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Tinubu, Awolowo’s Family Mourn as Afenifere Leader, Pa Fasoranti, Dies at 100

President describes elder statesman as an icon and beacon of principle Says Nigeria will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel Aiyedatiwa, Falae, Sanwo-Olu, Bamidele grieve Deji Elumoye, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos and Fidelis David in Akure

President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Obafemi Awolowo family, yesterday, paid glowing tributes

to Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who died at the age of 100.

Tinubu, in a tribute, praised the late patriarch and elder statesman as a principled icon and one of

the Awolowo progressive family’s Continued on page 8

Late Pa Fasoranti

NUPRC Mandates New Asset Holders to Find First Oil in 18 Months... Page 5 Wednesday 21 October, 2026 Vol 31. No 11518. Price: N400

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Yari: APC Ready for Issue-based Campaign, Will Go All Out to Showcase Tinubu’s Achievements... Page 34

Gbajabiamila: Draft of National Policing Bill Now Ready, Undergoing Legislative Review Expected back from justice ministry by October 30 for onward transmission to president Submitted along with 29 consequential amendment bills Delta approves amendment for state police, to write National Assembly Deji Elumoye in Abuja and OmonJulius Onabu in Asaba

The presidency, yesterday, disclosed that the draft of the 2026 National Policing Bill was ready.

Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing

Bill, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made the disclosure, in a release. Gbajabiamila said the group

had completed the drafting stage of its assignment and had formally submitted the bill, together with

29 consequential amendment bills, Continued on page 8

Again, Another Non-Nigerian Brings Ebola into Abuja; FG Says Don’t Panic, Stay Vigilant Govt confirms first case in Abuja, activates emergency response 44 close contacts identified as tracing begins Medical sciences academy seeks implementation of high-alert protocols Urges Nigerians to avoid handshakes, unnecessary physical contacts

Story on page 8

MAKINDE TAKES PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN TO SOUTH-SOUTH...

L-R: Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign S/South Coordinator, Akpadiaha Ebitu; Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Akwa Ibom State Guber Candidate, Udokpan Sampson; APM Bauchi State Guber Candidate, Adamu Yakubu Campaign DDG (Operations) Tony Aziegbemi; APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; APM Presidential Candidate, Seyi Makinde; his running mate, Lawal Daura; Campaign DG, Hassan Hyat; and DDG (Admin) Hajia Inna Ciroma, at the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign South South Zonal Town Hall Meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital, yesterday

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 t T H I S D AY

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

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

NEWS

56TH ANNUAL ACCOUNTANTS’ CONFERENCE...

L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun; Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and President and Chairman of Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, during the 56th annual Accountant’s Conference themed “Beyond Numbers: Strengthening the Economy, Securing the Nation” in Abuja, yesterday PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

NUPRC Mandates New Asset Holders to Find First Oil in 18 Months Warns idle blocks to be retrieved Oct 30 on ‘drill or drop’ provision Commission to work with NNPC to de-risk frontier basins Banks list ways licensees can attract funding in six months

Peter Uzoho The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) yesterday urged 22 firms holding new Petroleum Prospecting Licences (PPLs) to deliver first oil within the next 18 months, warning that idle acreages will be recovered from October 30, 2026 in line with the ‘Drill or Drop’ provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, gave the charge in Lagos at the maiden Onboarding Workshop for awardees of the 2022/2023 Mini Bid Round and the 2024 Licensing Round, themed: “From Award to Production: Delivering Nigeria’s Upstream Petroleum Potential Under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.” However, Eyesan disclosed that all the 22 awardees have successfully paid their signature bonuses. She added that about 250,000 barrels per day oil production volume was being expected from the awardees and the assets in the next five years. Eyesan said the workshop became necessary after a review of past bid rounds showed that many licence holders struggled to progress from award to production despite meeting financial obligations, a pattern that contributed to stalled oil production and reserves growth.

She recalled that the 2020 bid round was the most challenging in the Commission’s history due to ‘false marriages’ among bidders who partnered to win blocks and separated afterwards, leaving assets on shaky foundations. Similar challenges, she noted, were recorded in earlier marginal field rounds and the 2010-2012 divestments where some operators

took assets without the specialised business and technical capacity to run them. The CCE said the industry produced three categories of operators in that period. According to her, some good operators grew assets that had zero production to over 60,000 barrels per day, while some brownfields that previously aggregated 60,000 to 80,000 barrels when held by previous

owners declined to 20,000 to 30,000 barrels under new operators. She said some companies even ran oil and gas accounting on excel sheets, underscoring lack of proper structures. Eyesan pointed out that a common practice at the time was for awardees to muster technical teams to bid and disband them immediately after winning, then sit on assets while

In preparation for the 2026 Calabar Carnival, Cross River Government will activate night landing service at the Margret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, from November 1, in readiness for heavy passenger traffic expected at the annual festival. The airport will continue to receive flights till 10pm every day, as the state airline, Cally Air, operated by

not be automatic and inability to secure partners or funding will no longer be acceptable grounds. “I issued a circular, a directive, that by the 30th of this month, those who were awarded licenses, and have not done anything within the stipulated time, onshore for three years, and those offshore five years, the Commission will recover those blocks,” she warned.

Adesoji Adesugba: Current Growth Trajectory May Delay $1tn Economy till 2040 Declares productivity, employment more critical to realisation of target than currency appreciation or nominal GDP growth Says capital inflows, inadequate electricity supply, weak industrial expansion continue to undermine economy’s capacity to generate sustainable growth James Emejo in Abuja Former Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Professor Adesoji Adesugba, yesterday warned that the country’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 might be delayed till 2040 because of the current slow growth trajectory. Adesugba said to meet the initial target, the country needed an annual growth of about 28 per cent in dollar terms. He spoke while delivering the 20th anniversary lecture of Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association

of Nigeria (CICAN) in Abuja. Adesugba said though the country had made progress in stabilising its economy, it was yet to achieve transformation on the scale demanded by the target. According to him, Nigeria’s economy, estimated to be between $285 billion and $291 billion in 2025, would need to more than triple in dollar terms within five years to meet the 2030 deadline. He described the $1 trillion objective as a mobilisation target rather than a forecast, insisting that its success would depend less on official announcements than on the

quality of policy execution. Adesugba said, “The $1 trillion economy is best understood not as a forecast but as a mobilisation target, and it will be won or lost on the quality of implementation rather than the quality of announcements. “Reaching $1 trillion by 2030 from that base requires the economy to more than triple in dollar terms within five years, an average expansion of about 28 per cent a year in dollar terms.” He said maintaining real growth of between four and 4.5 per cent, alongside moderate inflation and gradual naira depreciation, could

Cross River Govt to Activate Night Landing Operations at Calabar Airport Chinedu Eze

purportedly searching for technical partners and financing, only to return after two and a half years to seek extension. To reverse the trend, Eyesan said the Commission has issued a circular that effective October 30, all licences with no activity within statutory timelines - three years onshore and five years offshore - will be recovered. She stressed that extension will

ValuJet, will increase its frequency to the airport in order to airlift the teeming number of visitors who would come from overseas and different parts of Nigeria to attend the carnival. The plan was disclosed by the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who projected that Calabar, the state capital, will host over a million people during the festival this year. Otu said the Calabar carnival and

the implementation of new economic policies under his administration had made Calabar, which had been a trade route for centuries, a go-to city. He said this was why his government decided to make Cally Air a strong airline by boosting its fleet with about eight aircraft. He expressed the hope that it would soon obtain its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to become full-service carrier. The governor stated, “In order to

connect all these together, there was that need to have a flight in and out of Calabar, where people can be sure when they are coming in and also be very sure when they are going out. The tempo increased when we came into government. Because our development partners particularly in the private sector started coming here almost all the time. And it will please you to also know that this is the best destination for investment.

leave the economy at $450 billion by 2030, postponing the trillion-dollar milestone until around 2040. Accelerating real growth towards six to seven per cent, with a broadly stable currency, could raise the economy to about $585 billion by 2030 and bring the target within reach around 2034, he said. Even a highly optimistic scenario involving stronger growth and real exchange-rate appreciation would produce an economy of approximately $773 billion by 2030, according to his estimates. The implication, he said, was that Nigeria could not rely on currency appreciation or changes in nominal GDP to manufacture the appearance of economic expansion without a corresponding increase in production, productivity and employment. According to the First Deputy President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), “A trillion-dollar economy built on a strong naira and weak factories would be a statistical achievement, not an economic one.”

Stabilisation gains yet to translate into productive investment Adesugba acknowledged recent

improvements in the macro-economy, including second-quarter 2026 real GDP growth of 4.43 per cent, first-half growth of 4.16 per cent, and a decline in headline inflation to 14.63 per cent in September. He also cited external reserves of $55.25 billion and a narrower gap between official and parallel foreign exchange markets as evidence that the reform programme was yielding stabilisation gains. However, Adesugba warned that the composition of capital inflows, inadequate electricity supply, and weak industrial expansion continued to undermine the economy’s capacity to generate sustainable growth. Capital importation reached $10.37 billion in the first quarter of 2026, but Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) accounted for only $135.08 million, representing 1.3 per cent of the total. Also, about 73 per cent of the inflows went into the banking sector, while manufacturing attracted about 1.5 per cent and agriculture barely a third of one per cent, he said. Adesugba distinguished between portfolio capital, which could help stabilise financial markets, and direct investment, which created productive assets, expanded factories, and generated jobs.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF APC 2027 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL...

L-R: Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris; Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu; and President Bola Tinubu, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress 2027 Presidential campaign council in Abuja…recently PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

NECA: Reform Will Lose Justiﬁcation if Fiscal Gains Fail to Translate into Improved Living Standards, Lower Production Costs Dike Onwuamaeze Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has declared that the current economic reform programme of the federal government would lose its justification if its resulting fiscal gains fail to translate into improved living standards for citizens, greater productivity, and more economic opportunities. Director General of NECA, Mr.

Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated this yesterday in a press statement, titled, “NECA Backs Oyedele on Fuel Subsidy Reform, Demands Stronger Citizen and Businessfocused Interventions and Prudent Utilisation of Oil Windfalls.” According to Oyerinde, NECA has thrown its weight behind the call by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, for the federal

government to sustain Nigeria’s fuel subsidy reforms, “while cautioning that the success of the policy must be measured by its impact on the economy, businesses, and the welfare of Nigerians rather than the volume of revenue accruing to government.” He stressed, “The reform would lose its economic and social justification if the resulting fiscal gains failed to translate into improved living standards, lower production costs,

job creation, and greater economic opportunities. “While we support the government’s resolve to sustain subsidy reform, the ultimate measure of its success must be the tangible benefits it delivers to Nigerians.” Fiscal savings and increased government revenue, according to NECA, “mean little to the average citizen if businesses continue to struggle, jobs remain threatened

Breast Cancer: 21.9% of Women Diagnosed in Five African Countries Under 40, SGU Warns

Says only 13% of women in sub-Saharan Africa have undergone clinical breast examination Africa recorded 225,643 new cases, 100,070 deaths in 2024 Sunday Ehigiator St. George’s University (SGU) has called for risk-based breast cancer screening across Africa, following a study which found that 21.9 per cent of women diagnosed with the disease across five sub-Saharan African countries were below the age of 40. The university urged healthcare providers to consider individual risk factors alongside age when determining screening needs, warning that an age-only approach could limit early detection, particularly in underserved communities. SGU made the call as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the need to improve access to breast examinations, diagnostic imaging and specialist care. According to estimates by the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2024, published in 2026, Africa recorded approximately 225,643 new breast cancer cases and 100,070 deaths in 2024. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women on the continent and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among them. Assistant Professor and Director of the Global Health Unit in the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at SGU, Grenada, Dr. Tonia Frame, said breast cancer risk varied among individuals

and should not be determined by age alone. “Breast cancer risk does not suddenly begin at a particular birthday, and two women of the same age may have very different risk profiles,” Frame said. She urged women to familiarise themselves with the usual appearance and feel of their breasts and seek prompt medical evaluation for unexplained changes. “In Africa, where breast cancer often presents at a comparatively younger age, and access to highquality imaging is uneven, discussions about early detection should extend beyond age alone,” she added. The university identified family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited genetic factors, breast density, and previous high-risk breast lesions as factors that could influence individual screening plans. It stated that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants might require screening earlier than the average-risk population, potentially from age 25, depending on clinical recommendations. SGU also cited a 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis, which found that only 13 per cent of women in sub-Saharan Africa had ever undergone a clinical breast examination. It attributed disparities in screening uptake partly to differences in educational attainment, household wealth, health insurance coverage

and access to healthcare services. The institution called for improved diagnostic infrastructure, more training for frontline health workers, expanded access to imaging and pathology services, and stronger referral systems to ensure women with abnormal findings received timely care. It also highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to support breast cancer detection through patient triage, image interpretation, workflow prioritisation, and risk estimation, particularly in areas with limited specialist capacity. However, the university cautioned that AI tools required proper validation, quality assurance, diagnostic confirmation, and

continuous monitoring to ensure reliable performance across different population groups. Frame said integrating community health workers, portable AI technology, and digital referral pathways into primary healthcare could help reach women facing geographical, financial and health-system barriers. She stated, “The most important feature is not the algorithm alone, but the complete pathway linking awareness, initial assessment, referral, diagnostic confirmation and treatment. “AI output is not a diagnosis. It must be interpreted alongside the patient’s clinical history, risk factors, examination findings and appropriate diagnostic imaging.”

and households are increasingly unable to meet their basic needs.” Oyerinde stated that subsidy reform must be complemented by broader economic measures aimed at stimulating private-sector investment and productivity, including policy consistency, regulatory efficiency, improved security, reduced logistics costs, and a more enabling business environment. He said, “Sustaining subsidy reform is important, but sustaining businesses, protecting jobs and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians are equally critical.” According to him, government must demonstrate that the sacrifices being made by citizens and businesses are yielding visible and measurable dividends. Oyerinde urged the government to remain committed to the reform while prioritising effective and structured interventions, fiscal transparency, prudent management of oil windfalls and strategic investment in productive sectors. He stated, “The objective must not simply be to increase government revenue, but to convert fiscal gains into economic prosperity. “Nigerians must see the benefits through affordable energy, improved infrastructure, lower business costs, more decent jobs and a better quality of life. “Anything short of this, risks undermining public confidence in the reform and its long-term sustainability.” He also expressed concern over

the persistent rise in the prices of petroleum products. The NECA director-general said petrol prices were reportedly averaging N1,400 per litre and diesel prices about N1,900 per litre in some locations, which had further escalated operating costs for businesses and compounded the hardship faced by Nigerians. According to him, the rising cost of energy, transportation, and production have continued to undermine business competitiveness, particularly among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), many of which are already contending with weak purchasing power, infrastructure deficits, and other structural challenges. He stated, “The reality is that businesses cannot remain competitive when energy costs continue to rise without corresponding improvements in critical infrastructure. “The increasing cost of petrol and diesel is putting enormous pressure on enterprises, threatening business sustainability, constraining expansion and placing jobs at risk. “Government must ensure that the gains from subsidy reform are deliberately channelled towards reducing these pressures.” Oyerinde urged the government to urgently strengthen targeted social protection programmes to cushion the effect of the reforms on vulnerable Nigerians, particularly low-income households and workers.

Gulf of Guinea Commission Appoints Oyetola to Spearhead Regional Blue Economy Policy Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to lead the development of a comprehensive regional Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, in a major move to strengthen maritime security, sustainable ocean governance, and economic cooperation among member states. The appointment followed Ni-

geria’s development and approval of its first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which the commission said had inspired its plan to establish a similar regional framework for the Gulf of Guinea. Deputy Executive Secretary of GGC, Ambassador Obinna Agbugba, who spoke on behalf of the commission’s Executive Secretary, Mr. José Mba Abeso, disclosed the development during a meeting with Oyetola in his office on Tuesday.

Agbugba commended the minister for pioneering Nigeria’s landmark Marine and Blue Economy Policy and his achievements since assuming office, stating that the country’s initiative has provided an important foundation for the commission’s regional ambition. He also thanked Oyetola for accepting to lead the development of the policy, expressing confidence in his leadership and experience in advancing the marine and blue economy sector.

In his response, Oyetola expressed appreciation to the commission for the confidence reposed in him, describing the assignment as an opportunity to advance regional cooperation and promote the sustainable use of shared marine resources. The minister disclosed that GGC, through a letter dated May 7, 2026, formally requested him to lead the development of a comprehensive Marine and Blue Economy Policy for the region.

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

NEWS

PRESENTATION OF THE 2026 TOYOTA PRADO TO GUINNESS ‘OPEN FOR MORE’ PROMOTION...

L-R: Legal and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Rotimi Odusola; Human Resources Director, Guinness Nigeria, Ayodeji Ajibola; Managing Director and Chief Executive Oﬃcer, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Girish Sharma; Grand prize winner of the Guinness “Open For More” promotion, Queen Thompson; and Head of Division, East 4, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Jonathan Chukwunyere, during the oﬃcial presentation of the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to Thompson at Guinness Nigeria’s headquarters in Ogba, Lagos ... recently

Keyamo, Babalakin End 20-year MM2 Dispute, FAAN to Resume Revenue Collection Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government has reached a negotiated settlement with Bi-Courtney Limited and Stabilini Visinoni Limited over the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) concession in Lagos, ending a dispute that lasted nearly two decades and involved multiple court cases. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the resolution yesterday, stating that the agreement would enable the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) resume collecting concession fees from MMA2 while clearing the way for the completion of abandoned hotel and conference centre projects near the airport. Keyamo disclosed that the settlement framework was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on April 30, 2026, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He described the agreement as a significant development for the aviation sector, noting that years of litigation had prevented the parties from resolving their differences and moving forward with the projects. Under the agreement, Bi-Courtney will waive its outstanding claims against the Federal Government, while the government and FAAN will relinquish specified historical claims against the concessionaire,

including accumulated concession fees and related payments arising before the settlement. “FAAN had not earned a kobo from MMA2 for the last 20 years because of disputes. Today, FAAN begins to earn its money from that settlement,” Keyamo said. He explained that the arrangement was a reciprocal settlement under which both parties had agreed to relinquish past claims in favour of a fresh contractual relationship with defined financial and operational obligations. The settlement also addresses a longstanding disagreement over the General Aviation Terminal, known as the old domestic terminal or MM1. Keyamo said the agreement recognises the General Aviation Terminal as belonging to the federal government and being operated by FAAN, following a series of court proceedings over the parties’ competing claims. In return, the government has agreed to allow Bi-Courtney to expand its apron and accommodate regional flights within Africa at MMA2, subject to the terminal’s capacity. The agreement also restores rights relating to the four-star hotel and conference centre, which have remained incomplete for years following a separate dispute over their leases. Keyamo urged Bi-Courtney’s Chairman, Wale Babalakin, a Senior

Advocate of Nigeria, to ensure that the abandoned buildings were completed, describing them as an eyesore for airport users. “Everybody drives through there every day, so I am saying it before the camera: anytime you are driving through, look whether Babalakin is building that place and raise the alarm and call me if I am not there,” the minister said.

He added that completing the facilities would improve the airport’s surroundings and create employment opportunities. The dispute originated from a concession agreement executed by the federal government and the two companies on April 24, 2003, for the design, construction, operation and eventual transfer of the domestic terminal.

The concession, which initially provided for a 12-year term commencing on May 7, 2007, was subsequently extended to 36 years. Disagreements over financial entitlements, the terminal’s operations and the ownership of related airport facilities resulted in prolonged litigation across different courts, including the Supreme Court. A separate dispute arose over the

leases for the hotel and conference centre, which FAAN terminated in April 2012 over alleged failure to meet construction obligations. Bi-Courtney challenged the termination in court. Keyamo said the negotiations required sustained engagement between the parties, adding that his legal background and Babalakin’s helped them examine the issues and find common ground.

London/Paris Clubs Refunds: Court Frees ALGON’s Lawyer, Iseghohi-Edwards, of Fraud Allegations Sets aside EFCC 2024 investigation report Faults AGF for subjecting valid court judgement to probe Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Suleiman Belgore of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Garki, on Tuesday, cleared an Abuja-based lawyer, Dr. Ted Iseghohi-Edwards, of allegations of fraud or criminal conduct in the services he rendered to the 774 local governments in relation to the London and Paris Clubs refunds. Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) had engaged Iseghohi-Edwards to represent the 774 local government areas in the country in the London/Paris Club

refunds matters. However, following his arrest, detention, and threat of further arrest for alleged fraud in the London and Paris Club refunds, the claimant initiated a fundamental rights suit against the federal government. Respondents in the suit marked: CV/2569/26 were the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN). Delivering judgement on Tuesday, the court held that the report issued by EFCC on August 14, 2024 with Reference Number EFCC/EC/ AGF/07/VOL.1/70, titled “Re:

Request for investigation report on London-Paris Club matters,” in which the applicant was accused of fraud, was fabricated solely to damage his reputation. Belgore stated that the 2024 report by EFCC lacked depth and was in conflict with earlier reports issued in 2016 by EFCC and Department of State Services (DSS) on the same issue and in which Iseghohi-Edwards was cleared of any wrong doing. Besides, the judge stated that the applicant, having been earlier investigated and cleared on the issue by EFCC and DSS, the respondents could not purport to issue another contrary countermanding investigative report five years later to contradict

earlier final investigative reports and findings on the legal practitioner. The judge, who described EFCC’s 2024 report as a contraption, an effort to stain the applicant and destroy his image, proceeded to issue an order voiding the report. He found that there was no element of criminal or fraudulent allegation against the applicant in the earlier investigation reports of EFCC and DSS investigations. Belgore held that there was evidence of a valid contractual agreement between the applicant and the Incorporated Trustees of ALGON, which was further confirmed by the series of judgements he tendered in court.

Taja Surpasses 50,000 Users as Monthly Transaction Hits Millions of Dollars 600m Africans Lack Electricity, Emma Okonji Taja, a Pan-African fintech company, has surpassed 50,000 users since its inception in 2024, with monthly transaction volumes running into millions of dollars. Taja, which builds payment solutions that simplifies cross-border payments, empowering businesses and creators to participate in the global economy without friction, is already transforming how individuals and businesses participate in the global economy. By bridging local financial realities with international payment systems, Taja provides a unified platform that enables Africans to send, receive,

convert and spend money globally with greater ease. Since its launch in 2024, Taja has scaled to serve more than 50,000 users and currently processes millions of dollars in transaction volume each month. The company made the revelation in a statement, while explaining how the platform operates across key African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sen-egal, South Africa, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, connecting users to major global currencies and payment net-works across the United Kingdom and the United States. Speaking on the milestone, CEO of Taja, David Orovwiroro, said, “We

built Taja because moving money across borders shouldn’t feel like navigating a labyrinth. Our vision has always been about more than moving funds; it is about economic empowerment and removing the invisible borders that can limit African talent and businesses. Surpassing 50,000 users and processing millions of dollars in monthly transaction volume demonstrates the growing demand for acces-sible, borderless financial infrastructure. “We remain committed to ensuring that African crea-tors, freelancers and business owners have the finan-cial tools they need to participate and compete in the global economy.”

Summit Seeks Power Sector Overhaul

ACBF, AU, Benin mobilise policymakers, investors to tackle failing utilities, unlock energy financing, accelerate industrialisation Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nearly 600 million people in subSaharan Africa remain without electricity, exposing the scale of the continent’s energy crisis. Owing to this, policymakers, investors and development partners are preparing to meet in Benin Republic to push for reforms aimed at making power supply reliable, affordable, and capable of driving industrialisation. The persistent electricity deficit, compounded by unreliable grid supply

and the high cost of self-generation for businesses, will take centre stage at the 12th Africa Think Tank Summit in Cotonou, from October 28 to 30. Participants are expected to confront the structural, regulatory, and financing challenges holding back the continent’s power sector. The summit, convened by African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), in collaboration with the government of Benin and African Union, comes amid growing recognition that expanding electricity access alone will

not deliver economic transformation without financially sustainable utilities, effective regulation, and investment in infrastructure. Under the theme, “From Energy Access to Economic Transformation: Practical Policy Pathways for Power Sector Viability, Growth, and Reform in Africa,” the meeting will seek to move the continent’s energy debate beyond political commitments towards practical reforms that improve electricity supply, strengthen utility performance and enable businesses to compete.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

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JPMorgan Deposits N50bn with CBN, Moves Closer to Nigeria Banking Licence Largest US bank hopes to secure permit by end of 2026 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, has deposited N50 billion with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), advancing its bid to establish a locally licensed merchant banking operation in the country. The deposit, equivalent to about $38 million, meets a key capital requirement for obtaining a merchant banking licence, according to a Bloomberg report. However, the move does not guarantee approval, as the CBN is yet to make a final decision on the application. JPMorgan expects to secure the

licence by the end of 2026 or early 2027, subject to regulatory approval, Bloomberg said. The development could mark a significant expansion of the bank’s presence in Nigeria, where it has advised successive governments and major companies on Eurobond issuances and other financial transactions, largely operating through its Lagos representative office. Under the CBN’s banking recapitalisation framework, nationally authorised merchant banks are required to maintain minimum paid-up capital of N50 billion. JPMorgan’s deposit indicates that it is preparing to enter Nigeria’s wholesale banking market rather than establish

a full commercial banking operation. A merchant banking licence would enable the bank to broaden its activities beyond financial advisory services, potentially extending into corporate finance, treasury services, capital markets transactions and other wholesale banking activities, depending on the scope of regulatory approval. JPMorgan’s entry could provide large Nigerian companies with additional access to international financing, structured financial products and global investors. Its established relationships with international capital markets could also strengthen financing options for businesses seeking to raise funds abroad. The bank has played a significant

advisory role in Nigerian sovereign and corporate Eurobond transactions over the years. A locally licensed operation would give it a more direct presence in the domestic financial market and potentially expand its ability to serve Nigerian businesses and institutions. The application also comes as JPMorgan strengthens its operations across Africa, targeting opportunities in trade finance, lending, payments and corporate banking. The bank has recently made several regional appointments, including Edward Bell as head of investment banking in sub-Saharan Africa, Sailepu Montet as head of its Kenya office, and Michael Ahonzo Avou to oversee

operations in Côte d’Ivoire. A Nigerian banking licence would represent a shift from the representativeoffice model the bank has maintained in Lagos for decades, allowing it to establish a more substantial local platform, subject to the conditions attached to its approval. For Nigeria’s banking industry, the development could intensify competition in wholesale banking, particularly in services for multinational companies, major domestic businesses, financial institutions and government-related entities. JPMorgan’s global balance sheet, international distribution network and capital-markets expertise could make it

CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso a stronger competitor for large corporate clients and major financing transactions, potentially putting pressure on established Nigerian and international banks operating in the country.

AGAIN, ANOTHER NON-NIGERIAN BRINGS EBOLA INTO ABUJA; FG SAYS DON’T PANIC, STAY VIGILANT Emmanuel Addeh and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government yesterday confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare revealing that it has activated emergency public health response, including the commencement of contact tracing. Also, the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria (AMSN) yesterday noted with concern the reported case, but commended the prompt commencement of contact tracing as well as the isolation of the patient and the in-tensified surveillance already underway. The Academy further recommended the immediate and nationwide implementation of

high-alert protocols, draw-ing on the proven measures that enabled Nigeria to contain Ebola in 2014 and to respond to COVID-19 in 2020. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the epicentre of the disease, has recorded thousands of cases and deaths as health authorities intensify containment efforts. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, had heightened regional concerns over cross-border transmission, prompting increased surveillance, contact tracing and isolation measures. Specifically, as of October 20, 2026, at least 4,605 people have died from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central and East Africa, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with one death reported in Kenya and two

in Uganda. Besides, the CDC has recorded 9,582 confirmed cases across the affected countries, with investigations and reporting still ongoing. For comparison, the DRC’s 2025 Ebola outbreak, which was declared over on December 1, 2025, recorded 45 deaths from 64 confirmed and probable cases, representing a case fatality rate of 70.3 per cent. Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people or contaminated materials. The Bundibugyo strain responsible for the 2026 outbreak is particularly con-cerning because there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, making early diagnosis, iso-lation, supportive care and contact tracing

essential to containing its spread. But in the statement conveying the news on the Ebola case, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Wel-fare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the patient was a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was said to be asymmetric and Ebola usually takes about three weeks for symptoms to develop. And thankfully, Abuja has very well equipped medical laboratories capable of meeting the challenge. According to the minister, the woman was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT where she received care for several days before diagnosis was confirmed. The statement added that she is currently in isolation and receiv-ing medical care.

Pate said the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and (NCDC) are working closely with FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities to contain the infection and prevent further spread. “Contact tracing has commenced with 44 close contacts identified presently, with public health teams identifying and monitoring people who may have been exposed, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts,” he said. He added that surveillance has been intensified and hospitals are receiving immediate support to strengthen infection prevention and control measures. The federal government called on all public and private healthcare

TINUBU, AWOLOWO’S FAMILY MOURN AS AFENIFERE LEADER, PA FASORANTI, DIES AT 100 last great titans. According to him, Nigeria will sorely miss Pa Fasoranti’s voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel. Tinubu, in the 13-paragraph release, stated, “I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, our father, patriarch, elder statesman, and foremost Afenifere leader, who died at the glorious age of 100. “On behalf of the federal government and the people of Nigeria, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the good people of Akure Kingdom, the government and people of Ondo State and South-west Nigeria, and the entire Afenifere family. “Pa Fasoranti was an icon, a beacon of principle, and one of the last great titans of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive family. “His life, spanning a century, was a lesson in integrity, discipline, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the Yoruba people and the unity and progress of Nigeria.” The president added, “From his days as an educationist and principal, to his stewardship as Commissioner for Finance in the old Western Region, and later as the leader of Afenifere, Baba never wavered in his belief in true federalism, social justice, and a Nigeria that works for all. “Baba made immense contributions to this country and, at the risk of his life, fought for the democracy we enjoy today. “Pa Fasoranti distinguished himself in every respect: in his disciplined, Spartan way of life, his belief in principles, and his commitment to noble causes.”

Tinubu said, “Our nation will sorely miss his voice of wisdom, moral authority, and fatherly counsel, especially now, when we need his guidance most. “I recall Baba’s centenary on May 11 this year, when we celebrated not just longevity, but a legacy of honour. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints in the sands of time. “I also recall his prayers and counsel when I came to his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer.” Tinubu stated, “I had hoped Papa would also be around with us for my second term to witness the full dawn of economic growth and prosperity in the land. “But we must thank God for Pa Fasoranti’s long life of service, grace and fulfilment. “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. May God comfort all who mourn him and grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Aiyedatiwa, Falae Hail Afenifere Leader as ‘One-ina-Thousand-Years Man’ Fasoranti, who turned 100 years in May, died peacefully in his sleep at his residence, yesterday, October 20, according to his eldest son and Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti. Taiwo said the family had been looking forward to celebrating his father’s 101st birthday but had accepted his death as the will of God, describing his century-long life as one worthy of celebration

rather than mourning. He stated, “Baba passed on this evening around 4pm peacefully in his room, in his bed. Baba was 100 years old. He turned 100 in May, and we were all looking forward to his 101st birthday, but God knows best. “I don’t count it as mourning, but I count it as a time to celebrate his longevity and his influence and impact in the lives of Nigerians, especially Yoruba people.” He described his late father as a man of few words whose wisdom, firmness, and calm disposition left an enduring impression on those around him.

“My day starts with seeing him in the morning and seeing him when I get back from the office. No matter how late it is, he will still be up waiting for me to come in,” he said, recalling the close relationship they shared until his father’s death.

Fasoranti’s Passing is End of Awolowo’s Political Era, Late Sage’s Family Declares The Awolowo family mourned the death of Fasoranti, describing his passing as the end of a remarkable era in the political history of Awolowo’s Titans, the Yoruba

nation, and Nigeria. The head of the Awolowo family and Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Ambassador Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, made the assertion in a condolence statement issued yesterday. Dosumu described Fasoranti as one of the last surviving titans of the political tradition established by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, stating that his commitment to the ideals of the late sage remained steadfast throughout his life. Continued on page 35

facilities nationwide to be on high alert. It urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly identify and isolate suspected cases, observe strict infection prevention and control measures, and immediately report suspected cases. The government also issued advisory on what Nigerians should know and do. It said Ebola spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of sick people or contaminated materials, and cannot spread before symptoms begin. It advised Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, practice regular hand hygiene, avoid contact with body fluids of suspected cases, watch for symptoms including fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting and diarrhoea, and report possible exposure immediately. It further urged those contacted during tracing, including airline passengers, to cooperate and avoid rumours and stigma. “Our assurance to Nigerians (is that) Nigeria successfully contained Ebola in 2014, and we have the experi-ence and public health systems to respond to this case,” Pate said, noting that investigations are ongoing and updates will be provided. The first known case of Ebola in Nigeria was in a traveller called Patrick Sawyer, exposed in Liberia. On July 17, 2014, while under observation in a Monrovia, Liberia, hospital for possible Ebola, the patient developed a fever and, while symptomatic, left the hospital against medical advice. Continued on page 34

GBAJABIAMILA: DRAFT OF NATIONAL POLICING BILL NOW READY, UNDERGOING LEGISLATIVE REVIEW to the Federal Ministry of Justice for legislative drafting review and validation. He said the submission to Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, took place on Monday, October, 19, in line with the working group’s work plan. The chief of staff explained that the ministry’s review would ensure that the bills conformed to legislative drafting standards and conventions, and did not conflict with existing laws. He said the Ministry of Justice was expected to return the validated draft bills to the working group on or before Friday, October 30 for final consideration before their presentation to President Bola Tinubu, which would mark the conclusion of the group’s mandate. Gbajabiamila said, “The proposed National Policing Bill seeks to establish the constitutional and legislative framework for a dual

policing structure, comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services. “The Working Group remains committed to a rigorous and transparent process that will deliver a comprehensive legislative proposal for consideration by the president and subsequent transmission to the National Assembly. “The work on preparing the National Policing Bill is proceeding alongside the ongoing consideration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 by the States Houses of Assembly, which must be completed before the bill is transmitted to the National Assembly.” The presidency had last Thursday hinted that the National Policing Bill would be transmitted to the National Assembly within two weeks. Gbajabiamila told newsmen after the steering committee’s meeting at State House, Abuja, “The National

Policing Bill is more or less ready for transmission to the National Assembly. “We will probably have one more meeting after this to cross the t’s and dot the i’s and make sure every area is covered. So, we are 90 per cent ready. The governors have one or two observations, and we should be ready in about a week or so.” He described the bill as “the most consequential bill of the administration so far”, adding that it has undergone strenuous exercises in the last few weeks since the working group’s steering committee began deliberations on August 3. Commenting on the possibility of the states dragging their feet on the passage of the Sixth Constitution Alteration Bill (State Police), especially against the backdrop of the information that only about six states had passed the amendment, out of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gbajabiamila affirmed that there was a “national

consensus” among Nigerians on the need for the amendments. “I see no reason why anyone will want to have a rethink on it,” he said. Members of the committee present at Thursday’s meeting held at the conference hall of the Chief of Staff Office at State House, Abuja, included Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State; Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu; and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, represented by Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba. Others were Chairman, Policy Advisory Committee, Justice Abdullahi Liman (rtd); Head, Nigeria Police Reform Secretariat, Professor Olu Continued on page 34

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

NEWS

INTERSWITCH TECHCONNECT 6.0 INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT CONFERENCE...

L-R: Vice President, Business Innovation and Growth, Interswitch, Tyoyila Aga; Chief of Staﬀ, Federal Capital Territory Inland Revenue Service (IRS), Frank Obaro; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, Sokoto, Dr. Nasir Daniya; Head, Partnerships, Interswitch, Suliyat Aliyu; Technical Assistant to the Director General, Kano State Information Technology Development Agency, Ahmed Idris; and Vice President, Enterprise Sales and Account Management, Interswitch, Serhomome Agbofode, during the Interswitch TechConnect 6.0 Industry Engagement Conference, held in Abuja ... recently PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

ADC: Tinubu May Impose 5% Fuel Tax If Re-elected Warns petrol may hit N1,522.50/litre, government may activate tax after 2027 election

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration may implement a proposed five per cent fuel tax after the 2027 presidential election if he is re-elected, warning that the measure could push petrol

prices above N1,500 per litre and worsen the cost-of-living crisis. The party was reacting to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele’s, disclosure on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, that the government would introduce

the fuel tax when economic conditions improved. ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the administration’s intention was to activate the tax after securing re-election. “They have already enacted the law for a five per cent tax on fuel under

the Nigeria Tax Act. And President Tinubu has signed it into law since June 2025. If they have not activated it yet, it is because of re-election. “Once Tinubu is re-elected, he will announce the new tax law on the inauguration ground, just as he did for fuel subsidy in 2023,” Abdullahi said.

UK, Nigeria Move to Deepen Security Ties, Tackle Visa Fraud, Organised Crime Countries agree on extradition, asset recovery, prisoner transfer, as Nigeria emerges third-largest source of UK student visas Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed on fresh measures to strengthen cooperation on migration, justice and security, including tackling visa fraud, organised immigration crime, cyber-enabled fraud and drug trafficking, following commitments made during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Britain in March. The agreements, reached at the annual UK-Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue in London on October 6, also cover improved document verification and border management, extradition, asset recovery, prisoner transfer,

and safe and dignified return and reintegration of migrants. The two countries further agreed to support the development of Nigerian visa pathways for businesses seeking to invest in Nigeria, as both governments seek to facilitate legitimate movement while strengthening enforcement against abuses of immigration systems. The dialogue was jointly chaired by senior officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office, with both sides committing to monitor progress on the agreed measures. The renewed cooperation comes as Nigeria ranks as the third-largest

source of UK student visas globally and the fifth-largest source of work visas, according to the British government, highlighting the scale of legitimate travel between both countries and the importance of protecting established migration routes from fraud and abuse. British Deputy High Commissioner, Vicky Seymour, said the partnership was delivering practical outcomes on issues affecting citizens in both countries. “Building on the momentum of President Tinubu’s state visit, we are turning political commitments into action that benefits citizens in both our countries, from tackling visa

Ogun Suspends Eselu of Iselu Over Alleged Partisan Political Activities James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State Government has suspended the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, with immediate effect over alleged partisan political activities. The suspension was approved by the State Executive Council pursuant to Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021, pending a detailed investigation into the

allegations against the monarch. The decision was conveyed in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat. According to the letter, the council acted following several complaints concerning the traditional ruler’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him.

The government noted that partisan politics was contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute, warning that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threaten peaceful coexistence among subjects with different political affiliations. It said the suspension was in the interest of peace, order and good governance in Ogun State, particularly in Iselu Kingdom, while the allegations were subjected to an official and detailed review.

fraud and organised immigration crime to strengthening border security and supporting safe and dignified return and reintegration,” she said.

The party warned that if the five per cent surcharge were passed directly to consumers, petrol selling at N1,450 per litre would rise to N1,522.50, with potentially far-reaching consequences for transportation, food distribution, small businesses and household expenditure. “This Tinubu-led APC never runs out of new ways to make survival more expensive. Each time Nigerians struggle to recover from one punishing policy, another burden is waiting around the corner. “A government that has already removed fuel subsidies and subjected citizens to unprecedented economic pressures should be discussing relief, not preparing additional taxes,” the party said. The ADC also questioned the administration’s justification that the proposed tax would support road infrastructure and fuel-price

stabilisation, insisting that Nigerians deserved measurable improvements in public services and infrastructure before being asked to shoulder additional financial burdens. The party recalled that Tinubu, as governor of Lagos State, had opposed a fuel tax being contemplated by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in December 2003, describing it as “double taxation” that placed an unfair burden on citizens. “Now, Tinubu does not care if the people are burdened to death,” the ADC said. The party urged Nigerians to embrace the fuel production subsidy proposed by its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, arguing that the policy would reduce petrol prices and ease the broader cost-of-living crisis. “It’s the only way to bring down, not only the cost of fuel, but also the cost of living generally,” the party said.

ECOWAS Court Judges Vow to End Delays, Enforce Judgments New judicial college pledges independence, integrity as Court targets effective justice delivery across West Africa Michael Olugbode in Abuja The newly appointed judges of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice have pledged to uphold judicial independence and integrity, tackle delays in adjudication and strengthen compliance with the Court’s judgments, amid renewed emphasis on restoring public confidence in regional justice delivery. The judges made the commitment as they began a five-day orientation programme on Monday, against the backdrop of growing institutional demands for timely justice, impartial adjudication and effective enforcement of judicial decisions across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). President of the Court, Justice Charlyne Brumskine, who outlined the priorities of the new judicial college, said the credibility of the

regional court depended on the fairness, impartiality and integrity demonstrated in every case. Brumskine, in her opening address, challenged the judges to make judicial excellence, collegiality and effective adjudication the defining principles of their tenure, stressing that their responsibilities extended beyond the determination of disputes to strengthening confidence in the Court as a regional judicial institution. She identified judicial independence and integrity, collegiality, and effectiveness as the three priorities that must guide the new college, emphasising the need for rigorous deliberations, mutual respect and consistency in judicial decisions. The Court president also highlighted the need to address delays in the administration of justice, insisting on the importance of timely adjudication and alignment with the

Court’s Strategic Plan for 2026–2030. A major concern she raised was compliance with the Court’s judgments, calling for sustained engagement with ECOWAS member states to strengthen implementation of its decisions. The emphasis on compliance places the relationship between the Court and member states at the centre of efforts to improve the effectiveness of regional justice, as the authority of a court depends not only on the judgments it delivers but also on their implementation. Congratulating the judges on their assumption of office on October 13, Brumskine said service at the regional court required a thorough understanding of the ECOWAS legal order, the Court’s jurisdiction and procedures, and its jurisprudence developed over more than two decades.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

AMBASSADOR RENO OMOKRI SET FOR MEXICO...

The Chargé d’aﬀaires of the Embassy of the United Mexican States in Abuja, Mr José Manuel Briseño Flores (right), delivering the Agrément From to the Government of the United Mexican States accepting Mr. Bemigho Reno Omokri, to serve as Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Mexican States, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Guatemala, The Republic of Honduras, and The Republic of Nicaragua, to the Director of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Aﬀairs, Ambassador Babagana Wakil in Abuja …yesterday

Emeﬁele: EFCC Unable to Prove Case, Asks Court to Discharge Him from $6.23m Fraud Charge Appeal court reserves judgment in ex-CBN governor’s bid to disqualify trial judge Alex Enumah in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele has asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to discharge and acquit him from the alleged $6.23 million and procurement fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Emefiele predicated his call on the grounds that the evidences of witnesses called by the anti-graft agency as well as exhibits tendered did not link him to the charge against him. The federal government is prosecuting Emefiele on a 20-count criminal charge bordering on breach of trust, forgery, obtaining by false pretence, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Besides, he is also accused of complicity in the fraudulent withdrawal of the sum of $6.23 million from the vault of the Abuja branch of the apex bank. But Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the entire charge and also informed the court of his intention to file a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case at the last sitting. Arguing the no-case motion yesterday, his lead counsel, Mr Mathew Burkaa (SAN) observed that counts 1 to 14 of the charge relates with how Emefiele allegedly conferred unfair advantage on his close associates,

including his wife, and in-law. Burkaa submitted that none of the witnesses presented by the anti-graft agency was able to show how he benefited from the allegations or manipulated the Tender Board Committee to award contracts to two companies at the center of the charge. According to the senior lawyer, the only thing the prosecution was able to show was that Emefiele as the head of the CBN issued approvals. “There was nothing to show that he manipulated the committee. There was nothing to show that he told the Tenders Board of the CBN what to do. “The EFCC evidence showed that the two companies named “April 1616 and Aichtekon executed the car supply contracts awarded them by CBN. So, the corruption would have been that they collected money and they did not do the work.

“The unfairness would have been that Emefiele manipulated the process of the contract award, lobbied to get them to have the contract,” he argued. Arguing further, Burkaa said, the prosecution witnesses made it clear in black and white, that there is a reason why those companies were awarded the contracts because “They bidded less than other companies.” While stating that the prosecution speculated that the companies were guided, he pointed out that it “could not show who guided them, in what way they were guided, what documents showed that they were guided, no, nobody documented.” He noted that counts 15 to 20 were added to the charges when the case was already ongoing, adding “These counts focused on the $ 6.23 million withdrawn from CBN and alleged forgery of signatures and documents.

Burkaa noted that Boss Mustapha, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) had testified that both his signature and former President Muhammadu Buhari’s were forged. Emefiele also said during EFCC’s interrogation that his was forged. Since there is a claim of three forged signatures, Burkaa wondered why Boss Mustapha and the late Buhari were not investigated. He noted that a witness said they ought to have done that and the EFCC’s witnesses were shocked that they did not do that. Opposing the no case submission, Rotimi Oyedepo, ( SAN)said he will set the record straight to prove why a no-case submission was unnecessary. He noted that Emefiele was a public officer and he used his position to confer unfair advantage on Archetekon

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched a voluntary medical campaign in Nigeria to provide specialised cardiac treatment, targeting 108 procedures including 28 openheart surgeries and 80 diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterisation. The initiative is being implemented by King Salman Humanitarian Aid

is that between February 8, 2023 to sometime in June 2023 when Emefiele was removed from office, he was not aware of the withdrawal and was singled out for persecution. “The evidence before the court does not support that position. There are two critical documents used as the basis for the release of the money which Mr Mustapha testified were forged. “The PW 15 said that there is a system that triggers a complaint to Emefiele while he was governor. Because there must be a naira cover for the withdrawal, and Mr Emefiele has to answer to this. He did nothing till he left office, he said. After hearing taking arguments for and against, the judge reserved his ruling on the no case submission to a date that would be communicated to parties.

Senate Moves to Fix Senior Secondary Schools’ Funding Crisis Bamidele seeks state, FCT education boards, interventions for unity colleges, military schools Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate has begun moves to address funding gaps, inadequate infrastructure and disparities in educational standards across public senior secondary schools, proposing amendments to the law establishing the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC). The proposed amendment seeks

to establish education boards at state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) levels and extend targeted interventions to federal unity colleges and senior secondary schools operated by the Armed Forces. The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, scaled second

reading during plenary yesterday, following a debate that highlighted concerns over education funding, accountability and the utilisation of available intervention funds. Leading the debate, Bamidele said persistent deficiencies in school infrastructure, instructional materials and laboratory facilities, as well as disparities in educational standards across states, had made a review

Saudi Arabia Launches Cardiac Care Campaign in Nigeria, Targets 108 Procedures Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

where his wife and brother in-law were listed as directors. The contracts in count 1 to 14 did not go through the Tender Board Committee (TBC) despite a criteria that a contract of above the threshold of N10 million has to be scrutinised by the board. “The committee was circumvented for reviewing the contract,” Oyedepo argued. This is the testimony of Pw 3 he added. Similarly, April 1616 was guided to quote the in-house price depriving the other Nigerian contractors a fair chance, he stressed. “That is not an honest mistake, that is an unfair advantage in the process.” He said the public should be bothered about the $6.3 million withdrawn from CBN under Emefiele’s leadership, because it is a breach of trust. He noted that Burkaa’s narration

and Relief Center (KSrelief) in collaboration with Al-Balsam Association for Health Training and Development. The campaign is designed to help patients access advanced cardiac care, particularly those whose financial circumstances limit their treatment options. During first four days of campaign, medical team is set to perform 75 procedures, comprising 10 open-heart

surgeries and 65 interventional cardiac catheterisation procedures. The team also conducted 13 medical examinations and provided consultations and other essential medical services. The procedures are being carried out at Nizamiye and Zenith Hospitals in Abuja, where 10 Saudi volunteers, including specialist doctors, consultants, nurses, technicians

and administrative personnel, are working alongside Nigerian medical professionals to assess patients and deliver treatment in clinical settings and operating rooms. Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Balawi, Ambassador of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques to Federal Republic of Nigeria, visited Al-Balsam medical team at Zenith Hospital in Abuja to observe campaign’s activities.

of the existing legal framework imperative. He explained that senior secondary education played a critical role in preparing young Nigerians for higher education, technical and vocational training, skills acquisition and productive participation in the economy. “The importance of senior secondary education in our national development cannot be overstated,” Bamidele said. He added that the sector was central to developing the human capital required to drive economic growth, innovation and technological advancement. According to him, the proposed amendments would strengthen the administration, coordination, funding and delivery of public senior secondary education while ensuring that government interventions reached schools more effectively. Bamidele said the establishment of state and FCT education boards would bring the implementation of intervention programmes closer to

the institutions and communities they were designed to serve. He also explained that extending the framework to federal unity colleges and Armed Forces senior secondary schools would help address their infrastructure and learning-resource needs. The Senate Leader, however, warned that changing the law would not automatically improve educational outcomes without transparent funding arrangements, clear implementation guidelines and effective monitoring mechanisms. “The successful implementation of the proposed amendments will depend on clear operational guidelines, transparent allocation criteria, effective monitoring, proper financial accountability and coordination between the Commission and the relevant authorities,” he said. Bamidele stressed the commission must ensure fairness in the distribution of resources, establish measurable performance targets and guarantee the prudent utilisation of public funds.

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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO MANUFACTURERS, IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND DEALERS OF SIMENABLED DEVICES ON TYPE APPROVAL COMPLIANCE The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), further to its earlier announcement on strengthening Type Approval compliance for SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria, wishes to remind Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs), importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their statutory and regulatory obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024. The Commission is strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of these existing requirements through technologyenabled verification to ensure that devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable standards. All stakeholders involved in the manufacture, importation, supply and sale of SIM-enabled devices are therefore reminded of the following compliance requirements: Type Approval: All device models intended for importation, assembly and distribution or sale in Nigeria must have obtained the required NCC Type Approval. This requirement is as outlined in Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 in the Type Approval Regulations 2024. Device Verification: OEMs, ODMs, importers and other responsible suppliers must ensure that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of individual devices is submitted through the approved compliance process for verification before sale and distribution. Existing Stock: Distributors, dealers and retailers should confirm that devices already held in stock meet the applicable Type Approval and device verification requirements, working with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues. New Imports: Devices brought into Nigeria must comply with the applicable Type Approval and device verification requirements before being placed on the market. The Commission, as part of its participatory regulatory approach, has undertaken extensive engagements with OEMs, ODMs, importers, and relevant industry associations. Businesses that have not participated in these engagements or are uncertain about the steps required for compliance are encouraged to seek guidance promptly through the Commission's approved onboarding and support channels. The automated Type Approval Compliance process will strengthen the Commission’s oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and improve its ability to identify potential irregularities in their importation and distribution. In collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, the process will also support the reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties, and fair competition by ensuring that businesses which meet their obligations are not disadvantaged by those which do not. Upon full implementation, devices that fail to meet the applicable requirements may be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks, in accordance with the approved enforcement framework. The Commission remains committed to working with all stakeholders to facilitate compliance, protect consumers and promote a fair and sustainable market for communications devices in Nigeria. For industry compliance guidance and onboarding assistance: visit www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide or call 315 for assistance.

Dated this 21st Day of October, 2026

Signed: Nnenna Ukoha Director, Public Affairs Department

Plot 423 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Tel: +234-8-61-7000-29 fax: +234-9-461-7514 Toll Free No: 622. E-mail: ncc@ncc.gov.ng

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 t T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2026

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

POLITICS

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com 08033025611 SMS ONLY

Between Akpabio’s Performance and Battle for 11th Senate Leadership As Senator Godswill Akpabio seeks a second term as President of the Senate, early endorsements expose the emerging succession battle, raising critical questions about legislative performance, institutional independence and the 11th National Assembly. Sunday Aborisade reports.

Akpabio

he declaration by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, that there is “no vacancy” in the office of the Senate President has introduced a fresh dimension to the emerging struggle for the leadership of the 11th National Assembly. Beyond its immediate political implications, however, the declaration raises fundamental questions about legislative performance, institutional independence, political succession and the extent to which the present Senate can influence the leadership of a chamber whose membership Nigerians are yet to elect. Monguno’s declaration during last Thursday’s plenary was unequivocal. Expressing confidence that a majority of serving senators would return to the chamber after the 2027 general election, he endorsed the continuation of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President. His position extended to the Deputy Senate President and other principal officers, signalling a broader preference for continuity in the leadership of the 10th Senate. Senator Cyril Fasuyi subsequently reinforced the position, maintaining that the Senate presidency was already occupied and should not be treated as an office awaiting a new contest. Akpabio then put the position to a voice vote, with senators responding in support. Politically, the development was significant. It demonstrated the willingness of Akpabio’s allies to begin consolidating support for his possible return well before the inauguration of the next National Assembly. Institutionally, however, it did not settle the question of who would preside over the Senate after the 2027 elections. The distinction is crucial. The current Senate can express confidence in its leadership, but it cannot determine the composition or leadership of the 11th Senate. Nigerians will decide who represents them in the next National Assembly, while the senators elected in 2027 will choose their presiding officers in accordance with the Constitution and applicable parliamentary rules. Akpabio, therefore, faces two separate political tests: securing his return to the Senate and persuading his colleagues in the next Assembly to elect him president. Success in the first will not automatically guarantee success in the second. The emerging contest is consequently

Uzodinma

about much more than the survival of an incumbent. It is also a test of the relationship between political loyalty and legislative performance, the independence of parliament under a dominant executive, and the extent to which the leadership of the National Assembly should be determined by institutional considerations rather than the calculations of political power brokers. Succession battle before the battleﬁeld is formed The timing of Monguno’s declaration provides an important insight into the political calculations surrounding the Senate presidency. Akpabio had complained that controversies arising from his comments during deliberations on a bill dealing with attempted suicide were being exploited by political opponents to undermine his reputation ahead of the contest for the next Senate presidency. He had also suggested that the contests for the presidency and vice-presidency were effectively settled, leaving the Senate presidency as a major political prize still attracting attention. Against this background, Monguno’s intervention can hardly be divorced from the calculations already gathering momentum around the 11th National Assembly. The declaration appears designed, at least in part, to establish an early narrative of continuity, reassure Akpabio’s supporters and discourage potential challengers from assuming

Oshiomhole

that the position will automatically become available after the next elections. Yet the strategy presents an interesting paradox. While it may strengthen the incumbent’s standing among his allies, it also draws attention to the political uncertainty surrounding his ambition. If his return were already assured, why would the leadership need to establish so early that there was “no vacancy”? Of course, an early endorsement is not necessarily evidence of weakness. In parliamentary politics, succession battles frequently begin long before the formal process, as aspirants build alliances, negotiate interests and seek assurances from colleagues. Nevertheless, the declaration cannot eliminate the uncertainties that will shape the next leadership contest. Senators who endorse Akpabio today may not return in 2027. Those who return may reassess their positions in response to new political alignments, while newly elected senators will enter the chamber with interests and ambitions of their own. The present Senate may therefore have expressed a preference, but the final political arithmetic remains unsettled. What exactly is at stake? The intensity of the emerging contest is understandable. The Senate President occupies one of the most influential positions in Nigeria’s political system, presiding over legislative business, participating in the determination of parliamentary priorities and exercising considerable influence over the allocation of committee responsibilities and the management of the chamber. The office also places its occupant at the centre of relations between the legislature and the executive, particularly in budget-

An endorsement by the present Senate cannot substitute for electoral victory, and electoral victory cannot substitute for the support required to become Senate President. The real test will be whether Akpabio can return to the chamber, defend his record and persuade a new generation of senators that his continued leadership is preferable to an alternative.

ary proceedings, ministerial confirmations, oversight investigations and deliberations on major government policies. These responsibilities make the Senate presidency both an institutional office and a significant instrument of political influence. For Akpabio, retaining the position would mean continuing to shape the legislative agenda during a period when President Bola Tinubu’s administration will be approaching the next general election. For potential challengers, the contest represents an opportunity to influence the direction of the Senate and redefine its relationship with the executive. However, the national interest demands that the contest should not be reduced to a struggle for political survival or the distribution of parliamentary privileges. The more important question is whether the next Senate will be led by a presiding officer capable of strengthening legislative independence, improving accountability and restoring public confidence in the National Assembly. That is the standard against which Akpabio’s third-year performance should be assessed. Performance versus political loyalty The central weakness in the emerging succession debate is the tendency to discuss Akpabio’s possible return principally in terms of endorsements, alliances and the number of senators willing to support him. Those considerations are important in parliamentary politics, but they are insufficient to establish whether another term would serve the interests of the Senate or the Nigerian public. An incumbent seeking another term should be judged on what he has accomplished, the institutional precedents established under his leadership and the extent to which the Senate has discharged its constitutional responsibilities. Supporters of Akpabio can point to legislative activity, cooperation with the executive and the passage of government-backed measures as evidence of a productive working relationship between the two arms of government. They may also argue that a stable relationship between the Senate and the presidency can facilitate governance and prevent unnecessary institutional confrontations. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 t T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

FEATURES

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

Government College Ibadan Old Boys Turn Reunion Into Investment in Future Generations From modern learning facilities and refurbished laboratories to sports infrastructure and improved accommodation, the Government College Ibadan Old Boys’ Association is turning its shared heritage into investments for future generations. At its annual reunion in Ibadan, the association recently inaugurated several legacy projects, reaﬃrming its commitment to the development of its alma mater. Victoria Ojiako writes

L-R: Dr. Olawale Babalakin 1971 set, President GCIOBA and Engr. Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, during the inauguration of one of the projects by the governor

or generations of students who passed through Government College, Ibadan, the institution represents more than a place of learning. It is a shared heritage shaped by discipline, tradition and friendships that have endured beyond the classroom. For its old boys, preserving that heritage increasingly means investing in the facilities and opportunities available to those who follow them. This commitment took centre stage on Saturday as the Government College Ibadan Old Boys’ Association (GCIOBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), reunion luncheon and commissioning of legacy projects at the school, bringing together alumni across generations to celebrate their connection to the institution and demonstrate their contributions to its development. The projects inaugurated by the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, reflected the association’s approach to sustaining the school’s legacy through investments in education, sports, accommodation, technology and other essential facilities. Among the projects were a 270-capacity Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre for technical education executed by the 1976 Set; the GCI Green Renaissance Project, which includes improvements to the Agricultural Department and laboratory; a hockey pitch and pavilion donated by the Babalakin family; and a tennis and practice court provided by the 1986 Set. Other facilities included the Jude Bademosi Cricket Oval, Imoyosi House, an expanded Lakeland Area Hall, a new dormitory and the Vice Principal’s Lodge, a project of the 1966 Set facilitated by the Imoyo family through Tunde Imoyo. The school also benefited from a refurbished National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lodge, a campus-wide Wi-Fi network, a command and control centre, refurbished chemistry and physics laboratories, and a five-a-side football pitch. Together, the projects highlighted the range of needs alumni have sought to address, from improving teaching and learning facilities to expanding sporting opportunities and strengthening the school’s infrastructure. Giving Back Beyond Reunion For GCIOBA President, Dr. Wale Babalakin, the annual gathering represents

L-R: Architect Tayo Babalakin; Dr. Olawale Babalakin, 1971 set President GCIOBA; and Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

more than an opportunity for old schoolmates to reconnect. It is also a reminder of their collective responsibility to the institution that helped shape their lives. Speaking at the reunion luncheon, Babalakin said the gathering reaffirmed the bond among members and their shared obligation to give back to their alma mater. He also highlighted the partnership between the association and the Oyo State Government, which has enabled the old boys to improve infrastructure, support learning and preserve the school’s traditions for future generations. Babalakin was re-elected president at the AGM, where the association reviewed its activities and achievements over the past year, including interventions aimed at improving the school’s facilities. His involvement in the projects was also reflected in the hockey pitch, the expansion of Lakeland Area Hall and the construction of a new dormitory undertaken in honour of the 1971 Set. The range of interventions demonstrates how alumni contributions can extend beyond individual donations to address several aspects of a school’s development. While technology and laboratory facilities support academic work, sports infrastructure and accommodation contribute to the wider experience of students living and learning on campus. The inauguration also provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of different generations of old boys, with the 1966, 1976 and 1986 sets receiving special recognition during the luncheon in celebration of their milestone anniversaries. Preserving a Tradition of Independent Thinking The reunion activities followed GCIOBA’s 2026 Annual Reunion Public Lecture, held earlier in the week in Lagos, where playwright and Professor of Theatre Arts, Femi Osofisan, challenged Nigerians to examine the character of those entrusted with public power. Posing the question, “What kind

of people are we?”, Osofisan argued that the country’s difficulties could not be understood solely through its political systems, but also through the people who operate them. He advocated collective action to confront injustice, emphasising the importance of working alongside affected communities rather than attempting to bring about change on their behalf. His intervention placed questions of personal responsibility and civic engagement at the centre of the discussion, themes that resonated with the association’s emphasis on collective responsibility to its alma mater. Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who attended the lecture as Guest of Honour, urged the old boys to preserve Government College Ibadan’s tradition of independent thinking and pushing boundaries. The lecture also provided an opportunity to recognise old boys whose contributions have shaped Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual life. Those recognised for their contributions to the arts included Timothy Aluko, Ben Enwonwu, Cyprian Ekwensi, Christopher Kolade, Dapo Adelugba, Rowland Abiodun, Bode Sowande and Bisade Ologunde, popularly known as Lagbaja. Their recognition underscored another dimension of the school’s legacy: the achievements of its former students in fields extending beyond formal education and professional careers. A Legacy Measured in Opportunities The projects inaugurated at Government College Ibadan represent a practical expression of the association’s commitment to sustaining that legacy. By investing in computer-based testing, laboratories, sports facilities, accommodation and campus technology, the old boys are contributing to the environment in which current and future students will pursue their education. The CBT Centre, in particular, adds to the school’s technical education facilities, while the refurbished

science laboratories provide improved infrastructure for practical learning. The campus-wide Wi-Fi network and command and control centre further broaden the range of facilities available to the institution. Sports investments, including the cricket oval, hockey pitch and pavilion, tennis court and five-a-side football pitch, also form part of the development programme, alongside accommodation projects such as Imoyosi House, the new dormitory and the refurbished NYSC lodge. The projects reflect contributions from different graduating sets and families, illustrating how alumni engagement can bring together resources and initiatives across generations. The partnership with the Oyo State Government, as highlighted by Babalakin, remains an important part of this effort, linking the association’s contributions with the broader responsibility for the school’s development. For the old boys, the reunion was therefore both a celebration of shared experiences and an opportunity to renew their commitment to the institution. The AGM provided a platform to review the association’s work and elect its leadership, while the luncheon brought members together to celebrate their common heritage and acknowledge the contributions of successive generations. The public lecture, meanwhile, extended the reunion’s focus beyond the school, raising questions about leadership, responsibility, injustice and the importance of independent thought. Taken together, the activities placed the preservation of Government College Ibadan’s heritage alongside the need to keep the institution equipped for the demands of contemporary education. The enduring test of the association’s efforts will be the opportunities these investments create for students who will pass through the school in the years ahead. Through its legacy projects and partnership with the state government, GCIOBA is seeking to ensure that the institution’s traditions are sustained not only in the memories of its old boys, but also in the facilities and learning environment available to future generations.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

FEATURES

Osita Okoye: Building a Real Estate Legacy Through Vision and Enterprise In Nigeria’s competitive real estate sector, building a sustainable business requires more than identifying profitable opportunities. It demands strategic thinking, attention to quality, customer confidence and the discipline to turn business ideas into lasting enterprises. Chief Osita Emmanuel Okoye, Group Managing Director of Swiss Garden Properties, has built his entrepreneurial journey around these principles, pursuing a vision of property development that combines commercial ambition with homeownership and long-term value. As he celebrates another birthday, his business journey offers an opportunity to examine the vision, values and enterprise behind his real estate venture. Royce Okolie reports

s the Group Managing Director of Swiss Garden Properties, one of the emerging names in Nigeria’s real estate development sector, Chief Osita Emmanuel Okoye represents a generation of forward-thinking entrepreneurs who understand that sustainable wealth creation requires more than financial resources. It demands vision, courage, discipline, integrity and the ability to transform ideas into successful business ventures. For this accomplished entrepreneur, real estate development is not merely about acquiring land, erecting buildings and selling properties. It is about creating homes, fulfilling aspirations, building trust and providing individuals and families with opportunities to secure their financial future through property ownership. These principles have continued to define his leadership philosophy and the operations of Swiss Garden Properties, a company committed to delivering quality residential developments in strategically selected locations. As Chief Okoye celebrates another year of life, his entrepreneurial journey offers valuable lessons in determination, strategic thinking, business development and the importance of maintaining credibility in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Visionary Behind Swiss Garden Properties Every successful business has a story, and behind that story is often an individual whose vision, sacrifices and determination laid the foundation for its growth. For Swiss Garden Properties, that driving force is Chief Osita Emmanuel Okoye. With an understanding of the opportunities within Nigeria’s property market, he has continued to provide the strategic leadership required to position the company as a dependable real estate development brand. Headquartered at No. 3 Scentilla Close, by Chevron Alternative Route, Lekki, Lagos, Swiss Garden Properties specialises in the acquisition, development and sale of quality residential properties designed to meet the expectations of modern homeowners and investors. Under Chief Okoye’s leadership, the company has developed a business model that places considerable emphasis on strategic land acquisition, quality construction, professional project management and customer satisfaction. Rather than focusing exclusively on the commercial benefits of property development, he has consistently promoted the philosophy that every residential project should provide genuine value to its eventual owner. This commitment has influenced the company’s approach to identifying suitable locations, developing residential properties and maintaining relationships with its growing clientele. Over the years, Swiss Garden Properties has successfully developed and sold numerous residential properties, strengthening its reputation within the industry. Its growing portfolio reflects Chief Okoye’s understanding of the importance of consistency, quality assurance and responsible business practices. Building a Reputation on Trust and Integrity In an industry where trust remains one of the most valuable assets, Okoye has made

Rather than allowing challenges to diminish his ambitions, he continues to pursue opportunities for growth, improvement and business expansion. His entrepreneurial outlook underscores the belief that sustainable success is built through consistency, discipline and the courage to make calculated investments.

Chief Okoye

transparency and professionalism fundamental principles of his business operations. He understands that purchasing a property is often one of the most significant financial commitments an individual or family will make. Consequently, customers deserve not only quality homes but also confidence that their investments are being handled by a responsible and credible organisation. This understanding has shaped the customer-focused approach adopted by Swiss Garden Properties. From initial consultations and property selection to documentation, construction and eventual delivery, the company strives to maintain professional relationships with its clients. Particularly noteworthy is the company’s reported record of customer satisfaction. According to Okoye, the company has maintained a strong record of client satisfaction, without complaints regarding properties sold to date. Such customer confidence represents an achievement worth protecting. He recognises that business success is not measured solely by the volume of transactions completed but also by the satisfaction of customers and the credibility of promises fulfilled. This philosophy has continued to influence his determination to build a real estate company whose reputation rests on integrity, quality and dependable service delivery. A Commitment to Quality Property Development One quality that distinguishes successful real estate developers is their ability to appreciate the relationship between location, construction standards, architectural design and long-term property value and he understands this relationship. Through Swiss Garden Properties, he has demonstrated a commitment to developing residential properties that combine contemporary design, comfort, functionality and investment potential. The company places considerable

emphasis on selecting strategic locations with promising residential and commercial growth prospects. This approach reflects the understanding that the value of a property extends beyond the building itself to include accessibility, infrastructure, neighbourhood development and future appreciation potential. For Chief Okoye, a beautiful building should not merely impress prospective buyers at first glance; it should also offer durability, comfort and functionality over time. This belief informs the company’s involvement in the different stages of property development, from planning and construction to finishing and delivery. By maintaining oversight throughout the development process, Swiss Garden Properties seeks to ensure that its projects reflect the standards associated with its brand. Creating Homes and Fulfilling Dreams Beyond the commercial considerations of real estate development, Chief Okoye recognises the emotional significance of homeownership. For many Nigerians, owning a home represents years of sacrifice, financial discipline and personal ambition. It is often regarded as a symbol of accomplishment, security and stability. The company believes that residential developments should provide more than physical shelter. They should offer comfortable environments where families can create memories, experience peace of mind and build their futures. Through this approach, Okoye has continued to pursue a business vision that combines entrepreneurship with the fulfilment of important human aspirations. Each successfully delivered property represents another opportunity for a homeowner to realise the dream of owning a valuable asset. For investors, the company’s emphasis on strategic locations and quality construction provides opportunities to participate in the long-term potential of Nigeria’s property market. His leadership of Swiss Garden Properties demonstrates the importance of maintaining a clear vision even when prevailing economic conditions demand difficult decisions.

Contributing to Economic Development Real estate development remains an important component of Nigeria’s economy, providing employment opportunities and supporting several interconnected industries. Through Swiss Garden Properties, Okoye participates in an economic sector that creates opportunities for architects, engineers, builders, artisans, suppliers and numerous other professionals. Every residential development requires the contributions of skilled individuals whose expertise transforms architectural concepts into completed structures. Beyond employment generation, residential property development contributes to urban expansion, infrastructure growth and the provision of housing for Nigeria’s increasing population. Okoye’s business activities therefore form part of the broader private-sector efforts aimed at responding to the country’s housing needs. His commitment to developing quality residential properties reflects the important role responsible entrepreneurs can play in national economic development. A Future Filled With Possibilities As Swiss Garden Properties continues its growth journey, Okoye remains committed to strengthening the company’s reputation and expanding its portfolio of residential developments. His ambition is to establish a real estate brand recognised for quality, professionalism, innovation and exceptional customer service. The company intends to pursue new development opportunities while maintaining the principles that have guided its operations. The future, for him, represents an opportunity to consolidate existing achievements, explore emerging markets and develop properties that respond to changing customer expectations. His long-term vision reflects the conviction that businesses built on credibility and customer satisfaction are better positioned to achieve sustainable growth. As Chief Osita Emmanuel Okoye celebrates his birthday, there is much to appreciate about his entrepreneurial journey and determination to build an enduring business enterprise. His story reflects the qualities of a businessman who recognises opportunities, embraces responsibilities and understands the importance of creating lasting value. Beyond the properties developed and business milestones achieved, his greatest legacy may ultimately be measured by the strength of the institution he is building and the confidence it inspires among homeowners and investors. Birthdays provide an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments while looking forward to greater possibilities. Undoubtedly, this new chapter offers renewed opportunities for personal fulfilment, business expansion and extraordinary achievements.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

CITYSTRINGS Olam Agri Brings World Food Day Cheer to Families Across Nigeria 0

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

Bukola Lasisi

lam Agri a leading agribusiness across food, feed and fibre value chains, has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI) to distribute 600 food boxes of spaghetti, macaroni, semolina, and vegetable oil to vulnerable households across Lagos, Kano, Nasarawa and Kwara to commemorate World Food Day. Marked every 16 October, World Food Day calls for collective action so that everyone has enough safe, nutritious food. This year’s theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” gave Olam Agri a platform to deepen its commitment to the communities where it operates. “The 2026 World Food Day theme reminds us that building resilient food systems requires both innovation and action,” said Elizabeth Nnoko, Communications Manager, Olam Agri. “Innovation can improve how food is produced, processed and distributed, but its impact is ultimately measured by whether people can access the food they need. That is why we are putting a smile on the faces of local households with food that nourishes.” For the families, the boxes brought relief, comfort and reassurance in the daily struggle to put food on the table. Rose Okereke, a grandmother caring for seven grandchildren, said: “This intervention will help me feed my seven grandchildren for days. Food brings joy, energy and growth for every human being. Our children will eat healthy meals through this food box.” Mrs Jadesola Kasali thanked Olam Agri for including her household, saying the food would sustain her family for the week. Many other beneficiaries echoed their gratitude and urged other food businesses to follow suit

Elizabeth Nnoko, Communications Manager, Olam Agri (left), and Dr Michael Sunbola, President/Executive Director, Lagos Food Bank Initiative (right), presenting food boxes donated by Olam Agri to households in Lagos, in commemoration of World Food Day 2026, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026

with more corporate-led support for vulnerable households. “We are excited to partner with Olam Agri to serve hundreds of families in several communities,” said Dr Michael A. Sunbola, President/ Executive Director, LFBI. “Olam Agri’s sustained partnership shows the difference responsible corporate engagement can make in addressing food insecurity. The future of food security depends heavily on strong partnerships. For many vulnerable households, essential food items ease immediate pressure and help families direct limited resources to other critical needs. We appreciate Olam Agri’s continued commitment to improving food access in Lagos

and beyond.” Anil Nair, Country Head, Olam Agri Nigeria, said: “Through our partnership with LFBI, we are bringing essential food staples directly to families who need support. As a food business, our responsibility goes beyond the products we make and the markets we serve. It includes supporting the well-being of the communities around us and a more food-secure Nigeria. This commitment aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.” The partnership reflects the importance of coordinated action in building a more inclusive and resilient food ecosystem. While food relief remains critical for individuals and families facing immediate challenges,

sustained collaboration, community empowerment and investment in sustainable food systems are equally important to achieving lasting progress. For Olam Agri, the intervention builds on a record of community-focused food support and wider contributions to food security in Nigeria. In 2024, the company partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative to distribute 800 food boxes valued at 13 million to vulnerable residents of Makoko and Ajegunle in Lagos, as well as flood-affected communities in Maiduguri. The company also sponsored the Eko World Food Day initiative and committed to providing boreholes for farming communities in Nasarawa State. Olam Agri is a market-leading, differentiated food, feed and fibre agri-business with a global origination footprint, processing capabilities and deep understanding of market needs built over 37 years. With a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and products across grains & oilseeds, wheat milling & pasta, rice, edible oils, animal feed & protein, cotton, wood products, rubber, sugar & biofuel, freight management and risk management solutions. They are at the heart of global food and agri-trade flows, providing affordable food staples and processed agricultural products that are daily necessities and living essentials for people around the world. Driven by Purpose to transform food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable and food secure future, they aim to create value for customers and enable farming communities to prosper sustainably. Olam Agri is majority 81.81% owned by the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) and a 18.19% owned associated company of Olam Group.

AREWA24 Launches“Uwa Da Da”to Champion Maternal, Newborn Health in Northern Nigeria

Uwa Da Da set

Mary Nnah

REWA24, Nigeria’s leading Hausalanguage family entertainment and lifestyle television network, has launched another groundbreaking show, “Uwa Da Da”. The new TV show, dedicated to mothers, babies, and the critical journey from pregnancy through childbirth and early childhood, premieres every Saturday primetime (7pm – 7:30pm) on the AREWA24 television network. The show comes at a time when maternal, newborn, and child survival remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in northern communities where health outcomes are lagging. According to the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Nigeria recorded an infant mortality rate of 63 deaths per 1,000 live births, while neonatal mortality stood at 41

deaths per 1,000 live births. Earlier NDHS data showed an under-five mortality rate of 187 deaths per 1,000 live births in the Northwest, compared with 62 per 1,000 in the Southwest. AREWA24’s Director of Studio Production, Aisha Lawal, said, “For many women, pregnancy and motherhood can be accompanied by uncertainty, fear and misinformation. Uwa Da Da places particular emphasis on supporting firsttime mothers by providing clear, practical, and culturally relevant information to help them understand what to expect before, during, and after childbirth. The show will create a platform where mothers can hear directly from qualified health professionals and other mothers, while learning about important issues including pregnancy nutrition, antenatal care, birth preparedness, breastfeeding, newborn

danger signs, immunization and postnatal wellbeing.” Uwa Da Da seeks to use the reach and accessibility of television to promote practical information that can help mothers make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies. A central objective of Uwa Da Da is to encourage pregnant women, particularly expectant and first-time mothers, to seek appropriate antenatal care (ANC) early in pregnancy and maintain regular contact with qualified healthcare professionals. The Chief Executive Officer of AREWA24 TV Network, Celestine Umeibe, affirmed that “Uwa Da Da (“Mother and Child”), reflects AREWA24’s commitment to producing content that informs, educates and entertains while addressing issues that directly affect families and communities across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

“The programme combines human-interest stories, expert advice, practical demonstrations and conversations with mothers and families to make maternal and newborn health information engaging, relatable and actionable. The goal of the “Uwa Da” is not to replace professional healthcare, but to encourage mothers and families to seek, understand and use available healthcare services at the right time,” he said. Through accessible Hausa-language conversations, real-life stories and expert-led discussions, Uwa Da Da will help demystify pregnancy and childbirth while reinforcing the importance of starting antenatal care early, attending recommended appointments; following the advice of qualified healthcare professionals throughout pregnancy; understanding warning signs, knowing when to seek urgent medical attention and keeping up with newborn immunisation and other recommended health services.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2026

EDUCATION Faborode: Nigeria Needs Stronger Institutions to Turn University Research into Innovation After more than four decades in academia and public service, former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Michael Faborode, recalls his career, leadership lessons, and the challenges of translating university research into practical solutions. In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, the professor of Agricultural Engineering, who recently clocked 70, he discusses indigenous technology, institutional development, and his plans to advance higher education and innovation. Excerpts:

fter over four decades in academia and public service, what does retirement mean to you at this point in your life? To me, retirement means taking a break from it all, pausing to savour the legacies I have left behind, and charting a new engagement of stewardship to humanity and humane causes, albeit in less demanding ways. It has been a hectic, non-stop, pulsating working life of selfless service. Many were surprised to realise that I had clocked 70 years. To me really, the true measure of a life of leadership is what continues to flourish after a leader leaves office or one leaves the scene. Looking back over the many seasons of my life, I have come to appreciate that every opportunity to learn, to teach, to lead and to serve has been part of a much larger journey than I could ever have imagined. Along the way, I have been shaped by remarkable teachers, inspired by gifted colleagues, encouraged by faithful friends, and continually challenged by generations of students whose curiosity and aspirations renewed my own sense of purpose. Whatever I have been privileged to contribute has always been enriched by the lives and contributions of others. The memories I am leaving behind are captured in two books that were unveiled at my valedictory. Friends, academic colleagues, mentees and even senior compatriots, in one accord, decided to publish a collection of reflective essays, otherwise called a Festschrift, in my honour. It is titled ‘Technology, Leadership and Governance: Reflections in honour of Professor Michael Oladimeji Faborode’. The second book, which blends my own autobiographical reflections with those of some eminent scholars, is titled ‘A Tall Dream: Knowledge, Leadership, Institutional Transformation and Nation Building’, which traces my life journey from the cradle in my small village of Supare-Akoko in Ondo State to the Vice Chancellor’s office at Ife and beyond. Both are compelling reads, especially the memoir, and I hope people will take in their values. In fact, the evolution of the title of the book, ‘A

Faborode

Tall Dream ‘ and what the back-cover tree connotes, as narrated in the book, are themselves significantly interesting. Looking back to your early schooling, did you ever imagine that your journey would lead to becoming an engineer, scholar and university administrator? That is a very interesting question. As recorded in ‘A Tall Dream’, the most remarkable memory from my years at Victory College, in addition to being a comprehensive college offering a variety of technical and vocational subjects including technical drawing, wood and metal works, etc., came through an event that appeared entirely ordinary at the time. In early 1972, the school hosted an agricultural show that included a demonstration of a newly developed yam pounding machine

designed by researchers from the University of Ife. As students, we watched with genuine curiosity as technology was applied to solve an everyday problem familiar to virtually every household. The machine attracted widespread attention because it represented something unusual: an indigenous technological innovation responding directly to local needs. How could I have known that the inventor of that machine, Prof. Gabriel Ayodele Makanjuola, would later become my teacher, mentor, and academic supervisor? How could I have imagined that I would eventually study Agricultural Engineering at the University of Ife, working within the very intellectual tradition whose fruits I had witnessed years earlier as a secondary school student? Even more remarkably, I could not have foreseen that my postgraduate journey would later take me to the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, where Prof. Makanjuola himself had received his doctoral training. I guess Victory College did not simply prepare me for university; it broadened my imagination, cultivated my intellectual discipline, and nurtured my habit of careful observation. However, I could not have imagined then the exciting possibility that knowledge could be applied to solve practical problems affecting ordinary people, nor that of becoming a scholar, let alone a university administrator, and ultimately a vice chancellor. But I can now say that it all started from home in Supare. There, I learnt to respect work, value education, accept correction, and appreciate the importance of serving something larger than oneself. The journey that would eventually lead me into engineering, scholarship, institutional leadership and public service did not begin with ambition. It began with formation from home. What are the three most important lessons you have learnt from your 40 years in academia? There are, of course, several lessons, so choosing the three most important will be difficult. However, if I must, I’ll identify what has shaped my life most profoundly: my time at university.

Long before I held leadership positions, the university shaped how I thought, questioned, and understood the world. It taught me that knowledge carries responsibility; scholarship finds its highest purpose in service; and institutions matter because they preserve and transmit values from one generation to the next. Over the years, I came to see the university not simply as an academic community but as one of the nation’s most strategic institutions. Governments may change, economic conditions may fluctuate, and technologies may evolve, but universities provide the continuity through which societies renew themselves. They educate future leaders, advance scientific discovery, preserve intellectual traditions and create the ideas that influence public policy and national development. Their impact extends far beyond the boundaries of their campuses because the graduates they produce and the knowledge they generate ultimately shape every sector of society. My years in university leadership also revealed that this broader mission cannot be fulfilled through academic excellence alone. Universities must continually adapt to changing national realities while remaining faithful to their core values. They must build partnerships with industry, strengthen research ecosystems, embrace innovation and cultivate governance systems that inspire trust. I learned that institutional transformation requires more than strategic plans; it requires a shared sense of purpose that enables staff, students and stakeholders to work together in pursuit of a common vision. Hence, universities remain among humanity’s greatest institutions because they create something that appreciates rather than diminishes with time: knowledge. Yet knowledge alone does not transform nations. It must be organised, shared and applied through institutions capable of converting ideas into solutions that improve society. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

PAU’s School of Media, Communication Celebrates 20Years of Shaping Media Professionals The School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), has concluded plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary this month with a series of events designed to bring together academics, media professionals, students, alumni, industry partners, and members of the wider community. The anniversary marks two decades of the school’s contribution to media and communication education in Nigeria and Africa, as well as its continued engagement with the evolving media industry. The celebrations will feature several activities, beginning with the hosting of the Prof. Biakolo International Conference on Communication in Marriage and Family on October 21 at the main campus in Ibeju, Lekki, Lagos.

The conference will convene scholars and practitioners to explore the role of communication in marriage and family life, and to examine how effective communication can contribute to healthier relationships and families. On October 22, the festival of ideas and anniversary cocktail will bring together alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders to celebrate SMC’s journey, reflect on the school’s impact, and consider its priorities for the next decade. The anniversary will culminate in a community outreach from November 2 to 6, during which staff, students and alumni of SMC will participate in service initiatives in the university’s

host community. According to the Dean, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya, the anniversary celebrates the school’s achievements and reaffirms its commitment to the future of media education and professional practice. “Twenty years represents a significant milestone for the school and for everyone who has contributed to its journey,” Obiaya said. “We have had the privilege of training media professionals who are contributing to Nigeria and Africa, while working closely with industry to ensure that our programmes remain relevant to the needs of the profession. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking ahead. Our commitment to our students, staff and industry partners, and research remains at the heart of what we do,

and we are excited about the possibilities that the next decade holds,” he added. Since its establishment, SMC has offered undergraduate, postgraduate and executive programmes in media and communication. Its undergraduate programmes are recognised by the various industry bodies. The school has also partnered with organisations across the media and communication industry, giving students practical exposure and a deeper understanding of professional practice. The 20th anniversary therefore serves as both a celebration and a point of reflection for the school, highlighting its evolution over two decades while looking towards the changing demands of the media and communication landscape.

NAPharm Honours Prof Udeala’s Contribution to Pharmacy Education Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPharm) has honoured the late Prof. Oleka Udeala, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), for his outstanding contributions to pharmacy education, pharmaceutical research, and university administration, recognising his pioneering role in establishing pharmacy departments and developing generations of pharmacists in Nigeria. Speaking at the valedictory service in Udeala’s honour, the President and Chairman of the

Governing Council of NAPharm, Prof. Lere Baale, described him as a true scholar who expanded knowledge across the industry. Udeala became the first pharmacist in Nigeria to serve as a vice-chancellor. “We should pause and appreciate the significance of that achievement. There is always a difference between walking through an open door and being the person whose achievement demonstrates that the door can be opened. “Udeala was an eminent scholar and

a distinguished authority in Pharmaceutics. But scholarship, at its highest level, is more than the accumulation of publications, degrees and academic titles. The true scholar expands knowledge and then gives that knowledge away. The true teacher does more than transfer information. He develops others’ capacity to think. The true professor does not merely produce students. He produces successors,” said Baale. In his remarks, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ayuba Tanko, said Udeala did not merely build a distinguished career; he helped build the profession’s future.

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria recognises and deeply appreciates this invaluable contribution. The institutions he helped establish and the generations of pharmacists whose education they support remain an enduring part of his legacy. Think about that legacy. After attaining one of the highest offices in university administration, he returned to build pharmaceutical education and prepare future generations of pharmacists,” he said. The Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Prof. Sunday Adesegun, described his loss as profound to the academic community.

T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2026 20 TR

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

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REMEMBERING DELE GIWA

Dele Giwa's Granite Journalism is an invaluable effort, writes TAYO OGUNBIYI

See page 21

THE DANGERS OF ASBESTOS AYOBAMI OGUNDAIRO argues for a structured asbestos management

See page 21

EDITORIAL

YET ANOTHER TANKER EXPLOSION

See page 22

Wednesday October 21, 2026 Vol 27. No 11510

CHIDI ANSELM ODINKALU contends that the judiciary tends to prioritise power over people

NIGERIA’S JUDICIARY AHEAD OF 2027 The annual ritual of the opening of the judicial year at Nigeria’s Supreme Court is an occasion for pomp, ceremony, and celebration. It usually marks the admission of a new set of lawyers into the sequined ranks of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SANs). This year, 68 made the cut. On Monday 12 October, at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court in Abuja, they formally joined the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN). Amidst the backslapping and celebration, there was also room for sobriety as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, delivered what has become the customary State of the Administration of Justice (SOTAJ) report. The context of the Chief Justice’s 627$- UHSRUW WKLV \HDU ZDV GH¿QHG E\ both expectation and transition. There is expectation of an inevitable deluge of election petitions and political disputes as the country hurtles towards the 2027 general elections. Concurrently, the courts must also adapt to what CJN Kekere-Ekun described as an inevitable “process of renewal” as senior judges retire and younger ones take their place in what she called “the most consequential of responsibilities” jointly exercised by the Judicial Service Commissions and the National Judicial Council (NJC). This SOTAJ report was the penultimate by this Chief Justice on a judiciary in rapid transition. In the month preceding it, Ibrahim Mohammed Saulawa retired from the Supreme Court. For at least three of the Justices, this was their last attendance at such FHUHPRQ\ $W WKH HQG RI WKH ¿UVW ZHHN RI next month, Uwani Abba-Aji will retire. Four months thereafter, on 23 March 2027, Helen Ogunwumiju will follow. Stephen Adah will be next on 13 June 2027. It is unlikely that any of these vacancies ZLOO EH ¿OOHG EHIRUH WKH VZHDULQJ LQ RI the winners in next year’s elections. For guidance, 12 new Justices of Appeal recommended for appointment in the middle of May 2026 still await WKH FRQVHQW RI WKH SUHVLGHQW RYHU ¿YH months after the NJC transmitted its recommendations to him. In the middle of the active season of dispute resolution following the elections in January and February 2027, therefore, the bench of the Supreme Court will be short by at least four Justices. This set the stage for the meat of the report delivered by the Chief Justice. It outlined some innovation, contained

evidence of some progress, and also acknowledged challenges with hopeful candour. Case management emerged as a major site of attention for this Chief Justice. It LV D ¿HOG WKDW FRXOG GH¿QH KHU VLJQDWXUH legacy. The numbers tell some of the story. In the 2025-26 judicial year, the Supreme Court received 2,456 matters. These included 1,179 civil motions; 573 criminal motions; 13 Sharia-related motions; and 676 appeals. Of the last category (appeals), there were 433 civil appeals; 212 criminal appeals; 19 political cases; 12 Sharia appeals; and 10 originating motions. The fact that this list omits any mention of death penalty cases is perhaps the best evidence of why the category of “political cases” remains both interesting DQG FXULRXV 7KDW FDWHJRU\ ¿UVW HQWHUHG the lexicon of the SOTAJ under late Chief Justice Tanko Muhammad in 2021. In that year, two years ahead of the 2023 elections, it accounted for 33 or nearly ¿YH SHU FHQW RI WKH FDVHV UHSRUWHG Two years later, following the 2023 elections, political cases had become a mainstay of the docket of a Supreme Court that “heard 388 political appeals, 215 criminal appeals and 464 civil appeals.” This year, political cases were a mere 2.8% of the cases heard, a fall of about LQ FRPSDULVRQ WR ¿YH \HDUV DJR ,W LV unlikely to remain so as the country heads into active election season. Progress in the reduction of political cases working their ZD\ XS WR WKH 6XSUHPH &RXUW UHÀHFWV the consequence of judicial doctrine that absolves courts from judicial oversight of internal management of political parties. The demands on Nigeria’s Supreme Court, however, remain unsustainable. During the year, the court rendered 411 judgments in total. This is 16.73%

relative to the total case intake for the year, a modest improvement on the 16.18% recorded in the previous year. This represents a crippling workload WKDW ZRUU\LQJO\ VRPHWLPHV UHÀHFWV LQ WKH quality of judgments issued by the court. By contrast, during the same period, the United Kingdom Supreme Court considered 295 applications for Permission to Appeal (PTA), and issued 56 judgments. In its capacity as the highest court of the dominions in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, the court received another 58 cases and issued 54 judgments. Across the Atlantic, the Supreme Court of the United States heard a mere 74 cases. Of these, it took oral arguments in 58 and delivered 67 judgments. These numbers explain some of the innovations in managing judicial throughput reported by the CJN. For instance, the court began the implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS), an electronic platform which will eventually be rolled out to cover all superior courts of record across Nigeria. It also now houses a Mediation Centre to encourage alternative dispute resolution where possible. According to the CJN, 125 matters which were already concluded were discovered to be still in the court’s active pool and removed. Another 178 “moribund matters”, she reported, were “disposed of in chambers.” She did not elaborate on the criteria that would render a case moribund. She may wish to clarify this in her next report as it could hold the key to understanding the possibility for expanding the scope of matters that can be disposed of in chambers. Additionally, the report disclosed that the court has established expedited panels for cases involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON); Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS); Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC); and Sharia. 141 cases fell into this category, including 52 EFCC cases; 43 Sharia; 21 AMCON; 17 LPDC; and 10 NRS cases. )LYH RWKHU LVVXHV ÀDJJHG E\ WKH &-1 LQ her SOTAJ report are important. First is the withholding by the executive of funds budgeted for the judiciary, especially at the state level. This makes a PRFNHU\ RI MXGLFLDO ¿QDQFLDO DXWRQRP\ A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

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WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2026

AYOBAMI OGUNDAIRO argues for a structured asbestos management

THE DANGERS OF ASBESTOS Nigeria's construction and real estate sectors continue to expand, with increasing investments in residential, commercial and infrastructural developments. However, amid this growth lies a significant public health concern that deserves urgent national attention: the presence of asbestos in building materials and the dangers associated with its exposure. For decades, asbestos was widely used in construction because of its durability, fire resistance, insulation properties and affordability. It was commonly incorporated into roofing sheets, ceiling boards, floor tiles, pipes and insulation materials. Unfortunately, what was once considered a useful construction material is now internationally recognised as a serious health hazard. The question Nigeria must confront is simple: Are we doing enough to protect construction workers, property owners, building occupants and future generations from asbestos exposure? Asbestos refers to naturally occurring fibrous minerals that can release microscopic fibres when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, drilled, cut, broken or improperly demolished. When inhaled, these fibres can lodge in the lungs and cause serious diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile (white asbestos), are carcinogenic. Exposure is associated with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other respiratory diseases. The WHO estimates that occupational asbestos exposure causes more than 200,000 deaths globally annually. One particularly concerning characteristic of asbestos-related diseases is their long latency period. Individuals exposed today may not develop symptoms for another 20 to 40 years. In Nigeria, construction workers, roofers, plumbers, electricians, demolition contractors, maintenance personnel and waste handlers may unknowingly encounter asbestos-containing materials. Building occupants and surrounding communities may also face exposure during uncontrolled renovation or demolition activities. Importantly, asbestos cannot be reliably identified through visual inspection alone. Suspected materials require assessment and, where necessary, laboratory testing by competent professionals. Many countries have recognised the dangers of asbestos and introduced measures to prohibit its use. The European Union implemented a comprehensive asbestos prohibition in 2005, while Australia banned the importation, manufacture and use of asbestos-containing products from 31 December 2003. In 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency introduced

a rule prohibiting ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos, subject to specified transition arrangements. Although the United States has not imposed a complete prohibition on every asbestos application, its regulatory approach demonstrates increasing recognition of the associated health risks. According to the WHO, more than 50 Member States have prohibited asbestos use. Nigeria must not become a destination for hazardous building materials that other nations have progressively eliminated. Although existing Nigerian environmental regulations address certain asbestos mineral types, the country needs a clear, comprehensive and enforceable national framework prohibiting all forms of asbestos and asbestos-containing products. Such legislation should address importation, manufacturing, distribution, installation and unsafe disposal, supported by effective enforcement and public education. Asbestos awareness must extend beyond environmental regulators and occupational health and safety professionals. It should become an essential responsibility of practitioners involved in property development, valuation, construction, facility management, renovation and demolition. Professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) have important roles in promoting asbestos awareness and management. For estate surveyors and valuers, asbestos awareness is particularly relevant during property inspections, valuations, acquisitions, leasing and facility management. A property may appear structurally sound and commercially attractive while containing materials requiring specialist assessment or expensive remediation. Professionals should understand when asbestos surveys are necessary, how identified asbestos may affect property values and marketability, and the importance of appropriate disclosure during property transactions. Ogundairo, MNIVS (Nigeria), AIFSM (UK), Cert OHS Prof. AIHS (Australia) ayo@ayoogundairoandco.com

Dele Giwa's Granite Journalism is an invaluable effort, writes TAYO OGUNBIYI

REMEMBERING DELE GIWA Some deaths are mourned, buried and gradually surrendered to the custody of history. Others refuse to lie still. They return with the stubbornness of unfinished business, knocking at the conscience of a nation, disturbing its sleep and asking questions for which time has provided no answers. The death of Dele Giwa belongs to the latter category. On October 19, 1986, a parcel bomb delivered to his home in Ikeja, Lagos, exploded, fatally injuring the celebrated journalist. He was 39. Four decades later, the calendar has moved forward, generations have been born and grown, governments have come and gone, but the central question remains unanswered: who killed Dele Giwa, and why has justice proved so elusive? His assassination remains unresolved. For me, Dele Giwa is not merely a name in the annals of Nigerian journalism, nor is he simply the subject of an anniversary tribute. He was my mentor. His death was a personal wound, and the pain has not entirely departed. As a young avid reader, I remember the grief that overwhelmed me when news of his killing broke. It was difficult to comprehend that a man whose words possessed such life, colour and vitality could be so brutally removed from the world he illuminated with them. I still find myself returning to a painful thought: but for his death, what more might he have given Nigeria? That question is both a lament and an accusation against the wastefulness of violent death. Dele Giwa possessed a gift that cannot be manufactured in a newsroom or acquired merely by accumulating years of professional experience. He understood the magic of language. He could make words dance, ideas sparkle, and ordinary events reveal extraordinary meanings. His writing had personality. It could charm without surrendering its intelligence, amuse without sacrificing its seriousness and provoke without losing its elegance. He was a journalist, but he was also a craftsman of the written word. Through his work at the Daily Times, Sunday Concord and, especially, Newswatch, which he co-founded with Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese and Yakubu Mohammed, Giwa helped reshape the possibilities of Nigerian journalism. Newswatch, established in 1985, became an important platform for investigative reporting and robust coverage of public affairs. He belonged to a tradition of journalism that understood that the press must do more than announce what powerful people have done. It must ask why they did it, whom their decisions served, what consequences followed, and what they would prefer the public not to know. Such journalism is indispensable to nation-building. A nation is not built by roads and bridges alone. It is also built by the qual-

ity of its conversations, the integrity of its institutions, the courage of its citizens and the willingness of those who exercise power to submit themselves to scrutiny. Where public information is concealed, accountability becomes difficult. Where questions are discouraged, abuses can flourish in the shadows. Journalism provides a lamp in those shadows. It does not always provide comfortable illumination, but a society that prefers darkness to the discomfort of truth eventually pays a terrible price. Giwa understood this calling. His writing demonstrated that serious journalism need not be dull, that courage need not be crude and that intellectual rigour can coexist with literary grace. And he was only 39 when death interrupted his journey. One cannot contemplate that age without wondering about the unwritten chapters. What would he have made of the restoration of civilian rule in 1999? What would his celebrated pen have said about the promises and disappointments of our Fourth Republic, the corruption controversies that have shaken public confidence, the struggles over electoral credibility and the changing relationship between government and citizens? How would he have examined the emergence of digital journalism, the tyranny of misinformation and the curious age in which everyone can publish but not everyone is prepared to verify? These questions cannot be answered. The future he might have inhabited belongs to the realm of possibility, and possibility is among the cruelest casualties of an untimely death. We can celebrate the work he left behind. We cannot recover the work he never had the opportunity to do. The most distressing feature of this tragedy is not simply that a brilliant journalist was murdered. It is that the murder remains unresolved after so much time. The years have passed, but the central demand remains: investigate the murder thoroughly, establish the facts and hold those legally responsible accountable. Ogunbiyi is Director, Public Enlightenment & Community Relations, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

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T H I S D AY WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2026

EDITORIAL

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

YET ANOTHER TANKER EXPLOSION

There should be public education on the dangers of scooping petrol

because of the number of fatalities from this latest ehicles parked along the road, food explosion, the conversation has resumed but if past items and other valuables estimated experiences are any guide, nothing is likely to hapat hundreds of millions of naira, were pen in what has become a vicious cycle of avoidestroyed last Thursday following dable tragedies. a petrol tanker explosion along the In four separate incidents within a spate of one Benin-Lagos Expressway at Oluku week in 2015, no fewer than 100 people were killed market. The explosion was reportedly triggered by a with properties worth hundreds of millions of Naipetrol-laden tanker that fell on the expressway, with ra destroyed. Some 85 people also died in Onitsha, ¿UH VSUHDGLQJ UDSLGO\ LQWR WKH PDUNHW )ROORZLQJ WKH Anambra State, when a petrol laden-tanker lost accident, desperate scavengers invaded the scene to FRQWURO˪ DQG UDPPHG LQWR D SXEOLF PRWRU SDUN 6Hscoop fuel, thus making the work of the security and veral buildings, vehicles and properties worth mil¿UH VHUYLFH SHUVRQQHO GL൶FXOW OLRQV RI 1DLUD ZHUH FRQVXPHG E\ WKH ¿UH 6FRUHV RI We recall that following a similar tanker explosion RWKHUV ZHUH OHIW ZLWK GL൵HUHQW GHJUHHV RI EXUQV ,Q which claimed over 84 lives and caused extensive 2020, which witnessed the highest number of these injuries in Suleja, Niger State in January last year, accidents, there were 1,531 petrol tanker crashes President Bola Tinubu dispatched a delegation to resulting in 535 deaths and 1,142 injuries. That is condole with the people. aside the billions of Naira that During the visit to the EmDUH ORVW WR VXFK ¿UH LQFLGHQWV ir’s palace, the Minister of and the survivors who bear In the wake of recent calamities, there were conversations Information and National scars for the rest of their lives. Orientation, Mohammed To identify and address the about the nightmare that fuel tanker drivers have become in the Idris, described the incident factors responsible for these as one in a series of devascountry, but nothing has been done to tackle the menace incessant tanker crashes and tating tanker explosions that explosions, the Major Energy have claimed over 265 lives Marketers Association of Niwithin a period of four mongeria (MEMAN) last year launched a stakeholders’ ths (September 2024 to January 2025). He added T H I S D AY initiative. Institutions involved include the Depot that the president had constituted a high-powered EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE investigation committee comprising the Ministry of MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the Nigerian Midstream ,QIRUPDWLRQ WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI +XPDQLWDULDQ $൵DLUV DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory AuthoriNEMA, SON, IPMAN, tanker drivers’ union, and CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI ty (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Association of Road other relevant stakeholders to “unravel the remote EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN Transport Owners (NARTO) and other key players. THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE and immediate causes of the explosion and make re,VVXHV LGHQWL¿HG DV FDXVHV RI WKHVH DFFLGHQWV LQcommendations to prevent future occurrences.” cluded “drivers’ mental alertness and attitude” and So, what has become of that report? In the wake that some trucks load “up to 66,000 litres, far exof recent calamities, there were also conversations T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D ceeding safe limits”. about the nightmare that fuel tanker drivers have beEDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA We hope that the federal government will put come in the country, but nothing has been done to GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, concrete measures in place to end these avoidable ISRAEL IWEGBU tackle the menace, despite suggestions by relevant DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, fuel tanker explosions that continue to take lives stakeholders. That the number of fatalities arising ANTHONY OGEDENGBE unnecessarily. While we commiserate with all the from petrol tanker explosions on our roads is getDEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI victims, the frequency of this tragic occurrence ting increasingly worrying should indeed raise seSNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH should compel a more serious action than estaASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI rious concerns. That people would be so desperate CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI blishing committees just to be seen as doing soto rush to scoop fuel after such accidents should also DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO mething. compel a public enlightenment campaign. Perhaps TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

LETTERS

THE KOGI LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION

Democracy is built on the principles of popular participation, freedom of choice, political competition and respect for the will of the people. However, recent developments surrounding the local government election in Kogi State raise important questions that deserve the attention of every concerned citizen. When one political party emerges victorious in all 21 local government areas of a state, it is natural for citizens WR SDXVH UHÀHFW DQG DVN TXHVWLRQV 'RHV WKLV PHDQ WKH opposition parties have no meaningful support across the state? Does it suggest that voters overwhelmingly preferred one party, or are there other factors that deserve closer examination? These questions are not accusations against any political party. Rather, they are legitimate concerns in a democratic society where citizens have the right to question electoral outcomes and seek explanations.

2QH RI WKH GH¿QLQJ IHDWXUHV RI GHPRFUDF\ LV WKH H[LVtence of political alternatives. Citizens should have the freedom to support any party of their choice, while opposition parties should have the opportunity to compete fairly for public support. Political competition gives voters options and encourages parties to remain accountable to the people. Therefore, when a single party wins every local government area in an election, the outcome deserves careful examination. How did the party achieve such widespread VXFFHVV" :DV WKH YLFWRU\ D UHÀHFWLRQ RI LWV SRSXODULW\ among voters, its political organisation and campaign strategies, or other circumstances surrounding the election? These are questions that can only be answered through credible evidence, transparent electoral processes and a proper assessment of the election. Without such evidence, it would be unfair to accuse any party of

wrongdoing or dismiss the outcome as illegitimate. At the same time, citizens should not be discouraged from asking questions simply because an election has produced a particular result. Democracy becomes stronger when electoral institutions are transparent, political SDUWLHV DUH DFFRXQWDEOH DQG WKH SXEOLF KDV FRQ¿GHQFH LQ the process through which leaders emerge. The opposition also has a responsibility to examine its performance. If a party fails to win any local government DUHD LW VKRXOG UHÀHFW RQ LWV JUDVVURRWV SUHVHQFH FRQQHFtion with voters, campaign strategies and ability to comPXQLFDWH LWV SURJUDPPHV H൵HFWLYHO\ 5DWKHU WKDQ PHUHO\ complaining about electoral outcomes, opposition parties should identify their weaknesses and work towards earning public trust. Idris Rufai, idrisrufai744@gmail.com

˾ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

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

08056356325

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EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

25.34%

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23.25%

INDEX LEVEL

595.26

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0.24%

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25.18%

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21.37%

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*AS AT TUES., OCTOBER 13, 2026

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FG Raises N8.4tn via Bond Market as Stop Rate on 15-Year Hits 17.19%

Kayode Tokede In a bid to bridge its budget deficit, the federal government through the Debt Management Office (DMO), raised an estimated N8.4 trillion via the FGN Bond between January 2026 and October 2026. According to the FGN bond auction result obtained by THISDAY, the government during the period, offered to raise N10.1 trillion through the market with the intention of financial critical projects in Nigeria’s economy. The high demand for the

FGN Bond saw subscription hit N15.5 trillion, heled by large institutional investors demand on the back of high interest rates. The FGN Bond auction comes against a backdrop of sustained government reliance on the domestic debt market to fund fiscal obligations amid constrained external financing conditions. Investor participation was broad-based, but demand was heavily skewed toward the long end of the curve, reflecting continued preference for higher yields in a tight

monetary environment. However, the latest auction results show strong but selective demand across the three instruments, with the 15-year paper dominating subscriptions. At the FGN bond auction for the month of October 2026, the DMO reopened the FEB 2034, SEP-2036 and JUN-2038 bonds, offering a total of N1.75 trillion. Total demand settled at N1.75 trillion (bid-tooffer: 1.0x), with the DMO eventually allotting N1.21 trillion (bid-to-cover: 1.4x).

The stop rates on the SEP2036 and JUN-2038 bonds, which were on-the-run at the previous auction, expanded by 50basis points and 34 basis points to settle at 17.29 per cent and 17.19 per cent, respectively. The FEB-2034 bond settled at 16.99 per cent. The amount offered by DMO increased from N1trillion in September 2026 to N1.75 trillion reported in October 2026, about 75 per cent which is part of a N5.75 trillion fourth quarter (Q4) 2026 bond programme. DMO planned offers will be

conducted across three auction dates in October, November and December, with the largest monthly amount scheduled for November and December at N2 trillion each. The FGN Bond recorded a subscription of N1.74 trillion in in October 2026, representing an increase of 16.9 per cent from N1.49 trillion in September 2026, while total amount allocated moved from N748.64billion in September 2026 to N1.22trillion in October 2026. The N15.5 trillion total subscription in the 10 months

of 2026 by investors is a reflection that investors, most especially the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) tend to invest in risk-free instruments, of which FGN Bond and Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTB) offer to the investing public. PFAs have played a critical role in partaking in the FGN bond market. Since the beginning of the year, the DMO continually re-opened some FGN Bonds amid modest interest rates in its moves to attract investors. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Banking System Eyes N2.86tn Inflows as OMO Maturities Dominate Nume Ekeghe Nigeria’s banking system is expected to receive N2.858 trillion in fresh liquidity inflows this week, driven largely by maturing Open Market Operations (OMO) bills, Treasury bills maturities and other primary-market repayments, according to the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA). This is according to Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA) weekly market report, which also projected OMO maturities of N2.067 trillion, while Treasury bills maturities

are expected to contribute N392.792 billion. Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bond coupons are projected at N349.838 billion. Other expected inflows include N42.872 billion from commercial paper maturities and N5.25 billion from corporate bond coupons. The report also identified a potential N2.43 trillion Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursement to the federal, state and local governments as an additional source of liquidity. However, the Debt

Management Office’s (DMO) N1.75 trillion FGN bond auction scheduled for October 19, involving the reopening of the February 2034, September 2036 and June 2038 bonds, was identified as the main scheduled drain on liquidity. The projected inflows follow a significant increase in banking system liquidity in the previous week. According to FMDA, liquidity rose by 69.39 per cent week-on-week to N6.283 trillion from N3.709 trillion. The report attributed the increase largely to N2.409 trillion in OMO maturities,

alongside N80.84 billion in Treasury bills maturities and N30.20 billion in other primary-market repayments. The DMO’s N269.06 billion Treasury bills sale partially offset the inflows. The report stated: “System liquidity rose 69.39% w/w to N6.283trn from N3.709trn, driven largely by N2.41trn of OMO maturities (with no offsetting OMO sale last week, only repayments), alongside N80.84bn of T-bill maturities and a further N30.20bn of other primary-market repayments, even as the DMO’s N269.06bn T-bill sale

partially offset the inflows.” Meanwhile, Nigeria’s gross external reserves rose by 0.02 per cent week-on-week to $55.089 billion, reaching a fresh high since December 2008. The report stated that average Brent crude prices increased by 3.92 per cent week-on-week to $106.02 per barrel, further supporting Nigeria’s external position. In the foreign exchange market, the naira depreciated marginally by 0.06 per cent week-on-week to N1,332.31 per dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market

(NFEM), while the parallel market rate remained unchanged at N1,375 per dollar. NFEM interbank turnover rose by 14.08 per cent weekon-week to $1.08 billion. In the fixed-income market, average FGN bond yields increased by 32 basis points to 16.43 per cent from 16.11 per cent in the preceding week. The two-year bond yield rose by 142 basis points to 17.50 per cent, while the seven-year yield increased by 61 basis points to 17.04 per cent. The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T U E S D AY, O C T O B E R 1 3 , 2 0 2 6 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price Yield Change Updated Time (%) ^13.98 2395.14 17.58 0.00 October FEB-2028 13, 2026 ^21.00 20104.63 17.60 0.00 October MAR-2028 13, 2026 ^19.30 17October 102.96 17.84 0.00 APR-2029 13, 2026 ^14.55 26October 92.93 17.87 0.00 APR-2029 13, 2026 ^18.50 21-0.20 October 102.15 17.78 13, 2026 FEB-2031

BILLS MATURITY NTB 6-Aug26 NTB 3-Sep26 NTB 8-Oct26 NTB 5-Nov26 NTB 3-Dec26

Discount Yield 16.22

16.34

15.39

15.68

15.80

16.36

16.45

17.28

16.45

17.66

CPS

Change (%) Updated Time

MATURITY

0,00 October 13, 2026 -0.33 October 13, 2026 -0.01 October 13, 2026 -0.01 October 13, 2026 -0.01 October 13, 2026

HAAI CP X 7-SEP-26 PCLL CP V 25-SEP-26 AGRO CP IV 7-DEC-26 DAIL CP II 26-NOV-26 JVIL CP XXIV 29-DEC-26

Discount Yield 22.10

22.76

21.75

22.63

20.93

22.74

19.44

20.86

20.53

22.56

CLEARED NAIRA-SETTLED NDFS Change (%)

Updated Time

0.05 October 13, 2026 0.10 October 13, 2026 0.11 October 13, 2026 0.13 October 13, 2026 0.08 October 13, 2026

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH)

Current Rate ($/₦)

Updated Time

–

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

From Mineral Wealth to Lasting Economic Value: How Collaboration Can Unlock Nigeria’s Mining Potential Austin Menegbo

Its parent company, Thor Explorations Ltd, has repaid its debt facility with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and has paid quarterly dividends to investors. Local capacity building has been another important part of this journey. With 99 per cent of its workforce Nigerian, Segilola demonstrates how developing local talent can support commercial operations while expanding opportunities for Nigerians to participate in the mining industry. These milestones show that large-scale commercial gold mining is possible in Nigeria. The next challenge is to build on this foundation and create the conditions for more projects to follow.

igeria’s mineral potential has been discussed for decades. From gold and limestone to lithium, the country’s vast mineral deposits could support manufacturing, create jobs and reduce dependence on oil. But turning these resources into commercially viable operations is a long and demanding process. The challenge is not simply extracting what lies beneath the ground but converting mineral wealth into lasting economic value. Mining projects require patient capital, reliable infrastructure, technical expertise, clear regulatory processes, skilled workers and the trust of host communities. Delivering these conditions requires stakeholders with different priorities and responsibilities to work towards a common goal. The 11th Nigeria Mining Week, held from October 12–14, 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, provided an opportunity to examine this challenge. Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) participated as a Diamond Sponsor and Delegate, contributing its operational experience to conversations about the sector’s future. The company’s journey offers a practical example for understanding what the Nigerian mineral industry has achieved and what it will take to build on that progress.

From Potential to Proof Segilola moved Nigeria’s gold mining story from potential to production when it poured its first gold in 2021 and had its first full year of commercial production in

Why Mining Industry Needs Collaboration 2022, establishing the country’s first commercial large-scale gold mine. Getting there was not without challenges. Construction coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing health risks, supply chain disruptions and logistical constraints. As a pioneer in modern commercial gold mining in Nigeria, the company also had to develop local technical capacity and establish the systems required to operate a modern mine. Overcoming these hurdles required investment, technical expertise and coordination across multiple stakeholders. Since commencing production, Segilola has sustained commercial operations, producing 91,910 ounces of gold in 2025.

If Segilola shows what is possible, replicating and expanding that success requires an ecosystem capable of supporting more projects. The first requirement is stronger coordination between government institutions and the industry. Although mining is primarily a federal responsibility, operators must engage with many institutions across the life of a project - from land access and environmental approvals to taxation, immigration, power, trade and community relations. Overlapping requirements, unclear procedures, and unpredictable timelines can complicate project development and make investment decisions harder. Investors can assess demanding

technical requirements and rigorous standards, but uncertainty is harder to manage in a capital-intensive industry where projects may take years to generate revenue. Better coordination between institutions, supported by clearer approval processes and predictable timelines, would help investors assess risks and plan with greater confidence. Access to appropriate financing is also essential. Commercial mines require substantial spending on feasibility studies, infrastructure, equipment and personnel before generating revenue. Operators must provide credible project information and robust development plans, while closer engagement with financiers can improve understanding of mining risks and help viable projects secure capital. The economic benefits of mining must extend beyond extraction. A stronger sector should create opportunities for Nigerian suppliers, service providers, processors and manufacturers. Building technical expertise, improving access to specialised equipment and strengthening local supply chains can help more businesses participate in the industry and retain greater economic value within the country. Equally important is building lasting relationships with host communities. Meaningful engagement, local employment, worker safety, and responsible environmental stewardship help build the trust and stability mining operations need to thrive. t "VTUJO .FOFHCP JT UIF $PVOUSZ .BOBHFS 4FHJMPMB 3FTPVSDFT 0QFSBUJOH -JNJUFE 430The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Building an Ecosystem Around Africa’s Financial Lives Banking, payments, pensions, insurance, and digital lending are coming together at Access to meet more of Africans’ and African businesses’ financial needs, creating an integrated platform designed to support people through every stage of their economic lives. Kayode Tokede writes

he story of Access Bank is a story of deliberate reinvention. What began as a single commercial bank in Nigeria has become an integrated financial ecosystem spanning banking, payments, pensions, insurance, and digital lending across 25 countries and three continents, one of the most ambitious transformations in the history of African finance. This growth was not accidental; it was a deliberate strategy to build an institution capable of meeting the full range of financial needs of Africans and African businesses under one trusted roof. The architecture is purposeful. Incorporated in 2021 and licensed in 2022, Access Holdings operates as a non-operating financial holding company anchoring five specialised subsidiaries: Access Bank, Hydrogen Payment Services, Access Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers and Oxygen X Finance. Each owns a distinct domain and is run by its own team with its own expertise, yet all are bound together by shared governance, technology and brand. Together they form a whole that is considerably greater than the sum of its parts. The rationale is resilience through diversification. By spreading its value creation across banking, payments, pensions, insurance and consumer finance, the Group ensures its future does not rest on any single market,

product or revenue stream, a vital hedge in Africa’s notoriously volatile economic cycles. When one business faces headwinds, others can carry the Group forward, giving it a stability and optionality that a single-line institution could never achieve. The structure is built as much for endurance as for growth. The ecosystem creates integrated value for customers. A young African can open an account with Access Bank, transact through Hydrogen, borrow via Oxygen X, insure against risk through Access Insurance Brokers and save for retirement with Access Pensions, all within one trusted group and, increasingly, through connected digital channels. The Group can serve a whole financial life rather than a single transaction, accompanying customers as their needs evolve from first job to first business to eventual retirement. The evolution mirrors a global shift but answers a distinctly African need. Around the world, finance is moving from standalone products toward integrated ecosystems and “super-app” models. In Africa, where many customers are entering formal finance for the first time and where trust is hard-won, a single trusted ecosystem lowers the barriers to doing more, sooner, letting a customer who begins with a savings account naturally progress to credit,

insurance and long-term savings without having to start over with an unfamiliar provider. Technology binds it together. Shared digital infrastructure lets the subsidiaries connect customers seamlessly across services, pass insight between business lines and deliver products efficiently at scale. The Group’s value creation draws on financial capital, technology, its people, its partnerships and, above all, the trust it has earned across African markets over decades. Serving more than 60 million customers with over 31,000 employees, Access operates one of the largest and most capable financial franchises on the continent. The financial foundation is substantial. With total assets of N51.56 trillion, gross revenue of N5.53 trillion and profit before tax of N1.01 trillion in 2025, the Group has the resources to keep investing in its ecosystem, building new capabilities, entering new markets and deepening the integration between its businesses. Scale of this kind is what allows a holding company to sustain five specialised subsidiaries and to fund the technology and talent that keep them competitive against focused challengers. The direction of travel is towards ever deeper integration. As the subsidiaries connect more seamlessly, sharing data, channels and insight

within the bounds of privacy and regulation, the ecosystem becomes more than a collection of businesses under one owner; it becomes a single, coordinated platform for financial life. For customers, that means simpler access to more of what they need, when they need it; for the Group, it means stronger relationships, richer insight and a durable advantage that focused, single-product competitors will find increasingly difficult to replicate as the platform matures. Ultimately, the goal is an institution so woven into the financial lives of Africans that it becomes the natural first choice at every stage, from a first savings account to a growing business, a pension and beyond, accompanying customers through decades of economic life within a single, trusted ecosystem. Governance keeps the ecosystem coherent. Each subsidiary runs with its own board and executive team, close to its market and free to innovate, while remaining anchored in the Group’s overarching governance, risk and sustainability frameworks. This balance, local agility within group discipline, is what allows the ecosystem to be both responsive and safe. In assembling banking, payments, pensions, insurance and lending into a single coordinated platform, Access is building an ecosystem around Africa’s financial lives, designed to support people and businesses through every stage of their economic journey.

˾ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Building Africa’s Innovation Infrastructure As issues surrounding infrastructural defficit accross Africa continue to attract attention, Innovate Africa Foundation has convened enterprise giants, global tech leaders and product managers to accelerate Africa’s product economy, Oluchi Chibuzor reports

he Pan-African technology and business landscape reached a pivotal milestone at the recently concluded Inspire Africa Conference, which held recently in Lagos, where Innovate Africa Foundation (IAF) stood at the center as the primary enabler, convener, and capability engine for the continent’s product ecosystem. Beyond delivering a world-class gathering, the Foundation reinforced its core mandate: to build product leaders—whether enterprise innovators, founders, or hands-on builders—who power Africa’s product innovation economy. By offering full scholarships to over 450 emerging product managers and builders, IAF enabled rising talent to learn alongside industry veterans, access expert-led coaching, and connect directly to high-growth market opportunities. Demonstrating deep confidence in IAF’s mandate, key industry leaders Paga and Interswitch have supported the conference since 2023. Their sustained commitment highlights the increasing awareness by enterprises on the vital importance of investing in gatherings such as this, which offer programs designed to train, coach, and deploy product leaders; who are able to drive innovation and address Africa’s most complex economic and operational challenges through innovative products that tackle real issues and

deliver tangible value for businesses. Proving its position as more than just a “talk shop,” the Inspire Africa Conference convened an unmatched cross-section of institutional, policy, academic and enterprise stakeholders. Key notes were delivered by Olu Akanmu (Executive in resistance, LBS), Petra Willie (Product Leadership Coach) and Charity Ibhadon (Global Product Director, WPP). High-level delegations in attendance included, senior representation from the Mastercard Foundation, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Senior Faculty and Leadership from Lagos Business School (LBS) and more which highlights the goal of bridging the gap between public policy, digital infrastructure, and talent development and sustainable economic mobility, through ecosystem convening. A major highlight of the conference was the exclusive, closed-door CPO & C-Suite Summit, led by Christian Idiodi (Partner, Silicon Valley Product Group), with executive leaders responsible for growth and profitability across Africa’s largest enterprises. Participating executives from Africa’s foremost enterprises and industry giants—including Nedbank, Absa, Access Bank, Stanbic IBTC, MTN, and Paga—engaged in sessions which focused

on moving away from feature-heavy output toward driving measurable business outcomes. The sessions emphasized how embedding disciplined product strategy directly optimizes capital efficiency, helping enterprises eliminate wasted R&D spend by validating what to build before committing resources. By empowering executive teams to manage product-led organizations, leaders gained actionable blueprints to streamline cross-functional alignment and accelerate high-yield innovation in increasingly competitive markets. Simultaneously, the Practical Session for Product Managers brought together top-tier global and regional product experts such as Roger Norton, Petra Willie, Annu Augustine Abiola Laseinde and Nkem Nweke who delivered a hands on workshop for product managers from Visa, Moniepoint, Accion Microfinance, First Bank, and more.This session went beyond theory, emphasizing practical and actionable frameworks, exploring real-life application of modern product management techniques, tools, and methodologies to enhance business outcomes and develop customer-centric solutions that drive meaningful results for organisations. More than 100 founders were in active attendance, gaining direct access to battletested frameworks from globally renowned

product, business leaders and successful startup founders. Sessions were anchored by industry FYQFSUT JODMVEJOH $IJEJ "GVMF[J .BOBHJOH 1SJODJQBM r redKola, Akachukwu Okafor, CTO, Shuttler, Joycee Awosika Founder of ORÍKÌ, Ayo Alaba theFounder of GoPaddi, Olawale Oladunni, Global Senior Director, Product Design & UX Research, Delivery Hero, Herzt Fauzan, Founder, Train of Thought, Charity Ibhadon, Global Product Director, WPP and Ope Oyinloye, COO, Paga offering hands-on masterclasses in scaling ventures, validating product-market fit, and navigating complex economic terrain. A standout highlight of the conference was an immersive, highly practical Canva Workshop, designed to demonstrate live problem-solving techniques to the hundreds of product managers in attendance. Facilitators guided participants through leveraging Canva’s native AI capabilities to build rapid, highfidelity prototypes and conduct real-time testing. Product teams and startups learned first-hand how to experiment, test hypotheses, and validate ideas before writing a single line of code—offering enterprises and early-stage ventures a significantly more cost-effective, low-risk approach to product development.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Obadero: Interest Rate Cut will Drive Economic Activities

The Chief Executive Officer, Zitra Investments, Mr. Babatunde Obadero in this interview with Kayode Tokede hinted that the Central Bank of Nigeria interest rate cut is expected to drive economic activities. Obadero also discussed the company’s sixth anniversary, its plans to list on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and expand its operations. Excerpts What has been the biggest constraint on access to credit in Nigeria? f you talk to customers, they are at the receiving end of high interest rates. I think everybody in financial services felt a sense of relief after the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting. One of the reasons we are glad about the MPR decision is that we hope to start seeing interest rates come down. Hopefully, that trend continues and is paired with a decline in inflation as well. When that happens, it should allow us to provide financing to customers at lower rates than we have today, which would help drive not only increased borrowing but also increased economic activity. At the end of the day, we are in business to see our customers grow their economic activity, and that should, in the end, lead to greater prosperity for all of us as Nigerians.

We have seen significant growth in our operations over the last two years, and our goal is to triple the numbers I just mentioned over the next 24 months. During that period, we expect to disburse, on average, another N30 billion in loans. So, you will see a significant increase in our lending activity over the next 12 to 24 months. Our fund management business, Zitra Fund Managers, has also grown. It not only seeks to manage funds for large corporates, institutional investors and the public sector, but is also focused on deepening financial inclusion by onboarding retail customers and small businesses. Ultimately, it is about helping our customers create and grow wealth.

Zitra Investments is marking its sixth anniversary. Looking back, what do you consider the company’s most signiﬁcant contribution to SMEs and the Nigerian economy at large? Zitra Investments has made a real impact on the SME sector and the Nigerian economy as a whole. Six years on, we have disbursed about 300,000 loans worth more than N30 billion. Supporting small businesses is at the heart of our business. We set out to deepen access to financial services for people who previously had limited or no access, wherever they are across Nigeria, and I

O b a der o

believe we have been able to achieve that. Interestingly, our SME portfolio performs better than our consumer credit portfolio. The data tells me that SMEs in Nigeria are better behaved than people often assume. Historically, we have seen them perform very well in repaying their loans. More than 65 per cent of our customers are women, and the data also tells us that women demonstrate stronger credit behaviour than their male counterparts. Over the last two years, about two-thirds of the loan facilities provided by Zitra Microfinance Bank have gone to women.

What does being in business for six years mean to you personally, and what would you say is the central achievement of those six years? Personally, I understand how difficult it is for businesses in Nigeria, and I dare say anywhere in the world, for a startup to launch and still be operating six years later. For me, that is a huge achievement in itself. Considering that SMEDAN says less than 20 per cent of businesses in Nigeria survive beyond their fifth year, while US data suggests the figure is less than half, simply making it past five years is something we should pat ourselves on the back for. But we have not just survived this entire

time. We have thrived, with year-on-year growth of about 80% since we started. Zitra Investments has survived several challenges, including double-digit inﬂation, the uniﬁcation of the naira in the foreign exchange market, and recession. What lessons have you learned? We have learnt a lot of lessons at Zitra Investments. First, we were born in the COVID year, so I guess we were born into resilience and into coping with tough times. We literally started our business in 2020. If there was ever a time people would have assumed was a difficult time to start a business, it was 2020. So, we are a product of resilience. If you are going to build a business in Nigeria that will stand the test of time, one of the most important things you need is grit. I like to call it “stick-to-it-ability”: the ability to stick to your principles, your core values and your vision of where you are headed, and to keep pushing until you achieve your desired outcomes. I think that is one of the core things that sets us apart. Speaking to inflationary pressures and the devaluation of the local currency, I would say that what has helped us navigate these times is our innovation. It is important that we continue to find ways to manage our costs and remain laser-focused on efficiency, whilst giving customer service the pride of place it deserves.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

SOStainabilityWeekly

with

Oke Epia

e-mail: sostainability01@gmail.com Whatsapp: +234 8034000706

Trends and Threads

The Renewable Energy Bill: Redeﬁning Electricity Access, Investment and Sustainable Development perspective, the legislation presents opportunities to support investment, expand energy infrastructure, stimulate local manufacturing and improve electricity access for businesses and households. Reliable renewable electricity could support small businesses, agricultural processing, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other economic activities, particularly in communities where inadequate power supply remains a major obstacle to development. However, these potential benefits would depend on the successful implementation of the proposed regulatory reforms, adequate financing, transparent project management and effective coordination among relevant government agencies.

•Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives By Mmachi Okafor

igeria’s efforts to strengthen its renewable energy sector could take a significant turn with the proposed Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a dedicated regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the development, promotion, and utilisation of renewable energy resources across the country. Sponsored by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, the bill proposes amendments to the Electricity Act, 2023, with the primary aim of restructuring the regulatory framework governing renewable energy generation, distribution, investment and consumption in Nigeria. At the centre of the proposed legislation is the establishment of the National Authority for Renewable Energy (NARE), an independent regulatory institution that would assume key responsibilities currently assigned to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Rural Electrification Fund (REF). The bill seeks to centralise regulatory and supervisory responsibilities relating to renewable energy under a single institution, creating a more coordinated framework for the development and utilisation of renewable energy resources. The scope of the proposed legislation extends beyond electricity generation to include renewable energy infrastructure development, licensing, distribution, investment promotion, technological innovation, consumer protection, rural electrification and the establishment of regulatory standards. Under the proposed framework, NARE would oversee activities involving renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, hydrogen, tidal and wave energy. The authority would also promote research into emerging technologies and establish technical standards to support the efficient generation and utilisation of renewable energy. A major component of the bill is its emphasis on expanding electricity access to underserved and unserved communities, particularly in rural areas where inadequate power infrastructure continues to limit economic opportunities and social development. To address this challenge, the legislation proposes the promotion and implementation of mini-grid and off-grid renewable energy systems in remote communities, islands, and other locations with limited access to conventional electricity networks. The proposed expansion of decentralised electricity infrastructure is intended to improve access to power while encouraging the productive use of renewable energy in communities that have historically remained outside the reach of reliable electricity services. The bill also identifies bioenergy technology as an important component of rural electrification, reflecting its broader objective of diversifying Nigeria’s energy sources and reducing excessive dependence on conventional electricity generation. Beyond expanding electricity access, the proposed legislation seeks to create a favourable investment environment capable of attracting private-sector participation in renewable energy development. It empowers the proposed authority to

•Victor Ogene, Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy and sponsor of the bill facilitate financial, fiscal, regulatory and risk-sharing incentives for local producers of renewable energy products. These measures are intended to encourage domestic production, stimulate investment and support the growth of renewable energy businesses. The legislation further provides for collaboration between NARE and the Federal Ministry responsible for Finance to introduce tax incentives and relief measures that would encourage renewable energy generation, consumption and project implementation. Such incentives could help reduce financial barriers facing renewable energy developers, although their effectiveness would depend on the specific fiscal policies adopted and the consistency of their implementation. Another significant objective of the bill is to establish a structured regulatory environment for renewable energy operators and consumers. Under the proposed arrangement, NARE would be responsible for licensing and regulating individuals and organisations engaged in renewable energy generation, distribution, supply and trading. It would also approve projects, establish operating codes, monitor compliance and resolve disputes within the industry. The authority would have powers to enforce regulatory standards, inspect licensed facilities and impose sanctions for violations of operational requirements. These provisions are intended to promote accountability, improve service delivery and ensure that renewable energy activities operate within an established legal and institutional framework. Consumer protection also forms an important part of the legislation. The bill proposes the establishment of appropriate consumer rights and obligations while requiring renewable energy pricing and tariffs to be fair and balanced for consumers, investors, licensees and other stakeholders. This approach seeks to balance the commercial interests of renewable energy investors with the need to make electricity services accessible and affordable to consumers. The proposed legislation also recognises the importance of coordination between renewable energy regulators and existing electricity institutions. Although NARE would assume major responsibilities for renewable energy regulation, the bill provides for collaboration with NERC on regulatory standards, licensing procedures, grid connections, power purchase agreements, tariffs, policy development and dispute resolution. This arrangement is intended to support the integration of renewable electricity into Nigeria’s wider power system while maintaining coordination between the proposed renewable energy authority and existing electricity-sector institutions. However, the success of this framework would depend on clearly defined responsibilities and effective cooperation between the institutions to prevent overlapping mandates, regulatory uncertainty and administrative delays. A particularly significant provision of the bill concerns the financing of the proposed authority. The legislation seeks to allocate 40 per cent

•Joseph Tegbe, Minister Power

of the Rural Electrification Fund’s annual resources to NARE for renewable energy development and associated activities. It also identifies licensing fees, charges, National Assembly allocations and other lawful sources of income as potential funding channels for the authority. This proposed funding arrangement is designed to provide financial resources for renewable energy programmes, infrastructure development and regulatory operations. Nevertheless, transferring a substantial proportion of the Rural Electrification Fund to a new institution raises important questions about the financial implications for existing rural electrification programmes and the need to ensure that resources continue to reach communities requiring electricity access. The bill also provides for the establishment of a governing board responsible for overseeing the authority’s policies, finances and institutional administration. The proposed board would include representatives from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, relevant federal ministries, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria and Women in Renewable Energy. The inclusion of these stakeholders reflects an intention to promote broader institutional participation in renewable energy governance. Furthermore, the legislation seeks to encourage gender mainstreaming and local content development within the renewable energy industry. These provisions could create opportunities for greater participation by women, indigenous businesses, technical professionals and local manufacturers in the expanding renewable energy market. Research, innovation and capacity building also feature prominently among the bill’s objectives. The proposed authority would be responsible for promoting research into renewable energy technologies, supporting infrastructure development, establishing technical standards and implementing programmes aligned with international best practices. By encouraging technological advancement and skills development, the bill seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to develop and utilise renewable energy resources while supporting the emergence of a more competitive domestic renewable energy industry. Public education is another important aspect of the proposed legislation. NARE would be expected to promote awareness of renewable energy production and consumption, helping individuals, communities and businesses understand the opportunities associated with alternative energy technologies. The bill also extends its attention to renewable energy projects beyond electricity generation, providing a broader framework for the productive utilisation of renewable energy resources across different sectors of the economy. From an economic development

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Jigawa State

•Gov. Umar Namadi

SCORE CARD Enacted electricity legislation:

Yes

Set up SERC: (State Electricity Regulatory Commission)

Yes

Projects and infrastructure:

Completed Ongoing In design Power access and utility:

High Medium Low Development support attracted:

Yes

SDG 7 SNAPSHOT •In concluding the series on ‘Subsidy Savings: Governors and Nigeria’s Power Problems’ last week, we inadvertently omitted Jigawa State. This slide now concludes the series and lays the ground for more detailed interrogation of SDG 7 delivery in Nigeria’s subnationals.

SOStainabilityWeekly

SOS Alert

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

“

27 Multiple safety incidents have been recorded in recent weeks, including the collapse of a lady on 12 September due to gas-induced dizziness“

-Amnesty International Nigeria bemoaning the Bille gas leak in Rivers State

Nigeria’s 2027 Transition and the Green Agenda: Beyond Benjamin Kalu’s Climate Crusading By Mmachi Okafor

he global dialogue on climate change is shaped by a structural disconnect between ambitious international commitments and the fulfilment of pledges, and by the lack of concrete statutory mechanisms to mobilize capital. In Africa’s parliamentary space, few figures have confronted this challenge with the policy depth and legislative focus required than Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. Representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Kalu has emerged as a legislator-scholar within the 10th National Assembly, recasting environmental action not as a passive burden, but as a major driver for economic growth, energy access, and global institutional accountability. His approach to governance combines academic research with strategic lawmaking. Serving concurrently as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review and Chairman of the House Committee of the Whole, Kalu occupies a central position in Nigeria’s legislative hierarchy. His broader agenda spans parliamentary diplomacy across the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Pan-African Parliament, and the ECOWAS Parliament, alongside domestic interventions in regional peace-building and sustainable development. Central to his leadership is the belief that climate action must move beyond symbolic pledges to become bankable, commercially viable projects backed by statutory authority. Born on May 5, 1971, in Agbamuzu, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Benjamin Okezie Kalu’s political development reflects extensive involvement across local, state, and national governance. His public service career began over two decades ago, encompassing roles such as Local Government Chairman for Bende, Senior

•Rt. Hon. Kalu...delivering his keynote address at the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit (NCIS) London in June Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from 2007 to 2009, and Senior Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goals and International Relations from 2009 to 2010. After contesting parliamentary primaries in 2002, 2011, and 2015, Kalu secured a seat in the House of Representatives in 2019 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and earned re-election in 2023. During the 9th Assembly, he served as the Official Spokesperson of the House, establishing a reputation for articulate communication before he was elected Deputy Speaker on June 13, 2023.

Academic flavour and policy focus… Kalu’s policy focus is rooted in an extensive academic background spanning law, public administration, international security, and environmental policy. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws with distinction in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law from the University of Calabar, alongside a Master of Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. His academic pursuits culminated in two doctoral degrees: a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Strategic Studies from the University of Abuja in 2025, and a Doctor of Laws

Washing and Hushing

On that US-Nigeria Mining Deal

hree weeks ago, this page demanded the public release of details of the much-publicised framework agreement on mining between Nigeria and the US. We believe we were echoing valid concerns among global industry watchers and stakeholders across the board who had begun to raise several questions about the deal. On Monday, ThisDay Newspaper published what appears to be the text of the agreement on pages 14 and 15. Although the publication was not attributed and the names and signatures of the officials were omitted, the fact that there is a movement in the transparency needle that should ordinarily thread such important bilateral cooperation between the two countries is worthy of mention. However, the publication

• Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

has raised cogent questions that deserve to be answered by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the United States Government. In the spirit of

dialogue and to encourage more transparency and mobilisation of public support for the just exploration, processing, and value-addition of Nigeria’s rare earth and transition minerals, there needs to be more awareness of the community safeguards, beneficiation, and social licence to operate covered in this framework. There needs to be more information and engagement on how Nigerian entities, especially the private sector, can benefit, to create multiplier effects on the economy. There needs to be more assurance on how the Nigerian government intends to protect and promote national interest in the face of the fierce geopolitics over these transition minerals. There are many more questions, so let the engagement continue.

from the University of Calabar in April 2026. His academic work directly shapes his legislative priorities. Kalu’s doctoral thesis at the University of Abuja, titled Government Capacity to Integrate International Climate Adaptation Strategies and Policies in Nigeria, directly addresses the structural bottlenecks hindering the domestic implementation of global climate frameworks. This theoretical grounding is reinforced by published scholarly work, including his co-authored paper, Climate Adaptation Policy and Food Security in Nigeria: Evaluating Strategies, Challenges and Future Directions (2024), alongside executive certifications from John Cabot University, the University of Groningen, and Miami Herbert Business School. This combination of scholarly research and legislative leadership allows Kalu to evaluate climate policy through both legal mechanisms and market realities. A defining feature of Kalu’s climate advocacy is his ability to reframe environmental policy in the language of capital allocation, macroeconomic stability, and human resilience. Rather than treating climate change as an abstract environmental concern, his public speeches consistently ground policy debates in the lived experiences of vulnerable populations and the fiscal structures necessary to attract private investment. Kalu’s global crusading… This approach was evident in his Keynote Address at the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit (NCIS) in June 2026, held as a flagship event of London Climate Action Week. Speaking to global investors, legislators, and international financial institutions, Kalu opened his address by describing the human cost of climate-induced disasters, highlighting the May 2025 flood tragedy in Mokwa, Niger State. The early morning flood swept through communities, leaving over 500 people dead, more than 600 missing, and entire neighborhoods submerged. Kalu highlighted the story of Ndagi, a local youth who searched the rubble for survivors, to illustrate that for ordinary Nigerians, climate change is an immediate existential crisis involving lost family members, destroyed farmland, and displaced households. Having established the human imperative, Kalu shifted the focus of his address to the macroeconomic balance sheet. He noted that under Nigeria’s updated Energy Transition Plan, achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 requires approximately $500 billion in capital investment above business-as-usual spending. Rather than framing this sum as an insurmountable deficit, Kalu presented it as an investment horizon for international capital, pointing to structural macroeconomic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration that have improved foreign investor confidence. He noted that the removal of the fuel subsidy redirected vital public resources into capital development, helping double government revenues to over 28.3 trillion naira in 2025. Concurrently, the unification of the foreign exchange market reduced trade arbitrage and expanded FX liquidity, contributing to a real Gross Domestic Product growth rate of 3.87 percent in 2025, up from 3.38 percent in 2024, and expanding the national economy to 441.5 trillion naira.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NIA Commiserates With Edo State Govt,Victims of Tanker Explosion Ebere Nwoji The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), has commiserated with the Edo State Government, victims and relatives of the recent tragic tanker explosion in Oluku, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, along the Benin–Lagos Road in Edo State. The ugly incident resulted in the loss of lives, injuries and destruction of properties, including shops, vehicles and other valuable assets. The Chairman of the Association, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, on behalf of the Governing Council and member companies, extended her heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Edo State, particularly families who lost loved ones, those receiving medical treatment and individuals whose businesses and livelihoods were affected by the unfortunate incident. Describing the explosion as a devastating tragedy, Nwachukwu noted that beyond the painful loss of lives and injuries

sustained, the destruction of commercial premises, vehicles, merchandise and other properties represents significant economic losses, with far-reaching consequences for affected families, businesses and the wider community. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and the immense pain it has brought upon families and businesses. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones, the injured and everyone whose means of livelihood has been disrupted. We pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and speedy recovery of those receiving medical attention,” she stated. The NIA Chairman observed that while unforeseen accidents may not always be completely prevented, their occurrence and severity could be significantly reduced through strict adherence to safety standards, responsible road usage, regular vehicle maintenance and effective regulatory enforcement. She urged petroleum tanker operators, motorists

and other road users to prioritise safety, while advising members of the public to avoid accident scenes involving petroleum products, refrain from scooping spilled fuel and promptly alert relevant emergency response agencies. Emphasising the critical role of insurance in mitigating the financial consequences of such disasters, Nwachukwu noted that the incident further reinforces the need for individuals, businesses and government institutions to embrace adequate insurance protection against unforeseen risks. “While insurance cannot replace precious lives or erase the emotional trauma of such tragedies, it provides an essential financial safety net, helping affected individuals and businesses recover, rebuild and restore their livelihoods. The destruction of shops, vehicles and other assets in incidents of this nature underscores the importance of appropriate insurance coverage as a fundamental risk management tool,” she said.

AIICO Conducts Maternal Health Outreach to 1,000 Participants Ebere Nwoji AIICO Insurance Plc, in partnership with HACEY Health Initiative, has reached 1,000 participants through a two-day maternal health outreach at General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos State. AIICO said this was targeted at providing essential health education, screening services and maternal care supplies to support pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants. AIICO also said the intervention integrated maternal health activities into the hospital’s existing antenatal and immunisation clinics, bringing preventive care and practical support closer to women already accessing healthcare services. Speaking on the exercise, AIICO Corporate Responsibility and

Sustainability Manager, Mrs. Abimbola Shobanjo said the outreach combined blood pressure, blood sugar and malaria screening with health education, medical referrals and the distribution of 650 maternal care kits. She said participants identified with high-risk results, including elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar or positive malaria results, were referred promptly to an on-site medical doctor for further attention. According to her, the intervention also focused on strengthening women’s knowledge of pregnancy danger signs, malaria prevention, birth preparedness and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. “By combining screening with education and referral, the project encouraged early identification of

potential health concerns and appropriate follow-up care. The 650 maternal care kits distributed during the exercise contained essential supplies, including chlorhexidine gel, sterile gloves, gauze, surgical blades, cord ties, sanitary pads, antiseptic, diapers, wipes and mackintosh. Healthcare workers provided guidance on the appropriate use of the items to support hygienic delivery, nursing and newborn care practices”, Shobanjo stated. According to her, the AIICO approach to corporate responsibility is centred on initiatives that address real needs and make a practical difference in people’s lives. Maternal health is particularly important because the wellbeing of mothers has implications for their babies, families and communities.

RMB Nigeria Wins Merchant Bank of the Year Award Nume Ekeghe RMB Nigeria has secured two honours at the 2026 BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, winning Merchant Bank of the Year for the eighth time and Deal Advisory Excellence of the Year. Commenting on the awards, Bayo Ajayi, Chief Executive Officer of RMB Nigeria, said: “These awards reflect the strength of our client partnerships and the consistency with which we

deliver on our commitments. Being named Merchant Bank of the Year for the eighth time is a significant achievement, and one we share with the clients who continue to trust us with their most important financial and strategic decisions.’’ “We remain focused on combining deep market understanding, innovative thinking and the strength of the RMB network to help our clients navigate complexity, unlock opportunities and pursue sustainable growth.” Speaking on the Deal Advisory Excellence award, Chidi Iwuchukwu, Executive Director and Head of Investment

Banking, Broader Africa, RMB Nigeria, said: “Successful deal advisory goes beyond structuring and executing transactions. It requires a deep understanding of our clients’ ambitions, the sectors in which they operate and the market dynamics shaping their decisions.’’ “This recognition underscores our commitment to bringing together the right expertise, commercial insight and execution discipline for complex mandates, helping clients navigate critical milestones and achieve their strategic objectives.”

L-R: Chief Financial Oﬃcer, Sunbeth Global Concepts, Adeyemi Aduwo; Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Access Bank Plc, Iyabo Soji-Okusanya; Managing Director, Sunbeth Global Concepts, Olasunkanmi Owoyemi; Managing Director, Capital Markets, Chapel Hill Denham, Lanre Buluro and Group Chief Executive Oﬃcer, AVA Capital Plc, Kayode Fadahunsi, during the signing ceremony of Sunbeth’s N150 billion Commercial Paper Issuance in Lagos...recently

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

Month

Money Supply (M3)

119,037,577.07

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

9,291.49

Money Supply (M2)

119,028,285.58

Quasi Money

79,681,419.97

-- Narrow Money (M1)

39,346,865.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,646,794.28

---- Demand Deposits

34,700,071.33

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

34,804,442.84

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

84,233,134.23

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

99,199,655.08

---- Credit to Government (Net)

24,787,980.96

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

74,411,674.12

--Other Assets Net

2,603,854.03

Reserve Money (Base Money)

36,641,142.21

--Currency in Circulation

5,057,881.01

--Banks Reserves

31,583,261.21

--Special Intervention Reserves

284,361.95

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

October 2025

Inter-Bank Call Rate

October 2025

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

27.00

Treasury Bill Rate

15.07

Savings Deposit Rate

7.43

1 Month Deposit Rate

11.37

3 Months Deposit Rate

11.32

6 Months Deposit Rate

11.12

12 Months Deposit Rate

11.78

Prime Lending rate

18.89

Maximum Lending Rate

29.56

NSE MARKET INDEX CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

0.9% (29%Y/D) ˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ Ͱ͵ϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24TH NOVEMBER , 2025

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $63.14 a barrel on Monday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zaﬁro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Rebounds, Gains N411bn on Buy Interest in HBM, Others Kaode Tokede

The Nigerian stock market yesterday rebounded, as investors renewed buying interest in HBM Nigeria Plc , 26 others lifted the market capitalization by N411 billion. The Nigerian Exchange Limites All-Share Index (NGX ASI) up by 0.26 per

cent to close at 245,911.13 basis points, strengthening its year-to-date return to 58.03 per cent. Consequently, market capitalisation gained N411 billion to close at N 159.67 trillion. The upturn was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks amongst which are; HBM Nigeria, NASCON Allied Industries,

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Unilever Nigeria, Custodian Investment and ABC Transport. Market sentiment turned bullish, with 27 advancers outnumbering 21 decliners. Austin Laz and Company emerged the highest price gainer of 9.97 per cent to close at N3.53, per share. ABC Transports followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N6.65, while Cutix rose by 9.91 per cent

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

to close at N2.33, per share. Thomas Wyatt Nigeria rose by 9.77 per cent to close at N2.92, while Caverton Offshore Support Group advanced by 9.76 per cent to close at N4.50, per share. On the other side, Livestock Feeds led others on the losers’ chart with 9.76 per cent to close at N17.10, per share. Guinea Insurance followed with a decline of 7.78 per cent each

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S

O F

to close at 83 kobo, while NPF Microfinance Bank declined by 5.75 per cent to close at N4.10, per share. Mutual Benefits Assurance shed 4.69 per cent to close at N3.05, while AIICO Insurance down by 3.06 per cent to close at N3.80, per share. Meanwhile, the total volume of stocks traded fell by 0.19 per cent to 348.751 million shares worth N 25.877 billion in 32,639 deals was

O CTO B E R DEALS

traded by investors on the floor of the Exchange. Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) led the activity with 48.141 million shares worth N2.118 billion. FCMB Group followed with a volume of 30.115 million shares valued at N328.314 million, while Zenith Bank traded 21.009 million shares valued at N2.594 billion.

2 0 / 2 6 MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2026

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Sanwo-Olu Warns against Wetland Destruction, Strengthens Plastic Ban Enforcement Bennett Oghifo Lagos residents face mounting environmental risks as the state generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastics accounting for 15 per cent, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has warned, linking indiscriminate waste disposal and wetland destruction to worsening floods, damaged property and threats to public health. Speaking at the 20th Annual Walk for Nature, organised by the Nigerian Conserva-

tion Foundation (NCF) in partnership with the Lagos State Government at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said plastic waste dumped into drains, canals and the lagoon obstructed waterways and returned to communities as floodwater during rainfall. He described waste management and the destruction of natural ecosystems as urgent challenges for the coastal state, warning that their consequences extended beyond environmental pollution to

homes, businesses, transportation and livelihoods. Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’s lowlying terrain, dense population and rapid urbanisation had heightened its vulnerability to flooding and coastal erosion, making the protection of wetlands, mangroves and lagoon fronts essential to the state’s safety. The governor outlined three major areas of intervention: plastic pollution, uncontrolled wetland reclamation, and investment in drainage infrastructure and green spaces.

On plastic pollution, he said the government had been enforcing its ban on Styrofoam and other prohibited single-use plastics since July 1, 2025. Businesses found storing, selling or distributing the banned products face sanctions. He added that enforcement was being supported by efforts to promote sustainable alternatives and expand environmental education in schools and communities. On wetland protection, Sanwo-Olu recalled that the government suspended

reclamation activities undertaken without the required Environmental Impact Assessment approvals and drainage clearances in September 2025. He stressed that development must comply with environmental regulations, warning that filling wetlands and building over drainage channels weakened the natural systems that help control flooding and protect coastal communities. The governor said the state was also investing in drainage infrastructure, mangrove

restoration, tree planting and parks to improve climate resilience and preserve the natural environment. He urged residents to stop dumping refuse into drains, reject unnecessary single-use plastics and avoid construction on wetlands and drainage channels. Addressing students and young people, he encouraged them to separate waste, plant trees and promote responsible environmental practices within their campuses and surrounding communities.

7-Fifteen Capital Hosts Hamzat, for an Evening with Lagos Business Leaders Bennett Oghifo A luxury real estate development company, 7-Fifteen Capital, hosted Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, for an evening of conversation with Lagos’ young business leaders in Ikoyi, Lagos. Themed “Lagos: The Next Chapter,” the private dinner brought together approximately 150 young executives, founders, investors, and influential figures from across the business community for an intimate conversation with the Deputy Governor on the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping the future of Lagos. The evening featured a keynote address by Dr. Hamzat on his vision and priorities for Lagos ahead of

the 2027 governorship election, with a focus on creating an environment that supports businesses, attracts investment and improves the quality of life for residents. “The next chapter for Lagos is going to be about building on the progress we have already made and taking the state to a new level of innovation, inclusion and infrastructure. We must establish Lagos as a leading centre for education, strengthen healthcare delivery, create more opportunities for our young people and MSMEs, and make Lagos the safest mega-city in Africa. Our ambition is to make Lagos a place where people and businesses can thrive and where the systems of government work more efficiently for everyone,” Dr. Hamzat said. He also delivered a special presentation on Digital Lagos 2.0, outlining his vision for

integrating artificial intelligence, blockchain and smartcity technologies to position Lagos as a leading technology hub and build a more efficient digital government. The programme concluded with a fireside conversation, where Dr. Hamzat engaged directly with guests, discussing sustainability, town planning, the creative economy, tourism, public-private collaboration and more. The open exchange gave business leaders an opportunity to raise pressing issues and gain greater clarity on how the proposed agenda would shape Lagos. Speaking about the objective of the gathering, Tope Adekoya, CEO and Co-Founder of 7-Fifteen Capital, said, “Lagos is home to an increasingly influential community of young founders and business leaders who are creating opportunities and contributing meaningfully

to the city’s growth. This evening was an opportunity to bring that community together with public leadership, create space for direct

conversation and hear from the people who are actively shaping Lagos’s next chapter. The depth and openness of the conversation showed that

there is a real appetite for this kind of engagement, and we are pleased that we achieved what we set out to do with this evening.”

L-R: Founder and CEO, 7-Fifteen Capital Ltd., Tope Adekoya; Deputy Governor of Lagos State and APC governorship candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; APC deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola SonayonJames; Co-founder and Deputy CEO, 7-Fifteen Capital Ltd., Adesuwa Belo-Osagie; and Managing Partner, Kolban Visions Ltd., Segun Banjoko, at the 7-Fifteen Capital private dinner with Dr. Hamzat and young business leaders in Ikoyi, Lagos... recently

LSDPC Renovates Block A to Boost Efﬁciency, Strengthen Public Service Delivery rAgoro urges staff to uphold professionalism, accountability Bennett Oghifo The Lagos State Government has underscored the need to improve public-sector infrastructure to strengthen efficiency and service delivery, as the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) unveiled its newly renovated Block A office building. The Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Bode Agoro, who unveiled the facility, said a conducive working environment was essential to building a professional,

efficient and responsive public service capable of meeting the needs of residents. He urged the corporation’s management and staff to translate the improved office environment into measurable results, stressing that infrastructure alone could not guarantee better performance without professionalism, integrity and accountability. Agoro spoke at the unveiling ceremony attended by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of LSDPC, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, members of the corporation’s

management, public officials and other stakeholders. He described the renovation as an investment in the workforce and the quality of services delivered to the public, noting that public institutions required safe, functional and well-maintained facilities to discharge their responsibilities effectively. “A workplace is more than a collection of offices and buildings. It is an environment where ideas are developed, decisions are made, services are delivered and, ultimately, the business of government

is conducted,” he said. Agoro said the Lagos State Government remained committed to developing a public service that was professional, efficient, responsive and people-centred, adding that improved working conditions were critical to achieving those objectives. He noted that LSDPC occupied an important position in the state’s development through its responsibilities for property development, housing and the management of government real estate assets. As Lagos continues to grow,

he said, the corporation must ensure that its operations and infrastructure reflect the standards expected of a modern public institution. The Head of Service challenged employees to use the renovated facility to strengthen collaboration across departments and improve productivity, while maintaining the building and its facilities. He also urged the management to focus on delivering tangible outcomes that would contribute to the development of Lagos and improve the lives

of residents. LSDPC Reafﬁrms Commitment to Excellence Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of LSDPC, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, said the renovation reflected the corporation’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards and providing an environment that supports effective service delivery. Joseph said the quality of the corporation’s working environment must match the professionalism and excellence expected in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Ageing Power Grid Threatens Nigeria’s Digital Economy, Engineers Warn Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Engineers have warned that Nigeria’s ageing electricity infrastructure, weak investment and rising energy demands from digital technologies threaten the country’s digital economy, industrial growth and competitiveness unless urgent reforms are implemented. The warning was issued at the 22nd International

Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunications (ICEPT 2026), organised by the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, the Acting Director for National Energy Efficiency, Dr Manaseh

Shitta, said Nigeria must urgently modernise its electricity infrastructure to cope with the demands of an increasingly digital economy. He warned that artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and data centres were driving global electricity consumption, placing additional pressure on power systems already struggling to meet existing demand. The development, he said, presented a major challenge

for Nigeria as the country pursued digital transformation, industrialisation and the transition to cleaner energy sources. Shitta identified rising electricity demand from digitalisation, cybersecurity threats and inadequate investment in ageing power infrastructure as three critical obstacles to integrating energy systems with emerging technologies. He explained that modern energy infrastructure increas-

ingly depended on digital technologies to manage renewable energy sources, electric vehicle charging stations, battery storage systems and decentralised electricity generation. Without appropriate digital systems, he said, managing these interconnected energy networks efficiently would become increasingly difficult. However, he cautioned that greater reliance on digital technologies also exposed critical

energy infrastructure to cyberattacks, making cybersecurity an essential component of Nigeria’s power sector modernisation. He called for stronger collaboration among engineers, energy companies, investors and policymakers to attract investment, develop innovative technologies and establish regulatory frameworks that would support digital innovation while protecting critical infrastructure.

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

PERSPECTIVE Earned, Not Given: Why Kemi Nandap Deserves More Time at the Helm of Immigration By Kabiru Sani

hen the statement from the Presidency landed late on Monday night, it carried the kind of news that rarely surprises those who have watched the Nigeria Immigration Service closely since early 2024. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved 18 month tenure extensions for Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service. Under the new arrangement, Nandap will now serve until 30 June 2028. For many inside and outside the Service, the announcement did not feel like a reprieve. It felt like confirmation. It is worth pausing on how unusual this is. This is not the first time the President has asked Nandap to stay on. When she was appointed in 2024, her tenure was meant to end on 31 August 2025. In March 2025, Tinubu extended it to 31 December 2026, and the statement announcing that decision pointed to notable improvements in border management, the modernisation of immigration processes and national security. Two votes of confidence in under two years is not something that happens often in Nigerian public service, where heads of agencies usually leave quietly once the clock runs out. A President does not keep returning to the same officer unless the officer keeps giving him reasons to. The Presidency explained that this latest approval followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, and would address a succession gap in both Services while giving the board enough time to appoint successors. Some will be tempted to read that as administrative housekeeping and nothing more. But no serious government hands the keys to its borders to anyone simply to fill a calendar. The President was clear about why he was keeping this team in place: he commended both Nandap and Nwakuche for the reforms achieved under their leadership and charged them to consolidate those gains. That single word, consolidate, says a great deal. You only ask someone to consolidate what is already working. To understand why Nandap has earned this trust, you have to begin with who she is. Born on 3 June 1966, she holds a degree in Biochemistry, and she joined the Nigeria Immigration Service on 9 October 1989. She is not a political import or an outsider parachuted into a uniformed service. She came up through the ranks and learnt the institution from the inside. In 2022 she took charge of the Murtala Muhammed Airport command in Lagos, one of the country’s busiest international gateways, where her officers intercepted a pistol and ammunition being smuggled in by a Nigerian based in the United States. That episode said something about the officer she was long before she became the officer in charge. Tinubu nominated her for the top job on 21 February 2024, and the Senate confirmed her on 1 March 2024. She became only the third woman to lead the Service. What she inherited was not an easy institution. For years, the Nigerian passport office had become a byword for frustration: scarce booklets, endless queues, touts at every gate and the quiet expectation that money had to change hands before anything moved. Nandap understood that the Service’s reputation would not be repaired by speeches. It had to be repaired at the counter, one applicant at a time. Within her first year, the Service built up adequate passport stock to meet demand, rolled out the enhanced electronic passport at Nigeria’s foreign missions with a new contactless application system, and decentralised the Change of Data process to every passport office nationwide. For a Nigerian student in Manchester or a nurse in

Kemi Nandap

Houston, those changes were not abstractions. They meant fewer trips, fewer delays and fewer reasons to lose faith in their own government. At the heart of her approach is a simple insight: where human contact is reduced, the room for corruption shrinks with it. Speaking at the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week, Nandap described her reforms as an effort to rebuild public confidence and root out the corrupt practices that had stained the Service’s image. She pointed to the automation of passport applications, contactless processing, and electronic gates and body cameras at international airports, all meant to improve transparency and security while cutting human interference. She cited improved national ratings, commendations and awards the Service had received at government performance reviews. In a public sector where performance is often claimed but seldom measured, that kind of external recognition matters. Her imprint is equally clear on how Nigeria welcomes the world. Visas into Nigeria were once a test of who you knew. Under the electronic visa regime that took off on 1 May 2025, more than 14,000 applications were processed within the first six weeks. Nandap explained that the new framework brought in an electronic CERPAC, landing and exit cards and a Temporary Work Permit, with applications made entirely online without physical visits to immigration offices. The Interior Minister put the logic plainly: a country cannot grow if visas depend on personal connections, yet security must never be compromised. Nandap’s Service has been the engine that turned that principle into a working system. Security remains the core of the job, and here too the record is substantial. By late January 2025, the Advance Passenger Information and

Passenger Name Record system deployed under her watch had flagged 97 persons of interest. She strengthened the network of informants in border communities, so local knowledge feeds directly into enforcement. Operations under her leadership produced significant crackdowns on human trafficking and other transnational crimes. And recognising that the best way to stop irregular migration is often to prevent it, she pushed officers into schools, markets, NYSC camps and passport centres to warn about the dangers of irregular migration. The Technology Innovation Centre commissioned by the President at the Service’s Abuja headquarters gave all of this a digital nerve centre. None of these reforms would hold without the people who carry them out. She launched the Modernisation of the Nigeria Immigration Service project to drive career progression and gender mainstreaming, with training focused on border management, migration management and passport administration. She has pledged better welfare through timely promotions, affordable housing and healthcare schemes. Yet she pairs that care with a firm hand. Decorating newly promoted comptrollers, she reminded them that promotion in a disciplined service is neither automatic nor simply a reward for years served, but earned through dedication, competence and integrity. She has made clear that the Service will not tolerate indolence or unprofessional conduct. It is the posture of a leader who believes in her people enough to demand more of them. Her reputation has also travelled beyond Nigeria. Nandap chairs the ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum, placing her at the centre of regional conversations on free movement, border security and migration across West Africa. At a time when the region faces shared

threats, from trafficking networks to insecurity spilling across the Sahel, having a Nigerian at that table who commands the respect of her peers is an asset in its own right. The case for her extension rests on more than gratitude for past work. It rests on unfinished business. She has spoken of upgrades to visa and passport processes, contactless solutions, the new EMBIC system, and the coming STEP initiative, a biometric Single Travel Emergency Passport meant to replace the Emergency Travel Certificate. These are long projects that demand continuity of vision. Changing leadership in the middle of such a transformation risks stalling momentum and inviting old habits back through the door. Honest observers will also admit the work is far from complete. Touts have not vanished from every passport office, and digital systems are only as strong as the discipline of those who run them. That is precisely the argument for keeping the person who built the foundations in charge of finishing the house. There is also something to be said for what her leadership represents. In a uniformed service long shaped by men, Nandap has shown that a woman can lead with both firmness and vision, and without fanfare. She does not chase headlines. She lets passport offices, airport gates and border posts speak for her. For the young women now in the Service, she is living proof that the top of the ladder is within reach. Credit must also go to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, whose recommendation set this extension in motion. From the start of this administration, the Minister has refused to accept the old way of doing things at the Ministry, and his policy direction, oversight and steady backing have given the Service the room it needed to reform. Nandap has been quick to acknowledge that support at every turn, attributing much of the Service’s progress to the Minister’s commitment. In recommending that she stay on, he has once again shown sound judgment and a clear eye for continuity, and he deserves commendation for it. Above all, Nandap’s work has never stood apart from the larger vision of the government she serves. Every reform she has driven, from the automated passport office to the electronic visa and the command centre in Abuja, sits firmly within President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises Nigerians institutions that are more efficient, more transparent and more secure. The President himself drew that line when he first extended her tenure in March 2025, commending her “exemplary leadership” and urging her to keep faith with the Service’s strategic priorities, which his office said align with the Renewed Hope Agenda. When he commissioned the Service’s technology complex in Abuja, he hailed her and her team for restoring the Service to its rightful place as a security agency. And on Monday, the Presidency once again recorded that President Tinubu commended her “for the reforms achieved under” her leadership, charging her to consolidate those gains. That charge is both an honour and a challenge, and Nandap has shown time and again that she is equal to both. As she continues to work in step with the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora can look forward to many more achievements: faster and more seamless passport services, smarter and safer borders, a visa system that welcomes investors and visitors alike, and an Immigration Service they can genuinely be proud of. When she finally hands over in June 2028, after close to four decades in the Service, she will leave behind an institution transformed. President Tinubu has given her 18 more months to finish what she started. On the strength of her record, it is time well invested. • Kabiru Sani Public Analysis, Kano

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

CHARTERED RISK MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE HOLDS CONFERENCE...

President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), Kevin Ugwuoke; Director, Risk Management, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Blaise Ijebor; Registrar/Chief Executive Oﬃcer, CRMI, Dr. Victor Olannye; Country Manager, ACE Depository Global, Serge Seideu; and Group Head, Risk and Internal Control, Sunbeth Global Concepts, David Ibesanmi, at CRMI’s 25th Annual International Conference in Lagos… recently

NAFDAC Assures Nigerians of Safety Checks on All US-Nigeria Medical Supplies Deploys track-and-trace technology to monitor distribution of medicines and vaccines nationwide Sunday Ehigiator The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has assured Nigerians that medical products supplied under agreements between the Nigerian and United States governments will undergo appropriate regulatory checks, with their distribution monitored through a technology-driven tracking system.

The agency said the United States-Nigeria governments (USG-GoN) medical products were intended to address gaps in HIV/ AIDS treatment created by the exit of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a statement yesterday, signed by its Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC said it retained its statutory responsibility for regulating medicines, vaccines

and diagnostic products entering Nigeria, stressing that regulatory cooperation with foreign agencies would not compromise its mandate. “As the Agency with the mandate to safeguard the health of Nigerians, NAFDAC will NOT fail to carry out this responsibility as enshrined in the mandate,” the agency said. NAFDAC explained that the memorandum of understanding

between the US and Nigerian governments referred to its existing regulatory-reliance framework with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under which products manufactured in the United States and approved by the regulator could benefit from expedited approval. The agency, however, clarified that products not manufactured in the US would be tested by NAFDAC for quality, safety and

PLAC: Economic Hardship, Middle-Class Apathy Threaten Nigeria’s Democracy Nwankwo, Abdu urge Nigerians to turn frustration into electoral participation Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria’s democracy faces a critical test ahead of the 2027 general elections, with rising living costs, insecurity, unemployment and growing civic apathy threatening to widen the gulf between citizens and those entrusted with governing the country. Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Dr. Clement Nwankwo, and the Country Director of CARE Nigeria and chairman of the event, Hussaini Abdu, warned that widespread frustration over poor governance would not translate into meaningful change unless Nigerians moved beyond complaints to organised civic action, active electoral participation and sustained demands for accountability. Speaking at the eighth annual public lecture of the Just Friends Club of Nigeria (JFCN) in Abuja on Tuesday, the speakers expressed concern that sections of the population, particularly the middle class, were increasingly retreating into private solutions rather than confronting systemic failures. The lecture, themed “From Concern to Action: Making Our Votes Count in the 2027 General Elections,” examined how economic hardship, insecurity, declining public services and voter apathy could undermine democratic accountability if citizens failed to turn their grievances into collective action. Nwankwo, who delivered the

lecture, drew attention to the weakening of the middle class and its diminishing willingness to organise around shared concerns, warning that individual efforts to escape the consequences of poor governance could weaken the pressure needed to compel public institutions to perform. Rather than demanding reliable public services, many relatively affluent Nigerians increasingly seek private alternatives. Households purchase generators or install solar systems to cope with unreliable electricity, send their children to private schools, pay for private healthcare and, in some cases, travel abroad for medical treatment. While these choices may provide individual relief, Nwankwo’s argument highlighted the danger that such private coping mechanisms could insulate sections of society from the consequences of public-sector failures, reducing the collective pressure on government to improve essential services. The problem, as illustrated during the discussion, is not necessarily that the middle class has disappeared, but that its collective influence and willingness to mobilise for accountability have weakened. An example was drawn from an affluent Abuja neighbourhood where residents reportedly complained through a WhatsApp group about levies imposed by local authorities but failed to translate their shared grievances into coordinated action.

Instead, residents were said to have opted for individual settlements rather than jointly challenging the disputed charges through appropriate channels. The example underscored how public frustration could remain confined to private conversations without developing into organised demands for transparency and accountability. The discussion also raised concerns about the role of civil society organisations in filling gaps

in public service delivery. Although non-governmental organisations provide essential support to vulnerable communities, the speakers cautioned against allowing such interventions to become permanent substitutes for government responsibilities. They argued that development initiatives should strengthen citizens’ ability to demand accountable governance rather than inadvertently relieve public institutions of their obligations.

efficacy. “If the products donated are not manufactured in the USA, all of the products will be tested for quality, safety and efficacy by NAFDAC. That is, NAFDAC retains its responsibility for Nigeria’s own decision.” According to the agency, regulatory reliance reduces unnecessary duplication and accelerates access to quality-assured products without removing its authority to evaluate applications, inspect products and facilities, conduct risk-based testing, release vaccine lots and undertake post-market surveillance where necessary. NAFDAC cited its regulatory activities during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence of its commitment to protecting public health. “ALL COVID-19 vaccines given to Nigeria during the pandemic were tested at our Yaba Vaccine, Biologics and Medical Devices laboratory in Yaba despite the fact they have been declared safe by the World Health Organization,” it said. The agency also disclosed that all antiretroviral, tuberculosis and malaria drugs supplied through the Global Fund were tested annually. On monitoring the distribution

of medical products, NAFDAC said it had deployed the GS1 technology-driven Track and Trace system to monitor the movement of COVID-19 vaccines distributed across Nigeria during the pandemic. It explained that the distribution records were maintained in its Traceability Information System (TIS), which was now being used to monitor non-COVID-19 vaccines. The agency added that it had started using the system to monitor the supply chain and distribution of narcotics, as well as maternal, newborn and child health commodities. “NAFDAC will use the same GS1 technology-driven Track and Trace system to monitor ALL medical products that come into the country under the USG-GoN Agreement,” the statement added. The agency said the system would enable it to monitor the distribution of medical products under the agreement and reinforce oversight of their movement through the country’s supply chain. NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that medicines and vaccines entering Nigeria meet applicable regulatory requirements, regardless of the arrangements under which they are supplied.

IPCR Seeks Stronger Field Offices as Insecurity Spreads Across Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) is seeking to strengthen its zonal and state peacebuilding offices across Nigeria as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, communal violence and other security threats expose gaps in the country’s capacity to prevent conflicts before they escalate. The Institute said inadequate funding, manpower shortages, poor logistics and weak coordination between early-warning systems and response agencies were undermining peacebuilding efforts in several parts of the country, despite growing security pressures on communities. The initiative is aimed at improv-

ing conflict monitoring, mediation, community engagement and rapid response, with the Institute’s field offices expected to play a stronger role in identifying emerging threats and developing locally appropriate interventions. Director of Zonal and State Peacebuilding Offices, Ambrose Okosun, disclosed this during a preparatory meeting to coordinate a proposed sensitisation programme for the Institute’s zonal and state offices. Okosun said the meeting was designed to harmonise the objectives, methodologies and logistics of the programme while allowing officers to identify operational challenges and develop strategies suited

to the different security conditions in their respective locations. He said Nigeria’s security challenges were diverse and interconnected, requiring peacebuilding institutions to strengthen their capacity to prevent conflicts, mediate disputes and promote peaceful coexistence. According to him, the Institute’s zonal and state offices occupy a strategic position because of their proximity to communities, but their effectiveness is frequently constrained by inadequate resources, insufficient training and limited personnel. The proposed programme is expected to improve officers’ skills in conflict prevention, mediation

and peace education, encourage the exchange of best practices and produce practical action plans addressing local drivers of violence. Reports presented by the zonal offices, however, exposed the scale of the challenges confronting the Institute, with some offices reporting severe staffing and logistical deficiencies that limit their ability to monitor conflicts and engage affected communities. In the North-Central, the Institute’s North Central II Zonal Office in Jos reported persistent communal violence, farmer-herder tensions, attacks on rural settlements, displacement and disputes over land and other natural resources in Plateau State.

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

NEWS

STAKEHOLDERS ROUNDTABLE ON DAIRY PRODUCTS STANDARDS...

L-R: Special Adviser to the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Ishaq Bello; Director Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Eva Edwards; Minister of Livestock Development, His Excellency Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Consul General of Denmark in Nigeria, Her Excellency Jette Bjerrum; Senior Manager, Raw Milk Supply and Production, Arla Foods Nigeria, Mr. Snorri Sigurdsson; and Senior Commercial Advisor Food, Agriculture, Healthcare & Special Products, Royal Danish Consulate General, Lagos, Ms. Victoria Epelle, during the Choose Milk Campaign’s Stakeholders Roundtable on Dairy Products Standards and Classiﬁcation in Lagos... recently

2027: Makinde Vows to End Insecurity in Nigeria, Curb Militancy in Niger Delta Accuses Tinubu administration of taxing poverty Unveils four-pillar agenda, pledges economic reforms Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has promised to tackle insecurity and militancy in the Niger Delta, revive economic opportunities and reform Nigeria’s tax system. He also declared that his proposed RESET agenda would address the structural problems undermining the country’s development. Makinde, who spoke yesterday at the APM Presidential Campaign Organisation’s South-South Town Hall Meeting at Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state, also criticised the federal government’s tax policy, accusing the administration of imposing additional burdens on citizens struggling with poverty rather than creating conditions for increased productivity and wealth generation. The Oyo State governor said his RESET agenda was designed to rebuild critical sectors of the economy, including education, security, entrepreneurship and governance, while addressing the peculiar challenges confronting the oil-rich South-South region. “The challenges around here. I understand the issues of pollution. I understand, just as I listened yesterday, when somebody said,

‘This is a rich region, but with poor people,’” Makinde said. He explained that the central objective of the RESET agenda was to change the country’s development trajectory and ensure that Nigerians benefited more meaningfully from the nation’s resources. “The RESET agenda is simply to ensure that if Nigeria has not worked well for you as an individual, the way it should, then let us reset Nigeria,” he said. Makinde identified education as one of the major pillars of his agenda, arguing that a strong educational system and a skilled population were essential to building a thriving middle class and sustaining economic prosperity. According to him, access to education and skills development would enable young Nigerians to compete for opportunities and contribute to national development. He cited his personal experience of moving into the South-South region with his academic qualifications and professional skills, saying he was able to secure opportunities despite initially having no established connections in the area. “I didn’t know anybody when I came to this region, but I came with the skills and my degree from the University of Lagos, and you gave me the opportunity. We want

that for every Nigerian, including the youth,” he said. On security, the APM candidate acknowledged that militancy in the Niger Delta had declined to some extent but insisted that the problem remained unresolved. He pledged that an APM administration would prioritise reforms to the country’s security architecture and pursue a comprehensive response to militancy and other threats to public safety. Makinde also called for a shift away from excessive dependence on federal allocations, arguing that

states needed to strengthen their internally generated revenue by supporting private enterprise and encouraging entrepreneurship. He said the government should create an environment in which businesses could grow, employ more people and expand economic activities without being discouraged by excessive taxation. The governor cited his administration’s experience in Oyo State, claiming that it had increased internally generated revenue without raising taxes on citizens. “We will ensure that we encour-

Mary Nnah Despite 25 years of advocacy and progress, women remain locked out of leadership and capital, and stakeholders say the cost is no longer just social, but economic. That was the central issue as Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) unveiled its 25th-anniversary logo at a press conference in Lagos. For WIMBIZ, the anniversary

Olujimi: GCI is school with a difference The Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated a newly renovated and fully equipped Chemistry and Physics laboratories at the Government College, Ibadan (GCI). The multi-million naira project was donated by the Group Chief Executive Officer of Emadeb Energy Group, Mr Adebowale Olujimi, through the Emadeb Development Foundation, as a member of the Class of 1985. Makinde cut the tape and

unveiled the commemorative plaque to formally open the facilities which run on a 24-kilovolt-ampere solar power system for use by students and teachers. The school attended by many prominent Nigerians is close to 100 years old. Founded in 1929, the school was modeled along British public boarding schools. Its former students include: Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; former Oyo State Governor, Victor Olunloyo, former ambassador to Britain Christopher Kolade and lawyer and businessman Wale Babalakin, who chairs

poverty,” he said. He further questioned the implementation of federal policies intended to reduce the cost of living, including the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the naira-for-crude arrangement. Makinde challenged the government to publish the pricing framework behind its petroleum pricing policies, arguing that transparency would allow independent experts to assess the figures and recommend ways to reduce the burden on consumers.

WIMBIZ at 25: Women Make Case for Economic Power of Gender Inclusion is less of a celebration and more of a reality check on the pace of change. The 25th Annual Conference is scheduled for 5–6 November 2026 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, with FirstBank and Dentsu Agyle as Headline Partners. As WIMBIZ looks to the next 25 years, its message is clear: closing the gender gap is no longer about inclusion alone - it is about economic survival and

Oyo Governor Inaugurates Labs Donated by Emadeb to Ibadan College Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

age entrepreneurs. We will ensure that people have tax breaks. And if you ask me whether we have done it before, yes, I did it in Oyo State. We increased Oyo State’s IGR without raising taxes on anybody. The records are there,” he said. Taking a swipe at the federal government’s tax policy, Makinde argued that taxation should focus on wealth creation and economic capacity rather than deepen the difficulties of low-income households. “You are supposed to tax wealth. You are not supposed to tax poverty. But they are only interested in taxing

the old boys’ board of trustees. Speaking at the ceremony, Olujimi said returning to GCI after many years evoked deep nostalgia, recalling his days on the hockey pitch and the 100-metre track close to the laboratory block. “This field was a hockey pitch. I used to love hockey and we used to run on this field, 100 metres. It was so beautiful,” he said. According to him, Government College Ibadan in his time could compete favourably with top schools anywhere in the world. Olujimi said despite visiting

several schools across the country, GCI remains distinct because of the sustained partnership between the Oyo State Government and the old boys association. “This particular school has enjoyed so much, especially from this partnership with the government of the state and the association led by its President, Dr Wale Babalakin. I have been to other schools and without mentioning names, Government College is one school with a difference,” he said. The energy magnate said old students of the school are excelling globally, making giving back not just desirable but imperative.

global relevance. Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Member of the Board of Trustees, Rolake AkinkugbeFilani, put it bluntly: “Women are certainly on track, but the reality is that the world is not.” Her concern is backed by persistent gaps. Across Nigeria and Africa, women remain underrepresented in boardrooms, management pipelines and political leadership, even as they drive a significant share of MSMEs and informal economic activity. Osayi Alile, also a Member of the Board of Trustees, reframed the conversation from charity to strategy. “Gender is not only nice to have. It is a strategic thing. It is an economic thing as well,” she said, urging government, private sector and development partners to treat women’s participation as a driver of growth and sustainable development, not a CSR item. The core barrier WIMBIZ is tackling in its next chapter is access to finance. The organisation noted that limited access to capital continues to stifle women-owned businesses, preventing them from scaling, attracting investment and competing beyond local markets. To address this, WIMBIZ announced two strategic moves:

A shift from participation to competitiveness. Speaking on the forthcoming 25th Annual Conference, Conference Planning Group Chair Ronke Onadeko said the focus is helping women build enterprises that can compete globally. “We are born in Africa, and we are built for the world,” she said. The conference will tackle investment readiness, business growth, IP protection in the creative economy, and practical challenges in finance, logistics, and supply chain through collaborations with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and IWOSAN. The second strategic move, direct funding: The 2026 WIMBIZ Impact Investment Opportunity will provide grants of up to N6 million and two solar power systems to outstanding women entrepreneurs in food and beverage, sustainability and innovation. The initiative is sponsored by Nigerian Bottling Company, Unilever, Coca-Cola and AllOn. The conference was also named after Bennedikter China Molokwu, DF. CIoD, past President of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria and a corporate governance expert with over 15 board roles, as Chairperson of the 25th Annual Conference.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

2026 EKO WORLD FOOD DAY...

L-R: Board Director, BATN Foundation, Mrs. Ruth Owojaiye; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat ; Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola; and Board Director, BATN Foundation, Mrs. Buky Olukoga, at the 2026 Eko World food Day held at the Police College, Ikeja in Lagos on Friday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Yari: APC Ready for Issue-based Campaign, Will Go All Out to Showcase Tinubu’s Achievements Yilwatda: APGA, PDP, Accord to join APC in president’s re-election bid Says ruling party ready for campaign flag-off Saturday in Kaduna

Deji Elumoye in Abuja Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has declared that the ruling party was ready to embark on issue-based campaign based on the achievements of the President Bola Tinubu-led

government rather than exchanging personal attacks with opposition candidates. The former Governor of Zamfara State, who spoke with newsmen on Tuesday after meeting with President Tinubu in the company of the National Chairman of the party, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, said the campaign council

had resolved to focus on the record of the APC-led Federal Government and present its accomplishments to Nigerians as the basis for seeking another mandate in the January, 2027 presidential poll. Yari maintained that APC would avoid insults and name-calling, insisting that its campaign would be

driven by evidence of government performance and the argument for continuity. His words: “As a Council, what we say we are going to do? We are going to do a campaign with the records. A responsible campaign, no insults, no calling of names because there’s no name before us, but we

AGAIN, ANOTHER NON-NIGERIAN BRINGS EBOLA INTO ABUJA; FG SAYS DON’T PANIC, STAY VIGILANT Despite advice against travel, on July 20 he flew by commercial airline from Monrovia via Accra, Ghana, to Lomé, Togo, then flew to Lagos. On arrival in the afternoon of July 20, he was acutely ill and immediately transported to a private hospital where he was noted to have fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. During hospital admission, the patient was queried about Ebola and said he had no known exposure; he was initially treated for presumed malaria. Based on the patient’s failure to respond to malaria treatment and his travel from an Ebola-affected country in the region (2), treating physicians suspected Ebola. The patient was isolated and tested for Ebola virus infection while local public health authorities were alerted

about a suspected case of Ebola. A blood specimen sent to Lagos University Teaching Hospital was confirmed positive for acute Ebola virus infection. The index patient died on July 25. Meanwhile, the AMSN has recommended the immediate and nationwide implementation of high-alert protocols, drawing on the proven measures that enabled Nigeria to contain Ebola in 2014 and to respond to COVID-19. “These should include: Enhanced screening at airports, seaports and land borders, particularly for travellers from affected countries. (Also) strict infection prevention and control in all public and private health facilities, with adequate personal protective equipment for health workers, rigorous contact

tracing, monitoring and follow-up with sustained, accurate public communication through official channels,” it stated. The academy, in a statement by the President, Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie; Foundation President, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru and Head of Rapid Response Committee, Prof. Boaz Adegboro, pointed out that health workers must maintain a high index of suspicion, promptly isolate suspected cases and report them immediately to public health authorities. “The public should understand clearly that Ebola is not an airborne disease. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who is sick with Ebola or has died from it, or through contact with materials contaminated

by those fluids. A person with Ebola cannot spread the disease before symptoms begin. “As a simple and effective precaution, the Academy advises all Nigerians to avoid handshakes and other un-necessary physical contact, including hugging, during this period. We encourage the use of non-contact greet-ings,” the group said. For information or to report a suspected case, it urged members of the public to call the NCDC toll-free number 6232, which it said is available 24 hours a day as well as seven days a week. “The Academy stands ready to support the federal government and all stakeholders with expert advice as the response continues,” the group emphasised.

have a record before us to show to Nigerians”. The Senator explained that the campaign would provide an opportunity for the party to engage Nigerians on the policies and programmes implemented under the Tinubu administration and make the case for their continuation. According to him: “This is what our party did, this what our government did, so because of that, we are asking, pleading Nigerians to look at this record carefully so that they give us a second chance for continuity”. Also speaking, APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, disclosed that major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord Party, are ready to work with the ruling party’s campaign for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Yilwatda, who said the development demonstrated the growing political support for the President, explained that the APC had completed preparations for the formal launch of its nationwide presidential campaign next Saturday, October 24 in Kaduna. According to him, the ruling party has attracted support from political parties that previously defeated the APC in elections, which is evidence

of the broadening political alignment around the President. Said he: “If you look at what the party is doing now, the oppositions are with us. All political parties that have defeated us in any election are all with us; PDP is with us, APGA is with us, Accord Party with us. These are the only political parties that have defeated us, except APM, and they are all with us in this campaign. “It shows that the entire Nigerian political cycle is Mr. President, and that’s what we’re doing now to ensure that we prepare for this grand flag off in Kaduna”. He, however, was not specific if the claimed support represented formal endorsements by the national leadership of the three opposition parties or political alliances involving individual members and groups within them. Yilwatda expressed satisfaction with the level of preparations for the Kaduna campaign launch, saying the party’s leadership, campaign committees and state structures were fully mobilised for the exercise. The party chairman explained that his meeting alongside Yari with the President was intended to provide an update on arrangements for the event and the readiness of the campaign organisation to commence activities across the country.

GBAJABIAMILA: DRAFT OF NATIONAL POLICING BILL NOW READY, UNDERGOING LEGISLATIVE REVIEW Ogunsakin; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Dr. Lanre Smart; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Planning and Research, who also doubles as Secretary of the Committee, Nnadubem Moghalu; the representative of President of Nigerian Bar Association; and Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Abraham Nabhon Thomas, representing the National Security Adviser, among others. Tinubu had on July 7 inaugurated the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill to prepare the legal framework for the implementation of state police across the country. The working group’s inauguration followed National Assembly’s passage of the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, in which the president proposed a dual policing structure comprising the Federal

Police Service and 36 State Police Services. Tinubu had stated that while the constitutional amendment created the framework for state police, the National Policing Bill would provide the legal structure for its implementation. He said, “The Constitution Amendment Bill establishes the framework for dual policing, but it does not operationalise it. That work is left to the National Policing Bill.” According to him, the proposed legislation would address issues necessary for a smooth operationalisation of the state police system. Tinubu stated, “The proposed National Policing Bill will include provisions on minimum policing standards, state readiness certification, federal-state coordination, accountability, human rights safeguards and fiscal conditions.” The president said the committee

would produce an implementationready draft bill immediately after the constitutional amendment process. “The Working Group has been constituted to produce a technically robust, implementation-ready draft National Policing Bill for transmission to the National Assembly,” Tinubu said. He said the committee was necessary to avoid delay after the State Police bill was passed. “We must not wait until the constitutional process is concluded before beginning this important assignment,” he said.

Delta Approves State Police Amendment Delta State House of Assembly, yesterday, approved the Sixth Alteration Bill of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to give legislative muscle to the proposed State Police

Services in the country. The approval followed deliberation on a letter from the National Assembly seeking the consideration and concurrence of the 36 States Houses of Assembly in the ongoing constitutional amendment process. Speaker, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, read the letter on the floor of the Assembly, outlining the objective of the bill, which sought to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of State Police Services while preserving the Nigeria Police Force as the Federal Police Service. Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, said the proposed amendment aimed to guarantee security of life and property through a dual policing system, allowing states to establish and fund their own police services to address rising cases of insecurity, particularly at the local level. The lawmakers generally agreed that the bill would strengthen local

intelligence gathering, improve response to security challenges, create employment opportunities, and help tackle insecurity at the grassroots more effectively. Support for the bill was unanimous, with all 23 members present at plenary affirming their support. While commending the members for their patriotism and overwhelming support for the bill, Guwor stated that the establishment of State Police would ensure a safer environment and engender the desired development of Delta State. He stated, “Distinguished colleagues, I commend you for approving the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, in line with Section 9 sub-section (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered). “This is a significant step towards the establishment of State Police in Nigeria. It brings us closer to

a policing system that is more responsive to our communities, improves intelligence gathering, and strengthens our capacity to tackle security challenges. “For Delta State, this reform holds great promise for protecting lives and property, sustaining peace and creating a safer environment for investment and development in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori.” The speaker thereafter directed Clerk of the House, Mr. Otto Aghoghophia, to communicate the resolution of the Delta State House of Assembly to the National Assembly appropriately. Earlier, the legislators observed one-minute silence in honour of former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who died on Monday, October 19, three days to his 72nd birthday.

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

NEWS

WIMBIZ@25 PRESS CONFERENCE...

L-R: 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Communications Chair, Funmi Onuma; Member, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; WIMBIZ 25th Anniversary Committee Chair, Awuneba Ajumogobia; Co-Founder, WIMBIZ, Morin Desalu; Co-Founder, WIMBIZ, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo; Co-Founder, WIMBIZ, Adeola Azeez; Member, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, Osayi Alile; 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Planning Group Chair, Ronke Onadeko; Executive Director, WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; and 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Planning Group Vice Chair, Yemisi Peters, during the WIMBIZ@25 Press Conference in Lagos... recently

Okonkwo: Nigeria Must Shift from Certiﬁcatedriven to Competence-based Education Says varsities must produce innovators, entrepreneurs, ethical leaders Calls for stronger industry partnerships, research commercialisation Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, urging a shift from certificatedriven learning to competence-based education that equips graduates with practical skills, entrepreneurial capacity and the ability to solve real-world problems. Okonkwo, who delivered the 14th convocation lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), yesterday, said Nigeria’s national renewal depended on aligning education with the country’s developmental needs, technological transformation and the demands of the global knowledge economy. In his lecture titled: “Functional Education and the Nigerian Project: Strategic Human Capital Development for National Renewal,” he argued that

the challenge confronting the country was not the absence of functional education but the failure to align educational outcomes sufficiently with contemporary economic and social realities. He added that the country must deliberately reposition its higher education system to develop the human capital required to build an innovative, productive, globally competitive and socially cohesive nation. According to him, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and other emerging technologies has fundamentally changed the requirements for economic competitiveness, making it imperative for universities and polytechnics to look beyond the number of graduates they produce. “Universities and polytechnics can no longer define success merely by the number of graduates they produce or

the certificates they award. The more important question is whether their graduates possess the knowledge, skills, dispositions and practical competencies required to create value in an increasingly knowledge-driven, technology-enabled and globally competitive economy,” he stated. The airline executive warned that graduate unemployment, underemployment and persistent skills mismatches reflected a disconnect between educational outcomes and national development priorities. He maintained that higher education should not merely prepare young people to seek jobs but equip them to create enterprises, generate innovations, strengthen institutions and contribute meaningfully to society. “The true purpose of higher education is not merely to prepare graduates to seek employment but to equip them to create knowledge,

generate innovation, solve problems, establish enterprises, strengthen institutions and improve society,” he said. Okonkwo identified technical and professional competence, innovation and problem-solving, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and ethical leadership as five essential capabilities that Nigerian graduates must acquire to remain relevant in the changing global economy. He argued that entrepreneurship should no longer be treated as an optional course or an academic requirement confined to business schools, but as a philosophy that encourages initiative, creativity, resilience, opportunity recognition and responsible risk-taking across all disciplines. Engineering students, he said, should be encouraged to commercialise prototypes, agricultural graduates should develop solutions

across the agricultural value chain, while computer scientists should create digital platforms and artificial intelligence applications to address local and global challenges. He also called for stronger collaboration among universities, industry and government, stressing that research must translate into practical solutions, commercial products and productive enterprises rather than remain confined to academic publications. “Our universities and polytechnics must increasingly become centres where ideas are transformed into products, patents evolve into enterprises, and scientific discoveries contribute directly to economic growth,” he said. He argued that Nigeria’s universities must increasingly be evaluated by their ability to produce competent graduates, support entrepreneurship, commercialise research and contribute

measurably to national development, rather than relying primarily on enrolment figures, graduation rates and the number of accredited programmes. Besides, he called for the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), alongside renewed investment in polytechnics, engineering workshops, fabrication laboratories and modern technical facilities. According to him, industrialisation and economic diversification require a steady supply of skilled technicians, technologists and engineering professionals capable of supporting domestic manufacturing and technological advancement. He further advocated the integration of artificial intelligence and digital literacy into programmes across disciplines, noting that technological competence had become essential for productive participation in the modern economy.

TINUBU, AWOLOWO’S FAMILY MOURN AS AFENIFERE LEADER, PA FASORANTI, DIES AT 100 Dosumu stated, “The passing of Chief Reuben Fasaranti at the venerable age of 100 marks the end of a remarkable era in the political history of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria. “With his departure, we have lost, in a very real sense, the last of the titans of the Awolowo political tradition.” Dosumu added, “Chief Fasaranti belonged to that extraordinary generation of leaders whose political convictions were rooted in principle, whose commitment to public service was steadfast, and whose loyalty to the ideals and philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo endured through changing times and circumstances.” He stated, “Throughout his long and eventful life, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the values of justice, equity, progressive governance and the advancement of the common good. “Neither the passage of time nor the changing fortunes of politics diminished his dedication to the cause he embraced.”

Falae: He’s Exceptional Generational Man Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief

Olu Fale, described the late elder statesman as his in-law, whom he had known intimately for more than 60 years and considered an extraordinarily rare figure in Nigeria’s political, religious, and social life. “I’m going to describe Baba Fasoranti as an exceptional generational man, one in a thousand years,” Falae said. He recalled that throughout their decades-long relationship, he had never witnessed Fasoranti quarrel with anyone or raise his voice at political meetings. Falae said the late leader was always willing to mediate disputes and help parties reach peaceful resolutions. He said, “In all that time, I’ve never heard him quarrel with anybody, shout at anyone, even in political meetings. He was always ready to mediate in any dispute brought to his attention.” Falae said Fasoranti’s influence extended beyond politics to education, community development, and religious life, stating that his commitment to helping disadvantaged children was among the enduring examples of his selflessness. He recalled that when Fasoranti was the founding principal of Iju/Itaogbolu Grammar School,

he admitted pupils from poor backgrounds and allowed them to complete their secondary education on credit, with the opportunity to repay after leaving school. “No one is perfect, but Baba is as near perfect a human being as I believe you can get in this fallen world,” Falae said, describing his death as a significant loss to Akure, Ondo State, and the Yoruba nation.

Aiyedatiwa: He Was a Beacon of Wisdom Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Fasoranti as a patriarch and a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service, whose contributions to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland, and Nigeria would remain indelible. In a telephone conversation, he said, “His counsel, fatherly guidance, and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed.” The governor commiserated with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, and the state over the loss.

Sanwo-Olu: It’s End of an Era

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the demise of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of the pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, as the end of an era. Sanwo-Olu, who is Chairman of South-West Governors’ Forum, said the glorious exit of Pa Fasoranti, a respected elder statesman, educationist, and progressive, was a big loss to the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large. In a condolence message personally signed, Sanwo-Olu described the late Pa Fasoranti as a committed leader and a symbol of wisdom, integrity, and selfless service who served the Yoruba people and Nigeria passionately. He also commiserated with his Ondo State counterpart, Aiyedatiwa; the government and people of Ondo State, particularly the people of Akure Kingdom; the Fasoranti family; and members of Afenifere. Sanwo-Olu stated, “Baba Fasoranti was a respected and passionate statesman whose contributions to education, leadership and public service remain indelible. He impacted many lives positively through courageous and uncompromising leadership. His commitment to public service and

community development was commendable. “Pa Fasoranti, during his lifetime, made a lot of positive impact in Yorubaland and Nigeria. He did great exploits as the leader of Afenifere by steering the ship of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation in the right direction. “We cherish Pa Fasoranti’s commitment to fighting for truth, equity, justice, true federalism and good governance, which he championed for many decades during his lifetime.” Sanwo-Olu added, “I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Pa Reuben Fasoranti. May God grant the deceased’s family, loved ones, and the Yoruba people the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the centenarian. “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, as well as my brother governors in the South-West, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, Afenifere members and the entire people of Yorubaland over the departure of our respected leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.”

Bamidele: Fasoranti’s Death Robs Nigeria of a Patriot,

Awoist Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, described the death of Pa Fasoranti as a monumental loss to Nigeria, saying the late elder statesman devoted his life to national development, progressive politics, and the pursuit of true federalism. Bamidele, who expressed shock and sadness over the passing of the centenarian, said Fasoranti distinguished himself as a patriot and statesman who consistently placed the national interest above personal and sectional considerations. In a condolence message, the senate leader said the late Afenifere chieftain left behind an enduring legacy of integrity, selflessness, and commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria. Describing him as a patriot par excellence, Bamidele said, “The late centenarian was a patriot par excellence, a statesman of uncommon integrity who consistently placed national interest far above personal or sectional considerations. “As an educationist, school administrator and community leader, Baba Fasoranti impacted generations of Nigerians and left an indelible mark on our national development trajectory.”

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT BY THE NEWLY ELECTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF CAMCONIA...

L-R: Assistant General Secretary, Corporate Aﬀairs Managers Committee (CAMCONIA) Nancy Peter; Chairman, CAMCONIA, Bankole Banjo; Director-General, National Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Bola Odukale; Vice Chairman, CAMCONIA, Rachel Owolabi; General Secretary, CAMCONIA, Niyi Abiola; and Head, Corporate Communications and Brand Management, NIA, Ajoke Adeyemi, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executive committee of CAMCONIA to the Director-General at the NIA Secretariat, Lagos... recently

In Eight Days, Precision Military Air Strikes Kill 103 Terrorists, Says Operations Leader NAF’s air interdiction eliminates prominent ISWAP strategists, fighters in Lake Chad Army deepens defence ties with Rwanda, COAS seeks modern training, exchange programmes Linus Aleke in Abuja The Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) sustained intelligence-led precision air strikes against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists across its joint operations area, neutralising a total of 103 terrorists and destroying several logistics hubs and storage facilities between October 10 and 18. According to a statement by Acting Military Information Officer at Headquarters, Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the successes were recorded through the coordinated deployment of Nigerian Army Aviation, Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft (NARPAS) Regiment, and Air Component assets. Goni said the operations reinforced the military’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and deny them freedom of action. He stated, “The sustained air campaign comprised seven strikes against terrorist targets around Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) on 10 October; Badu in Monguno LGA on 11 October; Mairari in Guzamala LGA and an area east of Badu on 13 October; Duste Uku in Gombi LGA, Adamawa State, on 16 October;

and the alternate residence of Abu Saleem, the ISWAP Wali of South Lake Chad, in the Arina Woje area of Monguno LGA, Borno State, on 18 October 2026.” He said the operations reflected sustained operational pressure on terrorist concentrations, leadership structures, and logistics networks across the theatre. The statement added, “A significant success was recorded on 18 October 2026, when the Air Component conducted a precision strike against Abu Saleem’s alternate residence following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. “Subsequent human intelligence (HUMINT) confirmed the neutralisation of Jindullah, a prominent ISWAP fighter reportedly serving as Abu Saleem’s chief security guard. “The intelligence also confirmed the neutralisation of Abul Kissa, a member of the group’s Shura Council, alongside other prominent fighters within the targeted premises.”

NAF Air Strikes Eliminate Prominent ISWAP Strategists, Fighters in Lake Chad Air interdiction conducted by the Air Component of Joint Task

Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, eliminated several prominent Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, including individuals identified as key figures within the group’s security structure and leadership council, preliminary post-strike assessments report by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) stated. In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said one of the ISWAP strategists eliminated during the air operation was identified as “JINDULLAH”, reportedly the chief security guard and confidant of Abu Saleem. Another, identified as “ABUL KISSA”, was said to be a member of ISWAP’s Shura Council. Ejodame said the strike also destroyed logistical assets, including boat engines and motorcycles, believed to support the group’s movements and operational activities. He stated, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a significant operational success against terrorists in the Lake Chad region following a precision air strike on an identified terrorist hideout on 19 October 2026.

“The operation underscores the NAF’s sustained commitment to degrading terrorist networks, disrupting their logistics and enhancing security across Nigeria’s North-East.” The NAF spokesperson said the operation demonstrated the service’s sustained efforts to conduct intelligence-led precision strikes against terrorist enclaves concealed in difficult terrain. He said, “By neutralising key operatives and destroying critical logistical resources, the strike delivers a significant setback to ISWAP’s operational capability, further constraining its ability to coordinate activities and threaten vulnerable communities.”

Army Deepens Defence Ties with Rwanda, COAS Seeks Modern Military Training Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening African-led defence partnerships to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and other transnational security threats undermining peace and stability across the continent. Shaibu made this known during a courtesy visit to Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF),

Yiaga: Media Can Report Results Officially Announced at Polling Stations During Polls Chuks Okocha in Abuja A pro-election non-governmental organisation, Yiaga Africa, has weighed into the debate of whether or not the media can publish election results, standing with the media on this. In a statement, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said the media could report results that had been officially announced at polling units because those results were already in the

public domain. Reacting to questions, Itodo said, ‘’To address this issue, it is important to understand the election results management process. Election results are first announced at the polling unit level and immediately made public through verbal declaration and the posting of result sheets. ‘’The purpose of this public announcement is to promote transparency. Once results are announced at the polling unit,

they become public information. ‘’Furthermore, the introduction of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) was designed to deepen transparency in the electoral process. ‘’The objective is to make results accessible to citizens and stakeholders, enabling them to follow the results management process while reducing opportunities for manipulation during collation. “In that context, the media can report results that have already been officially announced at polling units

because those results are already in the public domain. ‘’This is particularly important given the widespread concerns and distrust surrounding the results management process. ‘’Historically, the collation stage has often been viewed as the weakest link in the electoral process and the point at which political actors may seek to compromise outcomes. Media and citizen oversight therefore serve several important purposes.”

General Mubarakh Muganga, in Kigali, the Republic of Rwanda. The visit formed part of his ongoing official working visit aimed at deepening bilateral military cooperation and advancing collective security initiatives. Shaibu also underscored the importance of modern military training, professional military education, and cadet exchange programmes in developing combat-ready, adaptable, and interoperable armed forces. According to a statement by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the engagement highlighted the imperative for African nations to take greater responsibility for addressing shared security challenges through sustained military cooperation, intelligence-sharing, joint capacity development, and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

Shaibu emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening military-to-military relations, particularly in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, professional military education, and the exchange of operational experiences. Earlier, the representative of the Commandant, Brigadier General Bukenya, said the country’s military academy had developed professional military leaders through rigorous training in military tactics, leadership, discipline, and physical fitness. He added that its programmes equipped cadets with essential skills in peace support operations, operational planning, and logistics management. Bukenya welcomed the proposed training partnership, reaffirming the academy’s commitment to strengthening military education and defence cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.

Appeal Court Nulliﬁes Zamfara North APC Senatorial Primary Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto has nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Zamfara North Senatorial District for gross non-compliance with party guidelines and the Electoral Act. The judgment was delivered yesterday by Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye, who upheld the earlier decision of the Federal High Court, Gusau, which had in August 2026 voided the primary election. Justice Awotoye lambasted the APC for what he described as reckless declaration of Senator Sahabi Ya’u as winner despite clear violations of its own constitution and the Electoral Act. The court held that the respondent, Hon. Abdullahi Shinkafi, proved his case beyond reasonable doubt, questioning how a senatorial district with 26,000 registered party members could return 70,000 votes for an aspirant.

According to the court, the figures presented by the party showed clear over-voting and irregularities that rendered the entire exercise invalid and liable to be nullified. Justice Awotoye wondered why the party leadership ignored the obvious discrepancies and proceeded to declare a winner in an election that failed basic integrity tests. The appellate court resolved all seven issues formulated for determination in the appeal against the appellant, Senator Sahabi Ya’u. On the preliminary objection bordering on lack of jurisdiction raised by the appellant’s counsel, Popoola, SAN, the court held that the respondent had duly exhausted all internal dispute resolution mechanisms of the party before approaching the court. The court also dismissed the argument on statute bar, holding that the suit was filed within time and was entertained on its merit in line with extant laws.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2026 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

IMPROVED GAS SECTOR ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: Chairman, Axxela Group, Mr. Nzan Ogbe; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Director, Axxela Group, Mr. Eric Idiahi, and Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Moshood Olajide, Axxela Group, during a courtesy visit to the minister as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and promote the participation of indigenous firms in Nigeria’s gas sector in Abuja...recently

UNODC: Terrorist Groups Use Sexual Violence to Terrorise, Control their Victims Linus Aleke inAbuja

The Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Toure, has said terrorist groups deliberately use sexual and gender-based violence to terrorise, punish, and control their victims. Speaking at the Second Expert Group Meeting on the ‘Development of a Toolkit for

First Emergency Responders in years, compounded by stigma, Cases of Sexual and Gender- displacement and barriers Based Violence Linked to that prevent survivors from Terrorism’ held in Abuja, Toure accessing the care and justice said terrorist groups perpetrate they deserve,” he said. Toure cautioned that the these crimes against women and girls, as well as men and boys, targeting entire communities based on their faith, ethnicity or political identity. Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo “The harm does not end when an attack is over. Its Osun State Governor, consequences can endure for Ademola Adeleke, has initiated plans for a comprehensive statewide security and surveillance project aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and sacrifices to secure its future, said protecting lives, businesses Nigerians should be willing to and public institutions across make adjustments for the sake the state. The initiative, being of their children. He acknowledged the difficulties facing households, saying public debate should focus on the merits of Yusuf Ebiti government policies and possible alternatives rather than personal The 2026 edition of Blueprint attacks. The director-general Conference, convened by challenged critics to explain how Jenniez School of African they would have handled the Interior Design (JSAID), country’s economic challenges has called on government, financial institutions, investors differently. Ngogbehei said: “Would you and corporate organisations to prefer to eat everything you have recognise design as an investable now, not caring what happens business and a catalyst for to your kids in the future? We economic growth. cannot run it by propaganda, we cannot run it by lies.”

Ahead of the 2027 general election, a group, Tinubu Must Stay Movement (TMS), has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms amid persistent economic hardship in the country, urging Nigerians to focus on their projected long-term benefits. The group’s Director-General, Marcel Ngogbehei, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, argued that abandoning the reforms without fixing the country’s longstanding economic challenges could leave future generations worse off. Ngogbehei, who likened the situation to a family making

shown the world the devastating consequences of Boko Haram’s violence. According to him, “The abductions led to forced marriages and sexual

enslavement associated with the insurgency in the North-East. It demonstrated that such crimes were not isolated incidents but part of a deliberate method of terror.

Adeleke Initiates Comprehensive Security, Surveillance Project in Osun

Movement Defends Tinubu’s Reforms amid Hardship

AminaHassaninAbuja

toolkit would only be as effective as the practitioners who helped shape it. He reiterated that the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in April 2014 had

developed in partnership with Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited, was discussed at a meeting between the governor and executives of the Chinese technology firm last Monday. The delegation was led by the company’s Director of International Operations, Mr. Cai Jianfei, and its Manager of Overseas Operations, Mr. Nemo Guo.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the proposed project will involve the deployment of modern security technologies, including drones, radar systems, artificial intelligencepowered cameras, robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) devices across the state. The technologies are

expected to facilitate real-time information gathering and round-the-clock monitoring of security developments through a central Command and Control Centre. The proposed initiative will also incorporate a Safe School Project and a decentralised mobile application that will enable residents to connect with the Command and Control Centre.

Govt, Financial Institutions Tasked to Recognise Design as Capital Held in Lagos, under the theme, “Design as Capital: Turning Creativity into Bankable Assets,” the conference brought together industry stakeholders to examine the commercial value of design and its potential to generate wealth, create jobs and stimulate economic development. The eighth edition of the conference challenged the

perception of interior design as merely an aesthetic service, emphasising its role in real estate, hospitality, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and the wider creative economy. Speaking at the conference, Convener of Blueprint Conference and Founder of JSAID, Dr. Jennifer Chukwujekwe, stressed the importance of building an

enabling environment for design-led businesses. “Design is more than beauty; it is business, economic value and wealth creation. We need government policies, accessible financing and strategic partnerships that enable designers to build sustainable enterprises, employ skilled professionals and compete globally,” she stated.

Rivers Stakeholders Urge INEC to Move Collation Centres to Police Stations Blessing Ibunge in Port

ahead of the 2027 general

public confidence in the

as alternative venues, insisting

civil society organisations in Rivers State have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relocate election result collation centres from local government council secretariats to police stations

previous polls. The stakeholders made the call in Port Harcourt yesterday, arguing that alternative collation venues would promote transparency, guarantee equal access for political parties and restore

Favour Reuben, alleged that opposition party agents had been denied access to collation centres by ruling party officials at the local government level during previous elections. He proposed police stations

and ensure an orderly process. The Rivers State Secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ben Ogbugbulam, also supported the proposal, urging INEC to consider the recommendation before the 2027 polls.

that access should be limited election, alleging intimidation electoral process. Sunbeth Activates N150b Commercial Harcourt Former Labour Party to duly accredited party of opposition agents and Paper Note Issuance Process Political party leaders and manipulation of results during chairman in Rivers State, agents to prevent interference Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited (Sunbeth) has signed the transaction documents for its N150 billion Commercial Paper note, the first series under its approved N500 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme. The transaction will provide short-term working capital for Sunbeth’s cocoa procurement activities during the 2026/2027 cocoa season. It will also support inventory requirements for the company’s 70,000-metrictonne-per-annum processing facility, which is scheduled to commence operations in the

first quarter of next year. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Victoria Island, Lagos, Chief Financial Officer of Sunbeth Global Concepts, Adeyemi Aduwo, explained that the transaction would provide timely funding for the company’s procurement activities and broader processing ambitions. “The 2026/2027 cocoa season presents a critical procurement window, and this transaction gives us the working capital to respond efficiently to that opportunity, supporting our transition towards greater value addition.”

Tompolo Deploys 52 Vehicles in Ondo, Gombe for Tinubu’s Re-election The Grand Patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has deployed 52 campaign vehicles in Ondo and Gombe States to grassroots mobilization for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid

In separate events in Akure and Gombe yesterday, Tompolo made available 26 vehicles each during the inauguration of local government coordinators for the Movement to strengthen grassroots mobilisation. Represented by the Managing Director of Tantita Security

Services Limited, Kestin Pondi, Tompolo urged voters in both states to facilitate door-to-door campaigns and mobilise voters for Tinubu through grassroots campaign strategy covering communities, local government areas, religious institutions and other public spaces.

Speaking in Akure, he said: “Become ambassadors and translate the 2m registered voters to votes. We are inaugurating local government and ward coordinators today with 26 vehicles to reach every nooks and crannies, and creeks to hear the PBAT story.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 • THISDAY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The coach also said his players cannot afford to switch off at either end of the pitch, insisting that concentration will be key in managing Osimhen’s threat. Osimhen has struggled for impact in Europe’s elite competition this season. He missed Galatasaray’s opening group fixture against Sporting Lisbon through injury and failed to find the net in a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona, leaving him without an attacking contribution in the UCL so far. Osimhen, who spent a season

Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

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Ancelotti: Osimhen Back to Lille as a Foe that Must be Stopped Victor Osimhen’s return to Lille, the French team where he played one season before switching to Napoli, will be very emotional for the Nigerian international striker this night. It was at the French Ligue 1 club that Osimhen’s stock began to rise to draw the attention of Italian Napoli. Wether the top striker still maintains affection for the club and their fans who loved him,

he has a duty to perform in this crucial tie. He will have to bottle his emotion and get the job done, getting Galatasaray their first win in first three games of the UEFA Champions League league phase. The Turkish outfit are without a point yet and this trip to Lille present the Super Lig champions the chance to snatch something to be able to dream of making it out of this phase of the competition. But Osimhen who is just returning from injury lay-off is yet to hit

C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E the rhythm that made him one of the top scorers at this stage of the competition last season. Lille Head Coach, Davide Ancelotti, is however not one gaffer to believe the 2023 African Player of the Year is not capable of creating damage tonight Instead, has has a game-plan that will not leave the task of policing Osimhen to just one defender. Ancelotti is planning

a coordinated team effort to stop their former player from doing any harm. Speaking at a pre-match conference in Lille yesterday, the Italian coach said he’s not leaving anything to chance. Ancelotti was careful not to underestimate the forward, acknowledging the kind of damage he can do when given space and time on the ball.

Lookman Celebrates 29th Birthday with an Assist as Atlético Hold Stuttgart Doue inspires PSG to beat Barcelona in six-goal thriller

Ademola Lookman came off the bench to provide an assist for Atletico Madrid to draw level at Stuggart in a UEFA Champions League tie on his 29th birthday last night. The Super Eagles forward provided a cute assist for Julian Alvarez to score his first goal of the season and for the Spanish club to salvage a result in Germany Last week, Ademola Lookman scored his first Champions League goal of the season in a 2-0 home win over Manchester United. Atleti were reduced to 10 men in the 64th minute, when Morten Hjulmand was sent off. Elsewhere, Desire Doue, Lamine Yamal and Vitinha scored superb individual goals as Champions League holders Paris St-Germain overcame Barcelona in a breathless encounter at Parc des Princes. After starring in PSG’s victory against Manchester City last week, Doue opened the scoring in the 38th minute in a half that saw both sides miss several clear chances. Teenage full-back Xavi Espart drew Barcelona level early in the second half with a rifled near-post effort, before PSG defender Lucas Hernandez powered in a towering header. Lamine Yamal made it 2-2 with a genius near-post finish, but less than

two minutes later Vitinha sent a volley into the bottom corner to reclaim the lead for PSG. Fabian Ruiz put the result beyond doubt five minutes later by converting Achraf Hakimi’s low cross at the back post, in a win that ends Barcelona’s 11-match unbeaten run at the start of their season. The Parisians had wasted little time in implementing their high-pressing gameplan to force Barcelona into several mistakes in the early stages. The game was 79 seconds old when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck the foot of the post after Pedri was dispossessed, before Doue and Ousmane Dembele were denied by Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia following high turnovers. At Etihad, Phil Foden scored a sublime hat-trick as he produced a virtuoso display to help Manchester City return to winning ways in the Champions League group phase by easing past Greek side AEK Athens 5-1. City needed to show a response after being beaten 4-2 at home by holders Paris St-Germain last week and they reacted in the perfect manner with a dominant performance. Enzo Maresca’s side had Foden in fine form for the victory, with the England international scoring three times and also providing an assist in a superb, all-round display.

Victor Osimhen...back to Lille with fond memories of good times there

at Lille before his move to Napoli, where he won the Serie A title, will be eager to prove his quality against a side that knows him well. The forward is expected to lead the line for the Turkish champions as they look to turn their European campaign around. Osimhen’s Galatasaray Coach, Okan Buruk, has warned his players ahead of their Champions League clash against Lille. The manager admitted that their losing start to this season’s competition makes their remaining matches crucial, starting against Lille.

RESULTS UCL Fenerbahce 2-2 S’Prague Sabah Baku 1-2 Dortmund AS Roma 4-0 Sl’Bratislava FC Porto 0-1 PSV Liverpool 4-3 Villarreal Man City 5-1 AEK Athens Napoli 4-3 Bodo/Glimt PSG 4-2 Barcelona Stuttgart 1-1 Atlético

TODAY Como v Man Utd Lille v Galatasaray Aston Villa v Viking B’Munich v Arsenal Betis v Feyenoord C’Brugge v Lens Inter v Shakhtar

Ademola Lookman (right) provided an assist as Atletico Madrid fought back to level 1-1 against German Bundesliga side Stuttgart...last night

R’Madrid v RB Leipzig Sporting v LASK

Talking Sports for Two Days at Dikko Assures CAF on Successful Villa Shows Tinubu Not Joking General Assembly/ Awards Ceremonies with the Sector, Says Adeboye Chairman of the National Sports pacity and strengthen African football, The NSC chairman explained that Bond to support nationwide facility President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, has declared that the decision of the president to endorse a two-day summit at the Villa shows he is not joking with the sports sector. Adeboye’s office has in the last few weeks stepped up preparations for a two-day grassroots sports summit billed for November 18-19 at the Aso Rock banquet hall. The summit which is expected to draw participants from within and outside the country is a bold move being made to draw a new road map for Nigerian sports. Adeboye said yesterday that president Tinubu’s decision to endorse the event shows how passionate he

is about Nigerian sports and the desire to get things right from the very foundation. “This is the first time Aso Rock will be waking up and talking sports for two days. It has never happened and that shows the importance the president attaches to sports. The sports summit is aimed at unearthing the problems of sports from the very foundation and preferring solutions as to what to do moving forward. And we are bringing under the same roof stakeholders who would at the end of the day come up with a road map that would change the face of our sports,” Adeboye stated. Adeboye also disclosed that the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) has been engaged as technical partners for the summit.

Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, yesterday reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful hosting of the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos, while also assuring the continental body of Nigeria’s readiness to deliver a seamless experience for delegates. Dikko gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by a CAF delegation which is inspecting facilities in Abuja ahead of the Congress, after inspecting facilities and interacting with relevant agencies, institutions and stakeholders in Lagos. The NSC chairman said the two events are opportunity windows to showcase Nigeria’s organisational ca-

noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had readily approved the initiative after being briefed by the CAF leadership on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya five months ago. “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the government of our country are very, very committed to hosting bespoke events that will underscore the capacity of our people in organisation and management of high-profile events. We will work together as one team to make sure this is delivered to the best that it could be,” Dikko said, while also acknowledging the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyelsom Wike, in supporting arrangements for the General Assembly in Abuja.

the two cities will play complementary roles, with Abuja hosting the General Assembly proceedings and Lagos staging the CAF Awards. He described Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub, highlighting its experience in hosting major international sporting and cultural events. He added that the NSC is working with relevant government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to facilitate seamless entry and exit procedures, minimise delays and ensure a smooth experience for international visitors. Dikko said ongoing investment in Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure will soon announce the country’s readiness to host major international competitions and games, reiterating plans to mobilise an initial proposed investment through a Sports Infrastructure Development

upgrades. He expressed confidence that collaboration among the Federal Government, the NSC, the Lagos State Government, the FCT administration, the NFF and CAF will ensure successful events, adding that the initiative will no doubt strengthen Nigeria’s position in international sports administration and demonstrate its commitment to the development of African football. Earlier, Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, who received the delegation in his office, assured that the NFF will readily deploy its personnel to cooperate and collaborate with the Confederation of African Football to deliver a very successful Ordinary General Assembly and a memorable CAF Awards ceremony.

T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

BACK PAGE CONTINUATION BEYOND EXTRACTION: TURNING AFRICA’S MINERAL WEALTH INTO LASTING PROSPERITY the challenge I put to the audience in New York. But I am also aware that the issues involved are not ones we can resolve on our own, because the character of global economic competition is changing. Access to strategic minerals and the capacity to transform them into industrial inputs are becoming central to energy security, advanced manufacturing, electricity transmission and technological development, especially in Africa. The significance of this transition cannot be overstated. The opportunity is visible across several distinct industrial value chains: lithium, cobalt and graphite feed battery manufacturing, while rare earth elements support permanent magnets used in advanced equipment. Lithium and cobalt are important components of many battery technologies, while rare earth elements have applications in permanent magnets, electronics and renewable energy equipment. Graphite is also essential to several battery technologies. As many countries expand their investments in electric mobility, energy storage and other technologies, competition for reliable supplies of these materials is likely to intensify. For Africa, this presents both an opportunity and a danger. The opportunity lies in converting mineral deposits into industrial capacity, skilled employment, infrastructure and export earnings. The danger is that the continent could reproduce the extractive economic arrangements that have historically limited Africa’s share of the value generated from its natural resources, as President Museveni explained in Kenya. Nigeria’s petroleum experience provides a compelling lesson. For decades, the country exported crude oil while relying heavily on imported refined petroleum products. This arrangement exposed the economy to foreign exchange pressures, supply disruptions and international price volatility. It also demonstrated the consequences of failing to develop sufficient domestic processing capacity alongside resource extraction. As it is now quite evident, exporting crude oil and importing refined petroleum products has not been helpful, to put it mildly. That model must not be repeated with lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements. Meanwhile, this should not be interpreted as an argument against mineral exports or international trade. It is also not an indictment of the Nigerian oil and gas sector that has, all factors considered, added considerable value to our economy. Rather, it is a call for a deliberate economic strategy

Dele Alake that ensures resource extraction contributes to domestic productive capacity. Nigeria and other African countries must avoid all arrangements in which the environmental and social costs of mining are borne locally while the most profitable stages of the value chain occur abroad. However, local processing cannot be established through patriotic declarations alone. It requires reliable geological information, commercially viable projects, dependable electricity, transport infrastructure, predictable regulation, skilled workers and access to markets. These are the practical foundations of investment that are central to converting mineral potential into bankable projects. After all, rational businesspeople invest in projects, not potential. It is commendable that authorities in the sector have identified numerous mineral resources. But geological indications do not automatically constitute proven, economically recoverable reserves. Investors need credible data, transparent licensing arrangements, clear ownership structures and realistic assessments of production costs and market demand. This is where government policy must become more purposeful. Nigeria needs to strengthen geological surveys, make

reliable information available to investors and establish transparent processes for awarding and monitoring mining licences. The Nigerian Solid Minerals Company, as a flagship investment platform, must demonstrate its value by developing commercially credible projects capable of attracting private capital and delivering measurable benefits to the economy. We must not confuse the creation of an institution with the creation of an industry. What matters is whether these institutions can mobilise investment, support responsible mining, facilitate processing and generate employment. Their performance should be assessed against clear commercial, environmental and developmental benchmarks. Equally important is the need for policy consistency. Mining investments often require substantial initial expenditure and lengthy development periods. Unpredictable taxation, arbitrary regulatory changes, insecure mining sites and inefficient permitting processes can undermine otherwise viable projects. Nigeria must provide investors with a stable framework while ensuring that companies meet their tax obligations, respect host communities and comply with environmental standards. But private capital is key here. Governments cannot sustainably finance every stage of a complex minerals industry, nor can public subsidies indefinitely rescue commercially unviable ventures. Ultimately, private capital must do the heavy lifting, but governments must make projects investable. Investment incentives must therefore be transparent, proportionate and tied to measurable public benefits. Going forward, Nigeria must approach local value addition pragmatically. Requiring every mineral to be processed domestically from the outset may make some projects commercially unviable, particularly where electricity, technology and infrastructure remain inadequate. Temporary concentrate exports may sometimes be necessary to establish a market or finance subsequent development. Such arrangements, however, should include agreed milestones for investment in domestic processing, with progress reviewed against realistic commercial and infrastructure conditions. Otherwise, a temporary concession could become a permanent excuse for exporting opportunities. At the same time, African countries must negotiate mining agreements that balance commercial realities with long-term national interests. These

should address local employment, skills transfer, environmental protection, community development and opportunities for domestic suppliers. The host community must have a stake in the prosperity, not merely an address beside the mine. This also requires us to think beyond national boundaries. Regional cooperation could help African countries pool infrastructure, develop complementary processing industries and achieve economies of scale that individual markets might struggle to support. If every African country seeks to build the entire value chain within its own borders, we risk duplicating expensive infrastructure without achieving the scale needed to compete. A more practical approach is to connect mineral production in one country with processing capacity, reliable power and manufacturing opportunities in others. The important consideration is whether such arrangements retain more value within Africa and give participating countries and their communities a fair share of the benefits. Coming back home, Nigeria must develop a coherent critical minerals strategy that connects exploration to extraction, processing, manufacturing and export markets. That strategy should identify where we can compete, what infrastructure is required and which partnerships can close gaps in technology, skills and finance. It should also establish clear responsibilities, timelines and measurable milestones, so that progress can be assessed through bankable projects, investment mobilised, processing capacity, skilled employment and opportunities for domestic suppliers. We cannot afford another resource boom that enriches external processors while leaving producing communities with environmental damage and limited economic opportunities. The objective is not to reject foreign investment but to negotiate partnerships that create enduring domestic value. The continent’s mineral wealth should become a foundation for industrialisation, not another chapter in the history of exporting raw materials and importing finished prosperity. We should judge success not simply by the volume of minerals extracted or exported, but by the industries established, capabilities developed, jobs created and opportunities opened to our people. Africa must not merely supply the minerals that power the future. It must help build that future. That is the difference between possessing natural resources and building a prosperous economy. •Wunti is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council (WEC) Nigeria

TINUBU’S GREAT RESET: THREE YEARS OF REFORM, EIGHT YEARS OF TRANSFORMATION project. Rehabilitation and suitable drip-irrigation technology can improve year-round production without dependence on rainfall and increased harvests. Nigeria is blessed as affordable foods such as akara and eko, roasted corn, and plantain can sometimes cost under $1; the challenge is making nutritious meals consistently affordable. “A September 2026 Nigeria–US minerals framework opens opportunities for cooperation and investment. The $700 billion represents an estimate of Nigeria’s mineral-resource potential, not investment already secured.” Tinubu’s value-addition policy promotes domestic processing of lithium, gold, cocoa, and other cash crops. An offshore framework approved in August aims to unlock up to $50 billion in potential investment, including Bonga South West. As Yorubas say, “Ilé la ti n kesoo ròde”—charity begins at home. Nigeria must capture more value from what it produces. Two new communications satellites have received presidential approval and procurement with launches projected for 2028 and 2029. Student loans, free vocational education, and digital-skills programs can equip young Nigerians for gainful employment and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow. Tax-administration cooperation with France seeks improved compliance and revenue collection to reduce borrowing for sustainable development.

President Bola Tinubu and 400 conversion centers by September 2026; Kaduna’s CNG buses reportedly carried 3.2 million passengers, saving commuters N3.5 billion. As the Igbos say, “Nwayoo nwayoo ka e ji eje ije”—progress is made step by step. The priority is faster, wider coverage. “President Tinubu established five new regional development commissions, complementing the existing Niger Delta and North East commissions. The 2026 FROM REFORM TO SHARED budget provided approximately N1.32 trillion in PROSPERITY statutory transfers for six regional commissions, The NG-CARES and HOPE initiatives are including N145.61 billion for the North-West intended to protect vulnerable households and Development Commission. The priority must improve education and healthcare. In October 2026, now be translating these allocations into visible Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele reported that cash improvements in communities.” transfers had reached over 10 million households, These institutions can bring infrastructure, while education-support initiatives benefited more economic empowerment, and targeted relief closer than 1.5 million students. to communities, provided allocations become First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urged governors to delivered services. establish community food banks across senatorial Increased FAAC allocations have expanded states’ districts. She also commissioned 50 CNG buses capacity to deliver. For September 2026, allocations procured by Edo State under Governor Monday distributed in October totaled N2.428 trillion across Okpebholo. The Presidential CNG Initiative, the three tiers, including N799.87 billion for states introduced in 2023, reported over 120,000 conversions and N560.66 billion for local governments. EFCC

Chairman Ola Olukoyede reported presidential approval for monitoring FAAC spending; ICPC already tracks public projects. The National Patriots also propose cooperative financing for petty traders and artisans. Security cooperation with the United States, Türkiye, Britain, and France, alongside defense investment and proposed state policing, could improve safety, restore farming, and encourage tourism. Indonesia’s subsidy experience illustrates targeted assistance; Vietnam demonstrates industrial export growth; Rwanda shows the value of institutional execution. At the October 2026 IMF–World Bank meetings in Bangkok, IMF Fiscal Affairs Director Rodrigo Valdés cautioned Nigeria against restoring blanket petrol subsidies: “Protecting people is not the same as protecting the price of fuels.” Such subsidies can favor wealthier consumers and strain public finances. The IMF advocated targeted support for vulnerable households. The answer to hardship is not simply reversing reform but making relief effective. Citizens have obligations, too. The Qur’an teaches that Allah does not change a people’s condition until they change what is within themselves (13:11); the Bible urges, “Let us not be weary in well doing” (Galatians 6:9, KJV). Nigerians must reject corruption, kidnapping, trafficking, substance use and abuse, scam, stealing, homosexuality and exploitation. Especially all vices and crimes that God condemned. As the Hausa say, “Hannu daya ba ya daukar jinka”—one hand cannot lift a roof. Progress requires government and citizens collaboration together.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: WHAT IF NIGERIA’S BEST YEARS ARE STILL AHEAD? What if today’s highways become tomorrow’s trade corridors, today’s electricity reforms tomorrow’s factories, and today’s irrigation investments tomorrow’s food security? Continuity must mean completing projects, protecting households, and making public institutions

accountable—not merely repeating promises. The true dividend of reform is a better life for Nigerians. - Dr. G. Fraser. MFR

THE NATIONAL PATRIOTS POSITION The National Patriots commend President Tinubu’s interconnected initiatives in electricity, infrastructure, irrigation, industrial processing, digital connectivity, CNG transport, security and social protection, including the First Lady’s food-bank advocacy and the five new development commissions. We urge faster rehabilitation of federal trunk roads, transparent monitoring of state allocations, expanded cooperative support, and effective relief for vulnerable households. These achievements and institutional foundations provide a compelling case for continuity, disciplined delivery, and consolidation. Imagine Nigeria with productive factories, secure farms, affordable transport, and dependable protection for vulnerable families. Three years can lay foundations; eight years could turn them into measurable prosperity. The forthcoming book Nigeria’s Great Reset, by Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR, is a must-read for Nigerians seeking evidence-based answers about the administration’s vision, reforms, achievements and ongoing projects. It connects the dots, clarifies misconceptions, and explains how policies could improve everyday lives. Nigeria’s future should be judged by evidence, not propaganda; by delivery, not declarations. The greatest legacy of President Tinubu would not simply be changing economic policy but changing Nigerians’ lives. The foundations are taking shape. Let us sustain the work until Nigeria’s Great Reset becomes the prosperity every citizen can see, feel, and share. •Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser, MFR President, The National Patriots Special Adviser to Former President Goodluck Jonathan GCFR. Vice Chairman Strategic Communications Committee Buhari PCC 2019. Member, Strategy Committee OSGF, Presidency 2023.

THISDAY • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026

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BACK PAGE LEAD PHOTOGRAPH

AKPABIO CELEBRATES SENATORS’ BIRTHDAYS AFTER PLENARY...

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream, Eteng Williams; Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Asuquo Ekpenyong; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Senate Whip, Tahir Monguno; Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu and Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund, Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, during the celebration of August, September and October born Senators ... yesterday PHOTO: SENATE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

BALA WUNTI GUEST COLUMNIST

Beyond Extraction: Turning Africa’s Mineral Wealth into Lasting Prosperity

frica has spent generations exporting much of what lies beneath its soil and importing finished products made from those same resources. That contradiction remains one of the most enduring challenges in the continent’s economic history. Nigeria’s experience with crude oil illustrates both the benefits of resource development and the cost of insufficient domestic processing capacity. Today, as global interest grows in lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements, Africa has an opportunity to build on those lessons. We must ensure that the emerging critical minerals economy delivers more than another cycle of raw-material exports. I recently reflected on remarks attributed to Uganda’s President, His Excellency Mr Yoweri

Minister of Solid Minerals Development , Dele Alake Museveni, about the limited value African economies have often retained from exporting

raw materials and importing finished goods. His observation raises an important question: how do we translate natural resource endowments into greater prosperity for our people? That was essentially the thrust of my intervention at the 2026 Concordia Annual Summit in New York, United States, where I encouraged African governments to rethink their approach to critical minerals and look beyond the export of raw materials. Following my presentation, I encountered a few Nigerian Diasporans and citizens of other African countries who sought my opinion on why many of our countries on the continent keep exporting raw minerals while importing finished products. I found the engagement quite enlightening. The questions they raised went to the

heart of the economic future of our continent. Will African countries use their mineral endowments to build productive industries, create jobs and strengthen their technological capabilities? Or are we going to surrender another generation of economic opportunities to countries that possess the capacity to process what Africa extracts? Those questions are not new to me. I have spent my productive adult life in the Nigerian energy sector, and it has taught me some uncomfortable lessons about mistakes we must not repeat. For the past 50 years in Nigeria, we have priced energy in barrels. For the next 50 years, we must price it in kilogrammes, including kilogrammes of lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements. That was Continued on page 39

GLORIAFRASER GUEST COLUMNIST

Tinubu’s Great Reset: Three Years of Reform, Eight Years of Transformation By Gloria Fraser

undertaken far-reaching reforms. Their hardship is undeniable. But Nigeria’s future depends on whether today’s structural changes become tomorrow’s jobs, affordable food, and shared prosperity. A nation rebuilding its economy resembles a house being renovated while families remain inside. Foundations must be strengthened, but the occupants must also be protected. Infrastructure and social protection are therefore complementary—not competing—priorities.

“The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, October 1, 2026. THE ECONOMIC HARVEST conomic reform is like clearing an overgrown farm. The first season can be painful: old structures are uprooted, the ground is disturbed and the harvest is not immediate. But when sacrifice is demanded, citizens have a legitimate question: what did the reform eventually produce? What if Nigeria’s best years are still ahead? What if three years of difficult reform become the foundation for eight years of transformation—where electricity powers factories, irrigation feeds communities, roads connect markets, and social protection reaches

THE FOUNDATIONS OF NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION President Bola Tinubu vulnerable families? Since May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has

The Electricity Act, signed in June 2023, opened the way for states to regulate intrastate power markets. By July 2026, 16 states, including Abia, had transitioned to state regulation. Reliable electricity can strengthen manufacturing, agro-processing, and

employment. The administration is advancing the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, and northern road corridors while rehabilitating the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and other Federal roads nationwide. Access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, commissioned under the previous administration, have received federal approval and are ongoing. Rail projects and proposed light-rail systems in Kaduna, Abuja, Kano, Lagos complement the effort; four port upgrades—Onne, Rivers, Delta, and Calabar—have also been approved. Crucially, damaged federal trunk roads require faster repairs: poor roads raise transport costs and food prices. Nigeria targets 500,000 hectares of irrigated farmland by 2030 through a broader program supported in part by the World Bank-assisted SPIN Continued on page 39

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