The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Nigeria, Africa set sights on borderless digital economy ahead of RACE 2026

    Nigeria, Africa set sights on borderless digital economy ahead of RACE 2026

    …Conference to drive regulatory alignment, digital trust, cross-border innovation 

    … Event to support AfCFTA goals, financial inclusion, secure continent-wide digital trade

    Nigeria is set to host a major continental policy and technology engagement in 2026 as organisers of the RegTech Africa Conference and Expo (RACE 2026) unveiled details of the event at a media parley held at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

    The conference, which will be held under the patronage of the Office of the Vice President, between 20th and 22nd of May, 2026, is being organised in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion and in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

    Addressing journalists at a media parley in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Cyril Okoroigwe, described RACE 2026 as Africa’s leading platform for dialogue at the intersection of regulation, technology and economic development, designed to address the regulatory and infrastructure gaps limiting cross-border trade, finance and digital innovation across the continent.

    He said the conference is anchored on the vision of “Africonomy”, which envisages Africa operating as a connected, trusted and innovation-driven economic space, aligned with the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

    AfCFTA is projected to integrate a $3.4 trillion market of about 1.4 billion people across 54 countries.

    According to Okoroigwe, despite the promise of AfCFTA, fragmented regulations, weak interoperability and regulatory uncertainty continue to constrain cross-border trade, payments and digital services, resulting in significant opportunity costs for African economies.

    He explained that RACE 2026, themed “Building Trust, Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Policy for a Borderless Economy,” will focus on promoting regulatory innovation and policy alignment, encouraging the deployment of trusted digital infrastructure such as interoperable payment systems and digital identity frameworks, and advancing financial and digital inclusion for small businesses, startups, women, youth and underserved communities.

    The conference, he added, will also strengthen collaboration among regulators, governments, financial institutions, technology innovators and development partners, while showcasing African investment opportunities in compliance, fintech, cybersecurity and digital services.

    Organisers said Nigeria’s hosting of the conference further underscores the country’s growing role as a continental hub for policy dialogue, financial innovation and digital economic leadership, while supporting Africa’s broader journey toward integrated digital markets, improved investment confidence and inclusive economic growth.

    Read Also: APC, Accord, ADC, and permutations ahead of Osun 2026 race

    Also speaking at the media parley, through virtual means, the Acting Principal Officer, Legal and Law Enforcement at the GIABA Secretariat, Ms. Gina Wood, said the conference and its associated policy dialogue come at a critical moment for West Africa as countries prepare for the third round of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism evaluations.

    She noted that findings from GIABA’s second round of mutual evaluations highlighted the need for countries to move beyond technical compliance to effectiveness, stressing stronger coordination, improved risk understanding, modern supervisory approaches and the use of technology to safeguard the integrity of financial systems.

    Wood commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for supporting the RegTech Africa initiative, saying sustainable reforms require strong political commitment and deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors, including regulators, financial institutions, fintech innovators and telecommunications operators.

    She reaffirmed GIABA’s commitment to supporting member states through capacity building, technical assistance, policy guidance and regional cooperation, describing RACE 2026 as a timely platform to advance a trusted, inclusive and future-ready regulatory and compliance framework across West Africa and the continent.

    Organisers said the media parley marked the official curtain-raiser for the 2026 conference, calling on the media to play a critical role in shaping public understanding of how regulation, innovation and technology can work together to unlock Africa’s ambition for a secure, inclusive and borderless digital economy.

  • Viral teen waste seller gets education scholarship, N7m

    Viral teen waste seller gets education scholarship, N7m

    A 19-year-old Nigerian boy, Samuel, has gone viral on social media for selling plastic waste and cartons to raise money for tiling tools.

    The heartwarming story took a turn when a content creator, Bayuztv, helped Samuel, leaving him in tears.

    Samuel, who learned tiling years ago, needed tools like a cutting machine and mallet to start working professionally.

    The 19-year-old boy who kept struggling to collect waste to earn N1,000-N2,000 per bag, was surprised by the content creator with a haircut, new clothes, a meal, and some of the tools he needed.

    Samuel was also given a phone, N50,000 cash, and his mother received N1 million.

    The gesture sparked a wave of support, with fans donating N7.05 million to help Samuel and his family.

    Samuel was also awarded a scholarship covering his education up to university level, securing his future.

  • Alleged N80.2b fraud: Court okays Yahaya Bello’s trip to Mecca for lesser hajj

    Alleged N80.2b fraud: Court okays Yahaya Bello’s trip to Mecca for lesser hajj

    A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has got the nod of a Federal High Court in Abuja to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for lesser hajj to observe the last 10 days of Ramadan.

    Justice Emeka Nwite granted the permission in a ruling on Thursday on an application moved by Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), at the resumed hearing in his ongoing money laundering trial.

    The application was not opposed by prosecuting lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN).

    Justice Nwite also ordered the temporary release of Bello’s international passports to enable him to engage in the trip expected to last between February 18 and March 19.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Kogi paid tax consultant N1.1b in eight months — EFCC

    Bello, who was allowed by the judge to clarify why the trip was necessary, said: “As said by my defence counsel, I have not travelled outside this country in the last eight years.

    “I would have loved to spend the whole of Ramadan in Mecca and to observe Shittu Shawal immediately after Ramadan, but I do not want to take anyone for granted.”

    He said in view of how things are, he has elected to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan in Mecca.

    Earlier, the seventh prosecution witness (PW7), Olomotane Egoro, who was subpoenaed from Access Bank, gave evidence about cash inflows from Local Government Areas in Kogi State into the accounts of Fazab Business Enterprise and E-Traders International Ltd.

    Egoro also testified about the many cash withdrawals carried out in the accounts of both companies.

    Further hearing in the case resumes on Friday.

    The EFCC is prosecuting the former governor over alleged money laundering to the tune of N80.2 billion, an allegation Bello denied by pleading not guilty when he was arraigned.

  • DataPro unveils activities for 2026 Privacy Week, sets agenda

    DataPro unveils activities for 2026 Privacy Week, sets agenda

    A Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO), DataPro, has announced a series of activities to mark the 2026 Privacy Week.

    The theme of the 2026 edition of Privacy Week is  ‘Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics, and Innovation.’

    According to a statement by the Head, Emerging Services, DataPro,  Ademikun Adeseyoju, the event, which started on Wednesday with a campaign launch, is expected to end on Wednesday, February 4.

    A webinar training session was held yesterday. The training session focused on compliance for 2026, with attendees learning about the new mandatory bi-annual in-house audits and Data Protection Officer Certification requirements.

    On Monday, he said, there would be ‘Leak’ Quiz: An interactive quiz designed to test organisational response to identity-driven cyber campaigns.

    On Tuesday, there will be a social media session answering complex privacy questions via concise 30-second videos.

    On Wednesday, there will be a video competition finale: a social media showcase, where winners will be selected for their insights on building trust, maintaining ethics in AI, and fostering innovation under the  Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

     Adeseyoju disclosed that the year 2025 marked Nigeria’s transition from the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR)  to the full statutory power of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the General Application and Implementation Directive(GAID) 2025.

    He said the shift signalled a move from guidelines-based compliance with a mandatory, enforcement-driven regime.

    The firm predicted that 2026 would be defined by the board and executive ownership, adding that “Privacy will no longer be an IT-only concern but a standing governance issue requiring regular risk reports and dedicated budgets.

    “We also anticipate a surge in individual claims and constitutional privacy actions, meaning organisations must remain ‘litigation ready’ by preserving processing records and strengthening internal controls.” 

    Furthermore, DataPro anticipates intensity on sector-specific enforcement, with the NDPC focusing on high-risk industries like Fintech, Healthcare, etc.

    As a licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO), DataPro Limited expressed readiness to help organisations achieve and sustain their compliance objectives for 2026. 

    “With over 30 years of regulatory and compliance experience, partnering with DataPro ensures access to deep expertise, practical implementation support, and a collaborative approach to meeting your NDPA compliance goals,” it said. 

  • Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    The Senate on Thursday constituted an ad hoc panel to work with its Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters to re-examine contentious provisions in the report on amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.

    The Judiciary and Legal Matters Committee is chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, while the original report under review was prepared by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters led by Senator Simon Lalong.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after lawmakers emerged from a three-hour closed-door session where they undertook an extensive review of the Lalong committee’s report.

    The report had initially been scheduled for debate on Wednesday, but deliberation was stepped down due to the absence of the committee chairman, Lalong, a former governor of Plateau State.

    At the close of plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio informed senators that copies of the report would be circulated to enable them study it ahead of deliberations the following day.

    However, proceedings took a different turn at the start of plenary on Thursday when the Senate President called for an executive session to allow members discuss the document privately.

    Read Also: U.S. airstrikes: Senate to hold security briefing

    Briefing senators after the closed session, Akpabio said the report would undergo further scrutiny to harmonise differing views and address grey areas identified during the deliberations.

    He disclosed that the newly constituted ad hoc panel would sit for 48 hours and present its recommendations on the third legislative day for consideration at plenary.

    Members of the panel, drawn from ranking senators, include Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam. The Clerk to the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, would serve as secretary to the panel.

    Following the announcement, the Senate adjourned plenary till Tuesday next week to await the panel’s report.

  • ADC disowns planned southwest zonal exco inauguration

    ADC disowns planned southwest zonal exco inauguration

    Cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the circulation of a notice announcing the inauguration of a new South West zonal executive, a move the party’s national leadership has dismissed as unauthorized.

    The controversy centres on a purported inauguration of the South West Chairman, Rahman Owokoniran, and other zonal executives, scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    An invitation for the event listed the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Yinka Olona, as host.

    However, the ADC national secretariat swiftly disowned the planned event, describing it as part of ongoing power play and internal manoeuvring within the opposition party.

    Reacting on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the inauguration in a disclaimer issued via his official X platform, making it clear that the exercise did not have the approval or backing of the national leadership.

    Read Also: Hussein faults ADC leadership, berates Aregbesola over ‘undemocratic’ comments 

    “This is to inform the general public that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has not appointed any South West Chairman. Furthermore, the ADC is not inaugurating any South West Chairman at this time.

    “The public is therefore advised to take note of this information and exercise caution regarding any claims or activities suggesting otherwise,” the NPS tweeted.

    Party sources said the development reflects unresolved internal disagreements within the ADC over leadership structures and authority, particularly at the sub-national level.

    The ADC, which has attracted a coalition of politicians opposed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has in recent months been working to consolidate its internal organs ahead of future political engagements.

    However, the latest episode suggests that internal coordination challenges persist in some regions.

    As of the time of filing this report, no further clarification had been issued by the organisers of the proposed inauguration, while the national leadership maintained that only activities sanctioned by the party’s recognised structures remain valid.

  • Military tightens noose on Boko Haram commanders, loses troops in drone attacks

    Military tightens noose on Boko Haram commanders, loses troops in drone attacks

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, an offensive against Boko Haram and its splinter groups in the north-east, are closing in on more terrorist leaders and commanders, a highly placed military source told The Nation.

    The military had in recent months killed several terrorist commanders in the North East, including Abu Nazir and Abu Fatima, during operations in Borno and Yobe.

    The source said the military’s intelligence deployment is stifling the terrorists, who now know that their hideouts have been exposed. He added that this has forced the terrorists’ leadership to remain in constant movement.

    “Nigeria is winning the war against terrorists”, says the source who didn’t want to be named due to the sensitivity of the information. “We know where their leaders are, be it ISWAP, Boko Haram, or JAS. We know where they are and how they move, and they can never escape our fire. Wherever they move to, we know, and we will take them down.”

    Meanwhile, troops killed more than 12 terrorists in a surprise night operation at Bula Dalo, forcing the remnants to flee in disarray and abandon four AK-47 rifles, one PKT anti-aircraft gun, one rocket-propelled gun, and one multiple grenade launcher, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation Hadi Kai, said in a statement on Thursday.

    Read Also: How US intelligence support helps Nigeria weaken Boko Haram – Theater Commander

    He added that six terrorists were also killed in Gamo, where their life-support structures were destroyed, and a large cache of PKT anti-aircraft ammunition was recovered.

    Uba said it was regrettable that some courageous troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price during multiple armed drone attacks by ISWAP in Sabon Gari in the early hours of Thursday.

    He said, “Although the terrorists briefly breached part of the defensive position, gallant troops swiftly repelled the assault, held their ground, and restored full control with timely reinforcements from nearby locations.”

    “Regrettably, some courageous troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price in the course of defending the location, while an excavator and lowbed also got damaged as a result of the armed drone attack.”

    Uba said exploitation of the area was ongoing as operations continue to deny terrorists freedom of action. 

  • Zulum swears in 27 LG chairmen, warns against waste, absenteeism

    Zulum swears in 27 LG chairmen, warns against waste, absenteeism

    Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday swore in and formally charged the 27 newly elected Local Government Council (LGC) chairmen, tasking them to prioritise workers’ welfare, security, transparency, and grassroots development.

    The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri, attracted a large crowd of party supporters and residents from across the state.

    Speaking through the acting governor and deputy governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, Zulum stressed that the timely payment of salaries and staff entitlements was non-negotiable, while insisting that local government workers must report promptly to duty to enhance productivity and restore discipline.

    The governor urged the chairmen to be prudent and strategic in managing public resources, describing them as the lifeline of their communities.

    “You must be guardians of every naira, aligning every project and programme with the pillars of our 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative,” he said.

    He cautioned against vanity projects, urging the chairmen to focus on interventions that directly improve lives, security, and human dignity.

    “You are accountable to God Almighty, the law, and the people. Your offices must be temples of transparency. Engage your communities and welcome scrutiny. The era of government as a closed entity is over,” Zulum declared.

    The governor further warned against absentee leadership, insisting that the chairmen must reside and work within their respective local government areas.

    “Your office is not a throne; it is a workstation in the midst of your people. Your presence is vital for security, oversight, and for the people to feel your impact,” he said.

    Zulum also charged them to work closely with security agencies and traditional institutions, pay close attention to security challenges, and combat illegal mining and deforestation to protect the environment.

    He directed the Ministry for Local Government and Emirate Affairs to intensify supervision of council activities to ensure effective service delivery.

    Read Also: I don’t know my successor, Zulum declares at APC meeting

    The governor commended the immediate past council chairmen for what he described as their dedication and selfless service, wishing them success in their future endeavours.

    “You have not just won an election; you have entered into a covenant with the people of Borno State. This ceremony is not a celebration of power but an induction into a furnace of responsibility,” he said.

    Zulum congratulated the chairmen on their peaceful election conducted by the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission (BOSIEC), which he described as free and fair, noting that their success was critical to the implementation of the state’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Sugun Mai Meleh, urged the chairmen to remain focused on grassroots development through the execution of capital projects, people-oriented programmes, and humanitarian services in line with the state’s development blueprint.

    He commended BOSIEC for conducting a hitch-free election and thanked Governor Zulum for supporting credible local government polls. He also acknowledged the Borno State House of Assembly for extending the tenure of council chairmen from two to three years.

    Sugun Meleh warned against financial recklessness, stressing that his ministry would not hesitate to sanction any official found wanting in the discharge of duties. He urged the chairmen to govern with humility, inclusiveness, and a strong commitment to the protection of lives and property.

    In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijani, advised the chairmen to involve their people in governance, uphold discipline, and remain accountable to the state government, the ministry, and the House of Assembly.

    The Nation reports that Governor Zulum has conducted three circles of local government elections since his assumption of office as governor in 2015.

  • PSC promotes AIG Adegboye to DIG, CP Aboki, Dansabo to AIGs

    PSC promotes AIG Adegboye to DIG, CP Aboki, Dansabo to AIGs

    …elevates 26, 119 inspectors to ASP II

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of one Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), two Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), and 26,119 Inspectors. The decision was taken at the Commission’s 3rd Plenary Meeting on Thursday.

    Under the chairmanship of DIG Hashimu Argungu, the PSC ratified the elevation of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Funsho Adegboye to the rank of DIG. Commissioners of Police Danjuma Aboki and Dansabo Idi were promoted to AIG.

    According to Torty Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs at the PSC, the promotions followed a rigorous, merit-based process, including written examinations and oral interviews conducted by the Commission.

    In a landmark decision emphasizing career progression, the PSC also approved the promotion of 26,119 Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II), based on their outstanding performance in the recently concluded Departmental Selection Board Examination.

    Kalu said, “DIG Funsho Adegboye, mni: Until his elevation, he served as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Force Headquarters, Abuja. With a distinguished career spanning decades, DIG Adegboye has served in critical departments including Operations, Training, and Administration. He has held command positions such as Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander in Ijero and Ile-Ife, Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations in Ondo State, and Commissioner of Police in Homicide (FCID), Force Intelligence Department (FID), and Edo State Command.

    “His international experience includes service with United Nations Missions in Kosovo, Liberia, Timor, and Somalia.

    “AIG Danjuma Aboki: The newly promoted officer was, until now, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command.

    Read Also: Recruitment: PSC extends deadline for two weeks

    “AIG Dansabo Idi: Prior to his promotion, he served as the Acting AIG in charge of Research and Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja. His extensive service includes roles as a Divisional Police Officer in several divisions across Kebbi and Kaduna states, Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) in Kebbi, and postings at the Force CID Abuja. He has also served as Area Commander in Yauri, Owo, Awe, and Kosoboso; Commander of the 63 PMF Ikorodu, Lagos; Deputy Commissioner of Operations for Zone 1, Lagos; Commandant of the Police College, Kaduna; and Commissioner of Police, Investment, Force Headquarters, Abuja.”

    Kalu, Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), while congratulating the newly promoted officers, reaffirmed the PSC’s unwavering commitment to transparency, meritocracy, and best practices in all appointment and promotion processes.

    He stated, “The Commission is dedicated to recognizing hard work, dedication, and competence. These promotions are a testament to that commitment. I urge all the promoted officers to see their new ranks as a call to greater service, higher responsibility, and redoubled dedication to the safety and security of our nation.”

    The Chairman also commended the diligence of the PSC Standing Committee on NPF Matters, led by DIG (Dr.) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd) and other Board Members for their thoroughness and dedication throughout the examination and interview exercises.

    He said the Police Service Commission remains focused on its mandate of overseeing human resource management within the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a professional, efficient, and service-driven institution.

  • Ogun formally transfers TASUED to FG in historic transition

    Ogun formally transfers TASUED to FG in historic transition

    …as Oluremi Tinubu makes N50m endowment fund

    The Ogun State Government has formally transferred the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, to the Federal Government, marking a historic transition of the 21-year-old state-owned institution.

    The Federal Government has now adopted TASUED as a federal university, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval in March 2025 after an invitation by the Ogun State Government to take over the institution.

    Announcing the approval earlier, the Presidency quoted President Tinubu as describing the adoption as an opportunity to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, pioneer of free education in Western Nigeria, and Dr Tai Solarin, renowned educationist and founder of Mayflower School, Ikenne.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun officially announced the handover during the university’s 17th convocation ceremony, describing it as a landmark event in the history of both Ogun State and TASUED.

    A total of 4,785 graduates from the 2024/2025 academic session were awarded degrees, including 40 First Class graduates, 1,466 Second Class Upper, 2,768 Second Class Lower, 492 Third Class, and 19 Pass degrees.

    Nineteen-year-old Gbolahan Edward Awofala of the Department of Computer Science emerged as the overall best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.92.

    The Ogun State Government awarded Awofala ₦2 million, while each of the 40 First Class graduates received ₦500,000.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) transferring the university to the Federal Government was signed by Governor Abiodun and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.

    The signing was witnessed by the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello; Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun; and Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu.

    Governor Abiodun, who received an honorary Doctor of Science degree in Education, commended President Tinubu for facilitating the adoption and praised the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, for supporting the process.

    Read Also: TETFUND applauds TASUED for project implementation

    He said the transition promotes balance and equity, noting that Ogun East now hosts a federal university.

    He highlighted TASUED’s growth from four to six colleges and from about 3,800 students to a significantly expanded population, describing the development as a reflection of quality, discipline, and institutional integrity.

    He urged graduates to embrace their role as nation-builders and ambassadors of knowledge.

    First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, received an honorary Doctor of Science in Childhood Education. 

    She endowed the university’s Department of Childhood Education with ₦10 million to support the best graduating female students over 10 years and donated ₦1.5 million to the overall best graduate.

    Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, also received an honorary Doctor of Science in Political Science.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony included Deputy Governor Noimot Oyedele-Salako and several traditional rulers from across Ogun State.