The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Bauchi commissioner Adamu, four others arraigned for alleged terror financing, money laundering

…remanded in Kuje prison till January 5

The Commissioner of Finance in Bauchi State, said to be a former Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Plc (Bauchi branch), Yakubu Adamu, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on two separate charges of terror financing and money laundering.

Adamu was arraigned on Wednesday along with three others on a 10-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in which they were accused of engaging in terrorism financing to the tune of $9.7million.

Those arraigned with Adamu on Wednesday on the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025, are Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed.

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which prosecuting lawyer, Samuel Chime sought for a date for the commencement of trial and applied that the defendants be remanded in prison.

Defence lawyer, Gordy Uche (SAN) informed the court about the bail applications filed by his clients and sought the court’s permission to move them.

Chime acknowledged being served with the bail applications and said he has also filed a joint response to them.

Justice Emeka Nwite then asked Uche is the facts in the four bail applications were the same, to which he (Uche) said there a slight difference.

Uche said while Adamu was arrested, the other three defendants reported to the EFCC upon being invited.

He then, proceeded to move the applications and argued that the prosecution’s proof of evidence did not specifically linked his clients with the offence of terrorism financing as alleged.

Uche prayed the court to appreciate the circumstances and exercise its discretion in favour of the defendants.

He told the court that Adamu’s continued detention has affected about 60, 0000 workers in Bauchi State, who were yet to be paid their salaries.

Uche added, “My lord, do not be carried away by the nature of the charge. I urge you to give it a liberal view and grant them bail on liberal terms.”

Responding, Chime urged the court to refuse the defendants’ bail request and drew the court’s attention to paragraphs 15 and 16 of the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

The prosecution, in paragraph 15 of the counter affidavit, said it firmly opposes the grant of bail to the defendants in view of the terrorism-related allegations, the money laundering counts and the magnitude of the sums stated on the face of the charge.

It claimed in paragraph 16 that Adamu is also facing another pending criminal charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025, bordering on money laundering.

Adamu and one other were arraigned on the said charge the previous day before the same court.

After listening to arguments on the bail applications, Justice Nwite adjourned till January 5, 2026 for ruling and ordered that th defendants be remanded in Kuje prison before until then.

In count one of the charge, Adamu, Sirajo Jaja (while being Accountant-General of Bauchi State, now at large}, Samaila Irmiya Liman (now at large}, Ilelah, Bose and Mohammed (said to be civil servants and signatories to Bauchi State Government’s accounts and/or payment instruments) were alleged to have committed the offence sometime between Jan. 2024 and May 2024.

They were alleged to have conspired to provide funds in the aggregate sum of 2,300,000.000 U.S. dollars in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him, pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

The said funds were alleged to be used, in whole or in part, to finance a terrorist or terrorist group.

In count three, the defendants were accused of involving in an arrangement which resulted in the sum of about 500,000.00 U.S. dollars being delivered in cash to Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him for the purpose of terrorism and for the benefit of a proscribed terrorist group pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Bala Mohammed.

They were, in count four accused of conspiring to disguise the origin of the 2, 300, 000. 00 U.S. dollars, being Bauchi State Government’s funds, routed through Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and other nominees and converting same to U.S. dollars, for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him.

Earlier on Tuesday, Adamu and a firm, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd were arraigned before Justice Nwite on a six-count charge in which the EFCC accused them of laundering about N5billion.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them, following which Chime (who represented the prosecution) applied to the remand of the defendants in prison pending the commencement of trial.

Uche (who also represented the defendants) moved a bail application for his client, which was opposed by the prosecuting lawyer, following which the judge adjourned till January 2, 2026 for ruling and ordered that Adamu be remanded in EFCC’s custody.

In one of the counts in the charge, the EFCC alleged that Adamu, while acting as Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Plc, Bauchi, conspired with Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, Managing Director of I.S. Makayye Investment Resources Limited, and Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, both currently at large, between June and December 2023, to launder ₦4.65billion.

The funds were allegedly availed by Polaris Bank under the guise of financing the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises, which motorcycles were never supplied.

In another count, Adamu is accused of acquiring, using, retaining and taking possession or control of ₦976million in 2023, paid into the account of I.S. Makayye Investment Resources Limited and subsequently transferred to several individuals and entities, knowing or having reasonable grounds to know that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity linked to the diversion of the Polaris Bank facility.

December 31, 2025
I almost quit football because of parents’ death – Nwabali

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed the immense grief he faced after losing both his parents, admitting that he even considered quitting football.

In an emotional interview with ACL Sport on Wednesday, Nwabali said, “Most times I feel like quitting, you know? I feel like quitting because of my mom and dad. My mom was so dear to me. It’s really painful, man. Really painful to be talking about my mom today.”

He reflected on the depth of his loss, adding, “It really hurts. It’s not a nice feeling for any human being to lose both parents at the same time. I’ve tried not to dwell on it, but here I am. It’s very difficult.”

Nwabali lost his mother on January 1, 2025, just a month after his father passed away.

Despite the unimaginable loss, he credited his teammates for helping him cope and continue his football career.

“I remember talking to my captain about wanting to leave football. But with the help of some of my teammates, I keep going. It really hurts, but I’m standing here playing football,” he said.

December 31, 2025
NDDC defends N1.75 Trillion 2025 budget before National Assembly

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has defended its N1.75 trillion budget estimate for the 2025 fiscal year before the Senate Committee on NDDC, chaired by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, and the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, led by Hon. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake.

Presenting the proposals at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said the 2025 budget, themed “Budget of Consolidation,” builds on the gains of the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope and reflects the commission’s shift from transactional to transformational development, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ogbuku expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence in the current NDDC management and to the Supervising Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, for his strategic guidance. He also commended the 10th National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House Committees on NDDC, for their constructive oversight and partnership.

He noted that the commission’s growing credibility and improved public perception result from the synergy between the NDDC Board and Management, the Ministry of Regional Development, and the National Assembly, stressing that legislative oversight remains anchored in accountability, transparency, and measurable impact.

The 2025 estimate represents a nine per cent reduction from the N1.985 trillion proposed and appropriated for 2024. According to Ogbuku, the N1.75 trillion budget is expected to be funded from multiple sources: N776.5 billion from the federal government, N752.8 billion from oil companies, N109.4 billion carried forward from 2024, N53.67 billion in recoveries from federal agencies, and N8.35 billion in internally generated revenue.

A breakdown of the proposal shows N1.631 trillion earmarked for project execution across the Niger Delta region, with N223 billion allocated to internal projects. Personnel costs are projected at N47.56 billion, while N49.929 billion is set aside for overhead expenditure.

On the performance of the 2024 budget, Ogbuku informed the committee that as of October 31, 2025, the commission’s actual revenue stood at N1.985trn exceeding the initial target of N1.911trn

He attributed the improved revenue performance largely to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation to December 31, 2025.

The Managing Director also disclosed that the commission had abandoned line-item budgeting in favour of sectoral allocations, a move aimed at reducing project delays and improving efficiency.

Following the presentation, the committee held a closed-door session with the NDDC management to review both the budget proposal and the status of ongoing and completed projects across the Niger Delta.

The Chairman of the committee, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the Senate Committee would embark on an extensive oversight tour of NDDC projects in the nine Niger Delta states in January 2026.

According to him, the committee critically examined reports on ongoing and completed projects during the closed session and resolved to verify claims through physical inspection.

“At the closed-door session, critical looks were taken at ongoing and completed projects by the commission, and the committee resolved to carry out an extensive oversight tour across the nine Niger Delta states in January next year,” Ekpenyong said.

He added that while NDDC recorded significant project delivery in the outgoing fiscal year, expectations remained high for improved performance in the coming year, particularly in ensuring value for money and timely completion of projects.

The House of Representatives Committee on the NDDC stated that the Commission’s proposed N1.75trn 2025 budget must translate into tangible development outcomes for communities across the Niger Delta.

Chairman of the Committee, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, gave the assurance during the NDDC’s budget defence session, warning that lawmakers would not treat the proposal as a routine legislative exercise.

According to her, the budget represents renewed hope and opportunity for millions of people in the oil-producing region. “It must, therefore, be people-centred, transparent, and strictly aligned with national development priorities.

While commending the Commission’s ongoing reform efforts, the Committee Chair noted that legislative support would be tied strictly to performance and verifiable results on the ground.

December 31, 2025
New Year will bring peace, progress for Nigeria — RCCG Pastor

Pastor Adeyemo, Pastor in Charge of Province 70 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating that the country is already witnessing the foundations of peace, progress, and democratic dividends.

In an interview at his office in Sabo, Lagos, the cleric encouraged Nigerians to be thankful for the nation’s current direction and to pray for the success of the administration. “What I expect in the New Year is peace, joy, and progress. The dividend of democracy is coming,” he said.

Pastor Adeyemo emphasized that leadership is ordained by God and must be supported with prayers, citing Daniel 2:20. “God is the one who sets up kings. He gives wisdom. What we need to ask God for is wisdom for those in authority,” he noted.

He urged Nigerians to pray for the president and his family, stressing that political differences should not hinder what God has begun. “God has exposed certain things because He wants to help Nigeria. He put this leader there. I cannot be praying for someone to fail; it’s not possible,” he said.

Acknowledging economic and security challenges, Adeyemo attributed many obstacles to human compromise but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s military and security architecture.

“The major problem Nigeria has is corruption. It is not necessarily from the president; it is down the line. What Nigerians should fight is corruption at all levels of government,” he said.

The cleric called for a national conversation on accountability, including the removal of immunity for public office holders who misuse funds.

He also defended recent tax reforms, noting that expanding the tax base could benefit the poor if funds are properly utilized.

“If the money is not wasted, it will come back to the grassroots. But if it is wasted, then that is where the problem is,” he explained.

Responding to concerns about the role of the Church amid economic hardship, Adeyemo said churches continue to support the needy despite limited resources.

“The economy is affecting everyone, including the Church. But the Church is about love and shared sacrifice. We contribute little by little to help those in need,” he said.

He concluded with a message of hope, insisting that with prayers, accountability, and collective vigilance against corruption, Nigeria will experience lasting progress in the coming year.

December 31, 2025
Rivers govt explains N100,000 yuletide largesse payment

The Rivers State Government has clarified that its annual N100,000 Christmas bonus is disbursed to all civil servants and public office holders in the state without discrimination.

In a statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, the government said the bonus is paid to all workers, including pensioners, who are captured on the Rivers state government payroll system.

The clarification followed commendation from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the recent payment of the Christmas bonus.

While the statement did not mention members of the State House of Assembly, it came a day after the Assembly reportedly returned the bonus to the state treasury.

Sirawoo noted that the N100,000 bonus has been consistently paid over the past three years to civil servants, public officers, and pensioners.

He described the payment as an annual practice and a token of appreciation for the dedication and service of state employees throughout the year.

Read Also: Rivers still at crossroads, says Fubara

He further emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to proactive measures aimed at providing a social safety net for state employees and their families.

He added that the state government regarded the NLC not merely as a labour union, but also as a critical partner in the “Rivers First” development agenda.

He said that the union’s public acknowledgement of the gesture reflected the cordial relationship between the administration and the workforce.

According to him, workers remain the greatest pride of the Rivers State Government.

“While this bonus is meant to brighten the festive season, our long-term focus remains the continuous improvement of the working environment and the welfare of everyone serving Rivers State,” he said.

December 31, 2025
Over 10,000 gather for Movie in the Park 2025

Movie in the Park ended 2025 on a high note as more than 10,000 movie enthusiasts attended its four events, culminating in a vibrant outdoor cinema experience in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The final event, held on December 13, 2025, featured a screening of a classic early-2000s Nollywood movie, delighting longtime fans and introducing younger audiences to a defining era of Nigerian storytelling.

Families, friends, couples, and film lovers filled the park, creating a communal atmosphere of laughter, nostalgia, and shared memories.

The evening extended beyond the movie screening into a lively after-party, where music, conversations, and celebration continued late into the night, further enhancing the sense of community that defined the event.

Speaking on the success of the Ibadan edition, Ihechi Opara, organiser of Movie in the Park, expressed excitement over the turnout and the emotional connection the event fostered.

“What we witnessed in Ibadan was beyond a movie night. It was a powerful gathering of people reconnecting—with Nollywood, with memories, and with one another,” he said.

Opara added that the overwhelming response reinforced the vision behind the project.

“Our goal with Movie in the Park is to create experiences people never knew they were missing—spaces where friends and families can bond, relax, and enjoy quality entertainment together. The love we received in Ibadan tells us we are on the right path,” he noted.

Building on this success, Opara announced plans to take Movie in the Park on a national tour in 2026, with outdoor movie festivals scheduled in at least ten states across Nigeria.

“Next year, we are expanding across the country, giving more Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy a superb outdoor movie experience that brings people together in a way that feels simple, warm, and unforgettable,” he said.

With its combination of nostalgia, community engagement, and accessible entertainment, Movie in the Park continues to position itself as one of Nigeria’s most anticipated outdoor cultural experiences, redefining how audiences connect with film beyond traditional cinema settings.

December 31, 2025
Foundation builds capacity of students on governance process

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Nigeria (RLF) has trained students across four universities in order to enhance their participation in democratic and national development processes.

The democracy capacity-building workshop was organised under the Include Naija initiative designed to ensure inclusive democracy and empowerment network for active youth in Nigeria.

The Foundation and its partners, Social Action and We the People, in April kick started a three -year project (2025-2027) tagged: Include Naija — Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment Network for Active Youth in Nigeria.

The project, which is co- funded by the European Commission in Nigeria, aims to promote the fundamental human rights of Nigerian youths, enhance their participation in democratic and national development processes.

According to a statement by the Foundation, four universities were selected for the execution of the project activities in the next three years.

The universities are: political science department, University of Abuja; Centre for Peace and Development, Veritas University Bwari; Centre for Gender Studies, Nasarawa State University Keffi and Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University Kano.

Five training activities and advocacy visits to selected stakeholders such as the university administrations, National and state houses of Assembly and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development are planned annually for selected students of each university.

The democracy capacity-building workshop brought together 50 students, including 20 from the University of Abuja, and 15 each from Veritas University and Nasarawa State University.

Read Also: Foundation empowers youths, supports elderly in Lagos, Osun, Oyo

It featured Professor Yusuf Zoaka of the Political Science Department University of Abuja, Dr. Hauwau Mainoma of the Centre for Gender studies Nassarawa state university; Dr. Chibugo Lebechi of the Veritas University Bwari and Dame Ene Edeh of Equity Advocates.

Prof Zoaka’s presentation during the workshop was on representative democracy, democratic principles and the rule of law while Dr Chibugo Lebechi spoke on the role of citizens in policy making, public consultations, citizen assemblies, online platforms for civic engagement.

Dr Mainoma focused on Social Inclusion and equity advocacy while Ede made the fourth presentation on Civic Engagement strategies, such as lobbying, advocacy and grass roots organising.

There was also mentorship interactive sessions designed for twenty female students in each of the participating institutions.

The mentees were sensitised on the value of mentorship programs and the roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees.

Each mentor shared with the mentees their life stories from their family and educational background and the circumstances surrounding their socialization as a girl child.

They also shared their experiences as students in the 1980s and 1990s in Nigerian universities and the nature of their involvement in the student union movement.

The mentors also shared their experiences in the wider world, family and career choices and concluded with life nuggets to inspire the girls.

In total, four interactive mentorship sessions were organized for 2025.

At Veritas University, mentors included Ene Obi, a former Student Union President at the University of Jos and former Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria and Hauwa Mustapha, a former student union activist at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, now a researcher at the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The University of Abuja session featured Comfort Ogunye, the founder of the Female Leadership Forum, alongside Dr Fatima Hassan, a former Vice President of the University of Jos Student Union.

The Nasarawa State University session saw Ene Obi and Hassan mentor students, while Bayero University, Kano, hosted Sadaatu Sani, a former House of Representatives member, and Aisha Dankani, who is convener of Kano Leads Initiative.

The students also participated in advocacy visits to the National Assembly public hearing on constitutional amendments on the 22nd of September 2025.

The interactive sessions were well received by the students and perceived as inspiring and impactful sessions.

December 31, 2025
PAVE urges security agencies to strengthen community engagement

The Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network has called on security agencies to intensify community engagement while strictly upholding human rights and the rule of law in efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism.

The call was made by the Chairman of the Jigawa State chapter of PAVE, Comrade Muhammad Musbahu Basirka, while briefing journalists on the organisation’s activities in the state.

He said respect for human rights by security personnel would help strengthen trust, synergy and cordial relations between communities and security agencies.

Basirka disclosed that PAVE recently concluded a 15-day Community Resilience Campaign across selected local government areas of Jigawa State.

According to him, the campaign focused on peace education, tolerance, conflict awareness and the strengthening of community networks aimed at countering extremist narratives.

He explained that the engagements revealed a growing level of awareness among community members, as well as an increased willingness to take collective responsibility for peacebuilding and social cohesion.

Basirka added that the combined efforts of stakeholders have produced notable gains in Jigawa State, including stronger multi-sector collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, security agencies, civil society organisations and host communities.

He added that there has been progress towards the development of State and Local Action Plans (SAPs and LAPs) aligned with the National Policy Framework and National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE).

Other achievements, he said, include the establishment and operationalisation of Technical Working Groups on PCVE, improved community-level early warning and response awareness, increased inclusion of PCVE considerations in state development discourse and budget proposals, as well as growing engagement of non-traditional stakeholders, including the private sector.

According to him, these gains present opportunities for deeper youth engagement, targeted livelihood interventions and the institutionalisation of PCVE within government systems.

Despite the progress recorded, Basirka acknowledged that significant challenges remain. These include the continued regional presence of armed and criminal groups, socio-economic vulnerabilities, particularly among young people, uneven early warning and intelligence linkages at the local government level, and gaps in fully mainstreaming PCVE priorities across sectoral budgets.

He stressed that the challenges underscore the fact that preventing and countering violent extremism is not the responsibility of a single institution, but a shared task requiring coordinated governance and broad societal participation.

December 31, 2025
90 percent of Kaduna now safe under Uba Sani — Yero
- …as ATT holds special prayer for Gov Sani at 55
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, on Wednesday said over 90 per cent of Kaduna State is now safe, attributing the development to the security measures put in place by Governor Uba Sani since assuming office.

Yero spoke at a special prayer session organised by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) in honour of Governor Sani’s 55th birthday at Arewa House, Kaduna.

He said the governor inherited a state burdened by widespread insecurity, with several communities cut off and many markets shut due to fear of attacks.

According to him, areas that were previously inaccessible have been reopened, allowing residents to move freely and conduct business without fear.

“At the time he took over, there were many places you could not go and markets that were closed. Today, over 90 per cent of those places are open. You can go to Birnin Gwari, Giwa and their markets and transact business freely,” Yero said.

He attributed the improved security to effective collaboration between the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Government and security agencies, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support.

Yero said the gains in security have translated into economic revival, noting that small businesses are thriving as residents go about their daily activities without harassment.

He added that the expansion of infrastructure projects into rural areas has further stimulated economic growth, unlike in the past when development was largely restricted to urban centres.

Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said the prayer session was part of the group’s tradition of marking the birthdays of leaders with prayers and goodwill.

He said the impressive turnout at the event reflected public confidence in the governor’s performance and leadership.

Yakubu dismissed claims of a looming one-party state, describing such narratives as propaganda by politicians unwilling to compete.

He stressed that praying for leaders was a civic responsibility, noting that good leadership ultimately translates into collective progress for the people.

Also speaking, activist Comrade Yerima Shettima said Governor Sani has demonstrated purposeful leadership, stressing that the return of peace has begun to attract investors to the state.

Shettima urged Nigerians to continue supporting the governor and President Tinubu, saying sustained support was necessary to consolidate the gains recorded so far.
December 31, 2025
Solid minerals revenue triples under Tinubu’s reforms — Minister’s aide

The determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to reposition the solid minerals sector as an alternative source of revenue has resulted in a significant increase in earnings from the sector over the past two years.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, who highlighted the operational turnaround recorded since the introduction of wide-ranging reforms and policies.

Providing an overview of developments since Dr. Dele Alake assumed office as Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Tomori said revenue from the sector rose from N16 billion in 2023 to N38 billion in 2024 and is now projected to more than double within two years.

According to him, the surge in revenue reflects the renewed focus of the Tinubu administration on unlocking the potential of the mining sector.

Tomori explained that upon assuming office, the minister introduced a seven-point agenda aimed at attracting credible investors, restoring confidence and repositioning the sector for sustainable growth.

He noted that part of the reforms involved cleaning up the sector through the revocation of licences held by non-performing operators. In late 2023, he said 1,633 licences were revoked due to default in payment of annual service fees, while another 924 dormant licences were withdrawn in early 2024 to create opportunities for serious investors.

Tomori added that these measures have boosted both local and foreign investor confidence, leading to the emergence of lithium processing factories across the country, as well as plans for a $400 million rare earth metals processing plant.

He said the renewed interest and rising revenue figures underscore the growing role of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.

“It is estimated that close to $1.5bn in Foreign Direct Investment has been attracted to the sector since 2023,” Tomori said.

The media aide to the minister also highlighted the revision of the guidelines for Community Development Agreements to ensure that the consent of host communities became an integral part of the license application process.

On the disturbing challenge of illegal mining, Tomori said the establishment of a special purpose mining marshals in 2024 had begun to yield results.

“Just over one year after, over 300 illegal miners have been apprehended; about 150 are undergoing prosecution; and 98 illegal mining sites have been recovered,” adding that nationwide satellite surveillance of mining sites is expected to commence in 2026 to strengthen enforcement.

In order to ensure inclusivity of all tiers of governance in the sector, the minister introduced a cooperative federalism approach that allows states to apply for mining licences and operate as limited liability companies.

“This has produced tremendous results as several states now have joint venture partnerships that have yielded investments in Nasarawa, Kaduna, Abuja, Oyo, amongst others,” he said.

Nigeria’s push for local value addition to refining minerals before exports is gaining continental acceptance, a development that led to the establishment of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.

“The body of African ministers of solid minerals unanimously elected Dr Alake as its pioneer chairman. This is a testament to how his vision has positioned Nigeria as leading the continent’s mining sector renaissance.”

Tomori said reforms to improve the ease of doing business include the launch of the Nigeria Minerals Decision Support System, a web-based platform that provides investors with access to geoscientific and geoeconomic data, interactive maps and infrastructure details.

He, therefore, said it is no surprise that Nigeria is set to cross the N70bn mark in 2025, noting that though unprecedented. The target is still a drop in the ocean, considering the vast potential of the mining sector.

“The federal government is determined to build on the gains in 2026. “We go again in 2026 to surpass this record by consolidating on reforms to ensure solid minerals ultimately become a major contributor to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product,” Tomori added.

December 31, 2025