The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

BREAKING: Police suspend enforcement of tinted glass permit

The Nigeria Police Force have suspended the enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permit following a court order halting the exercise, The Nation has learnt.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the suspension on Wednesday, October 8.

Recall Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, last week ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of police (IGP) to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit across the country.

The court ordered the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and “respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.”

The court issued the interim order during a hearing in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 instituted by John Aikpokpo-Martins against the IGP and the police.

Adeh during an interview on AIT, Wednesday, monitored by The Nation, explained that the decision for the suspension came after the police officially received the court order.

She said: “Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict”

Adeh explained that the directive to suspend enforcement would remain in place pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process.

READ ALSO; Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

“We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict,” she added.

Addressing public concerns about the purpose of the tinted glass regulation, Adeh clarified that it was introduced for security reasons, noting that some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

“The law was not made by us. We are enforcers. The policy was purely security-driven. Some criminals were using tinted vehicles to commit offences, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects,” she said.

Adeh also dismissed claims that the policy was designed for financial gain, explaining that all payments related to tinted permits are made directly into the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA), not to the police.

October 8, 2025
BREAKING: NMA’s panel yet to conclude assessment of Nnamdi Kanu’s health status

The medical panel set up by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess the health status of the detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is yet to conclude its assignment.

Justice James Omotosho had, in a ruling on September 26, ordered the NMA President to among others, empanel a team of medical experts to examine Kanu and ascertain whether or not he is still fit to undergo his ongoing terrorism trial.

At the mention of the case on Wednesday, the lawyer for the prosecution, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN), told the court that he was informed that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.

READ ALSO; Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

Sa’ada said the panel plans to do a thorough job and should be given adequate time.

He suggested that the panel be given another one week to enable it conclude its task.

Defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) did not object to the one week adjournment sought by the lawyer to the prosecution, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till October 16.

Details shortly…

October 8, 2025
Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said the decision to resign from office was a personal and principled choice aimed at preserving the integrity of ongoing judicial proceedings, not an admission of guilt.

In a statement, Nnaji said he chose to “step aside” to respect the sanctity of due process and allow justice to take its course.

“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he said.

The former Minister lamented what he described as an orchestrated, politically motivated campaign of falsehood targeted at his person and office over the past week.

READ ALSO: Nnaji’s resignation: Onoh urges Gov Mbah to join APC

He said the malicious attacks and media distortions had caused personal distress and begun to distract from the work of the Ministry and the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“As someone who has spent more than five decades building a reputation anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity, I cannot in good conscience allow these distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives of this administration,” he stated.

Nnaji expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the President’s vision of a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”

“His vision for a renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria is one I continue to hold dear, and I pledge my unflinching support to his administration and its transformative goals,” he added.

October 8, 2025
Certificate scandal: Nnaji resigns ministerial position
- ‘Decision due to sustained blackmail, persecution’
- President accepts resignation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last night accepted the resignation of Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.

It followed allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic credentials.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the President approved Nnaji’s resignation.

Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, attributing his resignation to “sustained blackmail and political persecution.”

“I have been a target of blackmail by political opponents,” he stated.

The former minister came under public scrutiny in recent weeks after reports questioned the authenticity of some certificates he submitted during his ministerial screening.

Despite repeatedly denying wrongdoing, civic groups and political figures called for his suspension pending investigation.

Onanuga said the President thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.

Nnaji’s exit marks the first ministerial resignation over a certificate-related controversy in the Tinubu Administration.

Other ministers had left the Tinubu Administration under different circumstances.

Among them was ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Betta Edu, who left under a cloud of financial impropriety.

Nobody saw Nnaji’s resignation coming because up till last night, he defended himself against allegations that his University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka and the National Youth Corps certificates were forged.

Nearly one year ago, a newspaper broke the story of his fake university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

While the university could not confirm the authenticity of Nnaji’s certificate, he challenged them to publish his transcript.

He also accused the Enugu State Government of being behind the strident attacks on him over the issue.

But the government of his home state denied it all.

Nnaji contested the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State against Governor Peter Nmba. He ran on the ticket of the APC.

Minister insists he graduated from UNN

Nnaji maintained that he duly graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Nnaji’s aide, Robert Ngwu, presented pages of the university’s 1985 convocation brochure showing Nnaji’s name and photograph.

“He is a proud alumnus of UNN, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Lower Division),” he said.

Ngwu cited a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of UNN’s Registrar, confirming that “Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (Reg. No. 1981/30725) graduated in July 1985 with a B.Sc. Second Class (Lower).”

Read Also: Tinubu commends Yakubu as INEC chairman bows out after two terms

“This remains the university’s official position — properly stamped and valid,” he said.

He questioned the motive behind a subsequent letter, dated May 2025, allegedly denying Nnaji’s records.

“What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change of leadership at UNN?” Ngwu asked.

He claimed that attempts within the university to tamper with the minister’s file prompted a suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Ngwu accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, of fuelling “politically motivated media attacks” rather than complying with the court’s directive.

He alleged that the controversy was a “coordinated attempt” to smear Nnaji and weaken his political influence in Enugu State.

“This is not about education or integrity — it’s about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,” Ngwu said.

“UNN must restore its integrity by distancing itself from politics. The minister will not be distracted by propaganda.”

Enugu govt: Minister must clear his name

The Enugu State Government distanced itself from the controversy, dismissing claims that it sponsored the allegations against Nnaji.

The state government, through its Director of Information, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, denied the accusation, urging Nnaji to “carry his own cross and clear his name.”

“The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations.

“The Honourable Minister must clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him,” Nebo stated.

Court adjourns till November 10

At the hearing of Nnaji’s suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), his lawyer, Sebastine Hon (SAN), told the court that all parties had been served.

He accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor of writing to an online newspaper after being served, leading to the publication of a “damaging and prejudicial” story.

“The publication titled ‘Investigation: The Serial Certificate Forger in Tinubu’s Cabinet’ was made after the defendants were served, contrary to the rule that all parties must maintain the status quo,” Hon said.

He informed the court of plans to file additional processes on the new development.

Counsel to the university, Mr. E.M. Asogwa, denied the claim but assured the court that his clients would maintain the status quo pending the hearing.

Justice Yilwa adjourned till November 10.
October 8, 2025
Beer industry seeks drop of tax stamp plan

The beer industry has requested the Federal Government to jettison the introduction of tax stamp because of its negative consequences for the economy.

It announced support for the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)’s call for the government to rescind the proposal to introduce tax stamps

The industry called on the Federal Government to sustain existing home-grown digital systems that deliver full visibility of excise operations.

Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group of MAN, Abiola Laseinde said the tax stamps (digital identifiers also referred to as tack and trace systems) will be counterproductive.

She warned that the system presents operational challenges and financial risks that could undermine the fragile recovery of the manufacturing industry and the Nigerian economy.

She added in a statement that “the tax stamps system is largely inefficient, causing production slowdowns, distribution delays, product stock-outs, and high compliance costs.”

Read Also: Senate proposes 10-year passport ban on Nigerians convicted abroad

She explained that the industry is concerned that this proposal is coming at a time when operators are already “grappling with rising excise rates, foreign exchange volatility, and high inflation—making the additional burden of implementing tax stamps a serious threat to business sustainability”.

“Tax stamps are often positioned as a solution to illicit trade, would have no benefit to beer as there is zero illicit in the sector. The brewing process is complex, the product is bulky, and resale value is low—making counterfeiting unprofitable. It is also pertinent to note that the beer industry already maintains strict compliance, with digital counters, on-site Customs officers, and auditable records in place.”

The Federal Government has already invested in digital systems that deliver full visibility of excise operations. Most recently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully launched and piloted the B’Odogwu automated Excise Reporting System (ERS), a modern platform that digitizes excise administration. ERS replaces manual registers with an automated process that:

– Tracks production volumes and excise computation in real time

– Enhances compliance monitoring through full transparency

– Creates an auditable digital trail that reduces leakages and inefficiency

Giving alternatives to the government, the beer industry, Laseinde said: “Accordingly, we urge the government to consider the following actions in the national interest:

.Rescind the proposed rollout of tax stamps to avert disruption to production, jobs, and revenues.

.Consolidate and strengthen existing systems like Customs’ ERS and FIRS e-Invoicing, which are effective, transparent, and locally driven.

October 8, 2025
Fed Govt to refinance expensive debts portfolio, says Edun

The Federal Government plans to refinance Nigeria’s expensive debt portfolio.

This is part of ongoing efforts to reduce the nation’s debt service costs and overall cost of borrowing.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, made this known yesterday.

He spoke at the 55th Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.

The ICAN conference, which started on Monday, is themed “Building Resilience: Aligning Reforms for Nigeria’s Development”.

No fewer than 13,000 Chartered Accountants were expected, according to ICAN President Mallam Haruna Yahaya.

The conference will end on Friday.

Edun explained that the decision to refinance the country’s high-cost debt was driven by a sharp rise in debt service obligations in recent years. According to him, “Debt service costs have surged: Treasury bill rates rose from 8% in 2023 to nearly 24 per cent, and external debt service almost tripled from budgeted N2.7 trillion to N6.7 trillion in 2024.”

Refinancing expensive debts involves replacing high-interest loans with new, lower-interest facilities to ease pressure on government finances, free up resources for developmental spending, and improve the country’s fiscal sustainability.

The move is consistent with the government’s medium-term growth strategy, which seeks to build a productive economy anchored on private sector investment, openness, and efficiency.

According to Edun, “Our growth strategy is centred on productive capital formation through increased private investment. We are working to achieve an output growth of 7.0 per cent GDP by 2027/2028, thus enabling the removal of millions of our citizens from poverty,” Edun said.

Read Also: Tinubu commends Yakubu as INEC chairman bows out after two terms

He added that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is determined to transition the Nigerian economy into one driven by competition and innovation, with the government acting as a facilitator rather than a dominant player.

“We are transitioning to an economy anchored on openness, competition, and efficiency, where the private sector is the engine of growth, and government efficiently plays its role as foreseer and enabler,” the minister stated.

Edun explained that the Federal Government is also making substantial investments in the digital economy to unlock new opportunities for the country’s predominantly young population. He noted that over 65 per cent of Nigerians are under the age of 35, presenting a unique demographic advantage that must be harnessed through technology and innovation.

“We are making bold investments in the digital economy. Through Project Bridge, a $2 billion Public-Private Partnership project supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, we are expanding fibre optic coverage by 90,000 km, building on the existing 35,000 km network,” the minister said.

“Our goal is 70 per cent nationwide internet penetration, reaching all LGAs and wards. This initiative addresses digital infrastructure gaps and promotes inclusion, especially for women and youth, paving the way for a tech-driven future,” he added.

On government’s finances, Edun stated that Nigeria’s fiscal position has recorded significant improvement in the last two years, noting that revenue has grown by over 70 per cent in nominal terms.

He attributed the increase to key reforms implemented under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the liberalisation of the foreign exchange and fuel markets, and the automation of revenue collection systems.

“The demand for development remains high as we strive to improve upon output growth and significantly enhance productivity. In part, this will be achieved by raising our infrastructure stock from its current level of less than 40 per cent of output towards the global benchmark of 75 per cent,” Edun noted.

He said the government is deploying a range of innovative measures to mobilise domestic resources to meet development financing needs, particularly in a global environment constrained by limited liquidity.

Among these initiatives, he mentioned formalising the large informal sector—particularly in real estate and agriculture—as revealed by the recent rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.

Edun also mentioned the expansion of the tax base through the new Tax Reform Act, which harmonises tax processes and reduces multiple taxation to enhance productivity.

“We are also working to strengthen digital revenue collection platforms,” he added.

According to him, the government is also leveraging “asset financialisation by optimising the federal government’s balance sheets,” with the expectation that subnational governments will adopt similar strategies to improve fiscal efficiency and revenue performance.

On social protection, Edun said the administration is expanding and strengthening its social investment programmes to reach more Nigerians in need.

“This is being achieved through enhanced digital identification systems, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most, efficiently and transparently,” he said.

He called on members of the accounting profession to play an active role in supporting fiscal and economic reforms through improved transparency and accountability mechanisms.

“As custodians of financial integrity, your role is pivotal in this reform journey,” Edun told ICAN members.

“I urge ICAN to develop a transparent rating model for accounting firms, especially in tax audit, aligned with global standards—perhaps a ‘4-star to zero-star’ system that promotes accountability and excellence.”

The minister’s remarks at the ICAN conference reinforce the Tinubu administration’s determination to restore fiscal stability, drive private sector-led growth, and position Nigeria for sustainable economic transformation through prudent debt management, innovation, and digital inclusion.

October 8, 2025
UPDATED: Nnaji resigns as Minister

Embattled Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from his position.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

A statement by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation.

Onanuga said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

“Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.

“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

The latest development followed a an investigative report, which alleged that Nnaji submitted forged academic and NYSC certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial nomination process in 2023.

The report claimed that the UNN disowned the degree certificate submitted by Nnaji, stating that although he was admitted in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.

Read Also: FG seeks evacuation of Pastor Egbaji from Benin prison to Nigeria

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, confirmed this in a response to a Freedom of Information request dated October 2, in which he stated that Nnaji was not a graduate of the institution.

This contradicted a December 2023 response from UNN’s Registrar, Celine Nnebedum, who had previously confirmed Nnaji’s graduation but later recanted before the Public Complaints Commission in 23 May 2025 letter that the university searched its graduation records for the 1985 session but could not find Nnaji’s name on them.

The investigation also revealed that in a court affidavit, Nnaji admitted that the university never issued him a degree certificate and that he had “never collected one.”

In September, Nnaji filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission, UNN, Vice-Chancellor Ortuanya, and others, seeking to restrain the university from “tampering” with his academic records.

The case was heard on Monday, with Sebastian Hon (SAN) representing Nnaji, while E.M. Asogwa appeared for the university and its officials.

October 7, 2025
BREAKING: Nnaji resigns as Minister

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned.

He was appointed in August 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nnaji resigned following some allegations against him.

He resigned on Monday in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

Read Also: BevAgro drives green revolution in Nigeria’s food system with solar-powered EV network

Special Adviser to President Tinubu Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development in a statement, saying the President has accepted the resignation.

According to Onanuga: “Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents.

“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Details Shortly…

October 7, 2025
JUST IN: Yakubu steps down as INEC chairman

…Agbamuche-Mbu emerge acting chair

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has stepped down from his position, marking the beginning of a transition to a new administration within the electoral body.

Yakubu, who was sworn in for a second five-year term on December 9, 2020, announced his decision during a meeting with the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Tuesday.

Following his exit, one of INEC’s National Commissioners, Barrister May Agbamuche-Mbu, has assumed office as Acting Chairman pending the appointment of a substantive head by the President.

READ ALSO; Nigeria’s non-interest capital market hits N1.6tr

Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner from the South, currently heads INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance & Complaints Committee (LSCCC).

Yakubu’s stepping down aligns with the constitutional term limit, as he had previously vacated the position at the end of his first term in November 2020 before being reappointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

In an emotional farewell speech, the outgoing chairman expressed deep gratitude to INEC staff and Resident Electoral Commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout his tenure.

Details shortly…

October 7, 2025
Dangote vs PENGASSAN: Critical lessons for Nigeria’s economic future by Emir Sanusi, Kukah, Atedo, others

Some prominent stakeholders in Nigeria including religious leaders, business figures, and civil society advocates have appealed for calm and sustained dialogue in the labour dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

They unanimously lamented that the recent industrial strike had sent out wrong signals to investors.

These eminent Nigerians noted that while government mediation and renewed talks had de-escalated the crisis, the episode exposed risk to investor confidence and efforts to restore domestic refining capacity.

This joint statement was signed by: Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside CON, Bishop Matthew Kukah CON, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman.

Others are: Dudu Mamman Manuga, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka and Senator Sola Akinyede.

According to the statement, the refinery’s operations have already contributed to a drop in petrol prices — from around ₦1,500 to about ₦820 per litre — representing a 55 percent reduction in some areas.

This, they said, has begun to ease the burden of transport and food costs on ordinary Nigerians.

READ ALSO; Nigeria’s non-interest capital market hits N1.6tr

Recall PENGASSAN had last week shut down critical oil and gas facilities over allegations that Dangote refinery sacked 800 workers who joined the union.

But Dangote refinery said it only sacked a few workers who were sabotaging the facility, saying this was part of the company’s reorganisation.

The oil and gas workers embarked on a strike in defence of their colleagues, causing the nation losses in oil and gas production as well as a drop in power generation.

The intervention of the Federal Government restored normalcy as PENGASSAN suspended the strike after the Dangote Group was asked to redeploy the sacked workers to other business units.

The statement reads, “We, the undersigned, note with concern the recent disputes and disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery. Although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.

“For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports.

“These failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.

“Already, the refinery has begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices in some parts of the country dropping from around ₦1,500 per litre to about ₦820 — a 55% reduction. This impact on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life. It also signals to investors at home and abroad that industry, rather than speculation, can still thrive in Nigeria.

“However, the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals. Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation.

They urged that workers’ rights to organise and bargain must be upheld, and those rights must not be used to hold the economy hostage.

They also called for transparency and social responsibility from large investors.

“A refinery of this scale is a national lifeline, with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation.

“We wish to underscore three principles: Workers’ rights must be respected. The Constitution guarantees the right to organise and to demand fair treatment. No enterprise can succeed without motivated, fairly treated workers; Markets and productivity must be protected.

“The right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage. Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded; Social responsibility and accountability must remain central. Investors of this magnitude must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in the communities they serve.

“We also note that concerns about monopoly or market dominance should not be settled by disruptive industrial action.

“Nigeria has institutions, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), that are mandated to assess such claims.

“Where there are legitimate issues of pricing or dominance, the proper channel is through these statutory bodies, not strikes that harm ordinary Nigerians. Moreover, as has been noted, there is no legal monopoly here; others are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise.

“We commend the Federal Government, labour unions, and Dangote Refinery for stepping back from confrontation and resolving this dispute through dialogue. We urge that this spirit of constructive engagement becomes a template for the future. At the same time, we must stress the dangers that such disruptions pose to investor confidence, economic stability, and Nigeria’s strategic interest in reducing dependency on imports.

“This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business. It is about the direction of our economy: whether we will continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored in productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity. The Dangote refinery represents an audacious step forward. It should not be undermined but strengthened — as a signal to other industrialists that investing in Nigeria’s future is worthwhile.”

October 7, 2025