The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Calvary Bible Church celebrates 30 years of raising kingdom ambassadors

    Calvary Bible Church celebrates 30 years of raising kingdom ambassadors

    Calvary Bible Church, Lagos, is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of impactful ministry committed to raising kingdom ambassadors and transforming lives across Nigeria and beyond.

    The milestone celebration with the theme: “New Beginning,” will hold at the church’s headquarters, Rehoboth Auditorium, off Anjorin Street, Calvary Bus Stop, Ikotun–Idimu Road, Lagos, and will span six days of worship, thanksgiving and spiritual renewal.

    A major highlight of the anniversary is Alimosho Arise 3, the church’s annual flagship programme—a 10-hour night of praise, worship, word and power. The all-night gathering will feature some of Nigeria’s most renowned gospel music ministers like Bidemi Olaoba, Mike Abdul, Adeyinka Alasori, Beejay Sax, alongside several other anointed worship leaders.

    Read Also: Nwifuru approves N150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi workers

    Speaking during a media briefing, the Overseer of Calvary Bible Church, Pastor Olumide Emmanuel, described the 30-year milestone as “a journey of grace, growth and divine purpose.”

    “This celebration goes beyond longevity,” Pastor Emmanuel said. “It reflects God’s faithfulness in helping us raise kingdom ambassadors—men and women with a global mindset who influence their world through godly values. As we step into this new beginning, we are expectant of greater impact and deeper transformation.”

    He said the anniversary would include Alimosho Arise 3, an anniversary thanksgiving service, and special anniversary services featuring seasoned ministers of the gospel.

    Expected guest speakers include Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Wale Oke, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Rev. Amos Fenwa and other anointed men of God.

    Also speaking on the significance of the anniversary, Pastor Mrs. Adenike Olumide-Emmanuel, Co-Lead Pastor of Calvary Bible Church, highlighted the church’s enduring commitment to discipleship, family life and community transformation.

    “These 30 years tell a powerful story of lives restored, families strengthened, and destinies aligned with God’s purpose,” she said. “We are grateful to God and to everyone who has walked this journey with us. As we celebrate this new beginning, our prayer is that many more will encounter hope, healing and a deeper relationship with God.”

    Founded with a clear mandate to teach God’s Word with practical relevance, Calvary Bible Church has grown into a thriving ministry known for leadership development, faith-based empowerment, and community outreach.

  • Tinubu to governors: obey verdict on Council autonomy

    Tinubu to governors: obey verdict on Council autonomy

    • State police will strengthen our security, says President
    • Yilwatda to roll out e-registration

    It is time to fully comply with the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local governments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu admonished governors last night.

    He urged them to brace for the implementation of state police as a panacea to insecurity.

    The President spoke during a National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governors of the APC, along with party leaders, attended the meeting at the Presidential Villa.

    The caucus is usually a prelude to the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which will be held today.

    The Supreme Court in July last year held that funds for the councils should be paid directly into their coffers rather than into the joint state/local government account, as is currently done.

    That verdict has not been obeyed, prompting the President’s call.

    He said there can be no genuine autonomy for the councils without direct access to funds.

    Emphasising the importance of the apex court judgment, he said: “Let us look at the recent Supreme Court judgment, what we can do with it and how well we can position our country and our party.”

    President Tinubu said the judgment on autonomy must be implemented in both letter and spirit, adding that councils cannot function effectively without financial independence.

    He stressed: “To me, the local government autonomy, as it is, must be effective. There is no autonomy without a funded mandate.

    “We’ll give them their money directly. That’s the truth. That’ll comply with the Supreme Court order.”

    President Tinubu urged the governors to take leadership seriously by ensuring that governance and party coordination extend down to the grassroots.

    He said: “You are in a leadership position and must yield and continue to promote, tolerate, and be flexible. Get involved in whatever is happening in your various states, up to the local government level.”

    The President also enjoined the governors to support the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as a critical pillar of his administration’s security reform agenda.

    He explained that he had assured international partners of Nigeria’s resolve to make state policing work.

    He expressed confidence in the ruling party’s capacity to deliver the reform.

    President Tinubu said: “I had a very long discussion with the U.S. and Europeans. I was bragging to them that, definitely, we will use the state police to improve security.”

    He said when his interlocutors questioned his confidence, he pointed to the APC’s dominance across the country.

    The President added: “They asked me if I’m confident, and I said yes. I have a party to depend on. I have a party that will make it happen, and God forbid, we will not fail.”

    The President emphasised that reconciliation, accommodation, and cooperation within the party were essential to translating numerical strength into effective governance.

    Read Also: Tinubu leads APC leaders to party’s national caucus meeting at Villa 

    Akpabio commended President Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership on national security, particularly the recent rescue of over 100 abducted children, pledging the Senate’s full backing for tougher measures against kidnapping and banditry.

    He praised the security agencies for their efforts and expressed sympathy with the families of victims and fallen security personnel.

    Akpabio, who offered prayers for the release of the remaining captives, assured affected families of continued support, stressing that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

    The Senate President applauded President Tinubu’s diplomatic intervention in the Benin Republic to safeguard democracy.

    He said the Senate had already commended the President’s regional engagement during plenary, noting that Nigeria’s security cannot be guaranteed if its neighbours remain unstable.

    Akpabio explained that the Senate had passed a bill classifying kidnapping as terrorism, a move that would attract the death penalty upon presidential assent.

    He urged governors to enforce capital punishment where applicable, warning that failure to do so could embolden criminals to endanger society further.

    Akpabio welcomed governors who defected to the APC and urged party unity and accommodation across states.

    He said the ruling party would deliver bloc votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that cohesion within the APC would translate into electoral victory nationwide.

    APC Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda said the party had recorded a surge in political strength following the high-profile defections and dominance in the National Assembly, declaring that APC now enjoys a “commanding majority” nationwide.

    He said the influx of new members from opposition parties reflects the APC’s expanding national appeal.

    He cited the defection of Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Agbu Kefas (Taraba) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) as evidence of the party’s widening influence across geo-political lines.

    The chairman also noted that the party has consolidated its grip on the National Assembly, attributing the dominance to aggressive internal mobilisation led by the leadership of both chambers.

    Yilwatda said the APC now holds clear majorities in the Senate and the House of Representatives, adding that they have strengthened the party’s legislative leverage and national profile.

    On party organisation, he unfolded major reforms, including the rollout of an electronic membership registration system to improve transparency and internal democracy.

    He said training had been conducted at zonal, state and local government levels, while new members have been assured full rights and privileges ahead of congresses and the national convention.

    Yilwatda also highlighted other milestones such as the acquisition of land for a new APC national secretariat in Abuja, strong performances in recent by-elections, progress on constitutional amendments, and preparations for the 2026 FCT local government elections.

    He reaffirmed the party’s full backing for President Tinubu’s reforms, expressing confidence that APC remains united and well-positioned for sustained electoral success nationwide.

    President Tinubu, who arrived at the State House Conference Centre, venue of the meeting at about 7:38 pm, was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, and Prof. Yilwatda.

    The meeting was attended by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, members of the National Working Committee (NWC), governors, and principal officers of the National Assembly.

    Governors at the meeting included  Monday Okpebholo (Edo),  Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Usman Ododo (Kogi),  Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti),  Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Bassey Otu (Cross River),  Umar Namadi (Jigawa),  Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Dikko Radda (Katsina).

    Party elders at the parley were former interim national chairman Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Chief Segun Osoba, former Osun State Governor and Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade; former Taraba State Governor Jolly Nyame; and former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Also in attendance were former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani, Ahmed Lawan, and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),  Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa; former governors Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abubakar Bello (Niger), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) and Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara).

    National Assembly leaders included Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senators Gbenga Daniel, Aliyu Wammako, Adamu Aliero, and Simon Lalong, as well as House of Representatives leaders, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and Idris Wase.

  • States on high security alert for Yuletide

    States on high security alert for Yuletide

    • Osun moves to secure boundary with Kwara

    Governors have pledged readiness to partner the Federal Government in strengthening security measures across the country during the festive season.

    They made the commitment during a meeting of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday night in Abuja.

    At the meeting they received a briefing from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Their resolution was contained in a communique signed by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who doubles as the NGF chairman. The communiqué was read by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    The decision came into the open on a day that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke put security operatives on standby following gunmen’s attack on boundary community in the State of the Living Spring.

    The communiqué reads in part: “The forum received a communication from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), calling for heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks.

    “Governors are committed to strengthening inter-agency coordination, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period nationwide.

    Read Also: Nwifuru approves N150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi workers

    “The forum received notification from the World Bank confirming the effectiveness of the Additional Financing for the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

    “This enables continued disbursements to states to support livelihoods, food security, public works, and resilience-building interventions.

    “Governors renewed their commitment to sustaining implementation momentum, ensuring timely reporting, and maximising fund utilisation to deliver measurable outcomes for vulnerable households.

    “The forum noted the outcome of the third edition of the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Awards, held on December 12, which recognised

    13 states for outstanding progress in strengthening PHC systems.

    “Yobe State emerged as the national overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers and Osun states topped their respective geopolitical zones; Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun States were the first runners-up.

    “Governors acknowledged that the results reflect the value of sustained political leadership and peer-driven accountability, and committed to building on these gains to further strengthen primary health care delivery nationwide.”

    Police, military on red alert in Osun

    An attack on Ora-Igbomina, an Osun community at its boundary with Kwara State, prompted Governor Adeleke to put the police and military on the red alert.

    It was learnt that gunmen invaded the Igbomina community in the Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, to kidnap a retired customs officer, Prince Emmanuel Owolabi, and also attack residents and some travellers on Akisa Road, close to Ayedun town in Kwara State.

    Adeleke’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, narrated how his boss vowed to forestall any further security breach and possible spillover from the neighbouring Kwara.

    A statement by Rasheed said that Adeleke has issued new operational guidelines for the Amotekun security outfit, directing the corps leadership to ensure proper coordination with the police in their operations.

    He assured that a military backed rescue and protection security operation has been underway for the past three days.

    He explained that the Governor after an emergency security council meeting held on Wednesday evening, the Governor described the Ora incident as saddening and a major security breach even after almost all the water tight pre-emptive precautions already put in place in the last three months.

    Reviewing the development with service commanders from the police, the army, the secret service and other paramilitary agencies, Adeleke expressed confidence that the ongoing military backed security operations across the boundary towns would prevent recurrence of the attacks and also secure the release of the kidnapped retired Customs officer.

    He said: “From the moment of the unfortunate incident, our security forces have launched a rescue and protection operations. For the past three days, both the police, the army and the DSS have been combing the areas for rescue and also reviewing the security apparatus. A delicate operation is ongoing and we dont want to jeopardise the integrity of the process.

    “As part of our security plan, we will soon deploy the refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) for operations across the state. We are also procuring patrol vehicles to strengthen police and security operations in the state. Additionally, we are reviewing the joint security patrol programme. It will be unveiled at the right time to further protect our people”, the governor noted.

  • PDP failed me, says Fubara

    PDP failed me, says Fubara

    • Governor speaks on defection to APC

    Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday explained why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said the main opposition party abandoned him during the trying period, when he was suspended from office after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu imposed emergency rule on the state for six months.

    Reflecting on his defection, he said it was one of the easiest political decisions he took.

    Fubara spoke with reporters after his maiden visit to the National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

    Clad in a white kaftan and a black cap to match,  the governor who arrived at the secretariat at about 6:50 pm on Wednesday, was received by  the National Secretary,  Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Welfare Secretary,  Donatus Nwapa and Deputy National  Organizing Secretary,  Nze Chidi Duru.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development,  Festus Keyamo (SAN), was also on hand to receive him.

    After receiving a copy of the APC Constitution from Basiru, the governor said: “ I  am supposed to join the Progressives Governors meeting, but I feel I should come here before the meeting.”

    After Fubara’s suspension, Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice in PDP states acting on instruction from the governors, sued the Federal Government through Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

    They urged the Supreme Court to upturn the emergency declaration by the President and quash Fubara’s  suspension.

    The case was disposed of on by the apex court on Monday.

    Also yesterday, three pro-Fubara PDP House of Representatives members and another federal lawmaker from the Labour Party (LP) left the PDP for APC.

    The governor urged his supporters to transfer their support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been endorsed for re-election by the party.

    Fubara said he has no regret leaving the PDP, lamenting that the main opposition party was never there for him in his period of trials and tribulations.

    Read Also: Fubara loyalists, LP member defects to APC

    He said: “If I have to be honest, was I really a member of the PDP? I wasn’t. Whatever I suffered during the political crisis, 90 percent of it was imposed on me by the party.

    “I was in my former party, just there. During the crisis, you can’t associate me with any group. I was just, let me say, at the balcony—I wasn’t inside the house; I was just outside at the balcony.”

    Fubara added: My defection was the easiest thing to do. My joining the APC is to say thank you to Mr. President and to join hands with other progressives to develop my state and Nigeria at large. It wasn’t a difficult decision; it was easy. If you know my story, you should understand that.”

    On his visit to the Mohammadu Buhari House,  Fubara said: “I can’t belong to a house without first coming into the house and understanding how it is arranged. I felt it would be proper for me to visit the national secretariat to familiarise myself with the members and the operations. This way, when I come here next time, it won’t feel as if I am a new person.”

    “So, I am here to assure you that I have come in, and we will work together to ensure that this party becomes greater than it is. The greatness we all desire from this party is the success of Mr. President. We can not grow or expand if Mr. President is not succeeding.

    “I can assure you that we are already showing evidence of success in my state through what we are delivering and the number of people affirming their support.”

    Fubara assured the NWC members of his commitment to the party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying: “Because you (NWC members) are standing with Mr. President, we are now standing with Mr. President.

    “On behalf of the good people of Rivers State, my supportive members of the National Assembly, and members of the State Assembly who are with us, I can assure you that your new home is Rivers State.”

    The national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who was represented by Basiru, expressed happiness over Fubara’s defection, thanking him for the decision.

    He said: “I will say that, as a party, we are very happy that you have decided to join us because, with your orientation, you are progressive and true, and, of course, you complete the circle for us in the Southsouth region.

    “The Southsouth geo-political zone is the first that is completely APC. For people who are political watchers, if you have the South in any political party, I think the strength and the energy of that political party are more than half the power.

    “So, we are very confident that you are joining our party. The strength of our party, if it was at Power 15 before, it is now much better—it has become Power 100.”

    Fubara loyalists, LP member defects to APC

    Three loyalists of the governor and a member of the Labour Party (LP)  announced their defection from the PDP to APC, citing the prolonged crisis in the opposition party as reason.

    The PDP lawmakers are Boniface Emerengwa, Boma Goodhead and Awaji Nombet Abiante.

    Manuchin Umezuruike belonged to the LP.

    Their letters of defection were read at plenary by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen.

    While Abiante said he was tired of the PDP crisis,.

    Umezuruike said he left the party because of the protracted litigations.

    Fubara to loyalists: transfer your supports to Tinubu

    Fubara urged his loyalists to transfer their support to President Tinubu by re-electing him during the general election.

    The governor, who spoke during the inauguration of the Ogbakiri Junction / Waterfront road in Emohua Local Government Area, explained that he held a strategic meeting with APC NWC.

    Fubara said President Tinubu’s reelection is a big task, urging the supporters to rise to the occasion as foot soldiers in Rivers.

    The governor said he has started mobilising for the President, stressing that with the crowd that came out to receive him, the task was already 70 per cent done in the local government 

    He hailed Chief David Omereji, an Ogbakiri community leader, for “staking all’ for him and expressed confidence that his supporters would work with those of Omereji to actualise the task ahead.

    Fubara, who enjoined the people to maintain peace so that development can spread to all parts of the state, also appeal to them to protect government investments in their domains.

    He said: “The task ahead is simple. It might be big, but it is simple because we have started it already. By the grace of God, yesterday I paid a visit to the National Working Committee of our great party and after the meeting they gave me a message that I am giving to all of you. It is a simple message.

    “We know that you are very hardworking and you have organic support. So, transfer this support to  our leader, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu. I told them in the meeting that they shouldn’t worry but what is important is that we have the right foot soldiers.

    “Today, I am happy to say that what I am seeing here with the support of the LGA, from the local government chairman, the chiefs and everyone here, our job is 70% done.

    “We need peace, not just in Ogbakiri or Emohua, but we need peace in Rivers State so that development can be spread to all parts. People should learn to protect what is around them. You have a university here. Protect it.”

    “You have other things of interest by the state government and some federal assets. Protect them because at the end, the benefit comes to you. I am appealing to everyone of you that we need peace to protect everything that is around us. That is the only way I can come here and make promises and with your support, we will continue to deliver”.

    Describing the  project as significant, the governor recalled that it was initiated at the most trying period of his administration.

    He said: “I can’t forget the circumstances that we were facing at that time. We were commissioning the East-West road to Terma junction and that particular stretch, the Ogbakiri road was an annex to it; Terma-Abalama-Abonnema and the other stretch that leads to Buguma. So, it won’t be nice that we commission this stretch and abandon the other part leading to Ogbakiri.

    “ At that time, with the situation that we were in, we made a promise not just to the people of Kalabari, but also to the people of Emohua and Ogbakiri in particular, that we will visit those two aspects of the roads. I am happy today that we are here to commission the one that connects to the Ogbakiri people

    “When we made the first payment for this project it was when we had the first court judgment barring us from accessing our federal allocation. But I made a promise when I came here that no matter the situation, God will provide a way for us to finance this project. So, when I say the project is significant and important to us, I know why I say so”.

    The governor said the  project was an evidence of service delivery, assuring the people that his government would continue to keep its promises.

    He said he would consider the request of the council of chiefs on internal roads and a bridge to to ease transportation inconvenience and improve the commercial activities.

    Fubara added: “The beauty of this whole thing is that the community gave a very strong support to the contractor and has also chosen the path of peace, the reason you are seeing this level of development. This is a community that was known over the years for crisis and loss of lives. But I am happy that your story is now different.”

  • Oando secures Africa oil and gas deal of the year at IJGlobal awards

    Oando secures Africa oil and gas deal of the year at IJGlobal awards

    Oando PLC has been awarded the Oil and Gas Deal of the Year, Africa at the 2025 IJGlobal Investor Awards, in recognition of its acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC) from the Italian multinational energy company Eni, a transaction widely regarded as one of the most momentous upstream M&Atransactions in Nigeria in recent years.

    The award was announced at IJGlobal’s annual ceremony following an independent assessment by senior international energy and infrastructure finance professionals, who evaluated transactions based on innovation, execution strength and sector-wide impact.

    Read Also: Nwifuru approves N150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi workers

    The IJGlobal Investor Awards, organised by IJGlobal, a global authority on energy and infrastructure finance, celebrate outstanding project finance, corporate finance and M&A transactions across key markets. Past recipients include leading international investors, energy majors and top-tier financial institutions whose transactions have reshaped industry benchmarks.

    Oando’s Chief Legal Officer, Efuntomi Akpeneye, said the award underscored the discipline behind the transaction. “Our mandate was clear: deliver a structure that protects the company, strengthens our long-term position and aligns with global standards for complex M&As. This transaction demanded rigorous due diligence, precise risk management and a firm understanding of the regulatory landscape. The recognition validates the quality of work done and reinforces our commitment to executing transactions that reshape Oando’s strategic trajectory,” she said.

  • Court dismisses ex-AGF Malami’s bail application

    Court dismisses ex-AGF Malami’s bail application

    Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami  has lost his bid for bail.

    A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said he has been legally detained  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pending the ongoing investigation.

    Justice Babangida Hassan of the FCT High Court  dismissed  summons for bail filed by Malami against the EFCC.

     According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the judge gave the ruling yesterday.

    Malami, through his counsel,  Dr. Sulaiman Hassan (SAN)  had approached the court seeking bail from the custody of the EFCC.

    He claimed that his detention by the commission in its ongoing investigation, was illegal.

    Read Also: Nwifuru approves N150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi workers

       However,  counsel to the EFCC,  Chief J.S.Okutepa(SAN), submitted that the EFCC was  holding the former Minister through a valid  remand order obtained at an FCT High Court  granted by Justice S. C Oriji.  He equally affirmed that the EFCC was a law-abiding commission that would not detain a suspect beyond the lawful period without an order of the court.

     In his ruling, Justice Hassan held, quoting Section 35 of the Constitution,  that since there was a provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,  ACJA,  for detention, Malami was lawfully detained by the Remand Order of the court.

     “Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction which the court has no power to do”, he said.

  • AGF, NBA, others oppose death penalty for kidnapping

    AGF, NBA, others oppose death penalty for kidnapping

    Key justice and human rights stakeholders yesterday opposed a Senate proposal seeking to prescribe the death penalty for kidnapping under an amendment to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

    They warned that capital punishment would neither deter crime nor strengthen national security.

    The opposition was voiced at a one-day public hearing organised by the Senate Joint Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, National Security and Intelligence, and Interior.

    It was on a Bill seeking to designate kidnapping, hostage-taking and related offences as acts of terrorism and to impose the death penalty without the option of a fine or alternative sentence.

    Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders raised legal, constitutional and policy concerns over the proposal.

    Fagbemi urged lawmakers to drop the death penalty clause, arguing that while the government shared the legislature’s resolve to curb terrorism and violent crime, the proposed punishment could be counterproductive.

    He said: “While emotionally satisfying, the inclusion of the death penalty risks facilitating the ‘martyrdom’ trap.

    “In ideological conflicts, state-sanctioned execution may validate extremist causes, fuel recruitment and provoke retaliatory violence.”

    Read Also: Nwifuru approves N150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi workers

    He also warned that capital punishment could undermine international cooperation, noting that many countries would refuse to extradite suspects who face execution.

    According to him, Nigeria could inadvertently create safe havens abroad for terror masterminds.

    Fagbemi further cited Nigeria’s long-standing reluctance to carry out executions, which has created a de facto moratorium, overcrowded correctional facilities and potential radicalisation hubs in prisons.

    “Our focus should be on the certainty of apprehension and conviction rather than the ultimate severity of punishment,” he said, recommending life imprisonment without parole as an alternative.

    The NHRC proposed that all legislation undergo a mandatory human rights impact assessment before passage.

    It maintained that the Bill, though well-intentioned, had “serious legal, constitutional and policy problems” and must align with international human rights norms and Nigeria’s constitutional safeguards.

    “Any proposed legislation must improve the enjoyment of human rights and comply with best practices,” the Commission said, adding that expanding capital punishment in a system with investigative gaps heightens the risk of irreversible miscarriages of justice.

    The NBA advised the Senate to adopt a graduated and discretionary sentencing framework.

    It recommended limiting the classification of kidnapping as terrorism to cases involving organised criminal or terrorist networks or intent to intimidate the public or coerce the government.

    The association urged lawmakers to replace the mandatory death penalty with discretionary sentencing, including life imprisonment or death only in aggravated cases, and to clearly define intent, ancillary liability and defences such as duress, while harmonising the Bill with existing state kidnapping laws.

    Senator Ekong Sampson, during deliberations, supported a graduated approach to offences and penalties, stressing the need to reflect degrees of harm, roles of offenders and outcomes of offences.

    Former United Nations Human Rights Envoy and Professor of Human Rights Law at Bournemouth University, Prof. Uchenna Emelonye, welcomed what he described as a rare convergence of views among Nigeria’s top legal institutions against capital punishment for kidnapping.

    He said: “The submissions today reaffirm what empirical evidence and global experience show – expanding the death penalty will not stop kidnapping.

    “Nigeria needs institutional reforms, intelligence-led policing, effective prosecutions, border security, arms control and victim-centred justice.”

    He warned that widening the scope of capital punishment within a fragile criminal justice system risks wrongful convictions without delivering measurable security gains, and urged the Senate to redirect legislative energy towards strengthening policing, intelligence coordination and prosecution of kidnapping cases.

    The committees said submissions would inform their report as the Senate considers the proposed amendment.

  • NMDPRA, NUPRC chiefs vow digital overhaul to plug oil sector revenue leakages

    NMDPRA, NUPRC chiefs vow digital overhaul to plug oil sector revenue leakages

    Chief executives-designate of downstream and midstream petroleum sectors regulatory agencies on Wednesday pledged a sweeping digital transformation of the petroleum industry.

    They promised to deploy technology, real-time data systems and stricter regulatory discipline to block revenue leakages and restore investor confidence in the sector.

    The nominees – Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) – spoke during their screening by a joint sitting of the Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream and Gas) at the National Assembly.

    Both nominees said Nigeria’s continued dependence on manual processes, weak data integration and poor enforcement of contracts had left the petroleum sector vulnerable to inefficiencies, revenue losses and regulatory abuse, despite the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    Eyesan warned that without full digitisation and credible data, effective regulation would remain elusive.

    She said: “We are still largely manual, while the world is moving at jet speed.

    “Without digitisation and real-time data, you cannot truly understand what you are regulating, and you will continue to lose money.”

    She said modern petroleum regulation required transparent digital platforms capable of tracking assets, production, revenues and compliance in real time.

    She added that poor data integrity had historically undermined oversight in Nigeria’s upstream operations.

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    Eyesan stressed that her leadership would prioritise integrated digital systems, asset integrity monitoring and collaborative engagement with industry stakeholders to unblock long-standing operational bottlenecks.

    “We must collaborate with operators, policymakers and other regulators, identify our pain points and address them collectively.

    “That is how you move the needle forward,” she said.

    She described the Petroleum Industry Act as “a valuable document” that could reposition Nigeria as a competitive investment destination if implemented with discipline, transparency and technological support.

    She told senators that her experience as an operator gave her a practical understanding of both resource development and regulatory expectations.

    She recalled playing key roles in resolving disputes with international oil companies, stabilising investor confidence during divestment pressures and facilitating multi-billion-dollar deep offshore investments.

    She also cited her involvement in Nigeria’s first non-associated gas development contract and efforts that helped raise crude oil production from about 1.3 million barrels per day to nearly 1.8 million barrels per day.

    “Having worked directly in resource development, I understand the challenges operators face, and I believe I have the competence to regulate effectively while maximising national value,” she said.

    Mohammed said digital reforms would be complemented by strict enforcement of contracts and quality standards across the midstream and downstream segments.

    He said: “Gas is not a favour; it is a commodity. It must be sold on the basis of enforceable contracts from the producer to the transporter and the end-user.”

    He blamed persistent gas supply disruptions, especially in the power sector, on weak contractual frameworks and regulatory laxity. He argued that discipline and certainty were critical to attracting long-term investments.

    Mohammed said his administration would prioritise the enforcement of the Gas Network Code, revive pipeline transportation of petroleum products and deploy technology-driven monitoring systems to improve efficiency and transparency.

    He also pledged to strengthen quality assurance by developing in-house laboratory capacity at the NMDPRA, arguing that regulators could not enforce standards without the ability to independently test and certify products.

    “You cannot enforce quality if you do not have the capacity to test and certify products yourself,” he said.

    The nominee warned that neglecting domestic refining and processing capacity in favour of export-led strategies could damage the sector, drawing parallels with Nigeria’s defunct textile industry.

    The screening followed the resignation of the pioneer chief executives of the two agencies – Gbenga Komolafe of the NUPRC and Farouk Ahmed of the NMDPRA – appointed in 2021 after the PIA came into effect.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Sumaila Kawu, said the digital reform pledges were coming at a critical time for Nigeria’s economy.

    He noted that improved energy governance was central to revenue growth and economic recovery.

    He said further engagements with the nominees would continue in January to deepen legislative-regulatory collaboration.

    The Senate is expected to consider the committee’s report after the screening, paving the way for confirmation of the nominees.

    IPMAN flags N190b bridging claims

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) urged the incoming NMDPRA leadership to urgently address outstanding bridging claims owed to its members, estimated at over N190 billion.

    IPMAN National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, said the debt had lingered for years and posed a major strain on independent marketers.

    “While congratulating the new heads of the oil and gas regulatory bodies, we wish to remind them of the long outstanding bridging claims owed to our members, totalling over N190 billion,” he said.

    Maigandi also welcomed IPMAN’s recent agreement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to supply Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) directly to its members.

    He expressed optimism that the arrangement would stabilise supply and reduce pump prices when full implementation begins in 2026.

  • Tinubu reconstitutes NERC board, urges members on sector reforms

    Tinubu reconstitutes NERC board, urges members on sector reforms

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the confirmation of its members by the Senate on December 16.

    The reconstituted board is headed by Dr Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni as Chairman, with Dr Yusuf Ali appointed as Vice Chairman.

    Other members are Mr Nathan Rogers Shatti, Mr Dafe Akpeneye, Aisha Mahmud Kanti Bello, Dr Chidi Ike and Dr Fouad Animashaun.

    According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, Dr Oseni, who joined the commission as a commissioner in January 2017 and later served as Vice Chairman, assumed office as Chairman with effect from December 1, 2025.

    His tenure will run until the completion of his 10-year term at the commission, in line with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2023.

    Dr Ali, who was first appointed as a commissioner in February 2022, takes over as Vice Chairman from December 1, 2025, and will serve in that capacity until the completion of his first term.

    Mr Shatti and Mr Akpeneye are both serving second terms on the commission, having been first appointed as commissioners in January 2017, while Aisha Bello is also serving a second term following her initial appointment in December 2020.

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    Dr Ike, first appointed as a commissioner in February 2022, is serving his first term, while Dr Animashaun joins the commission for the first time, with his appointment taking effect from December 2025.

    Dr Animashaun is an energy economist with extensive experience in the Nigerian power sector and most recently served as Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

    President Tinubu charged the reconstituted NERC board to deepen and consolidate the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s power sector, urging members to discharge their responsibilities in strict adherence to the letter and spirit of the Electricity Act, 2023.

    The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening regulatory institutions as part of broader efforts to improve electricity supply, enhance investor confidence and drive sustainable growth in the power sector.

  • How excessive cash use drives money laundering, by GIABA

    How excessive cash use drives money laundering, by GIABA

    The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), says one of the major contributors to money laundering and other financial crimes in Nigeria and other West Africa countries is the excessive use of cash in payment and settlement of obligations.

    GIABA is a specialised agency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Speaking during the Joint GIABA–ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) Regional Forum on Women and Transnational Organised Crimes, held in Lagos, the Acting Director of Policy and Research at GIABA, Dr. Jeffery Isima, said the practice of transacting with cash makes financial crimes difficult to combat.

    On what GIABA is doing to tackle the scourge, he said: “What we are doing to deal with it is to first of all, help the Nigerian government, to enhance financial inclusion and cashless financing. We are helping to ensure that people will be able to do huge or massive transactions through electronic payments”.

    Isima, who represented the GIABA Director-General, Edwin Harris, said many people involved in financial crimes wouldn’t want to be paid through the banks because it’s traceable.

     “That practice is difficult to measure the amount of money involved in this transaction,” he said.

    He said human trafficking in West Africa is pervasive, evolving, and devastating. It is a crime that undermines development, erodes human rights, fuels illicit economies, and threatens regional stability.

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    For instance, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in West Africa, children make up more than 75 per cent of trafficking victims in the sub-region.

     “A detailed study of West Africa describes the region where for trafficking of persons, child labour, and modern slavery is “most prevalent” on the continent,” he said.

    Also speaking, Director/CEO, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Ms. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, said human trafficking remains one of the most lucrative forms of transnational organised crime globally.

     “According to ILO and UNODC estimates, forced labour and trafficking generate over 150 billion US dollars annually, placing it among the top revenue-generating criminal activities worldwide. Women and girls account for over 60 per cent of identified victims globally, with sexual exploitation and domestic servitude particularly prevalent in our region,” she said.

    She explained that behind every trafficking victim lies a financial trail, payments for recruitment, transportation, forged documentation, accommodation and exploitation. These proceeds are laundered through bank accounts, mobile money platforms, informal value transfer systems, shell businesses and increasingly, digital and crypto-enabled channels.

     “For this reason, trafficking cannot be effectively tackled without integrating anti–money laundering and counter-financing tools into national and regional responses,” she said.

    Bakari said West Africa faces unique and intersecting vulnerabilities. Poverty, unemployment, displacement due to conflict and climate pressures, porous borders and entrenched gender inequalities continue to create fertile ground for traffickers.

     “Criminal networks exploit these conditions with sophistication, often recruiting victims through trusted community links, social media platforms and false promises of education or employment.

     “GIABA and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) typology reports have consistently shown that trafficking networks in the region rely heavily on low-value, high-volume transactions, the use of third-party accounts, frequently held by women and young people and weak customer due diligence in certain sectors. These patterns underline the importance of risk-based supervision and intelligence-led interventions,” she said.