The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Stakeholders decry decay, neglect of Delta school

    Stakeholders decry decay, neglect of Delta school

    Ayakoromo Grammar School in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, the once-proud citadel of learning has become a haunting symbol of neglect and decay, writes Correspondent Simon Utebor.

    Education is universally acknowledged as the heartbeat of development and the engine that drives societal progress. Yet, at Ayakoromo Grammar School, this noble ideal lies in ruins—buried beneath collapsing walls, broken roofs, abandoned classrooms, and a system that appears to have forgotten the children it was meant to serve.

    Located in Ayakoromo community, Burutu Local Government Area of oil-rich Delta State, the once-proud citadel of learning has become a haunting symbol of neglect and decay.

    A visibly disturbed community stakeholder, Mr. Police Patani, has raised a passionate alarm, calling on government at all levels to urgently intervene and rescue the school from total collapse before lives are lost and futures permanently damaged.

    According to Patani, the condition of the school is nothing short of terrifying. Classroom walls have crumbled and cracked beyond repair, roofs hang precariously with broken sheets, and the structures—meant to shelter young minds—now threaten to crush them.

    “The classrooms are death traps,” he lamented. “Any day, a roof or wall could give way while students are inside.”

    Inside these classrooms, the situation is equally distressing. Floors are split open, doors are battered, and desks and chairs have been eaten away by wood ants.

    Many students, he said, are left with no choice but to sit on bare floors during lessons—exposed to cold, radiation, and severe health risks—while trying to pursue their dreams against all odds.

    Outside, the school environment paints an even darker picture. The premises are overrun by thick weeds, resembling a forest rather than a place of learning. The unchecked vegetation has turned the school into a haven for rodents, snakes, and other dangerous reptiles, placing students in constant fear.

    But beyond the physical decay lies an even deeper crisis—the collapse of academic discipline.

    Patani alleged that several teachers have abandoned their duty posts for months, exploiting weak supervision from education authorities.

    He accused them of traveling without approval, sneaking out of their stations, and leaving students without instruction or guidance.

    “This is nothing but gross dereliction of duty,” he said. “Students are abandoned, classrooms are empty, and learning has come to a standstill.”

    The consequences, he noted, are glaring. Students of Ayakoromo Grammar School are increasingly left untaught and unattended to, leading to dismal academic outcomes.

    Patani linked the situation directly to the school’s consistently poor performance in recent West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results.

    He recalled with sadness that the school was once a beacon of academic excellence, producing students with outstanding results and strong moral grounding.

    “Today,” he lamented, “that proud legacy has been reduced to rubble.”

    Patani urged community leaders, parents, and stakeholders to rise in defence of their children by closely monitoring teachers’ attendance and reporting absenteeism to the appropriate authorities.

    He further appealed to the Delta State Government, Burutu Local Government Area, and relevant education agencies to act swiftly and decisively to rehabilitate, remodel, and restore Ayakoromo Grammar School.

    “The future of our children is bleeding,” Patani warned. “If nothing is done now, we will be destroying generations yet unborn.”

    Calling for immediate action, he stressed that timely intervention would not only prevent disaster but also resurrect the school to its former glory—a place of safety, excellence, and hope.

    “A stitch in time saves nine,” he concluded. “Let Ayakoromo Grammar School not die in silence.”

    Speaking on the grim reality, Mr. Austin Ebipade, a public affairs analyst from Ayakoromo community, said a recent visit to the school left him deeply troubled.

    According to him, the learning environment is not only poor but outright unfit for human habitation, let alone education, due to the shocking state of its infrastructure.

    Ebipade disclosed that classroom roofs are broken and threatening to cave in, while reading tables and chairs have deteriorated beyond use.

    He said many students have been stripped of basic dignity, forced to study while sitting on bare floors—an unhealthy and demeaning condition that crushes concentration and morale.

    “The situation is worse than we imagined,” he said. “Students are compelled to endure discomfort and risk their health just to attend school.”

    He further revealed that both male and female students are forced to urinate and defecate in a ramshackle, zinc-built toilet that is unhygienic and degrading, a facility he described as a clear violation of human dignity. The school compound itself, he added, has been swallowed by weeds and bushes, now serving as a habitat for snakes and other dangerous crawling reptiles.

    Ebipade called on the Delta State Government and Burutu Local Government Council to urgently intervene and rescue the school from total collapse. He urged authorities to take pragmatic and decisive steps to rehabilitate and remodel Ayakoromo Grammar School into a befitting citadel of learning capable of delivering quality education to the children—whom he described as the future leaders of the state and the nation.

    Echoing this distress call, Mrs. Florence Amaebi, a parent and trader from the community, lamented that the school environment has become hostile to learning.

    She said the deteriorating conditions have shattered students’ confidence and are gradually extinguishing their hope for a brighter future.

    “Our children no longer feel motivated,” she said. “How can they dream big when the place meant to prepare them for life is falling apart?”

    Mrs. Amaebi also decried the worsening issue of teacher absenteeism, alleging that some teachers rarely step into classrooms and often travel out of their duty posts without the knowledge or approval of authorities.

    She described the situation as a grave disservice to both the students and the entire Ayakoromo community.

    According to her, the future of the community’s children hinges on the urgent rehabilitation and total overhaul of the school.

    She linked the decaying facilities and poor teaching culture to the recurring failure of students in Junior and Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (JSSCE/SSSCE), calling the situation an educational emergency that demands immediate attention.

    Adding his voice, Mr. Ikpaipa Tamarakuro, a retired teacher, described the steady collapse of Ayakoromo Grammar School as painful and unacceptable.

    He warned that continued neglect of the institution would have far-reaching consequences beyond the community.

    “Education and development are inseparable,” Tamarakuro said. “If government truly seeks sustainable development, it must prioritise the revitalisation of primary and secondary education. The future of our children—and by extension, the nation’s economy—depends on it.”

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    A teacher in the school said the deplorable situation of the secondary school has been there for years, claiming that a lot of efforts have been made to get the authorities to do the needful

    The teacher, who craved anonymity because she was not authorized to speak on the matter, implored the state government to come to their rescue before things go completely awry.

    “I am begging the government of Delta State to urgently come to our assistance to rescue the school from total collapse. The situation of the school is bad and quick action is needed for it to bounce back. Because of the bad state of the situation, many of our students have been moving to other schools that are better off,” she asserted.

    Efforts to speak with Commissioner for Basic Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, hit the brick wall as calls to her mobile phone rang out several times. Also, she did not respond to a text message sent to her phone as of the time of filling this report.

    A teacher in the school said the deplorable situation of the secondary school has been there for years, claiming that a lot of efforts have been made to get the authorities to do the needful

    The teacher, who craved anonymity because she was not authorized to speak on the matter, implored the state government to come to their rescue before things go completely awry.

    “I am begging the government of Delta State to urgently come to our assistance to rescue the school from total collapse. The situation of the school is bad and quick action is needed for it to bounce back. Because of the bad state of the situation, many of our students have been moving to other schools that are better off,” she asserted.

    Efforts to speak with Commissioner for Basic Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, hit the brick wall as calls to her mobile phone rang out several times. Also, she did not respond to a text message sent to her phone as of the time of filling this report.

    As voices continue to rise from Ayakoromo, one message rings clear and urgent: the school cannot be allowed to decay any further without decisive action.

  • Yusuf Maitama Tuggar: A diplomat’s journey from Bauchi roots to global stage

    Yusuf Maitama Tuggar: A diplomat’s journey from Bauchi roots to global stage

    By Adebayo Adeoye

    Within the quiet but consequential halls of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has carved out a reputation for calm authority in an era defined by global uncertainty.

    Since his appointment in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has steered Nigeria’s diplomacy with measured confidence, balancing international expectations with national interests.

    Yet, beneath the suit and diplomatic protocol lies a story deeply anchored in Bauchi soil, community service, and a lifelong commitment to people before politics.

    Tuggar’s stewardship of Nigeria’s foreign policy reflects the spirit of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks national renewal through democracy, development, demography, and diaspora engagement.

    His work speaks to a larger narrative: that diplomacy is not only about global negotiations but also about how international engagement translates into dignity and opportunity at home.

    Long before he became Nigeria’s chief diplomat, Tuggar was already known in Bauchi for something more enduring than public office, a quiet but consistent record of philanthropy.

    Born on March 12, 1967, in Udubo, Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar comes from a lineage familiar with public service.

    He is the son of the late Senator Abubakar Tuggar, a respected political figure in his time.

    Educated both in Nigeria and abroad, Tuggar built a varied career that cut across business, philanthropy, and politics.

    Even before national attention found him, his name was associated with community uplifting through the Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar Foundation.

    The foundation’s interventions, ranging from food distribution to families across nine local government areas to the provision of grains and motorcycles to struggling households, earned him a reputation as a man driven by empathy rather than ambition.

    In Bauchi, he is often described as a native son and a statesman who places humanity above partisan lines.

    His formal political journey began in 2007, when he was elected to the House of Representatives to represent Gamawa Federal Constituency, a position he held until 2011.

    During his time in the National Assembly, Tuggar served on committees covering Foreign Affairs, Public Procurement, and Petroleum, roles that quietly prepared him for the international responsibilities that lay ahead.

    His diplomatic profile rose significantly between 2017 and 2023, when he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany.

    In Berlin, he focused on economic diplomacy, strengthening trade relations, encouraging investment, and promoting Nigeria’s cultural and economic potential. That experience would prove invaluable when he was appointed the 29th Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2023.

    As minister, Tuggar has approached the role with strategic clarity.

    Central to his tenure is the articulation and implementation of Nigeria’s “4D Doctrine”, Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

    This framework has redefined Nigeria’s engagement with the world, placing emphasis on economic growth, youth potential, and the strategic value of Nigerians in the diaspora.

    Under his leadership, Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract foreign investment into key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and agriculture, aligning diplomatic outreach with domestic reform priorities.

    His role in strengthening bilateral relations has been notable, including a high level engagement with Niger in December 2025 aimed at renewing cooperation in security and trade.

    Perhaps more striking has been Tuggar’s handling of sensitive geopolitical matters.

    In moments of heightened international tension, he has projected composure and clarity, using media diplomacy to counter misinformation while firmly asserting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    His public positions on global issues, including the Palestinian question, have consistently emphasised dialogue, trust building, and peaceful cooperation.

    Even during periods traditionally marked by reduced official activity, such as Christmas and Boxing Day, Tuggar ensured Nigeria’s voice remained present in international discourse, reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable partner in the global fight against terrorism without surrendering its independence of thought or action.

    In doing so, he has supported the Renewed Hope Agenda’s broader goals of economic stability, security, and diaspora inclusion.

    Back home in Bauchi, these achievements have only deepened the respect many already held for him.

    His earlier philanthropic efforts continue to resonate, now amplified by his national and international profile.

    A notable example was his visit in June 2025 to Azare, where traders had lost their shops following a demolition exercise ordered by the state government.

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    Tuggar openly sympathised with the affected traders, criticised the action, and pledged support towards rebuilding their livelihoods.

    The gesture was widely praised and reinforced the perception of a leader who remains connected to ordinary people despite operating on the global stage.

    Unsurprisingly, conversations about Tuggar’s future have grown louder.

    Political watchers and social media commentators frequently speculate about a possible return to Bauchi politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Rumours of a gubernatorial ambition continue to circulate. Supporters argue that Tuggar’s blend of international exposure, political experience, and grassroots compassion positions him as a unifying figure capable of restoring calm and delivering tangible development to Bauchi State.

    Despite existing political tensions within the state, many believe he could bridge divides and translate federal goodwill into local progress. As one recurring sentiment puts it, Bauchi is proud of him.

    From the rural landscapes of Bauchi to diplomatic postings in Berlin and the nerve centre of Nigeria’s foreign policy in Abuja, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar’s journey is one defined by service, resilience, and quiet impact.

    In an age where leadership is often loud but shallow, his path offers a reminder that enduring influence is built on substance and sincerity.

    Whether his future remains in international diplomacy or leads him back home, his record suggests a consistent thread: a global outlook anchored by a deep sense of local responsibility.

  • Yayi, thanksgiving and guber endorsements

    Yayi, thanksgiving and guber endorsements

    By Kunle Somorin

    The first Saturday of 2026 found the Cathedral Church of Christ in Ilaro, Ogun State awash in a sapphire sky that soon yielded a cleansing rain. Stained‑glass windows threw a kaleidoscope of colour across the pews, where Ogun’s political and cultural aristocracy sat shoulder‑to‑shoulder with ordinary parishioners. The heavy perfume of incense rose in tandem with a chorus of hymns, while the steady thrum of drums set a heartbeat for the gathering. The congregation swayed between reverence and celebration, aware that this was no ordinary thanksgiving.

    It was the twenty‑second annual thanksgiving of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola – a ritual he has turned into a political runway since his deliberate entry into public service. Yet this year the liturgy bore the weight of prophecy.

    The Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd, Michael Oluwarounbi, robed in white and gold, delivered a homily that turned Scripture into a manifesto for the present. “Solomon was a king who built a temple and ruled with wisdom,” he intoned, “and today we see in our own Solomon, Senator Adeola, a man called to build, to empower, and to lead. This thanksgiving is not merely gratitude – it is a signpost of destiny.” The words rippled through the nave, casting Adeola’s career in a holy light that no campaign billboard could muster. It was a divine endorsement – an imprimatur that politics alone cannot manufacture.

    The nave was a who’s‑who of Nigerian power. Senator Saliu Mustapha of Kwara Central; Deputy Majority Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim; Minister of State for Health, Dr Isiaq Salako; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; former Deputy Governor, Segun Adesegun; ex‑Speaker,  Kunle Oluomo, together with commissioners, lawmakers and community leaders, filled the rows. Their presence was more than attendance; it was tacit approval. As one guest whispered from the courtyard, “This is more than a thanksgiving; it is Ogun’s politics rehearsed in liturgy.”

    Outside, the solemnity of the service spilled onto the streets of Ilaro and later at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, formerly called Empire Parade Ground. Drummers beat vibrant rhythms, dancers swirled in colourful attire, mostly the state colours of yellow and white, children laughed in the courtyard, and an abundance of food flowed among the guests. The thanksgiving became a carnival, a reminder that Nigerian politics is as much about visibility and presence as it is about power.

    When Senator Adeola rose to speak, his words blended heartfelt thanks with a forward‑looking manifesto. He began with concrete promises, praising both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun who, he said facilitated his seamless return to home, to Ilaro to continue his public service from his erstwhile base in Lagos: “Along the Sokoto‑Badagry Expressway, sixty‑six dams will rise. When that road is completed, President Tinubu will have forged a new Nigeria and a new economy. I am a living testimony to the President’s work.”

    He then recalled the president’s removal of fuel subsidies, a policy he claimed saved the nation over ₦10 trillion a year: “In two years the subsidy was scrapped, cutting a leech that drained our economy. As Chairman of Finance I saw the borrowed funds redirected to roads, dams, and futures.” The applause that followed was spontaneous; for many in the congregation the senator’s figures were not abstract statistics but tangible relief.

    The speech also carried the language of the supposed Thanksgiving brochure, where, on page 13, he outlined “My Vision for Ogun State.” On a whole page, he declared, “We see with clarity the vision and foresight of where Ogun State should be in the near future. Every step we take will shape a greater tomorrow, where our people enjoy shared prosperity, sustainable growth, and opportunities that match their aspirations. Our state will become the model of progress we have envisioned, and together, we will build a greater future for the Gateway State.” By echoing those words on the altar, Adeola stitched his political agenda to a sermon of destiny.

     Throughout the service he displayed an accountability profile not only aimed at the people of Ogun West Senatorial District, but in foreshadowing things to come State-wide, if elected governor next year. In a slide‑show of over 200 photographs he narrated, “We have taken steps to deliver tangible dividends of democracy across Ogun West, guided by our shared commitment to inclusive development, effective representation, and the welfare of the people… As we look ahead, I pray that the new year brings peace, good health, renewed hope, and greater opportunities to every home across Ogun West. Together, we will continue to build a future we can all be proud of.” The visual record of roads, health centres, schools, scholarships and empowerment projects that he has facilitated over the past two and a half years reinforced the claim that his gratitude was grounded in deeds.

    Adeola’s thanksgiving was indeed anchored in visible deeds. Artisans received sewing machines and toolkits; petty traders were granted micro‑loans to expand their stalls; youths benefitted from vocational‑training programmes. At cultural milestones such as Isaga Day and the Iganmode Festival, he reaffirmed his commitment to tourism and heritage, positioning Yewa’s identity as a national asset. A constituent summed the sentiment succinctly: “Yayi has given our children hope, our trader’s strength, our artisan’s dignity.”

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    Perhaps the most enduring legacy is the Yayi Scholarship Programme, which has financed hundreds of indigent students across universities, polytechnics and nursing colleges. One beneficiary, a medical student from Ilaro, testified, “Without Senator Adeola’s scholarship I would have dropped out. Today I’m in my final year, and I owe it all to him.” These scholarships sow loyalty, nurture talent, and embed Adeola’s name in the aspirations of a generation.

    Ogun politics has long been a tug‑of‑war among Egba, Ijebu and Yewa factions. For decades Yewa has felt sidelined while Egba and Ijebu sons dominated the governorship. Adeola’s cathedral ceremony was therefore more than a personal rite; it was a reclamation of Yewa’s place in the state’s power equation. The regal bearing of the Olu of Ilaro signalled ethnic solidarity, while Senator Afikuyomi’s Lagos connections highlighted metropolitan alliances and Minister Salako’s technocratic aura suggested Abuja’s approval. Together they formed a tableau of support that positioned Adeola at the crossroads of faith, geography and governance. After the service an elder reflected, “For years, Yewa has waited. Today, in this cathedral, we see that our time has come.”

    The bishop’s repeated invocation of Solomon was a calculated metaphor. Solomon was not merely a king; he was the builder of the Temple, a steward of wisdom and a symbol of enduring legacy. By equating Adeola with Solomon, the clergy offered a narrative that linked dams to monuments of permanence, roads to arteries of commerce and scholarships to foundations of enduring knowledge. “Wisdom builds. Wisdom leads. Wisdom endures. May our Solomon be guided to serve with wisdom,” the bishop intoned, a benediction that lingered long after the choral hymns faded.

    2026 stands as a hinge year for Ogun politics – a moment when scaffolding is tested, ambition meets arithmetic and citizens weigh promises against daily hardship. Adeola’s thanksgiving, replete with pageantry, empowerment projects and a quasi‑spiritual seal, is a micro‑cosm of that pivotal moment. Whether the electorate embraces his vision of dams as destiny, subsidy removal as salvation, empowerment as evidence and scholarships as legacy will decide if the door of Oke Mosan opens for him in 2027. In the echo of the cathedral’s arches, the bishop’s invocation of Solomon remains, a divine endorsement that politics alone cannot eclipse – yet only the people can ultimately affirm.

  • Why Wamakko’s support of Tinubu matters

    Why Wamakko’s support of Tinubu matters

    By Emmanuel Ado

    Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko‘s public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the Sokoto State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) electronic membership registration exercise is a strategic endorsement. It is a statement that has continued to reverberate far beyond the North – West Zone, effectively clearing whatever doubts may have existed, especially in the South-West Zone, about the president’s support- or lack of it- in the North. In a political climate where perception often competes with reality, the clarity by Wamakko carries enormous political weight.

    The importance of the endorsement of the president by Wamakko lies largely in the electoral history and voting strength of the North – West Zone. Since the Second Republic in 1979, the region has consistently determined the political pendulum in presidential elections, owing to its sheer voting numbers and its reputation as a zone whose electorate reliably turns out on election days. With the largest bloc of registered voters in the country, the North – West Zone remains central in any serious national political calculation. Senator Wamakko’s support, therefore, signals that President Tinubu enjoys a credible and influential backing in the country’s most decisive electoral zone.

    The reality of the North’s political importance becomes even clearer when viewed against historical precedent. In the 1979 election, President Shehu Shagari’s victory was anchored on the overwhelming support from the North- particularly from the following Northern States of Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Bauchi, Borno, Kwara, Gongola. Of the 9 Southern states Shagari failed to outrightly win any, but he did manage to cross the 25% constitutional threshold which helped in his overall spread and complemented his performance in the North.  That pattern has persisted in the 1999, 2003, and 2007 general elections, during which the North- West Zone has consistently produced the largest bloc of votes nationwide. In the 2003 election, the region recorded well over nine million votes more than the other five geopolitical zones, which firmly established it as the backbone of electoral victory for any candidate that it backs.

    The same trend continued in the 2015 and 2019 general elections, when the North- West Zone again delivered the highest number of votes, the foundation of the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s victories. He was also helped by the first-ever handshake between the North and South -West Zones, which hitherto were politically opposed. Even in the 2023 election, despite a historically low voter turnout nationwide, the North- West Zone remained the single largest voting bloc by registration, accounting for more than 22 million registered voters and in voting. Significantly, it delivered more votes to the then candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu than any other geopolitical zone. It is this consistency, electoral weight, and turnout discipline that have earned the region its enduring and bragging rights as the kingmaker in Nigerian politics.

    Senator Wamakko’s unalloyed support, therefore, is not incidental or symbolic. It is underpinned by the historical weight that the North- West Zone possesses and confirms that Tinubu enjoys credible and influential backing where it matters most. In a political system where numbers, structure, and mobilization often outweigh rhetoric, such backing will certainly reshape strategic calculations.

    Senator Wamakko is not just any party leader. He remains the only deputy governor who since 1999 has remained politically relevant. Since 2007, Sokoto State has remained under his firm control, including retiring former governor Attahiru Bafarawa from politics. Over the decades, he has demonstrated an uncommon ability to remain central to political developments at the highest levels and has retained the loyalty of his grassroots supporters. His influence in the North -West Zone and beyond is not accidental; it is the product of sustained political engagement, strategic alliances, and an enduring connection to both the electorate and the political class.

    Wamakko’s political dexterity was most recently evident in his role in facilitating the defection of the three (3) PDP senators from Kebbi State to the APC. He also facilitated the reconciliation between Senator Abdul’aziz Yari and Senator Yerima, both former governors of Zamfara State. The Edo State governor also owes his election to Wamakko, who convinced the president to adopt him as his candidate. These developments have not only altered the regional political balance but also underscore Wamakko’s reach, political skills, and acceptability beyond his immediate political base. For a figure of such standing to openly back President Tinubu sends a powerful message to party faithful, opposition figures, and the broader electorate that the president’s leadership enjoys the confidence of influential actors like him.

    Beyond the immediate endorsement, Wamakko’s action also serves a broader strategic purpose: it deepens and reinforces the political relationship between the North and the South-West Zones. Nigerian politics has long been driven by negotiated alliances and reciprocal understandings, particularly between zones. By openly standing with Tinubu, Wamakko is strengthening not just the present cooperation but also deepening the political trust between the two zones. As is often acknowledged in political circles, alliances are rarely one-sided; they are built on mutual confidence and the understanding that support extended today will be acknowledged tomorrow—an IOU that will be redeemed in 2031 by the North. In that sense, Wamakko’s move reinforces the recent North–South West partnership.

    The endorsement also came at a highly symbolic moment—the commencement of the Sokoto State Chapter of the APC’s electronic membership registration exercise. Held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Hall in Gawon Nama, Sokoto, the exercise was far more than an administrative formality; it was a reaffirmation of the party’s renewed commitment to internal discipline, effective party management, and grassroots mobilization. By deliberately choosing Wamakko as the first registrant, the party sent a clear message about his preeminent status and the value it places on his leadership. Governor Ahmed Aliyu deserves credit for the great esteem he holds in Wamakko.

    The electronic registration of party members itself carries significant implications. It enhances accuracy by eliminating duplicate or fictitious entries, thus creating a reliable, centralized membership database. It also improves transparency and accountability in party administration, making it easier to verify membership and conduct credible internal elections. More importantly, it strengthens grassroots mobilization by enabling real-time tracking of members across wards and local government areas while reducing the inefficiencies and costs associated with manual record-keeping. Ultimately, the initiative will modernize party management and help build a more organized, inclusive, and data-driven political structure.

     Coming more than a year before the 2027 general elections, the timing of this exercise by the APC is clearly strategic. It signals that the APC is laying the groundwork early—strengthening its internal structures, consolidating its base, and positioning itself for effective nationwide mobilization ahead of the polls. Electoral victories are rarely improvised; they are achieved through preparation, organization, and sustained engagement. The e-registration exercise reflects a clear understanding of this reality.

    During the ceremony, Senator Wamakko proudly described President Tinubu as a leader determined to reposition Nigeria on the global stage, enhance human capital, and drive sustainable development. “I know what he intends for the good people of this great nation, Nigeria,” he declared, urging Nigerians to understand and support the president’s vision. His remarks were deliberate and measured, reflecting confidence not only in the president’s leadership but also in his policy orientation and long-term developmental agenda. By publicly aligning with the president, Wamakko further reinforced the principle that leadership is most effective when it enjoys the support and trust of respected stakeholders.

    In Nigeria where political divisions often undermine development efforts, Senator Wamakko’s endorsement carries significance. It underscores the importance of unity and cooperation between leaders and citizens in driving national progress. His backing lends both legitimacy and momentum to the implementation of the president’s policies while ensuring that Tinubu’s achievements resonate within a key geopolitical zone whose support often determines national outcomes.

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    Beyond its immediate political implications, the Sokoto APC’s e-registration exercise offers a broader lesson for the other political parties. It demonstrates how parties can strengthen internal democracy, modernize operations, and mobilize supporters while aligning organizational reforms with national development goals. If replicated across the political landscape, such initiatives could contribute to a more disciplined, accountable, and forward-looking political culture—one in which leadership credibility and citizen participation reinforce each other.

    Equally important is the inclusive nature of the exercise. Alongside Wamakko, the registration featured the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Idris Muhammad Gobir, ministers, ambassadors-designate, and local party leaders. This comprehensive involvement reflects an understanding that political success and national progress are collective endeavors. Leadership at the top is essential, but so is the engagement with leaders at all levels, particularly those with deep regional influence like Senator Wamakko, who can mobilize support and mediate competing interests to advance policy goals.

    In a country often criticized for disorganization and political fragmentation, Senator Wamakko’s endorsement of President Tinubu stands out as both strategic and substantive. It illustrates how leadership, when supported by influential figures with deep regional roots, can foster cohesion and advance national development agendas. His strong backing sends a clear message that progress depends on constructive leadership, the alignment of influential actors, and the willingness of citizens to engage with the leadership.

    By publicly supporting Tinubu, Wamakko is encouraging Nigerians to rise above partisan divides and focus on the shared goal of national development. His call for understanding and cooperation is both pragmatic and visionary, as is Wamakko’s public prayer for guidance for President Tinubu.

    Ultimately, Wamakko’s support for Tinubu is a game-changer. It brings with it huge political capital, influence, strategic timing, and inter-regional alliance-building to reinforce a vision of leadership grounded in credibility, results, and national progress. In a nation yearning for stability, unity, and development, the endorsement provides a blueprint for how influence, authority, and vision can intersect to move Nigeria forward.

  • Infrastructure deficit: Diri in race against time to complete mega projects

    Infrastructure deficit: Diri in race against time to complete mega projects

    Against the backdrop of a huge infrastructure deficit, galloping inflation, challenging terrain, and time constraints, Okungbowa Aiwerie reports a race against time by Governor Douye Diri as he bids to complete several multibillion-naira projects before February 14, 2028, when his tenure lapses.

    Despite the general perception of its status as an oil-rich state, Bayelsa has lagged in infrastructure development, an area Governor Diri hopes to correct. Whether he falters or succeeds, only time will tell!

    Speaking in an interview with The Nation, Johnny Derek, Chairman of the Bayelsa State African Democratic Congress (ADC), maintained that with an election looming, Diri might be trying to win public support by embarking on several projects.

    According to him, genuine development should be the driving force behind project execution rather than using projects to win votes.

    His words, “I believe the ideal thing is to take into account procedures, processes that will ensure speedy completion of projects. I want to believe that the government has been able to put that into consideration. Let me not think for them, but Gov Diri will definitely be held accountable for any information dished out to the public. I want to believe Gov Diri and the technocrats in his administration have taken their time to arrange the project timelines before coming up with deadlines. We are watching. We will give our opinions at the appropriate time.”

    On whether the administration has bitten more than it can chew, given the time limits and magnitude of the projects, Derek said, “Bayelsa government has a lot of resources, especially with increased federal allocations to ensure speedy completion of these projects. I don’t think he (Gov Diri) has bitten more than he can chew, except otherwise they don’t want to complete the projects.”

    But Bayelsa Works and Infrastructure Commissioner, Mr Moses Teibowei, a chartered surveyor, who spoke in an interview with The Nation, noted that “a quiet revolution”  in infrastructure development is ongoing, adding that the creation of a 15000 hectare ‘New Yenagoa City’- a large-scale urban development project in the state capital, initiated by previous administrations but accelerated by Diri’s administration, is a stellar example.

    He enthused that the ‘New Yenagoa City’ will address the age-long infrastructure deficit of Yenagoa, the state capital.

    The project, according to him, involves massive road construction, legislative quarters, civil servants’ estates that also include a yet to be completed new government residential quarters, a secretariat, and a stadium to expand the capital city and provide modern infrastructure.

    He said the new city, which nestles on the bank of the muddy, slow-moving River Nun, is a modern, well-planned city, with significant land preparation, including sand-filling, and the construction of multiple dual-carriage roads to access key areas and connect to the existing city.

    His words, “About 95% of the roads in New Yenagoa City have been completed. Roads 1 and 2 were commissioned during the last anniversary, while roads 3 to 6 will be commissioned when His Excellency celebrates his sixth year in office.

    “After completing the dual carriageways, our next focus is to commence work on the internal single-carriage roads, which will serve plots between the major roads.”

    Continuing, “We have been abused over the years that Bayelsa is not well planned, we want to move away from that narrative to showcase to the people that we have the workers. I was the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys when the place was planned. And it was our own town planners from the Ministry of Lands and Surveys that actually planned the ‘New Yenagoa City’ because they are qualified professionals; we did not engage any external body to do it. We used strictly civil servants. I thank God that as the Commissioner for Works to ensure the implementation of that plan.”

    He described the project as “well-planned and a remarkable infrastructural milestone” that will cement the state’s socio-economic status in the Southsouth geopolitical zone.

    Teibowei further disclosed that work had begun on the Angiama-Oporma Bridge, a 630-meter structure which is set to become the longest bridge in Bayelsa State.

    He added that only the St. Nicholas River Bridge, which will connect Phase One and Phase Two of the Nembe-Brass Road project (the latter already awarded by the Federal Government), when completed, would be longer.

    While acknowledging improved federal allocations to states, Teibowei lamented inflation’s impact on project costs.

    He said, “Twenty-one kilometres of road now costs ₦156 billion. The same road length was awarded for ₦56 billion a few years ago, later revised to ₦116 billion. Inflation is biting harder.”

    Diri has been relentless in his drive to upgrade infrastructure. During a recent inspection tour, he lamented that projects undertaken by his administration were inspired by decade’s long neglect and underdevelopment of his Ijaw ethnic group.

    He restated his administration’s commitment to break the jinx of underdevelopment.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, it highlighted  the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma link bridge as a classic example of  neglect of the Ijaw ethnic group,

    It stressed that with its completion in December 2025, it will link the Oporoma community, headquarters of Southern Ijaw LGA, which has remained inaccessible by road for over six decades.

    Alabrah, further quoting Diri, said that, being a former Ijaw activist, he had first-hand knowledge of the injustice and long neglect in Ijawland, adding that as governor, he was in a better position to address some of the development challenges of his people.

    His words: “Many do not understand where I’m coming from. I was an Ijaw activist, and so I’m coming from a background of deprivation. The Ijaws are a people who have been deprived over the years, and here I’m having the opportunity to address some of these deprivation issues.

    “So, I do not need anybody to tell me what to do because I was already aware of the level of deprivation in Ijawland. This little opportunity that I have, I need to prove to our people that our government is taking the right steps in tackling these challenges. It is not enough to be shouting and criticising.”

    He said the government had met its contractual obligations by fully funding the 630-meter Angiama-Oporoma bridge and commended the contractor for the progress achieved.

    Continuing, “This is a local government headquarters that has been inaccessible by road for over 60 years, and it is a jinx we are poised to break. The quality and pace of work done speak to the competence of the construction company.

    “On the part of the government, we are keeping to our promises by not failing in terms of funding the projects. We are all happy – the contractor, government and indeed the beneficiaries, which are the people of this local government area.”

    Another legacy project is the new ultra-modern 25,000 capacity stadium at Igbogene, which has a 24-month duration.

    Read Also: Jersey returns $9.5m looted funds to Nigeria for Abuja–Kano road

    Diri said in spite of cost implications, his administration was determined to make the stadium a reality and urged young people in the state to seize the opportunity and strive for excellence.

    He urged oil multinationals operating in the state, as well as other government and private agencies, to support the project in line with global practice, where big business brands support sports.

    He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, stating that the project was at the foundation stage of piling and sand-filling.

    “The foundation is the most important aspect of this project. If you do not get the foundation right, then everything will collapse, particularly in a terrain like ours. You need a very solid foundation.

    “It follows that for a stadium project like this, you need to pile and do a lot of sand-filling. I’m satisfied with what I have seen today.  It is clear to me that even with the rains, work can continue here.”

    On the cost variation of projects, Diri said his government was not expecting additional costs as contracts were awarded after the national economic downturn and based on current prices.

    He expressed optimism that the projects would be delivered within the stipulated time frame, assuring that no project embarked upon by his administration would be abandoned.

    To cap off Diri’s infrastructure initiatives are the N46 billion ultra- modern nine- storey Bayelsa Secretariat and the state-owned 60 mw Gas Turbine projects.

    Diri described the secretariat as a modern electronic facility designed to address the persistent office space challenges faced by civil servants.

    He noted that the demand for improved office accommodations had been a recurring request from workers, particularly on Workers’ Day, prompting his administration to take action.

    His words, “What propelled me to build a new secretariat was the civil servants’ request for office accommodation, which was raised repeatedly every Workers’ Day,”

    According to him, 30% of the project sum had been disbursed to contractors, with another 20% set for release upon commencement, assuring that funding would not be an issue.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure for Bayelsa, Mr. Moses Teibowei, stated that the nine-storey building would feature eco-friendly designs, covering 3,675.633 square meters with parking for 155 vehicles.

    Also the gas powered turbine, set to be commissioned in December 2025 but shifted to February 2026, is another landmark project initiated by the Diri administration to boost the local economy.

    During a recent visit at the project site in Elebele, Ogbia LGA, Diri reiterated that the gas turbine project remains a top priority for his administration, as it directly aligns with his Prosperity Agenda to boost infrastructure and improve the standard of living for residents.

    He maintained that the completion of the gas turbine will mark the beginning of a new era of 24-hour electricity supply in the state.

  • Kwankwaso, Yusuf rift deepens

    Kwankwaso, Yusuf rift deepens

    •Pro-Kwankwaso commissioners may be dropped
    •Ganduje, others lead consultations to receive gov

    There are indications that Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf may drop his commissioners who are loyalists of his estranged godfather Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

    The governor is tidying up arrangements for his formal defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) tomorrow.

    Kwankwaso is opposed to the move and has asked the governor to relinquish his position if he must defect.

    Supporters of the APC are already in a jubilant mood ahead of  Yusuf’s defection.

    The immediate past governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, returned to Abuja yesterday from Dubai to be part of the reception for his successor.

    Ganduje’s Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, said yesterday that his boss would  commence a “series of consultations and stakeholders’ meetings focusing on recent political developments in Kano state.”

    The disagreement between Yusuf and Kwankwaso has polarised the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement –the umbrella body of all NNPP members in the country.

    Yusuf is scheduled to meet with Ganduje, who is the immediate past national chairman of the APC, the State Chairman of the party,  Abdullahi Abbas and other APC stakeholders in Kano to review the defection plan.

    According to the schedule of activities, the governor will proceed to obtain his APC membership card from his ward after the official defection.

    The defection was originally scheduled for  January 5 in Abuja but was shifted to tomorrow to allow for further consultation by the governor with NNPP  National Assembly lawmakers from Kano and key stakeholders who were yet to fully commit to the move.

    The defection is part of a larger political realignment that will enable Governor Yusuf to potentially take on a significant leadership role in APC, seal his governorship ticket and lead the state chapter of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The move is also seen as a strategic decision expected to strengthen the APC in Kano State.

    Kwankwaso is believed to be on his way to joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    He has threatened Yusuf that no one betrays the Kwankwasiyya Movement and goes free.

     Kwankwaso also warned other members who have defected or are planning to defect to compensate the Movement for the support and labour invested in them.

    While addressing his remaining loyalists, he insisted that political defections do not happen without incentives. “For someone to abandon his house and go elsewhere, it does not just happen without reason. These people, no doubt, have collected ‘goods,” he said. He cautioned members against being swayed by what he referred to as “short-term gains,” noting that many defectors later regretted their actions.

    But the governor has the backing of the majority of the NNPP members of the state House of Assembly on his imminent switching of camps, citing unresolved leadership crises and ongoing court cases that could jeopardise the governor’s reelection.

    Justifying the defection moves, House Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini stated that remaining in the NNPP poses significant risks for the governor and other elected officials due to “factional disputes and multiple litigations.”

    Hussaini said the party’s internal conflicts could lead to a repeat of the Zamfara State scenario, where the Supreme Court ruled that the APC had no valid candidates, resulting in the party losing the governorship and legislative seats.

    “The NNPP is currently plagued by factional leadership disputes and multiple litigations, creating uncertainty over the validity of its structure and nominations ahead of future elections.

    “There is an existing court judgment that recognises a particular faction of the NNPP. Therefore, we cannot continue to remain in the party and risk a repeat of the legal disaster that happened in Zamfara State,” Hussaini said.

    He emphasised that betrayal carries lasting consequences, leaving a stain that follows individuals and their families. “The word ‘betrayer’ follows a person; him, his family and even his lineage,” he reiterated.

    A former governor of Kano state, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, also sees nothing wrong in the governor’s dumping of the NNPP.

    He says the move cannot be termed betrayal but a legitimate exercise of his political rights.

    Shekarau’s remarks come in response to criticism from Kwankwaso, who had labelled Yusuf a “betrayer” over his intention to defect.

    His intervention has opened another perspective to the brewing controversy surrounding Yusuf’s defection, with implications for the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

    “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf should not be accused of betrayal over his decisions, because political realignments are personal decisions guided by circumstances and consultations.

    “I have listened to some of my brother Kwankwaso’s remarks. To me, Kwankwaso has either forgotten what happened in the past, or he thinks people have forgotten.

    “When he was in PDP, he also left with the governorship seat to APC. Why didn’t he drop it for PDP? The way he took PDP’s seat to APC is likely the same way Abba will take the NNPP seat to APC,” he said.

    Shekarau added that if such action is now being described as offensive, then the precedent was already established by Kwankwaso.

    “Governor Abba Yusuf is only following your footsteps,” Shekarau said, questioning why Kwankwaso would accuse Yusuf of betrayal when he had set a similar precedent.

    Shekarau, who was a two-term governor of Kano State between 2003 to 2011, also revisited the formation of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), revealing that disagreements over power-sharing arrangements led to his exit from the party.

    He claimed that despite being promised a senatorial ticket, he was marginalised in the allocation of positions, prompting him to leave the party.

    The former governor emphasised that political decisions, including defections, should not be framed as betrayal, especially when leaders consult their followers and act in their collective interest.

    Shekarau, a former Education Minister and ex-senator representing Kano Central (2019–2023), insisted that Yusuf has the right to join any party of his choice, and that Kwankwaso’s criticism ignores the political precedent he himself had set.

    I’ll laugh last, says Kwankwaso

    Kwankwaso has boasted that he will have the last laugh in the faceoff between him and Yusuf.

    He rejected suggestions in some political circles that he is a fading politician.

     “As leaders and representatives of the people, when you go back home, ensure you meet with our supporters and let them know what is before us,” he recently told his supporters.

    His words: “I have heard some people mocking me, calling me a child in politics. I want to assure them that they will see the work of the child soon when the time comes.

    “We have so far received about 21 organisations from across the state, and there are others that are going to join us soon. Therefore, you go back home and receive them.”

    I believe in action, not talk, says Governor Yusuf

    Reacting to Kwankwaso’s warnings and threats, the governor said: “What started small has been magnified as said by a Hausa Singer, Karamar Magana Tazama Babba. As everyone knows, I don’t believe in talking too much.

    “I’m always an action man; the actions that will help my people, as seen by everyone, that is what I believe in, not too much talk,” the governor said in a video recording while addressing a camp loyal to him.

    Long before Yusuf made his move to cross over to the APC, Kwankwaso had met with APC leaders to discuss a deal ahead of 2027, but the talks turned out to be fruitless.

    Kwankwaso had said his doors were open for alliance.

    Read Also: 2026: Uche urges Nigerians to emulate faith, unity, good character

    He said recently that he would only team up with a party that is willing to offer him either its presidential ticket or vice presidential.

    Political sources in Kano said having failed in working out a deal with the APC, Kwankwaso sought to stop Yusuf from joining the party, but did not have his way.

    Two camps loyal to the two soon emerged. The governor’s supporters started mobilising supporters and urging the governor to defect without Kwankwaso and accusing the Kwankwasiyya of self-aggrandisement and labelling him “anti-masses.”

    Sequel to the deepening crisis over Yusuf’s defection to APC, the former NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa, an ally of Kwankwaso, was sacked at the behest of the governor, who swiftly appointed Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya as a replacement. Abiya’s appointment was even backed by the court, which affirmed the dismissal of the former chairman.

    However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, in a response, described Dungurawa’s removal as a nullity. It went on to dissolve the entire Kano party executives at the ward, local government and state levels indefinitely, saying the action was in line with the NNPP constitution.

    The Yusuf camp approached the Kano High Court, where Justice Nasiru Saminu granted an order restoring the party’s executives at the state, local government and ward levels, which were earlier dissolved by the party’s NWC.

    But the party’s NWC is insisting that even if such an order exists, it would be legally defective.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, said it was improper for a court to issue an interim injunction against a decision that had already been completed by a political party’s national leadership.

    “The court lacks jurisdiction to reverse an internal decision of the party,” he said, arguing that the Supreme Court has consistently held that the internal affairs of political parties are non-justiciable,” he said.

    Ladipo said: “The dissolution of Kano State executives at all levels therefore stands.”

    Who has upper hand, more backing?

    Governor Yusuf is now becoming assertive and independent in decision-making, with this crisis. And if he joins the APC without Kwankwaso, the latter would no longer pull strings in appointments and decision-making like before.

    A Kano Government House source said the governor had tolerated so much from Kwankwaso because he did not want to be seen as an ingrate.

    At the moment, all the local government chairmen and House of Assembly members have endorsed the governor’s defection plan.

    Cabinet reshuffle imminent

    It was gathered yesterday that once the governor officially defected to the APC, some commissioners and other appointees loyal to Kwankwaso will be shown the exit door.

    Among those to be affected are the Commissioners for Science and Technology, Yusuf Kofarmata; Internal Security and Special Services Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umaru (retd.); and that of Youth and Sport, Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of the NNPP leader.

    Sources said some commissioners are already clearing their desks in anticipation of the cabinet reshuffle.

  • 5.36m electricity customers remain without meters– NERC

    5.36m electricity customers remain without meters– NERC

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that 5.36 million electricity customers nationwide remain without meters, leaving them exposed to the unpredictable estimated billing methods by distribution companies (DisCos).

    According to the Commission’s third-quarter 2025 industry report published on its website, as of 30 September 2025, only 6.662 million of the 12.030 million active registered electricity customers across the 12 DisCos were metered, representing 55.37 per cent coverage. NERC stated that during the third quarter as of 2025, a total of 228,614 end-user customers were metered across all DisCos.

    Ibadan, Aba and Abuja DisCos recorded the highest number of meter installations, accounting for 23.38 per cent, 20.81 per cent and 19.06 per cent of total installations, respectively.

    The report noted that compared to the 226,959 customers metered in Q2 2025, there was a slight increase of 0.73 per cent in total meter installations in Q3 2025.

    Read Also: Transforming Nigeria’s economy: Policies, progress and continuity

    However, nine DisCos recorded declines in meter installation over the period, with Port Harcourt and Jos DisCos posting the largest drops of 62.35 per cent and 61.68 per cent, respectively. In contrast, Aba (+173.45%), Abuja (+38.28%) and Ibadan (+17.72%) DisCos recorded notable increases in meter installations during the quarter.

    “Out of the 228,614 end-user customers metered in Q3 2025, 176,302 (77.12%) were metered under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, 44,104 (19.29%) under the Vendor-Financed framework, 7,902 (3.46%) under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), 175 (0.08%) under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), and 131 (0.06%) under the DisCo-Financed framework,” the report stated.

    Under the MAP framework, a total of 176,302 meters were installed in Q3 2025, representing an 18.20 per cent increase compared to the 149,150 installations recorded in Q2 2025. Ibadan (53,441), Abuja (35,449) and Benin (26,690) DisCos recorded the highest MAP installations during the quarter, accounting for 30.31 per cent, 20.11 per cent and 15.14 per cent of the total, respectively.

  • Nigerian Tax Acts 2025: Pros and cons

    Nigerian Tax Acts 2025: Pros and cons

    Joseph Tegbe, Chairman of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC), enumerates the benefits of the Nigerian Tax Reform Acts 2025, stating that it marks a significant turning point in the country’s pursuit of a robust and sustainable economy, writes Jill Okeke.

    Explaining what the Tax Acts 2025 means, Tegbe described it as a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s fiscal architecture, aimed at creating a modern, efficient, and transparent tax system that supports economic growth, development, and prosperity for all Nigerians.

    Tegbe, who is also the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), affirmed that the new tax law is built around four key pillars: reconnecting the economy to the state, standardising and modernising fiscal administration, promoting predictability, and re-balancing the fiscal social contract.

    “By broadening the tax net, simplifying rules, and improving administration, we are creating a more predictable fiscal environment that supports businesses and households,” he explained.

    The NTPIC Chairman cited global best practices that informed the reforms, citing examples from South Korea, Singapore, and Rwanda, where tax reforms have driven economic growth and development. “These countries have shown that with the right policies, institutions, and leadership, it is possible to transform a nation’s economy and improve the lives of its citizens,” he said.

    According to him, the tax reform will protect low-income earners and small businesses, with measures such as zero tax rates for those earning up to N800,000 and the expansion of zero-rated VAT items for critical sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture.

    “By taking away the tax burden on small income earners and small businesses, the reforms aim to preserve livelihoods, encourage formal participation, and allow enterprises to grow organically. We recognise that these sectors are critical to our nation’s development, and we are committed to supporting them,” he noted.

    The Tax Acts 2025 also emphasises digitalisation and technology-driven tax administration, with the introduction of e-invoicing to improve compliance, transparency, and reduce administrative burdens, a significant step towards modernising the tax system and making it more efficient, he posited.

    Consequently, he emphasised that the success of the reform depends on careful implementation, necessitating ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure proper understanding.

    The implementation of the new Tax Acts is expected to stabilise the fiscal environment, support production, protect critical sectors, and modernise tax administration in line with global standards.

    It will also enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business, attract foreign investment, and generate employment opportunities. “We are confident that these reforms will unlock new opportunities for businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs, and contribute to the growth and development of our economy,” he added.

    He acknowledged the arguments against the Nigerian tax reforms, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

    Critics have argued that the Tax Acts 2025 will place an economic burden on citizens and would compound the economic hardship.

    Arguments against taxation

    According to the opponents of the new policy, implementing new taxes at a time when inflation is record-high (over 24% in late 2025), following the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, is ‘draconian’.

    Besides, they claimed the reforms would worsen poverty and further erode the purchasing power of low-income earners.

    Fiscal autonomy and federalism: The proposed VAT sharing formula (55% for states, 35% for local governments, and 10% for the federal government) is criticised for potentially undermining the fiscal autonomy and sustainability of states. Northern stakeholders, in particular, have argued that it may disproportionately affect certain regions.

    Major interest groups, including opposition parties, claim the process was rushed with inadequate consultation of key stakeholders.

    Others opposed to it have expressed a lack of trust in the government’s ability to utilise tax revenue effectively, citing past failures in accounting for subsidy savings and a lack of tangible infrastructure development.

    Concerns have been raised regarding new provisions in the gazetted laws that allow for taxpayer arrests through law enforcement agencies, powers that were reportedly absent from the version originally passed by the House of Representatives.

    Rallying support for taxation

    Nevertheless, the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described criticisms surrounding the new tax reform policy as largely driven by misinformation, sensationalism and political mischief.

    In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the party said it was necessary to clarify the objectives of the reform in the interest of public understanding, national stability and informed civic engagement.

    Read Also: Will Nigeria breaks its mass metering jinx this year?

    According to the Lagos APC, the new tax framework is not targeted at low-income earners nor designed to impose additional hardship on struggling Nigerians.

    Rather, it said the reform prioritises the protection of vulnerable groups through expanded exemptions and a more progressive tax structure aligned with international best practices.

    The party noted that Nigerians within the lowest income brackets are either exempted from taxation under the new regime or will experience reduced tax obligations.

    It maintained that the reform is focused on efficiency, equity and accountability, adding that portrayals of the policy as punitive are misleading.

    The APC further argued that Nigeria could no longer sustain a modern economy on what it described as an outdated, fragmented and oil-dependent tax system.

    It recalled that the country had for years grappled with multiple taxation, overlapping mandates, revenue leakages and weak enforcement—conditions it said discouraged investment, stifled business growth and rewarded tax evasion.

    For businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the party said the reform simplifies tax compliance, eliminates nuisance taxes and creates a more predictable fiscal environment. It added that the framework also promotes fairness by ensuring that large and profitable corporations contribute an equitable share to national development.

    The Lagos APC emphasised that taxation remains a key instrument for funding public infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and social protection. It stated that sustainable development is built on a functional social contract in which citizens contribute, and the government delivers, noting that the current administration is seeking to strengthen that relationship through fiscal reforms.

    While acknowledging that reforms of such scale require transparency, public engagement and sensitivity in implementation, the party said constructive criticism should be encouraged, but deliberate falsehoods must be rejected.

    Urging Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and fear-driven narratives, the APC insisted that the tax reform represents a difficult but necessary policy choice aimed at securing long-term economic stability rather than short-term political gains.

    The party said the reform is part of broader efforts to lay the foundation for a stronger, fairer and more sustainable economic future for Nigeria.

    “Contrary to the alarmist narratives peddled by the opposition, Nigerians earning within the lowest income brackets are either fully exempt or will experience reduced tax exposure under the new regime.

    “The reform targets efficiency, equity, and accountability—not punishment. Those who have chosen to weaponise falsehoods against this policy have done so out of either ignorance or calculated desperation.

    “The truth is simple: Nigeria can no longer run a modern economy on an archaic, fragmented, and oil-dependent tax structure. For decades, the nation suffered from multiple taxation, overlapping mandates, leakages, and weak enforcement—a system that stifled businesses, discouraged investment, and rewarded tax evasion. This reform decisively confronts those failures.”

  • Is acquisition the new shape of power sector?

    Is acquisition the new shape of power sector?

    A string of acquisitions is reshaping the power sector in a momentum scale that underlines the reforms and prospects of Nigeria’s most talked about sector. In this report, Deputy Group Business Editor, Taofik Salako, examines the implication of the biggest takeover in the electricity sector 

    There is a universal consensus on the importance of private capital inflows in the resolution of the Nigerian power problem. Finance, public and private, stakeholders agreed, is the linchpin to uncoil the long wire to power every house and business. 

    A recent United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) report on the Nigerian power sector identified finance as the key to unleash the full potential of the transformative initiatives by the government over the past two and half years. Starting from the landmark June 8, 2023 signing into law of the Electricity Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu to the institutionalisation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) in May 2025, the power sector has been a focus of intense reforms by the government. These reforms- across generation, transmission, distribution and retailing, have shown appreciable results. The   Energy Commission of Nigeria acknowledged that several initiatives in recent period have seen the country’s electricity supply rising by 50 per cent, from historic 4,000 megawatts to 6,000 megawatts. But the gap is still wide and finance is the key. 

    “For the reforms in the sector to succeed, financing is key. Public finance alone will not solve the sector’s challenges, hence leveraging private sector capital is crucial,” the UNDP report stated. The NIEP also underlined that significant capital injection from the private sector is necessary for the success of the power sector reforms. The Energy Commission of Nigeria estimates that for every household to have affordable access to electricity, Nigeria must generate 40,000 MW.

    At the recent Mission 300 summit, President Tinubu underlined the importance of private, public partnerships in achieving mass electrification of Nigeria and other African countries. He estimated that Nigeria would require an investment of $23.2 billion for last-mile electrification, including contributions from the public and private sectors. This implies that existing and new investors must find the power sector attractive enough for huge capital investments.

    Major acquisitions in recent weeks appear to set up the Nigerian power sector as the thematic segment for the government’s 2026 consolidation agenda. In one instance, Transgrid Enerco Limited completed acquisition of 60 per cent equity stake in Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDC), the first market-driven acquisition of a Nigerian electricity distribution company since the power sector privatisation. With a large swathe of industrial, commercial and high-brow residential areas across Lagos and Ogun States, EKEDC is one of Nigeria’s largest electricity distribution companies (Discos) and generally regarded as of strategic importance to the nation’s economic growth.

    The acquisition was funded by debt and equity financing, underlining the chain of private capital inflows. Chairman, Transgrid Enerco Limited, Engr. Olubunmi Peters, said the acquisition reflected renewed confidence in Nigeria’s power sector.

    He said: “This transaction shows that Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector can attract long-term capital when there is a clear focus on operational excellence and disciplined execution”.

    Private equity comes to the market

    But the biggest transaction was the acquisition of the publicly listed Geregu Power Plc. Valued at nearly N3 trillion and currently contributing more than one-tenth of electricity to national grid, Geregu Power has all the trappings of an industry leader. The first power generation company (GenCo) to be listed on the stock market, Geregu Power interlinks national importance with private corporate growth and value creation. As such, the acquisition has been described as the most consequential acquisition in the Nigerian market in recent period. In a regulatory filing at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the board of Geregu Power stated that the company’s majority shareholder, Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, owned by billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, had undergone a restructuring of its ownership following a share sale and acquisition concluded on December 29, 2025. As a result of the transaction, MA’AM Energy Limited acquired 95 per cent equity interest in Amperion Power Distribution Company, thus the indirect controlling interest in Geregu Power previously held by Calvados Global Services Limited and Otedola was transferred to MA’AM Energy Limited. While the transaction did not involve the direct sale or transfer of shares of Geregu Power, the change in the ownership of the company’s majority shareholder resulted in a change in the ultimate beneficial ownership of 77 per cent of Geregu Power’s issued share capital.

    The transaction was reportedly valued at $750 million or about N1.1 trillion. The acquisition was financed by a consortium of Nigerian banks with Blackbirch Capital as the financial adviser.  This further underlined the strong private capital inflows into the power sector and enhanced investment assessment for the sector.

    With the change in beneficial ownership, the Femi Otedola-led board resigned immediately, paving the way for the appointment of a new board of directors by MA’AM Energy. While MA’AM Energy, an Abuja-based integrated energy company engaging in electricity generation and supply, energy trading, and marketing, has maintained a relatively low public profile, market analysts said its ability to close one of Nigeria’s largest private equity deal and put together consortium of institutional financiers was an indication of its strong presence and confidence in the energy sector. 

    The new board of director also represented a veritable intersection of public influence, governance, finance, technical experience and compliance. The new board is led by Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State and current Senator representing Zamfara West. Yari, a former chairman of the highly influential Nigerian Governors’ Forum, holds MSc in Public Administration, Finance and Investment Management from the University of Salford and a Certificate in Leadership and Change from the London School of Economics, in addition to other foundational education.

    Other non-executive directors included Abdulkadeer Njiddah, Principal Partner at Abdulkadeer & Co. (Chartered Accountants) who holds PhD in Accounting and Finance and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Institute of Internal Auditors of Nigeria (FIIA); Usman Mohammed, an expert in infrastructure and private financing solutions and a chartered accountant with PhD in Finance and over 30 years’ experience in power sector utility diagnosis, reform, and transformation and Mohammed Sani Jaafaru, who holds MBA in Finance from Strayer University, Washington D.C and currently Chief Operations Officer at Advance Link Petroleum Limited.

    Also on the board as non-executive directors were Neka Adogu, a banker and financier of more than two decades, including as a General Manager at Access Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest bank by assets and Mahmud Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and member of the Federal Judicial Service Commission with specialty in international dispute resolution. Meanwhile, outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akin Akinfemiwa and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Julius Omodayo-Owotuga were retained to facilitate smooth management transition, working with the newly appointed board.

    A new power play

    Experts said the Geregu Power acquisition might be the beginning of a new era for the Nigerian power sector.

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    Managing Director, GTI Capital, Mr. Kehinde Hassan, said the transaction, valued at approximately $750 million, set a new benchmark for GenCo valuations in Nigeria.

    “It is likely to influence future mergers and acquisitions, stimulate private equity interest, and reshape asset pricing across the power sector.

    “Beyond Geregu, the deal carries broader implications for the Nigerian power industry. A $750 million investment in a sector often labeled “high-risk” sends a powerful signal about the underlying potential and long-term value of Nigeria’s electricity market. This could catalyze further GenCo and DisCo acquisitions, attract renewed interest from domestic institutional investors, and spur recapitalization efforts across the value chain,” Hassan, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), said.

    He also noted the timing of the acquisition. According to him, the acquisition coming at a time when the Federal Government is planning a N4 trillion power-sector liquidity fund, further positions the sector as increasingly private‑equity friendly and primary target for deeper financial participation.

    Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr Olatunde Amolegbe, said stakeholders were optimistic that the new owners would deploy the necessary technical and financial capability to increase the capacity and efficiency of the company to enable it meets its mandate to all stakeholders.

    He said: “The company was quite profitable under the previous owners, though some investors felt its price multiple was too high. The new owners will need to prove that its stock price is well justified”.

    Managing Director, Vetiva Securities Limited, Mr. Abiodun Adeniran, said while the private equity nature off the deal did not elicit any major immediate market reactions, market expectations would be subject to the expertise that MA’AM Energy is bringing on board and the impact on operations and financial performance going forward.

    “This is just unfolding and the market is patiently waiting for the new strategic direction,” Adeniran said.

    Hassan also echoed the same sentiment. According to him, with the shift in ownership, the market is expected to adopt a cautious, observant stance as it awaits clarity on the new owners’ strategic direction.

    He noted that while a key focus for investors would be governance and management continuity, stakeholders would be watching closely to see whether the new leadership will maintain Geregu’s strong dividend culture, operational efficiency and commitment to expansion pipeline, including the proposed Geregu II and III projects.

    Managing Director, HighCap Securities, Mr. David Adonri, said stakeholders are eagerly waiting for the new board’s strategic plan.

    For minority shareholders, while the deal signaled a major positive momentum for the power sector, the underlying importance would be determined by value creation. With a free float of about 19 per cent, Geregu Power is a company of public concern.

    President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr. Faruk Umar, said the size and nature of the deal were quite symbolic for the Nigerian economy, the power sector and the capital market.

    He noted that with the broad experience of the new board and the strategic assets under Geregu, the market expectation was high.

    He said such huge investment of above N1 trillion by Nigerians in a Nigerian company, especially in the critical power sector, primarily deserves commendation, describing it as a good response to President Tinubu’s quest to deepen domestic private investments.

    According to him, when Nigerians show willingness to participate in the country’s infrastructural development, such a move carries not only the potential value creation but also reinforcement of hope and confidence in the long-term outlook of the economy.

    He urged the new owners to adopt best practices in stakeholders’ management through fair consideration for all and inclusive engagement.  

    National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Moses Igbrude echoed similar sentiment.

    He noted that the $750 million Geregu transaction was a huge transaction that would define investments in the electricity sector as it might trigger other similar transactions soon.

    He however said minority shareholders were concerned about the new core investors and their plans.

    “My sincere appeal to them is for them to act in good faith and pilot the affairs of the company in proper manner in line with good governance that brings benefit to all stakeholders,” Igbrude said.

    Another shareholders’ leader, who craved anonymity, said the deal would only be justified if it leads to real improvements in power generation, accountability and sustainable returns.

    As the new board of Geregu prepares for its first formal meeting that is expected to deliberate on composition of important committees, strategic announcements and the principle of corporate direction, stakeholders may view the ownership change through the fundamentals of the company. By the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, Geregu Power recorded total revenue of N131.47 billion, with pre and post tax profit of N37.46 billion and N25.1 billion respectively. Earnings per share was thus at N10.04 by third quarter 2025. Total assets meanwhile stood at N273.15 billion by September 2025, as against N243.47 billion recorded by December 2024.

    For the first quarter ending March 31, 2026, Geregu Power projected total revenue of N57.12 billion within the three-month period. Gross profit was estimated at N22.88 billion while operating profit, profit before tax and profit after tax were expected at N18.12 billion, N17.06 billion and N12.03 billion respectively. For stakeholders, the task before the new core investor is to unlock the financial value and national contribution.

  • Raising financial services standards with consumer awareness, protection

    Raising financial services standards with consumer awareness, protection

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reaffirms its commitment to educating consumers on key issues around financial services offerings and complaints resolutions. Issues around financial literacy, complaints resolutions, entrenching the right to privacy and confidentiality are receiving regulatory support. Already, the Customers Bill of Rights approved by the CBN highlights the central role of customers in business success, and role of banks in ensuring a safe and secured banking system, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

    As a financial sector regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has a duty of care, ensuring that it provides excellent guidance that ensures that bank customers get the best services for their patronage.

    Central to achieving this goal is the need to provide financial literacy, complaints resolution mechanisms, protecting customers’ right to privacy and confidentiality.

    The regulator has also gone a step further by providing guidance to bank customers on what their obligations to the lender are.

    According to CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, while the apex bank continues to lay the foundation for price stability and foster a conducive policy environment, the role of banks in this journey remains crucial.

    “At the Central Bank, we have intensified surveillance of market activities to ensure compliance. Together, we must build a market based on strong governance and transparency. As regulators, we will maintain a zero-tolerance approach to compliance violations,” he said.

    On its Consumer Education Series shared across social media platforms, the CBN educated bank customers on what they need to know about Bank Verification Number (BVN) Watchlist.

    It said: “Do You Know that your Bank Verification Number is more than just numbers, it is your financial identity in the Nigerian banking system. BVN Watchlist contains the records of individuals or institutions who have been confirmed to engage in fraud, financial misconduct or serious violations of banking rules.

    Continuing, it said: “If your BVN is listed: Go to your bank, find out what exactly the problem is and work to settle it; Do not forget to use your BVN and your account responsibly, honor your financial obligations and never participate in, support or benefit from fraud.”

    The CBN also highlighted issues around understanding the difference between needs and wants as it provides financial literacy lessons to the public.

    It asked: “Did you know that financial literacy helps you distinguish between your needs and your wants? Smart money management starts with knowing the difference. When you understand this, you are better equipped to make informed decisions about how to spend, save, and budget your money”.

    It explained further: “Needs are essential things you must have to live and function. These include food and water, basic healthcare, shelter or rent, school fees, and other necessities. Wants are things that are nice to have but not essential for survival. They add comfort, style, or enjoyment, such as eating out frequently or buying luxury items. Before you spend, pause and ask yourself: Do I need this, or do I just want it?”

    Earlier, the apex bank unveiled the Bank Customers’ Bill of Rights during “CBN Fair” held in Lagos, with the theme: “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development” highlights the rights of customers and their obligations to the banks.

    The Bill of Rights, insisted that a bank customer has a right to be informed, right to choose, right to safety, right to privacy and confidentiality, and the right to redress. Others include right to good service, right to equality and right to free monthly statement of account.

    On the other hand, the report listed certain obligations that a customer owes to his or her bank. They include duty to financial obligations, duty to protect instruments and information, duty to provide factual information and not to mislead the bank, duty to report suspected fraud or error and duty of personal safety and safety of assets.

    Speaking during the event, the CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, said the Management of the CBN, under the leadership of Cardoso, is committed to protecting the rights of bank customers and promoting quality services.

    Ali said the core objective of this engagement, therefore, is to sensitize members of the public on how the bank’s policies and innovations can enhance their lives and livelihood and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

    She explained that as a means of protecting banks’ customers and ensuring that they are not short-changed, the CBN launched the Unified Complaints Tracking System (UCTS), aimed at streamlining and improving the management of consumer complaints against financial institutions. The system, alongside a USSD code (*959#) for verifying licensed institutions, enhances transparency and consumer protection in the Nigerian financial sector.

    “The core objective of this engagement, therefore, is to sensitize members of the public on how the Bank’s policies and innovations can enhance their lives and livelihood and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy,” she said.

    Other stakeholders insisted that at the heart of the CBN strategy is its commitment to maintaining economic stability.

    “Administration prioritized an inflation targeting framework, which has been pivotal in controlling inflation and stabilizing the naira through careful adjustments in the monetary policy, rate and other instruments. The CBN has kept the economy on a steady course despite global economic headwinds,” they said.

    “This year has been marked by innovative reforms and realignments, significant upgrades were made to digital platforms, automating financial processes and implementing stringent cyber security measures to protect assets and data,” they said.

    The participants’ concerns around banking system stability, customer services and complaints were addressed by CBN team from the Other Financial Institutions Department, Payments System Policy Department, Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department, Currency Operations and Branch Management Department, and Financial Markets Department.

    Understanding the Bill of Rights

    The bill of rights described the customer as the most important person in the economy and every business succeeds only when the customer is happy.

    Describing the customer as a king, it said: “As a king, the customer has many rights. But a king also has duties which he owes himself and the society. In Nigeria, customers of banks have certain rights and duties guaranteed by law, regulation and conventions.”

    The report disclosed that a bank customer has a right to disclosure of information from his/her bank on products and services the bank offers.

    “The information provided must be complete, relevant and truthful. Your bank must explain to you understanding all contractual terms and charges prior to the consummation of any agreement or contract. This right enables you to have relevant information in order to make rational choices. It amounts to a breach of right if your bank fails to provide this information or deliberately misleads you in any way,” it said.

    According to the apex bank, bank customers also have a right to select from the range of products and services made available by your bank at competitive prices.

    “This means that as a customer, you can, at all times, decide on the product or service to accept/purchase and the ones to decline. It is wrong for a bank to restrict your choices or compel you to accept/purchase products or services that are ill-suited for your needs. Where you are not satisfied with your bank’s service delivery on any product or service, you have the right to end the contract or even the banking relationship provided you settle all outstanding commitments,” it said.

    The CBN explained that the right to safety requires a bank to guarantee all its customers a secure and conducive banking environment devoid of threats to their safety and health.

    “You have the right to be reasonably protected from accidents while on the premises of your bank. You also have the right to be protected from negative effects of pollution of any kind whether arising from your bank’s operations or from other sources. It is necessary to stress that your bank is obligated to adhere strictly to applicable safety and directives to ensure that your safety and well-being are adequately guaranteed while you are on the premises of your bank,” it said.

    The bill of rights, described the customer as the most important person in the economy and every business succeeds only when the customer is happy

    Continuing, the apex bank also highlighted the customers right to privacy and confidentiality.

    It explained that as a bank customer, one has the right to freedom from disclosure of your account details by your bank as intrusion into your account by a third party.

    In other words, a bank is not to divulge your account information to a third party; a bank must also protect customers’ information from unauthorised access by a third party.

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    It however, stated that there are expectations to this right where a bank is required by law to make disclosure; and where a customer consents to the disclosure.

    “A bank must provide its customers a redress mechanism to express their displeasure or grievance. The mechanism must be free, accessible, transparent, timely and convenient. You have a right to an efficient complaints management system through which you can lodge complaints against your bank. You also have the right to be kept abreast of the resolution process (acknowledgment, feedback, updates, and explanation) and ultimately, basis of decision. Where you are not satisfied with the decision of your bank, you have the right of review either by your bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the court,” it stated.

    The CBN however, stated that all customers have a right to value for their money which involves the right to be treated with respect and dignity by banks and their representatives.

    “The hallmark of banking is customer satisfaction and as such your bank would have failed if it was unable to offer quality and value-adding banking services to you as a customer. Part of this right is that your bank must provide appropriate response to your needs and complaints,” it said.

    Bank customers also have the right to equality. Here, the  right requires that a customer is treated equally as other customers regardless of differences in financial standing/deposit balance, physical ability, age, gender , ethnicity, or creed. It is wrong for a bank to offer preferential treatment to some customers at the expense of other similar kinds of customers. However, banks may decide to differentiate customers on account of the nature of products customers purchase or subscribe to.

    The report also highlighted customers’ obligations to their banks.

    “This represents the cornerstone of your duties as a bank customer and involves the search for relevant knowledge that should lead you to make informed decisions and enhance your benefits. Without adequate knowledge, customers are bound to make ill-informed decisions which may precipitate an avalanche of complaints from customers against their banks. It is generally agreed that sophistication in the banking industry has tasked the understanding of even people that are financially literate; it is, therefore, your responsibility to “shine your eyes” when dealing with your bank,” it said.

    Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria, Lagos, Sunday Daibo, said the apex bank is taking steps to ensure more people are brought into the digital payment network.

    He said: “In a world where technology is reshaping economies and redefining how people interact with financial services, alternate financial services have emerged not as an option, but as a necessity.  They are the bridges connecting the underserved populations to the formal financial system,” he said.

    “Today’s gathering brings together policy makers, financial institutions, FinTech innovators, merchants and the public, all stakeholders in a single mission to make financial access to the person and to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location or status, can participate in and benefit from our nation’s economic project progress.”