The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tribunal upholds PDP’s Oyekunle’s victory in Ibadan North by-election

    Tribunal upholds PDP’s Oyekunle’s victory in Ibadan North by-election

    The Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has upheld the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, in the August 16, 2025, by-election for Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

    The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which had asked the court to nullify the election and declare its candidate the winner.

    The SDP also contended that the election and return of Oyekunle were vitiated by non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, urging the tribunal to cancel the by-election and order a fresh or supplementary poll in the affected polling units.

    Counsel to Hon. Oyekunle and the PDP, Tunji Ogunrinde (SAN), had challenged the competence of the petition, urging the tribunal to dismiss it on the grounds that the petitioner failed to list the candidate as a party to the suit.

    In its judgment delivered on Wednesday in suit number EPT/OY/HR/01/2025, the tribunal, chaired by Justice A. M. Yakubu, dismissed the SDP’s petition for failure to prove the facts and grounds upon which it was based.

    The tribunal held that the evidence presented by the petitioner’s sole witness was contradictory, unreliable, and inadmissible.

    Consequently, the petition was dismissed for lacking merit, with the tribunal awarding costs of ₦2 million in favour of the PDP and its candidate, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle.

  • NAF reactivates Super Puma helicopter to strengthen air operations

    NAF reactivates Super Puma helicopter to strengthen air operations

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated a Super Puma helicopter, NAF 565, in a move aimed at boosting air operations across multiple security theatres.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, recommissioned the helicopter at the 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja, as part of his maiden working visit in Lagos State.

    According to a statement by Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the development reflected ongoing efforts to improve operational readiness and strengthen national security.

    Aneke, he said, described the reactivation as part of deliberate steps to restore critical air assets and enhance the force’s mission capability.

    “This occasion is not merely about the return of an aircraft to our fleet, but a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force,” he said.

    The CAS noted that restoring legacy platforms remains a key component of the NAF’s operational strategy, adding that the Super Puma has played vital roles in troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, as well as logistics support.

    According to him, the aircraft has supported operations including Operation Hadin Kai and joint missions, adding that its return would strengthen maritime security in Lagos and support counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide.

    The CAS attributed improvements in NAF’s operational capacity to Federal Government support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that strategic acquisitions and rehabilitation of existing platforms were enhancing airpower capabilities.

    He also acknowledged funding support from the National Assembly, describing collaboration among government institutions as essential to sustaining military operations.

    Aneke commended the consultant, retired Air Commodore TA Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and technicians of 205 Rotary Wing for completing the reactivation.

    He urged personnel to maintain strict safety and maintenance standards to sustain aircraft serviceability.

    Addressing officers, airmen, and airwomen at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, the CAS said the NAF was intensifying efforts to improve aircraft serviceability by better coordinating logistics and operations. He added that plans were underway to induct additional combat platforms to enhance precision strike capability and strengthen regional deterrence.

    On personnel welfare, Aneke said the NAF would accelerate completion of ongoing accommodation projects to address housing shortages, while also improving allowances, medical support, and working conditions.

    He urged personnel to remain disciplined and mission-focused as operations continue across the country.

  • Angela Okorie apologises to Mercy Johnson over cybercrime incident

    Angela Okorie apologises to Mercy Johnson over cybercrime incident

    Actress Angela Okorie has tendered an apology to colleague Mercy Johnson over a cybercrime incident that led to her arrest and detention.

    In a video posted on her Instagram page, Okorie expressed remorse for her actions, stating she was influenced by negative information about Johnson.

    According to reports, Okorie was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre in Abuja at her Lagos residence and later released from Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State.

    She attributed her actions to listening to gossip and claimed she has since made peace with Johnson, who accepted her apology.

    Okorie described Johnson as a kind person, contrary to rumors, and expressed her desire to focus on her business and move away from drama. 

    “I want to say a big thank you to all my fans around the world. I don’t know what I have done for you guys to show me this massive love.

    “I am not a perfect being, so this video is specifically for Mercy, her kids and family. As you grow, a lot of things will be leaving you. While in the industry, a lot of people were telling me about Mercy Johnson and others were badmouthing me to her.

    Read Also: Angela Okorie free, not rearrested – Management

    “At this age, I don’t think this is what I want. The only thing I want is to run a business. I am no longer listening to that cheap gossip.

    “I just want to apologise to you, if it’s just my words, I am deeply sorry. You’re not a witch; you aren’t what people are calling you. This is to say ‘I am sorry’.

    “We don’t know where our kids will meet each other tomorrow, and they can be best of friends, and we mothers can’t stop them from being friends. I am so sorry. I love everybody and am making peace with all men.

    “If I have offended you knowingly or unknowingly, I am sorry. Forgive Legit Queen, I am not a troublesome person. I am the sweetest soul you can see or meet in your life. I am deeply sorry.

    “Mercy, this is a new beginning. You’re my friend, and you’re still my friend. I will never listen to what anyone has to say about you. If there is anything I hear, I will give you a call. When we spoke on Uju’s phone, and you apologised to me, I accepted it wholeheartedly. I have nothing against you, and I love you. I pray God blesses you and lifts you higher, IJN”.

  • Zulum cuts short leave to receive foreign envoys, UN delegation in Maiduguri

    Zulum cuts short leave to receive foreign envoys, UN delegation in Maiduguri

    Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday suspended his annual leave to receive ambassadors from India, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia and Qatar in Maiduguri.

    The diplomatic delegation was accompanied by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, as well as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro.

    The visit provided development partners with an opportunity to evaluate the humanitarian conditions in Borno State, which has faced insurgency-related challenges for more than a decade.

    During the visit, the delegation inspected selected projects executed by the Zulum administration in the areas of education, healthcare and human capital development. The projects were showcased by the Acting Governor of the state, Umar Usman Kadafur.

    Read Also: Zulum okays direct payment of local govt allocations

    Speaking after the tour, Fall praised Zulum’s infrastructure drive, noting that the state was recording meaningful progress despite persistent security concerns.

    “Beyond the headlines around security issues, there are transformative developments taking place in Borno State,” he said.

    Fall highlighted education programmes, girl-child education initiatives, vocational training centres and facilities for the treatment of malnutrition as critical measures designed to tackle the root causes of the crisis.

    He noted that sustained investment in education reflected the state government’s recognition that lasting stability depends on addressing factors fuelling conflict, particularly limited access to quality education.

    Similarly, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bernard Doro, expressed satisfaction with the pace of development in the state despite years of insurgency.

    “I am happy with what I have seen. Considering the crises the state has faced for over 10 years, the level of development is commendable,” Doro said.

    He praised the governor’s leadership, adding that the vocational training centres and comprehensive schools visited were equipped to empower beneficiaries and support poverty reduction efforts.

  • FG approves central placement of nurse interns as partners boost nursing, midwifery training

    FG approves central placement of nurse interns as partners boost nursing, midwifery training

    …as NMCN launches new 

    The Federal Government has approved the central placement of nurse interns as part of efforts to address gaps in Nigeria’s health workforce and ease difficulties faced by newly qualified nurses in securing internship placements.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday at the official launch and distribution of supports received by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) from the Gates Foundation, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Information Systems Advisory (HISA).

    Pate said the approval was intended to complement the existing number of nurses and strengthen service delivery, particularly in maternal and newborn health.

    “Nigeria continues to face one of the world’s most challenging maternal and newborn health burdens. Our maternal mortality ratio remains unacceptably high, and this underscores the urgent need for skilled personnel at every stage of pregnancy and childbirth,” he said.

    He noted that the role of midwives in reducing maternal mortality “cannot be overemphasised,” adding that shortages are most evident in rural and underserved communities where access to skilled care remains limited. 

    According to him, evidence shows that the majority of maternal deaths occur in settings without skilled birth attendance.

    Represented by the Director of Human Resource Management in the ministry, Tetshoma Dafela, the Minister also highlighted the challenge of retaining trained nurses and midwives amid increasing migration.

    He said the ministry was taking steps to ensure proper recruitment and deployment of health workers, improve incentives and remuneration, and implement policies that encourage practice in underserved areas.

    Pate described the launch of training items, electronic applications and policy documents as evidence of sustained collaboration between government and development partners.

    The Minister acknowledged the support of the Gates Foundation in regulatory reforms and curriculum reviews, noting that midwifery training items procured would be distributed to 20 selected Colleges of Nursing Sciences across the country.

    He also said the Electronic Accreditation Management System (EAMS), supported by UNFPA, would ease institutional accreditation and provide real-time data, while the National Preceptorship Manual would promote uniform training standards. 

    Support from HISA, formerly HWMA, he added, aligns with the National Procedure Guide for Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health Nursing programmes.

    Pate described WHO as a reliable partner, noting that the provision of facilities and training materials would improve student performance and help produce competent nurses and midwives. 

    He urged beneficiary institutions to ensure judicious use of the distributed resources.

    Earlier, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NMCN, Alhassan Ndagi, said the newly reviewed nursing and midwifery curriculum was designed to strengthen training, improve service delivery and respond to emerging health challenges.

    “The reviewed curriculum is aimed at improving knowledge, skills and service delivery. If the training is not very good, the service delivery will not be efficient,” he said.

    Ndagi explained that the curriculum review took into account societal changes, emerging diseases and evolving health challenges. “We have looked at them all and implemented them into the new curriculum for the training of students,” he said.

    He noted that the scope of training had been expanded to reflect Nigeria’s changing disease burden, including non-communicable diseases that were previously underemphasised.

    The Registrar added that the donated training equipment complements the revised curriculum through the use of modern simulation tools. 

    He said the high-fidelity models allow students to observe procedures, practise through return demonstrations and receive immediate correction, helping them gain confidence before entering clinical service.

    According to him, the deployment of the training items would contribute to improved maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health outcomes, stronger reproductive health services and better preparedness for public health emergencies. 

    He added that the interventions would also support Nigeria’s progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, gender equity and human capital development.

    Ndagi also acknowledged the Minister’s role in ensuring the Council became a sub-awardee of the Gates Foundation grant and for providing policy guidance.

    “He has also graciously approved the central mobilisation of nurse interns, a development which has gladdened the hearts of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria,” he said, adding that implementation modalities were at the final stage.

    The WHO Representative, Dr Pavel Ursu, said the launch of NMCN policy documents, the EAMS and the handover of educational resources marked “a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward strengthening the nursing and midwifery workforce and advancing universal health coverage.”

    Represented by Mary Nana Ama Brantuo, Ursu said WHO provided technical guidance for the Nigeria Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery 2025–2030 and supported the rollout of the EAMS through UK Government funding, including the provision of 30 tablets.

    He added that under the FCDO-funded Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions project, WHO had improved the capacity of 13 training institutions through the provision of buses, generators, computers, solar inverters and other equipment.

    The UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative, Muriel Mafuco, said investments in midwifery were critical to reducing maternal and newborn deaths, noting that well-trained and supported midwives can deliver most essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health services.

    She said Nigeria would need about 70,000 additional midwives by 2030 to meet WHO standards and reaffirmed UNFPA’s partnership with NMCN to strengthen pre-service education, in-service training, mentorship and innovative learning systems.

    The event featured the launch of the reviewed curriculum, distribution of training materials and electronic tools to 20 selected institutions, and the unveiling of the Electronic Accreditation Management System.

  • Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    Why Tinubu approved Southeast Investment Company – Shettima

    …VP launches Vision 2050 blueprint for region, says Ndigbo are central to Nigeria’s future

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday unveiled a 25-year development blueprint for the South East, declaring the region a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.

    This is just as Shettima announced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the South East Investment Company Limited to accelerate the transformation of the region.

    He disclosed this while launching the Southeast Vision 2050 at the Regional Stakeholders’ Forum held in Enugu, describing the initiative as a deliberate shift from short-term governance to structured, long-term regional planning.

    According to him, the newly approved South East Investment Company Limited will mobilise funds from the diaspora, capital markets and development finance institutions, working in synergy with the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to close post-war infrastructure gaps and strengthen regional competitiveness.

    “This forum reflects foresight, responsibility and a shared understanding that the future is not something we wait for, but something we must deliberately design,” the Vice President said.

    He explained that the approval of the investment company was informed by the Southeast’s distinctive entrepreneurial culture, expansive global diaspora and historic engagement with international capital.

    “In recognition of the distinctive character of the Southeast, its entrepreneurial spirit and its global reach, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited,” Shettima stated.

    The Vice President stressed that the SEDC was established to drive structural transformation rather than routine bureaucracy, insisting that Nigeria thrives best when its regions are empowered to prosper.

    “Let me be clear: this is not another layer of bureaucracy. It is a delivery institution focused on tangible outcomes—jobs, productivity and growth,” he said, noting that the region’s historical challenges make intentional planning both urgent and necessary.

    Shettima commended the inclusive composition of the forum, which brought together federal and state governments, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, civil society, youth groups and development partners.

    He also acknowledged the participation of Umu Igbo Unite, a United States-based network of over 10,000 young professionals, emphasising the role of the diaspora in shaping the region’s future.

    “The future of the Southeast will be built both at home and abroad—together,” he said.

    Addressing young people, the Vice President stressed that development must translate into visible improvements in daily life.

    “You are not spectators in our national journey. You are central to it. Development must not remain an abstract promise; it must be felt in the lives of our people,” he added.

    Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, alongside his counterparts, endorsed the Vision 2050 framework, describing it as an opportunity for the Southeast to align with the national development agenda, Vision 2060.

    Mbah applauded the growing unity among leaders and stakeholders in the region and proposed the creation of a Southeast common market, describing the moment as the reawakening of an economic giant.

    He urged a paradigm shift in development planning and project execution, while calling on the people of the region to complement the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to security and inclusive growth.

    Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, pledged his administration’s support for the implementation of the Vision 2050 plan, saying it would help close unemployment and poverty gaps while unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.

    Similarly, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, expressed satisfaction over the unanimous adoption of the vision, describing the forum as a turning point in the economic revolution of the Southeast.

    Governor Otti said with transparent leadership and effective execution, the region’s industrialisation and economic transformation were both realistic and achievable.

    Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, thanked President Tinubu for creating the SEDC, describing it as a long-awaited intervention for the region.

    Read Also: Shettima commissions Tudun Biri resettlement scheme

    He noted that the Vision 2050 conversation was historic, marking the first time leaders across the Southeast had jointly adopted a common framework to guide regional development.

    In a keynote address, the UNDP Resident Representative, Mrs Elsie Attafuah, highlighted global lessons in long-term regional planning, stressing the importance of strong institutions and sustainable execution.

    She emphasised that infrastructure development must support domestic production if genuine industrialisation is to be achieved.

    Minister of Regional Development, Engr Abubakar Momoh, described the forum as a milestone in fostering a united and prosperous Southeast, noting that the creation of the SEDC reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to coordinated regional development.

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, pledged her ministry’s support for the Vision 2050 programme and announced a nationwide trade facilitation tour aimed at boosting export potential, describing the Southeast as Nigeria’s industrial springboard.

    In a goodwill message, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, commended the Federal Government for prioritising regional integration and pledged the support of Ndigbo for the Vision 2050 and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Speaking on behalf of corporate Nigeria, UBA Group Managing Director, Mr Oliver Alawuba, identified peace as the most critical incentive for investment, noting that funding naturally follows stability.

    He called for sustained infrastructure development—particularly in power and rail—saying the SEDC could play a catalytic role, adding that corporate Nigeria is ready to fund bankable projects through public-private partnerships.

    Chairman of the SEDC, Sir Emeka Wogu, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the Southeast, describing Vision 2050 as a unique framework designed to ensure continuity and synergy among the states.

    Managing Director of the SEDC, Mr Mark Okoye, said the commission would partner with state governments, the diaspora and the organised private sector to implement the vision, focusing on infrastructure, power, peace-building and regional connectivity.

    The forum also featured goodwill messages from corporate organisations, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, faith-based bodies, youth groups, diaspora representatives and development partners.

    The Vice President, accompanied by Southeast governors and other dignitaries, later toured an exhibition gallery mounted by the National Council for Arts and Culture.

  • Be vigilant, prepare for seamless 2027 elections, INEC chairman tells Nigerians

    Be vigilant, prepare for seamless 2027 elections, INEC chairman tells Nigerians

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan said on Wednesday that Nigerians should be vigilant and prepare for seamless 2027 general elections.

    Speaking at the first quarterly meeting with media executive, the INEC Chairman warn against misinformation and misinformation in the country down to the general elections.

    He said, “As we navigate this period of intense electoral activity (from the FCT Area Council polls on February 21, 2026 to the upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun), the Commission remains committed to openness and accountability. 

    “However, let me remind you that the strongest electoral systems can be undermined by misinformation, misinterpretation, deliberate distortion and Foreign Information Manipulation & Interference (FIMI).  We, therefore, urge you to promote accurate reporting at all time. 

    “Our official website and all digital channels are veritable and authoritative points of contact for the media. Officials of the Commission authorised to speak with the media will continue to do their job. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: INEC uncovers deceased persons’ names on voters’ register, plans nationwide verification

    “Let me end by reiterating that elections are no longer just contested only at the polling units, they are contested in the information space. As such, I urge the media to rise up against mis/disinformation so as to protect the sanctity of our electoral process.”

    Prof. Amupitan asked Nigerians to be vigilant and prepare for a seamless elections saying “as we look towards the 2027 General Elections, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive. 

    “We must prepare for a seamless electoral process that embodies the ideals of democracy, justice, and inclusivity. This is a collective responsibility, and each one of you plays a vital role in fostering democracy in Nigeria.”

  • Nigeria, IFC seal deal to fast-track private investment in infrastructure

    Nigeria, IFC seal deal to fast-track private investment in infrastructure

    The Federal Government has taken steps to close Nigeria’s wide infrastructure gap by signing a cooperation agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

    The deal is aimed at attracting private investment and speeding up the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the country.

    The agreement, signed in Abuja on Tuesday through the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is designed to help Nigeria prepare projects in a way that makes them attractive and clear for private investors, especially in key sectors such as transport, energy, water, healthcare, and digital services.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said the government recognises that public funds alone cannot meet the country’s huge infrastructure needs. He explained that the focus now is on developing projects that are properly planned and ready for investment, so private capital can come in with confidence.

    “Our needs in rail, energy, water security, healthcare, and digital infrastructure are extensive. This agreement aims to ensure that we prepare projects adequately so investors can have confidence and clarity on where to allocate capital,” Bagudu said.

    He pointed to Nigeria’s early experience in the mobile phone industry as proof of the country’s ability to absorb large-scale investments. 

    According to him, when mobile services were first introduced, investors struggled to imagine a market of 500,000 subscribers, but today Nigeria’s digital economy serves more than 100 million users.

    Bagudu added that the cooperation deal supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform drive, which he said has involved tough policy choices to stabilise the economy, make government policies more predictable, and encourage the private sector to invest.

    He also noted that Nigeria’s long-term development plan, known as Agenda 2050, and the country’s constitution both recognise the private sector as a key driver of growth, with government providing the right policies and support.

    The IFC’s, Vice President for Africa, Mr Ethiopis Tafara, described the agreement as the result of a year of close work between both sides and a shared vision for Nigeria’s future.

    “This is not just about signing a document. It is about establishing the groundwork for projects that generate employment, attract investment, and improve the daily lives of Nigerians,” Tafara said.

    He explained that the partnership would help improve how government budgets and projects are prepared by making it easier to identify, design, and deliver projects that are ready for investors in sectors such as transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and water.

    Tafara added that the World Bank Group would also support the effort with financing and guarantee tools that can help both the federal and state governments reduce risks and attract more private investors.

    “Nigeria’s infrastructure gap cannot be closed by public budgets alone. Public-private partnerships are vital. IFC is ready to assist the government in developing a strong pipeline of projects across key sectors,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, the IFC Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Ms Dahlia Khalifa, said the agreement represents an important moment for Nigeria’s development journey.

    She said the country’s ongoing reforms and large, youthful population present huge opportunities, but these can only be fully realised with strong infrastructure, well-prepared projects, and effective cooperation between government and private investors.

    “That is what tonight is about—creating the framework for partnerships to thrive and deliver shared prosperity for all Nigerians,” Khalifa said.

    Read Also: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Nigeria set for Men’s 3×3 Basketball debut 

    She disclosed that IFC has been active in Nigeria for more than 60 years and has mobilised about $20 billion in investments over the past five years in areas such as energy, digital infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services, including trade finance.

    Khalifa also revealed that IFC’s staff strength in Nigeria has grown four times over the last two years, showing the organisation’s increasing focus on the country.

    She praised the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for its role in coordinating national economic priorities and improving how major projects are developed.

    According to her, the cooperation agreement will help in identifying and delivering major projects in transportation, energy, and support for small and medium-sized businesses.

    “This is the kind of collaboration that turns ambition into achievement. Together, we will build projects that connect markets, power industries, and unlock the full potential of the Nigerian people,” she said.

    The agreement signals the Federal Government’s intention to work more closely with development finance institutions and the private sector to mobilise investment, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth across Nigeria.

  • Nigeria data protection ecosystem hits N16.2 billion in value within three years 

    Nigeria data protection ecosystem hits N16.2 billion in value within three years 

    The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, said on Wednesday that Nigeria is now a global player as the country’s Data Protection and Privacy ecosystem now peaked at about 16.2 billion naira in value. 

    Dr Olatunji attributed the feat to pragmatic steps taken by the leadership of the Commission following the signing into law of the Data Privacy and Protection Act by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

    The NDPC boss said in less than four years the NDPC has transformed into a global institutions with no fewer than 12 countries understudying its ecosystem, while some institutions had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NDPC on how to replicate the Commission’s achievements in their country. 

    Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Data Protection and Privacy Summit at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja on Wednesday, Dr Olatunji praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani for the transformations taking place in the sector. 

    He announced that besides the on going massive awareness campaigns embarked upon by the NDPC under his leadership, the Commission has been able to ensure the conclusion of investigations on 246 data privacy breaches by various institutions in the country. 

    Olatunji said while appropriate sanctions and remediation mechanisms have been meted out, no fewer than 23,000 new jobs have been created within the ecosystem, while government has earned 5.2 billion naira in compliance revenue from the sector. 

    He said the 2026 National Privacy Week with the theme “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics, and Innovation” which started on 28th January through to 4th February, ending with the summit would further enlighten Nigerians, the private and public sectors about the significance of data protection and privacy in the context of national security and economic development. 

    Listing the achievements of the NDPC, Dr Olatunji said, “The Commission initiated a multi-sector compliance drive, issuing compliance notices to 1,348 entities in August 2025 across the banking, insurance, pension, and gaming sectors, strengthening engagement and informing enforcement actions.

    “Since the signing of Act by Mr President over 23,000 new jobs have been created within the ecosystem while the value of the data protection ecosystem is now over N16.2b.”

    Read Also: French Embassy partners firm to boost Nigerian filmmakers

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Mr Nadungu Gagare said the choice of the theme of the summit could not have been more relevant given the challenges of digitalisation in contemporary global economy. 

    The Permanent Secretary who was represented by Adetunji Adeyemo, a Director in the Universal Service Provision Department in the Ministry, called for ethical guidance that respect human dignity in the management of personal information and citizens’ data 

    He said responsible data management would be a catalyst to the growth and development of Nigeria economy, stressing that protection and privacy of data by institutions would not constitute any obstacle to innovations in the digital space. 

    He emphasised trust, credibility and collaboration of stakeholders in data protection and privacy, assuring that the government would continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks and build capacity of its workforce to enable them carry out their duties efficiently and effectively. 

    The Permanent Secretary further said emerging technologies such Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and others should be leveraged and deployed ethically to improve Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the private and public sectors, academia and civil society groups should work together to protect the private rights of citizens. 

  • Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven persons have been jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for drug trafficking.

    The seven persons were jailed in the month of January while 105 cases are are still pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City. 

    Edo State Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a press statement, said 46 suspected traffickers were arrested across the state in possession of 6,439kg of narcotic drugs 

    Ofoyeju said one Shaibu Yusuf was arrested in connection with 792kg bags of cannabis along the Auchi-Abuja expressway while attempting to convey the drugs to the northern part of the country.  

    He said Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade Benin City, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, transferred two drug suspects, Chief James Abamu aged 48 and Aboy Egah aged 31, arrested with a total of 862kg of cannabis seeds to the NDLEA.

    The Edo NDLEA Commander said the command would remained resolute in its mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State.

    Read Also: FG’s free metres yet to arrive Edo, says Commissioner

    Accordind to him, “The NDLEA seized a staggering total of 6,439.4 kilogrammes of various drugs. This haul predominantly consisted of 6,438.31 kilogrammes of cannabis. The cannabis includes 4,063.87 kilogrammes, which were destroyed in a cannabis farm, while 2,374.46 kg were seized during raid operations. Other seizures are 0.7957 kg of psychotropic substance, 0.0264 kg of methamphetamine, 0.011kg of cocaine, 0.013kg of heroin and 3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup.

    “The eradication of cannabis cultivation also featured prominently in the month’s activities, with the destruction of a cannabis farm spanning 1.625547 hectares in Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest. This farm was estimated to yield approximately 4,063.87 kg of cannabis, representing a significant blow to local cannabis cultivation cartels.

    “Determined to address the underlying issues of drug abuse, the command provided counselling services to sixteen clients, comprised predominantly of males, while an additional seven clients are undergoing rehabilitation at the State Command headquarters. Anti-drug abuse outreach efforts also continued, with four sensitisation programmes conducted during the month.”