The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘How smart forecasting, inventory management drive economic growth’

    ‘How smart forecasting, inventory management drive economic growth’

    In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, leading nations such as the United States and China rely heavily on strategic prediction and planning to maintain their economic strength. Two critical tools underpinning this success are financial forecasting and inventory control.

    According to economist Mr. Olayemi Alex Babatunde, financial forecasting uses historical data, trends, and other indicators to predict future outcomes.

    This enables governments and businesses to strengthen productivity, reduce financial waste, and support overall economic growth. At both local and national levels, forecasting guides budgeting, tax revenue predictions, and policy implementation.

    Without reliable forecasting, decision-making becomes reactive, exposing governments and businesses to overspending, underfunding, or unpreparedness during downturns.

    Equally vital is inventory control, which ensures effective management of stock levels and minimises risk. Babatunde notes that inadequate inventory can lead to shortages, lost sales, and dissatisfied customers. Proper inventory management improves cash flow, reduces operational costs, and ensures timely delivery of goods, enhancing productivity—a critical driver of national economic growth.

    There is a close link between forecasting and inventory management: forecasting estimates future demand, while inventory control ensures supply meets that demand. Poor forecasting can result in excess stock, inefficiency, and financial loss.

    Babatunde highlighted that modern tools such as data analytics and machine learning allow organisations to process vast amounts of information in real time, predicting buying and selling patterns accurately.

    These strategies not only boost operational performance but also create jobs and stimulate economic activity.

    At the national level, countries that prioritise strong financial forecasting and inventory practices tend to achieve higher GDP growth and greater economic stability.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, nations with efficient forecasting and inventory systems recovered faster and avoided severe recessions.

    Challenges remain, including limited technical skills and resistance to change.

    Babatunde emphasised that governments and businesses must invest in technology, education, and a culture of data-driven decision-making to fully harness these tools and sustain long-term economic growth.

  • 21 floor Caspian Heights in Eko Atlantic unveiled 

    21 floor Caspian Heights in Eko Atlantic unveiled 

    Arkland Group, in partnership with Equity Cooperative, has commenced construction of Caspian Heights, a residential development in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

    The project was formally flagged off at a groundbreaking ceremony held on January 24, 2026, attended by investors, stakeholders, and industry partners, marking a key milestone in the delivery of the 21 floor residential tower.

    Managing Director of Arkland Group, Mr. Jide Olumodimu, led the ceremony alongside members of Equity Cooperative’s leadership, including its President, Jude Efuribe; General Secretary, Austin Okosun; and Treasurer, Adewale Adediran.

    The developers said the project underscores sustained investor confidence in Eko Atlantic City as a prime destination for high-value real estate.

    Speaking during the event, General Manager, Arkland Properties, Evelyn Edumoh, and General Manager, ASL Contractors, Elie Baz, presented an overview of the development, highlighting its architectural concept, construction plan, and investment potential.

    Read Also: Eko Atlantic tops Lagos luxury estate market by 59.5%

    They also took investors through project brochures and fielded questions during an interactive session.

    The developers said the three-year project will deliver a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments, designed to optimise natural lighting and offer expansive coastal views.

    Planned amenities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, landscaped surroundings, advanced security systems, high-speed elevators, and dedicated parking spaces for each residence.

    Arkland Group described the development as part of its commitment to delivering lifestyle-driven residential projects that combine design quality with long term value.

    Equity Cooperative, the project’s investment partner, said the collaboration aligns with its focus on sustainable property investment and strategic partnerships within Nigeria’s real estate sector.

  • Military confirms October coup plot, indicts officers

    Military confirms October coup plot, indicts officers

    Months after 16 officers were arrested for alleged coup plots, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the rumour.

    The confirmation was contained in a press release issued by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba on Monday.

    The military had denied media reports of an attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, describing the claims as baseless.

    In spite of the denial, 16 officers were arrested for alleged indiscipline and breach of service codes.

    Among the officers arrested, The Nation gathered, were Brig.-Gen MA Sadiq, Col Mohammed Magaji, Lt. Col Bayawo Abdullahi, Lt. Col Almakura, Lt Col Baffa, Lt Col Hayatu, Lt. Col Dagnaf, Lt Col Ibrahim, Lt Col Usman, Maj Jidda, and Maj Iliyasu.

    But in a statement yesterday, the DHQ confirmed that the arrest of the officers was connected to attempts to overthrow the government.

    It said investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

    Read Also: Why new counter-terrorism sector established in Adamawa – Military

    “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

    “The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

    “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” the statement said.

    Continuing, the military assured Nigerians that measures being taken were purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

    “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” it added. 

  • Angry residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo community

    Angry residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo community

    • …as gunmen abduct woman, injure three

    Angry residents of the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state on Monday protested the incessant killings and abductions allegedly carried out by suspected gunmen in the area.

    The protesters blocked the major Akure-Owo-Benin highway to draw government attention to what they described as persistent insecurity and inadequate response from security agencies.

    Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the residents said they had been traumatised and forced to live in fear, chaos, and uncertainty due to repeated violent attacks in the community.

    One of the protesters, who identified himself simply as Mr Lawrence, said the protest was triggered by the recent abduction of a community member and attacks on three other residents.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct woman, injure three in Ondo community attack

    According to him, the latest incident occurred at Liberty Community, a peaceful settlement along the Akure Expressway in Ilu-Abo, and was part of a long pattern of insecurity that has plagued the area for nearly three years.

    Mr Lawrence explained that the attack occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., a period w

  • Sunday Igboho calls for unity to address insecurity in southwest

    Sunday Igboho calls for unity to address insecurity in southwest

    Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called for unity in addressing insecurity across Nigeria, with particular focus on the Southwest region.

    He urged residents of the region to work together in the interest of future generations and the overall development of Yorubaland.

    Igboho made the appeal in Ibadan during a thank-you visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sunday Igboho set to fully return to Nigeria from self-exile

    He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is collaborating with Yoruba traditional rulers and other stakeholders to tackle insecurity in Yorubaland and the country at large.

    Explaining the purpose of his visit, Igboho said he was grateful to God and President Tinubu for heeding Olubadan’s intervention on his behalf.

    “Baba Ladoja called me around 10: 03 on Friday. He said he was currently with President Tinubu on my behalf, and that I should leave exile and come back to Nigeria to unite with my family in peace.

    “So, I’m here to thank Baba Ladoja and President Tinubu. I want all the Yorubas to also thank them for me.”

  • Yusuf doesn’t need Kwankwaso to secure second term – Information commissioner Waiya

    Yusuf doesn’t need Kwankwaso to secure second term – Information commissioner Waiya

    Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, on Monday hit back at claims that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf needs Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to secure a second term.

    Waiya, in a statement, described such assertions as “analytically weak” and “misleading”, arguing that Kano’s politics is not dependent on a single individual.

    The statement highlights Governor Yusuf’s achievements, including prioritising education, restoring public trust, and implementing institutional reforms.

    It also emphasised that Kano’s electorate values performance, trust, and reliability, citing examples like Governor Ibrahim Shekarau’s rise to power in 2003 without godfather backing.

    The statement also noted that Governor Yusuf’s decision to leave the NNPP was due to internal conflicts and crisis, and he believes he will secure a second term and govern more effectively.

    Waiya said, “A famous Hadith from the advisory of Prophet Muhammad, which he gave to Ibn Abbas (RA), emphasised reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) and divine decree.

    “It states that if the entire creation were to gather to help or harm someone, they could only do so with what Allah has already written.”

  • Labour, industry workers protest NAFDAC ban on sachet alcohol

    Labour, industry workers protest NAFDAC ban on sachet alcohol

    • ….warn of mass job losses

    Organised labour and workers in the food and beverage sector yesterday staged a protest at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office in Isolo, Lagos.

    The demonstration was in response to the Federal Government’s ban on sachet alcohol and other alcoholic beverages packaged below 200 millilitres.

    The protesters, drawn from the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), warned that the policy could lead to widespread factory closures and the loss of millions of jobs across the value chain.

    Speaking at the protest ground, the National President of FOBTOB and Lagos Deputy President of the TUC, Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, said the ban strikes at the heart of the industry’s survival.

    “The bone of contention is the ban on sachet alcohol and any packaging below 200ml. Those pack sizes are what sustain the companies financially. Once you ban them, it is as good as shutting down the entire business,” Oyibo said.

    He recalled that following earlier disagreements over the policy, the matter was escalated to the House of Representatives in 2024, where a stakeholders’ meeting was convened involving NAFDAC, labour unions, manufacturers, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, the police, and other relevant agencies.

    According to him, the meeting resolved that implementation of the ban should be suspended for one year to allow stakeholders develop a National Alcohol Policy that would address public health concerns without destroying jobs.

    “NAFDAC was asked to hold on and allow one year for all stakeholders to come together to develop a national alcohol policy. Unfortunately, the Director-General of NAFDAC was not comfortable with that arrangement. Even the directive of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to maintain the status quo was ignored,” Oyibo alleged.

    He said instead, NAFDAC approached the Senate, which subsequently asked the agency to proceed with enforcement without hearing the perspective of labour and manufacturers.

    “That is why we are protesting today,” he said, adding that a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja would determine whether the protest would continue.

    Also speaking, Comrade Anthony Michael Oyega of the TUC accused NAFDAC of acting unilaterally and disregarding previous agreements reached with stakeholders.

    Oyega said workers were shocked on February 6, 2024, when NAFDAC allegedly moved to shut down factories producing sachet alcohol, citing claims that minors were accessing the products.

    “If there was any agreement, manufacturers, workers, and government should have been part of it. Instead, NAFDAC acted alone. That decision threatens about 5.5 million jobs across the industry,” he said.

    He explained that following sustained protests, the matter was referred to the National Assembly, where all relevant agencies and industry players agreed to allow time for a workable policy that would balance regulation with job protection.

    “What happened to that resolution? Before the policy process was completed, NAFDAC went to the Senate late last year and obtained approval that factories should be shut down,” Oyega said.

    He also accused the agency of flouting the directive of the SGF to maintain the status quo while consultations continued.

    “One worker here represents at least 10 families. One woman here feeds five or six people. You shut down these factories, and you push millions into the labour market. This cannot be the agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” he added.

    Oyega argued that rather than an outright ban, the government should strengthen enforcement mechanisms to prevent underage access to alcohol.

    “If the concern is accessibility to minors, then regulate distribution and sales. Alcohol already carries warnings that it is not for underage consumption. Cigarettes are known to be harmful, yet they are regulated, not banned,” he said.

    He warned that rising unemployment resulting from factory closures could worsen insecurity and social instability.

    “If parents lose their jobs, children drop out of school, and society pays the price through crime and social unrest. We are saying, let us return to the negotiation table,” Oyega said.

    Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Suspend the Sachet Alcohol Ban”, “Save Jobs, Save Livelihoods,” and “Regulation, Not Prohibition.”

    The protesters called on the Federal Government to suspend enforcement of the ban and reconvene stakeholders to finalise a national alcohol policy that protects public health without crippling the industry.

    NAFDAC officials were yet to issue an official response at the time of filing this report.

  • AbdulRazaq has done well in healthcare, says Commissioner

    AbdulRazaq has done well in healthcare, says Commissioner

    Kwara  Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has recorded measurable and  visible achievements in the health sector and other areas, Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam said on Monday. 

    In a statement in Ilorin, El-Imam said any contrary ratings are mere political posturing.

    Citing examples, she said the administration has just procured a state-of-the-art 160-slice CT scan and a modern 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, which will soon be commissioned for public use by all Kwarans.

    “In addition, modern abdominal ultrasound machines have been procured and distributed to various health facilities across the state to further strengthen diagnostic capacity,” she added.

    “The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), not previously available or functional in any state facility, has also been completed and fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including C-Arm machine, to enhance the care of critically ill patients and support complex medical and surgical procedures. There are a lot more.”

    Reacting to a recent commentary published in a newspaper questioning the availability of MRI services and the broader state of healthcare delivery in the state, El-Imam said it was important that discussions around healthcare services are guided by facts and an objective assessment of ongoing reforms.

    Read Also: Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Emir, Saraki mourn Ilorin’s longest-serving Chief Imam

    “At the inception of the present administration, a comprehensive assessment revealed that most inherited health infrastructure and medical equipment were either dilapidated, obsolete, or non-functional. This situation cut across primary and secondary health facilities in the state. The report of the transition committee was as clear as were the several poor indices the administration inherited at the time,” she said.

    “Specifically, the MRI machine previously installed at the Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre (HADC) is a low field of 0.35 Tesla, which no longer met current diagnostic standards even then. Such low-Tesla machines are inadequate for modern diagnosis of neurological, oncological, spinal, and complex medico-surgical conditions.”

    Dr El-Imam said the administration acknowledged that the shortage of health personnel, particularly doctors, is a national and global challenge which has impacted negatively on the sector nationwide. 

    “Beyond infrastructure and equipment, the administration recognises that healthcare delivery is important and driven by human resources. It is widely acknowledged that the shortage of health personnel, particularly doctors is a national and global challenge, largely driven by the “Japa” syndrome, a trend that has become more pronounced in recent years. This has resulted in inadequate deployment of the requisite health workforce to many rural and hard-to-reach communities across the country,” Dr El-Imam maintained. 

    On medical and health workers salary structures, the Commissioner noted that Kwara State currently pays the revised CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures, in line with what obtains at the federal level, across all cadres of its health workforce. 

    “In response, massive recruitment of healthcare workers across all cadres—medical officers, specialists, nurses, pharmacists, and house officers was conducted while the recently approved recruitment of 150 nurses – is ongoing,” she said.

    “Regarding specialist training, 41 resident doctors are presently undergoing training in various specialties, supported by the state government through the regular payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). Notably, Kwara State was the first state in Nigeria to commence payment of the MRTF in 2025, underscoring its leadership in health workforce development.”

    The Commissioner said the Kwara State Government initiated a statewide free medico-surgical outreach programme to deliver specialised healthcare services.

    “These services include medical consultations and treatments, provision of free drugs, eye and general surgeries, and the free distribution of eyeglasses to indigent Kwarans and residents of hard-to-reach communities across all 16 Local Government Areas of the state,” she said.

    “This intervention is designed to complement existing healthcare services while ensuring equitable access to care for all Kwarans. In 2025 alone, 10,374 Kwarans benefitted from the outreach programme.

    “This effort is further reinforced by the aggressive enrollment of residents into the KwaraCare (Health Insurance) programme, which continues to expand access to affordable healthcare. reflecting the administration’s commitment to universal health coverage.”

  • Delta: Omo-Agege calls for inclusion of political followers in governance

    Delta: Omo-Agege calls for inclusion of political followers in governance

    Former Deputy Senate President and 2023 APC governorship candidate in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for the inclusion of his political followers in governance, declaring that the party’s future success in the state depends on it.

    Omo-Agege spoke at the Delta APC stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba at the weekend, as the party intensified efforts to reposition itself ahead of future electoral battles.

    According to him, excluding loyal party members from governance weakens internal cohesion and undermines the APC’s chances of securing decisive victories at both the state and federal levels.

    The former lawmaker reminded party leaders that he commands a wide, organic political structure across Delta State, stressing that more than 240,000 voters cast their ballots for him during the 2023 governorship election.

    “We have built the APC into a formidable political platform in Delta State, and we remain fully committed to its continued growth,” Omo-Agege said.

    Striking a balance between loyalty and firmness, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party while insisting that inclusiveness must be treated as a strategic necessity, not a favour.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege urges Oborevwori to embrace inclusive leadership, prioritise good governance

    “As a faithful party man, I will continue to contribute to our collective progress,” he said.

    He acknowledged the governor as the leader of the party in the state, noting that strong, inclusive leadership at the top was essential for party stability and effective governance.

    Omo-Agege also pledged to work with the governor and other party leaders, emphasising that service to the people must remain the APC’s central mission.

    Political watchers said the remarks underlined growing pressure within the Delta APC for recognition, reward for loyalty, and unity — factors likely to shape the party’s internal dynamics and electoral fortunes in the coming years.

    “It is indisputable that as the immediate past governorship candidate of this party, I am privileged to have a huge organic political following in our state, including, as you all know, the over 240,000 delegates who voted for me in the 2023 general elections.

    “I have no doubt that our governor, the party’s leader in the state, will take the initiative to ensure the inclusivity of my hundreds of thousands of faithful Die Hard grassroots supporters in the party who made this possible, and remain ready to mobilize for APC.

    “This will undoubtedly help our party secure resounding victories in future elections at both the state and federal levels.

    “Your Excellency, my philosophy in public governance is simple. Service to the people comes first.

    “I will work with everyone, by God’s grace, to lift Delta.

    “My support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is firm and enduring. And to our Governor, Sheriff Oborewvori, be assured that with my commitment to a legacy of qualitative governance, I am ready to collaborate with you to strengthen our partnership.”

    He appreciated the governor for the decision to personally invite him to the meeting, adding that for the first time in about 18 years, he was setting foot in the government house in Asaba, the venue for the meeting.

    Addressing the meeting, Oborewori urged all to place collective interest above personal considerations, resist division and avoid unnecessary conflicts, noting that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.

    In his welcome remarks, State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, said the party had recorded over 90 per cent realignment since April 2025, describing the gathering as evidence of growing unity and momentum.

    The high-level meeting underscored unity, e-registration, grassroots mobilisation, and preparedness ahead of forthcoming party congresses.

  • FCT Police foil armed robbery attempt in Abuja

    FCT Police foil armed robbery attempt in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a robbery attempt and arrested a suspect in connection with the attempt in the Kado area of the nation’s capital.

    Police said a suspect was arrested following a distress call to the Mabushi Police Divisional Headquarters on 13 January at about 6:15 a.m.

    According to a statement issued on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the caller had reported that armed robbers, numbering about three, were attacking motorists near the MRS Filling Station in Kado.

    Adeh said, “Upon receipt of the report, a police response team from Mabushi Division swiftly mobilised to the scene.

    “On sighting the police team, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a hot pursuit and an exchange of gunfire.

    “In the process, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while the remaining suspects fled into nearby bushes”.

    Adeh said the suspects’ operational vehicle, a black-coloured Volkswagen Golf 2 with registration number JJJ 112 DW, one Beretta pistol, one locally made pistol, and one Firman generator were recovered from the suspects.

    Read Also: Suspected gunmen ambush police patrol, kill officer in Oyo

    She said one Tecno Spark 4 Android phone, one Tecno T353 mobile phone, one Access Bank ATM card, one catapult, one pair of pliers, and one pair of canvas shoes were also recovered.

    Adeh said other items recovered were two pairs of slippers, one singlet, one cap, one jacket, one T-shirt, and one handkerchief.

    The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects.

    She said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Miller Dantawaye, had pledged the commitment of the command to safeguarding lives and property in the territory.

    She said the CP had enjoined the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the command through its emergency lines on 08032003913 or 08028940883.