Zenith Bank Plc has unveiled Zecathon 5.0, the fifth edition of its flagship startup competition and innovation programme.

It features a massive ₦140 million prize pool and a high-impact Hackathon designed to accelerate digital solutions across fintech and emerging tech sectors.
It stated that developers, founders, and innovators across Africa can apply for free at https://beyondlimits.global/zecathon5/ before the October 31, 2025, deadline.

The Zenith Zecathon has continued to spotlight innovation across key sectors, including FMCG, insurance, education, retail and e-commerce, payments, lending, cybersecurity, agriculture, health, and logistics.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc,
Dame Adaora Umeoji, said:
“Zecathon 5.0 represents the next leap in Zenith Bank’s journey of empowering innovators and driving Africa’s digital transformation.
“By introducing a full-scale hackathon alongside our startup pitch and incubation program, we’re creating an ecosystem where developers, dreamers, and founders can collaborate, compete, and ultimately build real solutions that shape the future of banking and business across the continent.”

She added that Hackathon would challenge innovators to design cutting-edge fintech and digital products, while the Startup Pitch Competition will showcase scalable ventures addressing real-world problems.
“Winners from both categories will each receive ₦30 million, with four additional finalists per category receiving ₦10 million each. All finalists will also participate in an intensive six-week incubation programm to refine and scale their ideas,” Umeoji stated.

Last year’s edition, Zecathon 4.0, attracted almost 2,000 applicants and awarded ₦77.5 million in prizes to standout startups, including JumpnPass, CreditChek, and Salad Africa – all of which have since expanded their operations and market impact. Startups and innovators across Africa are invited to apply for free at https://beyondlimits.global/zecathon5/, the bank added.

Created to embody a historic response to conflict-related sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the National Reparations Fund (FONAREV) has, within a few years, become one of the country’s biggest financial scandals, recent financial reports, investigations, and leaked documents have revealed.

They alleged that more than 212 million dollars in mining royalties were collected between January 2024 and June 2025, but less than 2.5 percent actually reached survivors.
The financial reports, investigations, and leaked documents also revealed an organised system of embezzlement, nepotism, and institutional opacity. Launched in 2022 with the mandate to “repair” victims of war crimes and sexual violence, the National Reparations Fund (FONAREV) had been presented as a historic gesture of the Tshisekedi regime.
In 2023, a decree allocated 11 percent of mining royalties to this fund, guaranteeing it a stable and abundant resource.

According to the financial report, “Very quickly, hope gave way to controversy. The figures show that the real beneficiaries are not the victims, but a narrow circle of managers and political allies. At the heart of the scandal, revelations from the General Inspectorate of Finance, leaks of internal documents, and press investigations highlight a systematic mechanism of resource capture.

“The abyssal gap between the stated mission and the reality of expenditure illustrates a profound drift, where the institution of justice has become an instrument of political and family rent. Colossal resources, derisory impact. Between January 2024 and June 2025, FONAREV pocketed more than 212 million dollars. Of this amount, only 5 million financed actions directly related to reparations: three boreholes, a renovated school in North Kivu, a memorial in Kisangani, and occasional medical support for 115 victims.”

The documents added that: “This concrete record, derisory in view of the sums available, represents less than 2.5 percent of the funds mobilised.”

The financial report for the second quarter of 2025 confirms this disproportion, adding that: “Of nearly 61 million dollars recovered, more than half was absorbed by operating costs, salaries and various administrative expenses, while less than a fifth was directed towards reparation programmes.
“Some departments literally blew up their budgets: the financial department, for example, consumed 130 percent of its allocated credits, mainly through exorbitant bonuses and mission expenses.

“The abusive nature of the disbursements also appears in the recovery bonuses. In February 2025, the board of directors decided to apply retroactively an 8% bonus on all sums collected since the fund’s inception. This operation released an envelope of 14 million dollars, distributed in cash to the members of the recovery committee, already remunerated elsewhere. A diversion of exceptional magnitude, carried out without control or justification.

“Organised embezzlement and parallel financing internal documents and press reports reveal allocations of funds totally unrelated to FONAREV’s mandate. Fifteen million dollars were transferred to the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation (which became the LONA Foundation) for a humanitarian operation intended for Burundian refugees in South Kivu.”
The report stated further that according to regional market prices, the real value of the distributed foodstuffs-612 tons of supplies, and some necessities not exceed 500,000 dollars. The rest, nearly 14.5 million, evaporated.
“This logic extends to international partnerships. In June 2025, the fund signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations system, valued at 12 million dollars, officially intended for mobile clinics and assistance to displaced persons. In practice, these co-financings serve as institutional cover for a structure that massively diverts its resources.”

It added that: “Several UN experts are beginning to question the legitimacy of maintaining such a partnership. Political propaganda also intrudes into resource management. In August 2025, FONAREV financed the so-called “Genocost” campaign, a commemoration aimed at gaining recognition of an “economic genocide” in the DRC.

In September 2025, the document disclosed that a complaint was filed in Brussels against the Tshisekedi family for alleged embezzlement and money laundering linked to FONAREV.
“This judicialization outside Congolese territory illustrates the magnitude of the scandal and the growing mistrust of Western partners. At the same time, the international community is accused of complacency: by providing a veneer of legitimacy through UN conventions, it contributes to masking an enterprise of institutionalised spoliation.”

A senior chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume,
has warmly welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Imo State as the President commence official visit on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

In a press statement, Senator Araraume commended the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, praising it as a transformative framework that is positively reshaping Nigeria’s development.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national progress through his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Araraume stated.

“The reforms he has initiated are repositioning our country for sustainable growth and stability.”

Senator Araraume highlighted key policy achievements that are already yielding results, including:

Economic Revitalization: The unification of exchange rates to stabilize the financial system and the implementation of new tax reforms to streamline the fiscal framework and expand the national revenue base.
· Grassroots Empowerment: The direct funding of local governments from the federation account, a landmark move for decentralized development.
· Social Investment: The launch of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to promote access to higher education, alongside strengthened social intervention programs and expanded youth initiatives.

While noting that some councils are still adapting to the new autonomy, Araraume emphasized that President Tinubu’s action, anchored on a sound legal framework, will earn him historic recognition as a leader who prioritized economic inclusion and grassroots governance.

He expressed his confidence that the visit would deepen the President’s connection with Imo’s grassroots communities while heralding a new era of developments and opportunities for the South East.

By Dave Utehrun

There is no doubt that current crisis between Dangote Refinery and NUPENG is a battle for the fragile soul of Nigeria, especially in the oil and gas sector.

Many reports , opinion, write-ups have been going on in the media.

However, a recent recent diatribe report in one of the online platforms titled, ‘The Coming Death of NUPENG,’ is not journalism, rather it is a poorly constructed hit piece, a symphony of slander orchestrated by the very corporate interests seeking to strip Nigerian workers of their fundamental human rights.

In the report, rather than address the substantive issue such as the brazen, anti-union crusade at the Dangote Refinery, the writer chooses to vomit a litany of unsubstantiated allegations, recycled propaganda, and fictional accounting. All designed to deflect from the real crime; the systemic suppression of worker representation by Africa’s richest man.

The union is actively defending workers’ rights, insisting that employees must be free to organise and collectively bargain without coercion or restriction. Why should this be a problem

Let us be unequivocally clear, the core issue the writer so conveniently ignores is the inalienable right of every worker to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

This is not a NUPENG invention, it is a cornerstone of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and a fundamental human right recognized globally.

The Dangote Refinery’s refusal to allow unionization is a direct attack on this right, creating an environment where workers can be, and have been, arbitrarily sacked for merely seeking a collective voice. The writer’s silence on this tyranny speaks volumes about his true patrons.

The article is a masterclass in deception. He parades disgraced, former union officials like Lucky Osesua, Humble Obinna and Dayyabu Garga—individuals facing serious criminal charges, including attempted murder, for their violent attempts to hijack a branch of the union—as “reformers.”

This information can be readily confirmed through the charge sheet records of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division, where the individuals in question are listed as defendants 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

This is not a revelation of NUPENG’s flaws, rather it is a confession of the writer’s allegiance. These are the paid puppets of a conglomerate desperate to balkanize the workforce and impose a company-sponsored association, a classic union-busting tactic condemned by the ILO.

The writer is not a voice for the drivers, rather he is a megaphone for a divide-and-rule strategy.
The financial figures the writer and co concocts and bandy around are not just exaggerated; they are a fantasy, designed to incite public anger against the union instead of the real profiteers.

His claim that NUPENG “slaps a tax” on every litre of fuel is arithmetical nonsense and a deliberate misrepresentation of logistics fees negotiated with stakeholders for union services.

Does the writer expect these vital services, advocacy, dispute resolution, welfare support, administration—to be run on charity? Unlike the opaque accounting of the corporations he defends, NUPENG operates within a structured framework. If the writer has evidence of financial malfeasance, let him present it to the authorities instead of hiding behind sensationalist journalism.

For the records, there are numerous Trade Unions and Associations operating within the Petroleum depots, each with distinct roles and responsibilities toward their members.

PTD-NUPENG commands significant influence and respect, an authority that, understandably, unsettles some people.

For instance:

1. PTD-NUPENG is a Trade Union whose members are employees of truck owners. These members pay union dues to NUPENG, and the funds collected are allocated to the following:
   • Quarterly safety training across all zones, conducted in collaboration with FRSC, Police, Fire Service, State VIO, and other traffic enforcement agencies. These trainings are essential and come at a considerable cost.
   • Health Insurance (HMO) coverage for tanker drivers. Since no employer provides health insurance for these drivers, who spend long hours transporting highly inflammable materials, NUPENG believes that a sick truck driver is an accident waiting to happen. To mitigate this risk, the Union partnered with Leadway Health Insurance to provide coverage for every petroleum tanker driver on the wheel.
   • Security funding for highways- The Union consistently mobilize security agencies to protect against truck hijackers, kidnappers, and criminal elements in certain communities. These services are not rendered for free.
   • Union dues – which support the administrative and operational functions of the union itself.
2. The Association of Truck Owners also collects fees from its members, who are the actual owners of the trucks each time they load at the depots.
3. Independent Marketers, represented by IPMAN, have employees who are also members of NUPENG. These employees pay union dues to NUPENG, while IPMAN members contribute dues to their own association.
4. The Major Marketers Association similarly has employees who belong to NUPENG, alongside their own association members.

The greatest insult, however, is the author’s pathetic portrayal of the tanker driver as a helpless victim of NUPENG. It is the exact opposite. Without NUPENG, the tanker driver is isolated, vulnerable, and at the mercy of multinational corporations and exploitative depot owners. It is NUPENG that fights for their safety on death-trap highways, it is NUPENG that negotiates their compensation, and it is NUPENG that gives them a collective power they would never have as individuals.

The luxurious lifestyle author attributes to NUPENG leaders is a tired and desperate attempt to distract from the fact that it is profit driven capitalist like Dangote and his ilk who truly travel by private jet, built on the silent, un-unionized sweat of their employees.

The threat to Nigeria’s economy does not come from a union fighting for its members’ rights. The threat comes from a corporate monopoly that believes its wealth places it above the law and beyond the rights of its workforce. The Dangote Refinery, a project of national importance, must not become a sweatshop where Nigerian labour rights go to die.

NUPENG should not be intimidated by the various paid articles or the bullying tactics of a billionaire. Their mandate should be sacred to defend the Nigerian oil and gas worker. They should stand on the right side of history, on the side of human rights and dignity for labour which they were known for. The coming storm the write predicts is not for NUPENG, it is a gathering whirlwind of justice that will sweep away the anti-worker posture at Dangote and expose the hired pens who defend the indefensible.

The truth and victory will surely emerge at the end.
The struggle continues…

In the midst of a grinding civil war, concerned citizens have alleged that Sudan’s military rulers have signed a $1.5 billion weapons deal with Pakistan, with Saudi Arabia quietly getting involved.
The pact promises new firepower for Sudan’s army, but risks dragging the country even deeper into a conflict that has already devastated millions and destabilized the region-the modern arsenal for an endless war.
The agreement, concluded in early August, includes ten K-8 Karakorum aircraft-trainers that can be converted into light attack planes-more than 200 armed and surveillance drones, as well as Chinese-made air defense systems modeled on Russia’s S-300.
They also included spare engines for aging MiG-21s, armored vehicles, and precision munitions to round out the package.
They said for Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who heads Sudan’s armed forces, the influx of weapons offers a chance to break months of stalemate against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by his rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti.
“This is a major upgrade for the Sudanese army, which had been struggling to match the RSF’s battlefield capabilities,” said a diplomat based in Nairobi. He added that Riyadh’s hidden hand in Sudan, mired in hyperinflation and economic collapse, could not have financed such a deal on its own.
Multiple officials have alleged that Saudi Arabia bankrolled the purchase, motivated by concerns over security in the Red Sea and the growing influence of the United Arab Emirates, which has provided support to the RSF.
Riyadh, which mediated peace talks in Jeddah in 2023, has now shifted to a more muscular approach-betting on Burhan’s eventual military victory. But in a region rife with rivalries, that gamble could inflame tensions rather than contain them. A Proxy battlefield deal that has accelerated Sudan’s slide into a proxy war, including Burhan’s forces now rely on a broad coalition of external patrons-Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Russia, and Saudi Arabia- whose military and financial support has become central to the conflict’s trajectory. The RSF, for its part, benefits mainly from Emirati financing, some cross-border supply networks through Chad and the Sahel, and revenues from Sudan’s gold trade. “Every shipment of weapons to one side triggers a counter from the other. It’s an endless spiral,” said a researcher with the pan-African think tank Wathi.
Western governments warn that a prolonged conflict could destabilize the Red Sea corridor, a vital artery of global trade. Some diplomats add that an outright victory by the Sudanese Armed Forces could tilt the balance even further toward Riyadh, Islamabad, and their strategic partners-reinforcing the presence of actors that Western capitals view as rivals in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime regions. “A step backward,” African analysts see the deal as a militarist dead end. “Instead of rebuilding a collapsed state and starting a political transition, Khartoum is doubling down on war,” said a Senegalese security expert, adding: “It’s a step backward for peace.”
The African Union has condemned foreign interference and called for renewed diplomacy. But lacking leverage, it remains largely sidelined. An uncertain future for now, the gleaming new weapons are fueling hopes of victory in Burhan’s camp. But for millions of civilians trapped in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Darfur, the reality is simpler: more weapons mean more death, destruction, and despair. By embracing militarisation over compromise, Sudan’s generals and their foreign patrons risk locking the country into a war with no end in sight — one that is increasingly shaping the geopolitics of the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
Also, Turkey hopes to strengthen its influence in East Africa, while Russia and China watch closely-both having courted Sudan for military and economic footholds in recent years.

The lingering internal crisis rocking Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited, located at Igbesa, Ogun State, took a new twist this week as one of the feuding parties laid some allegations against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun as published in some media outlets.

But in response, the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Chen Dongfeng, has dismissed and described the allegations as not only fallacious,falsehood, blatant lies, empty and a figment of imagination of Mr. Zhang Kefeng , but also purported plot to mislead the public.

He therefore urged the public, shareholders, stakeholders, staff and the entire public to disregard the report and the allegations.

In the report,Mr. Zhang Kefeng, one of the company managers and others that include Mrs. Zhang Linshuang, Mr.Liu Zhengyu and Mrs.Liao Yuzhen had alleged that the IGP was “using police to intimidate and harass the directors and shareholders of the company in favour of two others” referring to the Managing Director,Mr. Chen Dongfeng, and another shareholder, Mr. Kong Jun.

They had also alleged that “the IGP is doing the bidding of Mr. Chen Dongfeng and Mr.Kong Jun” by using police to deny workers assess to the company.

According to the report,Mr. Zhang Kefeng had issued a letter of petition to President Bola Tinubu to “call the IGP to order and also intervene in the matter.

Mr. Chen Dongfeng also absolved the IGP of any blames, insisting that he had no hand in the matter in any way whatsoever and that the Nigerian police did not seal the factory of Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited as alleged.

He said that it was Mr. Zhang Kefeng and other conspirators that he has been conniving with that had been the brain behind the crisis rocking the company.

Mr. Chen Dongfeng who stressed the need to put the report in a proper perspective, went down memory lane to tell the story of all that had transpired and later degenerated to the present lingering rift in the company.

“After the company was established in 2014, I, the Managing Director and the Chairman invited some other Shareholders/Directors in 2015 to join the company. There are seven Shareholders and Directors in the company as at today and all are Chinese,” the MD said.

He added: “All the directors came together and made an agreement that under no circumstance must any shareholder establish a personal or any private company in Nigeria to also produce ceramic tiles that Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited produces to avoid conflict of interest and unnecessary competition between shareholders of the same company (Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited)”

“There was also an agreement that any shareholder who violated the agreement would lose his or her position as a Shareholder and as a Director and his shares would be confiscated by the company. But it was later discovered that Mr. Zhang Kefeng and his sister, Mrs. Zhang Linshuang went underground and established another ceramic tiles company and started producing ceramic tiles at Sagamu, Ogun State thereby violating the company’s agreement.

While tracing the genesis of the crisis in the company, the MD further stated: “The current crisis started when two of our shareholders Mr. Zhang Kefeng and his sister, Mrs. Zhang Linshuang, went underground in 2022 and established a factory in Ogun State under another parallel company known as Nigeria Royal Castle Ceramics Company Limited and started producing ceramic tiles, the same product that Crown Ceramic Nigeria Limited produces. This was considered as a betrayal of trust and gross violation of the earlier agreement among Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited’s Shareholders and Directors.”

Mr. Chen Dongfeng added that Mr. Zhang Kefeng, as a manager, used to stand in for him (the MD) whenever he travelled out of the country, but he later started taking advantage of the position and defrauded the company by diverting Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited’s imported materials and local raw materials to Nigeria Royal Castle Ceramics Company Limited– owned by Mr. Zhang Kefeng and his sister Mrs. Zhang Linshuang without the consent and permission of Managing Director and other shareholders of Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited.

“Whenever he was caught in the act, his excuse was that he borrowed those materials. It was also discovered that he was using Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited’s business ideas and secrets to produce the same design of tiles produced by Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited’s in his company. He was also diverting Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited’s distributors and trained staff to his company for patronage. Even his sister, Mrs. Zhang Linshuang converted company’s money into her appointed account unknown to the company for her personal use”

According to him, Mr. Zhang Kefeng also held a series of nocturnal meetings with other three shareholders aimed at removing the chairman and the managing director.They were working against the articles of association of the company. Sometimes they would issue a memo that they had removed the MD and appointed a new chairman.

While further explaining how Mr. Zhang Kefeng had been spearheading the crisis in the company, the MD said: “In April this year (2025), the conspirators also invaded the company with a truck load of armed Chinese security agents known as Sheriff (see the pictures here with attached), thugs and unknown armed security personnel to take over the company. But the management of Crown Ceramics invited other policemen to restore order to the company.”

He also disclosed that there was a time the conspirators wrote a petition to the Monitoring Unit in Abuja to arrest him (the MD) and one of the shareholders, Mr.Kong Jun who were later invited to the Unit for interrogation.

Mr. Chen Donfeng added that he and Mr. Kong Jun also wrote their own petition to the IGP which was addressed to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to investigate the matter. The two parties were advised to make peace and go back, come up with their demands and send them to the SIU to resolve the crisis.

Mr. Dongfeng also recalled how Mr. Zhang Kefeng’s team has been festering the crisis in the company.

“A few days ago, one of them, a female shareholder–Mrs. Liao Yuzhen, invaded the company’s premises with over 20 Chinese people, some unknown armed security personnel and local security personnel. But they were not allowed by Crown Ceramics security at the entrance gate to enter the premises due to the security threat that was posed. The MD, however stated that during the invasion by Mrs.Liao Yuzhen, nobody fought anybody.

“She was told that if she must go in, she could go alone, but going in with many people unknown to the company was not allowed, only for us to wake up a few days ago to read a report in the media that Mr. Zhang Kefeng and his team had accused the Inspector General of Police of sealing our factory and that he is siding me and my team,” Mr. Chen Dongfeng said.

The MD also said that Mr. Zhang Kefeng and his team has taken the matter to a court in Abeokuta, while my group and I also took the matter to a court in Lagos.

Speaking further on the extent to which Mr. Zhang Kefeng and his team had been fueling the crisis, the MD said: “Owing to their desperation to take over the management of the company, they recently went and hired a truckload of thugs and invaded the company’s premises but later ran away before the police we invited came to restore order.”

“It was after this lawlessness that they got a story published in the media, accusing the IGP of using his power in favour of the company to harass them and deny them access to the company. But the allegation is purely false.

“From all indications, the allegation that the IGP is doing our bidding is a blatant lie. There is no truth in it. They said many things that are not true,” Mr. Chen Dongfeng stressed.

“Also, the allegation that I as the MD and my team had taken a deliberate action to hijack the company from the major shareholders and that the IGP was using police to deny workers access to the company is completed falsehood because the company has been going on the way it has been going since 2014 when it was established.

“The management remains the same, the status quo is maintained, the workers are working and being paid their salaries, everything is going on as a company.

“Therefore, all that Mr. Zhang Kefeng is concocting against the IGP are lies. Nobody sealed the company, the company is operating fully without any interruption whatsoever(See the pictures and videos here with attached). The IGP didn’t give any order to seal the company,” the MD stressed.

“Worryingly too, Mr. Zhang Kefeng has been tarnishing the image of the company as he and his son–Mr. Zhang Dahui (who is currently on the run ), started using the company’s name to defraud many Chinese nationals of huge sums of money. The victims have been complaining to the company and making demands for the refund of their money.

“Also, the petition written to President Bola Tinubu to call the IGP to order and to also seek his intervention is not necessary because the case between all the parties are already before the courts of law.

“My position as the MD of Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited is that the matter should be settled by the courts,” Mr. Chen Dongfeng stressed.

Sunday Okobi

The Organising Committee of the Indigenous Oil and Gas has announced the postponement of its summit originally scheduled to take place in Lagos on July 23 and 24, till further notice.

A statement issued by their leader, Wenefred Ogunze, said the committee expressed regret as it informs its partners, stakeholders, participants, and the general public of the postponement.

According to the statement, “This decision was reached after a careful consideration of current circumstances that may affect the smooth planning, logistics and overall experience of the event.
“As a platform committed to excellence, inclusion and the advancement of indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector, we believe it is in the best interest of all stakeholders to reschedule the summit.
“We deeply apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding, support, and continued commitment to the goals of the summit.
“A new date will be communicated in due course, and we assure all registered participants and partners that their interests remain a top priority.”

Ibrahim Shehu Musa

The recent agitation by some serving officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and revert to the old Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) has stirred national attention and triggered policy debates across the country. While the frustrations fuelling this agitation are valid, particularly in light of the financial challenges many retired officers face, the proposed solution is not only flawed but also potentially dangerous. Instead of abandoning the CPS, Nigeria should pursue thoughtful reforms within the system that address the unique realities of police service.

The call to exit the CPS stems largely from dissatisfaction with the perceived inadequacy of monthly pension payouts. However, as the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON) rightly emphasised in a recent press briefing, the problem lies not in the structure of the CPS itself, but in systemic issues such as historically low salaries, delayed government contributions, and lack of supplementary schemes for police retirees.

It is essential to recognise a fundamental truth: pension outcomes are directly tied to the earnings generated during active service. Whether under the CPS or DBS, a low salary base inevitably leads to modest retirement benefits. Therefore, rather than dismantle a system designed for transparency, funding sustainability, and legal protection, energy should be redirected toward improving police remuneration, enhancing welfare, and ensuring timely and full compliance with contribution requirements.

Calls for a return to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) overlook the historical failures that necessitated its abandonment in the first place. The DBS was plagued by chronic delays in pension payments, resulting in many retirees being denied timely access to their entitlements. It was also marked by widespread corruption, the presence of ghost pensioners, and gross mismanagement of funds. The system relied heavily on already overstretched government budgets, making it unsustainable and unreliable. For public servants, especially police officers, the result was a deeply demoralising retirement experience, often defined by uncertainty, financial hardship, and prolonged suffering.

One need only recall the discredited Police Pension Task Team under Abdulrasheed Maina to understand the deep-rooted rot that plagued the old system. It was these shortcomings that gave birth to the CPS through the Pension Reform Act 2004, later amended in 2014, which introduced a more sustainable and transparent model.

Under the CPS, funds are professionally managed by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and safeguarded by Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), with strict oversight by the National Pension Commission (PenCom). The CPS has grown to manage over ₦18 trillion in assets, supporting national development and infrastructure while guaranteeing individual retirement savings.

The current Bill before the National Assembly proposing the creation of a Police Pension Board is a move to exit the CPS. This proposal, while well-intentioned, could inadvertently resurrect the same inefficiencies, corruption, and fiscal unsustainability that previously plagued the DBS.

Key concerns surrounding the proposed exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme include the heavy reliance on government allocations from the already overstretched Consolidated Revenue Fund. This dependence raises fears about the long-term sustainability of pension payments. Additionally, there is a significant risk that pension funds could become subject to politicisation and mismanagement, echoing the inefficiencies of the past. The move could also lead to the duplication of administrative structures, introducing more bureaucracy and reducing efficiency. Perhaps most critically, allowing one agency to exit the scheme could set a dangerous precedent, encouraging other sectors to demand similar treatment and ultimately undermining the entire foundation of Nigeria’s pension reform efforts.

The Police already have a dedicated PFA, NPF Pensions Limited, specifically designed to manage their pension assets within the CPS. Rather than discard this structure, efforts should focus on optimising it. The current Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) already offers flexible mechanisms that can be tailored to address the unique needs of the Nigeria Police Force, without necessitating a complete exit from the scheme. For example, Section 4(4) of the Pension Reform Act 2014 permits any employer to contribute beyond the statutory minimum or to provide additional retirement benefits to its employees. This means the Police Force can enhance its personnel’s retirement packages within the existing framework.

Furthermore, Sections 26 and 27 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 provide for the establishment of a General Fund, which pools revenues generated internally, such as those from police reports and special duties. This fund, by law, can be used to supplement and enhance police pensions.

Several government institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have taken advantage of this flexibility by introducing Approved Existing Schemes (AES) or Additional Benefit Schemes (ABS) within the CPS. These have significantly improved the post-retirement welfare of their employees. The Police Force has every opportunity to adopt a similar strategy, remaining within the CPS while simultaneously improving retirement outcomes for its officers.

NARPON has advocated for increasing the Federal Government’s contribution to Police Retirement Savings Accounts from 10% to 20%, in addition to the 8% from officers, thereby raising the total monthly contributions to 28%. This is a sound, practical measure. Moreover, PenCom’s recent announcement of a nationwide upward review of pensions under the CPS, along with its recommendation for a 100% gratuity payout at retirement, demonstrates that the system is responsive, adaptable, and evolving, rather than rigid.

Another significant development is the proposed disbursement of ₦758 billion in pension shortfalls owed to security agencies, pending approval by the National Assembly. If released, this funding would significantly improve the retirement welfare of both serving and retired officers. While the frustration is real, resorting to protests over pension structure is a high-risk move, particularly for a security agency entrusted with national order. Industrial action or public protests by the Police could erode public trust and threaten stability. Instead, stakeholders should prioritise constructive dialogue, strategic lobbying, and policy engagement, as NARPON continues to advocate for.

While the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) may not be flawless, it is grounded in core principles of sustainability, transparency, and accountability, principles that were notably absent in the now-defunct Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS). Rather than seeking an exit from the CPS, the Police Force should focus on securing a better deal within the existing system.

This approach entails ensuring the full release of outstanding pension contributions, increasing the employer’s share of contributions, and establishing supplementary pension schemes to boost post-retirement income. It also requires institutional strengthening of NPF Pensions Limited to enhance its operational efficiency and capacity, thereby better serving police retirees. Most importantly, it calls for sustained engagement with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and policymakers to advocate for reforms that reflect the unique needs and risks associated with police service.

To the National Assembly, the message is clear: Do not undo two decades of pension progress. Strengthen the CPS, support reforms that recognise the unique sacrifice of the Police, within the framework of what already works. To the Nigeria Police Force, the path is not backwards into a broken past, but forward into a reformed, responsive, and fair pension future. To the public, stay informed and lend your voice to sustainable policy. This is about more than pensions; it is about fairness, responsibility, and national resilience.

•&�Բ�����;Ibrahim Shehu Musa, a pension consultant, sent this piece from Kaduna.

Olushoga Adedokun

Before the establishment of the CPS under the Pension Reform Act of 2004, pension administration in Nigeria was a disaster. The Police Pension Office, under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), became synonymous with one of the most shameful frauds in public sector history. Millions of naira meant for retirees were siphoned through ghost accounts, and legitimate pensioners died waiting for their entitlements.

Creating an independent Police Pension Board threatens to reopen this unfortunate chapter. Without the layers of accountability and regulatory safeguards currently provided under the CPS, the system becomes vulnerable to the same institutional weaknesses that previously allowed massive fraud to flourish. No one needs to be reminded that corruption, if unchecked, will always find a way to flourish in silos.

The CPS is a pooled, multi-sectoral system that benefits from economies of scale. Through the aggregation of funds from millions of contributors across public and private sectors, the system ensures reduced administrative costs, access to large-scale investment opportunities, and higher returns for all contributors. If the police were to operate a standalone scheme, they would lose access to these economies of scale. This could lead to higher administrative expenses, lower investment returns, and ultimately, smaller retirement benefits for officers. A fragmented pension administration creates duplication of effort, inefficiencies in fund management, and a bloated bureaucracy, issues that the CPS was specifically designed to correct.

Under the CPS, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) serves as the regulatory watchdog, ensuring that funds are managed transparently and professionally by licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Separating from this structure would significantly weaken oversight and create room for opaque practices.The proposed Police Pension Board is likely to lack the institutional independence, investment governance, and public scrutiny currently embedded within the CPS framework. This opens the door to politicisation, internal conflict, and abuse, an outcome that would defeat the very purpose of pension protection.

The PFAs under CPS are managed by professional fund managers who strictly adhere to investment guidelines set by PenCom. These funds are deployed across diversified investment portfolios to optimise growth and protect contributors’ assets. By contrast, a newly created police-managed scheme is unlikely to have the same capacity, experience, or regulatory backing to match this level of performance. With fewer resources and limited market leverage, the potential for poor investment decisions is high, which could lead to depressed pension payouts for police retirees. Worse still, the likelihood of political interference in fund investment decisions could jeopardise returns entirely.

One of the key achievements of the CPS is the reduction of payment delays. Under the old system, it was common for retirees to wait months, or even years, before receiving entitlements. With the CPS, benefits are pre-funded and structured to ensure that retirees access their funds shortly after retirement. Creating a new scheme means dismantling an already functioning infrastructure and replacing it with one that is likely to be plagued by teething problems, including unclear structures, delayed legislation, administrative bottlenecks, and a lack of financial readiness. This could place serving and retired police officers in a prolonged period of uncertainty, precisely what the pension reform was designed to eliminate.

Pulling out of the CPS is not just a matter of desire; it is a complex legal and institutional process that would require legislative amendments, funding frameworks, board appointments, and administrative structures. This would take years to establish and millions to operationalise. The transition period alone could expose police pensions to tremendous risk, with neither the old nor the new systems entirely in place to meet obligations. The inherent instability of such a transition would serve no one, indeed not officers nearing retirement who need assurance that their benefits will be safe, predictable, and timely.

If the police succeed in exiting the CPS, what prevents other uniformed agencies, such as Civil Defence, Immigration, and Prisons, from making the same demand? The result would be a disjointed pension landscape with multiple independent schemes, each with its own management and funding demands. This fragmentation would undermine the cohesion, simplicity, and efficiency that the CPS was designed to promote. More dangerously, it could reintroduce the culture of entitlement and government bailouts, which placed an unbearable burden on the national budget in the past.

The CPS is arguably one of the most far-reaching and effective public sector reforms in Nigeria. It replaced an unsustainable model with one built on accountability, savings, and financial discipline. Allowing the police to exit undermines the integrity of this reform and signals to other sectors that national policy can be cherry-picked based on pressure rather than principle. Instead of destroying what has been built, the focus should be on improving it, especially in areas where the peculiarities of the police force may not be fully captured. Dialogue, reform, and institutional responsiveness are far more effective than total departure.

An independent Police Pension Scheme is likely to be government-funded, directly or indirectly, especially during crises or shortfalls. This would reintroduce the fiscal burden that the CPS was designed to eliminate. It risks becoming another drain on national revenue and increases the probability of government default, leading again to unpaid pensions and distressed retirees. There is no doubt that the Nigerian Police deserves a pension system that reflects the hazardous nature of their job and the sacrifices they make daily. Nevertheless, the way forward is not through fragmentation or isolation; it is through reform within the CPS, ensuring better representation, improved efficiency, timely benefit payments, and tailored policies for officers.

Rather than exit, the police should advocate for special provisions within the existing framework, such as risk-weighted contribution rates, accelerated benefit processing, and designated PFAs with a mandate to cater to uniformed services. These are achievable goals, without putting the retirement security of thousands at risk. Let us not trade progress for sentiment, or stability for nostalgia. The CPS may not be perfect, but it remains the most viable path toward a just, efficient, and secure retirement system for all, including the police.

➢&�Բ�����;Olushoga Adedokun, a former pension administrator, lives in Lagos.

Former National Chairperson of the NUPENG Women’s Wing, Comrade Thelma O. Ndukwe, has joined countless Nigerians in mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as one of the nation’s most defining political figures.

In a heartfelt condolence message, Comrade Ndukwe extended her sympathies to the Buhari family and the nation at large, urging Nigerians to reflect on the legacy of leadership and service left behind by the late former Head of State.

Recalling her time as a leader within the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Ndukwe spoke of the honour of being part of a historic delegation to the Presidential Villa. The visit, led by the incumbent NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, was a significant moment of engagement between organized labour and the nation’s highest office — an experience she described as a testament to the mutual respect that existed between the labour movement and the former President’s administration.

“This visit to the Villa remains a vivid memory for me,” she said. “It symbolized a time when the voices of Nigerian workers resonated at the highest levels of governance. President Buhari’s doors were open to dialogue and constructive engagement, and for that, we remain grateful.”

Beyond her contributions to the labour movement, Comrade Ndukwe is celebrated for her dedication to public service and her commitment to women’s empowerment within the union. She is also a proud mother whose legacy of courage and excellence lives on through her daughter, Victoria Nwogu — an emerging Nollywood actress known for her bold and purposeful storytelling, which is helping to reshape narratives within Nigeria’s creative industry.

As the nation comes to terms with the passing of its former leader, Comrade Ndukwe called for unity and reflection. She emphasized that Buhari’s years in service should inspire renewed dedication to nation-building and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

“May the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari rest in perfect peace,” she prayed. “May his family find strength in this difficult time, and may we as a people find unity and purpose as we honor his legacy.”

The former President, who ruled Nigeria first as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, leaves behind a complex legacy marked by efforts to tackle corruption and insecurity, as well as enduring debates over the challenges that defined his tenure.

As tributes pour in from across the country and the world, Comrade Ndukwe’s message stands as a reminder of the enduring relationship between organized labour and leadership, and the pivotal role civic voices continue to play in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has nullified the arbitration proceedings at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London, instituted against indigenous energy giant, Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited, by a group of lenders that partly financed its acquisition of OML 29, declaring its conduct a violation of the injunctive orders of the court.

Aiteo acquired OML 29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) from Shell in a landmark transaction in 2014 that closed at around $3.01 billion, with billionaire founder, Benedict Peters, contributing about $1 billion in personal fortune to conclude the deal and restart production.

Justice S.B. Belgore nullified the ICC proceedings on Tuesday while ruling in an application brought before it by Tempo Energy Nigeria Ltd.

According to court documents, the claims arose from a multi-party financing arrangement dating back to 2014, under which Tempo alleged that the defendants breached their obligations under the governing facility agreements.

It claimed that several of the defendants had, on December 11, 2020, initiated proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales and commenced arbitration before the ICC in London without joining it as a party.

To protect its interests, Tempo instituted a suit on January 14, 2021, seeking injunctive reliefs to restrain the defendants from taking further steps in the pending proceedings and arbitration.

Marked FCT/HC/CV/079/2021, Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Ltd, African Finance Corporation, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank, Shell Western Supply & Trading, Shell International Trading & Shipping, Citibank Europe (UK Branch), Citibank N.A. (London Branch), FBN Trustees, Zenith Trustees, FBN Merchant Bank, Sterling Bank, Union Bank, Zenith Bank, and Dame Elizabeth Gloster, were listed as defendants.

In another application by Tempo Energy, filed through its counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), the FCT High Court, on January 22, 2021, granted interim orders of injunction, restraining the defendants from taking any further steps in the English proceedings and the ICC arbitration pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

It also consolidated pending applications filed by the parties and adjourned the matter for hearing.

Dissatisfied with the High Court’s decision, the Defendants appealed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division.

Despite the subsistence of the interim orders of the FCT High Court, the defendants proceeded with the ICC arbitration in London between 2021 and 2024 in defiance of the subsisting injunctive orders of the court.

In its unanimous judgement delivered on April 25, 2025, the appellate court affirmed the validity and subsistence of the interim orders of January 22, 2021.

Dismissing the appeal as an abuse of process, the court awarded costs of N1.5 million against the defendants.

It also ordered an accelerated hearing of the pending applications before the High Court and reaffirmed that parties must maintain the status quo while litigation is pending, warning that steps taken in violation of subsisting court orders may be deemed void.

Following the judgement of the Court of Appeal, at the resumed hearing before the FCT High Court on 20th, 21st, and 22nd May 2025, Ogunwumiju, on behalf of Tempo Energy, applied for a restorative order to set aside the ICC arbitration proceedings conducted in London, contending that the arbitral proceedings were conducted in flagrant defiance of the subsisting injunctive orders of the court.

While opposing the application, Mrs Joke Aliyu and Mr Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, who appeared for Ecobank Nigeria and other defendants, filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction on the grounds that the court lacked the competence to restrain foreign arbitral proceedings.

Ruling on Tuesday, July 8, Justice Belgore dismissed the preliminary objection, declaring it incompetent and lacking in merit. According to the court, the preliminary objection constituted an abuse of the court process. Consequently, it granted Tempo Energy’s application, declaring the ICC arbitration proceedings in London, conducted in violation of the injunctive orders of the court, as null and void.

The court further reiterated that the interim orders of injunction granted on January 22, 2021, remained valid, subsisting, and binding on all parties to the suit. It directed all parties to comply fully with the subsisting orders and to refrain from taking any further steps in defiance of the court’s orders.

The court also ordered the defendants to pay N500,000 in costs to Tempo Energy and adjourned the case to September 29, 2025, for the hearing of the consolidated interlocutory applications.

Aiteo had first sued Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria a few years after acquiring the company’s 30 per cent stake in the lucrative asset, alleging fraud, deceit and misrepresentation of facts in the sale.

In a suit, FHC/ABJ/ C8/738/2021, dated July 27, 2021, before a Federal High Court in Abuja, Aiteo accused Shell of not fully disclosing the true position of the oil wells to it at the time of the sale, despite receiving the full amount required for the sale. It asked the court to award it $2.5 billion in compensation.

According to the company, the poor condition of the asset, as well as the constant attacks on its production infrastructure by crude oil thieves, made it difficult to produce and thus prevented it from fulfilling its financial responsibilities to creditors.

The consortium of lenders that committed $USD 2 billion according to data include Zenith – $323m, First Bank & GTB – $200m each, Fidelity Bank – $175m, AFC – $125m, Ecobank Nigeria & Union Bank – $100m each, Sterling Bank – $60m and Shell Western –$512m.

Peters’ initial equity contribution for the purchase was $898, 237, 697.35 in cash with an additional $257m injected at closing for fees and other ancillary costs as well as funds to restart production, according to bank documents seen by our correspondent Other small equity holders like Tempo Energy contributed $136 million.

The Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has emphasized the urgency need to address unutilised and un-accessed UBEC intervention funds in basic education.

Garba, who was given a warm reception at the Makurdi tollgate, where the Benue SUBEB team, along with cheerful school children, welcomed her ahead of the 26th Quarterly Review Meeting, described the moment as special.

She noted that the presence of the children was a powerful reminder of the commission’s mission: “Their bright smiles were a touching reminder of why we do this work. Every discussion, every policy, every fund all come back to them.”

In her opening remarks at the QRM, Garba dealt with the urgency of addressing unutilised and un-accessed UBEC intervention funds.
She asked: “Are we doing enough?” although not as a rhetorical question, but as a direct call to action.
UBEC boss stated firmly that the Nigerian child cannot continue to pay the price for institutional delays and inefficiencies.
According to her, “This meeting is not just another routine engagement. We are confronting the real barriers to access and equity in basic education.”
A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of a new template for accessing UBEC intervention funds by states.
Garba stated that the framework aims to improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency in how education funds are accessed and deployed.
She urged all stakeholders to commit to transforming every naira allocated into visible and measurable outcomes that benefit Nigerian children.

Sunday Okobi in Algiers

In a landmark agreement-signing session during the 2025 IsDB Annual Meetings in Algiers, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) yesterday signed numerous agreement with a total value of around USD 1 billion financing which spans multiple sectors, ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to youth empowerment and food security, “underscoring the bank’s strategy to deliver sustainable results that serve humanity.”

IsDB state that signing the numerous and significant agreements is to support Member Countries in a diverse range of key development sectors, ensuring comprehensive support and inclusivity.

It stated that these agreements signed or witnessed by H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, IsDB President, reflect the bank’s continued commitment to delivering impactful, demand-driven support aligned with national priorities.

Jasser noted that with a total value of around USD 1 billion, “the signed financing span multiple sectors, ranging from infrastructure and healthcare to youth empowerment and food security, underscoring the Bank’s strategy to deliver sustainable results that serve humanity.”

For Mauritania, the IsDB signed a financing agreement of EUR 37 million to support vocational training and youth employability. The agreement, signed by H.E. Sid’Ahmed Bouh, Minister of Economy and Finance, and H.E. Dr. Al Jasser, aims to improve the employability of youth and provide them with the required skills of the job market.

Two agreements were signed for the Sultanate of Oman. The first involves a financing commitment of USD 632.16 million for the Climate-Resilient Flood Protection Dams Project, signed by H.E. Sultan Salim Said Al Habsi, Minister of Finance and H.E. Dr. Al Jasser. This initiative will enhance flood protection and climate resilience. A separate Memorandum of Understanding was also concluded between the two parties to deepen strategic cooperation aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

The bank also extended USD 26.62 million in financing for the State of Palestine, including a USD 26.4 million loan and a USD 260,000 grant, to support Phase I of the Khaled Al-Hassan Cancer Hospital. The agreement was signed by H.E. Omar Al-Bitar, Minister of Finance and H.E. Dr. Al Jasser. The project will strengthen specialized health services and oncology care capacity.

For Sierra Leone, an agreement valued at USD 38.19 million was signed to support the Livestock and Livelihoods Development Project. The initiative, which is expected to boost agricultural productivity and food security in rural areas, was signed by H.E. Sheku Ahmed Bangura, Minister of Finance, and H.E. Dr. Al Jasser.
IsDB also concluded two agreements with The Gambia, with a USD 3 million loan signed to supplement its financing to the Phase II of the Groundnut Sector Development Project.

At the same time, a USD 150,000 grant was provided under the Project Preparation Facility for road infrastructure planning. Both agreements were signed by H.E. Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and H.E. Dr. Al Jasser.

The Bank approved a USD 241.3 million agreement for Bangladesh to construct five climate-resilient bridges in the Mymensingh region. Mr. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, and IsDB Vice President (Operations), H.E. Dr. Rami Ahmad, signed the agreement, which H.E. Dr. Al Jasser witnessed.

“New institutional agreements were also signed to reinforce strategic partnerships, underscoring the sense of collaboration and shared responsibility. A USD 10 million grant was formalized with Islamic Relief USA to support the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees. Mr. Adil Al Sharif, Acting Director General, Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), signed the agreement. Additionally, the Bank signed a USD 5 million grant agreement with Josoor for the STEP Program, which is focused on youth employability and skills development,” the bank stated.

Further, the development bank signed a Country Engagement Framework with the Republic of Uganda to guide development cooperation for the period 2025–2027. An MoU was signed with Côte d’Ivoire to deepen collaboration under the Member Country Partnership Strategy framework.

The signings took place in the presence of senior government officials, ministers, international development partners, and global media, further reinforcing the spirit of South-South cooperation and the IsDB’s mission of Serving Humanity.

Sunday Okobi

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved over US$1.32 billion in development financing to drive inclusive growth, climate resilience, and economic opportunity among its Member Countries.

The approvals took place during the 360th Meeting of the IsDB Board of Executive Directors held in Algiers during  the 2025 IsDB Annual Meetings.

At the meeting chaired by His Excellency Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, president of IsDB, the Board’s decisions covered a wide range of impactful projects spanning health, infrastructure, food security, vocational training, and access to water.

Massed noted that together, these initiatives reflect the IsDB’s commitment to accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting Member Countries as they address overlapping development challenges.

According to him, “The approval of these strategic projects reaffirms IsDB’s unwavering commitment to financing transformative, high-impact initiatives that advance socio-economic development.

 “From strengthening flood resilience and expanding healthcare access to enhancing food security and equipping youth with critical skills, this financing will drive tangible progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address the evolving priorities of our Member Countries.”

He stated further that among the most significant approvals was the US$632.16million Climate-Resilient Flood Protection Dams Project in Oman, designed to mitigate climate risks and safeguard over 670,000 people through the construction of large-scale flood infrastructure, adding that this transformative investment will also improve groundwater recharge, support agriculture, and reduce the economic losses caused by extreme weather events.

Other infrastructure approved included the EUR 212.35 million Douala–Bafoussam Road Rehabilitation Project in Cameroon, “which will reduce travel time and improve road safety on a key regional corridor, and the EUR 187.83 million PRISE project in Burkina Faso, which will revitalize 302.8 km of road and 61 km of railway to enhance regional connectivity with Mali, Niger, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.

“Health remained a central pillar of the Board’s agenda. The US$75.08 million project in Suriname will strengthen the national health system and reduce mortality from noncommunicable diseases.

“Meanwhile, the US$26.10 million Establishment of a National Oncology Center in Djiboutiwill offer the country’s first dedicated cancer facility, ensuring early diagnosis and access to treatment. The project is co-financed by the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) and also includes a US$400,000 Reverse Linkage Grant from IsDB to support technical cooperation with Morocco in oncology service design, training, and delivery.”

In Togo, the president said IsDB approved two impactful interventions: a US$2 million project to strengthen the national eyecare system and a EUR 23.12 million water supply project that will provide clean drinking water to over 6,000 households in Kara region.

Human capital development featured prominently, with the Board endorsing the EUR 36.39 million Enhancing Vocational Training and Youth Employability Project in Mauritania, which will upgrade training centres and equip young men and women with market-relevant skills.

“In Côte d’Ivoire, the EUR 104.20 million Rice Value Chain Development Project will reduce rice import dependency and increase farmer incomes—particularly for women and youths.

“Also, in The Gambia, the IsDB approved US$3 million in supplementary financing to further strengthen value addition in the groundnut sector and enhance rural livelihoods.

These approvals demonstrate IsDB’s role as a catalyst for sustainable progress bridging vision and action across the Global South,” he added.

Sunday Okobi in Algiers

As the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group launched its 2025 Annual Meetings in Algiers yesterday with a high-level side event titled: ‘Digital Solutions for Empowering MSMEs and Fostering Socio-Economic Development’, the IsDB Vice President (Operations) Dr. Rami Ahmed, has stressed the urgency of digitally empowering MSMEs among member countries, including Nigeria, calling it “not only timely, but a development prerequisite.”

He stressed on the central role MSMEs play in job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth, especially in vulnerable communities.
In his key remarks, he said: “Together, let us transform digital potential into tangible progress and ensure that MSMEs are placed at the heart of our digital development journey.”

The session gathered prominent leaders from government, finance, and technology sectors to explore ways to accelerate digital inclusion and support the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in member countries.

In alignment with the Bank’s realigned strategy for 2023–2025, Dr. Ahmed reaffirmed IsDB Group’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through flagship initiatives, including the Technology Deployment Cooperation Program (TDCP) and the HerfatiProgram.
He reiterated that these programmes are aimed at modernizing MSMEs, improving market access, and enhancing entrepreneurial capacity, especially among underserved and disadvantaged communities.

At the event which was moderated by Mrs. May Ali Babiker, director of the IsDB’s Cooperation and Capacity Development Department, she opened the session by emphasizing the transformative role of digital solutions.

Babiker stressed that: “MSMEs are the backbone of our economies, and digital empowerment is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity.”

Babiker noted emphatically the importance of partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and targeted digital capacity development to bridge access gaps and unlock economic potential.

While delivering his national perspectives, the Algerian Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Microenterprises, His Excellency Nourredine Ouadah, outlined the government’s efforts to develop a conducive ecosystem for MSME digital transformation, including supportive infrastructure and startup-friendly policies.
On her own, Ms. Dayu Dara Permata, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Pinhome (Indonesia), shared her experience scaling digital platforms to empower MSMEs.
Drawing from her background with Gojek and Pinhome, she emphasized the need to address barriers such as digital literacy and market access, particularly for women and rural entrepreneurs.
The Director-General of Al Salam Bank, Algeria, Dr. Nasser Heider, who spoke on the role of Islamic banking in expanding inclusive digital financial services, underscored that digital transformation must be designed to leave no one behind, particularly underserved communities.

Furthermore, Mr. Adil Alsharif, officer-in-Charge and Director-General of the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), highlighted how development institutions can play a catalytic role through funding, technical support, and programmes tailored to the realities of Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs), where internet infrastructure and digital literacy remain key challenges.
The panel discussions also addressed the practical application of digital tools from mobile banking and e-commerce platforms to AI driven analytics and their capacity to improve MSME productivity, competitiveness, and employment generation.
Some of the highlights of the session included that governments of member countries must enable digital ecosystems through infrastructure, regulation, and incentives; digital tools can significantly reduce poverty and create economic resilience in underserved areas; tailored capacity-building programmes are essential to bridge the digital divide and ensure MSMEs are not left behind; and inclusive digital platforms offer scalable solutions for income generation and community development.
The event reflected the IsDB Group’s strategic focus on innovation, inclusive growth, and partnerships, as outlined in its Realigned Strategy 2023–2025.

Sunday Okobi in Algiers

The Nigerian Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, will join other ministers of finance, economy, international development and planning from the 57 member countries of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), as well as other leaders of global financial institutions and partners for strategic discussions on finance and global economy at this year’s Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings which commenced yesterday in Algiers, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

At the day one of the meeting with the theme: ‘Diversifying Economies, Enriching Lives’, the organisers said: “Their other goal is to also propose sustainable solutions to socio-economic development challenges in IsDB member countries and the broader international community.

The occasion was also to mark the start of the 50th session of the IsDB Board of Governors’ Meeting, “a significant milestone in the institution’s efforts to promote Islamic finance, harness innovations, and promote sustainable development.

“Algeria, a founding member of the IsDB Group, is hosting the events for the third time, following the previous sessions in February 1990 and October 2001,” the organisers stated.

They noted further that the IsDB) Group, rated AAA by the major rating agencies of the world, is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South that has been working for over 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale.
“The bank brings together 57 member countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly one of four people worldwide. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place and enabling them to fulfil their potential. Headquartered in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IsDB has 10 regional hubs and a centre of excellence. 
“Over the years, the bank has evolved from a single entity into a group comprising: the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI); the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC); the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD); the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC); and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD),” the organisers stated.
They stated that other ‘rich’ programmes at the event will help thousands of attendees connect with potential investors, partners, and mentors who can help them take their business to the next level.
The highpoint of the first day of the meeting was the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UN Women and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), which focusing on food security and agricultural development in West and Central Africa, “with the goal of strengthening the economic capacities of women and young people.”
They also stated that the Private Sector Forum Awards Ceremony, a major part of the event, is an IsDB Group initiative to recognize and honour exceptional achievements, groundbreaking innovations and impactful initiatives by market practitioners driving positive change through Shariah compliant financial instruments in the areas of trade finance, export credit and private sector development.
They added that the award ceremony is led by a panel of independent distinguished judges boasting a rigorous and robust selection process, adding that the PSF 2025 Awards feature six categories with ICIEC, ICD and ITFC presenting two awards each.

…Condoles commissioner, family

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has expressed deep sadness and sorrows over the passing of Professor Ibiang Oden Ewa, a university lecturer and community leader, whom he described as a close family and ‘an authority,’ on military politics.

The late university don, who was the father of the state Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Oden Ewa, died in the early hours of last Sunday after a brief illness.
Ewa was a distinguished elder statesman from Yakurr Local Government Area of the state and was widely respected for his contributions to academia and public service.

Otu, who visited the family to condole with them, described the death as a significant loss not only to the family but to the entire state. He disclosed how close he was to the family and his personal relationship with the late don, which prompted his swift reaction and condolence to the family immediately his death was brought to his attention.

“I have always been a big fan of Prof. I read all his books on military politics; he was an authority,” Otu said, adding:“This is a very difficult vacuum to fill. He lived an exemplary life, for the people of Yakurr, for the state, and for our dear country.

‘‘We will do our best to continue where he stopped. I have not yet come to terms with the reality of his passing.”

The governor, who was received by the wife of the deceased, Mrs Patricia Ewa, and other members of the family, including the Commissioner for Special Duties, Oden Ewa, charged the family to take solace in the good life that Ewa lived and be guided by his abiding legacy.

Responding, Ewa expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the visit, especially on such short notice, saying: “I’m grateful for the presence of the state government, led by my principal and governor. Our father lived a good life, and with the wealth of experience he imparted to us, we will do our best to uphold his legacy.”

Ahead of 2027 elections, all is no looking good for Senator Eteng Williams, the Senator representing Central senatorial district of Cross Rivers, as an overwhelming Vote of No Confidence has been passed on him by the youths of the district because of his ‘‘poor performance and lack of effective representation.’’

This took place during the youth leaders and stakeholders’ gathering of the youths in the district held recently.
In his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, Dan Obo Jnr., noted that the gathering was aimed at holding elected leaders accountable and promoting youth involvement in governance. He disclosed that it was time to challenge underperformance by leadership of the district.

Leading the charge against Senator Williams was Obuli Arikpo, the Youth Chairman of Yakurr LGA, who moved the motion for a Vote of No Confidence on Williams. Arikpo accused the Senator of neglecting the developmental needs of the district.

The motion was seconded and adopted by Odu John, the Youth Chairman of Etung LGA, who echoed the sentiment that the Senator has fallen short of the expectations of the people.

Speaking also, Mbeh Sagas Etta, the Community Relations Officer (Ikom 1 Constituency) to the Governor, commended the state Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for his strides in infrastructure development, including road construction and hospital rehabilitation across the senatorial district.

Following the Vote of No Confidence on Williams, Etta appealed to the governor to allow the people of district to democratically select a more competent representative ahead of the 2027 elections. He concluded by thanking the APC chairman for keeping the senatorial seat open for new aspirants.

Other youth leaders from various local government areas in the district also voiced their support for the call, commending the governor’s development agenda and while stressing that “there is no vacancy for Senator Eteng Jones Williams in 2027.”
The event ended with a renewed call for unity among the youths and political participation, with a strong message that leadership must be earned through performance and accountability.

Beyond Limits, a pan-African catalyst for growing the digital economy, has finalized all details to host DICE 3.0, an invitation-only networking mixer designed to strategically connect and empower Africa’s tech and business ecosystems while fostering global partnerships. Scheduled for April 3, 2025, in Lagos, this exclusive gathering with theme: ‘Scaling Right: From Market Entry to Market Leadership’, will convene some of the continent’s notable founders, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers to foster strategic partnerships for cross-border expansion.

Building upon the resounding success of its previous iterations, DICE (Digital Innovation and Creative Excellence) 3.0 provides a curated platform for Africa’s leading voices to navigate the complexities of regional market entry and achieve sustainable market leadership through insightful discussions and strategic networking.

According to the organisers, participants will engage in targeted conversations focused on overcoming market-specific challenges, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging technology to seize unprecedented growth opportunities.
This year’s distinguished speakers for the event include Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; acting Consul-General, US Consulate General, Lagos, JoEllen Gorg; Consul-General of Switzerland in Lagos, Frank Eggmann; Head of Advantage Austria in Nigeria, Barbara Lehninger; CEO of AFEX, Akinyinka Akintunde; Founder and CEO, OmniRetail, Deepankar Rustagi; Founder of Suuru Capital, Sanne Steemers; Co-founder and COO of Raenest, Richard Oyome; Co-founder and CEO of Paga, Tayo Oviosu; and General Manager, Cavista Technologies, Oyebola Morakinyo.
Adding a global dimension to the event, DICE 3.0 will feature a Diplomatic Leaders Panel which will offer worldviews on how businesses and policymakers can navigate barriers to driving growth and building successful economic relationships.
Panellists will share insights from their own markets, spotlighting case studies and success stories as well as current and planned initiatives designed to strengthen economic ties and unlock new market opportunities.

In her remarks, Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, founder and CEO of Beyond Limits, said: “Progress is not built in isolation. The most transformative ideas emerge when leaders, visionaries, and changemakers unite across borders, industries, and perspectives to drive meaningful action.
“DICE 3.0 is designed to facilitate these essential connections and knowledge sharing, enabling Africa’s innovators to scale across the continent and establish themselves as global market leaders.”

While Africa’s tech and business sectors exhibit remarkable dynamism, their economic impact remains disproportionately low compared to their global counterparts. DICE 3.0 seeks to address this disparity by creating an environment that nurtures strategic partnerships, driving sustainable economic growth.

Media partners for this edition of DICE include TechCabal, The Guardian, ������ƵDay, Channels TV, and Arise News, while light refreshment at the networking cocktail reception will be provided by Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Access to DICE 3.0 is strictly by invitation, however, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who would want to access the insights from the event are encouraged to visit https://beyondlimits.global/dice/

In an effort to grease the wheel of the nation’s training of staff in the hospitality sector and boost the economic development, the Restaurant Managers Conference 2025 will kick off this month in Lagos.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the 2025 Restaurant Managers conference in Lagos yesterday, Morenike George Taylor, the president of the Restaurants Cafe Bars and Clubs Association noted that the event would serve as catalyst, revival and rejuvenation of the Nigerian economy transformation, adding that It will offer much needed training for the hospitality sector.

George Taylor, who gave the theme of the conference as: ‘Elevating the art of restaurants management: innovation, sustainability and excellent’, posited that
if the federal, states and local governments should support the hospitality industry, it would be a great sign and strategy for the overall economic development of the country.

The association president, who would be speaking at the Restaurant Managers Conference 2025, noted that the hospitality industry needs a very strong support from the government in all ramifications.

According to her, “The hospitality industry serves as a very strong catalyst for revival, rejuvenation and development of any country economy.”

Taylor said the upcoming conference would further boost the nation’s economic development.
However, this was seconded by Rasaq Oke, the convener of the conference.
She made it cleared that the event would be attended by prominent stakeholders in the tourism industry both within and outside Nigeria.

Scheduled to speak at the conference include the Founder of Tantalizers, Mrs. Bose Ayeni; Mr. Laja Shoniran, Ogochukwu Okeke among others.

The goodwill address will be delivered by the Special Adviser to the President on Capacity Development, Hon. Sadiq Rabiu.
He stated that “we need more trainings within the hospitality space to boost the economy.”

Sunday Okobi

A United States-based Nigerian healthcare technology expert, Mrs. Mobola Agboola, has urged the government at all levels and stakeholders in the health sector to become transformative forces in harnessing telehealth to advance healthcare access across Nigeria as well as promote TechQuity in the system.

She stated that the programme, Telehealth, is rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery globally by bridging both geographical and logistical gaps, adding that telehealth leverages digital tools to enable remote diagnosis, consultation, and patient monitoring—making quality care accessible even in the most remote areas.
In an interview with ������Ƶ recently, the Nursing doctoral student in the University of Minnesota, United States of America, stated that: “Imagine a future where robust broadband reaches even the most remote communities, and investments in healthcare infrastructure ensure every citizen has access to timely, high-quality medicare.

“Globally, the adoption of telehealth has surged, with a growing number of healthcare interactions taking place virtually. This trend did not only emerge as a necessary response to public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic but also signaled a broader, lasting transformation in how healthcare is delivered. By reducing the need for travel and facilitating timely medical intervention, telehealth paves the way for more inclusive and efficient healthcare systems.”

Agboola, who expressed commitment to bridging the gap between advanced technology and equitable care to ensure that every community in Nigeria benefits from modern healthcare solution, added that telehealth represents a sustainable innovation, redefining healthcare delivery both in times of crisis and in everyday practice as well as offering the promise of better outcomes for communities everywhere.
The nursing informatics expert, whose research work is focused on Nursing Infomatics (using digital innovation to improve healthcare access for the vulnerable population), called on the government and telecoms companies to expand broadband access and reinforce telecommunications networks in the country, especially in rural and underserved areas, adding that by doing so, the government can lay the foundation for a thriving telehealth ecosystem.
She advised the government and other stakeholders in the health sector to ensure a consistent power supply in order to achieve success with the programme. According to her, “Reliable electricity does not only keep digital health systems operational but also fosters the growth of innovative health IT solutions.
“When these elements converge, the benefits are extensive. Citizens gain access to timely medical interventions without the need to travel long distances, easing the strain on overburdened healthcare facilities. By reducing logistical hurdles and streamlining patient care, telehealth can lead to enhanced outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system overall.”
On its potential contribution to the declining health sector in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, Agboola said that according to research, telehealth is emerging as a transformative force in addressing systemic challenges within Nigeria’s and Africa’s healthcare sectors.
She added that: “National studies reveal that telehealth is expanding access, enhancing care continuity, reducing costs and wait times, and bolstering support for Nigeria’s limited healthcare resources. In recent years, the development of mobile health solutions has accelerated to relieve overwhelmed healthcare facilities and mitigate the depletion of medical resources.”
While analysing TechQuity and its importance to the health sector, the US-based Nigerian health cum IT geek said TechQuity is not a new idea, but that recently it has come to signify the strategic use of technology to promote health equity.
“Although its operational definition continues to evolve, one working definition describes it as ‘the strategic development and deployment of technology to advance health equity’. I am currently engaged in a concept analysis of this subject, which has opened my eyes to its nuanced implications. At its core, TechQuity reveals how healthcare technology can either act as a barrier or serve as a pathway to more accessible, equitable care—its impact entirely dependent on design and purpose. “It highlights the critical role technology plays in shaping social gradients in health and underscores the urgent need to eliminate structural inequities across multi-sector ecosystems. While health IT holds great promise in reducing disparities, its implementation can sometimes inadvertently sustain or even widen them if it disproportionately benefits those who are already advantaged. This is particularly important in Nigeria, where about 54 percent of the population lives in dynamic urban centres and roughly 45.72 percent resides in rural areas. In such a diverse landscape, it is essential to craft healthcare solutions that are balanced, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of every citizen,” Agboola stated.

She, therefore, noted that by focusing on expanding digital infrastructure, ensuring power reliability, and fostering public-private partnerships, “the Nigerian government can transform telehealth into a powerful catalyst for improved healthcare delivery and lasting health equity.
“As Nigeria stands at the crossroads of digital innovation and healthcare reform, the ultimate challenge remains: shall we harness telehealth and TechQuity to bridge divides and build an equitable future, or let our digital progress echo past disparities?”

Sunday Okobi

The Cross River State Government has affirmed its lead role in the pursuit of green economy and the promotion of climate change initiatives with the approval for the purchase of Electric Vehicles (EVs), motorcycles and tricycles to modernise and boost its transport sector in line with the state Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to transforming the state.

According to the state government, this development followed the approval for the procurement by the State Executive Council in its recent session presided over by the governor.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the State Green Economy Commission, Oden Ewa, disclosed that Cross River State is the Eco capital of Nigeria, adding that the nod from the Council is a demonstration of the state’s strategic steps towards achieving its green economy vision.

Ewa, who is also the state Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, further noted that if any state is to achieve a Netzero Green House Gases target in 2060 in Nigeria, it will certainly be Cross River State.

According to Ewa, the sector wide approach to green economy will ensure sectoral development aspirations are in line with the state’ green economy vision in such areas as transportation, power, agriculture, and housing. ‘‘By integrating sustainable practices in power, agriculture, transportation, housing, industry, trade, and investment, the state aims to transition to an environmentally friendly and resilient economy,’’ Ewa noted.

The commissioner further disclosed that by aligning with e-mobility initiative, the state is not only doing so for environmental reason – reducing fossil fuel usage-but also for economic reason; reducing operational cost for public transportation.

He also said this is expected in the long run to bring down cost of transportation for the people by as much as 50 percent in line with the People’s first Agenda Otu’s administration.

‘‘The approval of the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) by the Cross River State Executive Council is a significant step towards achieving the state’s green economy vision. This move is expected to not only reduce the state’s carbon footprint but also provide a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for its citizens,’’ noted Ewa.

He added: ‘‘The benefits of this initiative are numerous, and the state is expected to reap significant benefits in the long run.

“The state commitment to climate action and the promotion of green economy is evident in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable mode of transportation.’’

As a proponent of green energy and safe environment in Nigeria, while speaking recently on the lead role by Cross River State in harnessing its green economic potential, Ewa revealed that: ‘‘For decades, the state has been a leader in environmental conservation in Nigeria. Today, with over 53,000 hectares of degraded mangrove awaiting restoration, we have taken proactive steps to engage investors and development partners to harness opportunities in carbon investment.

 The commissioner added that: ‘‘At COP28, a significant milestone was achieved when the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and our investment partners, aDryada, a French firm specialising in nature-based solutions, and Noblesse Green Energy, its Nigerian counterpart, committed to advancing mangrove restoration in Cross River State.’’

 He, however, lamented that work on the corridor has been stunted as a result of the federal government not finalising work on the carbon market policy framework that would lead to unlocking the market and attracting investors as well as allow sub-nationals to development their green economic market.

The commissioner said: ‘‘One major challenge is the absence of a Carbon Market Policy Framework, a crucial policy tool that would provide clear guidelines for sub-national governments like Cross River State and our investors to fully engage in the carbon market.’’

“Without this policy framework, the vast potential of Nigeria’s carbon economy remains locked, limiting our ability to attract the financial investments necessary for large-scale mangrove restoration.

‘‘We acknowledge the significant efforts of the National Council on Climate Change in developing a robust and sustainable carbon market structure and we deeply appreciate their leadership.

“However, time is of the essence. The global carbon market is expanding rapidly, and Nigeria must position itself strategically to harness the benefits of its natural capital. We, therefore, appeal for an accelerated finalization of the Carbon Market Policy Framework to ensure clarity, stability, and investor confidence in this sector.’’

He drew the attention of the stakeholders to the importance of the mangrove ecosystems, saying: ‘‘These ecosystems are not merely coastal forests; they are vital to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions.

“As we deliberate under the theme: ‘Applying Nature-Based Climate Solutions’, we must recognise the immense investment potential of our mangroves and strengthen intergovernmental collaboration to unlock this value. This Town Hall Meeting is not just a forum for discussion but rather it is a platform for decisive action.’’

Ewa disclosed that Cross River State is taking the lead role because the state is abundantly endowed, noting that ‘‘as a state blessed with remarkable biodiversity, including the iconic Cross River rainforest and expansive mangrove ecosystems, we fully understand the importance of nature-based climate solutions.

‘‘Our mangroves serve as carbon sinks, shield our coastlines from erosion, and provide critical habitats for marine life. Beyond their ecological importance, they support livelihoods through fisheries, tourism, and sustainable enterprises.”

For Nigeria to emerge as a leader in the sector, Ewa called for maximum cooperation and shared vision by all the parties involved in the sector, saying that: “We are confident that through enhanced cooperation and a shared vision, Nigeria can emerge as a leader in carbon investment on the African continent. A thriving carbon economy is within reach, but we must act with urgency and unity to establish the right policies and execution strategies.’’

•Say Tinubu committed to railway efficiency 

•Initiative will ease port congestion, shipping company declares

Sunday Okobi

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in partnership with APM Terminals (APMT) yesterday officially commenced the long-expected container traffic on the standard gauge railway line from Lagos to the Moniya Freight Yard in Ibadan, Oyo State.

At the landmark event which was held at the Apapa Port in Lagos, the newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the NRC and APMT in facilitating container movement across Nigeria, particularly to inland locations in Kaduna and Kano.

Opeifa also reaffirmed the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s rail infrastructure for efficiency in transportation across the country.

However, he added that these operations were traditionally conducted on the narrow gauge network.

The commencement of standard gauge container traffic marked a significant improvement in efficiency, with increased capacity and smoother logistics operations.

In his speech at the flag-off ceremony of the ‘Container Traffic on Standard Gauge for APMT,’ the NRC boss said: “Indeed I am delighted to be here on my official capacity as the MD/CEO of NRC to formally perform the flag-off the APMT Container Traffic on standard gauge rail Line.

“This milestone event signifies the expansion of container traffic on the standard gauge rail line from APMT Terminal to Moniya Freight Yard. It will enhance import and export activities, providing a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation.

“Though NRC and APMT have a long history of doing business of container traffic to places in the hinterland of Nigeria such as; Kaduna, Kano, but it is mainly on the narrow gauge lines.

“However, container traffic movement by rail on the standard gauge in and out of APMT to Moniya freight yard in Ibadan commences on September 2023, with the likes Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics blazing the trail among other customers using the single ‘transitional line’ in APMT.

“Two additional lines are at the advanced stage of completion in APMT which will bring the total lines within the APMT standard gauge corridor to three lines while this milestone event marks the commencement of container traffic expansion on the Standard gauge rail Line from the APMT terminal to Moniya Ibadan Freight yard.”

The container train service, according to him, would operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with each trip capable of transporting 35 wagons of 40-foot containers or 70 wagons of 20-foot containers.

In 2024 alone, NRC recorded the movement of 362,327 tons of imported and exported containers via both the narrow and standard gauge systems.

Opeifa emphasised that efficient rail services are crucial to reducing the cost of goods, improving the standard of living, and addressing economic challenges.

According to Opeifa, “The federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to revitalisation and modernisation project of the Nigerian Railway Corporation for efficient rail system.

“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president, this is one of the surest ways to address the cost of goods, standard of living and multi-dimensional poverty.

“At this point, on behalf of the management team and staff of the NRC, I congratulate the management of the APMT for this giant stride in business expansion and also appreciate you for having confidence in Nigerian Railway Corporation as a major mover for the Success of this project in the ease of doing business and expansion of management of logistics of goods and services for trade facilitation.”

Also speaking at the launch event, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Apapa, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, disclosed the improvements made to the service since its initial introduction in September 2023.

“Unlike the previous system, where trains departed only when fully loaded, the structured timetable allows customers to plan shipments.

“Additionally, payments for the service have been streamlined, with customers now paying exclusively to APM Terminals Apapa, which will facilitate transactions with all relevant stakeholders,” she said.

“The relaunch comes at a crucial time, as traffic congestion in Apapa continues to drive up road transport costs. By offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative, the rail service aims to support Nigeria’s trade and export sector, particularly benefiting agricultural producers and perishable goods exporters,” she added.

 Aubert-Adewuyi expressed gratitude to the NRC, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their collaboration, emphasising that the improved rail service aligns with the federal government’s agenda to diversify the economy and boost exports.

“With this relaunch, stakeholders anticipate smoother cargo movement, reduced dependence on road transport, and an overall boost to Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure,” she stated.

Cross River State government has affirmed its lead role in the pursuit of green economy and climate change initiatives promotion with the approval for the purchase of Electric Vehicles (EVs), Motorcycles and Tricycles to modernise and boost its transport sector in line with Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to transforming the state.

This development followed the approval for the procurement by the State Executive Council in its recent session presided over by the governor. Speaking shortly after the meeting, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the State Green Economy Commission, Oden Ewa disclosed that Cross River is the Eco capital of Nigeria, adding that the nod from the Council is a demonstration of the state’s strategic steps towards achieving its green economy vision.

He further noted that if any state is to achieve a Netzero Green House Gases target in 2060 in Nigeria, it certainly will be Cross River State.

According to Ewa, who is also the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, the sector wide approach to green economy will ensure sectoral development aspirations are in line with the state’ green economy vision in such areas as transportation, power, agriculture, and housing.

‘‘By integrating sustainable practices in power, agriculture, transportation, housing, industry, trade, and investment, the state aims to transition to an environmentally friendly and resilient economy,’’ said Ewa.

The Commissioner further disclosed that by aligning with e-mobility initiative the state is not only doing so for environmental reason – reducing fossil fuel usage, but also for economic reason; reducing operational cost for public transportation.

Ewa also said this is expected in the long run to bring down cost of transportation for the people by as much as 50% in line with the People’s first Agenda Otu’s administration.

‘‘The approval of the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) by the Cross River State Executive Council is a significant step towards achieving the state’s green economy vision. This move is expected to not only reduce the state’s carbon footprint but also provide a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for its citizens,’’ noted Ewa.

Adding, ‘‘the benefits of this initiative are numerous, and the state is expected to reap significant benefits in the long run. The state’s commitment to climate action and the promotion of green economy is evident in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable mode of transportation.’’

Sunday Okobi

The National Management Committee (NMC) of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has disclaimed the published notice of ‘Rescheduling of the Emergency National Convention’ to  held a National Convention on January 17 at DRACC, Lugbe, Abuja.

The political party therefore, informed the public that the said notice never emanated from it, “rather it is the handiwork of mischief makers like Mr. Isaac Chigozie Udeh and Chief Edozie Njoku.”

In a statement, the party decried the publication with the titled: ‘Notice of Rescheduling of the Emergency National Convention’, which it said was making waves recently.

The party said: “The public is hereby informed that the NMC and NEC of the National Rescue Movement have not agreed to hold any convention howsoever. More so,  NRM convention for cabinet.NRM reschedule is usually once in four years. The last was in 2022 and the next convention is destined to hold in 2026.”

Consequently, the party has petitioned the Department of State Security Services (DSS) as well as the Inspector-General of Police (IG) against “Mr. Isaac Chigozie Udeh, Chief Edozie Njoku and their cohorts over their conducts and falsely misleading the public over a planned ‘Emergency Convention’. 

Knowing too well that their actions would cause huge security threat, breach of public peace, possible loss of lives and property and total breakdown of law and order. The petition, which was submitted yesterday, was copied to the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

A statement signed by acting National Secretary for NRM National Management Committee (NMC), Obidike Okolo,  said: “The public is by this disclaimer informed that the said Notice never emanated from the party, and is rather the handiwork of mischief makers like Mr. Isaac Chigozie Udeh and Chief Edozie Njoku.

“A look at the purported notice/publication would reveal that it was signed by one Mr. Isaac Udeh, who mischievously presented himself as ‘National Chairman.”

It added that: “Mr. Isaac Udeh is not a member of NRM, neither is he the chairman, having been validly suspended from the party since September 19, 2024. Again, the NMC of the party equally passed a Vote of No Confidence on the said Mr. Isaac Udeh on September 24, 2024.

“Despite his suspension from the party, Udeh has perfected plans to surreptitiously convene an illegal, illegitimate and unauthorised convention of the NRM to forcefully impose one Chief Edozie Njoku and his cohorts as the new National Chairman and National Officers of the NRM in a clandestine bid to hijack the party through the back door.

“The said Njoku was recently removed by the Supreme Court as the

National  Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). He has elected to sail his ship of frustration and insatiable love for power to the anchor of the NRM. Edozie

Njoku in crass desperation to hijack the party had boasted that he will deploy his huge resources and connections to intimidate the party leaders in order to achieve his inordinate ambition at all cost.

“Again, to conduct a National Convention, a 21 days’ notice must be sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which must be signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, or two-third majority of the members of NEC. This has not been done.

Obidike Okolo, Esq., who is the National Secretary of the party has never authored, signed or co-signed any letter calling for any convention.

“By Article 12 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022 (the

Guidelines) provides thus: ‘Every political party shall give the commission at least 21 days’ notice’.

“Again, Article 12 (3) of the above Guideline is on the signatory for the statutory notice conveying the meeting. It states thus: ‘The National Chairman and National Secretary of the Political

Party shall jointly sign the Notice of Convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the Commission’.”

The statement added further that the “commission by its letter of January 9, 2025, has clearly warned the party against holding the purported ‘Emergency Convention’. However, despite the above admonition from INEC, the said Isaac Udeh is hell bent on unilaterally conducting what he termed ‘Emergency Convention’ without the approval of any organ of the party in accordance with the constitution of the party. There are clear indications and plans by Mr. Isaac Udeh and  Chief Edozie Njoku and his cohorts to unleash violence to scare aware any dissenting voice.

“Hence we implore all party members and the public to disregard the said notice to hold ‘Emergency Convention’, while calling on the law enforcement agencies to cause a discrete investigation aimed at bringing the perpetrators to book and thwart all plans to breach of peace.”