The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Reps to probe recovered NSIPA’s N30billion funds

    Reps to probe recovered NSIPA’s N30billion funds

    The House of Representatives has said it will investigate the total funds recovered from the National Social Insurance Protection Agency (NSIPA) during the 2024–2025 investigations to determine their current status and custodianship of the funds.

    The investigation is to identify issues delaying the release of the funds to the appropriate agencies with the aim of facilitating the prompt recommencement of the social investment programmes.

    In a resolution following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Saidu Musa Abdullahi (APC, Niger), the House resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to engage with relevant agencies to obtain all necessary information and clarifications relating to the recovered funds and also obtain a clear implementation and disbursement plan from NSIPA showing how the recovered funds will be utilized once released.

    Moving the motion, Abdullahi recalled that the NSIPA is the statutory institution responsible for implementing the Federal Government’s flagship social protection programmes, including the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), National Home Grown School Feeding Program,(NHGSFP) and the Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG)  been initiatives strategically designed to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty, improve nutrition and school enrolment, promote financial inclusion, expand livelihood opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs, and strengthen national socioeconomic stability.

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    He announced that on 8th January 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a decisive move to uphold accountability and transparency, suspended NSIPA operations for six weeks to enable a comprehensive investigation into alleged financial infractions by relevant security and anti-corruption agencies.

    According to him, the investigation resulted in the tracing, freezing, and recovery of substantial public funds belonging to the agency from Deposit Money Banks and Payment Service Providers, including funds appropriated for Trader Moni, MarketMoni, FarmerMoni, and Grants for Vulnerable Groups which are programmes central to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to supporting households, petty traders, women, farmers, and vulnerable Nigerians.

    He said credible sources have indicated that recovered funds estimated at over ₦30 billion have not been remitted into NSIPA’s designated Treasury Single Account (TSA), thereby stalling programme implementation and leaving millions of intended beneficiaries without the social and economic support envisioned by the Federal Government.

    He expressed concern that the prolonged non-release of these funds undermines the Renewed Hope Agenda by slowing down poverty alleviation efforts, weakening small-scale enterprises, exacerbating hardship in rural and urban communities, delaying local economic stimulation, and eroding public trust in the government’s social protection commitments.

    The Niger lawmaker said continued uncertainty over the exact location, custodial status, and administrative handling of the recovered funds poses fiscal risks, disrupts programme timelines, and may create institutional bottlenecks across related national social intervention initiatives.

    He said, despite the presidential approval lifting the suspension on NSIPA operations on January 21, 2025, the agency had been unable to resume full implementation of its programmes, allegedly due to the non-availability of recovered funds expected to have been released, thereby exposing millions of Nigerians to prolonged socioeconomic distress.

    He said the National Assembly has the constitutional responsibility to ensure accountability, transparency, and prudent management of public resources, particularly funds designated for poverty reduction and social investment programmes.

  • Adeleke set for Accord as chaos rocks PDP primary

    Adeleke set for Accord as chaos rocks PDP primary

    • Adedayo picks PDP governorship ticket

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to join Accord (A) next week as the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) worsened.

    IN the midst of the party’s crisis, Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola yesterday won the governorship ticket of the PDP ahead of next year’s election in Osun State.

    A total of 990 delegates were billed for the primary, but 957 were accredited for the exercise that took place at Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, amid heavy security.

    The Chairman of the party’s Primary Committee, Humphery Abba, announced before the commencement of the exercise that the party received two nominations, including Governor Ademola Adeleke and Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola.

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    He said: “However, few hours to the primary, Adeleke dumped the party.”

    The exercise was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    At the end of the exercise, Abba declared Adedamola as the winner of the primary.

    He said: “Void votes 20. We told you earlier that one of the aspirants withdrew. The candidate who got the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola with 919 votes and stands elected and returned.”

  • You must give us better results, President tells Service chiefs

    You must give us better results, President tells Service chiefs

    • Experts set agenda for Defence Minister nominee General Musa
    • Ex-CDS faces Senate screening

    Step up your strategies for greater efficiency and results in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other emerging threats, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday ordered Service chiefs and heads of intelligence agencies.

    The President demanded greater efficiency, stronger coordination and improved execution of operational strategies across all theatres of operation.

    He gave the directive during a meeting at the State House in Abuja.

    The meeting came amid renewed efforts by the Tinubu Administration to stabilise troubled regions and guarantee a peaceful festive season for citizens.

    Also yesterday, the President nominated immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa to replace Alhaji Abubakar Badaru as Defence Minister.

    On Monday, Badaru resigned from office citing health reasons.

    The Senate announced yesterday that the nominee would be screened today.

    At yesterday’s meeting were the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen Wahidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and and Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke.

    Others are: Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI) Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiadeye; Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

    Gen. Oluyede, who reported what the President told them at the meeting, added that the interaction was “quite engaging”.

    The CDS added that Nigerians should expect a safer and more stable environment in the coming weeks, particularly in the build-up to the festive seasons.

    Yesterday’s briefing forms part of the President’s sustained engagements with security institutions following his declaration of emergency on national security to confront rising threats across the country.

    Gen. Musa is Defence minister-designate

    General Musa’s nomination was transmitted to the Senate yesterday, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga said.

    The President said in the letter that the former CDS’s extensive operational experience and leadership record make him eminently qualified to steer the Defence Ministry at a time the country is intensifying efforts to upgrade its security architecture.

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, his Plateau State counterpart, Caleb Mutfwang, and Northwest leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Datti Muhammad, hailed the appointment.

    They expressed the belief that Gen. Musa would justify the confidence reposed in him.

    The former CDS, who turns 58 on December 25, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced infantry commanders.

    Gen. Musa, a recipient of the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012, served as CDS between 2023 and last month.

    Born in Sokoto in 1967, he attended the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, before enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1986, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and earning a commission as Second Lieutenant.

    In a career spanning over three decades, Gen. Musa served as General Staff Officer 1, Training and Operations, Headquarters 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative on the Training Team at the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

    Sani, Muftwang, Northwest APC hail appointment

    Sani, Mutfwang and Mohammed hailed the appointment, saying that the president has demonstrated good leadership.

    Mohammed, a former member of the House of Representatives, described the President’s decision as “a perfect choice” and a round peg in a round hole.”

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    He expressed optimism that General Musa would turn around the security situation in the country for the good.

    Mohammed said: “On behalf of the entire All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the Northwest, I extend our profound appreciation to the President for appointing General C.G. Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

    “Without mincing words, Mr. President has made the right choice given General Musa’s pedigree as a fine, dedicated, dogged, patriotic, and gallant military officer, who, as the Chief of Defence Staff until October 24, gave a good account of himself.

    “Time and time again, General Musa has proven to be one of the finest military officers. General Musa has demonstrated uncommon courage as a soldiers’ soldier.

    Also, Mutfwang thanked President Tinubu for deeming General Musa worthy of the noble responsibility of providing leadership in safeguarding and defending the nation.

    The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Gyang Bere, described the nominee as a gallant, courageous, and exceptionally competent officer who has made immeasurable sacrifices in fostering peace, unity, and national cohesion.

    He commended his doggedness and commitment during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, expressing confidence that he will bring renewed vigour, clarity of purpose, and effective strategy to the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges.

    Muftwang noted that General Musa’s appointment is a fitting recognition for a man whose life embodies intellectual depth, professional excellence, discipline, and an unshakable dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

    The governor, who urged him to live up to expectations, also enjoined Nigerians to see the war against terrorism and violent crimes as a joint responsibility.

    Kaduna State Governor Sani described the nomination as “well-deserved, timely and a reaffirmation of excellence.”

    He said the choice reflected the president’s determination to strengthen the security architecture amid the security emergency.

    Sani commended President Tinubu for what he called “a profound vote of confidence” in the retired General’s integrity, competence and record of national service.

    The governor, who said he had worked closely with Gen. Musa during his tenure as CDS, described him as “a round peg in a round hole,” praising his discipline, strategic insight and humane leadership style.

    He said the General played a significant role in restoring public trust in the Armed Forces.

    Sani added: “For us in Kaduna State, Gen. Musa’s nomination evokes deep gratitude.

    His wise counsel and firm support were instrumental in stabilising communities that once faced serious security challenges.

    The modest but significant gains we recorded bear his enduring imprint.”

    Sani said the country would benefit immensely from his experience and patriotism.”

    Musa faces Senate screening today

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who dropped the hint in a statement through his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs, emphasised the significance of the screening to ensuring internal peace and stability.

    Gen. Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Defence Minister Alhaji Mohammed Badaru.

    In the statement, Bamidele noted that the Senate “is already in possession of the request of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to screen his defence minister nominee.

    “The letter will be read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday. Subsequently, the chamber will immediately proceed to the screening of the nominee pursuant to Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.

    “We cannot delay such a request especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland. We are treating the request as a matter that directly touches the core interest of our nation so that the federal government can sustain its campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists and other forces undermining our national security.

    “Since the President has declared a State of Emergency on national security, both the Presidency and National Assembly must work hand in hand to ensure peace, stability and good government.

    “The screening of the defence minister nominee is one of the ways to demonstrate such a synergy purely in the national interest.”

  • CREDICORP deploys N30b in consumer credit

    CREDICORP deploys N30b in consumer credit

    • Agency enabling 31 financial institutions to raise lending capacity

    The Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) deployed over N30 billion in credit within a few months of operation, its Chief Executive Officer, Uzoma Nwagba, has said.

    The institution, he said, brought “life-changing financial support to nearly 200,000 Nigerians and enabled 31 financial institutions to expand their lending capacity.”

    CREDICORP is a development-finance institution established by the Federal Government in April last year.

    It was created as part of the Tinubu Administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” to democratise access to consumer credit for working Nigerians who previously were denied formal lending.

    Rather than lending directly, CREDICORP partners with banks, microfinance institutions and fintechs, offering credit guarantees and wholesale funding.

    The goal is to enable citizens to buy essential goods (vehicles, solar power systems, home improvements, devices) on manageable credit rather than relying only on savings, thereby boosting consumption, raising living standards, and stimulating local industry and economic growth.

    Nwagba provided update on its performance in the organisation’s in-house publication.

    He described the development as a “significant demonstration of what a modern, high-efficiency government institution can achieve when built deliberately from the ground up.”

    Nwagba said the achievement was made possible by designing the corporation as a new kind of public institution, one purposefully created to avoid the entrenched inefficiencies that have shaped government operations for decades.

    “We built this institution from scratch with the conviction that we must rewrite rules,” he said.

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    According to him, CREDICORP’s early accomplishments show what is possible when government adopts systems that value speed, discipline, transparency and innovation.

    He noted that all the funds deployed so far remain fully performing, with a “remarkable zero non-performing loan rate,” a result he attributed to strong internal controls and a modern operational framework.

    Nwagba explained that the progress recorded by CREDICORP is the work of a small but highly driven team with a median age of 34.

    He said the corporation’s structure and culture were intentionally designed to model a new blueprint for public sector performance.

    “This effort is powered by 25 people and a few youth corps members, but it shows the kind of impact government can deliver when the right systems are in place,” he said.

    The CREDICORP CEO identified five foundational principles guiding the organisation’s work.

    The first, he said, is the decision to run a completely paperless institution.

    According to him, the corporation operates with “zero paper and a 100 per cent digital workflow,” eliminating physical files and ensuring that every request – whether for procurement, travel or internal approvals – is processed through digital platforms that are immediately time-stamped and visible to those involved.

    He said this approach removes the delays associated with physical documentation and creates a clear trail of responsibility for every action taken.

    “Traceability and speed are built into our everyday operations,” he said, adding that the model encourages data-driven decisions and strengthens service delivery.

    The second principle, Nwagba continued, is CREDICORP’s identity as a fully AI-native institution.

    He explained that staff are required to be fluent in artificial intelligence tools such as Microsoft CoPilot, ChatGPT and Gemini.

    The use of AI, he said, ensures that routine tasks, including drafting, analysis and data reconciliation, are handled automatically, freeing personnel for the strategic work of designing credit products, supporting partner financial institutions and responding to the credit needs of working Nigerians.

    “AI handles the mechanical; our people focus on the meaningful,” he said.

    The third decision shaping the institution is the complete elimination of petrol usage.

    Nwagba said CREDICORP is the first government agency in the country to operate exclusively with electric vehicles.

    He acknowledged that the choice initially raised concerns about charging points and infrastructure gaps across the country.

    However, he said the institution decided that it must “live the future before it becomes convenient,” a commitment that has now delivered a 62 per cent reduction in transportation costs and positioned CREDICORP as a leading public sector example in clean mobility.

    He added that the corporation’s headquarters runs solely on solar power, making it independent of diesel generators and reducing operational costs while also contributing to a cleaner work environment.

    He described the experience as “quiet, clean and uninterrupted power,” adding that the decision reinforces the institution’s credibility when designing credit products for clean energy users and providers.

    “If we advocate for clean energy, then we must operate on clean energy,” he said.

    The fifth pillar of CREDICORP’s operational model is a real-time accountability system built to reward performance daily rather than annually.

    Nwagba said staff members receive a set of digital tokens known as CrediCoins every two weeks and award them to colleagues whenever they observe meaningful contributions to the organisation’s objectives.

    All tokens are accompanied by explanations and linked to the corporation’s values.

    A performance dashboard is visible to the entire organisation, enabling staff to track contributions and identify those driving institutional progress.

    At the end of each quarter, the highest earner assumes the position of “Managing Director for a Day,” taking part in executive reviews and participating in leadership decisions.

    “Excellence becomes a daily habit, not a ceremony,” he said.

    Nwagba said the five principles are not symbolic initiatives but the organisation’s core operating system, designed to ensure that government institutions can meet the expectations of citizens with the urgency required to improve their lives.

    He said CREDICORP’s mission is to democratise access to consumer credit for Nigeria’s working population and to serve as a model for how public institutions can function efficiently, transparently and with a deep sense of purpose.

    “These choices show that government can work differently and deliver at the scale our people deserve,” he said, adding that CREDICORP remains committed to building a credit system that expands opportunities for millions of Nigerian households.

  • UI Alumni Awards for Tunji Bello, LASU VC

    UI Alumni Awards for Tunji Bello, LASU VC

    Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Mr. Tunji Bello and his wife, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello, are to be honoured with awards by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide.

    The ceremony will hold today in Abuja.

    According to a statement, Professor Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), was nominated for the highly coveted “Worthy Ambassador” Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, exceptional service, and significant contributions to academic excellence and institutional growth under her leadership.

    This award celebrates alumni who exemplify purposeful leadership and have made impactful contributions to both national development and higher education in Nigeria.

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    Her husband will be honoured with the “Meritorious Service” Award, acknowledging his exemplary leadership as a newspaper editor, philanthropy and dedication to public service. His impactful roles, being Commissioner with the Lagos State government at various times, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, and his current role with the Federal Government highlight his unwavering commitment to public accountability, institutional strengthening, and governance transparency.

    Mr. Bello is also an accomplished lawyer.

    The ceremony will be chaired by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, with special honourees such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, among other distinguished leaders.

  • Delta APC praises Tinubu for Omokri’s ambassadorial nomination

    Delta APC praises Tinubu for Omokri’s ambassadorial nomination

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been applauded by the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for nominating a former presidential aide, Mr Reno Omokri, as an ambassador-designate.

    “Omokri’s nomination speaks volumes about President Tinubu’s commitment to merit, national inclusion and the recognition of individuals who have shown unwavering passion for the advancement of Nigeria,” the party stated in a congratulatory message by the chapter Chairman, Mr Omeni Sobotie, yesterday.

    It commended the President for identifying and elevating the Delta-born technocrat and advocate whose voice and intellectual rigour, it stated, contributed to shaping national conversations over the years.

    The party stated that the nomination was a national recognition that had brought immense pride to the state and the nominee’s family.

    Congratulating Omokri, the APC said the nomination recognised his intellectual contributions, his longstanding engagement in policy discourse, and extensive international exposure, which consistently demonstrated his capacity to serve Nigeria at the highest levels.

    “As a political party committed to promoting excellence, competence and patriotic service, Delta APC is delighted to celebrate yet another proud son of our beloved State who has distinguished himself with honour and integrity on the national and global stage,” the party stated.

    It emphasised that it viewed the nomination as a shining example of the possibilities that lie ahead of Deltans, who continue to excel across diverse professional fields.

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    The APC expressed confidence in Omokri’s capacity to carry out his assignment competently and diligently.

    “We are confident that he will not only excel in this diplomatic role but will also serve as a bridge-builder, an image-bearer of Nigeria’s potential and a worthy representative of Delta State,” it said.

    According to the APC, “Mr Omokri’s global footprint – spanning public service, advocacy, media, humanitarian work and diplomacy – positions him uniquely to project Nigeria’s values, deepen bilateral relations and promote our national interests with distinction.”

    The party urged the ambassador-designate to continue to embody the virtues of diligence, humility and patriotism that characterised his journey thus far.

    The APC urged all its members in the state to pray for Omokri’s success.

  • UBA Group ushers in 2025 Yuletide, lights up Lagos Marina

    UBA Group ushers in 2025 Yuletide, lights up Lagos Marina

    With thousands of bright, colourful lights and serenading carols, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. Has lit up the atmosphere at Marina, on Lagos Island for the Yuletide.

    The bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba; Deputy Managing Directors and  other top executives of the bank and some customers witnessed the unveiling of the Light up Lagos Marina on Monday.

    The event was replicated in all the 24 countries where UBA has presence.

    Alawuba, who gave his speech following joyous renditions by the UBA CFC Choir and the Lagos Community Gospel Choir, welcomed customers and staff to the event as he emphasised the importance of the Light-up as a symbol of hope for the coming year.

    Stating that the bank’s lighting up of the Marina extends beyond mere singing and decoration, he noted the significance of the season, adding “we are light unto the world, creating an environment of light, of hope, of joy, an environment of love and sharing. For us, today officially marks the commencement of the Christmas season – a season of love, hope, and of joy.”

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    He noted that the event also heralded act of charity within the bank’s immediate community.

    “We are beginning to share love and charity with our neighbours in this environment. Christmas is a period of gift sharing, a period of love, and a flow of charity. This is what UBA promises, and we will reach out to our people who have been with us all through,” he said.

    The UBA Marina Light-Up ceremony has become an annual tradition, signaling the bank’s dedication to fostering positivity, reinforcing bonds, and spreading goodwill throughout the festive period and beyond.

    Alawuba reiterated the bank’s pan-African commitment as he told the visitors and journalists present that overtime, the ceremony has become a global standard for the group.

    He said: “UBA is one, everywhere. We operate in 24 countries across four continents. Whatever you see us doing here, we are doing in all our countries of presence. UBA will continue to improve our surroundings, appreciate our customers, and value our staff who have been there for us.”

  • Finding alternative solutions to resolving midstream challenges

    Finding alternative solutions to resolving midstream challenges

    Illegal refining and pipeline vandalisation are two of major challenges confronting Nigeria’s midstream oil sector. JOHN OFIKHENUA reports that the Federal Government might have found a creative way to encourage addressing the problems.

    The Federal Government seems to have found a way around the menace of illegal refining and pipeline vandalism. Leading a delegation of the Federal Government on an inspection tour to the ongoing Ebenco Global Link Limited refinery in Koko, Delta State, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Director of Liquid, Ngozi Nwankwo, discovered innovative solutions with local content in the 1000 BSPD modular plant.

    The team also assessed the double thermal desorption unit, tank farm, waste management recycling unit, workshop, primary storage tank for only waste treatment, boiler for sludge treatment, among others.

    Enthralled by the global technology that was domesticated at the facilities, the minister described it as a pilot project, which operators of illegal refineries should emulate to replicate modular refineries across the country. He was upbeat that the measure will bring the illicit enterprise of coal fire refining, its concomitant issues of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalisation to an end.  He depicted the plant as a global brand because of its strategic partnership with China to turn out the best quality products. With the Ebenco model, the minister submitted that it is better to engage illegal operators, give them credit facilities, make them procure feedstock (crude oil) in Naira at the prevailing exchange rate and sell the products legitimately. According to him, finding an answer to tackle the illegal refining issue has always been a reoccurring decimal. The minister was however elated that he found the answer at the Ebenco refinery.

    He said: “The government is real committed to promoting local companies like Ebenco. It is committed to partnering with companies towards solving some of the problems that we are having. One of the biggest questions I ask people who are doing coal fire refining, why can’t we have improved machinery that could be used to refine this crude and resold to these men who are breaking pipelines and stealing the crude? Why can’t we work out an institution where we can have an improved refining like Ebenco is doing replicate it across?

    “Today, I am here to find an answer to that question. If Ebenco is able to build a refinery that will refine products that meet international standards, it is easier for the government to.come up with fund and procure that and then give to different groups across the country.

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    “They will be given crude and pay for it in Naira the dollar equivalent because crude is sold in dollar. So even if you want to pay in dollar it has to be on the prevailing exchange rate.

    “Instead of someone going to China to look for refineries, you have brought the Chinese partner here who will do all the things and come up with quality refining”.

    Speaking with reporters after his tour on the facility, Lokpobiri reiterated government’s readiness to support intending investors with credit facilities. Unfolding how government will enforce the plan, he said the operators will buy crude oil, pay tax and interestingly, generate employment. The scheme, according to him, would be mutually beneficial to both the government and those presently indulging in the perilous illegal refining of crude oil.

    His words: “Producing modular refineries locally is one of the solutions to pipeline vandalisation that is going on by those who want to do illegal refining.

    “When Ebenco modular is completed, we want to see how this could be replicated in collaboration with stakeholders so that those who are breaking pipelines don’t need to break pipeline. 

    “They need to just acquire this (modular refinery) and if they don’t have money we will see how we can procure for them. And then they will pay back in over a period of time. We have to find ways to solving that problem vandalisation by those who are doing coal fire. By the time we come up with this solution, they will buy the crude, pay taxes, we will have sustainable employment for them and at the end of the day, it will be win-win for everybody.”

    He expressed satisfaction with the level of establishment the indigenous modular refinery has reached. Lokpobiri pledged to commission the plant when it is completely established. According to him, in partnership with Chinese and others, Ebenco has acquired technology and domesticated it in line with global standards.

    The minister said, “This is what other countries do, you acquire technology and then domesticate it.

     You bring it home. When I got here and saw Ebenco in partnership with partners from other countries with a view to ensuring that whatever it produces in this place will meet global standards. So, I am very impressed with what I am seeing and it is what is recommended for those who want to operate in the midstream. Anybody who wants modular refineries instead of going outside the country should come to Ebenco and then see what is being done here.”

    He pledged Federal Government’s support for the fledging local modular refinery. The minister vowed to draft the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe and the management team to assess Ebenco modular refinery for possible partnership.

    Similarly, the NMDPRA Director of Liquid, Ngozi Nwankwo, said the plant will proffer solution to local illegal refining. According to her, the business is capital intensive aside from the challenge of accessing crude oil . The assessed refinery, she said, has advantage over every other refinery in the country because it is built to shut down when there is no crude oil unlike the others ones that remain in operation unnecessarily, resulting in higher cost of production. She added that it is a total departure from the past as where refineries in Nigeria are built to operate and only shutdown in case of emergency.

    “It is a total departure from what we normally have, which has been a stumbling block to those who want to establish refineries because it is capital intensive. So the refinery has a different concept. The normal concept for every refinery in Nigeria is that it is built to operate and never shutdown except in time of emergency. But this one is built on the latch process. You don’t have to be in operation if you are not,” said Nwankwo.

      She confirmed the refinery has brought innovative local technologies to bear which even NMDPRA has to understudy. She said the refinery will not grapple with paucity of fund like other modular refineries because of its unique local technology.

    Meanwhile,  the Ebenco Chief Executive Officer, Ebenezer Oluwagbemiga Akin said the plant is at its final stage of development. According to him, the government’s clamour for a solution to the scarcity of petroleum products spurred him to commence the establishment of the refinery. He said although the company has a license for 30,000 barrels per day plant, it is developing 1000 bspd capacity at the moment. The firm, he said,  is already looking forward to inviting the minister for the commissioning of the modular refinery.

    A modular refinery has capacity to produce Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) diesel, Kerosene, Naphtha and FPSO, he said stressing “that is what the main license is for.”

    He described the facility is a practical demonstration of Nigerian industrial capability and responsible value recovery. In his analysis of the plant, he said “Through thermal desorption, filtration, water treatment, oxygen support systems, and local fabrication, we turn complex petroleum-related streams into useful outputs while reducing waste and environmental risk.”

    He held the same view with Lokpobiri that the  bigger value is jobs, and stronger local engineering capacity, stressing it will crash import dependence, and result in  alignment with national priorities on energy efficiency and sustainability.

    In order to address environmental concerns, the CEO said, “Safety and environmental stewardship are non-negotiable for us. We operate strictly within regulatory standards, maintain robust HSE systems, and invest in trained personnel, monitoring, and disciplined procedures. Our technology is designed for controlled processing, safe recovery, and minimal environmental footprint. We want growth, but only the kind that is safe, compliant, and sustainable”

    Although the NMDPRA issued a license for 5,000BSPD to the company, the development of 1,000 BSPD phase one, is now close to commissioning.

    Oluwagbemiga said, “We are scaling in phases. Phase Two is underway to expand capacity and deepen integration across processing and fabrication. Our goal is to build a replicable, Nigerian-led model that can grow responsibly and serve wider national needs.”

    The indigenous firm is not on its own, it is aligning with international technical partners to transfer the skills and innovation to Nigerians.

    On the partnership that is driving the plant, he said “We welcome partnerships that support local content, technology transfer, and responsible investment. When government and private sector align on shared outcomes, industrial growth becomes faster, safer, and more impactful.”

    What actually impressed the minister to express satisfactory remarks on the refinery was the nature of partnership. Instead of traveling to China for the expertise, the firm brought its technical partner, Mr. Wang Jianhui, who has an avid knowledge in oil and gas. Besides, the partner confers the advantage of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) on the refinery. He is present at the plant to train and retrain Nigerians on equipment manufacturing,  drilling rig, oil and gas field management.

    His words: “Chairman has visited our city with me. We have an oil city and there is so much relating to oil and gas. We have experience in equipment manufacturing, drilling rig and we have so much experience in oil field management, refining and so much.

    “We want to be the technical partner for Ebenco to support Ebenco to get more local content. We start by training our local engineers.”

    Both the government and operator are optimistic that a replication the Ebenco Refinery model can rescue the country from the present battle with pipeline vandals, illegal refiners and environmental pollution. However, since talking tough is easier in a dreamland, only their action and inaction, nothing else hinders the players from realising their plan.

  • Tinapa comeback signals new era for Cross River

    Tinapa comeback signals new era for Cross River

    After a glittering launch, Tinapa Business Resort & Free Zone in Calabar soon sank into financial turmoil, halting operations and prompting takeover by AMCON. Years of stalled revival, mounting debt, and legal uncertainty followed. Its repossession by the Cross River State Government in 2025 marks a decisive turning point, celebrated widely as a triumph that restores hope, revives the state’s vision, and sets the stage for Tinapa’s long-awaited resurgence, Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF reports

    It was on the historic day of April 2, 2007, that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo inaugurated the first phase of the Tinapa Business Resort & Free Zone in Calabar. Since then, the project has remained one of the most ambitious developmental undertakings ever embarked upon by the Cross River State Government. Conceived by then-Governor Donald Duke, Tinapa was envisioned as a transformative force to position Cross River State as the economic heartbeat of West Africa. More than infrastructure, it was designed as a fulcrum for job creation, revenue generation, tourism revival, economic emancipation, and a broader development revolution.

    Over the years, Tinapa has emerged as a narrative of hope, missteps, and remarkable resilience. Today, under Governor Bassey Otu, the resort is experiencing what many describe as its most promising rebirth. Tinapa was conceived at a time when Cross River State sought to reinvent itself as a globally competitive investment destination. As the state moved away from oil dependency and aggressively promoted tourism, the government envisioned a complementary commercial hub—blending leisure, trade, and business. The resort was designed as a mixed-use development with world-class retail facilities, wholesale emporiums, a film studio (Studio Tinapa), hotels, entertainment complexes, and Africa’s largest waterpark at the time. Governor Otu recently described Tinapa as “an enabler of the socio-economic transformation of the State,” underscoring its broader vision beyond mere bricks and mortar.

    From the outset, Tinapa attracted international attention. Investors, tourists, and development analysts lauded it as a symbol of subnational ambition executed at an impressive scale. At its opening, it was among Nigeria’s most sophisticated business and leisure estates. Luxurious hotels, state-of-the-art retail spaces, and seamless architectural design established a regional economic beacon. Strategically located near the Calabar Free Trade Zone, it aimed to support duty-free shopping, large-scale trade, and international commercial traffic. Initially, Tinapa thrived. Conferences were hosted, families flocked to the waterpark, and retail shops buzzed with activity. For a while, it appeared that Cross River had discovered a non-oil revenue engine capable of reshaping its future.

    Legal and operational challenges

    Yet, despite its glamour and the massive capital invested, Tinapa soon faced uncertainty. Its decline was gradual, tied closely to regulatory constraints. Duty-free operations—the project’s core engine—ran into federal Customs restrictions that stifled commerce. Goods intended for free trade became trapped in layers of bureaucracy, eroding the resort’s competitive edge. Retail shops closed, investors exited, foot traffic dwindled, and financial pressures mounted. Unable to maintain the sprawling infrastructure without projected revenues, the state fell into debt, and the project that once symbolised progress became a monument to stalled potential. During this period, Tinapa came under the supervision of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which intervened to recover outstanding debts.

    With AMCON managing its liabilities, questions of true ownership emerged. While Cross River State remained the principal stakeholder, operational and legal encumbrances limited its control. This ambiguity discouraged investors, discouraged partnerships, and left the public viewing the once-glittering estate as a stranded asset. Tinapa had become a majestic structure trapped in limbo—too valuable to abandon, yet unable to operate freely. Successive governments attempted negotiations, legal reviews, and renegotiations, but it was not until 2025 that a breakthrough finally emerged, signalling the long-awaited revival of a project that had long promised so much for Cross River State.

    Otu’s repossession of Tinapa: A turning point

    On November 7, the Cross River State Government announced a historic breakthrough: Tinapa Business Resort had been fully repossessed from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), ending years of legal ambiguity. Officials described the repossession as “decisive, strategic, and economically necessary,” restoring the resort as the bona fide property of the State. Governor Otu, speaking at the repossession ceremony, captured both the gravity of the moment and the optimism for the future. “Today’s event has finally removed the legal lacuna on the ownership of Tinapa, which is now the bona fide property of the Cross River State Government,” he said. He added: “We are not only reclaiming the facility, but also increasing the stock of our enduring infrastructure. The return of Tinapa is not merely an event; it is a rebirth, the triumph of faith, patience, and resilience. This is more than reclaiming an asset; it is the revival of a vision that once placed Cross River on the global economic map.”

    Under the “People First Agenda,” Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reposition Tinapa as a thriving hub for trade, tourism, and creative enterprise. He revealed that discussions were already underway with credible investors and partners to transform the resort into a dynamic centre for commerce and job creation, guided by transparency and accountability. Otu also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, AMCON, and other relevant agencies for their cooperation throughout the transition, commending all stakeholders who ensured a successful handover.

    Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mike Odere, described the development as a symbol of renewed pride and optimism. “It means pride, it means reawakening, it means renewed hope as we are now free to attract investors and reposition the facility for maximum impact,” he said. Meanwhile, AMCON’s Executive Director, Mr. Shola Lamide, noted that while the corporation acquired Tinapa in 2011, it faced challenges attracting private investment. He described the handover as “a win for both AMCON and the people of Cross River.”

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    For many, the repossession was more than a bureaucratic victory; it symbolised clarity, restored dignity, and renewed confidence in the state’s ability to manage its most valuable assets. Government officials say it marks the beginning of broad economic renewal. A senior official at the Ministry of Industry and Trade explained: “These steps were taken to rekindle investor confidence and provide a ray of hope for Cross Riverians.”

    Economic analysts agree that restoring control over Tinapa is critical. The resort remains one of Nigeria’s most extensive, fully built commercial complexes. With ownership clarified, the State can now redesign operational frameworks without legal obstacles. Engagements have already begun with investors in agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, leisure, hospitality, and export-oriented businesses, aligning with Otu’s vision of Tinapa as “an investors’ haven where limitless opportunity beckons.” The governor has also invited citizens at home and abroad to participate in this rebirth, marketing Tinapa as both a resort and a new investment frontier.

    The strategy behind Tinapa’s repossession included debt regularisation through a structured settlement with AMCON, legal harmonisation to unify the resort’s legal identity under the State, and a comprehensive audit of buildings, facilities, and equipment to ensure a clean handover. Governance restructuring is also underway, aiming to professionalise operations, eliminate waste, and position the resort for profitability. A senior official noted that Governor Otu “played a hands-on role” throughout, insisting that reclaiming Tinapa was essential to “correct historical economic missteps” and restore the legacy of the project.

    What lies ahead

    With the legal knots finally untangled, the Cross River State Government has embarked on the first phase of a comprehensive revitalisation agenda for Tinapa. At the forefront is infrastructure rehabilitation: modernising ICT systems, upgrading water and lighting networks, refurbishing hotels, and improving road access to ensure the resort meets contemporary standards. Beyond physical upgrades, the State is redefining Tinapa’s economic focus. The plan shifts the resort from a primarily retail hub to a diversified centre for economic activity, encompassing processing zones, creative industries, technology incubation, transport and logistics hubs, conference tourism, and film and media production. Central to this vision is a partnership-driven model: both local and international investors have expressed interest, with sectors like agro-processing and manufacturing poised to create sustainable jobs and generate export revenue.

    To safeguard the project, the state is strengthening regulatory frameworks by engaging with federal agencies, ensuring Tinapa can operate smoothly without the bureaucratic obstacles that hindered its growth in the past. Governor Otu’s remarks at the repossession ceremony underscored a clear strategic philosophy. Tinapa is to serve as a catalyst for statewide socio-economic transformation. Reclaiming the facility not only increases State-owned infrastructure but also signals to local and international investors that legal disputes are behind the project, creating confidence for long-term engagement. The governor’s appeal to citizens highlights inclusivity, inviting them to participate in the next chapter of Tinapa’s development. In his words: “The project was conceived as an enabler of the socio-economic transformation of the state.”

    Local entrepreneurs share the optimism. Business owner Malachi James said: “Tinapa is not just a resort. It’s a cultural heritage. We look forward to welcoming visitors and showcasing our tourism endowment. With this resort set to roar back to life, Cross River and Nigeria at large will feel its pulse as it catalyses economic prosperity. I can’t wait for its revival.” Investment analysts note that the path ahead will demand discipline, sustained political will, and strategic investment. Yet, for the first time in years, Tinapa appears poised on a runway, its engines humming, ready to take off toward a renewed era of growth, innovation, and opportunity.

  • Art Fair awakens Abuja’s cultural heartbeat

    Art Fair awakens Abuja’s cultural heartbeat

    A slow but unmistakable shift is under way in Abuja. Long regarded as a city defined by bureaucracy and political ritual, the capital is beginning to articulate a cultural identity of its own. That transition gains sharper definition with the debut of the Abuja Art Fair, scheduled for December 3 to 7 —a milestone that positions the city to claim a more assertive role in Nigeria’s artistic landscape.

    The inaugural edition arrives at a moment when Abuja’s creative infrastructure is expanding with unusual momentum. While Lagos has historically shaped the country’s artistic discourse, Abuja’s changing demographics, institutional growth, and evolving art market have created conditions for a new centre of gravity. The fair, conceived and curated by Olorogun Jeff Ajueshi, seeks to crystallise this shift by offering a purpose-built platform that assembles artists, collectors, curators, enthusiasts, and corporate partners from across Nigeria and beyond.

    Its theme, “Art in the Heart of Nigeria,” is deliberately double-edged: geographically literal, yet also an argument for cultural repositioning. Ajueshi’s curatorial statement frames the fair not merely as an exhibition, but as an attempt to relocate the nation’s artistic conversations to a more central, and nationally representative, stage. In this reading, art becomes less an ornamental pastime and more an infrastructural necessity—an organising principle capable of shaping identity, discourse, and public imagination.

    The fair’s emergence is closely tied to Ajueshi’s own long-term interventions in Abuja’s cultural ecosystem. Nearly two decades ago, when the city was widely dismissed as artistically dormant, he founded the Thought Pyramid Art Gallery (later the Thought Pyramid Art Centre) as a counter-narrative to that perception. The initiative has since expanded to Ikoyi, Benin City, and Oghara—evidence of a broader strategy to create a network of spaces that support artistic education, production, and exhibition. The Abuja Art Fair represents an evolution of that effort: a shift from building individual centres of excellence to constructing a nationally visible institution that can anchor a new cultural economy.

    Across its five-day programme—opening on December 3 at the Art Pavilion in Garki—the fair will present a spectrum of traditional, modern, and contemporary works, along with installations, performances, and panel sessions. The selection prioritises emerging Nigerian and African artists but situates them alongside established figures within the global art ecosystem. This combination reflects a curatorial interest in tracing both continuity and rupture within African artistic expression.

    More critically, the works have been chosen for their capacity to interrogate the urgencies of contemporary life: environmental precarity, governance and civic responsibility, humanitarian challenges, technological acceleration, and the role of women in shaping national and continental futures. The fair thus positions Abuja not only as a showcase but as a site of inquiry, where the country’s political centre becomes a venue for cultural critique and imagination. In doing so, it echoes a global trend in which art fairs are no longer simply commercial nodes, but platforms for discourse, soft power, and cultural diplomacy.

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    Analytically, the Abuja Art Fair marks a strategic move in Nigeria’s cultural geography. It tests whether the nation’s administrative capital—traditionally overshadowed by Lagos in the realms of commerce and culture—can sustain a large-scale, annually recurring art event with continental ambition. It also addresses a long-standing critique within Nigerian art circles: the overconcentration of attention, resources, and opportunities in a few coastal cities. By positioning itself as a pan-Nigerian and regionally relevant forum, the fair attempts to broaden that aperture.

    For Abuja, the stakes are both symbolic and structural. If successful, the fair could accelerate the development of the city’s cultural economy, alter patterns of patronage and artistic mobility, and reframe how creative capital is distributed across the country. More broadly, it has the potential to shift external perceptions of Nigeria’s cultural power centres—presenting Abuja not merely as the seat of political decision-making, but as a site where national narratives are debated, negotiated, and performed.

    The inaugural Abuja Art Fair arrives, then, not as an isolated event but as part of a larger recalibration. It signals the capital’s readiness to move beyond administrative identity and assert itself as a creative locus with continental reach. Through its exhibitions, conversations, and institutional aspirations, it proposes a future in which Abuja’s cultural output is as consequential as the policy documents it produces.