The Nation Newspaper

Category: Business

  • Fed Govt, World Bank begin $500m HOPE-GOV programme

    Fed Govt, World Bank begin $500m HOPE-GOV programme

    The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has commenced the implementation of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity–Governance (HOPE-GOV) Programme.

    It is a $500 million credit facility aimed at strengthening financial and human resource management in basic education and primary healthcare across the country.

    The programme, which is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is designed to support improved funding, accountability and workforce development in the two critical social sectors.

    Of the total financing, $480 million is set aside to incentivise states to achieve specific Disbursement Linked Results, while $20 million is allocated to an Investment Project Financing component.

    National Coordinator of the HOPE-Governance Programme, Dr. Assad Hassan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Deborah O. N. Odoh.

    He explained that the Investment Project Financing component focuses on programme coordination, verification of results at the state level alongside monitoring and evaluation, and technical assistance for implementing agencies.

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    “$480 million is earmarked to incentivize the states to achieve the Disbursement Linked Results in the two sectors while $20 million Investment Project Financing component has three key areas for implementation. One is programme coordination, second is verification of results at the state level as well as monitoring and evaluation and third is technical assistance for implementing agencies i.e. the states, UBEC, Ministerial Oversight Committee of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning,” he said.

    Dr. Hassan noted that the HOPE-GOV Programme is structured as a World Bank-assisted credit split into two components, namely the Programme-for-Results (P-for-R) and the Investment Project Financing.

    According to him, the initiative is focused on addressing long-standing challenges in financing, governance and manpower in basic education and primary healthcare.

    “In terms of programme financing and scope, it’s a World Bank assisted credit of $500 million, which is split into two components. One is the Program for Result while the second is Investment Project Financing,” he stated.

    He identified the programme’s core focus areas as increasing financing for basic education and primary healthcare, strengthening transparency and accountability in budgeting and audit processes, and supporting the recruitment and retention of teachers and primary healthcare workers to close manpower gaps.

    “For HOPE-Governance, our primary objective is to see how we improve financial and human resource management in these two sectors by focusing on three key areas: the first is increase in funding for the two sectors. In this regard, we are working with the Universal Basic Education Commission as well as the Ministerial Oversight Committee, Basic Health Care Provision Fund in the Federal Ministry of Health and their counterparts at the states level,” Dr. Hassan said.

    He added that the second pillar of the programme centres on public financial management reforms. “Then the second key area is enhancing transparency and accountability in the budget for both sectors, audit report, citizens format budget. Basically it is about public financial management in the two sectors,” he explained.

    On workforce development, he said the programme is targeting better staffing outcomes in schools and health facilities. “Then the third and final area. We want to see improved recruitment and retention of teachers as well as primary health workers,” he said.

    Dr. Hassan disclosed that participating states are assessed using six Disbursement Linked Indicators, which are tracked by the HOPE-Governance Programme and evaluated by Independent Verification Agents before funds are released.

    He stated that the incentive-based structure of the programme encourages states to reinvest funds earned from achieved results into subsequent performance cycles.

    “The way the Programme is designed, you achieve something this year and you get incentivized so that you put that money back to work on the second year results,” he said, adding that the programme would soon engage Interim Verification Agents to validate first-year results submitted by the states.

    Providing a background to the initiative, the National Coordinator said the World Bank approved the HOPE-GOV Programme on September 26, 2024, following the successful negotiation of the Financing Agreement in August 2024. He added that the Federal Executive Council granted approval in February 2025, the Financing Agreement was countersigned by the Federal Government in April 2025, and the programme became effective in September 2025.

    He disclosed that all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory have indicated interest in participating in the programme, with Subsidiary Agreements already dispatched to the states for execution.

    In her response, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Deborah O. N. Odoh, pledged the ministry’s support for the successful implementation of the HOPE-Governance Programme.

    She also commended the programme for the progress achieved within a relatively short period, expressing confidence that its objectives would significantly strengthen service delivery in basic education and primary healthcare nationwide.

  • NNPCL committed to peace, development on Ogoniland

    NNPCL committed to peace, development on Ogoniland

    The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bayo Ojulari has reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and responsible energy development in Ogoniland, describing the Federal Government’s renewed engagement as a demonstration of hope and a new beginning built on partnership and understanding.

    Ojulari disclosed this while speaking during a Federal Government delegation’s visit to Ogoniland, in Rivers State, on Monday.

    NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh who made this known in a statement yesterday quoted Ojulari as saying: “This visit is a demonstration of hope. It affirms the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to peace, dialogue, and rebuilding trust. For NNPC Limited, it marks a new beginning—one grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.”

    While acknowledging the painful history of Ogoniland, the GCEO emphasised that recognising the past is essential to building a different future.

    He commended the Presidential Committee on Ogoni Re-entry, led by Professor Don Baridam, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their steady leadership in building confidence and trust.

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    According to the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd.’s mission in Ogoniland goes beyond resource extraction, but one that places people, livelihoods, and the environment at the centre of its operations. “We believe wholeheartedly that energy development must go hand in hand with environmental protection and community wellbeing,” he said.

    Reaffirming NNPC Ltd.’s responsibility to host communities, the Group CEO offered assurances on welfare, security, and opportunity.

    “I am delighted to share that one of our commitments to the people of Ogoni is becoming a reality. The process for the full-time employment of 30 Ogoni indigenes has reached its final stage, with employment offers already issued. We look forward with pride to welcoming them as they resume work in January 2026, marking a meaningful step toward shared progress and opportunity for our communities,” he stated.

    On his part, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions to a decades-long, recurring issue in Ogoniland, which is now beginning to yield positive results.

    “We had our first meeting with Mr. President, and certain commitments were made to improve the quality of life in Ogoniland. He has begun to fulfill those promises, starting with road construction. We were assured of confidence-building efforts, the establishment of a University of Environment, hospitals, an industrial park, employment opportunities, and several other initiatives. As of today, 30 young men and women of Ogoni origin have already been employed by NNPC Ltd.” he concluded.

    In his remarks, National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Tinubu during the engagement, thanked the Governor of Rivers State and stakeholders from Ogoniland for their cooperation and collective efforts in addressing long-standing challenges inherited in the region.

    “We have worked as one, and we are here today because of the Ogoni people, to thank them on behalf of Nigeria. Rivers State is now one of the most peaceful states in the country, and that’s largely due to the leadership of a responsible Governor and the good people of Ogoniland,” the NSA added.

    Located in Ogoniland and operated by the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Ltd, OML-11 is Nigeria’s largest onshore block, with Ogoniland holding over 40per cent of its recoverable reserves.

  • Lagos to manage informal spaces

    Lagos to manage informal spaces

    The Lagos State government said it is set to take decisive steps to regulate and administer informal spaces across the state in line with its physical planning mandate.

    The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide disclosed this yesterday while outlining the Ministry’s strategic direction for the coming year.

    He explained that the Ministry would invoke the powers conferred on it by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 (as amended) to ensure orderly use of land and sustainable urban growth.

    “The Law vests the Ministry with the statutory responsibility for physical planning, land-use management, development coordination, and the regulation of spatial activities across the State, mandates that clearly encompass the administration of informal spaces,” he said.

    He said informal spaces are public open areas not designated for permanent use but increasingly occupied without planning approval, adding that the uncontrolled use of road setbacks, walkways, under-bridge areas, drainage corridors, and undeveloped government land posed risks to safety, mobility, and the environment.

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    According to him, the planned assumption of full administrative control over informal spaces was aimed at strengthening land-use planning, achieving integrated urban development, and curbing unregulated activities in key corridors, gateways, and transitional zones across the State.

    The Commissioner disclosed that plans had been concluded to embark on extensive sensitisation and engagement of internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, market associations, transport unions, community leaders, and other interest groups, as such engagement would be critical to ensuring cooperation, compliance, and shared ownership of the initiative.

    He emphasised that the intervention was not merely regulatory but strategic, as it sought to promote orderliness at the frontiers of the State, enhance urban aesthetics, improve functionality of public spaces, and protect the integrity of the physical environment.

    He further stated that effective control of informal spaces would contribute to improved mobility, safety, environmental quality, and the overall liveability of Lagos, while aligning with the State’s vision for a resilient, inclusive, and well-planned megacity.

    The Commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to deploy professional planning tools, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation to ensure that the exercise was carried out in a transparent, lawful, and sustainable manner.

  • PenCom urges CSOs on accountability

    PenCom urges CSOs on accountability

    The Director General, National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to ensure accountability and public trust through leadership with the reform going on in the pension industry under the pension revolution 2.0 agenda.

    The DG gave this advice at the 2025 PenCom, Civil Society Conference in Abuja,  with the theme, “Civil Society as a Catalyst in the Pension Revolution 2.0,” stating that the civil society is a critical partner in expanding pension coverage and safeguarding the integrity of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    She said: “The reform agenda was deliberately designed to deliver measurable impact, rebuild confidence in the pension system, and ensure retirement security for Nigerians across all sectors of the economy.

    “The Pension Revolution 2.0 represents the most comprehensive overhaul of the pension industry since 2004, combining regulatory reforms, stronger supervision, digital transformation, and governance improvements to future-proof the system.”

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    Oloworaran spoke on the Presidential approval and disbursement of 758billion to clear outstanding pension liabilities as one of the most significant milestones recorded in the past year, this intervention she said sent a strong signal that the Federal Government is committed to honouring its obligations to workers and retirees.

    She explained the long-standing pension increase backlogs for treasury-funded retirees, some dating back to 2007 which have been fully settled, while zero waiting time for the payment of accrued pension rights was restored from July 2025. These represent dignity for retirees, their access to healthcare and their peace of mind after years of service.

  • FAAN cautions personnel on extortion, intimidation

    FAAN cautions personnel on extortion, intimidation

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has cautioned its personnel working at airports nationwide to eschew extortion and intimidation of passengers as travel for the festive season peaks.

    FAAN also  issued a strong call for collaboration among all agencies and service providers to ensure a smooth and positive experience for passengers.

    To achieve this, the authority has laid out clear directives for all officers and personnel working at the airport urging them to avoid undue harassment  of passengers as well as desist from soliciting or demanding money.

    FAAN cautioned them to refrain from causing unnecessary delays, profiling, or obstruction and conduct their duties with courtesy, professionalism, and efficiency.

    The Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Mr. Henry Agbebire, made the appeal in a statement highlighting the critical role airports play as the “nation’s first impression” during the influx of travellers characteristic of the “Detty December” period.

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    The appeal comes amid a significant increase in passenger traffic, with many Nigerians in the diaspora returning home for the holidays and international visitors arriving in the country.

    In line with the expectations of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, FAAN urged all stakeholders—including the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration, Port Health, Quarantine, Department of State Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Aviation Security, ground handlers, and other service providers—to work in unison.

    Agbebire specifically pointed to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as key gateways requiring exceptional service delivery.

    “This is a season to demonstrate the culture of excellence Nigeria seeks to entrench,” Agbebire stated. “Our returning citizens and visitors deserve warmth, order, and reassurance from arrival to exit.”

    Emphasising the collective responsibility, the Director called for transforming airports into “havens of joy, safety, and efficiency” this festive period.

    He concluded by expressing FAAN’s reliance on the cooperation of all partners, stating, “Together, let us make Nigeria proud.”

  • Tin Can port Customs earns N1.58tr revenue

    Tin Can port Customs earns N1.58tr revenue

    Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has exceeded its 2025 revenue target by N51.84 billion, generating N1.576 trillion as intensified trade controls, streamlined processes and stakeholder engagement boosted port revenue performance.

    Speaking during a press briefing at the Command yesterday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, attributed the performance to institutional reforms, tighter internal coordination and improved compliance across cargo categories.

    “For the 2025 fiscal year, the Tincan Island Port Command was assigned a revenue target of N1,524,669,999,478.52. I am pleased to inform you that as at the time of this report, the Command has generated total revenue of N1,576,507,651,601.84.

    “This means we have exceeded our annual target by over N51,837,652,129.32, a milestone that reflects discipline, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty,” he said.

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    According to Onyeka, bulk cargo, general merchandise and used vehicle imports remained the Command’s major revenue drivers, accounting for a substantial share of cargo throughput at Tin Can Island Port.

    He said Customs ensured full government revenue collection through diligent cargo examination and strict adherence to established procedures.

    “Our major revenue contributors remain bulk cargo, general merchandise, and the importation of used vehicles, which constitute a significant volume of trade passing through the Port,” he stated.

    A major plank of the Command’s 2025 strategy was the elimination of revenue leakages and operational bottlenecks that had previously slowed cargo clearance and increased compliance risks.

    Onyeka disclosed that Customs deliberately addressed the problem of multiple and unnecessary alerts, improving turnaround time while retaining effective control.

    “One of our key focus areas in 2025 was the elimination of revenue leakages and operational inefficiencies. By streamlining Alerts and strengthening internal coordination, we improved efficiency while maintaining effective control,” he said.

    Beyond internal reforms, the Command sustained regular engagement with importers, licensed customs agents, terminal operators and shipping companies to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade.

    “We also made conscious efforts to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade and to this end, the Command sustained regular and meaningful engagement with stakeholders,” Onyeka said.

    The Customs boss stressed that exceeding the revenue target did not translate to relaxed enforcement, noting that intelligence-driven operations led to significant seizures of prohibited and improperly declared goods during the year.

    He said: “Beyond revenue collection, the Command remained firm on its enforcement mandate. These seizures are a clear reminder that while we facilitate trade, we will not compromise national security, public safety, or economic integrity.”

    He added that officers remain fully mobilised to sustain collections and compliance.

    “Let me state unequivocally that the attainment of our annual revenue target does not in any way signify a relaxation of operational standards or enforcement activities.”

    Onyeka credited the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strategic leadership that underpinned the Command’s performance.

    “I wish to place on record my deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR psc (+) for his exemplary leadership, clear strategic direction, and consistent institutional support,” he said.

    “His commitment to professionalism, automation and constructive stakeholder engagement has provided the solid framework upon which the achievements of this Command have been built.”

    The Area Controller also commended Customs officers, stakeholders and the media for their roles in strengthening compliance and transparency at the port.

    “As we move forward, the Command remains steadfast in its commitment to consolidating these gains, deepening transparency and contributing effectively to the growth of the Federal Government’s fiscal policies,” Onyeka reassured.

  • What online casino is paying out the most right now?

    What online casino is paying out the most right now?

    Online casinos do not publish a live “payout leaderboard” in a way a player can verify day to day. What you can verify right now is whether a casino is committed to offering the best available player win rate versions of the games it provides, and whether it has the banking rails and support to pay players reliably. On that basis, Casino Rewards Group casinos such as Luxury Casino are a strong place to start. Canada’s home of better win rates.

    Highest Win Rate Guarantee™

    The Casino Rewards Group’s Highest Win Rate Guarantee™ ensures that they always offer the best available win rate or Return to Player (RTP) version of the games supplied by their software providers.

    Players often ask which casino “pays out the most” when what they really mean is: where do I get the best chance over time on the games I’m playing? A trusted online casino cannot control whether you win tonight. But it can control whether it offers the strongest available player win rate versions of its games from the studios it partners with.

    The four casinos most relevant to this question

    If your goal is to combine better player win rate settings, reliability, and an experience built for Canadian players, four Casino Rewards Group casinos that are commonly compared are Luxury Casino, Golden Tiger Casino, Captain Cooks Casino, and Grand Mondial Casino.

    These brands share key foundations that matter for payouts:

    • large game catalogues (1,000+ games)
    • games supplied by top studios
    • Canadian-friendly banking methods, including Interac
    • 24/7 support for payout and banking questions
    • thousands of positive reviews on major review platforms

    What “paying out the most” really means (and what it does not)

    It helps to separate three ideas that often get mixed together:

    1) Player win rate on games (the long-run value)

    This is the percentage returned to players over time on a given game. It’s where the Highest Win Rate Guarantee™ matters most.

    2) Payout reliability (whether you actually receive withdrawals smoothly)

    This is about banking options, internal processing, and whether support can resolve issues quickly.

    3) Jackpot size or big-win headlines (the attention grabbers)

    A casino can have big jackpots and still be frustrating to withdraw from. Big jackpots are entertainment; payout reliability is trust.

    If you want the casino most likely to “pay out well” as a day-to-day experience, focus on (1) and (2).

    Why these brands are often seen as “best paying” by players

    Players tend to call a casino “best paying” when two things happen consistently:

    • they feel they are playing fair versions of popular games
    • withdrawals are handled predictably

    These four brands are regularly discussed in that context because they operate within the Casino Rewards Group standards, emphasise player win rate, and support commonly used Canadian withdrawal methods.

    Providers and studios (a practical way to judge payout quality)

    The “pays out most” question often comes down to whether you are getting quality game supply from reputable studios, and whether the casino is offering the best available game versions.

    These casinos feature Games Global and Pragmatic Play, plus additional studios such as Gameburger Studios and Area Vegas.

    If you want to sanity-check this yourself, pick one or two games you know well and verify they are available across the brands you’re comparing. A deep, recognisable lobby is usually a better sign than a small selection of unfamiliar titles.

    Welcome offers that increase value right now

    Welcome offers don’t change whether a slot outcome is random, but they can increase your upfront value by giving you extra chances or matched funds to play with. Here is the welcome offer information for the four brands referenced in this guide.

    Luxury Casino

    • Signup bonus amount available: $1000
    • Min First Deposit: $10.00
    • Subsequent Deposits: $10

    Deposit ladder:

    • 1st Deposit: 100% up to $150
    • 2nd Deposit: 50% up to $200
    • 3rd Deposit: 25% up to $300
    • 4th Deposit: 50% up to $200
    • 5th Deposit: 100% up to $150

    Captain Cooks Casino

    • Signup bonus amount available: $500
    • Min First Deposit: $5.00
    • Subsequent Deposits: $10

    How the offer is presented:

    • BECOME AN INSTANT MILLIONAIRE TODAY
    • 100 Chances For Just $5.00
    • Then enjoy an extra $475 FREE!

    Deposit ladder:

    • 2nd Deposit: 100% Match Bonus (up to $100)
    • 3rd Deposit: 50% Match Bonus (up to $150)
    • 4th Deposit: 25% Match Bonus (up to $125)
    • 5th Deposit: 100% Match Bonus (up to $100)

    Golden Tiger Casino

    • Signup bonus amount available: Get Up To $1500 On Your First 5 Deposits
    • Min First Deposit: $10.00
    • Subsequent Deposits: $10

    Deposit ladder:

    • 1st Deposit: 100% up to $100
    • 2nd Deposit: 50% up to $300
    • 3rd Deposit: 20% up to $500
    • 4th Deposit: 30% up to $500
    • 5th Deposit: 100% up to $100

    Grand Mondial Casino

    • Signup bonus amount available: $250
    • Min First Deposit: $10.00
    • Subsequent Deposits: $10

    Signup Bonus:

    • 150 Chances For Just $10.00
    • 2nd Deposit: 100% Match Bonus (up to $250)

    Games that players commonly judge by “win rate feel”

    No casino can promise you a win, but you can choose games and mechanics that suit your style, and choose casinos committed to the best available player win rate versions.

    Pot Collects (often chosen by players chasing bonus value)

    Examples include Gold Blitz Express, 12 Masks of Fire Drum Frenzy, Avalon III, and Immortal Romance Vein of Gold.

    Common mechanics include:

    • Hold & Win with power-ups
    • persistent multipliers
    • Prize Drops
    • trail or map features

    Game-specific examples players talk about:

    • Immortal Romance Vein of Gold: Rising Rewards Bonus Multiplier, Vein of Gold super spins, +1 Retrigger
    • Gold Blitz: Blitz Collect, Gold Blitz Super Spins, Wild Multipliers in Free Spins
    • 12 Masks of Fire Drum Frenzy: Epic Strike, Tower Bonus, Drum Features, Win Booster

    Drops and Wins (popular for steady feature frequency)

    Examples include Triple Pot Gold, Buffalo King, and The Big Bass Series.

    Crazy Clusters (different maths, different rhythm)

    Examples include Oracle of Gold, Cluster Buck Xtreme, and Bubble Beez.

    Live Casino (when you want clarity and pace)

    Examples include One Blackjack, Mega Roulette, and Fortune 6 Baccarat.

    Payout reliability for Canadians: banking methods matter

    If you want “pays out the most” to translate into real money in your account, prioritise casinos with Canadian-friendly withdrawal methods and support that can clearly explain the steps.

    Across these casinos, common deposit and withdrawal methods include:

    • Interac deposits and withdrawals
    • Visa and Mastercard
    • ecoPayz / Payz
    • Instadebit
    • MuchBetter
    • Apple Pay / Google Pay
    • prepaid options: PaySafeCard, Neosurf, Flexepin, CashToCode
    • cryptocurrency where available
    • instant bank transfer and other supported options

    Withdrawal times vary by different banking methods chosen. At these casinos, 24/7 live chat is available to answer questions about withdrawals or any other issues, with clear, transparent information.

    Ongoing player value: Casino Rewards Group loyalty and Rewards Riches

    Players also judge “best paying” by how often they receive ongoing value while playing, not just by one big session.

    Casino Rewards Group multi-tier loyalty program

    The Casino Rewards Group multi-tier loyalty program uses a six-tier structure that adds a sense of occasion. Players earn Status Points and benefits escalate, including bigger or more frequent features, invites to exclusive promotions, and priority support. Higher tiers unlock personalised touches such as birthday gifts, exclusive games, and VIP host service. Players also receive more entries into Time Of Your Life Sweepstakes and VIP Lucky Jackpot, and each tier jump is designed to feel celebratory.

    Rewards Riches

    Rewards Riches is the in-casino rewards system delivering frequent, tier-agnostic perks after joining, depositing, and visiting the Rewards Riches page. Gameplay contributes to ongoing rewards such as spins, VIP Points, credits, Thunderball numbers, and time-based Gold Surge prize drops as often as every two hours. It’s designed to maximise win opportunities via continuous, activity-driven rewards and promotions, and testimonials note sizable wins, frequent freebies, and daily incentives. Players claim prizes directly via the Rewards Riches hub.

    The casino(s) is/are fully licensed.

    What to do right now if you’re trying to maximise payouts

    If your goal is to maximise your chances over time and avoid withdrawal headaches:

    1. Choose a casino committed to the best available player win rate versions (the Highest Win Rate Guarantee™ is a direct signal).
    2. Pick games whose mechanics match how you like to play (Pot Collects vs Drops and Wins vs clusters).
    3. Use Interac or another method you trust for withdrawals.
    4. Test support before you deposit by asking a direct withdrawal question in live chat.

    Closing thought

    If you want the most credible answer to “which online casino is paying out the most right now?”, look for what you can verify: top-tier studios, reliable withdrawals, thousands of positive reviews on major review platforms, and a clear commitment to the best available player win rate versions of games. That’s why many Canadians comparing Luxury Casino, Golden Tiger Casino, Captain Cooks Casino, and Grand Mondial Casino start there.

    If you want, I can write the fourth article (“What triggers a slot machine to win?”) using a more educational, mechanics-first structure with fewer moving parts, while still keeping the required Casino Rewards Group elements clear and correctly attributed.

  • Dangote’s allegation: Why is Farouk Ahmed silent on corruption claims?

    Dangote’s allegation: Why is Farouk Ahmed silent on corruption claims?

    By Yushau A. Shuaib

    When a billionaire suddenly becomes an overnight anti-corruption crusader, one should pause. Not because activism is wrong, but because power rarely moves without an agenda. In Nigeria’s oil sector—where money, regulation, and influence intersect—nothing happens in isolation.

    I was drawn into this debate long before the current drama peaked. In July 2024, during the first public clash between Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Engr. Farouk Ahmed of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), I wrote an article titled “Monopolistic Oligarchies: The Tale of Dangote of Nigeria and Ambani of India.” In it, I defended indigenous industrial growth while warning against the dangers of unchecked monopoly.

    My position then, as now, was balance. Dangote is unquestionably a transformational investor. His refinery promises energy security, job creation, and reduced imports. Nigeria needs such bold industrial ambition. But history also teaches that when one player grows too dominant, competition suffers, regulation weakens, and markets tilt dangerously. Indigenous success should be supported—but not worshipped.

    On the other side stood Farouk Ahmed. I was openly critical of his public demarketing of Dangote refinery products, arguing that the regulatory posture was poorly timed and counterproductive. Regulators exist to enforce standards fairly, not to appear hostile to local breakthroughs. Excessive rigidity can sabotage domestic investment just as monopoly can distort markets.

    That article triggered reactions from all sides—public commentary, private calls, quiet lobbying. It was clear the fault line ran deeper than personalities. What we were witnessing was a struggle over market policy: local refining versus entrenched import interests; regulation versus industrial power; control versus competition.

    What Nigerians know about Dangote is largely public. From a young trader to Africa’s richest man, he built an empire that sometimes seems to rival the Nigerian state itself—especially when one remembers that government-owned refineries in Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt have remained largely comatose for years.

    What many Nigerians did not know—until I began making inquiries—was the reputation Ahmed enjoyed among his staff and associates, who described him as humble, soft-spoken, blunt, and professional. Ahmed, an engineer trained abroad and a former Apple Computer engineer in the United States, has held some of the most sensitive positions in Nigeria’s oil bureaucracy, including PPMC, PPPRA, and NNPC, without scandal. His description as “incorruptible and difficult to intimidate” made the latest turn of events all the more puzzling.

    After months of relative calm following the 2024 dispute, Dangote returned—this time with heavier artillery. He publicly accused Ahmed of spending between $5 and $7 million on foreign secondary education for his children in Switzerland, petitioned anti-corruption agencies, and pursued legal action that ultimately coincided with Ahmed’s exit from office and the nomination of a successor.

    Then came the silence. Farouk Ahmed reportedly declined to engage in a public rebuttal, expressing confidence that investigative institutions would clear his name. In theory, silence can be dignified. In practice—especially in Nigeria—silence in the face of explosive corruption allegations often reads as surrender.

    This is where the question becomes unavoidable: if a man is truly incorruptible, why retreat so quietly from the battlefield of public opinion? If he had the courage to accuse a powerful billionaire of attempting to monopolise Nigeria’s oil sector with inferior products, why did he lack the resolve to defend himself against allegations that ended his career?

    Was the former NMDPRA CEO fighting someone else’s battle? Was he a pawn in a larger chess game between capital and regulation? Or was his silence a strategic miscalculation in a country where narrative often becomes verdict?

    In Nigeria, perception is punishment. To be accused is already to be half-convicted in the court of public opinion. Silence does not buy you time; it cedes the ground entirely. A regulator who leaves such allegations unanswered risks not only his own reputation but the credibility of the institutions he once led.

    From all indications, this saga is far bigger than Dangote versus Ahmed. It is about who controls Nigeria’s energy future, how regulation is wielded, and whether the state can balance powerful private capital without becoming either captive or combative.

    But one lesson is already clear: in a country where corruption allegations are both a weapon and verdict, silence is rarely golden—especially if one claims to be innocent. Or is it a case of being used and dumped after satisfying the unseen forces? Time will tell where the truth finally lands.

    Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “A Dozen Tips for Media Relations” Email: yashuaib@yashuaib.com

  • Countries understudy Nigeria data protection ecosystem

    Countries understudy Nigeria data protection ecosystem

    No fewer than eight African countries are currently understudying the Nigeria data protection ecosystem, it was gathered yesterday.

    The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has received delegation from the countries to share regulatory experience, institutional frameworks, and practical lessons in establishing and operating effective data protection authorities in their respective countries.

    The Somalian Data Protection Authority came on July 23, 2025, Uganda Data Protection Authority came on August 5, 2025.

    Others are Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and The Gambia.

    The NDPC in a statement said President Bola Tinubu signed the 2023 Data Protection Act into law thus paving the way for opportunities, expansion of the ecosystem, and ensured that regulatory and supervisory functions take the front stage. 

    Read Also: Data protection and privacy: Eight African countries understudy Nigeria ecosystem 

    Its CEO/National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said data protection and privacy policy of Nigeria would lead and provide guidance for other agencies in Africa, and the West Africa sub region.

    Dr Olatunji who is the pioneer CEO of the Commission ensured that data protection and privacy ecosystem started to attract attention, investments and provided information and awareness on data privacy to data subjects and custodians of citizen’s data. Banks, educational institutions, hospitals, insurance companies, telecommunications companies and other industry players are kept on their toes. Some institutions were also sanctioned for data breaches. The online platforms were also sanitised on data protection and privacy.

    It was gathered that following the implementation of the Act and the regulatory oversights provided by the Commission, Nigeria became a centre of attraction for other countries.

    It was learnt that within two years, no fewer than eight countries began to understudy Nigeria data protection and privacy ecosystem in order to replicate same methodology in their respective countries.

    Our Correspondent gathered that Nigeria ensured the Domestication of Data Protection Officers’ Certification to enhance competence within the ecosystem. This localisation also reduced pressure on the naira by limiting the need to purchase foreign currency for international certification. Over 500 Data Protection Officers received international Certification.

    The NDPC certification significantly expanded Nigeria’s pool of qualified privacy professionals and supporting the effective implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act across sectors. Also within the period under review, Nigeria hosted the Network of African Data Protection Authorities, (NADPA) Conference and Annual General Meeting.

    The conference helped significantly to promote continental cooperation, knowledge exchange, and alignment of data protection regulatory frameworks among African data regulators.

    Through the initiatives of Dr Olatunji, the Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) was established. The VPA is currently helping to expand privacy education, creating awareness across all sectors and ensuring that data subjects are seen as critical stakeholders, and treated as such.

     The VPA is a Nollywood-styled initiative tailored to deliver structured online training, awareness programmes, and professional development courses to build data protection capacity.

    Concerning the implementation of the Act’s General Application and Implementation Directive, the Commission issued the NDP-Act GAID to provide regulatory clarity, operational guidance, and enforceable standards for compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

    Also the NDP Act was translated into three Local Languages to enhance public awareness, ensure inclusion of all and sundry within the ecosystem.

    “To deepen public awareness and inclusion, the Commission translated the Nigeria Data Protection Act into the three major local languages (Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) to improve accessibility and understanding of data protection rights among Nigerians,” said Mr Itunu Dosekun, the Head of Corporate Communications and Media of the NDPC.

    Itunu said the Commission also conducted targeted capacity-building programmes for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance institutional compliance, data governance practices, and the responsible handling of citizens’ personal data.

    He added that in recognition of sterling achievements of the present leadership of the NDPC, the Commission received multiple recognitions, including Outstanding Data Protection Authority of the Year at the Picasso Awards Africa, affirming its leadership, regulatory impact, and commitment to data protection excellence.

  • FAAN highlights airports’ travel procedures

    FAAN highlights airports’ travel procedures

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has highlighted measures, procedures and processes it is putting in place at airports nationwide to facilitate seamless passengers’ movement for end of year travels.

    Part of the measures, its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire disclosed include conducting  advanced traffic forecasting, which anticipates  significant passenger pressure.

    To drive this, Agbebire said the airport management body is wrapping up a  strategy carefully designed for the season by its team of technical personnel working in concert with other organizations.

    To mitigate congestion, he said FAAN has initiated a multi-pronged operational strategy.enhanced passenger support. We deployed a dedicated augmentation team, identifiable in shirts and jackets, to provide real-time information and queue management support at critical touchpoints. This supplements our core customer service unit to improve first-contact resolution and reduce passenger anxiety.

     “We have engaged in high-level advocacy with all relevant security and border control agencies—specifically the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)—to streamline processes and minimise processing delays. This aligns with directives to optimise the passenger experience during peak travel periods.’

    To address congestion in the arrival’s concourse and vehicular pickup zones, Agbebire said FAAN has  implemented a dynamic security and traffic management plan.

    Read Also: FAAN unveils measures to ensure smooth passenger movement during festive travels

    He said: “ Under the directive of the Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the authority has  augmented the security detail by over 80 personnel to manage crowd control and ensure efficient traffic flow during peak bank arrivals.

    “We also have  Infrastructure Contingency. We acknowledge that ongoing construction on the new terminal, intended to replace Terminal 1, has impacted operational space. While the temporary terminal facility is now projected to be completed in the second week of January, we are optimising the existing infrastructure to maintain operational continuity.

    “The operational template for peak season management is being applied across all FAAN-managed domestic terminals. This includes reinforcing ground staff, maintaining 24/7 operational shifts, and continuously monitoring facility management systems, such as HVAC, to ensure a conducive environment.

    “ We are also coordinating with domestic airline operators to manage check-in queues and mitigate the impact of flight delays. Regarding passenger grievances and unethical practices, we are addressing this through a two-tiered approach: procedural management and passenger empowerment.”

    Agbebire said while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulates passenger compensation for airline-induced delays/cancellations, FAAN will continue to  focus on airport-side contingency.

    “This includes ensuring basic amenities are available and facilitating communication between passengers and airlines. We have a zero-tolerance policy. Our strategy involves. Active Surveillance and Enforcement. Coordinating with agency supervisors to enforce strict disciplinary measures for any harassment or solicitation,  he said.

    “  We actively campaign for passenger awareness. Travellers are advised to be familiar with prohibited items, arrive early to avoid rushed situations that make them vulnerable, and firmly decline any requests for unofficial payments.

    “We also have Multiple Reporting Channels. We have deployed prominent QR codes linked to direct complaint lines at strategic locations. This gives passengers immediate access to a dedicated response team, including my office, to report issues in real-time.

    “Yes, collaboration is continuous and has been intensified for this season. While security protocols are inherently dynamic, we have aligned all stakeholders on the shared objective of passenger facilitation during this peak period.

    “Regular inter-agency briefings ensure a balanced approach that maintains security integrity while prioritising efficient passenger processing.

    “Our focus is on execution, not excuses. We recognise the current challenges posed by our extensive infrastructure development program, which is akin to a necessary period of operational gestation.

    “The outcome will be a significantly upgraded facility. In the meantime, we appeal for the understanding and patriotism of our passengers.

    “We are committed to relentless improvement and thank the public for their patience. The goal is for every passenger to experience a safe, secure, and increasingly efficient gateway.”