The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • BREAKING: FIFA 2026 World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria thrash Gabon 4 – 1

    BREAKING: FIFA 2026 World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria thrash Gabon 4 – 1

    The Super Eagles on Thursday, November 13, defeated the Panthers of Gabon in a crucial 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final at Stade Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco.

    Nigeria booked their place in the CAF playoff final with a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon.

    Akor Adams in the 78th minute pounced on an unforced error, rounding the Gabonese goalkeeper, to give Nigeria the lead.

    Mario Lemina equalized for Gabon in the 86th minute with a deflected strike, forcing extra time after a tense 1-1 full-time scoreline.

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    Victor Osimhen (102th minute and 110th minute) and substitute Chidera Ejuke (97th minute) scored in extra time to leave Nigeria in a commanding position.

    Nigeria will now advance to Sunday’s final against Cameroon or DR Congo, with a place in March’s intercontinental play-off on the line.

    Details shortly…

  • Daystar marks 30 years of transforming lives, raising role models

    Daystar marks 30 years of transforming lives, raising role models

    Daystar Christian Centre has commenced activities marking its 30th anniversary, themed, “A Mosaic of Changed Lives,” celebrating three decades of faith, transformation, and leadership development.

    At the media conference held at the church’s headquarters in Oregun, Lagos, Senior Pastors, Sam and Nike Adeyemi reflected on the ministry’s journey, its social impact, and its vision for the future.

    According to Pastor Sam Adeyemi, “When the journey began, our nation was weary. Leadership failures and moral decline had dimmed hope. Yet, God planted a vision, not just to build a large church, but to build strong people who would reflect His character and competence in every sphere of life.”

    He said that the vision of raising role models has remained central to Daystar’s mission. 

    “Across the world today, people are searching for meaning, stability, and hope. Every changed life adds another piece to this living mosaic of hope and purpose,” he added.

    The cleric noted that platforms such as the Daystar Leadership Academy, with over 55,000 alumni, and the Daystar Skill Acquisition Programme have trained thousands in leadership, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills. 

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    He also said the church’s Entrepreneurial Class, which began over two decades ago, has produced business leaders and entrepreneurs contributing to national development.

    Pastor Sam announced that the next phase of the church’s work would focus on digital discipleship, leadership incubation, and global transformation, with renewed investment in young people.

     “The next 30 years will center on equipping a new generation to merge faith with confidence and compassion with creativity,” he said.

    He also reflected on Nigeria’s current challenges, urging national leaders and citizens to prioritize human dignity and values. 

    “We must move beyond success to significance to legacy. It’s time we restructure our country so everyone can dream and fulfil their potential without fear,” he said.

    “Our mission remains clear: to keep building people, shaping leaders, and raising role models who will make Christ attractive through excellence, compassion, and love.”

    Pastor (Mrs.) Nike Adeyemi described the anniversary as “a story of grace that transforms ordinary people into extraordinary testimonies.”

    “For 30 years, we have witnessed how love and consistent teaching can heal, restore, and awaken a sense of purpose. Our focus has always been on building people from the inside out, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally,” she said.

    She emphasised that Daystar’s strength lies in its people, members, volunteers, and partners, who embody the church’s values of compassion and service. 

    Pastor Nike further stressed the church’s commitment to preparing a new generation of value-driven leaders.

     “We are committed to raising a new generation of leaders who are whole, value-driven, and equipped for global influence,” she said.

    The anniversary celebrations will climax with special services on November 15 and 16, to be held across all Daystar centres and streamed live on the church’s YouTube channel.

  • FG issues 23 refineries ‘license to establish’ in four years

    FG issues 23 refineries ‘license to establish’ in four years

     …crude oil supplied to local refineries exceeds 40,000 bpd in 2025

    In the last four years of the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Federal Government has issued 23 refineries ‘licenses to establish.’

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) disclosed this at the maiden conference of the Energy Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    The theme of the conference was “Four Years of the PIA: Achievements, Gaps and the Road Ahead’’, 

    NMDPRA Director Legal Tolurosho Joseph, who represented him said upon completion, the plants will add over 850,000bpsd refining capacity to the present 1,125,000bpsd.

    He said, “23 refineries ‘License To Establish’ were issued from 2021 to date which when constructed and commissioned will add over 850,000bpsd refining capacity to the existing 1,125,000bpsd capacity.”

    He said crude oil supply to domestic refineries rose from about 20,000bpd in 2023 to above 40,000bpd in 2025. 

    According to him, this is enabled by NMDPRA’s implementation of 2021 PIA provisions.

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    Ahmed said refined product supplies from local refineries to the domestic market have experienced drastic improvement.

    He specifically noted that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply grew from 1.3 billion litres in 2024 to 3.8 billion litres in 2025, and the outlook is positive.

    The Authority Chief Executive said the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) has Invested over N287 billion in various gas infrastructure projects with 16 companies across 62 projects as of October 2025. 

    He added that the MDGIF catalysed an additional $500 million investment to Gas infrastructure by leveraging on AFRIEXIM Bank MOU to expand energy access to drive economic development.

    According to him, UTM Offshore, NLNG train 7, AKK gas pipeline, OB3 gas pipeline, AIPCC refinery, Indorama fertilizer plant and Greenville’s LNG & LCNG projects, Walthersmith Refinery Train 2, Supertech’s Methanol Project are some of the key midstream and downstream facility development projects that brought significant investments into the sub-sector.

    He also said 10 Gas distribution Licenses were issued for 10 gas distribution zones covering a pipeline network stretch of 692km, with carrying capacity of 712MMscf/day, connecting a total of 412 customers.

    The NMDPRA boss said the total investment value in this distribution system was estimated at $639.07 million with multiplier effect across energy, agriculture, industry, manufacturing and socio-economic impacts.

    According to him, the NMDPRA developed Gas Trading and Settlement Regulations in 2023, which applies to activities connected to the establishment of secure, reliable and efficient trading and settlement systems for natural gas and other gas commodities on exchange platforms regulated by the Authority.

    This, he said, led to the Award of License to Establish and Operate the first ever Gas Trading Exchange in Nigeria in May 2025 to Jex Market Limited.

    Ahmed said through efficient and prudent regulation, the Authority facilitated a steady supply of petroleum products in the country with product sufficiency within an average of 12 to 48 days, thereby eliminating fuel shortages and thereby catalysing economic activities across Nigeria.

    In partnership with Platts S&P Global, according to him, NMDPRA convened the first ever West African Product Reference Market Conference with key milestone outcomes, in May 2025. 

    He added that one of the major agreements at the summit was to work towards making Nigeria (Lagos) a subregional hub for product price referencing and market offtake.

    Noting that the conference coincided with the fourth anniversary of the NMDPRA, he said, “To be invited at a time when we in the Authority are marking the 4th anniversary of our establishment as a Regulatory Agency, to reflect on our achievements, challenges and the look ahead, all within the context of our grundnorm, by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is indeed a commendable coincidence.

    “In the last 4 years, whenever I have had the opportunity to speak about our achievements and challenges at the NMDPRA, it always fills me with pride because on each occasion I am able to report that we are making very tangible progress at each step of the journey, even as we learn new ways to surmount challenges or turn them into building blocks of growth as an agency. 

    “And today, with the theme “Four Years of the PIA: Achievements, Gaps and the Road Ahead’’, I believe we have another big opportunity to profoundly reflect on the journey so far and to showcase to the world just how far we have been able to positively change the dynamics of regulation in the midstream and downstream oil and gas sector.”

  • NCP moves to regularise sale of Afam Power Plant

    NCP moves to regularise sale of Afam Power Plant

    …as Shettima pushes asset optimisation for trillion-dollar economy

    The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has approved a request by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to conclude negotiations with Transcorp Power Consortium for the execution of the Performance Agreements (PAs) on the sale of Afam Power Plc and Afam III Fast Power Limited. 

    The move is aimed at regularising outstanding conditions in the post-acquisition plan and ensuring the commercial viability of the facilities.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the approval was granted at the Council’s third meeting of the year, held Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    Presenting the memo, Director-General of the BPE, Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi, said the government had completed the sale process and collected N53.9 billion in privatisation proceeds. 

    He explained that although the asset had been fully handed over to Transcorp Power Consortium, the transaction underwent restructuring earlier this year to meet updated requirements.

    Gbeleyi said the execution of the Performance Agreements—required of investors in the power sector—would enable the BPE to begin mandatory post-privatisation monitoring of Transcorp’s performance obligations, including operational capacity expansion. 

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    The DG added that the Council also reviewed its performance in 2025, noting major milestones such as the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into the Nigerian Independent System Operator and the Transmission Service Provider.

    Before the approval was granted, Vice President Shettima called for a fundamental rethink of Nigeria’s privatisation framework, insisting that the country must shift from routine sale of public assets to aggressive asset optimisation to achieve its ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy.

    “Our aspiration to build a trillion-dollar economy is a destination that demands discipline, vision, and absolute adherence to the compass produced by this Council. Without such a compass, our economic projections would amount to nothing more than an exercise in theory formation,” he said.

    He described Nigeria’s underutilised land, dormant real estate and untapped intellectual property as vast reservoirs of national wealth and directed the Council to immediately explore modern optimisation models, including long-term concessions, asset-backed securitisation and core investor sales tied to strict performance benchmarks.

    Shettima also issued a stern warning on transaction integrity, insisting on zero tolerance for ambiguities that could trigger litigation and undermine investor confidence. 

    “We must send a powerful signal of stability and seriousness to the international investment community,” he said.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, commended the BPE for its efforts and urged sustained commitment to global best practices. 

    Others who made submissions included the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso.

  • 2027: APC NC Forum urges Mutfwang to join ruling party 

    2027: APC NC Forum urges Mutfwang to join ruling party 

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) North Central Forum has called on Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to join the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the move as both “imperative and politically expedient.”

    The group said aligning with the APC at this stage would not only strengthen Mutfwang’s political relevance but also fast-track development in Plateau State and across the North Central region.

    Speaking in Jos on Thursday during the Forum’s third quarterly meeting, Chairman of the APC North Central Forum, Saleh Zazzaga, said Mutfwang’s leadership qualities and progressive mindset align naturally with the APC’s philosophy.

    “Governor Mutfwang has shown through his words and actions that he is a progressive leader. For him to advance his developmental vision, he should follow his own mantra, ‘The Time is Now,’ and join the APC,” Zazzaga stated.

    He added that such a move would place the governor in alignment with President Bola Tinubu, who has demonstrated a strong interest in Plateau’s development, and also enable him to collaborate effectively with other APC governors in the North Central region to drive growth and unity.

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    Zazzaga noted that since most Plateau legislators are members of the APC, joining the ruling party would enhance executive-legislative cooperation, helping to address the state’s security and infrastructural challenges more effectively.

    According to him, recent political developments have vindicated the Forum’s earlier call for Mutfwang to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC — a call the group made based on its political forecasts before and after the 2023 general elections.

    Zazzaga also highlighted some of the Forum’s achievements, including advocacy for the creation of the North Central Development Commission, the successful campaign for the return of the APC National Chairmanship to the region, and its consistent support for President Tinubu’s policies.

    “Among all our calls, one of the most strategic remains our appeal to Governor Caleb Mutfwang to join the APC. We have made this call since 2023, and though others are now echoing it, the truth remains that we saw the political direction long before anyone else did,” Zazzaga said.

    Zazzaga, however, dismissed dissenting voices within the APC opposing Mutfwang’s possible defection, describing them as “politically short-sighted and out of tune with strategic realities.”

    “Politics is about timing, foresight, and alignment. Now is the time for Mutfwang to join the APC and consolidate his good works with a stronger national platform,” he stressed.

  • Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda transforming delta into a model of inclusive governance — Ashikodi

    Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda transforming delta into a model of inclusive governance — Ashikodi

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has continued to stand out as one of Nigeria’s most effective state executives, with his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security — driving inclusive and sustainable progress across the state.

    This was the position of Dr. Emmanuel Ashikodi, President of Concerned Professionals for Good Governance, a public policy and good governance advocacy group.

    Dr. Ashikodi noted that since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Oborevwori has executed transformative projects across critical sectors, cementing his reputation as a results-oriented leader committed to transparency, infrastructural growth, and human capital development.

    He said, “Under his leadership, over 510 road and bridge projects spanning nearly 1,450 kilometres are ongoing across Delta State, with several already completed. Major interchanges such as PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction have been redesigned to ease urban mobility and stimulate economic activity.”

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    According to Ashikodi, “From urban centres to rural towns, Delta State is fast becoming a construction hub,” highlighting the administration’s commitment to balanced growth and rural connectivity.

    He said Governor Oborevwori’s prudent financial management has also yielded remarkable outcomes. 

    He noted, “The state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from ₦83 billion in 2023 to ₦158 billion in 2024, while its debt profile dropped from ₦465 billion to ₦249 billion within the same period — without halting capital projects.

    “The administration has recruited thousands of teachers and non-teaching staff across local government areas, expanded student bursaries, launched technical training and empowerment initiatives, and provided monthly stipends for vulnerable groups.

    “These programmes reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and human capital development,” Ashikodi said.

    “The governor has also strengthened peace and social harmony through constant engagement with traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders. His zero-tolerance for inefficiency has led to the removal of underperforming officials, reinforcing accountability in governance.

    He added, “Governor Oborevwori’s achievements have earned him multiple honours, including Governor of the Year 2024 from ThisDay, Vanguard, The Sun, Silverbird, and News Telegraph, as well as Most Prolific Governor of the Year 2025 by the Democracy Heroes Award.

    “Elder statesmen and civic leaders have described him as a leader with “clarity of purpose and transformative vision,” noting that Delta State under his watch has become “a model for pragmatic and people-focused governance.”

    While acknowledging existing challenges, he said the governor remains committed to job creation, quality infrastructure, and rural development. His administration has also undertaken the repair of federal roads, including the Benin–Sapele Road, to boost trade and ease mobility.

    According to him, “Oborevwori’s performance underscores how purposeful leadership can deliver measurable results. With his M.O.R.E Agenda, Delta State’s transformation, they note, is both visible and sustainable.”

  • PENGASSAN seeks review of pension received by retired oil workers

    PENGASSAN seeks review of pension received by retired oil workers

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has decried the dwindling value of pensions received by retirees in the oil and gas industry, describing it as worrisome and unsustainable.

    The union said it was disturbed that many pensioners who retired under the defined benefit schemes decades ago now earn stagnant and inadequate benefits despite rising inflation and currency devaluation.

    Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on the state of closed pension fund administrators (CPFAs) in the sector, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo said, “We have observed with deep concern that many of our retirees are going through hardship because their pensions have remained static for years.

    “Some retired as far back as 1990 or 2010, but what they take home monthly today has lost its value due to inflation and the fall of the naira.

    He noted that while a few CPFAs reviewed pension payments periodically, the majority left retirees’ welfare at the discretion of management.

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    “In about 90 per cent of the closed pension schemes, the benefits do not grow. The retirees depend solely on the goodwill of management for any form of increment,” Osifo stated.

    The PENGASSAN president urged the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and oil companies such as Chevron, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to review actuarial assumptions and ensure fair adjustments in pension payments.

    Osifo added, “We are going to engage the management of these organisations and advocate for reforms that will restore dignity to our retirees.

    “Today’s pensioners were once union veterans who fought for workers’ rights. It is now our duty to fight for their comfort.”

    Osifo commended PenCom for its professionalism and urged the commission to maintain its transparency and strengthen oversight of the CPFAs to guarantee retirees’ long-term security.

    “We still believe PenCom remains one of the most credible regulatory institutions in the country. We urge them to stay true to that reputation and protect the interests of pensioners,” he said.

    Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Omolola Oloworara, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that CPFAs remain stable, compliant, and transparent in all their operations.

    Oloworara, who was represented by the Head of Investment Supervision Department, Mr Abdulqadir Dalhatu, said PenCom had introduced new supervisory mechanisms and compliance frameworks to strengthen the governance of CPFAs and ensure that contributors’ funds are adequately protected.

    The DG said, “Our goal is to maintain public confidence in the pension system while driving innovation and sustainability.

    “We are continuously reviewing the investment guidelines to align with global best practices and ensure the long-term safety of pension assets.”

    The DG noted that the commission was open to collaboration with organised labour, pension operators, and employers to enhance benefit adequacy and promote retirees’ welfare.

    “We recognise the challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, and PenCom is exploring measures that could ensure that retirees’ purchasing power is better protected,” the DG added. 

    Also speaking, Managing Director of TotalEnergies CPFA, Mr. Benjamin Okeke-Agedi, said CPFAs had comparative advantages in investment flexibility and portfolio diversification.

    Okeke-Agedi, who was represented by Mr. Wale Olasoji, Chief Finance Officer of the company, said, “CPFAs have the advantage of conditional approval of investments under the fund provisions, which allows for global partnerships and diversification.

    “This provides a hedge against policy shocks and enhances long-term sustainability.”

    Okeke-Agedi said CPFAs must leverage technology, innovation, and sustainable investment strategies to remain relevant in modern financial ecosystems.

    He said, “Adopting digital platforms for member services, data analytics, and real-time reporting will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve transparency.

    “Artificial intelligence can support portfolio optimisation and predictive risk assessment.”

    He further emphasised that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles should guide future pension fund investments.

    Okeke-Agedi said, “For CPFAs to thrive, they must integrate ESG reporting and invest in impactful asset classes such as infrastructure and green housing to support Nigeria’s energy transition goals

    He urged all stakeholders — employers, regulators, and unions — to work together to uphold strong governance, risk management, and transparency across the sector.

    “The sustainability of CPFAs depends on collective responsibility, sound regulation, and continued innovation.”

  • Nigeria regaining credibility on security — Southwest Muslims reject Trump’s claim 

    Nigeria regaining credibility on security — Southwest Muslims reject Trump’s claim 

    The Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) has dismissed the recent claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging genocide in Nigeria, describing it as baseless and misleading.

    According to the group, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is making steady progress in restoring Nigeria’s international credibility through ongoing reforms and developmental efforts.

    Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to herald MUSWEN’s 10th General Assembly, themed “Nigeria’s Economy: Any Hope for the Masses?”, the organisation’s President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, described Trump’s claim as “abnormal” and ill-timed.

    Oladejo said, “The recent designation of Nigeria by the United States President as a Country of Particular Concern came to us as both a surprise and an abnormality. It is coming at a time when Nigeria is regaining credibility after years of insecurity, corruption scandals, and image erosion.”

    He condemned the re-designation as “unfortunate and misplaced,” accusing the U.S. of double standards in international diplomacy, particularly in its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

    Citing Article II of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and Article 6 of the Rome Statute, Oladejo argued that Nigeria does not meet the criteria to be tagged as a “country of particular concern.”

    He further stated that the timing of Trump’s comments “calls for serious concern,” adding that his motive appears “neither altruistic nor sincere, but rather driven by ulterior economic and political interests.”

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    “There is nothing like genocide against a particular faith in Nigeria. If there is anything, both major religious groups, Christianity and Islam, suffer equally from the unfortunate onslaughts of the bandits and insurgents.”

    He held that Muslim are most affected by insurgency in Niger, Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Kwara states.

    Speaking about the forthcoming event of the Muslim Ummah, Oladejo, he disclosed that it will be held in Osun State which will be attended by President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries. 

    He added, “We shall be raising a N2b fund, aimed at Economic Empowerment; Scholarships/Bursay Awards; training in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Informatics to make our youths employable.

    He said part of the fund will be utilised in the construction of the body’s modern Headquarters, provide health – care facilities with the state-of-the-art medical diagnostics and other infrastructures for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah across the six South West States. 

  • SEC sets November 28 for T+2 settlement transition

    SEC sets November 28 for T+2 settlement transition

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that the Nigerian capital market will officially migrate to a T+2 settlement cycle for equities transactions effective Friday, November 28, 2025. 

    The transition, according to the Commission, is designed to align the Nigerian market with global best practices and improve overall efficiency in trade settlement.

    In a statement signed by Efe Ebelo, Head of External Relations, on Thursday, the Commission said the move from the current T+3 (trade date plus three days) settlement structure to T+2 has reached the implementation stage after several months of extensive preparation and stakeholder testing.

    Under the new regime, trades executed on Friday, November 28, 2025, will be settled on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. 

    Meanwhile, all transactions carried out before that date will continue to follow the T+3 schedule. 

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    This means that trades executed on Thursday, November 27, will also settle on December 2, coinciding with the first batch of T+2 settlements.

    Explaining the impact of the change, Ebelo said the migration “is expected to significantly enhance the Nigerian capital market by allowing investors quicker access to funds, thereby enhancing overall market liquidity and reducing counterparty risk exposure, thereby fostering a more stable and resilient market environment.”

    The SEC further disclosed that the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, which serves as the central counterparty in the market, “has dedicated considerable effort and resources to ensure seamless operational and technical readiness throughout the transition.”

    According to the Commission, “Extensive testing with market participants has been successfully conducted without any reported issues, reflecting high confidence in the market’s preparedness for this landmark change.”

    The SEC also stated that it remains committed to building a modern, efficient, and transparent capital market that meets international standards. 

    It added that ongoing stakeholder engagements will continue as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s position as an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors.

  • Presidency reaffirms commitment to peace

    Presidency reaffirms commitment to peace

    …flags off community-based peace structures in Plateau state

    The Presidency has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening peace and rebuilding trust among communities across the country, describing grassroots-led initiatives as the foundation for lasting stability and development in the North Central region.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, said the community-based peace structure initiative marks a decisive step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen social cohesion, promote inclusive development, and advance sustainable peace.

    Essiet spoke in Jos on Thursday during the inauguration of Community-Based Peace Structures in Jos, Plateau State, under the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI).

    The event brought together local government chairmen, traditional rulers, farmers, herders, women, and youth from the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, towards building peace from the grassroots and restoring harmony across communities.

    The programme is being implemented in partnership with the International Communities Organisation (ICO), a global NGO focused on human rights and community development, under the project titled ‘Promoting Community Peace and Strengthening Social Cohesion in North Central Nigeria’.

    READ ALSO: PDP suffering from self-inflicted injuries, says Wabara

    According to her, the renewed peace drive underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to placing communities at the centre of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

    “The core purpose of this initiative is to complement the efforts of our security agencies and the Plateau State Peace Building Agency to ensure sustainability and translate our collective efforts into measurable change,” she said.

    The President’s aide explained that the Presidency remains deeply concerned about the recurring conflicts in Plateau State, many of which stem from misunderstanding, misinformation, and manipulation.

    “Earlier this week, I briefed President Tinubu on the current security situation in the North Central. The President conveyed his personal commitment to ensuring that lasting peace returns not only to Plateau but to every part of Nigeria,” she stated.

    She further highlighted that one of the key strategies toward achieving this goal is the Federal Government’s establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, tasked with implementing ranching systems as a sustainable solution to farmers-herders conflicts.

    “The ranching model will be implemented in a manner acceptable to communities, while security agencies intensify efforts to maintain peace and hold perpetrators accountable,” she assured.

    Essiet urged communities to strengthen their Early Warning and Early Response systems to prevent small disputes from escalating into full-blown crises.

    “Peacebuilding begins with truth, fairness, and mutual respect. We must not allow our narratives to stereotype or marginalize any group. Criminality is criminality, regardless of who commits it,” she said.

    During her three-day engagement in Plateau, the presidential aide will hold consultations with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth, and women groups to chart practical pathways for enduring peace.

    She also commended the Plateau State Government for its commitment to maintaining peace and stability, invoking the African philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because you are” as a reminder that our identity, our peace, and our prosperity are deeply connected.”

    “Let us move forward not as adversaries, but as partners in peace. Together, we can build a stronger, more united Plateau State and a more peaceful Nigeria,” stressed.

    In her remarks, Plateau State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, described the initiative as timely and strategic, urging participants to embrace it with seriousness.

    “Peace is the foundation of development; without peace, communities cannot thrive,” she said, adding that the state government remains resolute in ensuring that every Plateau citizen can live without fear.

    The Deputy Governor noted that the government continues to work with security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, and community leaders to strengthen dialogue and address the root causes of conflict.

    The Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie Sanda, commended the Federal Government for its proactive intervention, emphasizing that peacebuilding is a multi-stakeholder process.

    “No single level of government or institution can do it alone. This initiative will further strengthen the ongoing efforts of both the federal and state governments in peacebuilding,” she said.

    Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Euphraim Usman, lauded the Presidency for spearheading the initiative, noting that it would deepen understanding and unity among Plateau citizens, saying, “Trust has been lost, and this is a process of rebuilding that trust.

    “It means a lot and will translate into meaningful progress at the end of the day”.