The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Economic reforms to secure youth future, build global competitiveness — Tinubu

    Economic reforms to secure youth future, build global competitiveness — Tinubu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday said his administration’s sweeping economic reforms are deliberately designed to secure the future of youths by equipping them with the skills, opportunities, and institutional support needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.

    The President made the remarks while receiving the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, at the State House in Abuja. 

    Prince Edward, who chairs the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, was in Nigeria to brief the President on the organisation’s forthcoming award ceremony scheduled to hold in Lagos.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described youths as the heart of Nigeria’s development agenda and central to the nation’s economic transformation. 

    “We will be participating in the G-20 this week. It is the third time Africa is hosting the G-20. And the central issue is about our youth. We need to strengthen the economy for our youths”, President Tinubu said.

    He said reforms initiated by his administration, including education financing, digital infrastructure expansion, and skills development programmes, are targeted at enabling young Nigerians to compete globally.

    “We need to strengthen the economy for our youths. The reforms are about growth and prosperity for the nation. They take into full consideration our demography and the need for skills development. We are emulating best practices to explore opportunities in several areas”, the President said.

    Highlighting the government’s new Education Loan Fund, Tinubu stressed that no student admitted into tertiary institutions should drop out due to financial constraints. 

    “Our goal is to use education to drive down poverty,” he said.

    Read Also: Okpebholo takes EU ambassadors to monarch

    The President added that widespread infrastructural upgrades, such as the nationwide laying of fibre-optic cables, would expand access to technology, deepen inclusion and accelerate the integration of young people into the digital economy. 

    He said reforms across various sectors are also aimed at strengthening synergy among institutions while sustaining long-term growth.

    Tinubu further noted that improving security remains a top priority, commending humanitarian organisations for supporting victims of terrorism and internal displacement.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria’s youthful population, with a median age of 17, continues to shape the structure and focus of government reforms, which aim to expand skills development and job creation.

    Prince Edward lauded the Tinubu administration’s reforms, saying they have earned positive global attention. 

    He said the Lagos award ceremony will celebrate the achievements of 320 young Nigerians who have demonstrated passion, resilience, and commitment to personal development.

    He also praised the Minister of Finance for his “brilliant contributions” to the planning of the event and for consistently championing the role of young people in Nigeria’s reform process.

    The Duke was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Sir Richard Montgomery; his Private Secretary, Alex Potts; Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, Martin Houghton-Brown; and International Trustee for Africa, Mr. Muhoho Kenyatta.

    The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global non-formal education framework that equips young people with skills, resilience and a sense of service through schools, youth organisations and community groups worldwide.

  • Deal with criminals irrespective of tribe, religion- Sultan

    Deal with criminals irrespective of tribe, religion- Sultan

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on security agencies to deal decisively with criminals irrespective of their religion or tribe.

    He urged Nigerians to be united and not allow themselves to be divided by external forces.

    The Sultan spoke during the 10th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) at the Bola Babalakin Auditorium in Gbongan, Osun State.

    He condemned the killings by terrorists and bandits across the country,

    According to him: “There have been a lot of talks about Genocide, but I’ve said it and I keep saying it, I’ve ever seen it or heard of a Christian denied his right to worship.

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    “We are living in harmony and we are not going to allow anybody to come and break us. We should not judge anyone. What we can do is to try to be the best we can be.

    “Those killing people are not Muslims but criminals and I want to urge the security operatives to apprehend and deal decisively with criminals irrespective of their religion or tribe.”

    The Sultan, who urged Nigerians to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders to successfully discharge their responsibilities, also congratulated MUSWEN for being an umbrella body promoting unity and dialogue among Muslims in the southwest and urged other zones to emulate them.

    During the event, 12 medical students across the six Southwest states were awarded scholarships under the Sultan Abubakar Female Medical Students Scholarship Scheme.

  • Expert pushes for establishment of supply chain ministry

    Expert pushes for establishment of supply chain ministry

    FOUNDER/DIRECTOR-GENERAL, Dangerous Goods Academy, Lagos, Dr Aiban Igwe, has urged the Federal Government to establish the ministry of logistics and supply chain to fully appropriate the benefits in the sector.

    He made the suggestion at the second Nigeria Supply Chain Leadership Summit in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Igwe, who was a guest speaker at the event, said he was moved to make the suggestion based on the adoption of his earlier suggestion to the government to set up the Blue Economy ministry.

    Igwe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Etcetera Consults Limited, in a paper entitled, ”Africa’s supply chain Renaissance; Nigeria’s path forward”, noted that supply chain is the master ministry on which others revolve.

     “It is critical to the economy,” he emphasised. ”Based on this, it should be accorded its prime place instead of sequestering it in either the ministry of transportation or related ones,” he added. He also said Nigeria occupies a central position on the world map and so vital to world business.

    Read Also: Okpebholo takes EU ambassadors to monarch

    Welcoming participants, the organiser of the summit themed, ”Unlocking Nigeria’s Supply Chain growth for trade and investment success”, Mr. Emeka Eboagwu, explained that the summit was ”a movement, a call to action for us to think, rebuild, and reimagine how supply chains power Nigeria’s future. From energy to agriculture, from logistics to technology, our discussions will define how Nigeria positions itself as the engine of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem”.

    He said the theme reflected ”our collective belief that sustainable progress demands collaboration, innovation, resilience. We must move from conversations to solutions, from protectionism to glocalisation, where local strength meets global opportunity”.

    General Manager, Global Sustainable Supply Chain, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Adeola Oduntan, in his presentation, entitled, Nigeria at the crossroads: Protectionism or Pan-African trade integration?” listed the major challenges facing supply chain globally, especially in Nigeria, as that of infrastructure and foreign exchange (FX). 

    He said: “If only we can focus on developing infrastructure, then it makes the ease of doing business very seamless. And, then, also, if we look at the maturity level of the supply chain in Nigeria, it has a stage where you’re basically struggling with a lot of activities ranging from clearing, importing and, of course, the FX challenge. 

    “Supply chain is basically, you know, having a whole lot of issues at the moment that such foreign masters will be able to co-create value proposition on how to take the business and trade in Nigeria forward.”

    Oduntan, who was a keynote speaker, advised stakeholders on collaboration.”Industry leaders need to continue to come together like this to co-create and find solutions to COVID and, of course, the existing supply chain challenges in the country,” he added.

    Discussing the paper, the panelists, Edith Emeka, an engineer, Mrs Ifeoma Leonard-Edward, Mr Adebisi Afolabi, Mr Olugbenga Odusanya and Mr Adebola Aderormu, led by Mrs Baron Asiodu, agreed that Pan-Africanism is the way to go. Thus our trade should be protected.

    A lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), Dr. Ogochukwu Ugboma, canvassed professionalism in the sector and bridged the gap between the sector and academia. She said some foreign institutions drove the curriculum of Nigerian universities starting logistics and supply chain education in the undergraduate level. 

    She said: “And the good news is we’ve started it in LASU. Why I’m saying this is that we need to build up the logistics and supply chain skills and potential to even begin to think about driving the supply chain in Africa. We need to have professionals, because we’re thinking about professionalising the supply chain, right? It’s not spirits that will do it. We will have to build up that potential. And that is what we are doing gradually. 

    ”Good news again. For the first time in the history of Nigeria Economic Summit, this year was the first time logistics was featured there. And we drove it. So, the discussion is starting off. Yes, we are starting after 60 years.”

  • Air Chief makes first operational visit to North-East frontline troops 

    Air Chief makes first operational visit to North-East frontline troops 

    The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice‑Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Monday made his first operational visit to North-East Operation Hadin Kai theatre command in Maiduguri.

    The Nation gathered the CAS’ visit was to evaluate ongoing air operations, uplift troop morale, and enhance coordination efforts across the North East region.

    The CAS  was  received at Maiduguri Air Force Base by the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar with senior air force and paramilitary 

    As part of his itinerary,  the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to securing the state and supporting its reconstruction efforts.

    During the visit, the Air Chief expressed gratitude for Zulum’s warm reception and acknowledged the state’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in combating Boko Haram insurgency. 

    He commended the Governor’s leadership in promoting community-based reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives, citing the “Borno Model” as an exemplary approach to achieving sustainable peace.

    Zulum, who cut short his Lagos trip to receive the delegation, appreciated the Air Force’s efforts in supporting security operations and praised the collaboration between the military and local communities. 

    Read Also: Okpebholo takes EU ambassadors to monarch

    The Governor also thanked the Air Force for its humanitarian and medical outreach programs, which have benefited many in the state.

    The Air Chief briefed the Governor on Operation HADIN KAI’s progress, highlighting intensified air-to-ground integration, training, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts to support stabilisation in the North-East. 

    He assured the Governor of the Air Force’s continued support for Borno’s peace and development.

    The visit was attended by senior government officials, traditional leaders, and top military officers, underscoring the strong partnership between Borno State and the Nigerian Air Force.

    The Air Force’s visit reaffirms its dedication to securing Borno and collaborating with the state government to rebuild and restore livelihoods, marking a significant step in consolidating peace in the region.

  • How Makinde, others outsmarted Fintiri, Muftwang over Wike’s expulsion

    How Makinde, others outsmarted Fintiri, Muftwang over Wike’s expulsion

    The decision to expel FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu and others from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during Saturday’s national convention was kept a secret from Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri and his Plateau counterpart, Caleb Muftwang, the Nation learnt on Monday evening. 

    Fintiri, who was the chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee and Muftwang, immediately dissociated themselves from the decision, which took them unaware. 

    Read Also: Okpebholo takes EU ambassadors to monarch

    A source close to the party told The Nation that the plot was already hatched before the delegates arrived Ibadan but kept away from the two Governors for fear that they may work against it. 

    “Fintiri is Wike’s friend and they know that he has been playing double game all through. But they needed him to be at the convention. If they had told him, of their plans, the fear was he would not have agreed to go along with the plan and the tendencies that he would not have been at the convention was there. 

    “Muftwang on the other hand owes Wike. Don’t forget that all PDP lawmakers from Plateau State lost out due to internal crisis in the party. He lost at the tribunal and Appeal Court.

    “That is why they immediately distanced themselves from the expulsion. They did not know about it until the motion was moved by Chief Bode George. As you know, the National Convention is the highest organ of the party.”

  • MOWAA: Okpebholo asks FG to repatriate Obaseki

    MOWAA: Okpebholo asks FG to repatriate Obaseki

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has asked the Federal Government to begin the processes of repatriating his predecessor Godwin Obaseki to answer critical questions concerning Museum of West African Art (MOWAA).

    The Governor said his administration has resolved to ensure clarity and responsibility in the management of public funds.

    Okpebholo spoke in Benin City at the unveiling of 30 new tractors, five bulldozers, 150 implements, and a low bed truck.

    The Governor said the machinery would expand Edo’s agricultural capacity, enhance productivity, and accelerate rural development.

    He said the acquisition was designed to open thousands of hectares of new farmlands, attract agribusiness investments, reduce post-harvest losses, and create sustainable employment opportunities for youths and women.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    He said it was a shift from subsistence agriculture to full mechanisation as well as ensuring the state became a reliable contributor to national food reserves while reducing the state’s vulnerability to economic shocks.

    “This is a strategic investment that will change the trajectory of Edo’s economy. We are laying the foundation for food sufficiency, commercial-scale farming, and long-term prosperity for our people.”

    Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who commissioned the tractors, said the Federal Government would review the Okpebholo’s submissions and assured that due process would guide all further actions.

  • Tinubu’s reforms working for Nigeria’s development – Speaker Abbas

    Tinubu’s reforms working for Nigeria’s development – Speaker Abbas

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since assumption of office, have been working for Nigeria’s development.

    He, however, said that though the reforms “have been tough, but necessary. They require patience and “demand sacrifice.”

    Speaker Abbas said the reforms have brought about “gradual stabilisation of exchange rates, improved fiscal discipline, growth in agriculture, better revenues for states, and a return of investor confidence. These improvements show that the path we are on is the right one.”

    The Speaker was speaking at the presentation of utility vehicles to some traditional rulers in the Southern part of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday, which he facilitated through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). 

    It was the second time the Speaker extended such gesture to the traditional institutions in the South, having done the first one in May this year, where six royal fathers benefited.

    Previous beneficiaries nationwide included first-class and second-class traditional rulers across Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Nasarawa and the FCT, among others.

    The beneficiaries of Sunday’s gesture are the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the Onikate of Ikate; the Paramount Ruler of Okobo Land in Akwa Ibom; Igwe Fidelis Ogbu of Enugu; Igwe Dr. Robert C. of Anambra, Oba Arole-Agbala of Ondo, among others.

    The Speaker said the “interventions were not acts of convenience, but “a recognition of the indispensable contributions of our traditional leaders to peacebuilding, conflict mediation, religious harmony, cultural preservation and community development.

     “We remain firmly convinced that the cultural and traditional pillars of Nigeria must be supported, respected, and empowered because a stable nation begins with strong, trusted institutions at the grassroots.

    “These vehicles are not gifts of comfort. They are tools for duty. They enhance the mobility and effectiveness of leaders who remain the first and most trusted point of contact for millions of our citizens.

    “Traditional rulers are essential for conflict resolution, local intelligence, community mobilisation, and cultural stability. When they lack mobility, their ability to respond to emergencies, support development initiatives, and liaise with the government is limited. Enhancing their capacity is, therefore, a strategic investment in peace, order, and grassroots governance.”

    The Speaker maintained, “Stable and credible traditional institutions are not a luxury. They are essential pillars of national cohesion. Supporting them does not compete with investments in schools, hospitals, or infrastructure. On the contrary, our action reinforces those investments by ensuring that communities are stable, organised, and receptive to development.

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    “More importantly, our intervention aligns fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places strong institutions and community-rooted leadership at the heart of national renewal.”

    Speaker Abbas stated that it is in recognition of the critical role traditional rulers play that the National Assembly is pursuing a constitutional amendment to define and protect such role.

    He said the President Tinubu administration shares the conviction that the traditional institution is critical to the country’s development, which was why the President has consulted royal fathers across the country.

    “He has invited them into major conversations on security and development. He has acknowledged their stabilising influence in moments of tension. His Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that national progress must begin in communities and harness the credibility of natural leaders. It is within this same spirit of reform and partnership that the broader economic measures of his administration must be understood.”

    The Speaker underscored the need to protect the gains already achieved as Nigeria cannot afford to reverse its progress, noting, “The reforms underway must be completed, consolidated and carried forward beyond 2027. This requires unity of purpose and consistent leadership. 

    “I therefore call on our revered traditional rulers to lend their voices, their influence, and their moral authority to ensure continuity in the years ahead, so that the work we have started is not abandoned midway.”

    He assured that the House would remain steadfast partners and allies who would continue to champion constitutional safeguards that protect and elevate the traditional institution.

  • Shettima leads fed govt’s delegation to condole Shagari family

    Shettima leads fed govt’s delegation to condole Shagari family

    • …says late Hajiya Sutura will be remembered for selflessness

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday described the late Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President Shehu Shagari, as a woman whose life embodied selflessness, compassion, and service to humanity.

    Shettima, who led a federal government delegation to the Shagari family residence in Sokoto, said the death of Hajiya Sutura was a huge loss not only to the family and the people of Sokoto State, but to the entire nation.

    The matriarch of the Shagari family died on Monday, November 10, 2025, at about 3pm, after a prolonged illness. She was 79.

    Her death was announced in a statement issued by the eldest son of the late former President and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, Capt. Bala Shagari.

    Speaking during the condolence visit, the Vice President said he was in Sokoto at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the government and people of the state, the Sultanate, and the Shagari family.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “We are here at the instance of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to condole with the government and people of Sokoto State, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, and the immediate family of our late President, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, over the sad event of the passing of his last surviving wife, Hajiya Sutura Aliyu Usman Shagari.”

    He prayed for the repose of her soul and for strength for the family and the nation to bear the loss.

    “May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and reward her with Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the family and the good people of Sokoto and the nation as a whole the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, who received the delegation, expressed gratitude for the visit, noting that the Vice President had shown consistent support to the state.

    Read Also: Shettima leads FG delegation to condole Environment Minister over mother’s death

    “The Vice President has been here almost four times since the inception of our administration. This is a show of love and concern. We thank you for your coming. We pray to Allah to give you sound health and courage to continue the good work you are doing for this great country”, the Governor said.

    Capt. Bala Shagari (rtd), the District Head of Shagari and leader of the family, also thanked the Vice President for honouring the family at a difficult time.

    He described the delegation as a great source of comfort and appreciated the state government for its support to the family.

    Among those who accompanied the Vice President were the Minister of State for Works, Senator Bello Mohammed Goronyo; former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bello Mohammed Adoke; and former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, among other senior government officials.

  • Crisis deepens in Ondo Assembly as aggrieved lawmakers insist on speaker’s impeachment

    Crisis deepens in Ondo Assembly as aggrieved lawmakers insist on speaker’s impeachment

    The crisis rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly has escalated, with aggrieved lawmakers intensifying moves to impeach the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, over allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of office.

    Twelve lawmakers had last week passed a vote of no confidence in the Speaker, accusing him of diverting N50 million meant for a public hearing and mismanaging monthly operational grants.

    Speaking on Sunday during a radio interview on Crest 106.1 FM, Akure, and monitored by The Nation, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, representing Akure South Constituency I, confirmed that he and eleven others have already signed an impeachment notice.

    Oguntodu said the allegations against the Speaker raise troubling concerns about transparency and accountability within the 10th Assembly. He dismissed claims that the impeachment push was politically motivated or sponsored by external forces.

    According to him, the move is “purely about integrity and accountability,” asserting it has “absolutely nothing to do with the Governor of Ondo State or any political figure.”

    He accused lawmakers defending the Speaker of undermining the state’s progress, warning that the Assembly must embrace transparency.

    Last week, Speaker Oladiji dismissed the impeachment threat as a “misplaced priority,” insisting the House would not be distracted from its legislative duties, including work on the re-ordered 2025 Appropriation Act.

    Read Also:Ondo Assembly crisis deepens as Speaker dismisses ‘impeachment plot’

    Supported by key Assembly leaders—including the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Olalade Gbegudu; Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi; and Hon. Fayemi-Obayelu Olawumi (Ilaje II)—Oladiji maintained that he enjoys the backing of the majority of the 26-member Assembly and the full support of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    On the allegation of diverting N50 million, the Speaker insisted he does not personally handle Assembly finances and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency.

    The Assembly had been sharply divided since Governor Aiyedatiwa submitted a N531 billion “supplementary budget” to the House for approval.

    Some lawmakers rejected the proposal, questioning the need for such a massive supplementary request barely two months before the end of the fiscal year.

    The supplementary budget, presented on November 4, 2025, by the Clerk of the House, Barr. Benjamin Jayeola, seeks approval to fund ongoing capital projects and recurrent obligations, including salaries, pensions, and newly initiated infrastructure works.

    A copy of the budget document showed that the governor is requesting N531,767,261,000, with N254,448,081,000 earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N277,319,130,000 for capital projects for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.

    Some lawmakers opposed to the budget accused the executive of poor budget performance and fiscal indiscipline in implementing the 2025 Appropriation Law.

    The unfolding crisis has deepened divisions within the assembly, raising concerns about legislative stability and political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Oil and gas network hails NUPRC for effective deployment of frontier exploration fund

    Oil and gas network hails NUPRC for effective deployment of frontier exploration fund

    The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, for what it described as the “transparent, responsible, and judicious” management of the Frontier Exploration Fund, saying the Commission’s handling of the statutory allocation has ensured the money is used strictly for the purpose prescribed in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    In a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt, the coalition said recent public conversations surrounding the Fund had made it necessary to “set the record straight” and acknowledge the regulatory diligence that has guided its utilisation under Komolafe’s leadership.

    According to the group, the NUPRC has demonstrated “commendable discipline and clarity of purpose” in deploying the Fund, insisting that ongoing frontier basin activities ranging from seismic acquisition to exploratory drilling campaigns reflect the Commission’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s reserve base and improving long-term energy security.

    “The NUPRC, led by Gbenga Komolafe, has shown a rare commitment to accountability and sectoral discipline in the management of the Frontier Exploration Fund,” the statement, signed by Comrade Boma Kenule, reads. 

    “Every kobo has been channelled towards what the PIA intended; stimulating exploration in frontier basins, derisking new terrains, and ensuring that prospective hydrocarbon fields receive the technical attention they require. This is what responsible regulation looks like.”

    The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network said its assessment of NUPRC’s stewardship was based on ongoing field reports and consultations with industry operators who have attested to the Commission’s methodical approach to frontier development. 

    It added that, at a time when global capital for fossil exploration is tightening, Nigeria cannot afford mismanagement or policy inconsistency in the sector.

    “What is particularly noteworthy is that Komolafe’s leadership has brought renewed credibility to the frontier exploration framework. He has consistently prioritised efficiency, ensured that contractors meet performance benchmarks, and maintained a clear line of engagement with host communities and state governments involved in exploration activities,” the coalition said.

    The watchdog group also argued that effective management of the Fund has contributed to renewed investor confidence in pre-development exploration, noting that the expansion of reserves is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s production capacity over the next decade.

    “Those who follow frontier basin work understand that exploration is capital-intensive, time-bound, and technically demanding. The NUPRC’s prudent handling of the Fund has guaranteed that investments go exactly where they should. This is why stakeholders continue to express confidence in the Commission’s technical leadership,” the statement continued.

    The coalition urged the Federal Government to continue strengthening the autonomy and operational capacity of the NUPRC, noting that the commission is central to ensuring transparency and preventing any misuse of statutory sector-wide funds.

    It further called on the media and political actors to avoid mischaracterizing official remarks on the Fund, warning that unfounded narratives or poorly contextualised reports could distract from the progress being made in frontier exploration.

    “At a time when the sector needs clarity rather than noise, it is important to acknowledge institutions that are performing their statutory duties with diligence. The NUPRC has kept faith with the PIA and with the Nigerian people, and that should be recognised,” the statement added. 

    The Oil and Gas Watchdogs Network reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring regulatory compliance across the sector and said it would continue to spotlight agencies that uphold transparency, safeguard public resources, and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term energy outlook.