care that improves patient outcomes.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume said that the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence is a shining example of what strategic investment and collaboration can achieve.

"This project will not only position Nigeria as a hub for cutting-edge medical services but also create jobs and drive innovation in the sector," he said.

On his part, Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, said: "The Africa Medical Centre of Excellence represents a transformative leap for healthcare in Nigeria and across the continent. Witnessing the rapid progress of this project reaffirms our commitment to fostering world- class medical infrastructure that will provide accessible and high-quality care for all".

Speaking at the event, Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, highlighted the hospital’s impact.

He said: "The Africa Medical Centre of Excellence is not just a hospital - it is a bold step toward reshaping the future of specialised healthcare in Africa.

“By integrating cutting-edge medical technologies, pioneering research, and world-class training,

AMCE is creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that will set new standards for medical excellence across the continent".

As of February 2025, all civil and structural works have been completed, with rigorous quality assurance and control measures ensuring the highest

Funding Provisions:

construction standards.

External roadworks and infrastructure services are also advancing, marking a crucial phase in the project’s finalisation. AMCE Campus when fully completed will as a centre of excellence in healthcare, education, and research.

Future phases will include a second 350-bed hospital facility, a medical and nursing school, a medical and sciences foundation, a dedicated medical office suite and research centre, as well as medical residences and a medical lodge to support patients and healthcare professionals alike.

Red chamber removes special funds provisions to comply with constitution

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate yesterday amended the Acts recently passed by the National Assembly which established regional development commissions for the country.

The red chamber in a separate bill to amend the Act, removed the provisions which created special funds where regional development commissions' monies will be paid into.

The upper chamber was convinced that the provisions conflicted with Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

The nation's law book already recognises the Federation Account as the sole account where all revenues generated by the federation would be paid into.

Similarly, the Senate with another bill, amended the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund Act at its plenary on Wednesday, presided over by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The amendments were carried

out to bring the laws of the commissions and that of the NYSC Trust Fund, in compliance with the constitution.

The Senate amended clauses 14 and 15 of the acts establishing the North-West Development Commission; South-West Development Commission; and the South-East Development Commission.

Similarly, clause 4 (1) of the 2025 National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund Establishment Bill was amended to remove the trust fund.

The regional development commissions, by the Senate action, will not operate a fund separate from the Federation Account.

Rather, the CRF shall now retain the 15% deductions from the allocations of the states served by the commissions and other sources for their operations.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi

Bamidele, had introduced the matter under a motion entitled “Re-committal of Bills to the Committee of the Whole” for consideration.

He recalled that though the National Assembly had earlier passed the bills and forwarded them for the assent of President Bola Tinubu, the Senate later realised that the funding clauses were in conflict with the constitution.

Bamidele said: “The Senate observed that the funding clauses for the commissions and the proposed fund to be established as provided in the bills appeared to contradict section 162 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“Section 1, subsections (1) and 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, provides that the constitution is supreme and any

Lauds DSS for striking a gender balance with personnel

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has restated her commitment to empowering women in the country.

She also noted President Bola Tinubu's unwavering determination to ensuring the inclusion of women in leadership roles.

The First Lady stated this on Wednesday while receiving in audience a delegation from the Directorate of State Security (DSS), led by the Deputy Director-General, Mrs. Afolashade Adekayaoja, at the

State House, Abuja. Mrs. Tinubu expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting President Bola Tinubu administration's priority to empowering women and ensure their active participation in decision-making at all levels.

She emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding the tireless contributions of hardworking women in various sectors, stating that leadership positions held by women serve as a representation of other women across the country. The First Lady further expressed

her hope that the women in leadership would support each other, work collaboratively, and discharge their responsibilities diligently to ensure progress for the nation.

Earlier in her remarks, Mrs. Afolashade Adekayaoja, thanked President Tinubu and the First Lady for their strong support in advancing the cause of women in the nation.

She commended their ongoing efforts to place women in key leadership positions, where they can make significant contributions to national governance.

The United Nations has released US$5 million from the Central Emergency Fund (CERF) for anticipatory action against floods in Nigeria.

The release was made by the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher.

This was discussed in an announcement made by the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, who highlighted the need to act ahead of predictable shocks based on strong risk analysis.

Fall said: “Anticipating and acting ahead of crises such as floods saves lives. It also helps to protect peoples’ livelihoods which in turn reduces their vulnerability.”

He added: “In a global landscape characterised by reducing funds for

humanitarian action, this proactive approach is critical as it does not only reduce the worst impacts of emergencies, but it also helps to reduce the overall cost of the humanitarian response.”

The $5 million CERF allocation complements government-led efforts through the anticipatory action taskforce.

The taskforce brings together key agencies including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, and the National Emergency Management Agency under the stewardship of the Office of the Vice-President.

This is in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Globally, OCHA, which manages the CERF and Country-Based Pooled

law that contradicts the constitution shall be null and void to the extent of the contradiction.

“Mindful that Senate should not work in vain and should be seen to be observing the constitution like any other authority and persons in Nigeria, relied on orders 1(b) and 52(6) of its standing order 2023 as amended to rescind its decisions on the affected clauses of the development commissions bills, NYSC Trust Fund Bill.

“This resulted in the re-committal of the bills to Committee of the Whole for reconsideration and passage.

“Section 162 (1) of the constitution provides thus: The Federation shall maintain a special account to be called ‘the Federation Account’ into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation.

Senate Amends Regional Devt Commission, NYSC Trust Fund Acts First Lady: I Remain Committed to Women Empowerment UN Releases $5m for Anticipatory Action Against Floods in Nigeria

Funds (CBPFs) such as the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund (NHF), is spearheading anticipatory action assisting millions of people by addressing hazards such as floods, droughts, storms and cholera.

In October 2024, CERF released $5 million to scale up the flood response and address critical needs in Borno and Bauchi states in north-east Nigeria, and Sokoto State in the north-west.

The CERF funds complemented a $6 million allocation from the NHF (which included $2 million for anticipatory action released in tandem with the large-scale floods which displaced an estimated 400,000 people in Borno State. The floods decimated livelihoods and destroyed hundreds of thousands of hectares of cropland ahead of harvests).

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L-R: Vice President Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Segun Akintemi; Director General, Ebere Njoku; GMD/CEO Zenith Bank Plc, Adaora Umeoji; Deputy President, NBCC, Akin Osuntoki; Chairman NigeriaBritish Golf Committee, Uwamai Igein; and Chairman, Programmes Committee, Tajudeen Ahmed, during a courtesy visit by the Executive Committee of the NBCC to Zenith Bank in Lagos...recently

NEITI: TetFund Got N3.8

Trillion Accrual in 7 Years

Forges ties on data access, tax compliance

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), yesterday disclosed that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) received N3.8 trillion for its various interventions in the last seven years.

Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, spoke in Abuja when the head of TETfund, Sonny Echono, paid him a visit in his office, with a view to strengthening partnership on accessibility to credible data, tax compliance and revenue disclosures.

Both organisations also committed to manpower training and development, public finance management and educational financing for their staff and other critical stakeholders on

transparency and natural resource governance.

Orji underscored the need to ensure that funds meant for development of tertiary education in Nigeria and overall national development from the extractive sector were efficiently and transparently managed.

He assured that NEITI would continue to track payments from oil and gas companies, to ensure the correct taxes were remitted as and when due, in line with the provisions of the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA).

Also, he said NEITI would support TETfund in identifying and addressing gaps in compliance by extractive sector players, pointing out that by leveraging its expertise in financial auditing and revenue tracking, it would enhance

accountability in the disbursement and utilisation of education tax funds.

Accountability in the use of these funds, Orji said, would build public confidence in the tax system and ensure that tertiary institutions receive adequate funding for infrastructure, research, and human capital development.

Orji disclosed that over N3.8 trillion accrued to TETfund between 2013 and 2023, noting that a breakdown of the last two years accruals revealed in the latest reports of the NEITI industry audits of the oil, gas and mining sectors for 2023 that accruals to the fund were N229.34 billion in 2022 and N564.65 billion in 2023 respectively.

“To enhance decision-making, policy formulation, and resource allocation to critical educational needs, partnership

and technical support from TETFfund to complete the NEITI data centre and library would be a strategic investment,” Orji added.

When completed, Orji said the NEITI data centre would serve as a comprehensive repository for information on Nigeria’s oil, gas, and solid minerals industries, including all NEITI annual industry reports from 1999 to date.

The centre, he added, would provide aggregated and disaggregated data formats for easy access by stakeholders, including civil society, media, extractive industry companies, government agencies, and the legislature.

According to him, it will offer data analysis services and training in data science to promote knowledge

PDP NWC: UDEH-OKOYE IS OUR NATIONAL SECRETARY, WE’RE BOUND BY COURT JUDGEMENT

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, affirmed Sunday Udeh-Okoye as its National Secretary, saying the party is bound by the appeal court judgement on the matter.

National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said the NWC, at its meeting, considered a memo dated February 11, presented by the party’s acting National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, on the issue of the national secretary.

Ologunagba stated, “The NWC, in considering the memo, thoroughly examined the attached documents, namely the declaratory judgement of the High Court of Enugu, the judgement of the Court of Appeal,

Enugu Division, which pronounced and declared Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the national secretary of the PDP; the legal opinion and advice by Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, SAN, as well as that of the national legal adviser of the PDP.

“After due consideration of the memo and the attachments, the NWC overwhelmingly recognises, acknowledges and confirms Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as the substantive national secretary of the PDP in full compliance with and obedience to the judgement of the Court of Appeal, recognising that there is no subsisting or superseding judgement or order from any court of superior authority or hierarchy.

“The NWC has commenced the transmission of its resolution/decision affirming Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye

Oloyede: JAMB Targets over Two Million Registration for 2025/2026 Examinations

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has disclosed that, the board had planned to register over two million candidates for the 2025/2026 JAMB examinations in the country.

Fielding questions from newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, shortly after his monitoring visits to some JAMB CBT centres in the state, Oloyede said, a total number of 420,674 candidates nationwide had so far registered for the 2025/2026 JAMB examination as of Monday afternoon.

He also said 124,632 candidates had entered for the mock JAMB exams, putting the number of

trial testing candidates at 331 so far while , “no fewer than 32,435 candidates have registered for the exams as at Monday afternoon in Kwara state."

Oloyede, therefore, said the exam body had a target of over two million candidates for the exams.

The JAMB registrar, who put the number of underaged registrants (candidates who would be less than 16 years by October) at 4,997 as of Monday afternoon, lambasted those he described as selfish parents that craved to make their children’s educational pursuit as their victory medal.

"You can see how we're deceiving ourselves in this country. Before the maximum figure would be about 300.

50% TARIFF HIKE: NLC THREATENS MARCH 1 SHUT-DOWN OF TELECOM FIRMS’ OPERATIONS

It said: "The CWC has directed that, beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and other willing citizens shall boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.

The NLC communique read in part: "All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.

"We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.

"If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025".

The communique directed NLC State Councils to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general

public within their jurisdictions.

It said all NLC affiliate Unions are also requested to mobilize their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours.

"We implore all of our civil society allies and other interested stakeholders are to join us in making this action effective".

Regarding the tax reform bills, NLC said it has reviewed the ongoing discussions around the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the government.

While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress maintained that any tax policies must be designed to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian workers and not worsen the existing economic hardship.

NLC said that it will engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable, and worker-friendly.

as the PDP national secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies for recognition in line with the judgement of the Court of Appeal.

“The NWC commends all organs, leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the PDP for their steadfastness, respect for the rule of law and loyalty to the party at this critical time.

“The NWC reassures that it will continue to be guided strictly by the provisions of the constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), Operational Guidelines, the rule of law and the vision of our founding fathers for the stability and growth of the party, entrenchment of democracy and wellbeing of Nigerians.”

However, when THISDAY contacted Damagum, he said NWC met virtually on its platform, where the reports of the PDP governors’ forum and the Tanimu Turaki report to the Board of Trustees (BoT) were discussed.

He said a majority of NWC members supported that in line with the BoT and PDP governors’ forum report, Ude-Okoye should be recognised as national secretary.

The acting national chairman added that other members of the NWC abstained.

“It was not that the NWC met and took a decision. Some of us are still mindful of the Court of Appeal directives that says that the status quo ante bellum should be maintained,” he said.

He explained that it was a mere WhatsApp discussion and not a decision of the NWC.

The embattled national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, also said, “The NWC never met. That is Ologunagba and a few others’ position. The matter was only discussed on the WhatsApp platform. Therefore, the NWC has not met regarding it, as the matter is still in court."

Anyanwu was also said to have told the committee that he could not shelve a prior medical appointment he had fixed earlier.

It was also a melodramatic at the sitting of the disciplinary committee headed by Chief Tom Ikimi, as the chairman of PDP in Benue State, Ezekiel Adaji, disclaimed the petitioners against former Governor Samuel Ortom and 10 others, claiming they are unknown to the party in the state.

Ortom, at the same time, rejected the committee’s invitation as his spokesman, National Ikyur, told newsmen that there was no basis to expect him at the Legacy House venue of the PDP disciplinary committee’s sitting on Wednesday.

Ikyur said, “Up till 10am today (Wednesday), the former governor has not received any letter from the committee, even though it has saturated the mass media with stories about a purported invitation.

“It seems even more logical for the former governor to consider a letter with allegations of cyberstalking against the committee.”

A source at the PDP national headquarters informed newsmen that the Ikimi committee prioritised Anyanwu, Ortom and 10 of Ortom’s loyalists from Benue State for appearance before it.

The source said because the committee did not know Ortom’s address in Abuja, it decided to send the letters meant for Ortom and 10 Benue State PDP members to the state chairman last Friday.

However, a February 11 letter sent to the PDP disciplinary committee by Adaji and received during the committee’s sitting raised allegations that authors of the petition alleging anti-party activities against Ortom and 10 others were likely to be ghost members, who authored their petition in the name of a non-existent group.

Among other suggestions, Adaji

and innovation driven by research, while complying with the open data policy requirements under the EITI 2023 standard.

The Executive Secretary of TETfund, Echono, in his remarks, stated that the organisation was at NEITI House to seek collaboration with NEITI in the areas of access to data, especially on what is accruable to TETFund.

He stated that there was the need for clarity on tax compliance by extractive companies to ensure that they pay what they ought to pay as well as revenue transparency on reporting to ensure that there are no gaps between companies’ payment and their disclosures to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

These pieces of information, he said,

demanded that the petitioners should submit evidence to back their allegations, adding, “Petitioners should also provide evidence of their membership of the party, if any.”

Unfortunately, the PDP disciplinary committee might be on an illegal course that violates both the party’s constitution and the Cybercrimes Act, counsel to Ortom said.

A letter from Ortom's lawyer, Mr. C.T. Mue, addressed to Ikimi's committee and dated February 11, demanded a written apology and withdrawal of statements made against the former governor within 48 hours. It added that failure to do so would land both parties in court.

The letter stated, “This public notice has caused reputational harm and violates fundamental principles as enshrined in Section 57 of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended) and Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.”

But Ikimi insisted that the letter was delivered to all concerned through DHL with verifiable evidence, adding that the committee has adjourned till March 4.

Ikimi said no member of the party was above discipline, and it did not matter when the anti-party activities were committed, provided there was a petition against the person.

He promised to be fair to all.

Abia

PDP:

Wabara

Remains Suspended

Abia State Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenged the position of the party’s NWC, insisting that the suspension of the Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, stood.

After Wabara's purported suspension was announced in Umuahia, Tuesday, Ologunagba had promptly issued a statement on behalf of the NWC, declaring the suspension null and void.

But the chairman of Abia PDP, Elder Abraham Amah, responded, in a statement, saying Ologunagba lacks the authority to overturn the decision of the State Executive Committee of a state chapter of PDP. Amah stated, "We categorically state that the decision of the Abia State Executive Committee (SEC) to suspend Senator Wabara met every constitutional requirement of the party and cannot be invalidated by a mere statement from the national publicity secretary, which is not a by-product of any official resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC)."

Amah explained that Abia PDP acted within the constitutional guidelines as spelt out in the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), hence the suspension of Wabara remained valid as it was done "within the legal framework". Meanwhile, two former national chairmen of the party, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and Uche Secondus, congratulated Udeh-Okoye on his new position as the national secretary of the party. They also commended members of the NWC for standing firm in defence of the rule of law and party discipline. In a joint statement in Abuja, they said by recognising UdehOkoye, the party leadership had demonstrated its total commitment to the rule of law and rightly portrayed the party as a truly democratic institution.

Nwodo and Secondus warned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the federal government to allow the opposition parties to breathe, as a strong opposition was the right measure of vibrant democracy all over the World. They advised the new national secretary and the members of NWC to work towards strengthening the party to position it as the party to beat in the subsequent elections. will enable TETFfund expand its support for infrastructural development of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, explaining that the fund has confidence in the credibility of NEITI data.

FITCH RATINGS: NIGERIAN BANKS PROGRESS TOWARDS NEW CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

for business growth. It would also reduce the likelihood of significant banking sector consolidation, the agency said.

In March 2024, CBN announced a significant increase in paid-in capital requirements (share capital plus share premium) for commercial, merchant and non-interest banks.

Banks have three ways to comply – through equity injections, mergers and acquisition, and downgrading their licence authorisation.

The report said, “Fitch-rated banks have made notable progress towards compliance. Almost all have raised capital or formally launched the process to do so. The two largest banks, Access Holdings and Zenith Bank, are the first to secure enough fresh capital to meet the N500 billion requirement for an international licence.

“First HoldCo, United Bank for Africa and Guaranty Trust Holding Company are taking a phased approach. They have recently raised capital and have shareholder approval to begin raising more to

meet the N500 billion requirement.

First HoldCo’s and United Bank for Africa’s recent rights issues are awaiting final regulatory approval.

“Fidelity Bank and FCMB Group have completed initial capital raisings but will need to raise more to maintain their international licences. As second-tier banks, they must raise significantly more capital relative to their balance sheets than larger banks.

“They have extraordinary general meeting approval for this, although they could consider downgrading to a national licence as they each have just one foreign subsidiary.”

Fitch revealed in the statement that Ecobank Nigeria Limited and Jaiz Bank “needed only small capital injections to meet their requirements and have already achieved compliance”.

Fitch estimated that Ecobank was still in breach of its total capital adequacy ratio (CAR) requirement of 10 per cent, but it had further capital-raising plans to restore compliance.

It stated, “Stanbic IBTC Holdings

has launched a rights issue to raise capital to maintain its national licence.

Strong investor appetite has ensured that the vast majority of capital raisings so far have been successful, and most first- and second-tier banks should be able to meet their new capital requirements through capital raisings alone.

“Therefore, we believe the likelihood of banking sector consolidation among first- and second-tier banks has decreased.

“Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN), which is also in breach of its 10 percent CAR requirement, and third-tier banks have generally been slower to raise capital.

“Wema Bank has shareholder approval to raise enough capital to retain its national licence and plans to launch the process in April.

Coronation Merchant Bank recently received board approval. It is not clear whether UBN and unrated third-tier banks have received the necessary approvals. M&A activity and licence downgrades remain more likely among third-tier banks.”

According to the report, “The capital raisings are contributing to a recovery in capitalisation from the impact of naira devaluation, which put pressure on capital ratios and increased US dollar credit concentration risks.

“Strengthened buffers over minimum CAR requirements will mitigate risks from a challenging operating environment, including regulatory intervention and further naira volatility, while providing room for business growth.

“The capital raisings are unlikely to lead to banks with Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of ‘B-’ being upgraded given the constraint of Nigeria’s ‘B-’/Positive Long-Term IDR.

“However, they could contribute to Outlook revisions to Positive for some banks, and, providing CAR compliance is restored, to upgrades for UBN and ENG (both rated ‘CCC’). Capital raisings are more likely to affect National Long-Term Ratings, which measure the relative creditworthiness of Nigerian issuers.”

NEITI boss, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji

PEOPLES P Y ( ) DEMOCRATIC PART DP

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Motto: Justice, Unity and Progress

National Secretariat: Wadata Plaza, Plot 1970 Michael Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja

PEOPLES PARTY DEMOCRATIC

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Motto: Justice, Unity and Progress

National Board of Trustees

Special Commendation

The Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the P e o p l

(

Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP for its display of courage, respect for the Rule of Law and the Constitution of the Party in affirming Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the Substantive National Secretary of PDP.

The affirmation of Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as National Secretary of the PDP in compliance with the Judgment of the High Court of Enugu as also upheld by the Court of Appeal has reaffirmed the confidence of PDP members and Nigerians in our Party and the shared commitment to unity, discipline and the ideals that bind us together as members of the PDP.

The BoT urges all Organs, leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our great Party to continue to reaffirm our unity and resolve to restore the PDP to its rightful place as the party of the people and for the people.

Signed:

National Secretariat: Shehu Shagari Way, Plot 2774 Maitama Abuja.

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The Explainer

NOA ADOPTS NEW OPERATIONAL STRUCTURES

In a bid to execute its mandate efficiently for quality outputs, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has expanded its operational structures by accommodating more departments and creating zonal offices across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

In a note approved by the Director General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, released by the Human Resource Management Department, the agency now has eight programme departments which are;

• Civic, Values and Democracy Department;

• Community Outreach and Development Department;

• Community Safety, Awareness and Compliance Department;

• Media and Communication Department;

• Abuse, Rights and Narcotics Department;

• Health and Social Care Department;

• Environment, Climate and Energies Department; and

• Youth Engagement and Inclusion Department.

In the same vein, the agency has approved the deployment of Directors to the six newly created zonal offices. The directors are; Dr. Priscilla GondoAluor as the Director, of North-Central Zonal Office. Mr. Ali Audu takes charge as the Director of North-East Zonal Directorate, Alhaji Hamisu Abubakar

assumes position as the Director of North-West Directorate.

Similarly, Mrs Francisca Olufunke Salako is to head the SouthWest Zonal office of the agency, Regina Iroha to lead the SouthEast Zonal office, while Mr. Otu Ibor takes charge as the zonal director of the South-South zone.

The initiative is aimed at creating more opportunities for public engagement in line with the mandate of the agency especially in communicating government policies, programmes and activities and mobilising citizen support for these polices.

NOA, NSCC Partner to Address Challenges Facing Senior Citizens in Nigeria

NOA, NSCC Partner to Address Challenges Facing Senior Citizens in Nigeria

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) have committed to a partnership to tackle the pressing challenges faced by senior citizens in Nigeria many of which require awareness creation.

During a strategic meeting by heads of the two agencies, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, reassured the NSCC of the agency’s

commitment to ongoing reforms that will better serve senior citizens while mobilising Nigerians toward meaningful causes.

He listed the challenges facing older persons to include poverty, negative stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination, which often lead to their exclusion from development programmes and instances of abuse.

In response, the Director General of NSCC, Dr. Emem Omokaro, emphasized the urgent need to address these challenges and

ensure the well-being of older persons.

Dr. Omokaro proposed the inclusion of NSCC in NOA’s nationwide and global reorientation campaign on values, highlighting NSCC’s transformative programmes aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens. NSCC also hopes to leverage NOA’s platforms to combat negative stereotypes and discrimination that contribute to the exclusion and mistreatment of older persons.

This partnership marks a crucial step towards ensuring that senior citizens are included in national development efforts and receive the respect and care they deserve.

The Benue State Directorate of National Orientation Agency (NOA) has been appointed into the steering committee of the state Social Investment Programme according to a release from the Office of the Secretary to Benue State Government, Deaconess Deborah Abe.

While inducting the committee members at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, the SSG implored the committee to initiate policies, activities and programmes that are in tandem with the goal of the administration in a bid to improve the standard of living of Benue people and reduce social inequalities and vulnerabilities in the state.

Other members of the committee are drawn from both federal and state agencies relevant to the success of the programme with the vision to improve the living conditions of the Benue people.

As part of the efforts to promote Self Reliance, one of the core values enshrined in the constitution, the Kebbi state Directorate of the national Orientation Agency (NOA) is working with a Community Development Service (CDS) NYSC group to empower young female students with the necessary skills to thrive in life after schooling.

The state Director of NOA in Kebbi , Mallam Muhammed Nasir Karofi, committed the agency when he received corps members from a Community Development Service (CDS) group focused on education in his office in Birnin Kebbi.

The visit was aimed to seek support from the Agency for a skill acquisition initiative targeting selected female students in secondary schools within the Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area. She explained that the initiative is designed to promote self-reliance among students and reduce societal issues such as rape, unwanted pregnancies, peer pressure, and sexually transmitted infections.

The State Director emphasized that strengthening existing collaborations to equip young Nigerians with skills aligned with their talents and interests will enhance their ability to be selfsufficient. She noted that this would help students transition smoothly into tertiary institutions with practical skills that can support their education and livelihoods.

National Orientation Agency Nigeria

Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Dr. Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education after a meeting at the Minister’s office.

KATSINA NOA CHARGES METEOROLOGY STUDENTS TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

To promote a society where metrological science thrives, the Katsina State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged students of the Muhammadu Buhari Metrological Institute of Science and Technology, Katsina, to work diligently and strive for excellence in their studies, stressing that Nigeria needs their expertise in various sectors, including Agriculture, Medicine, and Aviation.

The Katsina State’s Director, Mallam Muntari Lawal Tsagem,

made this call during an orientation programme for the students, where he further highlighted the importance of meteorologists in the country’s development.

He also called on the students to remain patriotic and resilient, noting that Nigeria needs well-behaved people to regain its position in the Continental Comity of things.

Tsagem explained to the participants of the programme

the concept and structure of the National Values Charter and what was aimed to achieve in the crusade, stressing the agency’s effort to inculcate in Nigerians patriotism and love to the nation.

He also congratulated the newly admitted students of the institute, and he wished them a successful period as students of the Institution.

Kaduna NOA emphasises security awareness in school sensitisation

In line with the agency’s mandate on value re-orientation and positive attitudinal change as well as behavioural modification, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Kaduna State Directorate organised a one day campaign on security awareness, effects of drug abuse and getting rich quick syndrome among the youth.

The sensitisation programme was held at the Government Day Secondary School, Makarfi with key messages on:

• Risks of taken drugs without doctor’s prescription

• Damage involved in the consumption of illicit substances especially to the brain.

• Reporting any suspicious act/movement by any person or group of people to the security agents.

• Dangers involved in get rich quick syndrome attitude.

• Encouraging youths to be self reliant by engaging in legitimate trading and skills acquisition.

The principal and staff appreciated the National Orientation Agency for the educative programme and called for more of such in future. NOA’s school programmes have proved to be very effective in reaching school age population.

NOA Intensifies Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria

The National Orientation Agency in Kwara State has continued to sensitize citizens on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation, saying the widespread practice constitutes a violation of the fundamental rights of young female victims.

The State Director, Dare Abdulganiyu while appearing on a live radio programme on Harmony 103.5 FM said the agency has ramped up its efforts to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and collective action to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls in Nigeria.

Abdulganiyu highlighted the severe health risks and psychological trauma associated with FGM, urging communities to abandon this harmful practice and adhere to all the warnings on the health risks associated with the practice.

Citing alarming statistics, Abdulganiyu pointed out that FGM is a violation of fundamental human rights, leading to serious medical complications. He called for a unified approach involving government agencies, religious leaders, and civil society to safeguard the future of women and girls. The Director encouraged parents and health professionals to join the anti-FGM movement, referencing the legal stance against the practice under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

Listeners actively engaged during the session, pledging their support for grassroots campaigns and stricter enforcement of anti-FGM laws, as the NOA reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating FGM through education and advocacy.

NOA urges Media to join campaign on lassa Fever, Cholera Mitigation

The Kwara State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dare AbdulGaniyu has urged media organizations in Nigeria to collaborate with NOA in advocating for the prevention and mitigation of Cerebrospinal Meningitis, Lassa fever, and Cholera in the country.

AbdulGaniyu made the call for collaboration at a media briefing in Ilorin, Kwara state where he stressed that in a bid to fight these diseases, media owners should be actively involved, as well as community and religious leaders, to help spread useful information about the dangers of these illnesses

“As members of the press, you play a vital role, especially in disseminating accurate information, combating misinformation, and helping Nigerians understand preventive measures,” he said. Furthermore, AbdulGaniyu highlighted the crucial need for the awareness campaign as peak time for these diseases approach which come dry season.

“It is imperative that we strengthen awareness, improve community engagement, and implement preventive measures at all levels—individual, household, community, and government,” he added. He stressed that citizens should take responsibility by adopting environmental and personal hygiene practices to protect themselves and their communities.

www.thisdaylive.com

STRENGTHENING SECURITY, SECURING THE PEOPLE

Nigeria’s security forces have been dutiful in pushing back the frontiers of terror, argues FREDRICK NWABUFO

page 20

REFORMING NIGERIA CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

HENRY UDUTCHAY

reckons that the acting controller general of the NCos is poised to address longstanding challenges in the system

page 20

EDITORIAL

opinion@thisdaylive.com

NNPCL and partners are gradually eliminating gas flaring in aligning with best global standards, writes JAMES OKUNSERI

NNPCL AND MENACE OF GAS FLARING

Things are changing for the better in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Apart from the increase in daily oil production, made possible by the liberalisation occasioned by players in the upstream, the coming onboard of private refineries like Dangote and the resuscitation of the NNPC refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, improvements in the systems and processes are being put in place. The latest being the near-elimination of gas flaring that was recently achieved in two oil fields in the country.

According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), it has reduced gas flaring by 96 per cent at the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields, jointly managed by it and the First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited. This milestone was achieved by re-injecting the excess gas into an underground reservoir instead of flaring it.

“The NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited Joint Venture has successfully achieved 96 per cent reduction in routine flaring of associated gas from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields," said NNPCL image maker, Olufemi Soneye.

“This remarkable milestone was attained through the implementation of an AG reinjection strategy into a designated underground storage reservoir at the Madu field, situated in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa State. The initiative ensures that gas, which would have otherwise been flared, is now safely stored, significantly mitigating environmental impact.”

Gas flaring describes the practice of burning off excess natural gas that is produced along with crude oil, often called ‘associated gas’ or ‘AG’ in oil and gas parlance. According to the World Bank's Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR, 2023), global gas flaring stayed relatively constant throughout 2010 to 2020 and reached 150 billion cubic meters (BCM) in 2020. The report says this is the equivalent to the total annual gas consumption of sub‐Saharan Africa. And the World Bank 2024 Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report revealed Nigeria and eight other countries as the major contributors to global gas flaring, accounting for 75 per cent of the world’s flared gas. These countries, which include Russia, the United States, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, and Mexico, produce 46 per cent of the world’s oil. Just as they also flare gas.

In Nigeria, a survey conducted in 2022 revealed that there were 174 individual flare sites where 5.3 BCM of gas is flared annually. While this figure is less than the top five flaring countries - Russia (24 BCM), Iraq (17 BCM), Iran (13 BCM), U.S. (12 BCM), and Algeria (9 BCM) - it is good that the NNPCL is on track to ultimately eliminate gas flaring. For many years, in many communities where oil exploration takes place, gas flaring has been a scourge - an environmental hazard and pollutant. But with this tremendous reduction in flaring, it is hoped that better

times are in sight, especially for the affected communities.

With this latest development, the national oil company is aligning with the global best practice which it affirmed in its statement: “The reduction in AG flaring aligns with the regulatory framework set forth by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, underscoring the JV’s compliance with national environmental standards and global best practices.”

Already, the CEOs of the firms in the Joint Venture are thrilled with the development, a major step toward achieving environmental sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This would also reduce waste as well as protect the environment. Speaking on the achievement, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, said: "It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices."

And according to the MD/CEO of First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero: “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production. By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”

Normally, the excess gas from the two oil fields would have been flared. That, sadly, has become a standard procedure in the production process of crude oil, a situation which is wasteful as well as harmful to the environment. That gas flaring is responsible for environmental degradation, especially the air, is uncontestable. Add the fact that it is also dangerous, then the reason for celebrating the reduction of gas flaring becomes obvious. The release of carbon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful substances associated with gas flaring pollute the air at a speed which alarm environmentalists. Its effects in accelerating global warming and melting ice is of concern to climate change experts. Its effect of producing acid rains has also been known to damage the vegetation, reduce crop yields and damage roofing sheets as well as other structures.

Healthwise, gas flaring has been associated with creating or compounding health issues such as respiratory diseases, premature deaths and various types of cancers, especially thyroid cancer. It is also a culprit in Cardiovascular dysfunction, bronchitis, gastrointestinal problems, and acid rainrelated lung diseases.

While ‘associated gas’ is a valuable commodity and scientists desire to stop gas flaring when it can be appropriately separated from oil and transported, this has not been achieved. And the reasons border on safety, economic or regulatory issues. For instance, it allows operators to reduce and manage unpredictable and significant pressure variations and de-pressurize their equipment by flaring any excess gas. Also, depending on the locations, operators sometimes find it more cost-effective to just flare the gas rather than capturing and using the associated gas. Regulatory reasons may also be the cause where companies resort to gas flaring.

However, that the JV has drastically cut gas flaring at these two fields would be a relief for the communities and its environs. And it is expected that this feat recorded by the NNPCL and FIRST E&P where gas that could have been flared is now safely stored in a designated underground reservoir, would be replicated in other fields across Nigeria. According to a 2022 World Bank report written by Ooniyi Alimi and John Gibson, it is estimated that around two million people in the country live less than four kilometre away from a flare site. That’s a huge chunk of the country’s population in such proximity to the danger of gas flaring sites. Hence, as Nigeria strives towards increasing her crude oil production level to 2 Million Bpd from 1.8m Bpd, it is commendable that the NNPCL and her partners are not only roaring to increase production numbers but are also ensuring efficiency and a commitment to aligning with the best global standards and environmental practice. For this, it’s kudos to NNPCL and its JV partners.

Okunseri writes from Abuja

Nigeria’s security forces have been dutiful in pushing back the frontiers of terror, argues FREDRICK NWABUFO

STRENGTHENING SECURITY, SECURING THE PEOPLE

I was a witness to that day. When the sun crimsoned, the wind roared, and the earth bled. It was the Nyanya bomb blast of October 2015. By cheer happenstance, I was within the area, though removed from the immediate theatre of the carnage. TheCable broke the unfortunate story. I was a staff member of the newspaper at the time.

The thundering blast ripped through the evening air. It was deafening and jarring. Fear and anxiety seized the busy Nyanya junction, which became gridlocked in a barbecue of human parts. Confusion simmered. Making sense of the situation instantly was a bit difficult. What had just happened? Could it be it? And yes, the fears were confirmed.

This experience survives in the recesses of my mind. The trauma never really leaves. At the time and in subsequent years, Nigeria grappled with a number of security challenges – Boko Haram, kidnappers, bandits, terrorists, and the like. Swathes of territories were carved out by terrorists, the roads became gateways to hell, violent agitations tore at the very fabric of the nation, and school children became merchandise for criminals.

But over time, Nigeria’s security forces have been dutiful in pushing back the frontiers of terror. We must always thank and appreciate our security agencies. They are our last line of defence. They are awake while we are asleep - far removed from the warm embraces of their families to keep us safe.

President Bola Tinubu pledged to ensure the security of life and property, especially as security is a fundamental ingredient for attracting investments and fostering the growth and survival of businesses. The President has been absolutely faithful to his solemn pledge.

As Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu is silencing the guns on the roads, returning confidence in road travels; he is restoring peace to farmlands, boosting agricultural productivity; removing threats even in forgotten places, and building a cohesive society where recourse over dispute among divergent groups is jaw-jaw and not war-war.

It is important to underline the critical role of the Office of the National Security Adviser under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as regards pre-emptive, kinetic, non-kinetic, and conciliatory approaches to a myriad of security concerns and potential concerns. There has been a clear demonstration of forward-thinking, innovation, adroitness, and professionalism in the coordination of security apparatuses. It is not all blue skies as security is always in a flux. But we are not where we used to be. We have gone a leap forward. With the President’s bold and transformative leadership, the ambits of peace will continue to expand, and Nigeria shall continue to prosper.

Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

HENRY UDUTCHAY reckons that the acting controller general of the NCos is poised to address longstanding challenges in the system

REFORMING NIGERIA CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

In the annals of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), a transformative chapter is being written under the leadership of acting Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche. Since assuming office on 15 December, 2024, following the retirement of his predecessor, Haliru Nababa, Nwakuche has embarked on a mission to revitalize the NCoS, addressing longstanding challenges with panache, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment.

Born in 1966, in Oguta, Imo State, Nwakuche's journey in the NCoS spans over three decades. He commenced his career in 1990 as an Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, progressively ascending through the ranks to become Deputy Controller General in 2020. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar in Cross River State, a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Lagos, and a Diploma in French Language. A fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, he is also a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Upon his appointment as Acting Controller General, Nwakuche articulated a clear vision for the Service, emphasizing the need to build upon existing reforms while introducing fresh strategies aimed at enhancing security of correctional centres, promoting inmates’ rehabilitation, addressing the age-long overcrowding conundrum, and improving the welfare of personnel. He has also underscored the importance of teamwork, transparency, and innovation in tackling the multifaceted challenges faced by the service.

One of the most pressing issues confronting the NCoS is the chronic overcrowding of custodial facilities, which house over 80,000 inmates, many of whom are awaiting trial. Nwakuche is implementing new strategies to alleviate this burden, focusing on expansion of custodial centres, implementation of noncustodial measures, collaboration with stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice, and the enhancement of reformatory programmes. These initiatives aim not only to decongest facilities but also to facilitate the smooth reintegration of reformed individuals into society as productive citizens.

More so, the acting Controller General has in this short period in the saddle demonstrated remarkable leadership in enhancing security across custodial centres. Drawing from extensive experience he garnered as a former head of the Operations Directorate of the Service, he is currently implementing strategic measures to fortify these facilities against breaches, unlawful escapes, and external aggression. Additionally, he has prioritized intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, fostering stronger partnerships with sister security agencies to prevent and swiftly respond to threats.

Recognizing that a motivated and well-trained workforce is pivotal to the success of the NCoS, Nwakuche has placed significant emphasis on staff training as well as their general well-being. As the former Deputy Controller General in charge of Training and Staff Development, he understands the critical role that continuous training and retraining of his personnel plays in operational efficiency. Under his leadership, there has been a renewed focus on capacitybuilding programmes, aimed at equipping personnel with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of contemporary correctional management.

Also, the Acting Controller General has significantly advanced the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates, leveraging his vast experience as the former head of the Directorate of Inmates Training and Productivity, which saw a spike in revenue generated from farm centres, workshops and cottage industries. His tenure has been marked by strategic initiatives that focus on skill acquisition, ensuring that inmates are better prepared for life after imprisonment. These are aimed at enhancing employability and reducing recidivism by providing inmates with viable means of livelihood upon release.

Nwakuche has also been proactive in reshaping the public image and perception of the NCoS. He is engaging with various stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, and international partners, to foster collaboration and garner support for the Service. By promoting staff discipline, transparency and accountability, he seeks to rebuild public trust and underscore the Service's commitment to its statutory mandates which has been the target of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

There is no doubt that since his appointment, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has implemented significant reforms to modernize correctional centres and bring them up to international standard. A notable initiative was the release of 4,086 inmates to address overcrowding, facilitated by N585 million raised through corporate social responsibility efforts. This move not only reduced inmate numbers but also alleviated resource strain. Additionally, the daily feeding allowance for inmates was increased, ensuring better nutrition for incarcerated persons. More so, correctional facilities have undergone renovations, exemplified by the upgraded Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, FCT, aligning with global standards Given TunjiOjo’s dedication to public service and nationbuilding, and the remarkable strides made under Nwakuche's stewardship in such a short period, it is imperative to consider the long-term benefits of sustained leadership in the NCoS.

Nwakuche’s comprehensive experience and understanding of the correctional system in particular and the criminal justice system in general, coupled with his innovative approach to reform the system, positions him as the ideal candidate to lead the NCoS into a new era of excellence.

Therefore, this is an earnest call on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose renewed hope agenda is cascading all strata of the Nigerian society, including those in the lower rung of the society, to encourage Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche to continue this lofty transformation in the Service. Such a decision would not only acknowledge his exemplary service but also ensure the continuity of the transformative initiatives he has set in motion.

In conclusion, the NCoS stands at a pivotal juncture, with the opportunity to overcome longstanding challenges through visionary and transformative leadership.

Nwakuche has demonstrated, through action and intent, his dedication to reforming the system. By confirming and extending his tenure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be endorsing a future where the correctional service fulfills its statutory mandates, thereby contributing to a safer society and by extension, improved national security.

Chief Udutchay writes from Abuja, hochay2000@yahoo.com, 08091111250

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE IMPEACHMENT OF LAGOS SPEAKER

Bickering in legislative houses affects quality of governance

When the Lagos State House of Assembly resumed plenary last week, it was silent on the leadership crisis triggered by the removal of former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. Yet behind-thescenes intrigues continue over the fate of the ousted speaker who represents Agege Constituency I. Obasa was removed on 13 January 2025, by 36 out of the 40 members of the House, in an emergency plenary, citing allegations of misconduct, abuse of office and financial impropriety. He was promptly replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.

Ordinarily, speakers do not have absolute powers of their own. They are just presiding officers and heads of the legislative branch by virtue of being elected by their peers. In other words, they are first among equals. But the moment some of them are elevated to the office, they begin to act like emperors. That, many stakeholders in Lagos believe, was the case with Obasa, the second speaker of the Lagos Assembly to be impeached since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999. Besides alleged corruption, Obasa was accused of gross misconduct and poor leadership, and “practices an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties.”

of fraud. One month on, he has refused to move out of his official quarters with insinuations that he has the support of some powerful forces within and outside Lagos.

The essence of what is glibly described as the ‘legislative power of the purse’ is for the lawmakers to expand their democratic leverage on behalf of citizens to serve as watchdogs in the way and manner resources are utilised. But this function cannot be properly undertaken by lawmakers who cannot assert their own independence even on matters as simple as who presides over their affairs. On Obasa, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have acted in line with section 92 (2) (c ) constitutional provisions. Therefore, the arrest and detention of some members by security agencies is an unfortunate meddling in partisan politics that should never have happened.

The ultimate victims of this unfortunate situation are the people who are denied quality and effective representation

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

In moving the motion for Obasa’s removal, Femi Saheed accused the former speaker of high-handedness and sundry other offences, including “intimidation and oppression by inciting members against one another.” Similarly, Obasa was accused of political insubordination and disrespect for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who has washed his hands off what happened in the House. But upon return from his trip, Obasa rejected the impeachment. “I believe I am still the speaker until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it,” Obasa told a gathering of supporters after dismissing allegations

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

Without prejudice to whatever may be the underlining issues that led to the removal of Obasa as speaker, it is important for all stakeholders to ensure that there be no breakdown of law and order in the Lagos State House of Assembly. If those who want Obasa back in his former position have the number, they should test their strength among the lawmakers. The viral video in which most of the members were dancing, singing and urging Miranda to continue in office suggests that Obasa no longer commands the trust of his colleagues. Recourse to blackmail, intimidation and all forms of coercion is antithetical to democratic ideals. Meanwhile, we are also concerned by the disruptions we continue to witness in the legislative arm of government that call to question the seriousness with which the lawmakers perceive their assignment. The immediate consequence of this interminable bickering in the legislative houses across the country is its toll on the quality of debate and legislation for good governance in the country. The ultimate victims of this unfortunate situation are the people who are denied quality and effective representation.

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.

VETERANS FEDERATION OR NIGERIAN LEGION?

This call is on Nigerian veterans to support the proposed Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) that would be a platform that further amplifies the voices of Nigerian veterans and advance their interests.

There is presently a contention among the various factions of veterans groups under the Legion on whether the Nigerian Legion will cease to exist when the Veterans Federation eventually comes on stream.

The Veterans Federation Bill, which has passed the second reading at the National Assembly, is expected to bring together and serve, just like what the Nigerian Legion is presently doing, as umbrella to all Nigerian veterans, irrespective of affiliation, with some groups insisting on continued existence of the Nigerian Legion even after the Bill becomes law.

While calling on all factionalized associations to unite, Nigerian veterans should realize that their collective wisdom is needed now more than ever because, as custodians of legacy of service, it is incumbent to strengthen the bond and ties into a formidable network of support and advocacy.

The recently introduced harmonised terms of condition of service by President Bola Tinubu has generated great interests, we call on the

veterans to study the key provisions of the document to ensure that their strategies remain relevant, dynamic and truly effective to the needs of veterans.

This therefore is a call for collaboration, commitment and transparency and relentless pursuit of excellence by those who have given so much to Nigeria, we call for positive contribution of their experiences and shared perspectives so that together veterans could truly enhance their lives.

Veterans should properly weigh the challenges and benefits in the broader context of their interests and mission. Remember the issues concern the welfare of widows, fallen heroes and their children, and therefore no effort to support this would be too much.

As it is the practice in many climes, the military are accorded respect and many privileges in appreciation of their courage and sacrifices in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria. It is hope that those privileges would be extended and enjoyed by the veterans in Nigeria as well.

Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd.), outgoing Chairman of the Nigerian Legion

MULTI COLOURED MAYHEM

Just when you thought US politics couldn't get any more silly, Representative Earl "Buddy" Carter, is trying to rename Greenland to "Red, White and Blueland." Check the date - it's not actually April 1. It's also odd given that President Trump reduced genders to male or female officially despite reality, so the rainbow of colors can be thrown away. With the colours red, white, blue, and green already used there is only orange, but that's taken by the President, and yellow but that's taken by a number of politicians leaving only indigo and violet which are almost the same anyway. So the secret task is to find a way to use purple everywhere. Get going!

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Report: Africa’s Fintechs Revenue to Hit $47bn as Investors Take Advantage of Growth Opportunities

By Emma Okonji with agency report

Africa’s fintech landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, characterised by rapid growth and innovation, according to a recent report from McKinsey, a multinational strategy and management consulting firm.

In the report, McKinsey analysis suggests that fintech revenues could reach up to $47 billion by 2028, representing about a five-fold increase from its value of $10 billion in 2023.

This, according to the report, will depend on the continent achieving 15 per cent fintech penetration, adding that the current fintech penetration in Africa is between five

Emma Okonji

Zoho, a leading global technology company, has released the results of its study, tagged: “The State of Productivity and Collaboration in Nigeria 2024,” which surveyed over 500 organisations with more than 50 employees across the country.

The report findings revealed critical workplace productivity challenges, including the overwhelming impact of data silos resulting from fragmented systems and inefficient app usage. The survey study also highlights the growing demand for unified platforms, which can help businesses streamline employee collaboration.

Commenting on the report, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria. Mr. Kehinde Ogundare, said: “Nigerian businesses have adopted a variety of

to six per cent of the market, when compared with more developed markets such as Germany and the United States, whose penetration level is between 6 and 16 per cent.

Analysing the report, Senior Partner in the McKinsey’s Munich office, Max Flötotto; Partner in the McKinsey’s Lagos office, Mayowa Kuyoro; and Associate Partner in the McKinsey’s Nairobi office, Carolyne Gathinji, however, said persistent macroeconomic headwinds could temper the sector’s growth.

“Since 2021, capital inflows for fintechs have slowed substantially, driven largely by declining equity funding. Fintech funding in Africa contracted by 37 per cent from 2022 to 2023, a trend that continued in 2024, with funding in the first half of the year down by 51 per cent

cloud tools over the years to support their digital transformation journey. However, they are beginning to recognise that these disconnected tools often lack integration with their existing technology stack, creating silos that hinder collaboration and lead to productivity losses. As this issue gains attention, the demand for unified collaboration platforms with advanced AI capabilities has surged, as corroborated by the survey findings.” According to him, “In Nigeria, we have observed a notable increase in the adoption of Zoho Workplace, reflecting this trend. Zoho Workplace sets the standard for a unified experience as early as 2017, well ahead of the industry giants. It offers not just a unified interface, but brings contextual data to the forefront, saving time, and enabling users to focus on what

compared to the same period in 2023, from $864 million to $419 million.

“The funding crunch has affected fintech players, especially those that are reliant on external capital, leading some to downsize, merge with other entities, or even close. Mergers and acquisitions have also risen as funds have retreated. Debt has significantly increased, growing by 182 per cent CAGR between 2022 and 2023, which could be a sign that investors now have greater faith in more mature fintechs,” the trio said in the report.

According to them, “As the market matures, fintech funding in Africa has shifted toward more advanced verticals such as lending to individuals and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-commoditized

truly matters.”

Key findings from the study showed that 55 per cent of Nigerian businesses have adopted a fully on-site work model, while 31 per cent operate in a hybrid setup, and the remaining 14 per cent were in completely remote roles. Most remote roles are held by individual contributors with limited collaboration requirements, while hybrid workers face significant barriers in maintaining effective communication.

The survey also revealed that 51 per cent of employees use 1–5 apps daily, 35 per cent use 6-10 apps, while 14 per cent rely on more than 10 apps. App usage is higher among senior executives, with 81 per cent of the C-Suite employees using more than 10 apps, while 72 per centof junior employees

payments, including merchant payments and cross-border payments, which collectively attracted around 70 per cent of funding value in 2022 and 2023. While wallets and blockchain or cryptocurrency ventures received significant investment in 2022, accounting for around 20 per cent of funding, investment in these verticals dropped sharply in 2023.”

The report however said beyond funding constraints, African fintechs also face regulatory complexities and increased competition for talent. Approximately 38 per cent of African developers surveyed in 2024 are working for at least one company headquartered outside Africa, and more than 80 per cent of executives that were surveyed

use 1-5 apps. The most commonly used tools are for productivity and collaboration (68 per cent), followed by project management (47 per cent), business intelligence (47 per cent), and accounting (43 per cent). Despite widespread app usage, only 50 per cent of the respondents track their tasks in a unified view, with higher adoption rates among the C- Suite (78 per cent) and senior leadership (63 per cent), the report revealed.

In the area of productivity challenges and opportunities, the report said for the Nigerian workforce, the biggest collaboration challenge remained poor WiFi/data connectivity (80 per cent), across demographics, which indicates the need for solutions that have an offline mode and can work in lower data connectivity.

Other collaboration challenges

by McKinsey, reported that it is moderately or very difficult to hire tech and product-related or strategic talent on the continent.

The report identified six key dynamics that are shaping the emerging African fintech landscape to include: Emergence of new partnerships; Rise in market consolidation; Product innovation acceleration; Integration of fintechs into other verticals; Fintechs taking different roles across different regions; and the Complex Africa’s regulatory landscape.

The three analysts from McKinsey, further explained that the fintech industry in Africa had been a growth market over the past decade, adding that this can continue despite headwinds.

“The past two years have

according to the report, are digital fatigue (54 per cent), and information spread across too many apps (45 per cent).

For middle managers, the second biggest challenge, after poor WiFi, is communication with employees in a remote or hybrid setup, and the most effective way to improve productivity in Nigerian workplaces is to enable quick access to necessary information from different apps (78 per cent), followed by adoption of new technologies like AI (72 per cent), and the ability to communicate from within business apps (55 per cent), the report added.

Giving the economic outlook, the report explained that 51 per cent of the respondents said their organisation had adopted new technology to prepare themselves for the economic challenges. Those who

highlighted the importance of profitability, scale, and specialisation to secure continued growth for fintechs in a tightening environment. Our research has identified four key themes that fintech players can embrace to unlock their next stage of growth on the continent, which include the focus on value creation.

“There are still numerous untapped opportunities in the African fintech market, as crossborder payments, asset-backed lending, SME-focused offerings, and embedded finance present potential for disruption. Additionally, underdeveloped markets like Angola, Algeria, and the DRC are showing promising signs of fintech growth,” Flötotto, Kuyoro and Gathinji, further said in the report.

said their companies had adopted new technology were more positive about the ability of their company to deal with the competition (rating 4 out of 5) than those who said their company had not adopted new technology (rating a little over 3 out of 5). The report however said majority of the respondents felt their companies were adequately prepared to face economic challenges. According to the findings, slow adoption of emerging technologies like AI emerged as the most significant factor hindering their ability to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market, cited by 46 per cent of the respondents. Other reasons cited as causing competitive disadvantages were low adoption of digital tools (45 per cent), and employees switching between too many apps (41 per cent).

L-R: Chief Finance Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa; Chief Commercial Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi; Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akuta and Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Adebowale Lawal at the official launch of the Apapa-Ibadan standard gauge rail service for container transportation at APM Terminals Apapa… recently

FG, States Urged to Digitise Government Services, Security with IT Automation

Stories by Emma Okonji

The Chief Technology Officer/ Founder of TEMSCONSU, a software engineering company, Valentine Waturuocha, has stressed the need for governments across all levels, to digitise their e-government and e-security services to the citizens, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Software Robotics and all forms of Information Technology (IT) automation. According to him, by harnessing AI, ML, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and other IT automation tools, different tiers of governments can create more efficient, secure, and accessible services, adding that digitization will streamline operations, improve security, and provide a better experience for citizens.

Waturuocha who has also advised federal, state and local government departments in Australia, the United States and EMEA regions on cybersecurity, innovation and technology empowerment policies, however, advised Nigerian government to address challenges such as data privacy, accessibility, and continuous adaptation to new technologies, in order to ensure success.

“Artificial Intelligence, Software Robotics, Internet of things, Smart Computing etc are all advancing to underpin the automation of functions powered by human like intelligence in solving every day societal problems and challenges much faster than we humans can,” Waturuocha said. He listed key areas that

government could pay more attention to enhance citizens’ experience, to include: AI for Citizen Interaction; Machine Learning for Data Analytics; IT Automation for Service Delivery; E-Security with AI, ML, and Automation; Software Robotics and Automation in Government; and Integration of Technologies for Comprehensive E-Government Solutions.

In the area of AI for Citizen Interaction, Waturuocha said AI-driven chatbots could provide 24/7 support for citizens, answering queries about government policies, services, and processes, and could also help with tasks like renewing licenses, filling out forms, and processing applications.

In the area of Machine Learning for Data Analytics, he said ML

algorithms can predict trends in areas such as healthcare, transportation, and public safety. Governments can use this data to plan and allocate resources more efficiently, while ML can also analyse historical data to help government officials make informed decisions in areas like budgeting, urban planning, and disaster management.

For IT Automation for Service Delivery, he said Robotic Process Automation (RPA) could automate repetitive tasks such as processing forms, applications, and data entry, reducing manual errors and speeding up service delivery. IT automation can streamline inter-departmental workflows, such as handling permits, licensing, and administrative tasks, enabling quicker response times.

Omniverse Summit 2025 to Empower Entrepreneurs, Business Owners

The 2025 Omniverse Summit, scheduled for February 25th-28th at the Landmark Event Center in Lagos, is designed to empower entrepreneurs, business owners, policymakers, and creatives to thrive in today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, according to organisers.

In a statement released by the convener of the summit, Charles Emembolu, he described the summit as “the ultimate gathering for visionaries and change makers, where innovation meets opportunity, where the brightest minds in business, technology, and creativity converge to shape the future. A place where you don’t just attend a conference, you experience a movement.”

According to Emembolu, “This is more than just a gathering. It’s a launchpad for growth, innovation, and opportunity. Unlike traditional conferences, Omniverse Summit is designed to be interactive, experiential, and result-driven.”

The 2025 Omniverse Summit anticipates over 5,000 attendees focused on staying ahead in their industries. The benefits of attending include highlevel networking with key industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and like-minded professionals. The summit will also feature round table discussions with top industry leaders, tech pioneers, and global innovators sharing insights on digital transformation, entrepreneurship, business growth, and policy changes impacting industries across Africa.

Zoho Supports Autonomous Digital Agents across Organisations

Zoho Corporation, a global technology company, has expanded the scope of Zia with the announcement of Zia Agents, Agent Studio, and Agent Marketplace. Together, the solutions empower enterprises to access, build, and distribute intelligent, autonomous digital agents across their organisations.

According to a statement from Zoho, the company and ManageEngine will be previewing pre-built, task-specific Zia Agents, which will deploy across Zoho Corporation’s combined portfolio of 100+ products in the coming weeks.

Zoho Corporation’s Co-founder and Chief Scientist, Sridhar Vembu, said: “The speed of disruption and quality of innovation we are seeing in our industry right now has encouraged me to focus on my passion area, technology. I will devote more time to hands-on technical work for the company,

spearheading several deep research and development initiatives, beginning with AI. Utilising Zoho’s deep engineering expertise, its own data centres, and shared data model, we will develop powerful and usable solutions that drive customer value while retaining our commitment to customer flexibility and data privacy.”

Zoho Corporation’s in-house AI has evolved over the past decade from proactive to prescriptive to generative to agentic.

Launched in 2015, Zia is Zoho Corporation’s foundational AI, facilitating all intelligent and contextual actions across the company’s ecosystem of apps. Zia possesses a vast and diverse skillset. New skills are being implemented regularly to boost customer experience and drive productivity.

Apapa-Moniya Standard Gauge: APM Terminals Sets Sights on Sustained Schedule

Eromosele Abiodun

APM Terminals Nigeria has announced its commitment to a sustained schedule of the Apapa-Moniya Standard Gauge, ensuring the seamless flow of cargo to and from the Apapa port to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) freight yard at Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State. Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, made this known on Monday in Lagos during the launch of the Apapa-Ibadan standard gauge rail service for container transportation.

She said, “The plan for the Apapa-Moniya standard gauge rail service is that it operates like an airport conveyor belt system, receiving exports from the hinterland and evacuating imports from the port efficiently, on a fixed schedule without interruptions.”

Aubert-Adewuyi highlighted past challenges with the rail service, particularly unpredictable scheduling, that made cargo planning difficult for customers.

She said, “With our revamped

Wema

service, we now offer a reliable and structured schedule, departing three times a week, ensuring efficient cargo movement from Apapa to Ibadan and back.

This initiative also provides a cost-effective alternative to road transport, helping to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion in Apapa, which has significantly increased logistics costs.”

She also announced a simplified payment system, where customers will now make payments exclusively to APM Terminals Apapa, which will handle all necessary payments to other stakeholders in the rail service supply chain.

The Chief Finance Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi, emphasized the multi-modal strength of Apapa Port, integrating barge, road, and rail transport for enhanced cargo handling.

“Results from our 2024 fiscal year show a 43% growth in export volumes over the last two years, underscoring the positive impact of our investment in rail logistics,” he stated.

He reaffirmed APM Terminals’ commitment to long-term

sustainability, ensuring the continued efficiency of the Apapa-Ibadan rail service.

He said the launch further underscores APM Terminals’ commitment to improving logistics services in Nigeria and active plans to further invest in the Lagos Port Complex.

NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, acknowledged the longstanding collaboration between NRC and APM Terminals in moving container traffic across Nigeria, previously utilizing the narrow-gauge line to Kaduna and Kano.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Pius Akuta, praised the collaboration between NRC and APM Terminals, recognizing rail transport as the most cost-effective and safest mode for shippers to move goods nationwide.

The new service operates between the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the NRC Freight Yard in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to road transportation.

Bank Celebrates 80 Years with Valentine Campaign

Wema Bank has launched its “80 Years of Spreading Love” Valentine campaign as part of its 80th-anniversary celebration. The campaign, which started on February 1, 2025, and will run until February 28, 2025, is designed to reward loyalty, strengthen connections, and create unforgettable experiences for customers across all segments.

As part of the campaign, Wema Bank will reward customers through 80 Acts of Love, tailored to meet the unique needs of different generations, lifestyles, and financial needs.

In statement by the financial institution, customers can look

forward to rewards, including a N11,000,000 cash prize in the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4, gift cards, movie tickets, fitness access, and luxury spa treatments.

According to Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, the “80 Years of Spreading Love” Valentine campaign is the first in a series of exciting activities leading up to Wema Bank’s grand 80th-anniversary celebration.

“Through 80 Acts of Love, we are rolling out an exclusive bouquet of rewards that will touch the lives of every segment of our customers,” he said.

Oseni emphasised that Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary is not just a celebration of the bank’s milestone, but also a celebration of its customers who have journeyed with the bank through the years. “We are a customercentric bank, constantly seeking ways to reward their loyalty.

“The campaign offers a wide range of rewards, including free airtime and Uber vouchers for students and young professionals, free SARA health consultations and business promotions for women and families, and discounted loans and cashback rewards for Diaspora and Prestige customers.”

Japan Pledges Additional Support for Nigeria’s Plastic Waste Control

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Hideo Suzuki has said his country will provide more support for Nigeria in its efforts to tackle plastic waste control through the project, “Accelerating a Circular Plastic Economy to Reduce Plastic Pollution and its Impacts in African Region and its Countries”.

The envoy noted that “the initial support through Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB1) had supported stakeholders’ engagement, development of National Guidelines for the Implementation of EPR for

Packaging (Plastic), and EPR Enforcement Plan.”

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Director General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, the envoy expressed the satisfaction of the Japanese government with the dedication and commitment exhibited by NESREA in the first phase of the project.

He said the second phase of the project which would be funded from the Japanese Supplementary Budget 2 (JSB2) would kick off in March 2025 and further scale up on the

initiatives of first phase.

Responding, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Japan, noting that their support has assisted the ag nct in promoting sustainable environmental practices and aligning with circular plastic economy.

He said the agency was desirous of understudying the advanced and effective waste management system operated in Japan and looked forward to future collaborations with the Government of Japan.

IBPLC, Others Tackle Road Crashes in Nigeria

In a landmark move to promote road safety and reduce road crashes in Nigeria, International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), through the intervention of the AB InBev Foundation has reinforced their commitment to safer roads by installing 35 cautionary road signages and donating 1,000 reflective jackets to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). These interventions target key cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ilesha, Onitsha, and Sagamu/Abeokuta which host some of country’s busiest highways.

Speaking on the initiative, the Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director, International Breweries PLC, Temitope Oguntokun, said: “As a socially responsible organisation, we are deeply committed to the safety of lives and property. By working closely with the FRSC, we aim to address critical road safety challenges and reduce preventable accidents across Nigeria’s highways. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to sustainable development and the well-being of our society.” Continuing, she said “the partnership demonstrates

how collaborative efforts can significantly enhance road safety in the country. The reflective jackets and cautionary signages will go a long way in saving lives and improving compliance with road safety regulations.”

Road crashes remain a critical challenge in Nigeria with the FRSC reporting a staggering 10,617 road traffic crashes in 2023 alone. Among the primary challenges and causes of these incidents are limited public awareness of the dangers of over speeding, drunk driving among others.

Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria),

(Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE)

Merey (Venezuela).

From left: Tax and Regulatory Services, Chidubem Ibe; Compliance Services, Folorunsho Oluwakemi; Chairman Technical Committee, Henry Dugbile; Firm Secretary/Legal Adviser, Atiroro Oneyibo; Transfer Pricing and International Tax, Michael Aghwana, and Financial Reporting Services, Moyo Pajia all members of the newly inaugurated Technical Committee of ECOVIS OUC (Chartered Accountants) at the inauguration ceremony in Lagos…recently

Market Cap Crosses N67trn on Demand for Dangote Cement, 50 Others

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market maintained a positive trend yesterday, crossing N67 trillion by market capitalisation as investors continued to take positions in Dangote Cement Plc, and 50 others.

As Dangote Cement gained 3.88per cent to close at N431.00 per share yesterday, the market capitalisation gained N779 billion to close at N67.274 trillion from N66.495

trillion it closed the previous Consequently, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All Share Index (NGX ASI) gained by 1,247.54 points or 1.17 per cent to close at 107,822.52 basis points from 106,574.98 basis points as the stock market in its Month-to-Date returns and Year-to-Date returns settled higher at 3.2per cent and +4.8per cent, respectively.

Analysing by sectors, the NGX Industrial Goods index advanced by 2.1 per

cent, NGX Consumer Goods index gained 1.4per cent, NGX Banking Index appreciated by 0.5per cent and NGX Oil & Gas grew by 0.2per cent , while the NGX Insurance index closed flat.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth was positive as 51 stocks advanced, while 16 declined Ikeja Hotels and VFD Group recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N14.85 and N52.80

respectively, per share. Transcorp Hotel and Honeywell Flour Mills followed with a gain of 9.99 per cent each to close at N126.10 and N12.66 respectively, while Eterna up by 9.93 per cent to close at N48.70, per share.

On the other hand, CWG led the losers’ chart by 8.95 per cent to close at N8.65, per share. Regency Alliance Insurance followed with a decline of 7.89 per cent to close at 70 kobo, while

LASACO Assurance declined by 7.25 per cent to close at N3.20, per share.

Royal Exchange depreciated by 7.22 per cent to close at 90 kobo, while SCOA Nigeria declined by 6.54 per cent to close at N3.43, per share.

Meanwhile, the total volume traded declined by 7.52 per cent to 462.145 million units, valued at N10.233 billion, and exchanged in 15,629 deals. Transactions in the shares

TRADED ASOF FEBRUARY 12/25

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 11 February-2025, unless otherwise stated.

and ETFS

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG |

gamingweek1117@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

Organisers Promise Better Africa Gaming Expo in 2025

nseobong okon-ekong  reports that the impending Africa Gaming Expo, better known as AGE Lagos, is a pivotal gathering, fostering collaboration among stakeholders within the global gaming community and offering delegates an unparalleled opportunity to connect with  the brightest minds and innovators in gaming

Organisers of Africa’s premier gaming event, Africa Gaming Expo (AGE) Lagos, have announced its second edition, slated for February 25 to 27, at the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites.

For its sophomore version, AGE Lagos will run under the theme, ‘Transforming Africa’s Gaming and Fintech Market with AI.’  Disclosing details of the event at a meeting with journalists in Lagos, Mr. Charles Ekundayo, who leads a team of planners at Africa Gaming Expo Limited, expressed optimism he can deliver an improved show to surpass the success recorded at the inaugural event in March 2024.

The 2025 edition presents an avenue to examine the gaming market in both Anglophone and Francophone jurisdictions across Africa. The Africa Gaming Expo is endorsed by the Lagos government and the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority in collaboration with the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria as well as the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGA),  International Gaming Standards Association (iGSA), National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda, Gaming Commission of Ghana, National Gambling Board of South Africa, Rwanda Games & Developers Association, Gambling Authority Botswana, Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya, Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gaming Board, Casino Gaming Commission of Jamaica, Gaming Supervision Institute Angola and the Regulatory Authority for the Games and Similar Practices of Guinea.

Ekundayo interacted with the journalists in the company of Mr. Bashir Are, MD/CEO of the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority and Mr. Sheriff Olaniyan, founder of Surebet 247, who also doubles as chairman of Associates of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB). AGE Lagos is a pivotal gathering, fostering collaboration among stakeholders within the global gaming community and offering delegates an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside the brightest minds and innovators in gaming, Fintech, banking, and allied industries.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will deliver the welcome address at the expo. The expo presents an impactful event and an opportunity to network with gaming stakeholders:

According to Are, the AGE 2025 Expo will feature panel discussions, presentations and roundtables on topics such as Combating Illegal Gambling, Exploring Emerging African Markets, Levering Technology for Fraud Detection, Taxation in the Gaming Industry, Responsible Gaming, Navigating Francophone Markets, Ethical Boundaries in Marketing and other discussions centred on transforming the future of the Africa gaming industry.

“Our array of speakers will provide invaluable contributions and analysis in helping our attendees gain a deeper understanding of the African gaming market and inspire innovative ideas to advance the industry. The 2025 edition also presents a roundtable discussion for Africa Gaming Regulators to collaborate and partner to improve the African gaming market as a whole.

“We have gaming regulators and experts in the gaming and technology markets from South Africa, Botswana, Senegal, Angola, Rwanda, Guinea, Kenya, Ghana, United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, Zimbabwe and many more,” said Are.

The expo is taking place at a moment when the gaming sector in Africa is experiencing

remarkable growth. This event will serve as a valuable platform for industry leaders, regulators, stakeholders from related fields, and interested

participants to discuss strategies for harnessing this growth and contributing to the development of African economies. AGE will also feature a

How Streamers Became Indispensable to eSports Industry

davidson abraham writes that  the rise of streamers has added a new dimension to the industry, making them indispensable to its ecosystem

The eSports industry has seen explosive growth over the past decade, evolving from niche gaming tournaments to a billion-dollar global phenomenon. While professional players and teams have always been at the centre of competitive gaming, the rise of streamers has added a new dimension to the industry, making them indispensable to its ecosystem. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick have provided content creators the space to connect with millions of viewers worldwide, influencing the industry’s viewership, sponsorships, and even the way games are played. Among these influential figures, streamers like Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. and Kai Cenat have played a significant role in expanding eSports’ reach beyond its traditional audience.

The rise of sTreamers in esporTs

Traditionally, eSports events relied on professional tournaments to generate viewership. However, the landscape shifted when individual streamers began attracting millions of fans through live broadcasts of

competitive gaming, commentary, and entertainmentdriven content. Unlike eSports organisations focusing primarily on competition, streamers offer a blend of humour, personality, and accessibility, making gaming more appealing to casual audiences. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube have facilitated this shift by allowing streamers to cultivate dedicated communities. These streamers don’t just play games—they engage with their audiences in real time, creating an interactive experience that even traditional sports struggle to replicate. Whether through hosting “watch parties” for major eSports events, collaborating with professional players, or generating viral gaming content, streamers have significantly increased engagement and awareness for eSports titles.

The impacT of ishowspeed and Kai cenaT

ishowspeed – The hype machine of competitive gaming

Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr., commonly

Lottery Operators Plan Stakeholders Meeting

n seobong o kon- e kong

In the light of the November 2024 Supreme Court judgment that effectively put regulatory authority of lottery and related activities in the hands of state governments, the leadership of the Nigerian Licensed Lottery Operators Forum has proposed an interactive one-day stakeholders meeting to define a clear and unified path forward. Explaining the necessity for convergence of core lottery operators, its Chairman, Mr. Chima Onwuka states that it will ignite

conversations on the ongoing withholding tax regulation concerns and the pressing grey areas in lottery regulation—particularly in online operations. A high-level meeting to address these critical issues has been scheduled on Monday, February 24 at Protea Hotel, Asibifi Street, Ikeja.   Onwuka said, “it is crucial that we, as licensed lottery operators, come together to define a clear and unified path forward. At times like this, when uncertainty threatens stability, the Nigerian Licensed Lottery Operators Forum, as a registered

incorporated trust, must take the lead in providing accurate information and strategic direction to its members.”

The forum of licensed lottery operators has already embarked on engagements with relevant regulators to gather key insights on tax obligations, compliance challenges, and regulatory loopholes that require urgent discussion. Onwuka believes the one-day interactive conversation “is essential to ensure we stand together in navigating these regulatory complexities and securing a stable, prosperous future for all operators.“

large number of exhibitors spanning sports betting, casinos, lottery, payment services, software and games providers, and gaming laboratories.

known as Speed, is one of the most electrifying gaming personalities in the streaming world. Known for his over-the-top reactions, passionate gaming sessions, and unpredictable humour, Speed has cultivated a fanbase that transcends the gaming industry. While he’s best known for his love of FIFA (now EA Sports FC), Speed’s influence extends into eSports, where his streams generate massive viewership spikes for competitive gaming events.

For instance, when Speed collaborates with professional FIFA players or reacts to major eSports tournaments, engagement levels skyrocket. His ability to mix entertainment with gaming has introduced a new generation of fans to eSports, particularly those who might not have engaged with competitive gaming otherwise. Speed’s presence at gaming events adds an extra layer of excitement, drawing mainstream attention to tournaments and gaming leagues.

Kai cenat – The connector between esports and pop culture

Kai Cenat, another powerhouse in the streaming world, has taken content creation to new heights by blending gaming, music, and pop culture. His influence extends beyond just playing video games; he creates culturally relevant moments that bring gaming into the mainstream.

Kai’s streams often feature collaborations with celebrities, athletes, and professional gamers, creating crossover appeal between eSports and entertainment. His recent involvement in gaming-related events, including hosting major live streams with eSports players, has helped bridge the gap between casual gamers and the competitive gaming scene.

One of Kai’s biggest strengths is his ability to make gaming relatable. By introducing high-energy content that appeals to hardcore gamers and general audiences, he has played a crucial role in making eSports more digestible for mainstream viewers. His influence helps drive sponsorships, increase game sales, and expand the overall gaming culture.

why streamers are indispensable to esports

The modern eSports industry thrives on engagement, and streamers like Speed and Kai Cenat provide exactly that. Their ability to attract millions of viewers, create viral moments, and bring mainstream attention to competitive gaming makes them invaluable to game developers, sponsors, and tournament organizers.

L-R Charles Ekundayo, Bashir Are, Zuma Oladele-Alabi and Sheriff Olaniyan

Chima Onwuka

ASSESSING PROGRESS OF THE AIRTEL/UNICE REIMAGINE EDUCATION INITIATIVE...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh; Chief, Lagos Field Office, UNICEF, Celine Lafoucriere; Group Chief Executive Officer, Airtel

Secondary Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli Balogun; and Chief Human

Lagos to assess the progress of the Airtel/UNICEF Reimagine Education Initiative on Tuesday

Commissioner,

United Nigeria Airlines Founder: Multiple Charges Remain Domestic Operators’ Nightmare

Says forex policy, Cape Town conventions have impacted operations positively

Sumaina in Abuja

Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, on Wednesday said multiple charges by government agencies in the country’s aviation sector remains domestic operators’ nightmare and called on the federal government to urgently address the challenge. He however said the forex policy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

has been of tremendous advantage to the airline industry and provided some relief adding also that the domestication of the Cape Town Convention helped reduce cost of operations in the industry.

Speaking at an event to mark the 4th anniversary of the airline on Wednesday in Abuja, Professor Obiora said: “I think that the foreign policy of the Tinubu administration has been of tremendous advantage

to the airline industry. Before he came into power, it was a nightmare for us to be able to convert naira to foreign currencies to pay our obligations.

"We lost a whole lot of contracts. We lost a lot of vendors. Because you have your money stuck in naira in the bank, and you don't get the forex that you need.

“You can’t even go and help yourself somewhere. So, it's a

different story. You don't need to track funds like l mentioned for the foreign operators, the government has cleared that, almost a billion US dollars."

He added: “It has opened up a new window for better relationships. Our reputation and integrity in the international aviation industry is better now. So, we are happy with it.”

The UNA founder however

AGF: HoS Conducts ICT Test for 10 Candidates

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

disclosed: “I can tell you that our biggest challenge as operators are the passengers. The passengers whom we strive day and night to service and please are the same people who will turn around and become unruly for no just reason.

“They overemphasize the issues of delays. Delays happen in any part of the world but we need to work together with the press to educate the travelling public about their rights and obligations. We know what we owe them as operators.

operators to a single-digit loan.

“They need to cut down on the charges the operators pay different agencies of government. In all, they are about twenty. The margin of this business is very low and if you have to meet all those charges to NCAA, NAMA, FAAN, you are left with nothing.

“It's affecting us, we need to have more money to be able to develop, expand and then also improve the working environment for our staff.”

The impending position of the Accountant General of the Federation will be vacant after the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein on 7th March 2025.

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation will today subject 10 candidates seeking the position of the Accountant General of the Federation to ICT proficiency test to assess their ability to leverage technology in modern financial administration.

Amotekun Rescues 16 Victims of Sexual Abuse in Ogun

Men of the Ogun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, yesterday, rescued 25 alleged victims of sexual abuse.

The victims whose ages range between 12 and 27 were rescued from a brothel, Rail Line Hotel, located in Ifo, headquarters of Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State

The rescued girls mostly teenagers, were brought to the headquarters of the state security agency in Abeokuta along with their "carer" named Mrs. Idem Nwanna Joy.

Parading the girls with their trafficker before journalists in Abeokuta, the Amotekun Corps Commander, Brigadier Alade Adedigba (rtd), said the girls, were rescued early Wednesday, sequel to information received from people in Ifo.

According to the commander, 14 of the girls were from Akwa-Ibom State and one each from Cross River and Delta State, respectively.

Adedigba said a sum of N819, 600, were recovered from the alleged trafficker of the victims, who were being kept at Railway Line Hotel, Ifo, said to be owned by one Mrs. Yemisi Oguntoro, who is still at large.

Also recovered from the hotel are

rolls of tissue papers, drugs and other medication suspected to be energy enhancer and packs of condoms.

Adedigba said: "What we are seeing is one of the products of the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to enhance security and improve on welfare of residents of the state.

"You recall that the Amotekun did Passing Out Parade of additional men and women to enhance its operation at an event witnessed by the governor and other stakeholders, as the agency had recruited more personnel for effective coverage of the state.

"Ogun State shall not be a safe haven for criminal elements of any type."

Adedigba said the security agency, would hand over the matter to the National Agency for Prohibition in Traffic of Persons (NAPTP) for proper action.

Some of the girls said they were made to swear to an oath while naked with holy books, so that they will not disclose what was happening and not to run away.

One of them who disclosed that she sleeps with up to 10 men in a day, said it was madam that they normally collect whatever they made saying that madam only buy them food.

A statement yesterday by the Director Information and Public Relations, Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Eno Olotu, said 15 candidates sat for the written examination.

She assured that the office will continue to uphold its commitment to ensuring that transparency, equity, and fairness define the appointment process for top leadership positions in the Federal Civil Service.

The office added that the 15 candidates were assessed in key areas such as public financial management, auditing and fiscal policy, ensuring that only the most competent individuals advanced to the next stage.

It said the rigorous selection process aligns with the government’s broader objectives of strengthening accountability, transparency, and efficiency in public sector financial

management.

Commenting on the results, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack expressed confidence in the process, stating that it reflected the dedication to appointing the most capable individuals to leadership roles in financial management. She commended the rigorous nature of the selection process, emphasizing that it ensures the appointment of professionals who will uphold the highest standards of integrity and efficiency in managing public finances.

She said government remains steadfast in its commitment to merit-based recruitment, ensuring that the final appointee to the position of Accountant General of the Federation possesses the skills, knowledge, and leadership qualities required to drive excellence in public financial management.

"We overbend ourselves as operators to please them. We often do beyond what local flight operators do in any part of the world to satisfy our passengers. But despite all that their attitudes and behaviour put a lot of stress on the operators.

Sometimes passengers are beaten up and equipment destroyed at the airports.

“Those policies that I had mentioned, the forex policy, the policy of domesticating Cape Town Convention, and then the new practice direction, all those things actually had helped to reduce so many of the burden domestic operators hitherto grappled with."

He reiterated the call for government to create a window for airlines to access funds at a reduced rate and the need to reduce multiple charges. The Anambra State-born businessman explained: “One thing that will help the growth of this industry will be for the government to develop the program that will give the window access to local

He added: “Government must realize that access to credit is very important to us operators because we are competing with people who have access to loans at 3, 5 percent maximum, and aviation is a global village and we can’t compete with them.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Airline, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, said the airline had opened more routes across the country stating that it has added Benin, Kano and Sokoto on its route. According to him, UNA recently renewed its certificate while plans are at an advanced stage for commencement of its regional and international operations.

The ED said its engineers achieved a feat never witnessed in the industry by changing its aircraft landing and nose gears without any foreign assistance, stating that its fleet expansion drive has yielded acquisition of some new planes while the airline plans to operate to 25 destinations by 2026.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has congratulated Ambassador Bankole Adeoye on his re-election as the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.

According to him, Ambassador Bankole’s re-election is a testament to his outstanding leadership, diplomatic expertise, and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability across the African continent.

His tenure has been marked by significant strides in conflict resolution, governance, and strengthening

Africa’s security architecture.

Tuggar, in his congratulatory message, praised Ambassador Bankole for his tireless efforts in advancing the AU’s peace and security agenda.

He expressed confidence that his continued leadership would further enhance Africa’s collective response to security challenges, democratic governance, and regional cooperation.

He said: “As Nigeria’s representative at the African Union, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye has demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to the ideals of African unity, peace, and progress.

“His re-election is a well-deserved

recognition of his invaluable contributions. Nigeria remains fully committed to supporting his vision and efforts in fostering a more secure and stable Africa.”

Ambassador Bankole’s reappointment comes at a critical time for Africa, as the continent faces complex security challenges, including conflicts, terrorism, and political instability.

His experience and leadership will be instrumental in strengthening peacekeeping initiatives, conflict prevention mechanisms, and regional integration efforts within the AU framework.

Earlier in the day he was also given an award for his exemplary

leadership in advancing the AU Peace and Security Agenda particularly his contributions to Somalia’s peace efforts. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr. Ali Mohamed Omar, delivered the award on behalf of his government at the African Union Ministerial Committee on Candidatures Within the International System meeting held at the AU Headquarters. Nigeria continues to play a pivotal role in African diplomacy, and Ambassador Bankole’s re-election emphasizes the country’s influence and commitment to continental peace and development.

Africa, Sunil Taldar;

Basic and

Resources Officer, Airtel Africa, Rogany Ramiah, during a visit to St. Agnes Primary School Mende,

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Kasim

AQUARIAN CONSULTS AFRI-CARIBBEAN INVESTMENT SUMMIT...

APC Opens Defence with Four Witnesses

Testifying on Over-voting in Edo Guber Poll

Begins nationwide e-registration ahead 2027

All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, opened its defence in the petition challenging its victory at the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, by calling four witnesses, who testified on the conduct of the polls.

The witnesses, drawn from Esan North East, Akoko Edo, Oredo, and Owan West local government areas, gave evidence mainly on over-voting, which was the main case being pushed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr Asue Ighodalo, first and second petitioners, respectively.

APC, also yesterday, launched a nationwide digital membership registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party said the exercise was to ensure it had a comprehensive and up-to-date database of its members ahead of the next general election.

The APC witnesses at the Edo State governorship election tribunal, in their various statements on oath, which they adopted as their evidence, dismissed claims of over-voting in their individual areas.

During cross-examination by petitioners' lawyers, they admitted that there were incidents of over-voting in some of the polling units.

Mr. Afuda Theophilus, a Ward Collation agent in Esan North East Local Government Area, led in evidence by APC's lawyer, Chief Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, stated that the election in his area was free and fair. Theophilus said the result from his local government area was signed by an agent of PDP.

He also acknowledged that serial numbers of ballot papers issued to the respective polling units were filled.

While being cross-examined by the petitioners' lawyer, Mr. A. J. Owonikoko, SAN, the witness admitted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to make, in the prescribed forms, prior recordings of the serial numbers of sensitive electoral materials used for the conduct of the election in the disputed polling units in Esan North East Local Government Area, contrary to the Electoral Act.

Similarly testifying, Gabriel Iduseri, APC's Collation Agent for Oredo Local Government Area, told the tribunal that there was no complaint about the conduct of the election by agents of any of the political parties that participated in the contest.

Iduseri, however, admitted that the result from Polling Unit 8, Ward 10, was cancelled at the Ward Collation Centre due to over-voting.

Iduseri claimed that the voided results were not part of the results that INEC collated and released through its Form EC8C.

The witness told the tribunal that it was the responsibility of the electoral officers to confirm the correctness or otherwise of results submitted at the local government area level.

The fourth witness, Hon. Frank David, the APC Collation Agent for Owan West Local Government Area, acknowledged discrepancy between the accredited voters and the total votes.

Showing IReV report of Form EC8A of Ward 4 Unit 19, David confirmed that though only 36 persons were accredited, votes recorded for the unit

were; 28, 1 and 8, amounting to 37.

Showing another exhibit containing result from Ward 8, Unit 8, David confirmed that the votes were 54 and 25, amounting to 79, while 1 was marked as rejected vote, making it a total of 80 votes.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, adjourned till today, following Ukala's request, stating that the next set of witnesses the party intends to call would rely on documents yet to be tendered before the tribunal.

While the petitioners did not oppose the request, they informed the tribunal

that

witnesses.

APC Begins e-Registration Nationwide

APC, yesterday, launched a nationwide digital membership registration exercise to update the record of members ahead of the 2027 general election.

National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, described the exercise as a long-conceived programme that had finally come to fruition.

Ganduje spoke during the signing of an agreement with Tunmef Global Limited, the consultant handling the project, at the party’s secretariat in Abuja. He stated that the exercise would provide the ruling party with accurate and scientific data, which would be crucial for planning and litigation purposes. Ganduje stated, “We are always making history as a party. I want to thank Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for approving that we go digital. This programme was conceived a long time ago but didn’t see the light of day until now.

“But with this exercise, we are sure of having scientific data, which we can always use. During litigation, sometimes you look for a membership list and get a controversial one, which complicates your case in court. With e-registration, we can easily retrieve our data as it is.” The national chairman commended the party’s financial independence, which enabled it to sponsor the digital registration exercise. He also called on state governors and chapter chairmen to ensure the successful implementation of the project within the stipulated timeframe.

Rivers: Customs Destroys Over N100bn Illegally Imported Drugs

NCS: It was joint operation by a multi-agency committee emplaced by the NSA

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State has destroyed substandard and illegally imported pharmaceuticals products worth over N100billion.

The NCS in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) yesterday, destroyed the 64 containers of illegally imported drugs at the Rivers State Waste Management dump site along the Port Harcourt Airport Road.

The Assistant Controller General of Customs from the Enforcement,

LCCI Commends Customs for Suspending 4% FOB Levy

Dike

Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its prompt response in suspending the 4.0 per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy on imports into Nigeria. The chamber said that “this decision is a positive response to the concerns raised by the business community regarding the adverse economic implications of the levy on trade, investment, and a conducive business environment.”

According to the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, “we are pleased that the NCS has taken

swift action to suspend the levy.

“This demonstrates a commitment to stakeholder engagement and responsiveness to the realities facing businesses operating in Nigeria.

“With the drive to curb our rising inflation, any additional cost to businesses should be avoided at this time.”

Almona said that as an advocate for a conducive business environment, the LCCI remained committed to constructive dialogue with government agencies to ensure policies that foster economic growth, enhance trade efficiency, and promote ease of doing business.

She said: “We urge continued col-

laboration between policymakers and the private sector in shaping regulatory frameworks that support sustainable economic development.

“We appreciate the NCS for listening to the concerns of businesses and taking decisive action in the interest of economic stability.

“The chamber will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure policies that support Nigeria’s economic growth and competitiveness in the global market.

“We urge the government to continue prioritising policies that create an enabling environment for businesses, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth.”

Inspection and Investigation Department of the NCS, Timi Bomodi, during the operation, said it was a joint operation carried out by a multi-agency committee set up by the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu.

Bomodi who also serve as chairman of the committee for the destruction of illegally imported pharmaceuticals said: “It is a committee that was set up by the National Security Adviser comprising all other regulatory agencies.

He said: "The mandate given to this committee was to identify, isolate, evacuate, and destroy pharmaceuticals that were illegally imported into this country.

“Here in Port Harcourt, we are destroying about 64 pieces of 40-foot containers with an estimated market value that runs into hundreds of billions of Naira.

"And as it is today, we are executing it without fear or favour, and sending a clear message to all those that are engaged in this kind of practice that they should desist”.

Decrying the impact of the substances on both the well-being and security of Nigerians, he said, “As we know, these pharmaceuticals pose a very grave danger, not only to the health and well-being of Nigerians, but also to the security of Nigerians.

He further said: "Some of these substances have been identified as a means of sustenance for criminals, kidnappers, bandits, and so on and they've used these illegally imported pharmaceuticals to facilitate their

illicit conduct and behaviour."

Stating that the containers have been seized over time by both officers of NCS and other agencies, Bomodi said: "We have the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the National Drug, Law Enforcement Agency. As you know these agencies work together at the Ports to ensure that there are no breaches in the security architecture of the country especially regarding to imports.

“So, it is a joint exercise and of course the Office of the National Security Advisor who is coordinating this exercise to ensure that we do a thorough job with regards to evacuation, isolation and destruction, " he explained.

On the number of arrests, the Customs ACG said: "There are some arrests but they are still under investigations. So, I can’t give you a definite figure as the total number of persons arrested. There are cases in court, some have been prosecuted.

"We have had condemnations on these items. Some of them have fictitious import documents, so you don’t have accurate information concerning the importer. But we are making all efforts trying to see that all those that are involved, either directly or remotely, in this activity are brought to book.”

On his part, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu expressed satisfaction with the job done so far by the committee.

Represented by Commodore Kelechi Ogbonna in the office of

NSA,

said the exercise aims to ensure the products do not get into the society.

He stated: “The objectives of the committee are to identify the locations of these substandard, fake and illicit pharmaceuticals, as well as narcotics, such as tramadol and codeine which serve as substances of abuse and also enhancers for the perpetuation of such nefarious activities as banditry and other terrorist activities.

“So, the committee swung into action immediately and identified Apapa Port, Tincan Island Port, Onne port, Calabar Port as well as Lagos and Aminu Kano International Airport to have some of these items.

“The aim is for these items not to find their way by any means back to the society. So, the NSA is emphatic that these items must be destroyed, because these items, if allowed to get to the society, will pose a lot of health/security risk to Nigerians, and by extension, national security risk.”

Ribadu revealed that, “The destruction started a few weeks back from Lagos, phase one of Lagos, of which over 70 containers were destroyed. Phase two will continue subsequently because Lagos has over a hundred containers of these items.

“Today we are beginning with the destruction of the items here in Port Harcourt. Right now, we have over 60 containers. So, the idea is to take these things out of the society so that Nigerians will be healthier and also the physical security will be enhanced.

Adedayo Akinwale and Alex Enumah in Abuja

APC had already submitted a list of 28

the

Ribadu

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

L-R: Interim Chief Operating Officer, Abisola Bamtefa; Summit Coordinator, Aquarian Consult, Mrs. Hyeisinta Linda Ojo; and Project Development Manager, Aquarian Consult, Ms. Serumun Ubwa, during the press briefing on Aquarian Consult Aquarian Consults Afri-Carribean Investment Summit in Abuja…recently

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

NATIONAL TENNIS OPEN RAINOIL TENNIS OPEN...

L-R: Managing Director, Eternal Oil Pic, Mr. Olumide Adeosun; President, Nigeria Tennis Federation, Engr. Ifedayo Akindoju; Group Executive Director, Rainoil Group, Mrs. Godrey Ogbechie; Winner, Men's Single, Rainoil Tennis Open, Bulus Christopher; Group Managing Director, Rainoil Group, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie; and Chairman, Tennis Section, Ikoyi Club 1938, Mr. Diran Famakinwa, during the final of Rainoil Tennis Open in Ikoyi, Lagos ... recently

Trump, Putin Agree to Negotiate over Ukraine War

and Putin invited each other to visit their respective nations.

As of February 12, 2025, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continued with significant developments on both military and diplomatic fronts.

A study by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed that despite losing 1,400 tanks in the past year, Russia was managing its losses more effectively than Ukraine. Russia's extensive stockpiles of

Firm Says Nigeria Imports $6bn Worth of Textile from China, India Annually

Dike

Onwuamaeze

The Chairman/Managing Director of Sunflag Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alok Bhardwaj, has stated that Nigeria imports $6 billion worth of textile fabrics annually from China and India to the detriment of the sector in the country.

Sunflag, which is one of the two core textile fabric manufacturing companies that are still in operation in Nigeria, stated that this also leads to loss of hundreds of employment.

Bhardwaj spoke when the Minister

of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, visited selected industries operating in South-west Nigeria.

Speaking on the state of the textile industry, Bhardwaj said that it is a fact that between 1985 and 1995, Nigeria had 250,000 employees working with more than 250 textile companies that were producing textiles in the country.

He stated that today, there are barely 10,000 people working in the entire Nigerian textile industry, out of which Sunflag is employing 3,500. He said that the minister would be surprised to know that according

to the official statistics of China and India, that officially export textiles to Nigeria is valued at $6 billion every year from the two Asian countries.

Bhardwaj added: “If we can consume that volume of fabrics, there is no reason we cannot manufacture them ourselves. If we as a country cannot feed ourselves and cannot clothe ourselves what again can we do?”

The chairman of Sunflag said that one of the things that is required from the federal government to ensure the survival of the Nigerian textile industry

Adelabu: Businesses Embracing Alternative Power Sources as 80m Nigerians Remain without Supply

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said that there is a need to build confidence in Nigeria's central power supply, as the industrial sector begins to jettison the national grid and seek alternative sources.

The minister spoke in Abuja at the commissioning of training equipment and simulation infrastructure for capacity development in power distribution, built by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Adelabu said that Nigeria must focus on building local competencies, so as to manage the nation's foreign exchange and develop human capacities that can manage the resources.

“He also emphasised the need for the power sector to restore the confidence of the consumers, particularly the industrial sector on the reliability of the grid, which is cheaper than the captive, embedded, and the renewable power supply,” a statement by the minister's spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, stated.

He added: “We have provided access to over 150 million Ni-

gerians through the grid and renewable supply to the rural populace but we still have over 80 million Nigerians that we still need to provide power for.

“This formed one of our discussions at the just concluded meeting of African heads of States in Dar es Salam in Tanzania, which was organised by the World Bank and the African Development (AfDB), where it was agreed that 300 million Africans must be provided with electricity by the year 2030.

“But the question is; why are people and particularly, industries focusing on captive and embedded power supply? The answer is that our grid is still a work in progress that we are building to ensure its reliability, even though these alternative sources are more expensive. We must begin to do something about this and bring our industries back to our grid”, the minister said.

He also called on stakeholders in the sector, including generation, transmission and the distribution companies to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the new facility to get their staff trained.

“I want to emphasise that there is a need for intense training of manpower in the sector.

Electricity Company of Nigeria

(ECN), the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) and the Power Holding Company (PHCN) all realised this. These agencies, even though they had their shortcomings and we have found ourselves where we are today, they took training very seriously.

“They focused on training and what we are witnessing here is one of their investments. About 80 per cent of the workforce came from them. Generation, transmission and distribution losses can be drastically reduced through constant training and retraining of the workforce in these modern facilities.

“With access to modern simulation tool sets, we believe our workforce will engage in hands-on, practical learning experiences that mirror real-world scenarios. This will undoubtedly enhance local competency and confidence in managing complex power systems and reacting effectively to any challenges that may arise,” Adelabu added.

He reiterated the importance of the training facilities, saying the project underscored the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange with the government of Nigeria and the development partners.

is the creation of a level playing field.

He said: “What is required is for us to create a level playing field. To give an idea of how much the volume is, over 300 containers cross our borders carrying only textile fabrics every single day. That will give you an idea about the kind of volume that is involved.

“Even if we reduce that by 10 per cent, it will have dramatic multiplier effects on the economy. These are some of the issues I meant when I talk about level playing field because all these textiles that are coming in do not pay duties and Value Added Tax (VAT).

“But as a manufacturer in Nigeria, when we import our raw materials we pay our duties thus creating unfair business competition.”

In his remarks, Enoh said that the purpose of the visit was to encourage the collaboration needed between the government and industry players in the country, adding that government had always had in place various forms of incentives that could lessen the challenge of doing business in Nigeria.

He said: “As the Minister of State for Industry, one of our programmes

and activities is the push for patronage of ‘Made in Nigeria’ products and services. I am not here for show but for what the outcome of this visit can resolve in terms of policies and and their implementation to ensure the attainment of Mr. President’s item seven, which is promoting diversification of the economy through industrialisation.

“My visit is to assure industrialists that if there is a government that is able to change the situation, it is this government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘’But lots of work needs to be done.

The government wants to set up an Industrial Revolution Work Group. The group shall comprise representatives of different sectors, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) as part of the strategy to implement the eight-point agenda of the present administration in which industrialisation is one of them".

Other industries that were visited in Lagos State yesterday by the minister included GB Foods Nigeria, Berger Paints Nigeria PLC and the Friesland Campina WAMCO Nigeria PLC.

Soviet-era military equipment and a resilient economy have contributed to its sustained military operations. In contrast, Ukraine faces challenges with understrength ground units and a shortage of advanced Western equipment.

But in a significant diplomatic move, Trump said he and Russian Putin agreed to initiate immediate negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. During what he described as a productive phone call, both leaders emphasised the necessity of ending the conflict. The development suggests a potential shift towards diplomatic resolutions, although the situation remains dynamic.

The international community continues to monitor the conflict closely, with hopes for a peaceful settlement.

“We want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine. President Putin even used my very strong campaign motto of, ‘common sense,’ Trump said. “We both believe very strongly in it. We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s nations,” he added.

The phone call is the first known conversation between the US president and the Russian leader since Trump took office last month, Bloomberg reported.

Trump’s efforts to appeal to Putin drew widespread scrutiny in his first term, which was marked by a federal investigation into whether Moscow conspired with his campaign to influence the 2016 election.

Trump said he asked Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director, John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor (NSA) Michael Waltz and special Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, to lead the negotiations for the US.

Hails Dr. Kole Shettima on 65th birthday

President Bola Tinubu has joined family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating the trailblazing educationist and entrepreneur, High Chief, Dr. (Mrs.) Winifred Awosika, on her 85th birthday.

The President, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, hailed Dr. Awosika's contributions to Nigeria's educational sector.

President Tinubu stated: “For over five decades, she shaped the future of countless young Nigerians through her pioneering work as the Founder and Chairman of Chrisland Schools Limited and the Chancellor of Chrisland University.

"Dr. Awosika's life has been dedicated to pursuing knowledge, excellence, and nation-building. Through her vision, discipline, and commitment to quality education, she has nurtured generations of leaders and professionals who continue to make meaningful contributions to our country."

Beyond education, the President commended Dr. Awosika's legacy as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and role model saying her selfless dedication to empowering future generations has left an indelible mark on Nigeria. He noted her strong moral values and tireless devotion to human capital development inspire all.

"As you celebrate this remarkable milestone, I sincerely thank you

for your invaluable service to the nation. May your years ahead be filled with continued health, joy, and fulfilment," the President concluded.

President Tinubu has also congratulated prominent political scientist and development specialist, Dr. Kole Shettima, on his 65th birthday.

Dr. Shettima, who is the Director of MacArthur Foundation for Africa, is a notable scholar and activist who has contributed immensely to nation-building.

President Tinubu, in another release by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, underscored Dr. Shettima's role in the sustenance of Nigeria's democracy and advancement of human rights, peace and justice.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

President Donald Trump yesterday said he spoke with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and that both leaders agreed to begin talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Trump posted on his social media site that he planned to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later yesterday “to inform him of the conversation.” The US president said he

Recent reports indicate that Russia has launched a substantial attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, involving 124 drones and 19 missiles. The Ukrainian military claimed to have intercepted 57 of these drones.

AT THE FLAG OFF OF ILERA EKO ROAD SHOW AND DOOR-TO-DOOR CAMPAIGN...

L-R: Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Lagos State, Mr. Omotoye Oludolapo; HRM, Ovori of Ibeshe and Sea Beach Kingdom, Amuwo Odofin, Oba Gausu Alani Rasaki; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Akeju Awojo III, Alahun of Imore and Apapa Kingdom, Oba Taofeek Adegboyega; Onilase of Ilase Kingdom, Oba Abdul-Hakeem Adeyinka Abisogun; and the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, HRM Oba Maroof Oyekunle Atanda, at the flag off of llera Eko Road Show and Door-to-Door Campaign in Badagry Division ... yesterday

Tanker Explosions: FG Considers Ban on Fuel Trucks Exceeding

45,000 Litres, NARTO

493 killed in less than 3 years

The federal government yesterday said it was mulling a ban on petroleum trucks with 60,000 litres capacity, following the incessant deaths resulting from petrol tanker accidents, which have claimed 493 lives in less than three years.

The government during a stakeholders engagement in Abuja therefore proposed a restriction of tankers’ carrying capacity to a maximum of 45,000 litres to reduce cases of explosions in the country.

Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, stated that this year alone, five accidents had been recorded with 121 fatalities and 79 injuries.

He added that in 2024, 11 accidents were recorded with 341 deaths and 124 injuries, noting that in 2023 two accidents were recorded resulting in 24 deaths and five injuries.

Ahmed described the rising number of accidents and fatalities as unacceptable, saying that urgent steps were needed to ensure safety in the transportation of petroleum products across the country.

“We are here today to discuss the recent trend in road tanker accidents and the resultant fatalities and other consequences. The public is watching helplessly and looking forward to intervention to protect lives and properties. In the year 2022, four road tanker accidents were recorded that led to seven fatalities and three injuries.

“The number of incidents

decreased in the year 2023 to two, resulting in 24 fatalities and five injuries. By the year 2024, the number of accidents increased to 11 incidents leading to 341 fatalities and 124 injuries.

“This year to date, we have already recorded five road tanker accidents leading to 121 fatalities and 79 injuries. These incidents are unnecessary and unacceptable. They must be prevented and brought down to zero,” Ahmed stated.

He noted that some of the measures put in place to prevent such accidents include, among others: Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operators (MISTDO), which include training and retraining of drivers, motor boys, and all personnel involved in downstream operations.

Ahmed listed the installation of anti-spill safety valves on all petroleum product tanker trucks; implementation of safe-to-load initiatives; colour coding and branding of all tank trucks and spot checks by road safety officials on fatigued drivers and those under the influence as measures already taken.

The NMDPRA chief executive said the incidents were unnecessary, stressing that other measures put in place include the determination of an appropriate truck carrying capacity of (60,000 litres versus 45,000 litres) given the negative impact on the roads.

Ahmed recalled that the requirements were arrived at by the industry collectively, pursuant to learnings from previous accidents and safety studies conducted to ensure that the business of energy provision

and distribution is conducted safely andHesecurely.stressed that it was therefore unacceptable for any operator to conduct business in contravention of established protocols and safety requirements, arguing that the fact that these accidents keep recurring was indicative of non-compliance by the industry with the established safety measures or that the measures were defective.

“Consequently, we demand that all parties should ensure strict compliance with the established safety requirements,” he declared. However, on the possible ban on 60,000 litres capacity tankers, the President, National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, said such a move would lead to loss of over N300 billion investment.

Othman explained that there are

currently about 2,000 trucks with 60,000 litres capacity involved in the transportation of petroleum products with each costing over N150 million.

“We are saddened by these occurrences and we believe measures need to be taken to avoid future occurrences. But in doing that, we need to avoid being sentimental in making certain decisions so that we don’t throw the baby out with

Kicks

the bathwater. “I want to remind everybody here that transporters are investors and these investments are huge. Any truck that loads 60,000 litres must be a truck with a strong and sound engine at an average cost of N150 million. By our estimation, we have 2,000 of them. We are talking about N300 billion investments some of which were financed by banks and other lenders,” he added.

DSS: Terrorism, Insurgency Threatened Our Internal Security in Last

NCTC seeks joint efforts against extremists

Two Decades

Terrorist leaders surrender to troops in Katsina, free hostages, MNJTF strengthens ties with Chad

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Linus Aleke in Abuja

Department of State Service (DSS), yesterday, said, in the last two decades, terrorism and insurgency, had threatened internal security like never before in the nation's history.

The DSS also said, other threats of national security dimension extended to separatist agitations, militancy, illegal oil bunkering, farmer-herder clashes, ethno-religious hostilities, economic and cyber crimes, political violence and sundry violent crimes, such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

Director General of DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, made the

FG to Commence Construction

of Houses Across Nigeria, Picks Niger as Its Pilot State

The federal government has concluded plans to commence the construction of houses across the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.

The government has, therefore, picked Niger State as one of the pilot states for the programme though the number of units to be constructed has not been disclosed. To facilitate the early commencement of the project, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, has presented the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) of the 31 hectare land on which the houses would be

constructed to the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Mr Oyetunji Ojo. Bago, while presenting the document at Government House,Minna, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, announced that the state government on would construct 3000 housing units comprising 2000 bedrooms and 1000 bedrooms.

According to the statement, the state government was also working closely with the United Nations Development Project UNDP and other development partners to "match whatever funds they will bring. "Niger State Government is

ambitious to take over 100 percent of whatever the Federal Housing Authority is building and a sinking fund has been created where money will be deducted from interested civil servants, which will be subsidised by the state government to own the houses.”

Bago, according to the statement, observed that the provision of social amenities would be the major challenges to be faced in the housing estates but said the government was up to the task. In his remarks, Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Mr Oyetunde Ojo, disclosed that the housing project would commence immediately.

remarks while delivering the 2025 distinguished personality lecture of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Titled "The Roles of the DSS in Security, Peacekeeping and National Integration," the DSS DG said despite the constraints mentioned, the secret agency continued to leverage collaboration with sister agencies and engage with stakeholders to navigate identified challenges.

The lecture, which also looked at overview of prevailing internal security challenges in the country, identified traditional threats to national security to include sabotage, subversion and espionage.

Talking on overview of mandate of the DSS on the challenges, he said the Service's internal security responsibilities was accommodated in the NSA Act CAP N74 LFN, 2024 and SSS Instrument No. 1 of 1999.

Represented by the DSS deputy director, Mr. Patrick Ikenweiwe, Ajayi “summarily mandates the Service to prevent and detect any crime against internal security of Nigeria as well as protect non-military classified national security matters.

"While the latter, promulgated by Retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar administration mandates the Service to among others, prevent, detect and investigate threat of espionage, subversion, sabotage, terrorism, separatist agitation, law and order and economic crimes of national security dimension.

"The Instrument also demands that the DSS gives timely advice to government on all matters of national security interest. Most importantly,

the Service is empowered by the aforementioned legal frameworks to execute other functions as may from time to time be assigned by Mr. President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

Ajayi, however, called on stakeholders to checkmate the present situation among Nigerians, whereby they look upon security and intelligence organisations as fiends rather than friends.

He said, such development affected quality and quantity of intelligence produced, "and by extension impact peace building and national integration.

The DSS DG called for strengthening of institutions like intelligence agencies, reorientation on roles and a rethink on recruitment and staffing.

In his address, the director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, Professor Abdulganiyu Jawondo, said the centre was established in the year 2008 with the core mandate of producing manpower to tackle the various crises and conflicts of resource management confronting Nigerian communities and the globe at large.

NCTC Seeks Joint Effort against Extremists

The National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), has called for a collective efforts against violent extremism in Nigeria.

This, it did with the launch of a validation meeting and workshop on the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan.

The Centre also stressed that the two-day event brought together a diverse pool of participants, including government officials, experts, and stakeholders, to develop a unified approach to tackling radicalisation and violent extremism.

Speaking at the official opening of the validation meeting and workshop on the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan in Abuja, yesterday, the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, said violent extremism remained one of the most complex security challenges facing Nigeria.

He stated that violent extremism threatened national security, communities, institutions, and social cohesion, adding that in response, the federal government has developed a policy framework and national action plan for PCVE, which serves as a guiding strategy for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

The workshop, he said, focused on two critical components: the domestication and localisation of the PCVE policy framework, and the validation of the PCVE Guidelines and Strategic Communication Plan.

The Director, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), Amb. Mairo Musa, said the main objectives of the workshop was centered around enhancing the understanding of the policy framework on preventing and countering violent extremism and facilitating its localisation at institutional, state and community levels.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Ebonyi Killings: ‘Why Police Arrested Igboayaka Who Predicted Attack’

Benjamin Nworie in abakaliki

The Coordinator of Ishielu North Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Emeka Odanwu said that Police have arrested the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, who predicted the attack on Nkalaha community two days ahead. The attack claimed 15 lives.

Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital,

Odanwu noted that he was the one that petitioned the police on the utterances of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council leader which led to his arrest.

He said Igboayaka must be investigated by security agencies over his comments on the killings.

“I am here to put the records straight on the circumstances surrounding the arrest of one Igboayaka O. Igboayaka”.

“On the 31st day of January 2025, one Mr. Igboayaka issued

a press statement that the people of Obeagu, Nkalaha and Egedegede should gear up their security network as there was an impending attack on them.”

“Two days later, precisely on the 2nd of February 2025, being a Sunday, the people of Amagu village in Nkalaha community were attacked, and about 15

people were killed, and houses were burnt. It is safe to say that his prediction became a reality.”

“While we were still in grief and trying to unravel

what happened to us, the said Igboayaka also released another statement that he informed the Governor of Ebonyi state four days before the attack”.

Protesters Block East-West Road in Delta over Alleged Marginalisation in NDDC Appointment

sylvester idowu in Warri and Omon-Julius Onabu in asaba

Protesters in Delta State took to the streets yesterday blocking the East-West Road in Ughelli to demand the appointment of a Delta State indigene as the next Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The demonstration organized by the Niger Delta People’s Assembly caused major disruption to traffic as protesters gathered with placards calling for justice, equity, and fair representation in the leadership of the NDDC.

It Is The Turn Of Delta State’. ‘Abuse of The NDDC Act Is A Catalyst of Crisis In The Niger Delta Region. President Tinubu Act Now To Save The Nation’.

‘Bayelsa must not be allowed to usurp the position of Delta and Let fairness, Justice and Equity Prevail.

H1: Guinness Posts 82.2% Revenue Increase amidst Macroeconomic

Guinness Nigeria Plc, has announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2024, showcasing impressive resilience and strategic growth in a challenging macroeconomic environment.

According to the report, the company recorded an 82.2 per cent revenue increase, growing from N142.60 billion in 24 to N259.60 billion in H1’25. This performance reflects the success of its revenue generation strategies and expanded geographic footprint.

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

Headwinds

in H1’24.

Commenting on the results, Board Chair, Dr. Omobola Johnson, said: “These results highlight the strength of our strategy and our ability to adapt in an ever-evolving macroeconomic environment. While we faced significant headwinds, our team’s commitment and strategic initiatives enabled us to deliver substantial growth in revenue and a significant reduction in losses.”

“We remain confident in our long-term vision to create sustainable value for all stakeholders.”

Also commenting, Managing Director, Girish Sharma, said: “Our H1’25 performance is a testament to our agility and determination to navigate economic challenges while focusing on long-term growth. The 82.2 per cent revenue increase reflects the effectiveness of our portfolio and geographic expansion, and the efficient execution of key strategic priorities.

Some of the placards read thus: ‘Niger Delta People’s Assembly Say No To Dr Ogbuku As Managing Director of NDDC.

Others read thus: ‘We call on President Tinubu to Remove Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director of NDDC’; ‘Remove Hon. Chiedu Ebie as Chairman’; Reconstitute the Board of NDDC’;

The Coordinator of the Niger Delta People’s Assembly (NDPA), Charles Ejor, while addressing the protesters, expressed the group’s dissatisfaction with Delta State’s exclusion from holding the office of NDDC Managing Director.

NIS Arrests Notorious Trafficker, Rescues Two Female Victims in Sokoto

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Illela Border Command has arrested a notorious trafficker, Sirajo Illela, and the rescue two female victims bound for Libya.

A statement by the Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Abdulahi Mohammed, said that the arrest was made at the suspect’s family residence in Yar Kara area, Illela Local

Government Area of Sokoto State, around 1:30 a.m yesterday 2025.

According to the NIS, the two victims, Maryam Akinosi, 40, from Ogun State, and Olatunde Abidemi, 26, from Oyo State, were found to be traveling without any valid documents.

The preliminary investigations revealed that they were on their way to Libya.

NIS explained The suspect, Sirajo Illela, has been on the wanted list of both the Immigration and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for a long time. He is known for harbouring and supporting human trafficking through illegal routes in Illela border.

While handing over the suspect and victims to NAPTIP, the Comptroller, Illela Border Command, CIS Anthony Akuneme, reiterated the commitment of the NIS under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, to fighting human trafficking and smuggling of migrants in Nigeria.

Speed Up Light-Up Lagos Project, Lagos Assembly Urges Sanwo-Olu

segun James

The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to fasttrack the implementation of the Light-Up Lagos project, especially streetlights on roads and highways in order to enhance security.

The resolution was passed on Monday during plenary session, following a Matter of

Niger Gov Appoints Prominent APC Members into State

Laleye dipo in Minna

Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), among them a one-time chairman of the party in the state, have been named in the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC) by the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago.

The governor last Tuesday

sunday Ehigiator

Centre for Black Arts and African Civilization (CBAAC) in collaboration with T-BYK Ventures, has announced plans to hold the first edition of the African Global Festival Nigeria (AGLOFEST) in the last quarter of 2025.

The festival aims to bring together cultural enthusiasts, artists, and thought leaders from

announced the reconstitution of the NSIEC and asked the state House of Assembly to give approval as provided by the law.

Bago named Alhaji Jibrin Imam, the chairman of the party until July 2021, as the chairman of the seven-man commission.

Captain Mohammed Baro, a former APC chairman of Katcha Local Government Council was named as Permanent

around the world to celebrate the vibrancy of African heritage.

In a jointly signed statement by CBAAC and T-BYK Ventures, they revealed that “This year’s maiden edition promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the richness of African creative industry products alongside music, dance, fashion, “AGLOFEST is more than just a festival. It is a movement dedicated to uniting Africans

Commissioner 1V with a one-time Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Amina Guar, the only female member of the commission as Permanent Member V1.

A statement made available to journalists by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Bologi Ibrahim, also named Alhaji Yahaya Idris Abara as Permanent Commissioner III and Mr. M A Liman as permanent member 1.

and the black diaspora through culture, creativity, and collaboration.”

“Set against Nigeria’s rich history and diverse traditions, the festival will feature an exciting line-up of live performances, cultural exhibitions, fashion showcases, business networking sessions, and panel discussions with some of the most influential voices in Black and African culture and entertainment.

Kogi Poly Vows to Promote Agric, Establishes Four Depts

ibrahim Oyewale inLokoja

As part of efforts to boost food production, security and commercial agricultural activities in Kogi State, the management of the state-owned polytechnic has established four academic departments to cater for development of agricultural activities in the state.

The Rector of the Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Usman, disclosed this while speaking with journalists shortly after resuming office for second tenure as rector The state Governor, Usman Ododo, had earlier approved the reappointment of Professor Usman as the rector of the Kogi State Polytechnic last year. According to him, “We

considered the imperative of training in agriculture for the economy of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole and sought the permission of the state government for the take-off of the programme.”

“The then governor graciously granted approval, including recruitment of lecturers and technologists for the commencement of the programmes.

Mac Ohirein Ovbiagele is Dead

The family and friends of Mr. Mac Ohirein Ovbiagele have announced his passing. The advertising icon and trailblazer, glorious exit, according to a statement, occurred on January 26, 2025 in Lagos. He was born on December 26, 1943.

The statement added that his kingdom-inspired sense of

dutiful service was massively felt in various ways, including, but not limited to various church projects and philanthropic causes.

“He was well renowned for his high standards of integrity, ethics, morals and accountability.

Urgent Public Importance raised by Hon. Lukmoh Olumoh, the member representing AjeromiIfelodun 01.

Olumoh noted that despite previous resolutions on streetlight installation, Lagosians are yet to benefit from the initiative, leaving many areas in darkness and vulnerable to security threats, even as he stressed that funds were allocated for the project in the 2025 budget.

Olumoh urged the state government to take immediate action to implement the Light Up Lagos project saying that “the government should ensure that all streetlights are up and running as budgeted. We can also explore alternative energy sources, such as solar power, as projected by the President.”

Supporting the motion, Hon. Gbolahon Yishawu, the member representing Eti-Osa

INTRODUCTION

02, echoed concerns from his constituents about poorly lit roads, stressing the urgency of awarding contracts for the project. Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 01), highlighted the security benefits of functional streetlights in his constituency and suggested that local governments should complement state efforts by deploying solar-powered streetlights in their areas.

Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) is an education programme funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by DAI in Nigeria. The programme’s mission is to improve basic education learning outcomes, ensuring a more inclusive/effective educational system that delivers foundational skills for children, particularly the marginalised.

CALL FOR PROPOSAL: DAI is seeking to transition the PLANE programme offices in Jigawa, Kaduna and Abuja to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy source and therefore wishes to invite qualified service providers with good track records of past performances to submit proposals for the installation of solar and inverter systems in the offices.

SCOPE OF WORK

Installation of batteries, solar panels, and inverter systems to meet daily energy consumption needs

(180.2, 97 and 497 kWh for Jigawa, Kaduna, and Abuja).

Testing, commissioning, and training of PLANE staff on the use and management of the systems.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Interested service providers must provide the following:

Copies of valid business registration/ incorporation certificate with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Evidence of Company Income Tax clearance for the last 3 years

Audited financial statements for the last 3 financial years.

Proof of a satisfactory 3-year past performance record/service delivery (providing evidence of contract award letter and satisfactory job completion certificate)

A satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics

Proof of registration on FCDO Contract Finders: www.gov.uk/contracts-finder

HOW TO APPLY:

Prospective bidders who have met the above criteria should scan the QR code on this notice for the detailed RFP and other bid documents, or visit https://bit.ly/ planesolarcontract

COMPONENT OF THE PROPOSAL: The Proposal shall comprise the following components:

a. The Technical Proposal (Please refer to the RFP for the details of the Technical proposal)

b. The Financial Proposal. (Please refer to the RFP for the details of the Financial proposal) All completed applications are to be emailed to tenders@planenigeria.com

The deadline for this application is 21st February 11:59 PM. Note: Any application submitted after this deadline will be considered disqualified.

“He is survived by children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces,” the statement added.

“Mr. Mac Ovbiagele embraced many cultures. His mastery of various languages endeared him to many. He enjoyed an admirable amount of goodwill and respect from a wide circle of family, friends, associates and many others. He will be sorely missed by society at large.

Signed, Management.

CBAAC Partners T-BYK on Maiden African Global Festival

Atalanta Missing Lookman’s Absence, Beaten at Club Brugge

Duro

Ikhazuagbe

Ademola Lookman’s continued absence due to knee injury may cost Atalanta a place in the Last 16 stage of the UEFA Champions League following the Italian Serie A side’s 2-1 loss to Club Brugge in the first leg of their knockout play-off tie last night.

The African Player of the Year has been absent from Atalanta since after aggravating the injury he picked up against Napoli in January again during

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYOFFS

training ahead their Barcelona clash in the Champions League tie.

Lookman’s Super Eagles teammate, Raphael Onyedika, was in action for Brugge all through the 90 minutes duration and was well rated for his contributions from the midfield for the first leg win.

Last night, Atalanta who narrowly missed the automatic eight qualifier teams slot into the knockout as the

ninth from the final standing, lost by a controversial late penalty to Club Brugge. Gustaf Nilsson won and scored the winner.

The Belgian champions started brightly and were rewarded for their industry when teenage winger Chemsdine Talbi collected a loose pass and crossed for Ferran Jutgla to dispatch a right-foot shot into the top left corner in the 15th minute.

RESULTS

NPFL: Kwara Utd Halt Shooting Stars’ 77 Days Unbeaten Run

Bendel secure insurance winner against Enyimba in Benin City

Femi Solaja

After 77 days of unbeaten run in the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Shooting Stars of Ibadan were finally put to the sword in a 2-0 defeat by Kwara United of Ilorin in one of the rescheduled matches played yesterday.

The eight-match unbeaten run which is perhaps the club’s record would have given the Oluyole Warriors a glimmer of hope to close the gap at the summit to Remo Stars but the defeat still left them in the second position but with a massive eight-point gap at 40 points. The runaway leaders from Ikenne are on 48 points with a 15 goal difference. Interestingly, it was against Remo Stars that Shooting Stars last lost a match in a 2-0 defeat with goals from Sikiru Alimi and Adedayo Olamilekan. Since then, the Ibadan side won six matches in a row, including the famous victory in Enugu against Enugu Rangers and then a 1-1 draw in Jos to Plateau United.

And yesterday in Ilorin, playing before an appreciable crowd, the tittlechasing Ibadan side found themselves behind after 22 minutes when Kabiru Mohammed put the home side in front and Ogifini Abdullah doubled the lead in the 57th minute.

The result also pushed Kwara United to eighth position on 32 points.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance’s quest to move away from the drop zone

gained traction following a lone-goal win against visiting Enyimba FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

With the gates thrown open for their fans, it was Kayode Oke Solomon who gave the crowd something to cheer with a goal in the 55th minute. The win thus lifted the Benin Arsenal further away from the relegation cadre at 15 position with 28 points while Enyimba remained in the 10th position on 31 points. In Kano, the home side Pillars edged El Kanemi with a 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. After a goalless first half, veteran midfielder, Rabiu

Ali, put the home side in the lead in the 62nd minute via a penalty kick but the visitors restored parity three minutes later through Umar Al Amin through a well-taken penalty kick.

But with the game looking like a draw, the massive crowd at the stadium celebrated the late-minute goal off Rashid Alhasan.

Meanwhile, the NPFL has rearranged Match-day 24 which are expected to hold this weekend.

The Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City FC tie has now been drawn back to Saturday, 15th February 2025, at the Lafia City Stadium at 4 pm while

the clash between Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors will now hold on same Saturday, 15th February 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano. The biggest game for the match day will be held in Enugu between Rangers International and table-toppers Remo Stars on Sunday, 16th February 2025, at 3:00 pm.

Other matches billed for Saturday, 15th February 2025, include; Kwara United Vs Bayelsa United, Plateau United Vs El kanemi Warriors, Lobi Stars Vs Katsina United, Enyimba FC Vs Rivers United and Sunshine Stars Vs Akwa United.

City Sports Africa, a passionate organisation dedicated to empowering children across Africa and Africans in diaspora through the transformative power of sports, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary in style with a commemorative launch of the academy’s exclusive new sports jersey.

Over the past five years, City Sports Africa has established itself as an innovative leader in the local sports community and a symbol of passion, perseverance, and athletic excellence. This milestone is a testament to the organisation’s unwavering commitment to the sports industry in Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

The anniversary event brought together athletes, sports enthusiasts, and brand supporters to celebrate City Sports’ Africa's remarkable journey. The brand-new sports jersey is designed to reflect the energy, determination, and championship spirit that City Sports Africa embodies.

Reflecting on the journey thus far, CEO, Shola Opaleye shared, “We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in the last five years.” “This journey has been

about more than just sports—it’s about focusing on the right route to develop sports, leadership, and academic skills because these are the basic three skills every child needs to attain their potential as they grow up. Our new jersey launch symbolizes the ‘City Sports for all’ spirit, designed for champions on and off the field.”

Looking ahead, CitySports Africa aims to impact 10 million youth by 2035, with an annual goal of reaching 1 million youth each year.

“Our vision is to create a future where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to unlock their full potential through sports, equipping them with essential life skills, confidence, and leadership abilities to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.” Opaleye added.

The newly launched jersey features a sleek, modern design with highperformance fabric, ensuring comfort and durability for athletes and fans alike. Limited-edition versions of the jersey are available for purchase, making it a collector’s item for loyal supporters of City Sports.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, yesterday emphasised the integral role of sports and physical education in the overall development of students, highlighting the importance of nurturing talents beyond academics.

Alli-Balogun explained that sports are a critical component of education, through eveloping the whole child; intellectually, physically, emotionally andHesocially. made this known at the maiden edition of Lagos Schools festivals designed to promote values and provide public schools students with a platform to showcase their talents, skills, and sportsmanship.

According to him," sports and physical education play a vital role in this process, and our maiden Lagos Schools' Sports Festival is a testament

to our dedication to this ideal."

The importance of sports in schools', he noted, cannot be overstated, adding that through sports, students develop essential life skills like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

"They learn valuable lessons about hard work, dedication, and fair play. They build their confidence, self-esteem, and physical fitness. They also forge lasting bonds with their peers, creating memories that will stay with them for a lifetime."

The commissioner stated that the sports industry has evolved significantly over the years, offering wide range of career opportunities to individuals with different skills, interests, and qualifications.

"This ranges from being a professional athlete, coach or trainer, sports manager, sports journalist, sports psychologist, sports marketing and sponsorship and a host of others," he said.

Spires 5-Aside Organisers Increase Prize Money for New Season

Organisers of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament have announced key changes in the 2025 edition of the tournament.

This was the highlight of the Stakeholders Conference organised to kickstart activities ahead of the second season of the grassroots football development initiative.

The conference held at the CIBN Building in Victoria Island Lagos, had in attendance Football Coaches, Referees, Representatives from the respective Divisional Football Association in Lagos, members of the Lagos State Football association, as well members of the sporting media. Also present at the event was the

President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, the Registrar Mr. Akin Morakinyo, and the Chairman Kainosedge Consulting Limited, Mr. Laoye Jayeola.

The convener of the event and initiator of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, Dr. Bankole Allibay, gave an overview of the maiden edition of the tournament held in 2024 which he described as highly successful, as he further gave a projection for the 2025 edition.

Allibay, in his presentation said 40 teams from the five divisions in Lagos will compete in the divisional stages of the second season, with eight teams

expected to register from each division. Three 3 teams from the respective divisions will advance to the state tournament, and Knockout rounds leading up to group play and the grand finale.

The five diversions are Epe, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Badagry, and Ikeja.

According to Bankole, players above the age of 21 years are no longer eligible to register for the new season. He said that only players between the ages of 16-21 will now be allowed to participate in the tournament with a targeted approach of developing young talents.

"The world is now interested in younger footballers, hence we have

decided that the focus should be on developing the younger talents. We have seen clubs even outside the country who have shown interest in some of the younger players from the last edition. So we hope to leverage on this by creating a channel of development for the young stars,” observed Dr Allibay.

Also as part of the changes in the 2025 edition, the tournament will offer a higher prize money for the winning teams, recognizing both individual and team achievements on the field. Also, there will be an increase in participation fees given to teams who are selected for this years tournaments.

The visitors from Italy levelled four minutes before the end of the first period, with Croatia international Mario Pasalic heading in Davide Zappacosta's cross from the left. However, when Atalanta's Swedish defender Isak Hien held off his compatriot Nilsson with his arm in

added time, Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler awarded a penalty to the hosts which was confirmed by the video assistant referee (VAR). Atalanta coach Gian Piero

Gasperini was visibly angered by the decision, but Nilsson kept calm to send visiting keeper Rui Patricio the wrong way from the spot to give his side victory.

Gustaf Nilsson (centre) scored the controversial penalty that earned Club Brugge 2-1 victory against Atalanta in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff in Belgium...last night

Dr Bankole Allibay explaining some of the highlights of the 2025 Spires 5-A-Side Naija Street Soccer Tournament at a stakeholders conference in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon

Funmi Ogundare

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Nasir El-Rufai to Tinubu’s Supporters

“I have read and heard the arrogant posturing and braggadocio by some people whom I refer to as political rabble-rousers, but I get more worried each day as it keeps looking more and more like a movie we had seen before...I read some people say that President Tinubu is not former President Jonathan, Jagaban is a political juggernaut and master strategist, etc. All that I totally agree with. However, politics is not a one champion show”---Former Kaduna Governor, warning supporters of the president, ahead of 2027 presidential election.

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

‘A Morgue of Abandoned Projects’

The Managing Director of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, likened Nigeria to a morgue of abandoned projects last week. He could not have been more apt. “Easy to start and easier to kill,” was Rewane’s way of describing the way public policies and mega projects are initiated in Nigeria before they are then abandoned. He said the novel idea of highway concessioning has become a nightmare that stalls “N11.54 trillion in private investment” in the country. Instructively, Rewane’s intervention came on the same day ‘LEADERSHIP’ newspaper published a report on how infrastructural projects worth hundreds of billions of naira have been abandoned by past and current governors in no fewer than 29 of the 36 states. The issue of abandoned projects and the implications for the future of our country is one I have addressed on this page several times. My last intervention, ‘Squandermania Nigeria Unlimited’ on 15th September 2022, followed a report credited to then Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director-General, Bashir Jamoh, that years after taking delivery of a floating dock constructed with the whooping sum of N50 billion (about N500 billion by today’s exchange rate), it had not been put to use due to bureaucratic bottlenecks. “Now, as we are talking, I am just coming back from Abuja to get the consent and agreement of the people that will give us the location where we can place the floating dock. Up till now, we have not got a location,” Jamoh lamented. “And then, the other thing is that it has been there since 2018, nobody has worked on it, started it or tested it.”

Considering what I discovered yesterday about that scandalous floating dock affair, I want to excerpt from the column before making my concluding point:

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Dry docking is a term used when the ship is brought to dry land for submerged sections to be repaired, cleaned or inspected. There are only three functioning shipyards in Nigeria where minimal repairs of cabotage vessels of 500 tonnes are carried out. Two of these—Starzs Shipyard and Niger Benue Shipyard—are privately owned. The other, Nigerdock Limited, was originally 100 per cent owned by the federal government but was privatized following the demise of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL). That story is already well-documented. At its peak, Nigerdock had 29 vessels. Today, Nigeria’s flag administration is essentially dead and we no longer have a single ocean-going vessel. Our shipyards can barely repair cabotage vessels, forcing international shipping companies to other smaller African countries in order to retain their safety classification and insurance, as specified by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). In fact, we currently depend on Ghana, Senegal, South Africa etc. to dry-dock all ocean-going vessels doing business in Nigerian waters. That explains why it’s almost criminal that a prime asset (measuring 125 metres by 35 metres, with three in-built cranes, transformers, and a

number of ancillary facilities) meant to fill that gap could be allowed to waste for years. Now marooned at a Naval Dockyard, the floating dry Dock was envisioned to, and has capacity for, employing hundreds of Nigerians. It would also have served as a hub to train students in our Maritime tertiary institutions.

For those who may not be conversant with maritime matters, ships are required to dry dock at least twice every five years to retain their seaworthiness. With an average of 5,000 ships calling on our ports annually, in addition to 400 active coastal vessels and several fishing trawlers, it is estimated that Nigeria could save up to N350 billion annually (more than a trillion Naira in today’s value) while also earning millions of dollars in the process. The maritime sector, like the oil and gas industry, holds considerable prospects for the development of our economy. But it is also being grossly mismanaged. Meanwhile, it costs more than $1million to tow vessels out of Nigeria for repairs when the cost of dry-docking itself (for which the floating dry dock was conceived) is approximately $400,000. This is a compelling story of lost opportunity, not to mention the cost of doing business in Nigeria. Of course, it is not surprising that we have ended up in this situation because those who conceive and execute projects in our country are usually more concerned about transactional details that benefit them than the more important consideration of public good.

From my investigation, this story began on 23rd October 2013 under President Goodluck Jonathan when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the contract for the “Construction of Ship Building Facility and Dockyard: Maritime Equipment and Structures, Ancillary Buildings and Electro-Mechanical Works and Facilities (Package 1) at Okerenkoko, Delta State for the sum of N40,243,702,763.38.” The contract period was 36 months effective from the date of receiving the first payment of 15 per cent mobilisation which translated to

N6,036,555,414.49. “The balance payment shall be based upon the following modes: 65 per cent of the total contract sum shall be paid by irrevocable confirmed Letters of Credit (LC) to enable your Company import heavy duty equipment required for the project which includes Water Treatment Pipes; Powerhouse and Services; Travel Lift; Landing Modular Jetties; Modular Floating Dock and Cradle Set; and Quay Crane...”

If we consider that the exchange rate in 2013 was N159 to a dollar, it is easy to understand the current value of this project, especially as it was paid in dollars. I have no idea why the contract exceeded its timeframe by more than a year or the rationale for increasing the cost by 25 percent. But on 29th May 2018, the company wrote to notify NIMASA that “following successful inspections by Manufacturer (Damen Shipyards), Lloyds officials, Debaj Engineering Company ltd (NIMASA consultants), the Modular Floating Dock (MFDd NIMASA, IMO 9785639) is heading to Lagos, Nigeria as per the communicated program of works and our previous notification letter.”

After highlighting other technical details, the company then listed pending operational matters: “We kindly request NIMASA to notify the concern (sic) authorities regarding the arrival of OSPREY and the offloading of MFDd NIMASA in Lagos. We kindly request a resolution of the subject of location including access to the proposed site in Apapa, Lagos in order to proceed with civil and mechanical works for the mooring of the Floating Dock. Also be reminded that the existing old and faulty NPA floating dock should be moved/relocated in order to allow mooring of the new NIMASA Modular Floating dock; Registration of the Nigeria Flag for MFDd NIMASA, IMO 9785639; Obtaining waiver of custom duties for the modular floating dock and Obtaining Insurance for the floating dock.”

The Floating Dock arrived in Nigeria in 2018, but what should be earning us revenue has become another huge burden. When we eventually decide to put it to use, we may also be talking of turn around maintenance running into billions of Naira. In fact, the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES) raised the alarm last year (2021) that the dry Dock had been removed from the Lloyd’s Registers Class because it could not be surveyed for three years. This raises several pertinent questions. Why did the federal government embark on such an expensive and highly technical project without a firm decision on where the Dry Dock would berth?

Should NIMASA, a regulatory agency, take on the role of operator which the purchase of the floating Dry Dock implies? Why do public officials continue to promote ideas doomed to fail and, in this instance, not backed by the enabling law? And how are we sure we have not already created another monument to waste? Like Ajaokuta, most of the software in the computer-driven floating dock may have become obsolete according to some experts.

The only rational explanation I can find online on this sordid affair was one provided by a former NIMASA Executive Director, Operations, Rotimi Fashakin (now of blessed memory). He told reporters in Lagos that berthing the dock at the permanent site of the

Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, as was originally conceptualized, could not be done due to insecurity. “Initially when the floating dock was acquired, the design was for it to berth in Delta State. But even at that time, there were a lot of reports advising to the contrary”, explained Fashakin who added that the contract preceded the Buhari administration. “A dock is supposed to serve the shipping community as a commercial facility, but which company or vessel would be bold enough to travel to Delta State given the insecurity? When the dock landed in Nigeria, there were various state governments that requested for it, all these are on record. When it came in, we thought of many ideas, but this is a government asset and not something you can just give to an operator. NIMASA is a regulator and not an operator, so giving the dock to an operator also needs to go through the bureaucracy of government.”

The fact that a regulator was trying to play in the same league with operators should have been clear to NIMASA before initiating the idea. But like most government contracts, we pay first and think later. The more information one obtains on this matter, and I have spoken to many stakeholders, the more despondent you become about our country – even if some of us refuse to give up hope. The greater concern is that this is not an isolated problem. Our national landscape is strewn with projects that were not well-conceived and have become liabilities after hundreds of billions of Naira had been invested in them.

In 2015, the then Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN) president, Victoria Okoronkwo, estimated abandoned projects in Nigeria at N12 trillion. If we use the exchange rate at the time these projects were conceived and expenditures incurred, we should have an idea of the billions of dollars we are throwing away. Listing the projects by geopolitical zone, Okoronkwo said the South-east has 15,000; Southwest, 10,000; Southsouth, 11,000; Northwest, 6,000; Northcentral, 7,000: North-east, 5,000 and Abuja, 2,000. I have no doubt that hundreds of others have been added to the list since then…

ENDNOTE:

More than two years after that column, the NIMASA Managing Director who succeeded Jamoh is still talking about how they will put the drydock to use. “The initial plan for the floating dock was not the right one. We are going to put the Modular Floating Dock to very good use so that once it’s in operation; it will benefit the economy, seafarers, and NIMASA itself,” Dayo Mobereola said last August. “We need to place the modular floating dock in an appropriate location. It is just a matter of time; we will soon get that done.”

From my findings in recent days, NIMASA is still in the business of ‘looking for a location’ for the expensive drydock almost seven years after it arrived in Nigeria! This extraordinary level of waste and mismanagement of scarce resources speaks volumes about the lack of accountability in a country that has now been appropriately dubbed a ‘morgue of abandoned projects.’

Enough said!

Price: N400

Bismarck Rewane