The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Oyetola appoints Iyelolu Registrar of Ships

    Oyetola appoints Iyelolu Registrar of Ships

    …NIMASA DG says move will strengthen Ship Registry governance

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the appointment of Barr. Adenike Iyelolu as the new Registrar of Ships.

    Her four-year tenure took effect immediately, following a recommendation by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola.

    The appointment marks a major administrative step for the Nigerian Ship Registry, one of the country’s key maritime regulatory institutions.

    Under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Registrar of Ships reports directly to the Director General for effective oversight of vessel documentation and compliance.

    The Act states, “The Registrar of Ships shall, with the approval of the Minister, be appointed by the Director General from among the staff of the Agency.”

    Iyelolu, currently a Deputy Director at NIMASA, brings more than 25 years of post-call experience in maritime law, arbitration, procurement, contract administration, corporate governance, and institutional leadership.

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    She takes over from Barr. Tajudeen Giwa, who retired after what the Agency described as “years of commendable service.”

    NIMASA’s spokesperson, Osagie Edward, confirmed the development, stressing that the appointment reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening maritime administration.

    “Barr. Iyelolu’s appointment comes following the retirement of the former Registrar of Ships, Barr. Tajudeen Giwa, after years of commendable service,” he said.

    The Agency expects the new Registrar to drive reforms that will enhance the competitiveness and credibility of the Nigerian Ship Registry.

  • Imo Govt demolishes criminal hideouts, recovers arms, arrests suspects

    Imo Govt demolishes criminal hideouts, recovers arms, arrests suspects

    The Imo State Government has dismantled criminal hideouts at the Naze Industrial Cluster, following a targeted enforcement operation aimed at curbing the increasing security threats in the area.

    The exercise, coordinated by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance led by the Special Assistant Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, was undertaken in collaboration with security operatives after intelligence revealed that the cluster had gradually become a safe refuge for criminal gangs.

    Nwaneri said that a cache of weapons, including locally made arms and sharp objects, was recovered from the structures during the demolition exercise.

    He said that several suspects were apprehended at the scene and immediately handed over to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

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    According to him, the structures had been used to plan and coordinate criminal activities, including robbery, drug-related offences, and attacks on nearby communities and businesses within the industrial area.

    He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to continue dismantling criminal enclaves across Owerri and other parts of the state, with a focus on preventing their return and securing all public and industrial zones.

    Some residents and business operators around the cluster expressed relief, describing the government’s intervention as timely and necessary to restore safety and allow legitimate enterprises to thrive without intimidation.

  • FIRS appoints Xpress Payment as TSA collecting agent

    FIRS appoints Xpress Payment as TSA collecting agent

    Xpress Payment Solutions Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading financial technology companies, has been officially appointed as the collecting agent for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) under the Treasury Single Account framework.

    The appointment enables all taxpayers on the FIRS TaxPro Max platform to use Xpress Payments as their preferred channel for remitting payments to the Federal Government through the TSA.

    Taxpayers making statutory remittances such as Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Withholding Tax, and other FIRS payments will have the opportunity to choose Xpress Payments while generating their Payment Reference Number on TaxPro Max. Payments can then be made conveniently online via XpressPay, the company’s secure payment gateway, or in person at any bank branch through e-Cashier, Xpress Payments’ in-branch collection platform.

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    Speaking on the development, the Acting Managing Director of Xpress Payment Solutions Limited, Wale Olayisade, expressed delight at the partnership with FIRS, describing it as a milestone that underscores the company’s reliability and innovation in payment solutions. He assured taxpayers of a seamless experience while using the company’s platforms for their remittances.

    “We are honoured to be selected by FIRS as a collecting agent under the TSA. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide efficient, transparent, and technology-driven payment solutions that support Nigeria’s economic growth and national development. Our systems are built to ensure ease, speed, and security for every transaction. We have put in place robust infrastructure and customer support to deliver a smooth and reliable tax payment experience to all users,” Olayisadesaid.

  • Pro-Wike PDP NEC expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George, others

    Pro-Wike PDP NEC expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Bode George, others

    …dissolves Oyo, Bauchi, Ekiti, Lagos, others

    A factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the expulsion of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and former Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, alongside Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja, and several others for alleged anti-party activities.

    The committee also sanctioned the dissolution of the State Executive Councils in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States.

    These decisions were reached during the party’s 103rd NEC meeting held on Tuesday at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.

    Presenting the memo recommending the expulsions, the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, said the affected members were sanctioned for allegedly disregarding court judgments, a conduct he described as bringing the party into disrepute.

    The communique of the meeting was read by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    It reads, “The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party. At a time when Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

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    “NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention. This act triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

    “NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.

    “NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

    NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following: Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel, and Emmanuel Enorden.

    “NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024. These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party. NEC also ratified Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck as Acting National Vice Chairman (South East).

    “NEC ratified the dissolution of State Excos in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, and Ekiti. The NWC is directed to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately, while the Edo State Exco, led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva has been approved.

    “NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

    “NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

    “NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

    “NEC approved a Party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation does not undermine discipline. A nationwide membership audit and revalidation will begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

    “NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

    “The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

    “With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.”

    Earlier in their opening remarks, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, urged the party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will surmount its problems.

  • Senate halts consideration of Cocoa Management Board Bill after Tinubu’s request

    Senate halts consideration of Cocoa Management Board Bill after Tinubu’s request

    The Senate on Tuesday halted the consideration of the Cocoa Management Board (Establishment) Bill 2025.

    The resolution of the Senate followed a request to that effect by President Bola Tinubu.

    Tinubu made the request in a letter dated November 12 and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

    Tinubu said, “I write to refer to the Cocoa Management Board (Establishment) Bill 2025, earlier transmitted to the Senate, and to request the Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators to kindly stand down the legislative actions on the bill. This is to enable further consultations.”

    Akpabio said the upper legislative chamber had complied with the request.

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    He said, “This is stood down in line with the presidential request.”

    Tinubu had earlier transmitted the National Cocoa Board (Establishment) Bill 2025 to the Senate on November 10.

    He said the Board would ensure effective coordination of the cocoa value chain, improve standards, and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the global cocoa economy.

  • 2027: We are open to alliance, NNPP tells PDP, APC, others

    2027: We are open to alliance, NNPP tells PDP, APC, others

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has said the party is open to an alliance with any political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The party said an alliance became necessary for the success of any political party in any election.

    Speaking in Ibadan, the national coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Movement, Hon. Ahmad Sawaba, said NNPP remained a formidable force in Nigerian politics, built on principles of justice, equity, and progress.

    According to him, the party is committed to strengthening internal democracy, fostering unity, and presenting a cohesive front to Nigerians.

    He maintained that the 2027 election is not just a political contest but a movement to reclaim the hopes of ordinary Nigerians.

    He said, “NNPP is open to discussions with other progressive parties that share our ideology of good governance, inclusivity, and national development.

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    “Any alliance must be based on mutual respect, shared values, and the collective interest of Nigerians.

    “We can work with any political party without necessarily changing our name; we are still in NNPP, and our loyalty remains with Kwankwaso.”

    He, however, urged party members and the general public to remain steadfast and optimistic.

    “Let us move forward with unity, strategy, and unwavering belief that a new Nigeria is possible.”

  • NDDC delivers free surgeries, eye, dental care in Akure medical outreach

    NDDC delivers free surgeries, eye, dental care in Akure medical outreach

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has extended its free medical outreach to several communities in Akure, the Ondo State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to quality healthcare in underserved areas.

    Speaking on Tuesday during the flag-off of the multimillion-naira programme, the NDDC Deputy Director for the Ondo State office, Kunle Karaki, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on enhanced healthcare and service delivery beyond infrastructural development.

    Karaki explained that the outreach is designed to provide free medical consultations, laboratory screenings, eye care, dental services, and various surgical procedures to residents.

    He noted that the intervention, which began at the former Mother and Child Hospital – now the State Specialist Hospital – would run for one week, offering comprehensive healthcare services.

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    According to him, the medical outreach is part of a wider regional strategy to boost public health across the nine Niger Delta states.

    “Everyone of us knows the importance of health, and that is why we take it as a matter of priority. Apart from the roads, electricity, and environmental projects we are doing in the Niger Delta, we consider health as an important segment of life.

    “Our people need this initiative, and that is why we are doing it simultaneously across the region. Last week, we completed the same initiative for the people of the southern senatorial districts of Ondo State,” Karaki said.

    He added that the intervention would significantly deepen access to healthcare, especially for residents of hard-to-reach and underserved communities.

    “You can see the crowd – many have been attended to in surgery, ophthalmology, and dentistry. The target is unlimited; we are here to touch lives in the true sense.”

    Karaki also highlighted the commission’s broader achievements since the assumption of office by its Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, noting improvements across several sectors.

    “You know how the President has been impacting the NDDC through our MD. Since we took over, there have been significant changes – educationally, socially, and infrastructurally. Just last year, we restored electricity to the southern part of Ondo State for the first time in 15 years.

    He disclosed that 250 postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries are currently studying overseas, with more than 1,000 others enrolled in master’s programmes in Nigerian universities, alongside the deployment of educational resources across the region.

    “Only last month, we donated U-Lessons tablets and textbooks to all secondary and primary schools in Ondo State. These are part of our efforts to transform lives beyond physical projects. This outreach is expected to cater to thousands of residents, cutting across various medical needs.”

    Director of Clinical Services at the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Lanre Iwaola, described the intervention as invaluable.

    “This intervention is not quantifiable because it directly impacts human life and quality of life. We say health is wealth; without health, you have nothing. For NDDC to come around to offer free services – surgical, ophthalmology, dental care, and others – we simply cannot quantify the benefit.”

    He added that the initiative, if sustained, could serve as a model for community-driven healthcare interventions nationwide, particularly at a time when public health systems face increasing strain.

    Beneficiaries expressed optimism that the free medical services would ease their burden, especially amid rising healthcare costs.

  • Telecom operators’ opex rises to N5.85tr

    Telecom operators’ opex rises to N5.85tr

    Nigeria’s mobile network operators (MNOs) total operating expenditure (opex) rose from N3,158,403,767,328.48 or about N3.16trillion in 2023 to N5,854,257,451,225.71 or about N5.85trillion in 2024, marking a significant increase of 85per percent year-on-year, according to data compiled by the regulator of the sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    Operating cost in a business refers to the expenses incurred in the day-to-day functioning and maintenance of the business operations. It includes both the cost of goods sold (COGS), which are direct costs related to producing goods or services (such as materials, labour, and manufacturing expenses), and opex, which are indirect costs necessary for running the business, like rent, utilities, salaries for non-production staff, marketing, insurance, and administrative expenses.

    According to the 2024 Subscriber/Network Performance Report compiled by the Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department of the NCC, most licensees of the regulator complained of high Right of Way (RoW) fees, harsh microeconomic operating environment, and rising inflation.

    However, the NCC has been able to secure zero RoW fees in some states in 2024, the report added.

    “Operating cost: Five Trillion, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Four Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira, Seventy-One Kobo (N5,854,257,451,225.71) is the total operating cost collated in year 2024 which increased by 85% Year on Year from the Three Trillion One Hundred and Fifty Eight Billion Four Hundred and Three Million Seven Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Eight Naira Forty Eight Kobo (N3,158,403,767,328.48),” the report noted.

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    For capital expenditure (capex)/ domestic investment, the report showed about N2.9trillion in 2024, as against N1.12trillion invested the previous year

    “The Year-on-Year (2023/2024) comparison indicates a 159.03per cent increase in CAPEX expenditure in the industry. The Unification of Exchange (Parallel Market and CBN rates) rates of Naira to Dollar, as well as inflation, impacted the value of Naira spent upgrading network facilities in the industry. Most of this network equipment is not manufactured locally but imported into the country,” the report noted.

    On the revenue side, the MNOs posted about N7.67trillion during the period under review against N5.3trillion the previous year. This showed an increase of 44.70per cent.

    On capital inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Nigerian telecoms industry, the report noted that it was approximately $457million in 2024 as against $134.75million recorded in 2023, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    In the area of contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the telecoms industry’s contribution to the economy increased from 14.00per cent in the fourth quarter (Q4), 2023, to 14.40per cent in Q4, 2024, indicating a 2.86per cent growth year-on-year. “The Rebasing of the GDP is ongoing by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to extract optimally the contribution of the Digital Economy from the Information and Communication Sector,” the report noted.

  • NUJ FCT, Police Commissioner vow closer collaboration to tackle crime

    NUJ FCT, Police Commissioner vow closer collaboration to tackle crime

    …as police adopts five-minute response time to distress calls

    The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, with a call for stronger collaboration between the media and security agencies in promoting peace, security, and development in Abuja.

    Speaking during the visit, NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, said the union came to formally welcome the Commissioner and reaffirm its commitment to a productive partnership with the police.

    “We are here not just to say welcome, but to reaffirm our support for a working relationship that promotes transparency, responsible journalism, and security in the FCT. The NUJ recognises the critical role of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining peace, security, and the rule of law in the nation’s capital,” she said.

    Ike noted that the NUJ, as the umbrella body for journalists in the FCT, was committed to fostering an environment where media practitioners can operate without fear of intimidation or harassment, whether online or offline.

    “We have zero tolerance for the intimidation or harassment of journalists. But we also promote ethical and responsible journalism because misinformation can be dangerous. Journalists must be accountable for what they put out to the public,” she added.

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    She expressed optimism that stronger police-media collaboration would help build public trust and strengthen democracy.

    In his remarks, CP Dantawaye thanked the NUJ for the visit, acknowledging the critical role of the press in shaping public perception and supporting the work of law enforcement.

    “We need you more than you need us. Through your reportage, you can project our efforts, and you can also condemn us if we fail. That is why synergy is not optional—it is necessary,” he said.

    He urged journalists to help sensitize the public on law-abiding conduct, vehicle registration, and avoiding preventable conflicts with security operatives.

    Dantawaye also disclosed that the Command has adopted swift-response strategies to improve safety, particularly in combating “one chance” criminal activities.

    “Our response time has improved significantly. We aim to respond to distress calls within five minutes whenever possible. We have dismantled four different one chance syndicates already, and we will continue to tackle crime with the full weight of the law,” he said.

    He called on residents to support security efforts by providing credible intelligence, noting that security is a shared responsibility.

    “We are not magicians. Everyone in Abuja must become a partner in policing by reporting suspicious activities. If you see something, say something.”

    The Commissioner also promised sustained engagement with the media, especially during emergencies, to avoid misinformation or the need for rejoinders. He pledged to maintain an open-door policy and encouraged reciprocal attendance at events.

    “When you invite us, we will come. When we invite you, please join us. Our faces should be seen at each other’s programmes. Security and journalists must work hand in hand,” he said.

    Also present at the meeting were senior police officers including Lawrence Iwodi, Zanna K. Maidugu, Lamudo Alkali, and the Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh.

  • Matawalle delivers Tinubu’s message to troops in Zamfara

    Matawalle delivers Tinubu’s message to troops in Zamfara

    …vows to end remnants of bandits in northwest

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has delivered a strong message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at the North-West Theatre Command Headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, charging them to completely eliminate the remaining remnants of bandits terrorising the region.

    Speaking on Friday, Dr. Matawalle conveyed President Tinubu’s deep appreciation for the troops’ patriotism, courage, and remarkable successes in decimating bandit formations across the Northwest.

    “Mr. President specifically asked me to tell you that you have done exceedingly well,” he said. 

    “Most of the key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. 

    “What remains now are a few scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these remnants must be wiped out completely. 

    “He assures you of every necessary support — logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale — to finish the job.”

    Dr. Matawalle, who was received on arrival by the Theatre Commander, Major-General Warrah Bello Idris, praised the troops for their resilience and professionalism, describing their sacrifices as the bedrock of the gradual return of peace to Zamfara and neighbouring states.

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    He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to providing all required resources, including enhanced welfare packages, modern platforms, and real-time intelligence, to sustain the momentum of the counter-insurgency campaign.

    The Theatre Commander, Major-General Idris, welcomed the ministerial visit as a morale booster and a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s personal interest in the welfare and operational success of troops in the Northwest.

    During an operational briefing, the Minister was updated on recent successes, including the neutralisation of high-value targets and the reclamation of several communities previously under bandit control.

    In a direct address to hundreds of officers and soldiers drawn up on the parade ground, Dr. Matawalle charged them to remain vigilant, disciplined, and focused, stressing that total victory over banditry in the Northwest is now within reach.

    “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President is proud of you, the nation is proud of you, and very soon, the people of this region will sleep with their two eyes closed,” he declared.

    With the dry season operations intensifying, security analysts believe the renewed presidential backing and ministerial reassurance will galvanise troops towards delivering a decisive blow that will finally end the decade-long banditry scourge in Nigeria’s Northwest.