The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • AI won’t replace lecturers, says don

    AI won’t replace lecturers, says don

    A lecturer, Malam Abdulkadir Danlami, has argued that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not replace lecturers but strengthens their roles as facilitators of knowledge to learners.

    Danlami is the Director, Information and Communication Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

    He stated this during a one-day training workshop on the Distinction Application Learning Platforms for academic staff organised by the institution, yesterday in Bauchi.

    According to Danlami, AI is no longer a future concept but already influencing how content is created, delivered, assessed and improved.

    “In education, AI supports personalised learning, intelligent feedback, improved course design and better understanding of student engagement.

    “As lecturers, we must therefore, evolve beyond traditional teaching methods and embrace tools that enhance both teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    “Importantly, AI does not replace the lecturer; rather, it supports and strengthens our role as facilitators of knowledge and mentors to learners.

    “The Distinction App, which is the focus of this workshop, is a practical platform that aligns with these global trends,” he said.

    Danlami emphasised that the training was designed to make course creation easier, learning more engaging and teaching more impactful.

    The training, he said, would build capacity of lecturers to embrace AI in their teachings and the way they interact with students.

    Danlami said the institution’s portal service provider developed the App, to give the lecturers AI tools that would help in generating notes, quizzes and interact with students both online and offline.

    “There are 50 participants drawn from various faculties of the university as we can’t accommodate all of them at once but the training is going to be a continuous so as to benefit all the academic staff,” he said.

    Stakeholder’s stance

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, said in the rapidly evolving landscape of tertiary education, AI has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionising how to teach, learn and innovate.

    Represented by Dr Dauda Bakum, University Libertarian, Garba, said embracing the evolution positioned ATBU not as followers, but as pioneers, ensuring its graduates thrive in an AI-infused world while elevating the institution’s global standing.

    “By training you, our trainers, as the vanguard of Distinction AI adoption, we multiply its impact across our faculties, igniting a culture of digital proficiency that will distinguish ATBU in technology and innovation.

    “To our participants, I charge you with enthusiasm and responsibility. Master these tools and lead the AI revolution in ATBU.

    “Together, we will shape the future of tertiary education in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

  • WHO urges healthy eating in schools to shape lifelong habits

    WHO urges healthy eating in schools to shape lifelong habits

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on countries to prioritise healthy eating in schools, highlighting the crucial role of school food environments in shaping children’s long-term health. In a statement, the organisation released a new global guideline offering evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at improving nutrition for students worldwide.

    For the first time, WHO recommends a whole-school approach to ensure that all food and beverages provided and available within school environments are nutritious and supportive of healthy diets. The organization said this approach is critical in addressing the so-called “double burden of malnutrition”—where childhood overweight and obesity rise alongside persistent u ndernutrition. “In 2025, about one in ten school-aged children and adolescents—roughly 188 million—were living with obesity worldwide, surpassing for the first time the number of children who are underweight,” WHO noted, underscoring the scale of the problem.

    WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, stressed that the foods children consume at school—and the environments shaping their choices—have profound implications for both learning and lifelong health. “Getting nutrition right at school is critical for preventing disease later in life and creating healthier adults,” Ghebreyesus said.

    Children spend a significant portion of their day in school, he added, making the school setting a powerful platform for instilling healthy dietary habits and reducing nutrition inequities. Yet, despite the fact that an estimated 466 million children worldwide receive school meals, there remains limited information on the nutritional quality of those meals. The new guideline urges countries to improve school food provision to encourage greater consumption of nutritious foods while limiting unhealthy options. Among the recommendations are the adoption of standards that increase the availability of healthy foods and beverages, alongside interventions that “nudge” children toward better choices. Such nudges could involve changing the placement, presentation, or pricing of food items to make healthier options more appealing and accessible.

    However, Ghebreyesus emphasized that policies alone are not enough. Effective implementation requires strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure consistent compliance. According to data from the WHO Global Database on the Implementation of Food and Nutrition Action, as of October 2025, 104 member states had policies promoting healthy school food. Nearly three-quarters of these include mandatory criteria guiding the composition of school meals, though only 48 countries restrict the marketing of foods high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    The guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary team of international experts through a transparent, evidence-based process, reflecting the latest research on childhood nutrition. Ghebreyesus described it as a cornerstone of WHO’s broader mission to create healthier food environments, implemented under initiatives such as the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity and the Nutrition-Friendly Schools Initiative.

    The recommendations also recognize the importance of local action. National, state, and city authorities all have roles to play in advancing school food initiatives, adapting policies to the realities of each community. WHO has pledged to support member states through technical assistance, knowledge-sharing, and collaborative efforts to implement the guideline effectively. Ultimately, WHO’s call underscores a simple but powerful idea: schools are not just places for learning mathematics and language—they are vital settings for shaping lifelong health habits. By improving what children eat at school and guiding them toward better choices, countries can make meaningful progress against obesity, undernutrition, and chronic disease, laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient generation.

  • Polytechnic association lauds Fed Govt’s HND reform plan

    Polytechnic association lauds Fed Govt’s HND reform plan

    The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria (APPN) has commended the Federal Government’s plan to abolish the Higher National Diploma (HND) dichotomy, calling it a landmark policy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    APPN President, Dr. Benjamin Achiatar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the reform would boost Nigeria’s technological manpower and drive the economy.

    He said: “I am delighted that the President, through the Minister of Education, has factored this into his Renewed Hope Agenda. This reform is going to elevate technical education as well as preserve it”.

    Achiatar expressed optimism that the policy would motivate more students to pursue courses in polytechnics.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, had recently announced that polytechnics would be empowered to award degrees following the abolition of the HND dichotomy.

    “Most of the middle-level manpower are produced in the polytechnics. Abolishing the dichotomy and converting HND to Bachelor of Technology (BTech) honours would enhance the stature of polytechnics and the lecturers who teach there”.

    On regulatory concerns, Achiatar said, “Without prejudice to the NUC status, [NBTE] can exclusively regulate accreditation of polytechnics and still allow them to issue degrees once it becomes a Commission.

    “That way, it would have the capability of regulating polytechnics and doing accreditation for award of degrees.

    “There would be nothing lost at all in what we have been seeing; but they really have to reform the NBTE into a commission, that is basic”.

    He explained that the reform comes in two parts, “One, allowing polytechnics to award BTech honours; and two, reforming the NBTE into a commission”.

    He disclosed that both have scaled the second reading in the National Assembly.

  • Ogun @ 50: Leading the way in governance and grace

    Ogun @ 50: Leading the way in governance and grace

    By Femi Ogbonnikan

    Ogun State is poised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its creation—a landmark historical milestone. This celebration, however, is more than just the passage of time; it is a tribute to the remarkable achievements that have established the state as a leading light in the country.

    By divine providence, Ogun State has the distinct honour of being the home of peerless political leaders and globally renowned scholars. The collective contributions of eminent icons and pioneers, such as the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Dr Tai Solarin, Chief (Dr) Moses Majekodunmi, the Kutis, Shofelas, Akintola Williams, and Ernest Shonekan, among others, laid the bedrock for the progress we celebrate today.

    Known as the cradle of Nigeria’s intellectual and political elite, the state’s journey has been shaped by the combined advantage of its geographical location and the brilliance of its people. Indeed, the enduring contributions of its human endowment remain the heartbeat of this 50-year success story.

    To honour the pioneering spirit of our founding fathers, celebrate five decades of socio-economic and intellectual leadership, and catalyze a new era of innovation and inclusive growth for all citizens of the Gateway State, we must all see this event as a call to action. Let us unite to build a legacy that will inspire the next generation. As we cross this historic threshold, let’s turn the next 50 years into an era of unprecedented industrial and cultural prosperity.

    For the youth, the next 50 years belong to you. Let the achievements of our icons fuel your ambition. Rise with Ogun at 50. For a 50th-anniversary celebration, emphasizing the youth is vital because they are the ones who will carry the state through the next 50 years. As the education capital of Nigeria, the youth are the most significant stakeholders in this Golden Jubilee.The foundations laid by our founding fathers—and strengthened by current leadership—were built specifically to serve as your launching pad. With the highest concentration of tertiary institutions in the nation and a rapidly expanding industrial landscape, Ogun State provides you with the tools to compete, not just locally, but globally. As we celebrate 50 years of history, we are, in truth, celebrating the beginning of your era. Seize the opportunity, innovate with purpose, and carry the torch of excellence forward.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    The 50th anniversary of Ogun State is a testament to what vision and continuity can achieve. For you as tomorrow’s leaders, the good foundation laid by our leaders is now visible in our tech hubs, our industrial zones, and our classrooms. You are the sons and daughters of giants like Soyinka and Awolowo; greatness is in your DNA. This Jubilee is a call to action. Leverage our status as Nigeria’s industrial hub, take up the mantle of ethical leadership. The building of the Ogun State of 2026 starts today.

    Fifty years ago, a path was cleared. Today, that path has become a highway of opportunity. Both past and present leaders have ensured that the youth of Ogun State do not start from scratch, but from a position of strength. Whether in the arts, sciences, or commerce, the Gateway State stands ready to support your ambitions. You are the heartbeat of our future—let us build the next half-century together.

    We must acknowledge that progress is a relay race where each leader passes the baton to the next. Crucially, the visionary stewardship of both past and present leaders has established a robust foundation, ensuring that the youth of Ogun State are well-positioned to inherit a future of boundless opportunity. From the pioneers of 1976 to the innovators of today, our leaders have consistently prioritised building a sustainable legacy that empowers our young ones to reach global heights. Built on the wisdom of the past and the drive of the present, the foundation of Ogun State is now a launching pad for the dreams of our next generation.

    The dedication of both past and present leaders has laid an enduring legacy for the future of our youth, ensuring that the Gateway State remains a beacon of hope and excellence for generations to come.

    As the state with the highest number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the future is already paved for the progress of our youth. The emerging tech hubs and digital literacy programmes for young entrepreneurs serve as a competitive advantage.

    Additionally, the state’s industrial growth provides jobs through the massive industrial hubs in Ota, Agbara, and Sagamu.

    Despite the unique diversity of its people, Ogun State remains bound by a common vision of economic prosperity. Acknowledging this diversity is important because Ogun State is famously composed of several distinct sub-groups-Egba, Ijebu, Remo, Yewa, Awori, etc, who, despite their different dialects and traditions, have built a powerhouse economy together.

    Each of these sub-divisions has made specific contributions to the state’s collective success. The pioneers of  enlightenment which Ogun State is known for are largely from the Egba people. They are historically the firsts in many categories of Nigerian development. In their unique contributions, they served as the entry point for Western education and Christianity in Nigeria. They produced the first indigenous newspaper in Nigeria (Iwe Irohin) and established Abeokuta as a fortress of resistance against colonial and regional invaders. Olumo Rock, the iconic symbol, which represents resilience and refuge, defines the Egba spirit.

     The Ijebu division is the commercial heartbeat of the state, known globally for their business acumen and fiscal discipline. They pioneered modern banking and massive indigenous trade networks that still sustain the state’s economy today. They host the Ojude Oba Festival, one of Africa’s biggest cultural celebrations, which has become a major tourism revenue generator for the state. The Awujale’s Palace remains a symbol of one of the oldest and most organized monarchies in Yorubaland.

    Remo land, including Sagamu, Iperu, and Ikenne, is where the state’s political philosophy and industrial strength intersect. It is the birthplace of the Awoist philosophy of free education and social welfare, which defined the Western Region and modern Ogun State. It hosts massive manufacturing plants (like Coleman Cables and Lafarge Cement) and the Gateway International Airport (GIA), positioning the state as a global logistics hub. The Awo Legacy at Ikenne, signifying intellectual and political leadership.

    Formerly known as Egbado, the Yewa people occupy the western frontiers and are the guardians of the state’s international borders. They provide the state’s food basket, specializing in large-scale agriculture, particularly cocoa, cassava, and timber. Their strategic position on the border with the Benin Republic facilitates the cross-border trade that earns Ogun State its Gateway title. Its

    iconic symbol is the Yewa River, which gave the division its name and symbolizes life and continuity.

    The Awori people around Ota, Agbara and the Egun around Ipokia provide the vital links to the Lagos economy and the Atlantic. They transformed Ota into one of the largest industrial clusters in Africa. If Ogun is the industrial hub of Nigeria, the Awori land is its engine room.

    The Egun bring a rich maritime and salt-processing heritage, along with the vibrant Tongeji Island, and Zangbeto culture, adding a unique coastal dimension to the state’s identity.

    As we stand on the threshold of our Golden Jubilee, we look back not as a collection of separate towns and tribes, but as one indivisible family bound by a shared heritage.

    Our strength lies in our Unity in Diversity. We are the intellectual depth of the Egba. We are the commercial brilliance of the Ijebu. We are the industrial grit of the Remo. We are the boundless fertility of the Yewa. We are the manufacturing might of the Awori and the cultural vibrancy of the Egun. Separately, we are proud divisions; but together, we are Ogun State—the heartbeat of the nation and the gateway to the future.

    The foundation laid by our sages and sustained by our present leaders has prepared us for this moment. As the sun rises on our next fifty years, let us pledge to build a state where the dreams of our youth find a home, where our economy knows no limits, and where our leading light never dims. Fifty years of history. Five divisions of strength. One vision of prosperity.

    While boasting a rich tapestry of sub-ethnic diversity, the people of Ogun State remain indissolubly united by a singular vision of shared economic prosperity and industrial growth. In Ogun State, diversity is our strength. Beyond the varied traditions of our people lies a common, unwavering commitment to making the Gateway State a bastion of economic opportunity.

    Transcending its unique cultural diversity, Ogun State remains united by a common drive for economic advancement, cementing its role as the nation’s industrial powerhouse.

    Though our people represent a beautiful mosaic of traditions and dialects, we are unified by one common goal: the pursuit of lasting economic prosperity for every citizen.

    It is this unity of purpose that continues to drive our state toward a future as bright as its illustrious past.

    While our people represent a unique tapestry of cultural diversity, Ogun remains a leader in the Nigerian federation. For inclusivity, the leadership ensure that every group within the state feels seen and part of the historial achievements we all celebrate.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun occupies a unique position as the chief host of this epoch-making event, showcasing his administration’s achievements and vision for the state’s future. His leadership has been marked by significant progress in infrastructure development, human capital growth, and economic transformation, earning him recognition as a visionary leader.  His leadership ensures that the state’s legacy is not only preserved but propelled into a new era of prosperity.

    He will forever be known as the Jubilee Governor. The Gateway International Airport is a 50-year dream being realized under his watch. Over the last six years, he has elevated Ogun’s status to the  number one industrial destination of choice in Nigeria. He is the guardian of this milestone, overseeing a period where the state’s industrial and intellectual heritage is being transformed into a sustainable, global success story.

    As he nears the end of his term in 2027, Abiodun’s legacy is being cemented as a champion of progress and development in Ogun State.

    • Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media

  • FirstBank, investors tackle housing deficit with single-digit mortgage scheme

    FirstBank, investors tackle housing deficit with single-digit mortgage scheme

    The FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and ARM Investment Managers, has unveiled a single-digit mortgage scheme aimed at tackling Nigeria’s massive housing deficit while stimulating economic growth and job creation.

    The initiative, driven by FirstBank, MOFI and ARM Investment Managers, is positioned as a major step towards affordable housing, economic empowerment and long-term wealth creation for Nigerians.

    Speaking at the rollout of the initiative in Abuja yesterday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, described the scheme as both an economic and social revolution that would reshape Nigeria’s housing and construction sector.

    According to Alebiosu, the social impact lies in enabling more Nigerians to own homes, thereby addressing deep-rooted housing challenges, while the economic benefits stem from offering low-interest mortgages in a high-interest-rate environment.

    He explained that the difference between borrowing at 20 per cent and at a single-digit rate over a 20-year period is enormous, effectively giving beneficiaries far greater financial leverage and long-term value. Beyond home ownership, he noted that the scheme would unlock widespread employment opportunities across the construction value chain.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    “If we are able to originate 10,000 houses across Nigeria, the construction sector will be alive. Carpenters, bricklayers, painters and artisans of all kinds will be engaged. We can turn Nigeria into a construction site, injecting liquidity into a sector that has long suffered from limited funding,” Alebiosu said.

    He added that as mortgage holders repay monthly, the funds would be recycled to finance additional homes, creating a sustainable system capable of generating jobs and economic activity over many years.

    “With single-digit interest rates in a double-digit inflation environment, we are empowering generations. Even children who inherit these homes in the future are inheriting wealth.”

    Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), Sani Yakubu, said the intervention differs significantly from previous government housing initiatives by being private sector-driven, transparent and structured for long-term sustainability.

    Yakubu disclosed that MREIF was recently launched on the Nigerian Exchange, with the first tranche of N250 billion jointly funded by public and private sector investors.

    The fund, he said, is supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission, rated by independent agencies and structured as an A-grade, tradable investment.

    “The mortgages have a 20-year tenure and the fund is refinanced by the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company. These features clearly show that this is a long-term and sustainable programme, protected from policy reversals,” he said.

    Speaking on the expected outcomes, Yakubu noted that FirstBank’s nationwide reach and vast customer base would enable millions of Nigerians to access affordable mortgages, while boosting employment, construction activity and economic inclusion.

    He added that since commencement, MREIF has already supported over 1,100 mortgage applicants, with more transactions in the pipeline, and expressed confidence that FirstBank’s involvement would significantly scale the impact.

    He described the fund as a carefully designed vehicle created to address both demand and supply challenges in Nigeria’s housing sector.

    “With an estimated housing deficit of between 20 and 28 million units, the initiative seeks to provide affordable mortgages at about 9.75 per cent interest, with only a 10 per cent deposit and a 20-year repayment period.

    “The fund also offers off-take guarantees to developers, assuring financiers that completed houses will be matched with willing and qualified buyers. Backed by a N1 trillion programme registered with the SEC, beginning with a N250 billion tranche, the vehicle is managed transparently and designed to continuously attract private capital.”

    Explaining the choice of FirstBank as a key partner, Yakubu cited the bank’s size, reputation and extensive branch network, which he said is capable of delivering mortgage access to Nigerians across the country.

    On her part, the Managing Director of ARM Investment Managers Limited, Kai Orga, said ARM had already supported financial inclusion and home ownership through mortgage access.

    According to her, the partnership with FirstBank would accelerate scale, improve accessibility and simplify the mortgage process, with approvals now possible within four to six weeks.

  • VP Shettima, bankers urge shift from aid to investment

    VP Shettima, bankers urge shift from aid to investment

    • Push blended finance for Africa’s development

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a decisive shift from aid-dependent development models to impact-driven investments, saying Africa’s long-term growth will be powered by patient capital, blended finance and private enterprise rather than continued reliance on foreign assistance.

    The Vice President made the call yesterday at the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) High-Level Policy Engagement held at the State House, Abuja. He was represented by Hauwa Liman, Technical Adviser on Women, Youth Engagement and Impact.

    Shettima said development thinking must move beyond public spending to long-term investments in human capital, productive systems, climate resilience, digital infrastructure and inclusive markets.

    “The future of this continent will not be financed by aid alone. It will be driven by patient capital, catalytic capital, blended finance and private enterprise deployed with discipline and guided by impact”, he said.

    He described impact investing not as philanthropy in disguise, but as “strategic capitalism” that recognises the link between sustainable returns and stable societies, educated workforces, healthy populations and resilient ecosystems.

    According to him, Nigeria is already aligning its policies with this approach by strengthening delivery systems across education, health, social protection, agriculture, climate action, digital public infrastructure and financial inclusion, while reforming institutions and incentives to better serve citizens.

    The Vice President noted that under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has embarked on far-reaching reforms to reverse Nigeria’s economic and social challenges, but stressed that no government can deliver Africa’s development agenda alone.

    “That is why platforms such as the Africa Social Impact Summit are vital,” he said, describing the forum as a space for co-investment, co-design and co-delivery involving policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders and civil society organisations.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people and women, warning that fragmentation among stakeholders could undermine progress.

    “The stakes are too high for disunity. Development is not done to people; it is built with them. Progress demands coalition”, he said.

    He urged African leaders and partners to close the gap between promise and performance, noting that history would judge leadership not by speeches delivered, but by systems built, institutions strengthened and futures secured.

    Echoing the Vice President’s position, the Executive Director (South) of Alternative Bank, Korede Demola-Adeniyi, called for stronger public-private collaboration and consistent government policies to unlock blended finance and accelerate inclusive growth across the continent.

    Speaking at the engagement hosted by the Office of the Vice President in partnership with Sterling One Foundation and United Nations Nigeria, under the theme “Scaling Action: Driving Inclusive Growth Through Policy and Innovation,” Demola-Adeniyi said cooperation between government, banks, Development Finance Institutions and other stakeholders was critical to mobilising capital for impactful projects.

    “From the Alternative Bank perspective, there has to be collaboration between both the public and private sectors. For the private sector, we need a combination of DFIs, banks and other stakeholders willing to key into projects of this nature”, she said.

    She noted that blended finance initiatives are not only socially impactful but commercially viable, often outperforming conventional financing models.

    “Records show that an average blended finance project records about 80 per cent repayment, compared to about 72 per cent for purely commercial projects,” she said.

    Citing a partnership project in Kano that supported women with access to electric vehicles, Demola-Adeniyi said the bank’s experience demonstrates that inclusive and sustainable financing models can deliver both social impact and financial returns.

    She identified policy inconsistency as a major obstacle to unlocking blended finance, warning that abrupt changes in policy frameworks often derail projects and discourage investors.

    Calling for collective responsibility, she stressed that stable and predictable policies are essential to achieving Nigeria’s development ambitions, including the administration’s one-trillion-dollar economy target.

  • Court overturns PENGASSAN suspension of NMDPRA workers

    Court overturns PENGASSAN suspension of NMDPRA workers

    • Caretaker committee dissolved

    The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja has overturned the suspension of some staff members of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

    The court also ordered the dissolution of the caretaker committee constituted by the Central Working Committee (CWC) of PENGASSAN following the expiration of the tenure of the Branch Executive Committee (BECOM) of the NMDPRA branch on May 27, 2025.

    Justice O.Y. Anuwe gave the orders while ruling in suit NICN/ABJ/307/2025, filed by 15 NMDPRA staff members who were suspended by PENGASSAN in 2025.

    The claimants had challenged the installation of the caretaker committee by the national secretariat of PENGASSAN, describing it as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a breach of the union’s constitution.

    On August 18, 2025, PENGASSAN suspended the affected members for 10 years over what it described as “allegations of misconduct, constitutional violations and actions prejudicial to the interest of the union.”

    Dissatisfied with their suspension, the 15 members approached the NICN, contending that their suspension, the continued operation of the caretaker committee, and the failure to conduct elections into the NMDPRA branch executive constituted violations of the PENGASSAN Constitution.

    The defendants in the suit were PENGASSAN; its National President, Comrade Festus Osifo; the General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa; and members of the caretaker committee: Comrades Tony Izogba, Gbolahan Akinyo, Okechukwu Nwanko, Abba Safana and Polycarp Ihejirika.

    In the originating summons brought pursuant to Section 254(C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and Order 3 Rule 3 of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2017, the claimants raised 16 issues for determination and sought 18 reliefs.

    READ ALSO: SL Akintola: Time is a healer

    Among the reliefs sought were declarations that, under the PENGASSAN Constitution 2022, the affairs of a branch of the association cannot be administered by a caretaker committee for more than three months, within which a branch election must be conducted; and that running any branch of the union with a caretaker committee beyond that period is unconstitutional, illegal, and unknown to the union’s constitution.

    In its judgment delivered on Tuesday, the court ordered the CWC of PENGASSAN to, within seven days of the judgment, commence the electoral process for the election of the Branch Executive Committee of the NMDPRA branch in accordance with the electoral guidelines and constitutional requirements of the union.

    Out of the 18 reliefs sought by the claimants, the court granted reliefs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 14, while reliefs 6, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 18 were refused.

    On the suspension of the claimants, the court held that there was no evidence showing that the action was ratified by the National Executive Council (NEC) of PENGASSAN, declaring the suspension “null and void.”

    The court also found that the composition of the Ethical, Grievance and Disciplinary Committee (EGDC), which recommended the suspension of the claimants, was not properly constituted in line with the union’s constitution.

    Justice Anuwe held: “From the facts contained in the counter-affidavit of the defendants, the defendants did not adduce any evidence to show that the suspension of the claimants by the CWC, as a disciplinary action, was ratified by the NEC before or after the suspension was effected.

    “The argument of learned counsel for the defendants is a further confirmation that the suspension of the claimants was not with NEC ratification.

    “The fact that the EGDC has been found in this judgment to be unlawful and void implies that there was no competent EGDC composed as provided in Rule 32.7 of the 1st defendant’s constitution, which heard the case against the claimants before they were suspended.

    “The claimants were therefore not given a fair hearing by a competent EGDC before they were suspended.

    “The further implication is that the disciplinary procedure prescribed by the 1st defendant’s constitution was not followed.

    “Consequently, the suspension of the claimants is unlawful, null and void.”

  • MAN: Renewed ban on sachet alcoholic beverages will hurt economy

    MAN: Renewed ban on sachet alcoholic beverages will hurt economy

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), yesterday, called for restraint on the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC’s) renewed ban on sachet alcoholic beverages.

    MAN said NAFDAC’s activities in this regard are disrupting the businesses of its members in the wines and spirits sector and that the renewed ban is inimical to the profitable operation of the companies concerned.

    The Director General, MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, in a statement made available to The Nation, said the agency’s renewed ban on sachet alcoholic beverages, against the Federal Government’s directive “will certainly hurt the Nigerian economy.”

    Ajayi-Kadir warned that the action is detrimental to the survival of the concerned indigenous industrial operators as it comes at the expense of the jobs and livelihoods of workers and all those involved in the value chain.

    “It (the ban) is counterproductive as it will open up the market for illicit, sub-standard, and unregulated products. It will lead to an influx of imported alternatives, mostly smuggled.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    “It will deny the government of revenues collectable from the companies. It will deny adult consumers with low budgets access to the products. The overall effect is that the economy and livelihoods will be negatively impacted,” he cautioned.

    According to him, the recent action of NAFDAC is also in direct contradiction of the earlier resolution of the House of Representatives on the matter (vide NAS /10/HR/CT.33/77c of 14th March 2024); wherein the House of Representatives, after an all-inclusive consultation with stakeholders through a Public Hearing, restrained NAFDAC from taking the needless punitive action of banning the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles.

    He said rather than abiding by the generally agreed resolution, “NAFDAC bided its time and chose to rely on a resolution of the Senate that was devoid of the usual stakeholders’ engagement.”

    Ajayi-Kadir, however, said: “We have since approached the Senate, and we trust that the distinguished members will reconsider after further consultations. This is particularly concerning as operators are now confused as to which directive to follow in the face of multiple directives.”

    He pointed out that it was important to reemphasize at this juncture that the advent of the sale of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles was not intended to have a negative impact on Nigerians. Rather, it was an innovation to serve the segment of the adult population with low budgets who desire the product and should have a right of choice.

    “The ban would, therefore, deny them the opportunity to exercise that right. In addition, and on the positive side, availability in small portions could also discourage abuse associated with bigger portions,” Ajayi-Kadir stated, in the statement, which was made available to The Nation.

    He farther said it was equally important to note that alcohol served in sachets by local producers is produced under hygienic conditions and certified by the nation’s regulatory agencies, which include NAFDAC.

    “To ban such products would open the floodgates of illicit and unwholesome substances that are not subject to regulation, are dangerous to health, and are beyond the control of the relevant regulatory agencies,” he pointed out.

    The MAN DG said the Association would like to further place on record that “the untested assertion of abuse by minors as the basis for the ban has been controverted by credible and empirical research that was independently conducted.”

    He added that the industry, on its own, has even gone further, notwithstanding the report of the survey, to initiate a series of campaigns in respect of responsible alcohol consumption to discourage underage abuse.

    “This has so far cost the operators over N1 billion in advertisements at all levels of media outreach across the federation,” Ajayi-Kadir said, noting, however, that “this has been very impactful in discouraging abuse by underage persons and has deepened the access restriction landscape.”

    He also said MAN has always supported measures that remove unsafe products from the market. “We have only maintained that such decisions should be supported by empirical facts and not emotional persuasions or appeals to public sentiments.

    “To succumb to these scenarios is a costly mistake, as it compromises jobs and livelihoods and activates other unintended consequences,” he pointed out.

    Ajayi-Kadir said MAN, therefore, recommits to working closely with its members engaged in the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles, as well as NAFDAC and other agencies of government, to adhere to all regulations and abide by all standards.

    MAN appealed to the Federal Government to prevail on NAFDAC to stop the disruption of its members’ activities and abide by the directive to suspend the implementation of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles.

  • NUPRC prioritises technical, financial capacity in Licensing Round Guidelines

    NUPRC prioritises technical, financial capacity in Licensing Round Guidelines

    • Slash signature bonus

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the transparent process for the 50 blocks in 2025 Oil Bid Round.  The commission also provided further clarification for the ongoing licensing round, especially for bidders interested in the 50 oil and gas blocks on offer.

    According to the Commission’s Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, only applicants with strong technical and financial credentials will proceed to the critical stage of the bidding process. Eyesan said this at the 2025 licensing round pre-bid webinar held yesterday.

    She said: “The process follows five steps: registration and pre-qualification, data acquisition, technical bid submission, evaluation, and a commercial bid conference. Only candidates with strong technical and financial credentials, professionalism and credible plans move forward. Winners are chosen through a transparent, merit-based procedure.”

    The NUPRC boss noted that with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, signature bonuses for the 2025 licensing round are now set within a value range that reduces entry barriers and places greater weight on what truly matters- technical capability, credible work programs, financial strength and the ability to deliver production within the shortest possible time.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    “This has been done to increase competitiveness and in response to capital mobility,” the CCE stated.

    Eyesan described the licensing round as an open call for committed partners; those ready to invest capital, bring technical excellence, and accelerate Nigeria’s assets from license award to exploration, appraisal, and ultimately, full production.

    The NUPRC boss restated the Commission’s commitment to a transparent licensing round, insisting that Nigeria is “ready to be the beautiful bride to capital and playroom for advanced technological deployment for hydrocarbon recovery.”

    She added, “In this licensing round, 50 oil and gas blocks across Nigeria are available, allowing investors to access the country’s key basins and create long-term value.”

    Eyesan further assured the public that the bid process will comply with the Petroleum Industry Act, promote the use of digital tools for smooth data access and remain open to public and institutional scrutiny through the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and other oversight agencies.

    “Let me emphasise that the Nigeria 2025 Licensing Round is not merely a bidding exercise. It is a clear signal of a re-imagined upstream sector, anchored in the rule of law, driven by data, aligned with global investment realities, and focused on long-term value creation,” the NUPRC boss said.

    Eyesan said that since December 1, 2025, all licensing materials have been posted on the Commission’s portal, dedicated support channels created to enable prompt response to enquiries from applicants, noting that the pre-bid conference has provided an opportunity to clarify the requirements to promote a transparent, well informed participation process.

  • Town Planners faults Land Use Committee

    Town Planners faults Land Use Committee

    The Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON) has raised concerns over a notice from the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGOF) announcing the inauguration of a “Land Use and Allocation Committee for Land Projects.”

    In a statement signed by ATOPCON President, Hakeem Olatunji Badejo, the association said that while it supports the modernisation of land administration through geospatial data, the attempt by the OSGOF to assume responsibility for physical planning, land-use zoning, land allocation and development enforcement is unprofessional, unethical and a clear case of legal and administrative overreach.

    Badejo said the composition of the proposed five-member committee is “indefensibly biased,” comprising four land surveyors and one quantity surveyor, while excluding estate surveyors and a legal practitioner, as expressly provided for under the Land Use Act.

    He noted that the power to constitute the Land Use and Allocation Committee (LUAC) is vested solely in the governor of a state and not in the Surveyor-General of the Federation.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    He added that the OSGOF had ignored other core professionals recognised under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, saying it was contradictory to seek orderly development while excluding the very professionals empowered by law to guide it.

    Badejo stressed that the action of the OSGOF disregards Nigeria’s constitutional and administrative hierarchy, noting that the Supreme Court has long affirmed that urban and regional planning is a residual matter. He said that, except for the Federal Capital Territory, the Federal Government lacks the legislative competence to impose physical planning regulations on states.

    According to him, the Land Use Act clearly vests all land within a state in the governor and does not confer land management or allocation powers on the Surveyor-General of the Federation. He further stated that the Act mandates that physical development plans must be prepared and executed by duly constituted town planning authorities, adding that the laws establishing the Office of the Surveyor-General do not grant such powers.

    He described the committee constituted by the OSGOF as a direct affront to the existing legal framework governing land-use administration in Nigeria.

    On technical competence, Badejo explained that the core responsibility of land surveyors is the precise measurement and mapping of land, while land-use planning involves the strategic determination of how land is utilised for housing, commerce, industry and infrastructure. He said this requires the specialised training and expertise of town planners, not land surveyors.

    He described the OSGOF’s claim that it would “ensure compliance with land-use regulations” as fundamentally flawed, stating that while surveyors provide the spatial framework, town planners develop the legal, technical and visionary blueprint for land use. He warned that allowing one profession to encroach on the statutory functions of another could lead to professional disorder.

    Badejo also emphasised that professional ethics demand respect for statutory boundaries, noting that it is unethical for any profession to operate in a field where it is not trained, certified or licensed. He pointed out that the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) Act grants the council sole authority to regulate and certify professionals for land-use planning, adding that the actions of the OSGOF violate this law and undermine professional harmony within the built environment.

    He warned that if the situation is allowed to persist, it could result in conflicting approvals from parallel land-use committees, widespread confusion in land administration, and enforcement actions vulnerable to judicial review. According to him, this could lead to a flood of costly lawsuits against the Federal Government.

    Badejo further warned that investors require legal certainty and that development permits issued by unauthorised bodies are void under Section 26 of the Land Use Act, potentially placing billions of naira in real estate investments at risk and setting a dangerous precedent for the erosion of Nigeria’s professional regulatory framework.

    He therefore called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to avert what he described as an institutional crisis, stressing that Nigeria’s path to “Renewed Hope” must be built on respect for the rule of law, professional ethics and specialised expertise.