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  • At Lagos East APC meeting, Abiru highlights Tinubu’s feats

    At Lagos East APC meeting, Abiru highlights Tinubu’s feats

    • ‘Party chieftains endorse President for second term’

    The  Senator representing Lagos East District, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, has said the economy is stabilising under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as key macroeconomic reforms begin to yield positive results.

    Speaking at the Lagos East Senatorial District APC Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Thursday in Ikosi-Isheri, Magodo, Senator Abiru described President Tinubu’s leadership since May 2023 as the “calm of the storm,” noting that the administration took bold but necessary decisions to avert economic collapse and reposition the country for sustainable growth.

    According to him, reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, fiscal and tax restructuring have started to produce measurable gains, including easing inflation, particularly food inflation, greater exchange rate transparency, improved external reserves and renewed investor confidence. He added that GDP growth has remained positive and that improved subnational revenues are gradually impacting the micro-economy, easing pressure on households and small businesses.

    Abiru, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, urged party leaders to mobilise residents for Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s second phase of Continuous Voter Registration and the APC membership e-registration exercise, stressing that data-driven planning is critical to electoral success. He also endorsed the funding structure proposed by the Lagos East APC leadership, emphasising the need for predictable and transparent party financing.

    Presenting his stewardship, the senator said his representation has been anchored on three pillars: legislation, empowerment and endowment. He highlighted his role in sponsoring and co-sponsoring landmark legislations, including the Insurance Industry Reforms Act and the Copyright Amendment Act, as well as ongoing amendment bills on BOFIA, NEXIM and NAICOM.

    On constituency projects, Abiru disclosed that over 35 schools have benefited from classroom construction and rehabilitation, while several health facilities, including 40-bed hospitals and primary health centres across the district, have been constructed or upgraded. He added that about 11 community roads have been completed, with more ongoing, alongside the installation of over 700 solar streetlights, provision of transformers to over 30 communities and construction of 21 motorised boreholes.

    He further disclosed that 48 cooperative societies, each supported with a N10 million take-off grant, amounting to N480 million, to boost grassroots economic inclusion was equally launched last December. 

    He added that about 2,000 constituents received empowerment tools like: Freezers, Generators, Ovens, Industrial Sewing Machines and Grinding Machines, among others. While over 80,000 households had so far benefitted from Food Pack schemes, across the district, Abiru informed.

    Calling for unity and discipline within the APC, the senator urged stakeholders to continue to support President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that collective effort remains essential for sustained development in Lagos East, Lagos State and Nigeria.

    Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, other elders of the party, who are also members of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, members of the National Assembly, Lagos State House of Assembly, Commissioners, and other cabinet members of the Lagos State Executive Council from Lagos East, Council chairmen, APC LGA chairmen among others were in attendance.

  • 2026 and the challenges before INEC

    2026 and the challenges before INEC

    Correspondent TONY AKOWE examines the challenges that will face the Independent National Commission (INEC) during the off-cycle Ekiti and Osun States governorship polls and the 2027 general election

    Many challenges will confront the National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the off-cycle Ekiti and Osun governorship and the 2027 general election. While the political parties and their members will be jostling for space in the 2027 elections, the Commission will be busy with several activities that will culminate in the conduct of the exercise. It is significant to say that the year 2026 represents one of the most demanding periods for Nigeria’s electoral umpire. Starting with the resumption of the continuous voter registration to the conduct of the FCT Area Council elections to the conduct of the off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States as well as a few legislative by-elections, INEC has a huge work load laced with serious challenges which must be surmounted to give Nigerians a credible election in 2027. In view of the task ahead of the commission, it must be prepared to carry out massive and early groundwork required for the 2027 general elections. From voter registration centres to polling units in remote communities, from courtrooms flooded with post-election litigation to public debates over technology and transparency, INEC’s actions this year will shape not just individual election outcomes but public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic future.

    One of the major challenges that the commission must deal with in 2026 ahead of the general election is the issue of mass mobilization of Nigerians to actively participate in the voter registration exercise, across the states. While the rate of participation of eligible voters has been very encouraging, the participation in some other states have been abysmally low and this has been attributed to low level of public trust. Many see the exercise as just a means to an end as the false narrative has often gone out that you can use it for employment purpose rather than a civic responsibility. Ahead of the general election, the commission has the huge task of working with the National Orientation Agency to carry out series of voter education beginning with the CVR.  For an institution still grappling with controversies from past elections, the coming months will not merely be routine, but a stress test of institutional resilience, technological reliability and democratic commitment.

    Voter registration remains a foundational challenge with far-reaching implications for electoral legitimacy. In 2026, INEC will face pressure to expand access while maintaining the integrity of the voter register. Persistent issues such as multiple registrations, outdated records, and under-registration in rural or conflict-affected areas risk distorting voter representation and creating perceptions of exclusion or bias. There is therefore the need for a constant clean-up of the voter register to remove dead persons and underage. Even though the law provide for the time frame for the voter registration, the commission may need to end the ongoing exercise early enough to allow for a clean-up for the purpose of adequate planning for the 2027 elections. This is so because demographic changes pose serious challenge, particularly the surge in first-time and young voters. If registration processes are slow, inaccessible, or poorly communicated, large segments of the population may remain disenfranchised. This could deepen political apathy which the commission is already grappling with. If this is allowed to happen, the trust gap between citizens and electoral institutions may widen, especially among younger voters who are already skeptical about the political system. Also, the commission must work hard to enhance the credibility of the voter register which is closely linked to post-election stability. Disputes over inflated figures, ghost voters, or regional imbalances often form the basis of election petitions. Failure to address registration challenges proactively may therefore increase litigation, delay election outcomes, and undermine confidence in the entire democratic process. In addition to this, there may be need for the commission to create new polling units, while depopulating large units. The INEC guidelines provide for a maximum of 500 voters per polling unit for easy management and a way of ensuring large participation. But currently, several polling units have close to 1500 voters, making easy participation difficult and elections running into the night.

    The FCT Area Council is the first elections to be conducted by the commission in 2026 and the second under the current chairman of the commission. Although it is directly under the FCT state office of the Commission where logistics and other arrangements are to be made, it will no doubt have its own impact on the general atmosphere in the commission. That explain why the entire commission will be involved in the conduct. While the commission can boast of successful outing during the Anambra elections, preparation for that were largely done by the Mahmood Yakubu led leadership. Tongues are already wagging following the exclusion of the Labour Party from the contest following the judgement of the Supreme Court which nullified the Abure led National Working Commission and by extension of all actions taken thereafter.  But as at the time of this report, INEC still recognizes Abure on its data base as the Chairman of the party. The guideline for uploading candidates on the INEC nomination portal provides that the commission issue an access code to the leadership of the party as contained in its data base.

    Read Also: INEC begins preparation for 2027, reaffirms commitment to electoral integrity

    Like the Labour Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is enmeshed in crisis leading to the exclusion of the party from the list of candidates for the Ekiti off cycle governorship election. The crisis in the party and some others will no doubt pose serious challenges to the commission ahead of the general election, especially as the courts continue to give conflicting verdicts which the commission will be expected to obey leading to the elections. The commission must also be able to deal with the issue of upload of names and particulars of candidates for the elections. They must take a definite position, which must be backed by law on the modality for uploading the names of candidates. The PDP has argued that since the commission issued it with an access code for the Ekiti elections, there was no basis blocking the party from submitting the names. The question then is, does submitting the forms manually and the commission acknowledging receipt amount to submission in line with the guidelines? The commission must deal with this challenge going forward with a view to avoiding needless legal battles which parties often bring to bear on the commission. Beyond that, one question that has continued to agitate the mind of Nigerians is whether the Supreme Court decision on the crisis in the Labour party which as replicated in the case of the Social Democratic Party. The former Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has often said that one of the biggest challenges of the commission is the deluge of cases which the commission is made party to and which often draw back the hands of the commission.

    One other challenge the commission will grapple with is the legal issues surrounding the conduct of elections. The 2022 Electoral Act left so much to be chance, and placed the commission in a disadvantaged position. The defects should be corrected in the 2025 electoral act which is yet to be passed by the National Assembly. For example, the law does not give any legal backing to the use of the BVAS machine, even though it is taken care of by the guidelines drawn up by the commission and given recognition by the Supreme Court.

    In one of his public engagement, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan spoke of the fact that technology plays a critical role in the electoral process, but admitted that network challenges remain a critical challenge. However, it must be said that the growing dependence on electoral technology places INEC at the center of heightened public scrutiny ahead of 2026, especially after the technical glitches that affected the upload of Presidential election results to the INEC Election Viewing portal (IREV) during the 2023 presidential election. That glitch alone affected the credibility of the election results.  Interestingly, tools like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, otherwise known as BVAS which serves as technology for electronic voter accreditation, and result transmission is now perceived as the backbone of electoral credibility. Therefore, any malfunction, delay, or inconsistency, whether caused by technical failure, human error or sabotage could quickly escalate into allegations of electoral manipulation. It therefore raises the stakes for system reliability and therefore exposes the commission to reputational damage even when failures are localized. Beyond the hardware and software issues, the technical capacity of election officials remain a significant challenge and the commission must rise up to the occasion aside from working closely with network providers. It is instructive to say that many ad-hoc staff operate under time pressure with limited technical expertise, increasing the likelihood of misuse the devices or causing breakdown on election-day while The Electoral Institute, the training arm of the Commission often carry out adhoc training for electoral officers, this may not be adequate given the level of literacy of some of those involved because inadequate training and uneven digital literacy across regions could lead to inconsistent application of technology, creating disparities that undermine the principle of equal suffrage and fuel post-election grievances.

    In an era of advances in cyber security, threats arising from such have the potentials to further compound the technological challenge because as electoral systems become more digitized, they become more attractive targets for hacking, data breaches, and disinformation campaigns. Unsubstantiated claims of cyber interference could weaken public trust and so, INEC must therefore balance transparency with security, ensuring that systems are verifiable, resilient, and auditable without exposing them to undue risk. There is also the need for the commission to build a water tight system that will be difficult to penetrate given the insinuations that hackers tried to break into the system during the 2023 general elections.

    In the process of election management, INEC’s logistical operations represent one of the most complex undertakings in nation’s democratic process. This involved the movement of sensitive and non-sensitive materials from across the country supposedly under tight timelines. But this has often created multiple points of vulnerability especially in the movement from state capitals to the local government headquarters and then to the polling units. Majority of these movement has in the recent times been handled by commercial vehicles, under an arrangement between the commission and the drivers unions. Traversing difficult terrains in some parts of the country, there has often been reported delay in deployment of these materials or missing materials leading to late commencement of voting in some areas. This has the ability to disenfranchise voters and cast doubt on the credibility of affected polling units. Observer believe that security and infrastructure deficits further complicate logistics. Poor road networks, fuel scarcity, insecurity, and adverse weather conditions can disrupt transportation plans, particularly in remote or volatile areas. These challenges often force last-minute improvisation, increasing costs and reducing operational efficiency while exposing INEC to accusations of incompetence or bias.

    The management of the electoral body has often complained about the effect of fake news and misinformation on the electoral process. The spread of fake news no doubt poses a serious threat to electoral integrity in the country. More often than not, there have been false information about voter suppression, rigging, or result manipulation circulate widely and fast especially on social media, outpacing INEC’s ability to respond. In most cases, such false narratives have shaped public perception long before official clarification is issued, damaging trust regardless of the facts. The commission must therefore restrategise and put in place a quick response mechanism as a way of combating false and fake news especially on election days. The delays in responding to issues in the electoral space is largely responsible to why Nigerians believe that the glitch that affected the 2023 presidential election upload was not real. This same principle must be applied dealing with issues of misinformation which has the potential to incite violence and voter apathy. Rumors about attacks on polling units, pre-determined outcomes, or doctored results may discourage voter turnout or provoke unrest. INEC’s silence or delayed response in such situations may be interpreted as confirmation, thereby further escalating tensions.

    While addressing fake news places INEC in a delicate position, there must be an aggressive countermeasures to handle fake news. The challenge lies in developing credible, timely, and transparent communication strategies that reinforce public trust without undermining freedom of expression.

     Political Party Monitoring

    2026 poses a great challenge to INEC in terms of the monitoring the activities of political parties as provided for by the laws of the land. The registration and monitoring of the activities of political parties is one of the constitutional role of the commission. To take away this role from INEC, the National Assembly had proposed an amendment to the constitution to create a separate commission that will take charge of this responsibility. But in the absence of that commission, INEC must play that role which is critical to an effective election. So, INEC’s constitutional role in monitoring political party activities presents significant institutional and political challenges, especially in an election year where parties are expected to conduct party primaries to nominate candidates for elective positions. Interestingly, all party primaries for the Presidential, governorship legislative elections are to be conducted in 2026 and the commission is expected to be privy to and monitor these primaries.  Interestingly, the commission has expressed concern about early campaigns by political parties and political actors with the commission acting helpless in dealing with the situation. Going against the established electoral protocols is a major challenge which can only be dealt with through appropriate legal sanctions. Unfortunately, there appear not to be a specific provisions that grant the electoral umpire specific powers to deal with violators. INEC must rise to the occasion and ensure strict compliance with established electoral protocols in the countdown to the general elections.

    One area that has been neglected is party membership before party primaries and the electoral act 2022 and the constitution has not made specific provisions that allow opposing parties complain about emergency waivers granted to intending aspirants by political parties even though the electoral act makes it mandatory that anybody whose name does not appear in the membership register 30 days before the party primaries is not eligible to run for the election. Also, political parties has always fragrantly violated the provisions requiring compliance with campaign finance regulations, codes of conduct, and internal democratic principles requires robust oversight mechanisms that INEC currently struggles to fully enforce this provisions. Weak monitoring allows impunity, undermining the rule of law within the party system.

    Both the commission and political parties have often complain about lack of internal democracy among the political parties leading the members jumping ship at the last minute and complicating preparation for the commission. The lack of internal democracy in many parties no doubt has broader electoral implications. Candidate imposition, exclusion of stakeholders, and outdated decision-making has often trigger internal conflicts that spill into the general election. When INEC is perceived as unable or unwilling to enforce standards, public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process declines. This is why the commission must ensure effective party monitoring ahead of the general election because it is critical to reducing electoral violence and vote-buying. Sanctions must be brought to bear in offenders because failure to sanction erring parties and their stakeholders normalizes electoral malpractice and weakens political competition.

    Party Primaries

    By the provisions of the electoral act 2022, which provides announcement of a date for election for 360 days before elections, see INEC is expected to release the table of activities for the 2027 general elections before the of February, 2026. The timetable is expected to set timelines for party primaries and other activities leading to the elections. Interestingly, party primaries remain one of the most problematic stages of the electoral process as poorly conducted primaries characterized by violence, exclusion, and parallel congresses create legitimacy crises before the general election even begins. INEC’s limited legal power at enforcement often leave the commission with having to manage the outcome of such primaries rather than preventing the problems. It is on record that disputed primaries have been the major driver of pre-election litigation, with candidates frequently challenge party processes, leading to court-ordered substitutions and uncertainty over valid nominees. These disruptions complicate ballot preparation and voter education, increasing the risk of errors and confusion. This explain why there has often been complaints of omission of names of candidates and their party during elections. However, the overall impact of flawed primaries is a weakened democratic culture because when candidates emerge through undemocratic means, accountability to voters diminishes. So, if party primaries are not reformed and effectively monitored ahead of the general elections, the credibility of the entire electoral cycle will remain under sustained pressure.

    Ekiti and Osun election

    The Ekiti and Osun state governorship election will no doubt be a litmus test for the commission. It will be an opportunity for the commission to address issues of electoral integrity that has plagued the nation’s electoral system. It will be the first major opportunity for the Prof. Amupitan leadership to fully organize a full-fledged election, having inherited the preparation for the Anambra election from Prof. Yakubu. Already, the commission is facing allegations of bias from the Tanimu Turaki led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party for not including the name of its governorship candidate among those displayed for the Ekiti election. How the commission handle the issue will have either positive or negative impact on the conduct of the election. Expectation from the commission are high as far as the two election are concerned. Some of the technological devices that will be used for the 2027 elections will first be used during the two off cycle election to allow for fine tuning where necessary. Ekiti and Osun are not just any states. They are politically sophisticated, highly competitive, and historically prone to intense electoral contests. Both states have seen elections overturned in the past with prolonged court battles, allegations of vote-buying and heavy security presence. Incidentally, Ekiti State for example has built a reputation as one of the country’s most politically competitive states, with the governorship elections often decided by razor-thin margins, with voting patterns influenced by local networks, political godfathers and a highly vocal electorate. The state, which is the first of the two off cycle elections presents several challenges for the commission. Although not restricted to the state, incidences of vote-buying has become increasingly sophisticated, shifting from open cash distribution to discreet electronic transfers and inducements before election-day. Security deployment is delicate. Heavy security presence is often criticised as voter intimidation, while light deployment risks election-day disruptions. Logistics, especially in riverine and rural communities remain a major concern, especially where bad roads and network coverage affect BVAS functionality and result transmission. In view of this, civil society observers have always warned that Ekiti elections is a major litmus test for whether INEC can curb monetisation of votes without disenfranchising voters.

    Also, the political climate in Osun state has always remained tense following previous legal battles over governorship outcomes. The state has no doubt witnessed deep partisan divisions, with supporters of major parties quick to dispute outcomes of elections. Even though the former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is not participating in the election, it is expected that there will still be high judicial scrutiny, meaning even minor procedural errors could invalidate results. There will also be public scepticism, as voters increasingly question whether their votes will translate into real outcomes. For INEC, Osun demands not just efficiency but meticulous compliance with the Electoral Act, because the margin for error is slim and litigation almost guaranteed. The question is whether the Ekiti scenario will play out for the PDP and whether they will have access to the access code to upload the name and particulars of their candidate.

    Composition of the Commission

    By law, the body known as the Commission is made up of the Chairman and 12 National Commissioners. The body should ideally be complete when conducting major elections. However, the commission may be faced with either an incomplete commission or forced to work with some that lack the basic experience in election management. From available records, five National Commissioners inaugurated between September and October 2021 will exit the commission after five years as provided by law. These are Prof Sani Adams, Prof. Abdullahi AbdulZuru and Dr Baba Bila who sworn in September 2021, as well as Prof. Kunle Ajayi and Prof Sani Kallah sworn in October 2021. They will be expected to exit the commission after their five year term in September and October 2026. Similarly, four other National Commissioners sworn in February 2022 would have spent five years by February 2027 when the elections would have commenced and also expected to exit the commission. They are Mohammed Haruna, May Abamuche-Mbu, Sam Olumekun and Rhoda Gumus. Another National Commissioner, Major General Moddibo Alkali died in April 2025 and is yet to be replaced. The exit of these National Commissioners will place the Commission at a disadvantaged position. Also, Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran- Anthony will be completing her eight year tenure as Secretary to the Commission having been appointed for the first four years in 2018 and reappointed in December 2022. While the law makes provision for the appointment of an acting secretary to the commission, there is no provision for the appointment of acting National Commissioners. While some of these commissioners have the opportunity of being reappointed, others are completing their second terms as National Commissioners and would need to be replaced outrightly.

  • Ondo South: Why Oyerinmade should succeed Jimoh

    Ondo South: Why Oyerinmade should succeed Jimoh

    • By Ehuwa Jackson

    The Ondo South Senatorial District experienced an exceptional surge, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for ambassadorial appointment.

    It is important to acknowledge Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s sterling performance at the Red Chambers during this period which formed the basis for his new global role. Ondo South feels proud of JI as an illustrious son. The people are even more (and) grateful to Mr. President for recognizing him and finding him worthy of the new assignment.

    Expectedly, the race to wear the large shoes of Senator JI has begun in earnest. Several politicians, showcasing various political brands, have thrown their hats into the ring in exercise of their individual fundamental political rights to vote and be voted for. In the same vein, various narratives have also come to the fore, especially from Okitipupa Local Government Area, where JI hails from and expressly from aspirants aiming to “complete” the unexpired tenure whenever a bye-election is conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The argument for these aspirations speaks to the limited sentiment, not the larger, higher and grander senatorial reality.

    First of all, the senatorial mandate, constitutionally, belongs to the six Local Government Areas of Ondo South Senatorial District, hence anybody from the District can be legally considered to fill the vacancy. Secondly, excluding other bonafide and eminently qualified aspirants because they are not from JI’s Local Government Area of origin does not promote the unique sense of brotherhood, friendship and mutual respect which has existed in the District as a trademark from time immemorial and has been enjoyed by all parts of the District, especially the same Okitipupa LGA. At best, it will only create a twisted precedent and political bad blood in the Senatorial District which may end up negating the long term interest and respectable standing of the good people of Okitipupa LGA amongst the other LGAs in the SD.

    Read Also: Jimoh Ibrahim hails Armed Forces as Nigeria ranks 31st in global military strength

    Thirdly, in considering who should wear the cap, we must not forget in a hurry that Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim won a tension soaked, hotly contested party primary with five other eminent and illustrious citizens of Ondo South – on Saturday, 28th May, 2022,  at Stella Maris College, Okitipupa, the venue of the primary.  JI came tops with 190 votes, while Hon. Matthew Oyerimade, popularly known as MATO, came second with 92 votes. The person who came third polled only 23 votes and the rest three contestants got 18 votes out of the 330 Delegates that voted.

    In addition to the issues of constitutionality, justice, equity and fairness as well as the need to sustain the spirit of brotherhood, friendship and mutual respect currently prevailing in the senatorial district, the most compelling reason why the All Progressives Congress should let MATO fly the flag of the party in the by-election is the greater interest of the Party herself.

    In the spirit of party cohesion and as a safe route to avoid the bad blood that come with every party primary election and if the inevitable waste of limited human, financial and material  resources that would be involved in the APC having to conduct two different primaries for the same senatorial seat within a space of about two months would be avoided, then the line of least resistance would be for the APC stakeholders to offer MATO, the runner-up to Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR, at the last Ondo South senatorial primary held at Okitipupa the chance to fill the gap.   

    Perhaps the strongest compelling rationale is the general acceptance of MATO by the people of Ondo South for his humility, diligence, character and sense of purpose. In addition to this rare virtues, the omnipresent love and ubiquitous approval of MATO by all and sundry across the length and breadth of the natural-resource-rich district is not unconnected with his political slogan of “Making a Difference”.  MATO possesses an uncommon political style! This he clearly demonstrated just after the conclusion of that 2022 primary election, which he was declared to have lost, when he invited all the delegates, thanked them for standing by him, appreciated them with a feast and still went ahead to settle their “huge transport logistics” and told them “although we have lost the election, I urge you not to be discouraged, disparaged or disillusioned but continue to be loyal to the party. There is always another time! We must face the future, the general elections are coming and our candidates must win and win well” He thereafter made immense contributions to the campaigns of the APC in the entire South Senatorial District leading to the victory of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and other APC candidates in the 2023 elections.

    Mato is also on record to have single handedly funded and executed the renovation, upgrading and furnishing of including provision of revitalization logistics for all the six local government party secretariats of the APC in the southern senatorial district in 2021.When the APC State Secretariat was torched during the End SARS riots in October, 2020, MATO took responsibility for renovation and furnishing of the Secretariat.

    MATOs political character and trajectory have endeared him to the hearts of politicians (both old and young) across the length and breadth of the Ondo South Senatorial District.  

    Lastly, and very importantly, since MATO proved his mettle at the previous primary election, it will promote party unity and eliminate acrimony if MATO is given an opportunity to complete the unexpired tenure. It will be a laurel for hard work, commitment to party ideals and loyalty to leadership.

    • Prince Jackson, a chieftain of APC, wrote from Akure, capital of Ondo State
  • Seplat Energy seeks responsible operations

    Seplat Energy seeks responsible operations

    Seplat Energy Plc has reaffirmed that oil and gas will remain integral to Nigeria’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, while emphasising the imperative for operators to run their businesses responsibly, efficiently and sustainably.

    The company’s position was outlined by its Director, Gas & New Energy, Okechukwu Mba, who represented Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, at a high-level climate roundtable organised by the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) in partnership with DEG, Germany’s development finance institution, and Africa Foresight Group (AFG), in Lagos.

    Speaking at the forum, Mba said the central question confronting Nigeria’s energy sector is not the continued relevance of oil and gas, but how industry players manage their environmental, social and economic responsibilities.

    “Oil and gas will remain an important part of Nigeria’s energy mix for some time. The real issue is not whether the industry should exist, but how operators conduct themselves responsibly,” he said.

    He noted that responsible operations must go beyond rhetoric and be anchored on measurable actions such as improved efficiency, reduced emissions and credible offsetting strategies.

    Mba explained that Seplat Energy has already translated this commitment into concrete outcomes. He disclosed that the company launched a comprehensive programme several years ago to eliminate routine gas flaring across its onshore assets, adding that all the projects required to achieve this objective had been completed and were currently at the commissioning stage.

    Read Also: Seplat Energy empowers 25 journalists in Imo

    “Very soon, we will be able to state clearly that routine flaring has ended in our onshore operations. This is a significant milestone that reflects our environmental stewardship, while continuing to deliver energy to the nation,” he said.

    He further highlighted the company’s deployment of technology to improve operational efficiency, including real-time emissions monitoring across pipelines, valves, processing plants and other critical infrastructure. This, he said, is complemented by a robust asset integrity programme aimed at identifying and eliminating emissions sources.

    Beyond operational controls, Mba said Seplat Energy is also pursuing nature-based solutions to offset emissions. In one of its host communities in Edo State, the company has launched an afforestation initiative committing to plant millions of trees over a five-year period, with the first phase already completed.

    He also pointed to Seplat Energy’s investments in gas and LPG infrastructure as part of efforts to drive emissions reduction beyond its direct operations. According to him, expanded access to LPG helps reduce dependence on firewood, charcoal and other biomass fuels, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities.

    Following the company’s offshore acquisition, Mba noted that LPG volumes previously exported are now being channelled into the domestic market, significantly improving availability, affordability and overall market quality.

    On the broader energy transition, he underscored the critical role of financing, especially for gas and gas-to-power projects. He noted that while the national grid delivers only about five gigawatts of electricity, a much larger share of power consumption is met through self-generation using petrol and diesel generators, which have far higher emissions.

    “If we replace these inefficient power sources with gas-powered solutions, we can achieve significant decarbonisation. However, without adequate financing, such projects will not materialise and the benefits will be lost,” he said.

    The event also marked the launch of the NGX Net-Zero Programme (N-Zero), an initiative designed to support listed companies in defining credible net-zero pathways, strengthening climate-related disclosures and aligning with global investor expectations. The programme is projected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3.1 billion in climate-linked capital for Nigerian companies.

    Speaking at the launch, Group Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, said Africa’s capital markets must play a leading role in advancing climate action and sustainable growth, adding that the N-Zero Programme would help companies move from ambition to measurable impact.

    Also speaking, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, noted that climate risk has become a key factor in global valuation and capital allocation decisions, while Monika Beck, a member of the Management Board of DEG, said the partnership aligns with DEG’s strategy of mobilising private capital to accelerate climate action while delivering tangible development outcomes.

  • Water security takes centre stage at Berlin confab

    Water security takes centre stage at Berlin confab

    Agriculture ministers from 59 countries converged in Berlin for the 18th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference under the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), issuing a strong call for urgent global action to secure water for food production in the face of mounting climate, environmental, and demographic pressures.

    Meeting under the theme “Water. Harvests. Our Future,” the ministers warned that water stress has become one of the defining threats of the 21st century, already affecting more than two billion people worldwide and placing unprecedented strain on agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture, which remain the backbone of global food security

    In their final communiqué, the ministers stressed that while agriculture is the largest user of freshwater globally, it also plays a decisive role in the water cycle and in delivering ecosystem services essential for sustainable development. Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable consumption patterns were identified as key drivers intensifying both water scarcity and excesses such as flooding. Against this backdrop, the conference positioned agriculture not as a passive victim of water crises but as a central actor in shaping international water policy, arguing that food systems must sit at the heart of global water governance if the world is to meet future demand safely and equitably

    Building on momentum from recent global initiatives, including the UN Water Action Decade and preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, ministers committed to aligning agricultural water management with major international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

    Particular emphasis was placed on improving water-use efficiency through context-specific solutions ranging from precision irrigation and water-saving technologies to sustainable soil management, wastewater reuse, and reductions in food loss and waste. The communiqué underscored that boosting productivity must go hand in hand with protecting public health, food safety, and ecosystems

    The conference also highlighted the growing risks posed by both water scarcity and excess water, calling for stronger investment in flood risk management, water harvesting, retention infrastructure, and nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration and sustainable forest management. Ministers warned that continued deforestation and land degradation are undermining water quality and availability, with direct consequences for agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

     In response, they pledged to promote regenerative and conservation agriculture, agroecology, and climate-resilient practices that strengthen soil health and water infiltration while safeguarding biodiversity

     A significant pillar of the communiqué focused on innovation, research, and finance. Ministers emphasized the role of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and improved data systems in closing information gaps around water availability, climate risk, and agricultural performance. They called for scaled-up public and private investment in resilient infrastructure and renewable energy solutions that enable efficient water management. In parallel, the conference reaffirmed support for a sustainable blue bioeconomy, recognizing the potential of fisheries, aquaculture, algae production, and aquatic biomass to enhance food security, diversify incomes, and reduce pressure on land-based resources while contributing to a circular economy.

    Read Also: Niger Delta Blue Economy partners Caverton to promote safer, climate-friendly water transport

    Looking beyond sectoral boundaries, the ministers stressed that competition over water resources can only be managed through integrated, cross-sectoral, and transboundary cooperation. They endorsed integrated water resources management and participatory allocation systems that ensure equitable access for vulnerable groups, including smallholder farmers, Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. Access to water was reaffirmed as a human right and a foundation for social stability, with the communiqué warning that water and food insecurity can fuel unrest and migration if left unaddressed.

    The communiqué concluded with a strong appeal to the international community ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, urging governments and global institutions to elevate agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture within water policy decisions. Reaffirming solidarity and shared responsibility, the ministers declared that no food can be produced without water and pledged continued cooperation to equip farmers with the tools needed to produce more food with ever-scarcer water resources.

    The participating countries at the conference were Albania, Angola, Armenia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, the Central African Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malta, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Uzbekistan.

  • Shippers’ Council Board inaugurated

    Shippers’ Council Board inaugurated

    The Federal Government has inaugurated a new Governing Board for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in a move aimed at tightening oversight of port pricing, charges and service delivery to reduce the cost of doing business at the nation’s seaports.

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurated the board yesterday in Abuja, charging members to drive accountability and regulatory reforms critical to improving port efficiency and the country’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Oyetola said the constitution of the board, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects a renewed focus on governance and institutional effectiveness within the marine and blue economy.

    He described the Shippers’ Council as central to ongoing efforts to rein in arbitrary charges and improve transparency across port operations, noting that effective economic regulation remains key to trade facilitation and logistics cost reduction.

    “As the designated Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council occupies a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness and transparency in port pricing, charges and service delivery,” Oyetola said.

    Read Also: Shippers’ Council opts for alternative dispute resolutions

    The minister said persistent inefficiencies and high port charges undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and raise logistics costs for manufacturers, exporters and importers, stressing that the new board must ensure regulatory decisions translate into measurable outcomes.

    Oyetola tasked the board with providing strategic direction and policy guidance, while exercising vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions. He urged members to work closely with the council’s management and ensure that board deliberations deliver concrete gains in trade facilitation and sector competitiveness.

    “Every meeting and decision must deliver measurable outcomes in cost reduction, improved port performance and enhanced competitiveness,” he added.

    The board is chaired by the former governor of Katsina State, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

    Other members include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representing the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture

    (NACCIMA); Mr John Aluya, representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    Responding on behalf of the board, Shema thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.

    “We are committed to providing effective oversight, strengthening regulatory efficiency and supporting initiatives that will enhance port performance and trade facilitation,” Shema said.

    He added that the board would work closely with the ministry and management of the council to deliver tangible outcomes for shippers and the wider economy.

    The Nigerian Shippers’ Council serves as the country’s port economic regulator, with responsibility for promoting efficiency, transparency and fairness in port operations, while protecting shippers’ interests and improving the overall maritime trade environment.

  • Non-oil export rises 11.5% to $6.1b

    Non-oil export rises 11.5% to $6.1b

    The Executive Director, CEO Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni has disclosed that Nigerian Non-oil export performance in 2025 reached an all-time high $6.1 billion, representing a year increase of about 11.5per cent over  the$5.46 billion recorded in 2024.

    The ED disclosed this during a press briefing on the performance of non-oil export for 2025-2026 in Abuja, stating that this marks the highest non-oil export value achieved in the country for formal documented trade since the inception of the Council which has so far beaten the council’s  record and underscoring the growing resilience and relevance of the non-oil export sector to Nigeria’s economy.

    Ayeni reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring it recalibrated and re-strategized to be able to achieve much more superlative performance, noting that with this performance, Nigeria has beaten its own record once again. “You will recall that in 2024, and also last year in 2025, Nigeria recorded the highest value of non-oil export,” she said, while assuring that the ‘Double Your Export mantra’ and the initiatives layered under it are yielding great results.

    She said: “This outstanding performance is not the total story as a lot of exports still go out informally through our various borders. NEPC is in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, while the other stakeholders are working hard to mainstream informal trade.

    Read Also: Experts hinge $3b non-oil target on sunflower value chain

    “In volume terms, total non-oil exports stood at 8.02million metric tons, reflecting a 10per cent increase compared to the 7.29million metric tons recorded in the previous year. This growth in both value and volume demonstrates improved export activity across multiple value chains and market destinations.

    “In 2025, Nigeria exported a total of 281 non-oil products. These products cut across agricultural commodities, processed and semi-processed goods, industrial inputs, and solid minerals, reflecting gradual progress toward value addition and broader product representation in global markets.”

    The ED added that Nigeria’s non-oil exports reached markets across 120 countries, with the Netherlands contributing 17.53per cent, Brazil 10.35per cent, and India 7.63per cent of non-oil export. Therefore, these three countries emerged as the top three destinations by value.

    Export to Netherlands increased by 32.46per cent with products including cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sesame seeds and others. Export to Brazil increased by 19.07 per cent.

  • IMF raises Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.4%

    IMF raises Nigeria’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.4%

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised Nigeria’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to 4.4 per cent, up from the 4.2 per cent projection released in October 2025.

    The revised outlook was contained in the IMF’s January 2026 update of the World Economic Outlook, which was unveiled yesterday. The adjustment reflects a more positive assessment of Nigeria’s medium-term growth prospects amid ongoing policy reforms and broader regional recovery.

    According to the Fund, the upgrade to Nigeria’s outlook forms part of its wider evaluation of global economic conditions, which it expects to remain relatively stable in the coming years. The IMF noted that Nigeria’s improved forecast aligns with gradual but broad-based economic strengthening across Sub-Saharan Africa rather than an isolated revision.

    Nigeria’s revised growth projection builds on a period of significant economic adjustment, characterised by policy reforms and sustained efforts to restore macroeconomic balance. In its October 2025 outlook, the IMF had cited concerns around inflationary pressures, fiscal constraints and structural bottlenecks as key risks to growth.

    Since then, Nigerian policymakers have continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal coordination, stabilising the macroeconomic environment and boosting productivity across critical sectors of the economy.

    Read Also: IMF, Nigeria discuss reforms, new development plan

    The Fund has consistently stressed that deepening structural reforms remains essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging and developing economies, including Nigeria.

    At the regional level, the IMF revised Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth outlook upward, from 4.0 per cent to 4.1 per cent for 2025, and from 4.3 per cent to 4.4 per cent for 2026, signalling a broadly shared recovery across the region.

    Globally, the Fund projects economic growth of 3.3 per cent in 2026 and 3.2 per cent in 2027, broadly in line with the estimated 3.3 per cent growth recorded in 2025. It attributed the relatively stable outlook to a balance between headwinds from shifting trade policies and tailwinds from technology-driven investment, including artificial intelligence, supported by accommodative financial conditions.

    The IMF also expects global inflation to continue its downward trend, with headline inflation projected to ease from 4.1 per cent in 2025 to 3.8 per cent in 2026, and further to 3.4 per cent in 2027.

  • NCC opens spectrum bands to boost digital economy

    NCC opens spectrum bands to boost digital economy

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced consultative engagements with critical stakeholders to open up new spectrum bands in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a trillion dollars digital economy.

    The NCC’s engagements/presentations are on the development of the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030, the guidelines for opening the lower 6 gigahertz (GHz) band for Wi-Fi 6, and the guidelines for opening the 60 GHz license-exempt band for multi-gigabit wireless systems.

    According to the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, the demands for spectrum is not only rising in the telecom industry, its availability had become imperative for Nigeria’s accelerated growth and economic expansion.

    Addressing participants yesterday at the opening ceremony of the Consultative Forum at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, Dr Maida said the Forum would create avenues for robust deliberations that would shape Nigeria’s digital future. Dr Maida was represented by the Head of Spectrum Administration, Atiku Lawal on the occasion.

    Dr Maida said the frameworks contained in the presentations reflected the commitment of the NCC towards building a communications ecosystem that is inclusive, innovative, resilient, and future-ready. He therefore encouraged participants and stakeholders to make critical inputs and contributions that would align with the vision of the present leadership for a robust economy.

    Read Also: NCC marks World Braille Day

    He said: “At the heart of our sector lies an essential national resource: spectrum. Spectrum may be invisible, yet it is indispensable. It powers the connectivity behind our mobile phones, our broadband connections, our satellite services, emergency communications, financial platforms, and smart technologies.

    “Behind every video call, every digital transaction, every online classroom, and every connected device in Nigeria, there is spectrum at work.

    “But spectrum is also finite. Demand for it is rising rapidly, driven by data-intensive applications, cloud services, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the expanding digital needs of our economy.

    “These innovations require more spectrum, smarter planning, and more flexible regulatory approaches.”

    The NCC boss said the Spectrum Roadmap 2026 to 2030 was developed to ensure faster speeds, wider coverage, better service quality, stronger innovation and greater inclusion, assuring that more investments would be attracted to the economy with the development.

    He added that by opening the bands, the NCC was preparing the country “for the data demands of tomorrow—not just on mobile networks, but across homes, campuses, businesses, healthcare facilities, and public spaces.”

    In his keynote, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, of the NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said the management of spectrum requires transparency, prudence, and collaboration.

     “The way we plan, assign, and regulate spectrum will determine our nation’s ability to achieve our target, stimulate innovation, and strengthen global competitiveness,” Oshadami said.

    Oshadami who was represented by Maigana Gidado, the Head of Fixed Networks and Converged Services at the NCC, noted that Nigeria would continue to make meaningful progress in mobile broadband penetration, 5G rollout, and improvement in quality of service following the new openings and opportunities in the telecommunications ecosystem.

  • Indigenous engineers decry exclusion from infrastructure projects

    Indigenous engineers decry exclusion from infrastructure projects

    Indigenous engineers have decried their exclusion from infrastructure projects of the Federal Government. They say the development does not align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the push for “Buy Nigeria First” policy of his administration.

    The engineers, acting under the aegis of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the group expressed concern that many government projects running into trillions of naira still exclude Nigerian engineers, often with costly consequences.

    Speaking during the inauguration of the Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu as its 35th President, he said the Renewed Hope agenda offers a rare opportunity to reclaim engineering as the backbone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, stressing that no nation can build sustainably while sidelining its own professionals.

    Central to his vision was strong backing for the Buy Nigeria First policy, which he described as a historic chance to reposition Nigeria as Africa’s infrastructure and industrial hub.

    While noting that laws such as the COREN Act and Executive Order 5 already support this direction, he expressed concern that many government projects running into trillions of naira still exclude Nigerian engineers, often with costly consequences.

    “It may shock Mr. President to know that MDAs, especially infrastructure-related Ministries such as the Federal Ministries of Works, Power, Water Resources, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, have largely observed these laws in the breach,” he said.

    He warned that weak enforcement has led to poor-quality delivery and inflated costs, and urged the President to ensure that Nigerian engineering consultants are compulsorily engaged in the design, supervision and certification of all major projects.

    Read Also: Expert urges engineers to prioritise safety, adhere to building codes

    According to him, engineering deserves the same level of institutional respect accorded to law and accounting in national decision-making.

    “Mr. President that engineering training and practice is regulated by the COREN Act, and that the Council is under the supervision of the Honourable Minister responsible for Works; but Sir, this arrangement appears to have become an albatross: the Federal Ministry of Works has failed or neglected to discharge its responsibilities towards building a sustainable engineering practice,” he said.

    In an address at his investiture, Engr. Rabiu made it clear this was not a routine change of guard but a defining moment for the profession.

    The new NSE President praised the immediate past President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, for restoring visibility and professionalism to the Society, but warned that the next phase must go further, aligning engineering practice firmly with national priorities and public policy.

    Drawing from his experience as a former President of COREN, Engr. Rabiu said his return to leadership was driven by concern that the Society had drifted from its founding ideals.

    He pledged to rebuild the NSE into a standards-driven, ideas-led institution capable of shaping policy, driving innovation and delivering real value to both members and the nation.

    Beyond advocacy, the new NSE President outlined plans to strengthen professional capacity, support technical and vocational education and restore engineering’s influence in national planning and budgeting.

    The NSE President welcomed the Federal Government’s move to upgrade technical colleges nationwide, pledging the Society’s full support to develop skills, empower youths and reduce dependence on foreign technical labour.

    Engr. Rabiu called for unity, urging engineers to rise with a renewed sense of purpose.

    He said the reset of the Nigerian Society of Engineers is ultimately about delivering Nigerian solutions, by Nigerian professionals, for Nigeria’s future.