The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • Oriental Energy, partners commission FPSO EMEM in Dubai

    Oriental Energy, partners commission FPSO EMEM in Dubai

    The EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO), the first fully funded and converted FPSO by a Nigerian indigenous company, was at the weekend flagged off to sail from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the Okwok field development.

    At the field, the EMEM FPSO will integrate with the already installed Well Head Platform (WHP) and five production wells, with first oil from the field anticipated in first quarter 2026.

    This heart-warming development will mark Oriental Energy Resources (OERL’s) first fully independently developed and delivered project following its decision to take on direct operating responsibility at its assets.

    This followed the marking of the sailaway of the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) from Dry Docks World Dubai Shipyard by Oriental Energy and its partners, over the weekend.

    The marking of the sailaway of the EMEM FPSO represents an important milestone for the Okwok field development and the contribution it will make to Nigeria’s crude oil production profile.

    The FPSO EMEM has the capacity to process 40, 000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and will be the crude oil production, storage and export facility for the Okwok field development offshore Nigeria.

    It will complement OERL’s existing production facilities at the Ebok field.

    Speaking at the sailaway ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said: “This event is not just the launch of a vessel; it is a statement of confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and a demonstration of the kind of bold, forward-looking investments we need to achieve our national goals.”

    He commended Oriental Energy Resources Limited for this landmark investment, saying, “Your commitment to sustainable operations, your innovative approach, and your unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential place you among the independent producers we are most proud to support.”

    Sen. Lokpobiri stated that investments like this not only expand production capacity but also demonstrate leadership in navigating a rapidly changing global energy landscape.

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    His words: “With the commissioning of the EMEM FPSO, we are not just increasing barrels; we are also creating the revenue streams required to fund Nigeria’s development agenda.

     “This project underscores the link between strategic investment and national growth, showing that with vision, commitment, and collaboration, we can meet both our energy targets and our economic objectives.”

    Launching the FPSO during the ceremony, OERL Chairman Alhaji Dr. Mohammed Indimi, said: “In 2022, we made the ambitious decision to develop the Okwok field entirely independently. The sailaway of the EMEM Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Facility is a critical milestone in the field development process.”

    He thanked the Nigerian government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Lokpobiri, and the dedicated officials and civil servants in the Ministry of Petroleum, NURPC and the other agencies that provided the enabling environment for the investment.

    Apart from OERL Founder and Chairman Dr. Muhammadu Indimi and Sen. Lokpobiri, other distinguished attendees at the event include Governors Babagana Zulum, Pastor Umo Eno, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiru, of Borno, Akwa Ibom, and Adamawa State, respectively, alongside key representatives from Drydocks World Dubai and strategic project partners.

  • Nigeria seeks more participation in aircraft dry leasing market

    Nigeria seeks more participation in aircraft dry leasing market

    Nigeria is seeking more participation in the global aircraft leasing market projected to increase to $315.9 billion in nine years, data from industry regulators have revealed.

    Aircraft leasing in Nigeria is changing significantly with recent government initiatives to support local airlines, including the planned establishment of a national aircraft leasing company and the implementation of new policies like the Cape Town Convention and Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA).

    These reforms aim to make it easier and more affordable for airlines to acquire aircraft, which in turn is expected to reduce flight cancellations and boost the aviation sector. Nigerian airlines must also comply with the NCAA’s regulations for registering leases.

    The market,  according to industry projection, is anticipated to spike at a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR)  of 7.3 per cent  through 2033.

    Nigeria, a frontier market in the global projection, will witness greater participation in the value chain as airlines straddle between outright purchase of airplanes with capital injection from financial institutions, and flexible  lease options.

    At the weekend, officials of Boeing Corporation, AerCap, Fidelity Bank and other players in the aircraft sales / leasing and manufacturing ecosystem gathered in Lagos as Air Peace took delivery of a dry leased aircraft from one of the world’s leasing companies.

    AerCap is the world’s largest owner of commercial aircraft, engines and helicopters.

    The opportunity for Nigerian carriers to dry lease an aircraft comes after a decade of refusal by major players to offer airplanes to indigenous carriers.

    Speaking in an interview, Boeing Company Sales Director  , Africa , Mr Morris Ibekwe described it as a window of reassurance for Nigeria.

    He said the opportunity for Nigerian carriers to return to aircraft dry leasing will boost their operational efficiency.

    He said : “ Nigeria needs to create direct access into this value chain . Boeing will continue to support opportunities for aviation in Nigeria and Africa to grow . With what Air Peace has done, it is pivotal and global players will continue to focus and support Nigeria in order to achieve its one trillion dollar economy, for which the aviation sector has a huge role to play.”

    Speaking in an interview, Chairman Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema said with the efforts of the Federal Government to offer guarantees for aircraft transactions with leasing companies, operators will utilize the window to boost their fleet.

    Under the new arrangement, Air Peace will be activating its fleet expansion drive with about 50 airplanes.

    Onyema said the opportunities offered by dry leasing of airplanes will bring down the cost of running the business.

    Commenting on the development, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo said the Federal Government  plans to establish an aircraft leasing company in Nigeria, aimed at providing a much-needed boost to local carriers.

    This strategic initiative, Keyamo said, is designed to empower Nigerian airlines by serving as an intermediary between them and international lessors, with the government providing a sovereign guarantee to facilitate transactions.

    According to Keyamo, the proposed aircraft leasing company will enable local airlines to access aircraft without having to navigate the complex global market alone. “We want to put an aircraft leasing company in place, so that Nigerian airlines will not be the ones negotiating with the world.

    “We don’t have to walk in silence again. The airlines don’t need to walk around the world looking for aircraft. Government must take care of that responsibility.” With the government’s sovereign guarantee, the project is expected to attract investors from around the world, creating a pool of resources that will support local airlines.

    “This pool will form a capital base. No other person can be the off takers before the local airlines. This will make life easy for the airlines. We’ll be knocking on the doors of aircraft lessors and manufacturers very soon to talk business. We are here to support the local airlines.

    “It demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting local carriers and promoting the growth of the aviation sector.”

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    Experts say over a  dozen carriers : AZMAN Air, Max Air, DANA Air, Arik , Aero Contractors, Ibom Air, Overland Airways, Green Africa Airways, United Nigeria Airlines, Air Peace, NG Eagle Airlines, Rano Air and Cally Air are involved in different model of negotiations with original equipment manufacturers and third party lessors for acquisition of airplanes for their flight operations.

    While some operators have opted for direct purchase of aircraft, some are exploring different types of lease arrangements, which align with their business model and capital flexibility.

    Investigations reveal that the demand for airplanes has become high as some operators are processing applications and approvals from the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to become scheduled carriers.

    Besides scheduled commercial operations, the charter section of the industry is also burgeoning with demand for different types of airplanes.

    The projected increase in aircraft acquisition is coming at a time Nigerian carriers are solidifying their contractual relationships with aircraft lessors across the globe.

    The on-going business negotiations , according to sources,  is to firm up fidelity concerning payment of lease rentals to stave off any form of default.

    Major companies operating in the aircraft leasing market include :  AerCap Holdings N.V., Air Lease Corporation, BOC Aviation Limited, Aviation Capital Group LLC, BBAM LLC, GE Capital Aviation Services LLC, CIT Group, International Lease Finance Corporation, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd., Nordic Aviation Capital A/S, Avolon Holdings Limited, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company Limited, Air France KLM, Lease Corporation International, Vista Global Holding Limited, Chapman Freeborn Holdings Ltd., SMBC Aviation Capital, CDB Aviation, Aircastle Ltd., Macquarie AirFinance Ltd., Aergo Capital Ltd., Apollo Aviation Group, Castlelake LP, Carlyle Aviation Partners Ltd., Falko Regional Aircraft Limited, Goshawk Aviation Limited, Jackson Square Aviation Limited, Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited, ORIX Aviation, Seraph Aviation Management Limited, SkyWorks Capital LLC and  Altavair LP.

  • Vitel Wireless rolls out with promises of affordable business communication

    Vitel Wireless rolls out with promises of affordable business communication

    Vitel Wireless, a fast-rising telecom innovation company, has officially launched its products nationwide with a promise to revolutionise business communication by providing affordable, reliable, and secure connectivity for teams across Nigeria and beyond.

    The launch drew business leaders, SME owners, and industry professionals eager to experience how Vitel’s technology integrates traditional GSM and cloud-based systems into one smart communication network.

    Welcoming guests to the official launch, Executive Chairman of Vitel Wireless, Engr Kenneth Nwabueze, noted that the network is more than a communication tool, describing it as a growth engine for businesses.

    “We understand the challenges small and large enterprises face in managing communication costs and team coordination. Our network provides an affordable solution that combines smart technology with security and scalability.”

     Whether you’re a logistics company, school, hospital, or startup — Vitel connects your people, protects your operations, and empowers your growth,” he said.

    He further explained that Vitel’s Closed User Group (CUG) offers free calls and SMS within an organisation for up to 50 users, discounted data bundles, 24/7 Auto Attendant, staff extensions, and enhanced safety and tracking tools through its proprietary SecureMe and Oga-App platforms.

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    Vitel’s CUG allows organisations to connect up to 50 team lines under a single private network, offering free internal calls and messaging from Xphone to Xphone, as well as professional PBX extensions for staff and departments. The service also provides international connectivity at discounted rates, enabling SMEs and corporates to expand their reach globally.

    Also speaking, Chiobi Ben Odera head Product marketing *, said that by deploying its cutting-edge technology across the country, the network is giving organisations a powerful ecosystem, from real-time staff tracking and SOS safety alerts to automated payroll and performance analytics.

    “It’s about helping teams communicate better and perform better. Every business today needs to be smarter, safer, and more connected. With our Closed User Group and Location Awareness Technology (LAT), companies can now streamline internal communication, improve productivity, and project a more professional image while saving costs,” he said.

    He explained that Vitel’s LAT integrates three tools: the SecureMe, Oga-App, and Location-Based Services (LBS) — giving businesses real-time visibility over their workforce, assets, and logistics operations.

    The launch event also featured a live demonstration of Vitel SecureMe, a user-controlled safety app that tracks movement only when activated — and Oga-App, which verifies staff attendance using GPS and generates automated performance reports.

  • Lagos pushes agri-tech innovation to strengthen farmers’ prosperity

    Lagos pushes agri-tech innovation to strengthen farmers’ prosperity

    In a renewed push to transform agriculture into a hub of innovation and employment, the Lagos State Government is championing youth-driven agri-tech solutions designed to tackle pressing challenges faced by farmers. The initiative aims to merge creativity, technology, and enterprise, turning agriculture into a viable career path for young innovators while improving incomes for rural producers.

    Speaking during a media interview at the Lagos Agrithon Grand Finale, Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the state was  working with young innovators to promote modern agriculture and deliver tangible benefits to farmers.

    She emphasised the government’s focus on fostering innovations that can address various challenges faced by farming and agri-food businesses, ultimately leading to enhanced production capacity and efficiency.

    To this end, the Commissioner said the State is intensifying efforts to modernise agriculture and equip youths with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive agricultural economy. The programmes, she explained, involve a holistic approach integrating technology, training and mentorship to empower youths and farmers statewide.

    She mentioned many programmes to support youth, including the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition, which brings together bright students from public secondary schools across the State to showcase their knowledge and passion for agriculture. As part of the “Lagos Agrithon” initiative, she said the government is investing in young individuals with innovative ideas to enhance production capacity and improve efficiency within the agriculture and food sector.

    She pointed out that the success of the Lagos Agri‑Innovation Club is a testament to the power of strategic collaboration. “The club has become a vibrant platform where agripreneurs are pooling resources, sharing services, and collectively exploring new opportunities that would have been inaccessible individually,” she stated. “It’s about creating an ecosystem of like-minded people where the connection, the partnership, the synergy — we can bring it to the fore, help businesses scale better.”

    According to her, the final leg of the initiative saw a competitive process that began with over 1,000 business-case submissions for the 2025 edition of Lagos Agrithon. Applicants underwent a rigorous selection process including pitches, written examinations, oral interviews, mentorship programmes, and physical farm or business visits for verification. She expressed satisfaction with the high standards observed at the finale. “The quality of pitches is far better than what we used to see. We have seen people who are actually driving solutions that are critical to the food industry,” she remarked.

    She emphasised the core mission of the initiative: “For us, we see it as the fulcrum of all that we have been talking about, which is youth, how to support them, how to help them, how to help them scale. The platform also serves as a critical link, connecting youth with government resources, the nature of the environment, and major private sector stakeholders, allowing them to actually start doing business with them.”

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    While expressing a wish that all 36 finalists would receive support, the Commissioner confirmed that the selection process factors in physical assessments and examination scores to gauge business acumen. “You can’t tell me that you’re a business owner and you don’t even understand the simple metrics around profits, around revenue, around your cost structure, and all of those things,” she explained.

    The total support package for this year includes N150 million plus additional funding from sponsors — a significant increase from the N100 million distributed last year. According to her, the initiative’s reach transcends Lagos residency. The Commissioner clarified that the competition attracted participants from across Nigeria, with entrants from Ogun and Anambra among other states. “We have people from all over Nigeria .And the reason for it is that we believe that even if you don’t have a farm or your business is not located in Lagos, we believe that the majority of your customer base is still in Lagos.”

    She said that through mentoring and guidance, the government hopes to strengthen participants’ capacity to design and deliver innovative, technology-driven solutions that could uplift farmers and transform agriculture into a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient sector. Building on their initial concepts, the participants are encouraged to refine their digital solutions into viable prototypes or minimum viable products that could help address pressing challenges in the agriculture and fisheries sector. She called on youths to use their technological expertise to help modernise the country’s agriculture sector, highlighting the potential of innovation in revitalising farming and attracting new generations to the field.

  • ART X Lagos 2025 gets insurance partner

    ART X Lagos 2025 gets insurance partner

    Pan-African insurance and financial services company, emPLE has partnered with ART X Lagos 2025 as a Bronze Sponsor and Presenting Partner of a Special Project centred on sustainability.

    The collaboration marks emPLE’s second year of participation at West Africa’s leading international art fair. It reflects the company’s commitment to shaping Africa’s more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

    As part of the partnership, emPLE will provide general liability insurance for ART X Lagos 2025, ensuring a safe and seamless experience throughout the fair.

    In addition, emPLE will sponsor a featured artist, Temitayo Ogunbiyi, whose installation “Where there is life, there is hope (B’á ò kú, iṣẹ ò tán)” explores how creativity connects communities and reimagines urban life as a space for care, collaboration, and possibility.

    Through drawing, painting, sculpture, and site-specific installation, Temitayo’s work traces how people relate to their environments and one another.

    Her practice invites reflection on how geography, movement, and everyday encounters shape the way communities imagine shared futures.

    Announcing the partnership, the MD/CEO of emPLE General Insurance, Olalekan Oyinlade, said: “At emPLE, we believe insurance is more than protection; it’s a possibility.

     “By supporting artists who translate sustainability into vision and action, we reinforce our belief that progress is a collective act. Through creativity, we can help communities imagine futures where care, responsibility, and innovation coexist.”

    Founder and Chairman of ART X, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, added: “As ART X Lagos marks its 10th anniversary, we are delighted to welcome emPLE back as a sponsor for the second year running.

     “Their vision for sustainable progress aligns closely with our mission to elevate African creativity. This continued partnership reflects our shared belief in the power of art to spark meaningful change and to help shape a future that is both remarkable and responsible.”

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    The Special Project is curated by Missola Libsekal and will be showcased at ART X Lagos 2025. A bespoke campaign co-developed by ART X and emPLE will extend the story’s reach across Nigeria and Ghana, reinforcing the partnership’s impact beyond the fair.

    emPLE’s sponsorship forms part of its inspire values, which include Integrity, Nurture, Service, Purpose, Innovation, Respect, and Excellence, and its ongoing efforts to empower individuals, institutions, and communities to thrive sustainably.

    Founded by Peterside-Schwebig in 2016 to celebrate contemporary culture from Africa and its diaspora, ART X Lagos is the leading international art fair in West Africa.

    Drawing artists and galleries from over 70 countries and visitors from 170 nations, it has played a pivotal role in redefining the African narrative.

    Its multidisciplinary programming—spanning art, music, literature, and film—features initiatives such as ART X Live!, ART X Cinema, and ART X Talks.

    ART X Lagos additionally champions emerging talent through programs such as the ART X Prize and The Development Forum.

    It serves as a transformative cultural catalyst and a cornerstone of the African art sector today, shaping the future of African art and its global narrative.

  • Lagride disrupts Lagos transport with Omni

    Lagride disrupts Lagos transport with Omni

    Smart mobility platform, Lagride, has launched the Lagride Omni, a low-cost, air-conditioned shared-ride service designed for offices, churches, schools, and large groups. The Omni represents a major step forward in modernising group transportation across the city, offering a safer, cleaner, and more coordinated alternative to the traditional Korope minibuses that many Lagosians use every day. Spacious, comfortable, and efficient, the Omni delivers a new kind of Lagos experience built on comfort, convenience, and community.

    Early adoption has shown strong interest from individual riders who are choosing the Lagride Omni because of its lower cost compared to regular taxis and ride-hailing options.

    Many are also booking it for convenience and comfort, enjoying the air-conditioned space and the ability to move together with friends, family, or colleagues without spending more.

    Unlike regular buses that stop repeatedly to pick up and drop off passengers, the Lagride Omni makes zero stops.

    Each ride is private and direct, whether booked by an individual or a group on the Lagide app, and it still comes at an unbeatable price.

    Speaking at the launch, Chairman of Lagride, Chief Diana Chen, described the Omni as a significant leap forward in the company’s mission to democratise mobility in Africa’s largest city. “Mobility is one of the greatest drivers of opportunity. By making modern transport affordable and accessible to every segment of society, Lagride is helping to build a more connected Lagos where movement creates meaning and community thrives,” she said.

    The Lagride Omni blends comfort, technology, and affordability in one seamless experience. Each vehicle is fully air-conditioned, GPS-enabled, and operated by trained drivers certified through the Lagride Academy, which ensures top safety and customer-service standards. With space for up to six passengers, the Omni offers coordinated group rides that are reliable, comfortable, and cost-effective.

    According to Acting Managing Director of Lagride, Mr Jubril Arogundade, the Omni was designed to meet the real needs of Lagosians who move together daily. “With the Lagride Omni, one person can make a single booking and everyone joins the same ride,” he explained. “From offices to churches and community events, this is how Lagos will move together safely, conveniently, and in comfort.”

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    The Omni has been created for the rhythm of Lagos life: fast, collaborative, and always in motion. Every unit offers spacious seating, flexible route coordination, and a cool, comfortable interior that redefines what shared transport can be.

    Organisations, churches, and schools can now plan coordinated group trips without the need for multiple taxis or unregulated buses. The service is affordably priced and available through the Lagride app or via WhatsApp for bulk or event bookings. Payment options include corporate billing, pre-paid bookings, and cashless transactions, ensuring flexibility for every type of user.

    Lagride is recruiting 1,000 new manual drivers to join the Omni fleet. Every driver will receive professional training and certification through the Lagride Academy, established in partnership with the Lagos State Government, LASTMA, and other transport-safety stakeholders.

    Mr Arogundade noted that the initiative is both a transport innovation and an empowerment programme. “We are creating opportunities for Lagosians to earn sustainable income while providing a better commuting experience for everyone. The Omni combines innovation with inclusion, and its impact will be felt across every community in the city,” he said.

  • Lagos extends planning permit concession

    Lagos extends planning permit concession

    The Lagos State Government has again shifted the closure of the popular amnesty programme introduced by the state to bring many home owners into the net to obtain their planning permits and be documented.

    This was in response to appeals made by property owners who could not take advantage of similar opportunities last year.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr.  Oluyinka Olumide while responding to a question on the status of the amnesty programme in planning permit in the state, said that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in response to people’s yearnings, had approved the reintroduction of the programme for the third time during his stewardship in Lagos.

    He explained that the reintroduction would allow owners of existing but unapproved buildings regularise their buildings without paying the statutory penal fees that go with erecting buildings without permit.

    He revealed that the current amnesty window would run for 61 days and had started from November 1 to December 31, 2025. 

    He urged concerned property owners and developers to seize the opportunity and perfect their building approvals.

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    According to him, the amnesty programme would not only provide an avenue for the regularisation of unapproved developments but also help their owners avoid future legal complications, enforcement, and penalties.

    He further outlined the required documents for processing the planning permit to include title document / proof of ownership, survey plan, architectural drawings (As-Built), structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings where applicable.

    Others are non-destructive integrity test report, letter of structural stability and indemnity, land use planning analysis report (LUPAR), evidence of tax compliance, and other supporting documents, where applicable).

    He emphasised that all applications under the amnesty programme would be processed strictly in accordance with the extant town planning regulations as only buildings that meet the minimum acceptable standards would be issued approval under the amnesty programme.

    He reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Government to promoting orderly, safe, and sustainable physical development in line with its vision of a Greater Lagos.

    He advised interested applicants to promptly submit their applications through any of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) District Offices across the 57 LGAs/LCDAs in the State or via the Electronic Planning Permit (EPP) Office at LASPPPA Headquarters, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja.

  • ‘Southsouth to drive blue economy’s future’

    ‘Southsouth to drive blue economy’s future’

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said the Southsouth region will play a pivotal role in unlocking Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential, with major port modernisation, deep seaport development, and marine tourism initiatives on the way.

    He sated this yesterday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the South South Development Commission (SSDC) led by its Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio.

    He described the region as “the cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime future”, citing its long coastline, strategic seaports, and vast aquatic resources.

    “The Southsouth region is central to our national ambition of unlocking the full potential of the marine and blue economy. We are committed to driving maritime infrastructure development across the region so it can play its rightful role in Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.

    Oyetola disclosed that the Federal Government would soon embark on a comprehensive port modernisation programme in the South-South, covering Warri Port (Delta), Rivers Port and Onne Port (Rivers), and Calabar Port (Cross River).

    Under the plan, the ports will be dredged to a minimum draft of 16 metres to accommodate larger vessels and enhance their competitiveness within the Gulf of Guinea.

    “Deeper ports will attract larger ships, reduce cargo handling costs, and boost trade volumes. This will in turn lower the cost of doing business and increase government revenue,” the minister explained.

    He further announced plans to partner with state governments to develop new deep seaports in Agge (Bayelsa), Ibom (Akwa Ibom), Bakassi (Cross River), and Bonny (Rivers).

    According to him, the projects will help position Nigeria as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa, while spurring industrial growth, logistics efficiency, and job creation.

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    Oyetola also urged Southsouth states to leverage the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to boost marine and coastal tourism, noting that the initiative could generate sustainable income for coastal communities and create jobs for youths and women.

    He highlighted the roles of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in building manpower for the sector, describing the institutions as “proof of the Federal Government’s recognition of the region’s strategic importance.”

    Oyetola said the Ministry is working to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fish and promote aquaculture development, with the South-South expected to lead the drive due to its rich fishing grounds.

    He also called for continued public support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the recently approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy provides a roadmap for sustainable resource management, investment promotion, and wealth creation.

    Earlier, SSDC Managing Director Ms. Usoro Akpabio commended Oyetola’s leadership and pledged the Commission’s support in implementing blue economy projects across the region.

    “A strong blue economy in the South-South will drive economic growth, strengthen regional integration, and improve livelihoods,” Akpabio said.

    She proposed the creation of a joint working team between the Ministry and the SSDC to coordinate development programmes. She was accompanied by Board members Engr. Chika Chinda, Rt. Hon. Larry Odey, and Hon. Tabitha Salah.

  • NASENI, presidential committee okay N229mfor engineering awardees

    NASENI, presidential committee okay N229mfor engineering awardees

    National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in partnership with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), has approved N229 million to 14 awardees of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her 2.0) initiative.

    Speaking at the awards ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu stated that DELT-Her represents an opportunity platform through which women can turn bold engineering ideas into solutions that change the world.

    He stated that out of the 9,925 project proposals, 14 women engineers emerged as awardees, receiving N229 million in grant funding to advance their innovative projects across critical sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, health, mobility, digital security and environmental sustainability.

    He said NASENI believes that gender inclusion is not charity, it is strategy, as every woman empowered through DELT-Her represents new capacity for the nation’s technology and manufacturing ecosystem with a unique perspective that drives better designs, smarter products and more human-centred innovation.

    “The first edition of DELT-Her in 2024 ignited a movement by empowering six outstanding female engineers with N70.5 million in grant support to develop pioneering innovations. This year, DELT-Her 2.0 attracted 9,925 project proposals, compared to just 120 applications in the previous year.

    “From mentoring 30 school girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2024, the programme scaled in 2025 to reach over 150 girls across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and the FCT, providing mentorship, bootcamps and fabrication kits that have inspired them to develop their own prototypes,” he said.

    In his opening address, Chairman of PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru commended the awardees, noting that their dedication, ingenuity and resilience exemplify the potential of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “As we honour these milestones, let us recommit to sustaining this momentum, ensuring that DELT-Her continues to bridge gaps and drive national development,” he remarked.

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    The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Senate to the ideals represented by NASENI including indigenous production, local content development and gender inclusion in science and technology.

     “We believe that a nation that builds its technology builds its destiny and a nation that empowers its women secures its future,” he said.

    In her remarks, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Udoka, commended NASENI and PICTT for their foresight and dedication. She noted that their initiatives align meaningfully with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to promoting technological independence, industrial growth, gender inclusion and national competitiveness.

    Goodwill messages came from the Postmaster-General and CEO, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Engr. (Ms) Tola Odeyemi; Executive Director, Business Devt, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete; Special Assistant on ICT to the President, Fawaz Amodu; representatives of the President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Minister of State for FCT; DG of PenCom; Secretary Government of the Federation and DG of NIMC.

  • JMG sponsors ACAN roundtable

    JMG sponsors ACAN roundtable

    JMG Limited, a provider of integrated electro-mechanical solutions, sponsored the recent Roundtable of the Association of Consulting Architects of Nigeria (ACAN).

    The event served as an immersive industry engagement aimed at encouraging collaboration while showcasing JMG’s leadership in vertical transportation solutions through its partnership with TKE Elevators.

    As part of the engagement, ACAN delegates were taken on a guided technical site visit to a major project location where JMG’s certified engineering teams are currently executing live TKE elevator installations.

    The visits offered firsthand insight into JMG’s precision-driven installation process, strict safety standards, and advanced TKE technology engineered for performance, reliability, and the evolving needs of modern building systems.

    Following the site tours, the JMG team actively participated in the ACAN Roundtable session, where they delivered an in-depth presentation on TKE elevators & escalators, smart mobility systems, and patented safety innovations.

    The presentation also covered JMG’s end-to-end installation and commissioning process, along with its strong maintenance culture and lifecycle support services.

    The session was led by the General Manager, Mr. Claudio Diniz, and Business Development Manager, Mr. Maroun El Hajj, both of JMG Elevators. Both speakers emphasised JMG’s firm commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and sustainable engineering practices.

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    This engagement provided a valuable opportunity to connect with leading consulting architects, deepen professional relationships, and reaffirm JMG Limited’s position as a trusted partner in delivering safe, efficient, and future-ready vertical mobility solutions across Nigeria.

    Beyond its elevator business, JMG Limited continues to innovate across multiple sectors, including power generation, electrical infrastructure, vertical transportation, cooling systems, and air compressors, offering reliable solutions that power progress from end to end.

    In line with its sustainability goals, the company champions renewable and hybrid power technologies, introducing Lithion inverters and batteries (2018) and Livfast inverters and batteries (2022).

    In 2024, JMG expanded its solar range with LONGi solar panels, Deye lithium batteries, and Must solar inverters, further advancing access to efficient alternative energy solutions.

    JMG Limited operates under three key ISO certifications—ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018—reflecting its dedication to quality management, environmental stewardship, and occupational health and safety.