The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Trump’s threat: Ex-SGF Mustapha asks Fed Govt to explore diplomatic options

    Trump’s threat: Ex-SGF Mustapha asks Fed Govt to explore diplomatic options

    • …advocates local solution to insecurity challenge

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has asked the federal government to explore diplomatic options in addressing issues relating to the decision by President Donald Trump of the United States of America (USA) to declare Nigeria a country of particular concern.

    Mustapha gave insight into how the past administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, in which he served, dealt with a similar situation.

    The ex-SGF spoke in Abuja on Thursday while announcing plans for the 45th Anniversary Reunion Gala and Lecture of the Nigerian Law School (NLS) Class of 1980, scheduled for between November 27 and 30 in Abuja.

    He said the event, being held under the theme: “The Nigerian Legal Profession at Crossroads,” will feature keynote lecture, with the topic, “Reassessing the Nigerian Legal Profession in the 21st Century – A Cry for Urgent Reforms,” to be elivered by Prof. Andrew Chukwuemerie (SAN), with Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) and Prof. Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN) and discussants.

    He expressed concern about growing insecurity in the country and increasing intolerance among Nigerians and called for a conscious decision by the people themselves to recreate the old days when Nigerians lived together peacefully.

    The ex-SGF, who noted that no country on earth is currently experiencing a crisis, said it was incumbent on every country to evolve its own means of addressing its challenges, adding: “We must evolve our indigenous ways of solving our crises.”

    Mustapha said, “Well, because of the experience I have, this is not the first time we have been declared a country of particular concern. In 2000 and 2020, the same Trump put us there, but without the drama that this one followed. There was no tweet. It was just at the level of a policy decision.

    “And, I remember then, we engaged, we dispatched a team to Washington, made up of technocrats. We applied soft diplomacy in terms of reaching out to friends within the global diplomatic community. And we leveraged the advantage of the stature of President Buhari to talk.

    “A lot of things happen in the diplomatic clime behind the doors. It is not for media consumption. And, eventually, we got Biden in 2021 to delist us.

    I expect that that is what is ongoing now. And, I believe that there should be less noise and more engagement.

    “President Buhari will always remind me that America has a big stick, and if they hit your head with it, the headache will never disappear. In his lighter moods, he would always remind me that caution in dealing with superpowers is important.

    “Constant engagement, political back-end engagements, and leveraging friendship globally are equally important in the resolution of the issues now. We will resolve it. Nigeria is a great country. We have 230 million people,” he said.

    Read Also: Trump’s threat and the wave of abductions

    The ex-SGF said it was not in the interest of anyone that the country should disintegrate in view of its consequences for the continent.

    Mustapha said, “If anything happens to this country, if we explode and just walk across West Africa, we’ll eat up all the food. And there will be starvation. People will die of starvation by our share number.

    “So, even globally, the world is not interested in the breakup of Nigeria. I can tell you that. Because they know the enormity of the problems that will overflow Africa.

    “Not West Africa, Africa. Right now, our people have travelled to different areas and different countries. Even the migration issue that is attended with that has become a matter of concern for those nations.

    “Talk less of 230 million people scattered all over the place. So I believe with engagement, with diplomatic backdoor shuttles, with empirical explanations, statistics, we will overcome these challenges,” he said.

    Reflecting on the state of insecurity in the country, the ex-SGF said: “We’ve drifted, there’s no doubt about it, because the world itself is conflicted. There are global crises all over the world, and we are partakers; we are getting our share of it.

    “There must be a new renaissance of the Nigerian people, to go back to our old ways. Our communal values, our family values, have totally been eroded.

    “Humanity has literally jumped out of the window. That affects the essence of life. And, I believe that all Nigerians have a responsibility for the restoration of what we used to be.

    “It is not only left for the government. I have served in government, and I know the limitations of government. The people themselves must awake from their slumber and begin to do things differently.

    “We must be our brother’s keepers; we must care for human life. If we do not return to those old days and old ways, we will continue to drift. Like I said, it’s a global phenomenon.

    “Everywhere you go, there are crises. But countries evolve means of solving their own crises. We must evolve our indigenous ways of solving our crises.

    “Some of them are inflicted as a result of climate change, old manners of things, and economic downturn. So there’s intense pressure on the lives of our people. Government is an enabler to relieve these pressures.

    “But the conscious decision must be taken by the people themselves. Is it who we are? Or could we live in the midst of our diversity and differences together, and be able to pull this nation and lift it from where it is now? That’s what I see for the future. Thank you very much,” the ex-SGF said.

  • JNI, Makarfi mourn Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, describe him as a beacon of Islamic scholarship

    JNI, Makarfi mourn Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, describe him as a beacon of Islamic scholarship

    The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Muslim Ummah and the end of an era in Islamic scholarship.

    In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the organisation said its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, received the news of the scholar’s death with “a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Allah.”

    The Sultan extended condolences to the late cleric’s family, disciples, the Tijjaniyya brotherhood, the Bauchi State Government, and the wider Muslim community.

    JNI praised Sheikh Bauchi as a guiding light whose decades of commitment to Qur’anic teaching, spiritual mentorship, and moral guidance influenced thousands across Nigeria and beyond.

    “His entire life was devoted to the Qur’an and its studies,” the statement said. “He was a beacon of guidance and unwavering commitment to the cause of Islam.”

    The organisation added that many of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s children are memorizers of the Qur’an, underscoring his lifelong devotion to Islamic knowledge and his mentorship of young scholars across generations.

    JNI described his death as a reminder of the transient nature of life, urging Muslims to reflect, renew their faith, and remain steadfast in acts of worship and kindness.

    “We should always turn to Allah with sincere repentance, good deeds, and service to humanity before death comes,” it added.

    The body urged the family, disciples, and millions of adherents across the country to accept the loss with faith and remain united, prayerful, and committed to sustaining the late Sheikh’s teachings and values. It stressed that his legacy of discipline, piety, and service to Islam must not be allowed to fade.

    JNI prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late scholar, asking the Almighty to forgive his shortcomings, grant him ease in the grave, and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, alongside all departed Muslims who contributed to the growth of Islam.

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, also joined Nigerians in mourning the revered cleric, describing his death as “a monumental shock and a painful separation” despite his long and impactful life in the service of Allah.

    In a personal tribute, Makarfi said the late Sheikh Tahir Bauchi—whom he described as an institution—lived a life fully devoted to Islamic scholarship, Qur’anic exegesis, spiritual guidance, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

    He recalled the Sheik’s leadership of the Tijjaniyya order, his decades-long Ramadan tafsir in Kaduna since 1980, and his establishment and funding of hundreds of Qur’anic schools across the country, noting that such contributions made him “a spiritual guide who inspired millions on the path of Allah.”

    Makarfi described the cleric as an eloquent preacher with legendary mastery of Qur’anic interpretation and Islamic theology, saying his scholarship was “universal, phenomenal and unmatched across generations.”

    The former governor also reflected on his personal encounters with the Sheikh, saying the cleric’s private counsel during his time in office between 1999 and 2007 provided wisdom that helped him navigate difficult political and governance challenges. “For this, I will remain eternally grateful,” he said.

    He extended condolences to the family, disciples, the Bauchi State Government, the Nigerian Muslim community, and the entire nation, praying to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest in Aljannah and give the nation the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The passing of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, both JNI and Makarfi stressed, marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s religious history—one defined by knowledge, humility, patience, and total devotion to the service of Islam.

  • NIHSA, partners roll out $500m fundraising initiative to tackle Nigeria’s flood crisis

    NIHSA, partners roll out $500m fundraising initiative to tackle Nigeria’s flood crisis

    ‎The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Global Flood Disaster Management Project have launched a $500 million fundraising initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s flood preparedness and resilience systems, amid rising concerns over the growing severity of floods across the country.

    ‎The launch, held in Abuja, brought together lawmakers, diplomats, development partners, and private sector leaders—signalling what officials described as a decisive shift from reacting to disasters to proactively preventing them.

    ‎The national campaign seeks major investment in early warning systems, community preparedness, and flood-resilient infrastructure, to reduce the human and economic toll of the recurring flood disasters that displace thousands every year.

    ‎Former federal permanent secretary and diplomat, Ambassador Godknows Igali, set the tone for the event, warning that Nigeria must confront the reality that flooding is not a seasonal inconvenience but a permanent national threat.

    ‎“Flooding in Nigeria is inevitable—but disaster isn’t. Igali noted that Nigeria sits downstream of the Niger and Benue basins, receiving water from nine countries, while also facing increasing coastal flooding driven by rising sea levels,” he said.

    ‎He cited recent European floods in Germany, Italy, and France as examples of how preparation – not geography- determines outcomes.

    According to him, “Those countries suffered heavy floods in 2024, yet the human toll was minimal because they were prepared. Nigeria must do the same.”

    ‎NIHSA Director-General, Prof. Salihu Mustapha, said the initiative reflects the agency’s renewed commitment to ensuring that Nigeria stops viewing floods solely as emergencies.

    ‎“Floods cannot be completely prevented, but their impacts can be drastically reduced. Today is about preparation, not panic. Mustapha added that flood management must be a shared responsibility involving private sector investors, development partners, and local communities,” he said.

    ‎He also urged stakeholders to recognise the positive potential of floodwaters, which can be harnessed for irrigation, drought relief, and soil enrichment.

    ‎“If managed strategically, floodwaters can support agriculture and improve livelihoods,” he said.

    ‎The Chairman of the House Committee on Hydrological Services, Dr. Pascal Agbodike, announced full legislative support for the $500 million drive, stressing that preparedness is more cost-effective than recovery.

    ‎He said, “These numbers are not just statistics—they represent families whose dreams have been disrupted. Prevention is far cheaper than response. Resilience must be deliberately engineered.”

    ‎Agbodike assured donors and partners of strict accountability and oversight in the management of all contributions, in line with the National Flood Emergency Preparedness Framework.

    The $500 million campaign aims to mobilise funds from government, the private sector, international development agencies, and philanthropists, with NIHSA describing the effort as critical to preventing a repeat of past catastrophic floods, including the 2012 disaster that overwhelmed major river systems.

    ‎With climate change intensifying rainfall patterns and rising sea levels, officials warned that time is running out.

  • Senate okays Omidiran as chairman, 37 others as commissioners of FCC

    Senate okays Omidiran as chairman, 37 others as commissioners of FCC

    The Senate on Thursday approved the nomination of Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran for appointment as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    The Senate also approved the nomination of 37 other nominees for appointment as national commissioners of the FCC representing the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT.

    The resolution of the Red Chamber followed the adoption of the report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh.

    He said all nominees submitted the required documents and faced a thorough screening without any criminal petitions recorded against them.

    A two-term member of the House of Representatives, Omidiran is widely respected for her community-focused legislative record, women’s empowerment initiatives, and strong advocacy for equity in governance.

    Her appointment after swearing in by the President is expected to inject renewed discipline, transparency, and reform-oriented leadership into the Commission.

    Among the nominees confirmed for appointment as National Commissioners of the FCC by the Senate are Peter Ogbonna Eze, representing Enugu State, AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah, representing Lagos State, and Mohammed Musa remains as Secretary of the FCC.

    Other confirmed nominees are: Representatives from other states, including Obinna Oriaku( Abia), Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa-Ibom); Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra); Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi);  Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa); Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue); Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno); Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River); Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta); Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi); Hon. Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo); Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe); Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo); Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna); Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano); Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina); Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara); Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger); Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo); Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo); Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba); Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

    In his presentation, Senator Onyesoh informed the chamber that all nominees had appeared before the committee on November 13, submitting CCB clearances, police reports, DSS vetting documents, and their curriculum vitae.

    Before putting the nominations to a final vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio charged the newly confirmed appointees to approach their duties with patriotism and a clear commitment to national development. Addressing the chamber after the unanimous confirmation, he said:

    “Go and serve in the interest of the nation. I congratulate all the nominees and wish them a successful tenure,” he said.

  • Kaduna unveils 2025 health facility census, targets stronger data-driven health planning

    Kaduna unveils 2025 health facility census, targets stronger data-driven health planning

    The Kaduna state government on Thursday unveiled the findings of its 2025 health facility census, a comprehensive mapping of all public and private health facilities across the 23 local government areas, designed to strengthen health planning, budgeting, and service delivery.

    The dissemination meeting in Kaduna drew government officials, development partners, health professionals, and civil society groups, who described the outcome as a major leap toward evidence-based governance in the sector.

    Speaking as Special Guest, the Commissioner for the Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed, said the census aligns with the state’s commitment to strategic budgeting, efficient resource utilisation, and improved service delivery. He stressed that credible data remains the backbone of effective governance.

    “We commend the Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Health, the Primary Health Care Board, and Mindset Nigeria for delivering this census using methodological rigour and international best practices,” he said. “The findings are crucial for budget projections and planning cycles, and will support Kaduna State in strengthening healthcare delivery for all residents.”

    Ahmed also thanked the Gates Foundation for funding support, describing it as a demonstration of its commitment to strengthening health systems.

    Earlier, the Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Baba B. Alhaji, said the census covered primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities, assessing staffing levels, equipment, accessibility, and service availability, including maternal health, malaria, family planning, and other essential services.

    “The census provides an updated understanding of our health infrastructure and aligns with Governor Uba Sani’s human capital development agenda,” he said.

    Read Also: Kaduna govt denies El-Rufai’s claim of ₦1bn payment to bandits

    Dr. Alhaji outlined several quality assurance procedures deployed during the exercise, including multi-layer supervision, field monitoring, data auditing, and random spot checks to validate enumerators’ submissions.

    He also commended the NATVIEW Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI) and Mindset Nigeria for updating the Health Facility Census dashboard and offering technical support that improved data quality, management, and visualization.

    Senior Technical Manager at Mindset Nigeria, Fumi Oyerinde, said the census identified both known and previously undocumented facilities by cross-checking the National Facility Registry, the DHIS database, and GRID3 mapping systems.

    She said enumerators then assessed each facility to determine service availability, equipment levels, staffing, and readiness to deliver essential healthcare.

    “This information is critical to planning,” she noted. “If a facility in a ward does not provide delivery services, the state now has evidence to upgrade staffing or equipment. This will help reduce maternal mortality and ensure services are closer to the people.”

    Oyerinde added that the updated master facility list—now hosted by the Bureau of Statistics—will support all government agencies and development partners working in the state.

    Officials said the census provides a strong foundation for targeted interventions and future reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, reducing mortality rates, and improving equitable access to quality health services.

  • Delta ready to partner experts to address electricity needs — Oborevwori

    Delta ready to partner experts to address electricity needs — Oborevwori

    • …says journalists, dependable partners in policy, programmes dissemination

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in the power sector to enhance electricity generation and distribution within the state.

    The governor made this known during a three-day seminar/workshop organised by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to celebrate its Press Week in Asaba.

    The seminar, running from November 26 to November 28, carries the theme: ‘Understanding the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Oborevwori’s Administration: Meaningful Development in the Power Sector as Panacea for Economic Recovery and Development in Delta State and Nigeria.’ Governor Oborevwori, represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended journalists for their role in effectively communicating government policies and programmes.

    He pointed out the relevance of the seminar’s theme, noting that a reliable electricity supply is crucial for the economic progress of any nation.

    The Governor said, “Let me thank the leadership of the Chapel for deeming it fit to take a look at the course of this gathering, a very important issue which affects all of us —electricity.

    “The power sector is very critical to most of the things we do as a government and as a society. So, being able to bring experts in that field to talk to us will help us to know how we can indeed engage different stakeholders in the energy ecosystem.”

    He commended the chapel leadership for the event and pledged the continued government’s support to the media.

    He, therefore, called on the media practitioners to remain objective in their reportage.

    In her remarks, the member representing Oshimili North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, lauded the Chapel for the choice of the theme, which borders on issues of national significance.

    According to her, the Delta State House of Assembly has passed the Electricity Bill, which has been passed as law in the state.

    “The state government is partnering with relevant stakeholders to address power challenges and electricity supply challenges across the state,” Anyafulu said.

    She urged the media to report the truth and ensure accuracy, which are the hallmarks of journalism practice, particularly on issues of national importance.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented by Mrs Stella Macaulay, a Director in the ministry, gave the overview of the state government’s efforts at restructuring and improving the power sector infrastructure in the state.

    Aniagwu said that the state government had embarked on developing sustainable power infrastructure to enable adequate electricity supply in the state capital and other parts of the state.

    The Chairman of the event, Elder Chris Biose, said that Nigeria needed over 100,000 megawatts of electricity to meet industrial, economic, and demographic demands.

    Read Also: Okumagba commends Oborevwori’s bold, promising 2026 budget proposals

    Biose stated, “A former Minister of Power and Current Chairman, Geometric Power Limited, Prof. Barth Nnaji, reminds us that a nation of our size and ambition requires at least 100,000 megawatts to meet industrial, economic, and demographic demands.

    “This painful gap demonstrates why Nigeria’s productive capacity remains stunted despite abundant human and natural resources. The road to economic recovery and revival begins with fixing the power sector, as every other reform depends on it.

    “This is why the theme of this Seminar is timely and strategic”.

    A Guest Lecturer, Prof Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, said Nigeria faces a severe energy crisis with over 60 per cent of its population lacking consistent access to electricity.

    Ufuophu-Biri, represented by Dr Okoro Ferdinand, Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme, Otefe-Oghara, delivered a paper titled, “Energy Mix for Sustainable Economic Recovery and Development of Delta State and Nigeria.”

    According to Ufuophu-Biri, Nigeria stands at a crossroads as continuing fossil fuel dependence risks economic stagnation and environmental collapse.

    He noted: “Embracing a balanced, locally-driven renewable energy mix is essential for Delta State’s property and national resilience. The time to act is now!

    “With bold policies, innovation, and community inclusion, Nigeria can lead Africa’s sustainable energy revolution, ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens”.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chapel Chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, said the theme was chosen to mark the second anniversary of the executive and the Chapel Press Week.

    He said various governments should stop playing politics with power supply to the citizenry, adding that no meaningful development would be recorded without at least an 18-hour electricity supply daily in the country.

    He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for mustering political courage through his Renewed Hope Agenda to assent to the Power Sector Amendment Bill as passed by the National Assembly.

    He also commended Oborevwori’s courage through his M.O.R.E Agenda to light up Delta state by assenting to the Electricity Bill as passed by the State House of Assembly.

    Olannye said, “Our push as journalists is deliberate to enable the government to sustain the fight against darkness through effective partnership with the private sector to end the age-long power failure in the state and country at large.”

    The high point of the event is the award delivered to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Dr Isaac Akpoveta, DG, Contributory Health Commission, and a veteran journalist, Asiwaju Sola Adedayo, in recognition of their contributions to humanity.

  • FG, IFAD launch second supervision mission to fast-track SAPZ implementation

    FG, IFAD launch second supervision mission to fast-track SAPZ implementation

    The federal government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on Tuesday commenced the second joint supervision mission of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, renewing their commitment to driving reforms that will reshape the country’s agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.

    Speaking at the opening session in Abuja, IFAD Country Director for Nigeria, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, described the mission as a strategic moment of reflection, recalibration, and renewed commitment to strengthening the SAPZ programme, which she noted is a flagship initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The SAPZ programme, co-financed by the Federal Government, IFAD, African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), aims to structurally transform Nigeria’s food systems through agro-industrialisation, enterprise development, market integration, job creation, and rural prosperity.

    Providing an update on progress since the last mission, Ekoue announced that 41,204 smallholder farmers and value chain actors have been profiled across Ogun and Kano states, adding to profiling exercises carried out in 2024 and 2025.

    According to her, 14,655 farmers have so far received inputs, training, and digital tools, including climate advisory services. In total, 15,664 beneficiaries comprising 9,353 men and 6,311 women, including 3,955 youth, have been supported under the programme.

    She noted that women constitute half of the profiled actors in Ogun State, while youth represent nearly a quarter of those captured in Kano.

    Ekoue highlighted the progress made under IFAD’s 4P (public–private–producer partnership) model, including the establishment of the Multistakeholder Agribusiness Forum (MAF) and the signing of 24 Memoranda of Understanding linking cassava, rice, tomato, and groundnut farmers to guaranteed offtakers.

    “These partnerships are helping to reduce commercialization risks, strengthen market access, and safeguard farmers’ incomes,” she said.

    The programme is also advancing gender and nutrition initiatives through household engagements and food demonstrations targeted at women.

    As part of IFAD’s Digital Innovation Action Plan, digital tools have been deployed to support climate-smart agriculture, delivering digital climate information services to nearly 16,000 farmers and processors, while all profiling and geospatial mapping activities are now fully digitised.

    With implementation gathering momentum, Ekoue said the supervision mission would assess achievements, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure synergy between federal and state-level activities.

    Also speaking, Director of the Department of Development Partners Projects at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Adebola Iluromi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the SAPZ initiative, describing it as pivotal to Nigeria’s transition from raw commodity production to competitive agro-processing.

    “The SAPZ model addresses decades-long challenges of low processing capacity and weak market linkages. It is a cornerstone of our agricultural industrialisation agenda, and Nigerians are eager to see fully functional agro-industrial zones that add real value and reduce post-harvest losses,” she said.

    Iluromi emphasised that the mission provides an important platform to review field progress, identify challenges, and strengthen coordination across all SAPZ states.

    She urged participants, including state officials, IFAD staff, consultants, and the Country Programme Advisory Team, to engage with transparency and technical rigor.

    The Ministry, she assured, remains committed to providing the oversight, technical support, and intergovernmental coordination required to drive the programme forward.

    “Together, we can make SAPZ an engine of growth that empowers smallholder farmers, stimulates agro-industrial investment, creates jobs, and strengthens national food security,” she added.

  • Navy flags off EX OMI-AILEWU to boost maritime security, blue economy

    Navy flags off EX OMI-AILEWU to boost maritime security, blue economy

    The Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy has launched Exercise OMI-AILEWU 2025 at NNS KADA, Apapa, an intensive maritime readiness operation aimed at strengthening security across Nigeria’s territorial waters and enhancing the nation’s capacity to leverage its blue economy.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Mustafa, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, delivered his first major operational address since assuming office.

    He described Nigeria’s maritime environment as “the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, the medium for global trade, and the first line of our national defence.”

    He said that Nigeria’s 220-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone remains threatened by persistent criminal activities such as piracy, crude oil theft, unregulated fishing, maritime terrorism, pollution, arms smuggling, and trafficking.

    He emphasized that the adversaries “are adaptive, ruthless, daring, and operate in the dark,” underscoring the Navy’s need to remain proactive rather than merely reactive.

    “Over the next two days, the exercise will test officers and men on real-time maritime interdiction drills, anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics operations, boarding exercises, and protection of critical national infrastructure at sea,” he said.

    The Command also noted that EX OMI-AILEWU serves as a preparatory phase ahead of the CNS annual sea inspection in two weeks, Nigeria’s highest-level naval evaluation exercise.

    Mustafa further explained the meaning and relevance of the exercise:

    “Omi Ailewu is a Yoruba phrase meaning calm or safe waters. The essence aligns with the President’s blue economy vision and strategy for economic diversification.”

    He stated that the Navy has already begun related security efforts with Exercise Safe Ember, which deploys ships under enhanced surveillance to counter holiday-season maritime threats.

    “The Navy is leveraging advanced monitoring technology, including onboard sensors and the Falcon Eye system, which allows officers to monitor and intercept suspicious vessels far beyond the ship’s visible horizon,” he said.

    He added that Nigerians should expect safer waterways during the festive season.

    “Our operations are designed to detect, deter, disrupt, and deny any criminal activity across our maritime domain,” he said.

  • MOWAA’s controversy: Edo Assembly invites Obaseki, Iheanacho for questioning

    MOWAA’s controversy: Edo Assembly invites Obaseki, Iheanacho for questioning

    The Edo State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee constituted to investigate the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and Radisson Hotel has invited former Governor Godwin Obaseki and MOWAA’s Director, Philip Iheanacho, for questioning.

    Obaseki is also expected to give insights into the funding of the Radisson Hotel.

     Other persons invited by the Committee are a former Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, a former Edo Finance Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney General of Edo State, Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and Managing Director, Tilbury House Nigeria Limited.

    Others are Mr. Pramod Thorat, Project Manager of Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), Mr. Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director, Afrinvest Capital Limited, Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited, and Managing Director, Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.

    A statement by the Secretary, ad-hoc committee, Bekisu Oshone Wilson, said Obaseki and others would appear on Thursday, 4th December, 2025

    The statement said attendance by Obaseki and others was required as part of the committee’s investigation.

  • NGF, Labour Ministry, others push for gender inclusive leadership in workplace

    NGF, Labour Ministry, others push for gender inclusive leadership in workplace

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as a coalition of advocacy groups, have agreed to work together to eliminate barriers hindering women’s ascension to leadership positions in both public and private organisations.

    They reached an understanding during a meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja at the office of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

    Also present were the Gender Affairs Department of the NGF and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Governors’ Spouses Forum (GSF), Hauwa Haliru; founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), Abosede George-Ogan; and founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Amina Oyagbola.

    Equally at the event were the Executive Director for WIMBIZ – Women in Management, Business and Public Service – Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; the Executive Secretary of WISCAR, Ekemini Basey Akpakpan, and the Technical Team Lead at the Gender Affairs Department of the NGF, Rachael Pinda.

    Every speaker stressed the need to formalise and standardise the nation’s workforce to eliminate any form of discrimination based on gender, and that a mother is entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks paid maternity leave.

    The Minister of State for Labour and Employment commended those behind the coalition and noted that their vision to promote inclusive leadership by ensuring women’s participation and visibility at all levels of decision-making in the public and private sectors perfectly aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    She argued that gender inclusive leadership is not just about fairness, but a strategic imperative, noting that no nation could expect to achieve sustainable socio-economic development, global competitiveness, or institutional resilience if half of its population is underrepresented in the rooms where critical decisions are made.

    The Minister said her ministry remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian man or woman has an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.

    She added, “We will continue to work collaboratively with this coalition, with state governments, and with the private sector to create a Nigeria where leadership is determined by competence, character, and capacity—not gender.

    “Our ongoing review of labour laws will address gaps that limit women’s participation, including outdated provisions on employment practices, workplace protections, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination standards

    The Ministry fully supports initiatives that promote work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, equitable recruitment processes, and mentorship pipelines for women in the private sector.

    “We are committed to partnering with this coalition to develop gender-inclusive workplace guidelines that will help organizations create environments where women can thrive, innovate, and lead,” she said.

    Ms. Haliru, who spoke about NGF’s efforts in this regard, said the forum has recorded considerable success in getting sub-national governments to buy in on the need to standardise maternity leave.