The Nation Newspaper

Category: Special Report

  • Transforming education with STEAM labs

    Transforming education with STEAM labs

    In a world racing toward digital transformation, nations thrive not on what lies beneath their soil, but on the strength of their human capital. In Nigeria, where youth potential is vast but underutilised, a bold initiative by Seplat Energy and NEPL is quietly reshaping the future. By investing in STEAM education, Seplat Energy and NEPL are showing how visionary private sector leadership can reshape Nigeria’s future—laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy where classrooms, not oilfields, become the true reservoirs of national wealth, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    In every advanced economy, the most powerful engines of growth aren’t oil rigs or factories—they are educated, innovative minds. A well-nurtured intellect fuels invention, drives productivity, and shapes forward-looking institutions. History is clear: no country has truly escaped poverty or underdevelopment without first investing heavily in its people’s intellectual capital. The nations now leading the Fourth Industrial Revolution—Singapore, Germany, South Korea—began by overhauling their education systems, prioritising science and technology, and cultivating generations of critical thinkers and skilled problem-solvers. In today’s world, where knowledge is currency and creativity sets nations apart, a strong, future-focused education system isn’t just important—it’s essential.

    For Nigeria, the stakes are particularly high. With its fast-growing youth population and rising unemployment, the country sits at a crossroads. Automation and artificial intelligence threaten millions of traditional jobs, while the global economy increasingly rewards those with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) capabilities. If Nigeria is to compete and thrive in this knowledge-driven century, it must empower its young citizens with the tools to innovate, adapt, and lead. The road to sustainable prosperity and inclusive development doesn’t start in corporate boardrooms—it begins in classrooms where future builders of the nation are shaped.

    At the intersection of urgency and opportunity, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Seplat Energy are quietly transforming the education landscape in Edo State and the wider Niger Delta—not through policy lobbying or white papers, but by equipping classrooms with purpose-built STEAM laboratories. In schools like Niger College, Army Day Secondary School, and Oba Akenzua Secondary School, newly commissioned STEAM labs now hum with potential. Outfitted with modern computers, internet connectivity, and subject-specific learning kits, these are not just rooms filled with technology—they are hubs of imagination and inquiry. Each lab reflects Seplat’s deeper commitment: to go beyond conventional corporate social responsibility and become builders of a smarter, more resilient future.

    These three new labs add to an earlier trio established at Ihogbe College, New Era College, and Edo Boys High School—also in Benin City. In neighbouring Delta State, three more schools—Unity Model Secondary School and Women Affairs Secondary School in Asaba, and Afadia College in Ibusa—have also been fitted with similar innovation hubs. Together, these nine STEAM labs across Edo and Delta States signal more than a philanthropic gesture—they are strategic investments in talent, creativity, and the long-term development of the region’s youth.

    Bridging the STEAM divide

    The significance of this intervention lies not just in its scope, but in its timing. Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, grappling with economic fragility and an underperforming education system. According to the Federal Ministry of Education, fewer than 30 per cent of public secondary schools have functional science laboratories. At the same time, the World Economic Forum warns that while 85 million jobs may disappear globally due to automation, 97 million new roles will be created—most requiring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) proficiency. The risk? Nigeria may be left behind unless this skills gap is urgently addressed.

    What sets the NEPL and Seplat Energy initiative apart is not just the state-of-the-art labs, but the holistic model behind them. Through the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), the initiative trains educators to deliver STEAM subjects using modern, experiential techniques. By marrying infrastructure with capacity-building, the programme transforms learning from passive memorisation into active exploration. Though the intervention is local, its implications are national. Nigeria has over 81,000 public secondary schools and millions of untapped young minds. Each well-equipped lab isn’t just a classroom—it’s a launchpad for the engineers, coders, and innovators of the future.

    Collaboration comes with benefits

    This transformation was made possible through deliberate collaboration. At the commissioning of the STEAM laboratories, a broad coalition of state officials, school administrators, and community leaders stood in solidarity. Representing Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Education Commissioner Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu reaffirmed the government’s resolve to scale up the initiative. Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, Andrew Ijegbai, described the labs as integral to the state’s development strategy. When public and private sectors align around a common vision, real change follows.

    Gone are the days when science was confined to chalkboards and rote memorisation. In these labs, students now experiment, code, and build—bringing learning to life. UNESCO reports that schools with functional STEAM labs see up to a 30% boost in student engagement and academic performance. Principals like Godwin Idemudia of Niger College and Osemwenkhae Ezeilekhae of Army Day Secondary School confirm this impact: students are forming science clubs, designing apps, and solving real-world problems after school. Seplat Energy’s intervention exemplifies strategic philanthropy. This isn’t scattered charity—it’s focused, system-level investment in education. By concentrating efforts on one catalytic sector, the company is generating long-term returns for students, communities, and the broader Nigerian economy.

    Road to competitiveness

    The link between education and national competitiveness is both direct and undeniable. According to the World Bank, every dollar invested in education can yield up to $15 in economic returns. When young people acquire STEAM skills, they’re not just improving their own employment prospects—they’re elevating Nigeria’s position in the global innovation and value chain. This initiative marks a redefinition of corporate citizenship. Seplat Energy is no longer just an oil and gas operator—it is evolving into a nation-builder, investing in human capital as deliberately as it drills for resources. It’s a powerful signal that in today’s world, long-term business success hinges on social relevance and systemic impact.

    Still, the task ahead remains formidable. Nine well-equipped labs are a strong start, but they represent just a sliver of the national need. To achieve meaningful scale, a more structured public-private partnership (PPP) framework is critical—one that offers tax incentives for educational investments, matching grants, and measurable impact metrics. As expansion continues, equity must stay front and centre. Girls remain underrepresented in STEAM fields. Future iterations of Seplat’s programme should prioritise gender inclusion—through mentorship, scholarships, and policies that ensure safe, supportive learning environments for all. That’s how to build not just a skilled workforce, but a just society.

    These STEAM labs are not the endgame—they are the prologue to a larger, transformative story. They challenge policymakers, corporate leaders, and educators to reimagine what is possible. More importantly, they ignite hope—not just among students in Edo and Delta States, but across the nation. In a country as complex and promising as Nigeria, true progress should not be measured by GDP figures or oil revenue. It should be seen in classrooms like these—where future scientists, architects, and innovators are nurtured.

    Nigeria has never lacked potential; what it has often lacked is the infrastructure to unleash it. Seplat’s STEAM labs offer a glimpse of that missing scaffolding—technologically advanced, locally grounded, and globally attuned. If this model is embraced and scaled, it could shift the national education narrative—from one burdened by outdated systems to one propelled by future-focused learning. In these quiet, humming rooms of discovery, Nigeria’s next great export may not come from beneath the ground, but from the minds of its youth. And that, perhaps, is the most powerful investment of all.

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    Operational milestones and strategic developments

    Seplat Energy Plc has announced a remarkable financial and operational performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, posting a revenue of N1.228 trillion, a significant leap from N268.6 billion in the same period last year. The company’s gross profit surged to N535.4 billion, up from N63.8 billion year-on-year, reflecting robust margins and enhanced cost efficiency. Profit before tax (PBT) also rose impressively to N314.6 billion, compared to N103.5 billion in Q1 2024. Seplat’s cash generated from operations grew exponentially to N464.9 billion, up from N25.2 billion, underscoring its strengthened liquidity position.

    Seplat maintained solid production performance, averaging 131,561 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), up 167 percent from 49,258 boepd in Q1 2024, exceeding the midpoint of its 2025 guidance range (120–140 kboepd). Onshore assets contributed 56,196 boepd, representing a 14 percent increase over the same period last year. This includes a 10 percent rise in liquids and a 21 percent jump in gas, driven by strong outputs from the Oben Gas Plant and initial production from the Sapele Gas Plant.

    SEPNU (formerly MPNU) contributed 75,365 boepd, consisting of 88 percent crude and condensates, 4 percent NGL, and 8 percent gas, all within guided expectations. Operational safety remained a priority, with the company recording over 7.3 million man hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI)—including 2.5 million hours from Seplat’s onshore operations and 4.8 million hours from SEPNU. With strong cash flow, Seplat repaid $250 million of its Revolving Credit Facility, reducing it to $100 million, and raised its quarterly dividend to US 4.6 cents per share, reinforcing investor confidence and its commitment to long-term value delivery.

    Seplat Energy’s Q1 2025 performance was further bolstered by key operational milestones. The SEPNU idle well restoration programme added approximately 11,000 barrels of oil per day (kbopd) in gross JV production from the first 10 wells successfully brought back online. This initiative underscores the company’s focus on unlocking value from existing assets through operational excellence. In another strategic achievement, the Sapele Integrated Gas Plant (SIGP) was commissioned and achieved first commercial gas sales in February 2025. The plant is now delivering high-quality processed gas alongside condensate yields of around 2 kbopd, marking a significant step forward in Seplat’s midstream and gas monetisation strategy.

    During the quarter, the company announced changes to its Board of Directors. Bello Rabiu, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, and Babs Omotowa, Independent Non-Executive Director, resigned following their appointments to the Board of NNPC Limited. In response, the Seplat Board unanimously appointed Bashirat Odunewu as the new Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, ensuring continued governance strength and leadership continuity.

    Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy, Roger Brown, said: “2025 has started positively for Seplat. As we deliver the business at a significantly enhanced scale, our focus is on the successful integration of the combined companies, and I am pleased to report that we are making good progress. It is clear that we can benefit greatly from the combined expertise of our onshore and offshore workforce.”

    He added, “Production has been strong, showing the benefit of the continuous drilling programme, investment in asset integrity and the availability of multiple evacuation routes. Financial performance was also strong, allowing us to be pro-active in materially reducing gross debt, maintaining low balance sheet leverage, and further strengthening our company as the near term global economic outlook becomes less predictable.”

  • ‘Why Tinubu is unstoppable ahead of 2027’

    ‘Why Tinubu is unstoppable ahead of 2027’

    As 2027 draws closer, conversations around Nigeria’s political future are heating up. In this incisive interview, lawyer and rights activist Emmanuel Umohinyang, Convener of the Coalition for Good Governance and Justice, makes a bold case for why President Bola Tinubu remains firmly positioned for re-election. Speaking with Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF, he defends the president’s bold economic reforms, calls out underperforming cabinet members, dismisses the opposition as fractured and directionless, and challenges critics to judge Tinubu by results, not rhetoric. From fuel subsidy removal to local government autonomy, Umohinyang argues that Nigeria is on a path to recovery—and that Tinubu’s steady hand will secure him another term with little resistance. His verdict: performance, not propaganda, will shape Nigeria’s future. Excerpts:

    Naturally, there will always be differing perspectives on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Nigeria is not a banana republic; in any democracy, those dissatisfied will criticize the president, while others will praise him. Political opponents looking to replace him will try to discredit his efforts. But the truth is, you cannot easily dismiss a team that is delivering results, nor can you undermine a leader who has performed admirably over the past 24 months. That said, not all areas have been perfected—there are still sectors that need attention. The poverty level in the country remains troubling, and Mr. President himself cannot be comfortable with it. What’s ironic is that many of the loudest voices complaining today were part of past governments that created these very problems.

    Just recently, a former official from Rivers State—someone who has spent his entire career in government—claimed there is hunger in the land. This same individual, who left office only a few months ago, suddenly discovered the cost of diesel is high. One must ask: was he unaware of fuel prices during his time as minister? Or was he benefitting from free supplies from contractors? Now that he is no longer in office, and the privileges have dried up, he’s facing what ordinary Nigerians face daily. President Tinubu is not ignoring the hardship people are experiencing. That’s why he continues to engage with stakeholders and leaders across the country, urging them to assure their people that improvements are on the way.

    A major contributor to our current economic discomfort is the president’s decision to eliminate the corruption-ridden fuel subsidy regime and move towards a unified exchange rate. The trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele is a direct result of the foreign exchange manipulations under his watch—where dollars were recycled and sold on the black market for profit. These necessary reforms came at a cost, initially plunging many Nigerians into hardship. But there’s a turnaround. When subsidy was first removed, fuel prices spiked to as high as N1,800–N1,900 per litre. Today, with Dangote Oil entering the market, prices are beginning to drop due to competition. The NNPC is now responding to market pressure, which is how a real economy should work.

    Nigerians will soon begin to appreciate the wisdom behind these bold decisions. No Nigerian leader has shown the level of courage President Tinubu has—certainly not even the revered Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari was more concerned with public sentiment than with long-term solutions. Tinubu, on the other hand, believes that it’s better for a nation to go through pain early and enjoy sustained prosperity afterward. In the months ahead, as more infrastructure projects are completed and as economic stability returns, more Nigerians will recover from the impact of earlier reforms. Roads are being commissioned, and various forms of infrastructure are springing up across the country. Nigerians must remain patient and allow the president time to implement his vision fully. Some of us stood firmly behind Tinubu from the beginning, even when others pushed forward questionable alternatives. We believed in his Lagos legacy—a city that has become a benchmark for urban development—and we trust that he is replicating that success at the national level.

    Borrowing and the Supreme Court ruling on local governments

    Borrowing, in itself, is not a crime. It only becomes problematic when loans are taken for consumption rather than investment. Eliminating fuel subsidies doesn’t automatically solve all of Nigeria’s complex challenges. Strategic borrowing is still needed to fund critical sectors and prevent stagnation. It’s important to note that governance is not the sole responsibility of the Federal Government. States and local governments also play a crucial role. Unfortunately, many Nigerians overlook the accountability of state governors, even though they now receive up to four times more allocation than during the subsidy era. The poverty people complain about is not exclusively a federal issue. Nigerians should start holding their state governors accountable. What have the 36 governors achieved in the past 24 months with these increased resources? If we evaluate their performance, many would score poorly. Poverty reduction starts at the state and local levels. President Tinubu cannot personally visit every state to address local challenges. Some governors see higher allocations as an opportunity to loot, launching frivolous projects to enrich their inner circle. It’s time Nigerians shift some focus to the states and demand transparency and results from their governors.

    The Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy is being implemented. Once a judgment is delivered by the apex court, it becomes law—no appeal is permitted. The Federal Government has started the process of detaching local governments from the joint account system by facilitating direct accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria. With 774 local government areas, this is ongoing and systematic. Let’s not forget that it was President Tinubu, through the Attorney General of the Federation, who approached the court in the first place. The resistance from governors is understandable—they have long exploited the joint account system to siphon funds. Most governors, regardless of state, prioritize political ambition over the welfare of their people.

    Insecurity, opposition and the coalition movement

    If there’s any election that looks very easy to win, it’s the 2027 presidential election. There is no real coalition, just a gathering of political figures looking for relevance after losing out on appointments or elections. These are not serious contenders. They’ve accused the president of attempting to create a one-party state, but the real question is: who is to blame if that happens? The president isn’t stopping the opposition from organizing. Rather, it’s the failure of the opposition to offer viable alternatives that’s causing their collapse.

    Back in 2003, the entire South-West was lost to the PDP except Lagos. Tinubu stood alone and rebuilt that political base. He didn’t jump ship; instead, he worked hard over two decades to regain ground. Compare that to today’s opposition: disorganized, leaderless, and confused. Even within the PDP, no one can confidently say who their national chairman or secretary is. Peter Obi, if asked privately, probably doesn’t know who heads his own party. That’s how fractured they are. The so-called coalition is merely a group of disgruntled politicians who didn’t make the ministerial list, lost primaries, or failed in other pursuits. They’re not united by ideology or vision but by personal disappointments. That’s why the president will likely win the 2027 election with ease—they’re too busy fighting among themselves to offer serious opposition.

    No country in the world is free from security issues. In Nigeria, the situation is complex. As the government tackles kidnapping in one region, another region might be facing banditry or insurrection. Our military is stretched thin, operating in over 33 states, which isn’t ideal but shows their commitment. We must give credit to the armed forces—these men and women risk their lives so we can sleep. While security may not be perfect, it’s wrong to say nothing is being done. The president meets regularly with security chiefs, not just for show, but to evaluate strategies for different regions. Security is not one-size-fits-all. Each state has its unique challenges, and the government is responding accordingly.

    The president is also working beyond just kinetic solutions. Improving the people’s welfare is a form of security. Political thugs with access to weapons, often backed by powerful figures, are being targeted too. The weapons needed to fight these threats aren’t bought off the shelf—it takes time and money. A single bomb costs about $200,000. That’s money that could dig hundreds of boreholes. So the government must balance resources. President Tinubu is not resting. Despite being over 70, he stays up late into the night, constantly engaging with stakeholders. Some of us believe the number of visitors he receives should be reduced so he can focus more on governance. Yet, he listens to all advice, evaluates it, and considers its merit before making decisions.

    Endorsements don’t equate to votes. Some of those endorsing the president can’t even win elections in their own families. While some are genuine, others are simply looking for relevance. Tinubu doesn’t let such endorsements distract him. He’s focused on performance. Peter Obi received mass endorsements in 2023—even organized a “one million-man march.” Yet, we saw the result. Tinubu knows that performance, not praise, wins elections. In 2027, he’ll present a track record: infrastructure, reforms, policy impacts—concrete achievements, not mere promises. He may essentially run unopposed in 2027. Who’s challenging him? Parties that can’t name their own executives? A divided coalition with conflicting interests? If we’re honest, looking at where Nigeria was on May 29, 2023—subsidy removed, inflation rising—and where we are now, we can already see gradual improvement. The results may not yet be fully visible, but policy indicators suggest recovery.

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    While some ministers are performing excellently—like the Minister of Works and the FCT Minister—others are underwhelming. The Power Ministry needs urgent attention. The current minister does not seem up to the task, and the president is aware. Unlike the Buhari era, Tinubu won’t allow non-performers to remain for four or eight years. He monitors his cabinet closely and receives real-time reports. Take the Housing Ministry, for instance—completely absent in policy and visibility. Since inauguration, the only time the Minister made news was during a handover ceremony with the EFCC. Such appointees must be shown the door. The Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, speaks often but doesn’t follow through. Airline delays, passenger mistreatment, and fare issues persist. You don’t fix that with press statements—you need decisive action. In contrast, Tunji Ojo at the Interior Ministry is working day and night, delivering tangible results. Ministers like that must be encouraged. But those who have faded into the background—like the Minister of State for Petroleum—should be replaced. The Adiza Committee is profiling them, and we expect a cabinet shake-up soon. A non-performing minister is a liability: collecting salary, enjoying privileges, but offering nothing in return. The president must continue to evaluate performance and prioritize the people’s needs.

    Looking ahead to 2027

    Nigerians must pray for and support the president. Nation-building is not the president’s job alone—it’s a collective effort. Every citizen, from the family unit upward, must play a role. If the country fails, we all lose—not just the president. The opposition, frankly, is doing the president a favour by fighting among themselves. Let them continue. Tinubu was once in the opposition himself. He knows the value of structure and long-term planning. Let them build theirs too, not just sit and complain. Their so-called coalition is a joke. They can’t agree on anything, and they leak strategy meetings to the ruling party. How can such a group challenge a disciplined, strategic leader like Tinubu? As 2027 approaches, the president must continue focusing on key sectors—especially electricity and housing. He must ensure his cabinet reflects his vision. Nigerians don’t want excuses—they want results. And if the current momentum continues, Tinubu’s performance may very well win him the next election, with or without opposition.

  • Why Fed Govt suspended FRC Amendment Act 2023

    Why Fed Govt suspended FRC Amendment Act 2023

    The Federal Government has halted the enforcement of contentious provisions in the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Amendment Act 2023 after concerns from private sector stakeholders. While the FRC defends the Act as duly passed through legislative processes, analysts are urging greater autonomy for the council to ensure its independence, in line with global best practices, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    The Federal Government has suspended implementation of contentious provisions in the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) (Amendment) Act 2023, following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. Meanwhile, fresh calls are emerging for the Council to be granted greater operational autonomy, enabling it to function independently in line with its counterparts in other leading economies.

    Under the leadership of Executive Secretary Dr. Rabiu Olowo, the FRC is tasked with developing, publishing, monitoring, and enforcing accounting, auditing, actuarial, valuation, corporate governance, and sustainability standards for Public Interest Entities (PIEs) in Nigeria through its seven specialised directorates. Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole recently announced the suspension after high-level engagements with key industry groups, including the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS).

    Central to the controversy is the reclassification of large private companies as PIEs, requiring them to remit annual dues of between 0.02 and 0.05 per cent of turnover without a ceiling. Critics argue that this contrasts sharply with the N25 million cap applied to publicly listed companies, raising fears that such provisions could escalate compliance costs and dampen investor confidence. Oduwole stressed that the pause reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pro-business stance under his administration’s 8-Point Agenda. She noted that a stakeholder consultation was held on March 26, 2025, leading to the administrative pause and the creation of a Technical Working Group to review the contentious provisions and propose workable reforms.

    Based on the findings, Oduwole said President Tinubu recommended the continuation of the pause pending legislative review. “To provide immediate relief, the Ministry has now directed the Financial Reporting Council to impose an interim cap of N25 million on annual dues for private sector PIEs, aligning them with the publicly quoted companies. This move will ensure regulatory equity, boost investor confidence, and allow for a broader review of the Act, with input from the Ministry of Justice where necessary,” she added.

    In defence of FRC Act 2023

    Analysts have defended the Financial Reporting Council (Amendment) Act 2023, stressing that it underwent the full legislative process before its passage. They note that the amendment did not occur during the tenure of the current Executive Secretary, Dr. Olowo. According to them, the provisions of Section 33 were carefully crafted to distinguish between listed and non-listed entities. Listed companies, they argue, are already subject to rigorous oversight by multiple sectoral regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). In contrast, non-listed entities, which operate with fewer external checks, require an additional layer of scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability.

    “The practice is the same in other jurisdictions. The use of turnover is used in other jurisdictions. It is even higher in Kenya. The organised private sector has forced the government to go against the separation of powers, with a presidential directive being used to amend a law rather than going through the legislative process.  Now they want to go further to dictate how the presidential directive is to be enforced,” they said.

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    The stakeholders further explained that attempts are being made to push for selective amendments to the law without due recourse to the National Assembly. They cautioned that such moves send the wrong signal, especially as the international and business communities are closely observing developments. In their view, it is inappropriate to interfere with a legislative process or to direct and instruct a statutory agency on how to carry out its mandate.

    They added that true independence for regulators like the FRC is critical. In many jurisdictions, similar bodies operate with a high degree of autonomy, safeguarded by the very laws that establish them. Granting the FRC the same independence, they argue, would enhance its credibility, strengthen regulatory oversight, and align Nigeria with global best practices. “What are they telling the FRC to do? Change its laws by itself? Disobey the law of the land? It is a dangerous precedent that would give an agency of government the power to modify its laws at will. If the organised private sector has an issue with the law, let them go to the National Assembly. If they had done so since the beginning of this fight with FRC, the law may have been amended by now. Rather, they have resorted to ambush and arm-twisting the FRC. Changing laws at will is not to be encouraged,” experts said.

    Stakeholders insist that preventing regulatory capture and safeguarding oversight integrity are essential to maintaining the authority of regulatory bodies. “The government must remain vigilant in this regard. Agencies like the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), established through transparent legislative procedures, have their independence and mandates enshrined in law. Any move to subvert or dilute these legal powers—whether by private sector pressure or administrative overreach—risks rendering regulation ineffective. The experience from global counterparts such as FRC UK, FRC Mauritius, and the PCAOB demonstrates the value of strong, independent oversight for corporate accountability,” they said.

    According to them, the notion that regulated entities should influence how they are monitored introduces a structural flaw into the governance system—one that could embolden corruption and trigger avoidable corporate failures. While the OPSN’s willingness to engage government on key economic issues is a welcome development, it must avoid actions that could be interpreted as undermining the law or pushing regulatory agencies to overstep their legal mandate. Instead, OPSN should champion lawful governance and encourage strict adherence to established procedures. “Relying on executive shortcuts to amend laws like the FRC Act may seem expedient, but it undermines democratic norms. When similar approaches are used in other areas, those who once supported administrative fiat may find themselves without moral leverage to object. We therefore encourage OPSN to seek redress through the National Assembly, working through the appropriate committees to build a solid legal foundation for reform. Civil society and conscientious citizens must also insist on the rule of law as the bedrock of effective regulation,” they stated.

    FRC Act 2023 milestones

    In its response to the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) report, the Financial Reporting Council clarified that the 2023 amendment of its Act was designed to strengthen the Council’s capacity and regulatory effectiveness. Key objectives included reducing the size of the Board to minimise conflicts of interest, providing a clearer definition of Public Interest Entities (PIEs) to remove ambiguities, protecting significant private entities from potential failure, and expanding the enforcement powers necessary for the Council to fulfil its statutory mandates.

    The amendment process began on October 28, 2020, when the FRC Board established a six-member committee to review the Financial Reporting Council Act 2011. This was followed by oversight visits by the National Assembly committees on June 17–18, 2021, which identified gaps in the 2011 Act, especially in addressing emerging trends in financial and corporate reporting in Nigeria. The draft Bill progressed through legislative procedures, with readings held on October 7 and November 23, 2021, and a public hearing convened on February 1, 2022, for stakeholder engagement. The Senate passed the Bill on November 30, 2022, and the National Assembly gave final approval on January 31, 2023. It was transmitted to the President on April 5, 2023, signed into law on May 3, 2023, and gazetted on July 19, 2023.

    The FRC’s mandate is to promote trade and investment by ensuring high standards of financial reporting and corporate governance, protecting investors and stakeholders. Its vision is to serve as “the conscience of regulatory assurance in financial reporting and corporate governance in Nigeria,” while its mission focuses on building investor confidence, strengthening oversight, and ensuring quality in accounting, auditing, actuarial, valuation, corporate governance, and sustainability reporting.

    The Financial Reporting Council notes that the definition of Public Interest Entities (PIEs) differs globally but generally hinges on systemic importance, including accountability, economic impact, and market influence. Nigeria’s Section 77 of the FRC Act defines PIEs to include government bodies, listed and regulated entities, public limited companies, holding firms of regulated entities, concessionaires, privatised entities with government interest, and firms handling public works above ₦1 billion or with turnovers exceeding ₦30 billion. FRC says these provisions ensure oversight of entities with major economic and social footprints. Yet, the Council struggles with underfunding, manpower shortages, limited training, scaled-down inspections, and inadequate infrastructure, hindering its ability to fully meet its mandate.

    Transformative strides at the FRC

    In recent years, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has modernised its operations, notably through a sweeping digital transformation and creation of a national financial statements repository to boost transparency and oversight. Two new directorates—Actuarial and Valuation—have expanded its regulatory scope, supported by new rules like ICFR, Rule 13, and Rule 14, plus resumed audit firm inspections.

    The Council has championed actuarial education, issued a Corporate Governance Code for SMEs, and launched the Adoption Readiness Working Group for Sustainability Reporting. Other initiatives include industry-focused IFRS sustainability trainings, establishing an Islamic Financial Services Division, and running “Train the Trainers” programmes for MSME practitioners with UNCTAD ISAR. A structured capacity-building plan for staff and a globally competitive fee regime underscore the FRC’s drive to strengthen Nigeria’s financial reporting and corporate governance landscape.

    Position of NECA and other OPSN members

    In a joint statement, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and other members of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) commended President Tinubu and Dr. Oduwole for suspending contentious provisions of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) (Amendment) Act 2023.

    Signed by the heads of MAN, NACCIMA, NECA, NASSI, NASME, and endorsed by ALTON, OPTS, and over 30 sectoral associations, the statement welcomed the cap on annual dues for private-sector Public Interest Entities (PIEs) at ₦25 million, matching the limit for listed companies. OPSN called it a clear signal of the administration’s pro-investment and Ease of Doing Business commitment. The decision followed months of technical reviews amid fears that the uncapped, turnover-based levy in Section 33 would disproportionately burden large, unlisted firms. OPSN also presented comparative data showing that peer regulators in the UK, US, South Africa, Kenya, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and Egypt favour predictable, proportionate funding through capped fees, appropriations, and profession-linked charges—eschewing open-ended turnover-based levies.

  • Building brighter futures with renewable energy empowerment

    Building brighter futures with renewable energy empowerment

    Seplat Energy, the oil and gas giant, is stepping up its commitment to youth empowerment in Edo State through impactful project design and execution. The NEPL/Seplat Joint Venture (JV) has launched the inaugural edition of its Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP), a skills-building initiative aimed at training Nigeria’s next generation of renewable energy leaders. For the first batch of beneficiaries, the programme marks the beginning of a productive journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

    Tackling youth unemployment requires more than isolated interventions; it demands a comprehensive approach that combines quality education, robust vocational training, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and policies that enable businesses to thrive. Equally vital are strong public–private partnerships, strategic infrastructure investment, and supportive government frameworks that create sustainable pathways for young people.

    Seplat Energy, through the Seplat JV Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP), is demonstrating how these principles translate into impact. YEP, a skills-building initiative of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Joint Venture, recently celebrated its maiden set of beneficiaries in Edo State. In Ologbo N’ugu, a quiet community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, the winds of change are blowing — not heralded by fanfare, but by the hum of solar inverters and the spark of ambition. For years, many youths here have endured unemployment and underemployment, watching opportunities drift away like Harmattan haze. But on May 29, 2025, a new chapter began.

    On that day, 53 young men and women stood proudly, not to entertain an audience but to mark their graduation. They were the first cohort of YEP, trained to become leaders in Nigeria’s growing renewable energy sector. For these beneficiaries, graduation meant more than certificates; it marked a launchpad to self-reliance, employability, and the power to create jobs for others. By equipping youth with practical skills in solar technology and entrepreneurship, YEP embodies what’s possible when businesses invest in communities. Programmes like this prove that when the right training, resources, and support systems converge, young people can transform their lives and, by extension, their communities. Through initiatives like YEP, the vision of reducing youth unemployment becomes more than an aspiration — it becomes an unfolding reality.

    A programme rooted in purpose

    At its heart, the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) is built on a simple yet transformative belief: equip young people with the right skills and knowledge, and they will, in turn, transform their communities. Delivered in partnership with EtinPower Limited, YEP combines hands-on technical training with flexible digital learning, preparing participants for rewarding careers in renewable energy — with a focus on solar installation and maintenance.

    Over several intensive weeks, beneficiaries navigated a blend of virtual modules and field-based sessions, covering energy efficiency, solar panel installation, maintenance, safety protocols, and the fundamentals of small business development. Beyond teaching how solar power works, the programme instils an entrepreneurial mindset, enabling participants to convert clean energy solutions into viable enterprises. By fostering technical competence and business acumen, YEP empowers a generation poised to drive sustainable development and economic renewal in their communities.

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    “This initiative is not just about providing training,” said Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs & Social Performance at Seplat Energy. “This initiative is not just about power. It’s about empowering these young people to become self-sufficient, to drive innovation, and to serve as ambassadors of a cleaner, more sustainable Nigeria.” Afe described the 53 graduates as “torchbearers for a new era” — leaders not just for their community, but for the entire state and, indeed, the country’s evolving energy sector.

    Among the 53 graduates, six participants distinguished themselves — not merely through academic excellence, but with ingenuity, discipline, and a clear entrepreneurial vision. Recognised as the programme’s shining examples, they received empowerment grants during the graduation ceremony — seed funding designed to help them launch their own clean energy ventures. For these six, the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) was far more than a training experience; it became a true springboard, equipping them with the confidence, resources, and support to transform their ideas into thriving businesses and create opportunities that will ripple across their communities.

    Strategic partnership for impact

    The Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) owes much of its strength to a strategic alliance with EtinPower, a Nigerian renewable energy firm that infused the initiative with vital layers of quality, structure, and technology. EtinPower contributed deep industry expertise, access to real-world equipment, and exposure to ongoing projects, while the NEPL/Seplat Joint Venture (JV) ensured an unwavering focus on creating sustainable development opportunities for the people of Ologbo N’ugu and beyond.

    Together, they developed a curriculum that is both locally relevant and globally competitive — an essential milestone for Nigeria, where over 85 million people still live without reliable electricity, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). YEP’s mission dovetails with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 4, 7, and 8, tackling youth unemployment and energy poverty simultaneously. By equipping young people with marketable skills in solar technology and entrepreneurial thinking, the programme empowers them to create businesses that meet urgent energy needs while generating sustainable livelihoods. It also advances Nigeria’s broader Energy Transition Plan (ETP), launched in 2022, which charts a path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

    The programme’s early success has not gone unnoticed. At the graduation ceremony, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Hon. Saturday Egbadon, Director General of the Edo State Electrification Agency, lauded the YEP as a model for public–private collaboration in addressing critical social and economic challenges. “I am greatly thrilled by this development,” he said. “It fits perfectly into our developmental agenda — Operation Light Up Edo State. This initiative is critical in our effort to bring sustainable power to every part of the state, especially underserved and rural communities.”

    His sentiments were echoed by Barrister Felix Osewengie, Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas Matters, who underscored the value of community participation and local resources. He stressed that YEP reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and local content — central pillars of Governor Okpebholo’s governance agenda.

    Views from stakeholders

    Local leaders, too, have recognised the ripple effect of the programme. Chief Gius Eheneden, the Ero of Umughuna, spoke on behalf of the Ologbo N’ugu autonomous community, expressing gratitude for the investment in local youth: “We are delighted at what has happened today,” he said. “We believe this is the beginning of a new dawn in the history of Ologbo N’ugu’s association with the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.” For Chief Eheneden, these youths are no longer passive recipients of aid; they are now active stakeholders in their own futures and, by extension, in the future of their communities.

    The success of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) in Ologbo N’ugu offers a compelling blueprint for other communities across Nigeria. With demand for clean energy rising and nearly half of Nigeria’s population under the age of 19, the potential for a youth-driven renewable energy revolution is immense. By harnessing this demographic dividend, YEP positions young people not merely as job seekers but as catalysts for sustainable development.

    Seplat Energy’s wider community investments — from scholarship schemes to vocational training across Edo, Delta, and Imo States — reinforce its enduring commitment to human capital development. For residents and businesses in Ologbo N’ugu, one reality stands out: the NEPL/Seplat Joint Venture is not only powering homes and enterprises; it is powering possibilities. Through a carefully crafted blend of strategy, partnership, and purpose, YEP is shaping a new narrative for Nigeria — one in which young people generate opportunities rather than wait for them, and where access to energy is created by the very hands it uplifts.

    For the 53 graduates of this maiden edition, the journey has only just begun. Equipped with practical skills, entrepreneurial insight, and the confidence to lead, they now stand at the forefront of a cleaner, more inclusive energy future. Their success is a testament to what becomes possible when vision meets action, and investment in youth becomes investment in the nation’s tomorrow.

    Seplat Energy Plc has announced its audited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, showcasing significant year-on-year growth across all key performance metrics. The company reported revenue of N1.228 trillion, a remarkable surge from N268.6 billion in Q1 2024. Gross profit jumped to N535.4 billion, compared to N63.8 billion year-on-year. Cash generated from operations soared to N464.9 billion, up from N25.2 billion in the same period last year. Profit before tax (PBT) also climbed to N314.6 billion, a sharp increase from N103.5 billion year-on-year.

    Seplat Energy delivered robust production and cost performance during the quarter, positioning the company strongly to meet its full-year 2025 guidance. The firm’s healthy cash flow supported an early repayment of $250 million on its Revolving Credit Facility (RCF), reducing it to $100 million. The company also announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to US 4.6 cents per share. Average production stood at 131,561 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), a 167 percent increase from Q1 2024 (49,258 boepd), and comfortably within the company’s 2025 guidance range of 120,000 to 140,000 boepd.

    Operational safety remained a key highlight, with Seplat Energy recording over 7.3 million man-hours without a Lost Time Injury (LTI). This included 2.5 million hours on Seplat’s onshore-operated assets and 4.8 million hours on assets operated by Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (formerly MPNU). Notably, onshore production averaged 56,196 boepd — 14 percent higher than Q1 2024 — driven by a 10 percent rise in liquids and a 21 percent increase in gas output, following strong performance at the Oben Gas Plant and initial contributions from the newly operational Sapele Gas Plant.

    SEPNU delivered a production contribution of 75,365 boepd, in line with guidance, comprising 88% crude and condensate, 4% NGL, and 8% gas. The idle well restoration programme added approximately 11 kbopd gross JV production from the first ten wells brought back onstream. The Sapele Integrated Gas Plant (SIGP) was successfully commissioned, achieving its first commercial gas sales in February 2025. The plant is currently delivering high-quality processed gas with condensate yields of around 2 kbopd.

    In governance updates, Bello Rabiu, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, and Babs Omotowa, Independent Non-Executive Director, resigned from the Board following their appointment to the NNPC Limited Board. The Board has unanimously appointed Bashirat Odunewu as the new Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.

    Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Energy, Roger Brown, said: “2025 has started positively for Seplat. As we deliver the business at a significantly enhanced scale, our focus is on the successful integration of the combined companies, and I am pleased to report that we are making good progress. It is clear that we can benefit greatly from the combined expertise of our onshore and offshore workforce.”

    He added, “Production has been strong, showing the benefit of the continuous drilling programme, investment in asset integrity and the availability of multiple evacuation routes. Financial performance was also strong, allowing us to be pro-active in materially reducing gross debt, maintaining low balance sheet leverage, and further strengthening our company as the near term global economic outlook becomes less predictable.

    “We remain conservative in our approach, but our confidence in the future trajectory for our business, combined with our strong financial position, means that we are delighted to increase our quarterly dividend to $ 4.6c/share, an 28 per cent increase in our quarterly dividend versus 4Q 2024.”

  • ‘Ending cervical cancer starts with gender-neutral HPV vaccination’

    ‘Ending cervical cancer starts with gender-neutral HPV vaccination’

    With an estimated 12,000 new cervical cancer cases and over 8,000 deaths annually, Nigeria bears the highest burden of cervical cancer in Africa—and ranks seventh globally. It’s a devastating but preventable disease that continues to claim the lives of thousands of women, often in their most productive years. At the recent African Health Business (AHB) conference in Abuja, public health leaders, private sector innovators and policymakers gathered to confront this growing crisis—and to explore a more inclusive, science-driven response. A leading voice at the forum was Zweli Bashman, Managing Director for MSD in Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and a major global supplier of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against the virus responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

    With more than 14 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Bashman also holds influential regional leadership roles: President of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa (IPASA), Deputy Chair of the Pharmaceutical Task Group (PTG), and Vice-Chair of the U.S.–South Africa Business Council. In this exclusive interview with The Nation’s DELE ANOFI, Bashman makes a compelling case for expanding HPV vaccination in Nigeria beyond adolescent girls to include boys and adult women—a shift experts say is essential to breaking the chain of transmission and ultimately eliminating cervical cancer. He speaks on why HPV is not just a women’s issue, how gender-neutral vaccination strategies are succeeding in other African countries, and the critical role of the private sector in closing access and policy gaps. Bashman also shares MSD’s wider strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa, including game-changing innovations in oncology, maternal health, vaccine affordability, and the future of localized manufacturing and regulatory harmonization across the continent. Excerpts:

    Expanding HPV vaccination beyond girls in Nigeria

    The Africa Business Health Conference, which held in Abuja, was quite an insightful meeting. These gatherings are not meant for us to present our perspective, but to create a platform where local stakeholders from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), private healthcare providers, and frontline professionals can engage, share ideas, and shape the path forward. The central discussion was around cervical cancer, a major scourge across Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, in particular, records about 12,000 new cases and over 8,000 deaths annually, making it the highest in Africa and seventh globally. It was important to not only reflect on the burden but to also recognise Nigeria’s impressive strides, including vaccinating over 14 million girls against HPV since 2023. That’s phenomenal progress.

    Scientifically, that boys are also HPV carriers is no longer up for debate. I myself have been vaccinated. The key point is to move beyond the gendered conversation. Vaccination is about protection, and everyone deserves it. Take Cameroon, for instance—they introduced gender-neutral vaccination and saw a boost in vaccine coverage rates because eligibility was no longer divided by gender. Reports suggest that after adopting a single-dose, gender-neutral HPV schedule in 2023, Cameroon’s vaccine uptake in girls tripled, while boys—previously excluded—reached approximately 26 % coverage. We believe Nigeria can benefit similarly. We need to expand the conversation beyond adolescent girls. Women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are still at risk. Boys, too, are carriers of the HPV virus and must be included to break the chain of transmission. We should also consider introducing more advanced HPV vaccines—such as the nonavalent types used in Western countries—which protect against nine strains of the virus and offer broader protection against HPV-related cancers. These steps are critical as we aim to escalate progress over the next few years.

    It is correct that Nigeria vaccinates only girls for HPV, but most countries currently prioritise girls aged 9–14 due to the direct link between HPV and cervical cancer. However, resource limitations often inform this decision. Nigeria receives HPV vaccines through its partnership with Gavi, which currently does not support vaccination for boys. That’s why we advocate for an all-of-society approach. While the government focuses on girls, the private sector can mobilise to support vaccination for boys and adult women. It shouldn’t fall on the government alone.

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    MSD’s role in driving innovation and access to healthcare

    As a leading HPV vaccine manufacturer, MSD is doing a lot to make the vaccine more affordable and accessible, especially in developing countries. We provide innovative health solutions through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and other care across more than 140 countries. Our commitment to expanding healthcare access is reflected in our global policies, programs, and partnerships. Through our long-standing partnership with UNICEF and Gavi, we supply HPV vaccines to over 30 African countries at deeply discounted prices. Last year alone, we reached approximately 17 million girls across the continent. This partnership sets the gold standard for access-driven healthcare.

    Innovation is at our core. One of our flagship products is an immuno-oncology drug, a top-selling pharmaceutical globally, which recently received regulatory approval in Nigeria. We plan to launch it later this year. This immunotherapy—known internationally under the name Keytruda® (pembrolizumab)—has earned approval in multiple high-income and emerging markets for treating aggressive cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and renal cell carcinoma. We also have a promising pipeline with over 60 assets spanning oncology, immunology, cardiovascular diseases, and ophthalmology. Additionally, our RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine—recently approved by U.S. FDA—is being fast-tracked for rollout across Africa. RSV is a major cause of pediatric deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa, so this is an important intervention. My cluster covers 47 countries, including South Africa. We’re rolling out in Kenya, Ghana, French-speaking West Africa, and Southern Africa as part of a pan-continental approach.

    It is a valid concern that some worry that Western medicines may not align with African genomes. However, the HPV vaccine rollout in Nigeria was based on independent decisions made by Nigerian healthcare experts, who reviewed all available options and selected what best suited the country. We also have a strong clinical trial programme emphasising diversity. Africa’s genetic diversity is unmatched, and we’re expanding our clinical footprint beyond South Africa to Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria to ensure our products are tested on relevant populations.

    The perception or belief of conspiracy theories linking the HPV vaccine to infertility is incorrect because the vaccine is absolutely safe—I’d say 100 % safe. These vaccines have gone through rigorous pre-registration clinical trials and regulatory scrutiny globally and locally, including by NAFDAC. There is no evidence that HPV vaccines cause infertility. We understand that vaccine phobia and misinformation are widespread, especially with social media. That’s why it’s crucial for us, policymakers, regulators, and the media to educate the public and dispel myths. While the HPV vaccination programme may be relatively new in Nigeria, similar programmes have been running across the world for more than a decade. In Africa, Rwanda has had one of the oldest HPV programmes, and the country still records a healthy birth rate. So, if the proof is in the pudding, I’d say we’ve seen no evidence, on the continent or globally, that supports those concerns. That says it all.

    One of the biggest historical barriers was the duplication of regulatory efforts across 54 countries, each requiring separate submissions and lengthy timelines. But with the introduction of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), we’re seeing transformative change. We recently participated in a pilot where we submitted two products and secured registration in nearly 20 countries within 12 months through just one submission. That kind of efficiency is groundbreaking and directly improves access to high-quality medicines and vaccines across the continent.

    On affordability concerns and how MSD is addressing all of that to ensure more equitable access to your products, I will say our approach is twofold. First, through meaningful partnerships with Gavi, UNICEF, and governments, we provide products at deeply discounted prices in more than 30 African countries. Second, we believe in purposeful collaboration with governments, insurers, and patients to develop affordability models tailored to local health ecosystems. We’ve seen this work well in Botswana. The government proactively engaged with us on providing oncology treatments through the public sector. That collaboration made Botswana the first African country where our oncology product is publicly available. We want to replicate that model elsewhere.

    Our footprint in Nigeria is growing rapidly. Through our partnership with UNICEF and Gavi, we’ve helped vaccinate 14 million Nigerian girls against HPV. That alone is a game-changer for public health. Beyond that, we have a long-standing medicine-donation program—the Mectizan Donation Programme—providing free treatment to eliminate river blindness. We’ve also established a dedicated team under our “MSD for Mothers” initiative, with a representative based in Lagos managing maternal health projects across Nigeria. What excites me most is what’s ahead: we recently received local product registrations, allowing us to commercialize more innovations. We’re finalising a partnership with a local commercial distributor, hiring local personnel, and investing in infrastructure to ensure sustainable access to our medicines across Nigeria and the wider West Africa region.

    A future without cervical cancer: Partnerships, progress and public trust

    From HPV vaccines to oncology innovations, these new medicines bring tremendous impact to Nigeria’s healthcare system.  Let’s start with HPV vaccines, which prevent cervical cancer and protect adolescent girls at scale. Then, our oncology innovations are revolutionizing cancer treatment. We’re talking about a single immunotherapy product—Keytruda®, approved for 27 different cancer indications globally—including triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive subtype that accounts for up to 60 % of breast cancer cases in Nigeria. It’s no exaggeration to say this product has turned what used to be a death sentence into a survivable condition, adding as much as seven extra years of life to patients. Our presence ensures consistent availability and supply—crucial for continuity of care.

    We support localisation but manufacturing pharmaceuticals requires economies of scale. For niche or lower-volume products, localised manufacturing might actually raise costs due to reduced efficiency. A meaningful localization strategy for Africa would require regional or continental coordination—leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) or Africa CDC—where one manufacturing hub could serve multiple countries. That kind of harmonization hasn’t fully happened yet. However, for larger-scale products or programmes, countries like Nigeria could certainly qualify for localised manufacturing, especially if the political will and regional cooperation align.

    MSD for Mothers is very active in Nigeria. We have a dedicated staff member based in Lagos who manages our maternal health programs. Nigeria and Kenya are our two largest investment markets for this initiative on the continent. Through MSD for Mothers, we focus on improving maternal health outcomes by strengthening health systems, improving access to quality care, and working with local partners. We’re happy to share a detailed info pack outlining our current and past interventions in Nigeria. Our oncology immunotherapy product is approved for treating triple-negative breast cancer, among others. This is significant because TNBC currently lacks many effective treatment options and disproportionately affects Nigerian women. The availability of this treatment offers real hope where previously there was very little.

  • How communities are battling plastic pollution, turning trash to cash

    How communities are battling plastic pollution, turning trash to cash

    Though a global crisis, communities across Nigeria are rising to the existential threat of plastic pollution. From door-to-door plastic collection programmes to innovative community-led clean-ups and recycling centres, as well as strategic partnerships with businesses, governments and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), grassroots efforts are yielding fruit. CHIKODI OKEREOCHA, JULIANA AGBO, TOBA ADEDEJI and ONIMISI ALAO examine how communities, entrepreneurs and environmental advocates are combating the menace of plastic pollution, transforming it into a tool for empowerment and job creation.

    Doubeli is a community around central Jimeta in Yola North Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria. Doubeli is known for its famous divisional police headquarters and exit point from an equally famous bridge which, crossing the River Benue at that axis, admits travellers into Yola, the state capital, from the northern part of the state.

    Contrastingly, Doubeli also has an infamous feature: a notoriously huge garbage dump which tells an ugly story of environmental untidiness. While the dump remains in place at least, as at last weekend, much of the waste, particularly its plastic elements, was gone.

    The Nation learnt that it took the intervention of the Yola Renewal Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that has, for many years, been leading the charge for a cleaner Yola, to change the story of the dump that has blighted the Doubeli Community and its environs.

    Narrating how the change in the dump began, the Foundation’s Programme and Partnership Lead, Mr. Jimmy Lot said: “When we carried out a research, we noticed that the eyesore you always notice along the Doubeli section of the Jimeta By-pass, the extensive waste dump, has a linkage with the River Benue at the Jimeta axis. When it rains, flood carries the waste, including the plastic materials, into the river.”

    But it wasn’t just the eyesore that the monstrous waste dump became that roused the Foundation into taking immediate and sustained action to remedy the situation. The health hazard it posed was also particularly unacceptable to the Foundation.

    Lot explained it thus: “Over time, the plastic degrades and fish feed on it. When the fish eats, it doesn’t digest in their system. The fish eventually ends up in the market, and people buy and eat it. This makes us prone to cancer.” He described the situation as “particularly far-reaching because the River Benue is a long river.”

    Lot did not stop there. “When we throw out or let our plastic waste get into the river, we are harming not only ourselves but also people a long way off in communities along the river,” he added, noting that this was why the notorious Doubeli garbage dump was tamed and four other communities similarly saved.

    He said after research uncovered that Yola is a huge contributor of plastic waste, particularly in Doubeli, Borongi, Rumde, Angwan Tana, and Jambutu communities, the Foundation picked those five communities and concentrated efforts in removing the waste.

    But in doing so, the NGO literally killed two beds with a stone. Its plastic waste disposal campaign turned into a tool for wealth creation. “We engaged youths we called Eco-champions who were stationed in those communities. Their responsibility was collecting plastic waste from households,” Lot said.

    According to him, the Foundation began paying N30 per kilogram (kg) of plastic waste to the Eco-champions and raised it gradually to N100. He pointed out that between 2021 and 2023, the project collected more than 350 tons of plastic waste, inclusive of sachet polythene bags.

    Lot further revealed that the project, which empowered thousands of youths, became a strong justification for the building of a plastic recycling hub by the Foundation in Sangere, Numan Road, Yola.

    The recycling hub, inaugurated in 2023, was designed to convert plastic waste into flex and pellets by collecting plastics, sorting them into different colours and qualities, shredding them, and transporting them to plastic manufacturers, mostly in Abuja and Lagos.

    The hub came three years after the Foundation had been collecting waste and needed a facility to process it for further use.

    However, Doubeli Community in Yola is not the only community in Nigeria that now boasts a trash-to-wealth story, galvanised by the fight against plastic pollution. In Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chanja Datti is the home of waste recycling and a leader in the green revolution.

    Checks by The Nation reveal that Chanja Datti has leveraged community-led initiatives and partnerships to change the narrative in the plastic waste space.

    For instance, partnering with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), GIZ, Transcorp, Coca-Cola and other private entities, Chanja Datti focuses on the collection of recyclables such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastics, aluminium cans, papers and old newspapers, cardboard, cartons, tires and glass bottles.

    These recyclables are transferred as raw materials in flakes/baled form to manufacturers or Chanja Datti’s clients for complete recycling into other finished products. Similar to the Yola Renewal Foundation’s waste-to-wealth template, Chanja Datti offers competitive prices for its collection and disposal services.

    Residents earn points based on the volume of recyclables they contribute, redeemable for household items or cash. For many low-income families, this has been a lifeline.

    “I used to throw everything away; now, we keep our plastics for the Chanja Datti. The money we earn helps with school supplies, Hauwa Musa, a mother of three, said.

    Students, youths in Osun dig in

    In Osun State, Southwest Nigeria, students and youths on campuses across the state are also at the forefront of turning waste, especially plastic waste, into a fortune. This, The Nation gathered, was a sequel to the commencement of advocacy by the Osun State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy, to campuses in the state to educate students on plastic waste.

    Khadijat, a student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, said students normally dispose of plastic indiscriminately until last year when the advocacy began.

    According to her, we used to dump the plastic alongside other waste, but I think a government official came to our campus last year and spoke with student union leaders and the school management. They later gave them a place where we dump our plastic waste and collect money.

    A student of Osun State Polytechnic, who identified herself as Fisayo, also said: “Since they created a special dump site for plastic waste, we always compete among ourselves to gather used plastic both in school and outside the school. We are given money according to the weight of what we gather. The money we get from this is used to cater for our personal needs.”

    Oluwashina Odebode, another youth, who just concluded the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), said that about two months ago, she attended a climate change programme organised by the Osun State Government, which was held in Ede. She said it was from the programme that she picked personal interest in having her own dump, which she began last month at Agunbelewo, Osogbo.

    While students and youth in the state appear to have struck gold, literally, by gathering used plastic waste for cash, the Osun State Government said it has concluded plans to build the largest plastic waste recycling plant to tackle pollution in the state.

    The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Renewable Energy, Ministry of Environment, Funmiso Babarinde, explained that the state has been deliberate about pollution in the past two years, and has, through the Office of Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Circular Economy, been educating the people that “no waste is a waste until you waste it.”

    Babarinde’s words: “Everything we use now can be recycled for another product. We now have vehicles across the state that pick up plastic and other waste to our major dump sites in Osogbo, Iwo, Ife and Ilesa, among other small dump sites scattered across the state. We have stepped up collection process of these wastes individually and collectively.”

    The foregoing tales of local partnerships—with businesses, governments and environmental organisations to battle the scourge of plastic pollution—mirror the situation across the country where community-led efforts to reduce plastic waste, promote recycling and encourage sustainable practices have taken centre stage in a bid to combat the existential threat posed by plastic pollution.

    An escalating global crisis of unimaginable scale, about 23 million tons of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems annually, contaminating lakes, rivers and seas, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This pollution disrupts natural habitats, accelerates climate change and undermines sustainable development.

    As if this is not scary enough, global plastic consumption is projected to reach 516 million tons this year, with fears that if current consumption patterns continue, it will rise to over 1.2 billion tons annually by 2060.

    Although plastics have benefits, including energy savings and resource conservation, the snag is that the rising plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the planet and health. For instance, across the globe, plastic pollution is contaminating water supplies, food sources and the air people breathe.

    The thing is that as plastics break down, they enter the food chain. Micro-plastics have been detected in human arteries, lungs, brains and breast milk.

    According to experts, environmental factors contribute to the deaths of about 13 million people worldwide yearly. Almost half of these fatalities are attributed to air pollution, with the health and economic costs of unhealthy air pollution currently put at $2.9 trillion.

    Nigeria badly hit

    Nearer home, Nigeria, Africa’s largest and most populous country boasts an unenviable record as world’s second-largest producer of plastic waste, producing between 3-3.5 million tons of plastic waste annually.

    A significant portion of this huge plastic waste ends up in waterways, blocking drainage systems across the country, increasing the risk of urban flooding and polluting the Atlantic coastline.

    Indeed, Nigeria’s marine biodiversity and public health have never been this threatened. Lagos State, the country’s commercial nerve centre, alone generates about 2,250 tons of plastic waste, making it the city with the highest emitter of plastic pollution in the world. Some of the plastics find their way into water bodies where they disrupt marine ecosystems.

    Some of the plastic wastes also settle on the seabed or drift onto beaches in many coastal areas across the country, especially in the Niger Delta region, where inhabitants daily inundate the authorities with complaints that the plastics alter natural habitats, especially for species such as seabirds and turtles that rely on these areas for nesting and feeding.

    It is easy to see how this is so. Experts say that when plastics break down under heat and saltwater, they release toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates—synthetic chemicals used in making polycarbonate plastic—polluting freshwater sources and marine life. These chemicals are not just harmful to aquatic organisms; they also make their way into the food chain, eventually reaching humans.

    An environmental advocate and former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim lamented that “plastic waste has become a silent invader in our homes, rivers, oceans and even our food chain.”

    According to him, plastic waste threatens wildlife, undermines public health and disrupts ecosystems in ways that demand immediate and sustained action.

    “From clogged drainage systems in our cities to polluted waterways in our rural communities, the evidence of plastic pollution is everywhere,” Olawepo-Hashim said, warning that “Nigeria, like many other countries, is not immune to these dangers.”

    The occasion was this year’s “World Environment Day,” which focused on tackling plastic pollution by urging countries, organisations and individuals to act together to protect the planet.

    Observed on June 5, Olawepo-Hashim seized the platform of the 2025 World Environment Day whose theme was “Ending Plastic Pollution” to insist that “Nigerians must rethink our relationship with plastic.”

    Lagos State bans single-use plastics

    However, in a bid to contain the health and environmental hazards of plastic pollution, the Lagos State Government, in January 2024, banned the use of Styrofoam and single-use plastics, enforceable from July 1, 2025. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab cited clogged drainage, rampant littering and increased flooding as reasons for the ban.

    But the ban, which aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability, did not go down well with some stakeholders, particularly those in the plastics manufacturing sector.

    For instance, the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) expressed concern that the proposed nationwide ban on single-use plastics would lead to closures of many small and medium manufacturing enterprises and undoubtedly have a telling impact on the operational landscape for businesses across diverse sectors.

    MAN said Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the plastics industry are particularly vulnerable to the negative impact of the ban, as these businesses often have limited resources to invest in new technologies or retool their operations.

    “Consequently, they may face significant challenges in adapting to the new regulatory environment. The closure of SMEs can have far-reaching consequences for local economies, as they contribute to job creation, tax revenue and supply chain stability,” MAN stated.

    On his part, the CEO of Printrite Foundation for Sustainable Environment and Education, a non-profit organisation, Austin Igwe said it’s not just about asking the government to ban single-use plastics; it’s about providing practical, eco-friendly substitutes that people can adopt easily.

    The Foundation launched an initiative aimed at reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastics in 2024. The initiative, called the Plastic Alternative Container (PAC) Project, introduced a range of practical and sustainable containers as substitutes for conventional single-use plastics.

    Igwe said the PAC Project features biodegradable and 100 per cent recyclable materials designed to replace non-degradable plastics commonly used in markets and other commercial spaces.

    The goal, he said, is to provide a practical solution that not only reduces plastic waste but also minimises health risks associated with plastic usage.

    According to him, the initiative goes beyond merely advocating for policy changes. “While advocacy is important, we felt the need to take a step further by offering a viable alternative. It’s not just about asking the government to ban single-use plastics; it’s about providing practical, eco-friendly substitutes that people can adopt easily,” Igwe emphasised.

    Communities turn trash to cash, create jobs

    Faced with the formidable existential threat foisted on them by plastic pollution, a coalition of communities, entrepreneurs and environmental advocates refused to succumb to the threat.

    Accordingly, across communities affected by the menace, local innovation and partnerships with businesses, governments and NGOs, exemplified by the Doubeli Community in Yola, Chanja Datti in Abuja, students and youths on campuses across Osun State, and even foundations aimed at reclaiming the environment are showing promise.

    However, while grassroots efforts sow seeds of change, environmental experts insist that sustainable transformation requires systemic support. An environmentalist, Jude Ozo said despite these successes, challenges persist. He said, for instance, that in many rural areas, there is no formal waste collection system.

    He said even where infrastructure exists, poor maintenance and lack of community buy-in slow progress. Also, public education around waste sorting remains low, and in several states, environmental policies exist only in name.

    “People see plastic waste as dirty or worthless. Changing perception is just as important as building bins and trucks,” Ozo told The Nation.

    Another challenge, he said, lay in the cultural shift needed to change people’s attitudes toward waste. Despite the growing awareness of the environmental crisis, many Nigerians still view waste management as the responsibility of the government, rather than as a shared community effort.

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    Other challenges

     Two years after the Yola Renewal Foundation inaugurated its plastic recycling hub in Sangere, Numan Road, Yola, Mr Lot said the hub is confronting the rising cost of production owing to the ever-growing cost of obtaining plastic waste.

    His words: “The plastic recycling hub remains open, but we are facing the challenge of obtaining sufficient plastic waste. The competition for it has become stiffer. Currently, we have many people participating in it. Even the Chinese are coming to Yola to buy these used plastic items.

    “We find now that when you put the expenditure into consideration, if not because we are an organisation with donor funding, the business (of waste recycling) is not sustainable. The cost of plastic items has risen sharply. One kg of plastic waste now is more than N200. We are talking about 50kg, 100kg, a ton that we need at a time. You have members of staff to pay, and you have a machine to service.

    “The challenge is in the area of getting raw material. It is available, but the cost is the issue. Suppliers have more people to sell to and are raising the cost. These Chinese, in particular, their coming pushed the price up. By implication, it’s more profitable for plastic waste pickers now than the average local recycling person.”

    The Yola Renewal Foundation, according to Lot, got funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) for a Trash-to-Cash project in 2021, aimed at turning plastic pollution into environmental cleanliness.

    “One of the objectives of that was to build the capacity of youths and empower them to get plastic waste out of the environment,” he explained, adding that another objective was to build a factory that could recycle waste mopped from communities selected for the project.

    A third objective, he revealed, was to liaise with big waste handlers called aggregators who buy from waste pickers and get them to be responsible for their waste pickers by rewarding them more adequately and guiding them against crime.

    But with the challenge of sustainability, particularly around the high cost of getting raw materials, the Foundation appears to be at a loss on how to continue with its Trash-to-Cash project.

    That’s not all. The campaign to get plastic waste out of the way suffered a setback in August 2024 when Governor Ahmadu Fintiri banned scavenging throughout the state, citing scavengers who were stealing valuable properties, among other crimes, in addition to waste picking.

    For a plastic pollution-free Nigeria

    An environmental economist, Dr Andy Obinna, did not mince words that without nationwide waste infrastructure and tighter monitoring, grassroots efforts risk being overwhelmed.

    “Policies look great on paper, but enforcement is weak, especially outside Lagos and Abuja,” he said.

    Ogbemudia stressed the importance of involving citizens and diverse stakeholders in the environmental policy-making process, noting that public participation provides valuable insights that help government officials better understand community needs and priorities.

    He added that engaging stakeholders also fosters ownership of policies, making implementation smoother and more effective.

    Experts also recommend that communities see waste as a resource not a curse, noting that the environmental benefits are real.

    “In northern Nigeria, where desertification threatens livelihoods, local NGOs use plastic mulch to conserve water in arid farms showing that recycling isn’t just urban, it’s agriculturally strategic,” a consultant with UNDP, who spoke anonymously, said.

    “Plastic pollution is a development issue but also an untapped opportunity,” CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe, stated, noting that “if we do not treat it as urgent and systemic, it will keep undermining livelihoods, health and climate goals.”

    She spoke recently when Sterling One Foundation, as part of activities marking World Environment Day, took concrete steps to confront the plastic pollution crisis through community-led cleanups, strategic partnerships and ongoing policy engagement.

    •This special report is on the behest of The Nation Journalism Foundation (tNJF)

  • CBN reforms drive naira recovery, restore card use abroad

    CBN reforms drive naira recovery, restore card use abroad

    Over the past two years, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented a series of tough reforms aimed at addressing long-standing challenges to price and exchange rate stability. These reforms have begun to yield measurable results — including a rise in international reserves, improved access to forex through official channels, a sustained naira rally across markets, and the resumption of overseas transactions with naira cards by commercial banks, writes Assistant Editor COLLINS NWEZE

    Until recently, one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s economy was limited access to foreign exchange (forex). This constraint often forced businesses and travelers to rely on the parallel FX market, creating arbitrage opportunities that fueled speculation and further destabilized the system. In response, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) launched a series of bold reforms aimed at attracting foreign capital, stabilising prices and restoring confidence in the exchange rate regime.

    In 2023, under a new administration and the leadership of CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, the foreign exchange market was liberalized. The central bank ended its financing of fiscal deficits, while the federal government reformed the costly fuel subsidy system, improved revenue collection, and moved to curb inflation.

    These coordinated measures have begun to yield results. International reserves have grown, and access to forex through the official market has significantly improved. Nigeria returned to international capital markets in December and has since earned positive credit rating upgrades. Meanwhile, the emergence of a major private refinery signals progress toward value addition in a fully deregulated petroleum sector.

    Naira cards resume international usage as naira gains

    With rising dollar liquidity, Nigerian banks have lifted over three years moratorium on the use of naira-funded debit cards abroad as dollar liquidity rises. This has also led to significant appreciation of the naira against the dollar and other global currencies. Already, the naira has made significant appreciation in recent months.  In the parallel market, the naira appreciated, closing at N1,550/$1 on Friday—up from N1,555/$1 on Thursday. From Monday to Wednesday, the currency remained stable at N1,560/$1, according to market surveillance in Lagos.

    At the official rate, the naira ended last week at N1,532/$1, stronger than it exchanged the previous week. Three Tier-1 banks and mid-tier bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, FirstBank, GTBank and Wema Bank Plc respectively, have announced the resumption of international transactions on their naira debit cards. The development comes about three years after many banks suspended international transactions on naira debit cards or dip in dollar liquidity, forcing many local lenders to restrict transactions of local cards abroad. Transactions are however, allowed for dollar-funded cards, usually linked to cardholders’ domiciliary accounts. In recent months, analysis of FX inflows in the last few months showed that Nigeria attracted $5.96 billion monthly inflows from May 2025 till date.

    Industry report showed that Nigeria’s foreign exchange market witnessed a significant boost in May, with total inflows rising by 62.0 per cent month-on-month (M-o-M) to $5.96 billion, driven largely by increased participation from domestic and foreign investors. This marked one of the highest inflow level in recent months and signals improving market sentiment amid macroeconomic reforms and a relatively stable naira. In emailed note to investors, analysts at Financial Derivatives Company Limited attributed rising FX inflows to surge in oil prices and multiple inflow channels created by the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

    The CBN has in recent months, activated multiple FX sources to increase dollar inflows, boost dollar access to manufacturers and retail end users and support naira recovery across markets. From moves to improve diaspora remittances through new product development, the granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller FX model, and enabling timely access to naira liquidity for IMTOs, the apex bank has simplified dollar-inflow channels for authorized dealers and other players in the value chain.

    In a notice to customers, the UBA said the resumption aligns with its continued commitment to providing clients with seamless and enhanced banking experiences. “In line with our continued commitment to providing you with seamless and enhanced banking experiences, we are pleased to inform you that all UBA Premium Naira Cards, including Gold, Platinum, and World variants are now enabled for international transactions.

    “This means you can now use your Premium Naira Card for everyday payments, online shopping, POS, and ATM transactions across the world, with more ease and flexibility. If you haven’t used your card recently, now’s a great time to rediscover the convenience and prestige that comes with being a UBA premium cardholder,” the bank said.

    Also announcing the development in a recent statement, Wema Bank said customers can now “pay in dollars” with their naira cards. “Your Wema Naira Mastercard just went global! Now you can pay in dollars on all your favourite international platforms; Amazon, eBay, AliExpress? Netflix, Spotify, YouTube,” the bank said.

    In emailed note to customers, FirstBank said its Naira Mastercard can now be used for international transactions. “Shop online or spend up to $500 every month on your preferred channel seamlessly,” the bank said.  Guaranty Trust Bank pegged its quarterly transaction limits across different channels at $1,000 for online and PoS transactions while ATM transactions are limited to $500.

    The banks had earlier announced the resumption of international transactions on their naira debit cards. In a report, head of financial institutions ratings at Agusto & Co, Ayokunle Olubunmi, said the improved liquidity in the foreign exchange (FX) market supported banks’ decision to reactivate their naira cards for global transactions. “The moderating premium on the parallel market transactions and the reduced arbitrage opportunities is also responsible for the decision,” he said.

    Records showed that many banks, including Stanbic IBTC Bank, United Bank for Africa, Access Bank, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, GTBank among others have at some point, reviewed international spending limit on naira cards, while at other times suspended transactions on such cards unless they are linked to dollar-funded domiciliary accounts. Analysts said that by allowing travelers use their naira-cards abroad, the banks are making it easy for cardholders to pay their hotel bills, make reservations and carry out other transactions using their debit cards.

    FX reserves position rises as net FX reserve accretion surges

    Cardoso-led CBN recently announced quantum leap in the net FX reserve position at $23.11 billion at the end of last year. The CBN boss had, upon assuming office in October 2023, prioritised reforms to rebuild Nigeria’s economic buffers and strengthen resilience. In the foreign exchange market, the apex bank faced a backlog of over $7 billion in unfulfilled commitments and a fragmented FX regime characterized by multiple forex rates, which had encouraged arbitrage opportunities.

    This regime stifled much needed foreign investment, and led to the depletion of our external reserves which fell to $33.22 billion in December 2023. “Over the past year, we have undertaken critical reforms to unify Nigeria’s exchange rate, eliminating distortions and restoring transparency. This unification has enabled us to clear the outstanding foreign exchange obligations, giving businesses—ranging from manufacturers to airlines—the confidence to plan and invest in the future. To further enhance the functionality of the foreign exchange market, we are introducing an electronic FX matching system, which has proven effective in other markets,” Cardoso said.

    According to the apex bank data, NFER stood at $23.11 billion, the highest level in over three years, a marked increase from $3.99 billion at year-end 2023, $8.19 billion in 2022, and $14.59 billion in 2021. The NFER, which adjusts gross reserves to account for near-term liabilities such as FX swaps and forward contracts, is widely regarded as a more accurate indicator of the foreign exchange buffers available to meet immediate external obligations. Gross external reserves also increased to $40.19 billion, compared to $33.22 billion at the close of 2023.

    The increase in reserves reflects a combination of strategic measures undertaken by the CBN, including a deliberate and substantial reduction in short-term foreign exchange liabilities – notably swaps and forward obligations. The strengthening was also spurred by policy actions to rebuild confidence in the FX market and increase reserve buffers, along with recent improved foreign exchange inflows – particularly from non-oil sources.

    The result is a stronger and more transparent reserves position that better equips Nigeria to withstand external shocks. The expansion occurred even as the CBN continues to reduce short-term liabilities, thereby improving the overall quality of the reserve position. “This improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability. We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms,” Cardoso said.

    Reserves have continued to strengthen in 2025. While the first quarter figures reflected some seasonal and transitional adjustments, including significant interest payments on foreign-denominated debt, underlying fundamentals remain intact, and reserves are expected to continue improving over the second quarter of this year. Going forward, the CBN anticipates a steady uptick in reserves, underpinned by improved oil production levels, and a more supporting export growth environment expected to boost non-oil FX earnings and diversify external inflows.

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    The CBN said it remains committed to prudent reserve management, transparent reporting, and macroeconomic policies that support a stable exchange rate, attract investment, and build long-term resilience. Foreign capital inflows to the domestic economy remains crucial elements in the drive to achieve monetary and fiscal policy stability. The apex bank is cultivating more sources of FX to increase dollar inflows, boost access to manufacturers and retail end users. From moves to boost diaspora remittances through new product development, the granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller FX model, and enabling timely access to naira liquidity for IMTOs, the CBN has simplified dollar-inflow channels for FX dealers to boost business and economic growth.

    President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Aminu Gwadabe, said the policy shifts showed the level of creativity, policy and hard work the Cardoso puts in ensuring that more forex flows into the economy and remain accessible to businesses. He said diaspora remittances to Nigeria, estimated at $23 billion annually remain a reliable source of forex to the domestic economy. There are also other sources and policies that are being explored by the apex bank to keep dollar inflows coming.

    Way forward

    In emailed report, the IMF’s mission chief to Nigeria and an assistant director in the IMF’s African Department, Axel Schimmelpfennig disclosed that to address these challenges, Nigeria needs stronger and more sustained growth to lift millions of people out of poverty and food insecurity, which is what the authorities are focusing on. “This does not happen overnight. In the meantime, making growth more inclusive also requires scaling up the existing cash transfer system.  Second, as an essential ingredient for economic development, Nigeria needs an effective budget framework. Delivering effective investments in people and infrastructure requires realistic budget assumptions, strong expenditure management, and transparent implementation and reporting—which, in turn, can strengthen accountability. For its part, monetary policy should continue to decisively tackle inflation and reduce economic uncertainty,” he said.

  • Inside the AI system driving Africa’s lending revolution

    Inside the AI system driving Africa’s lending revolution

    What if credit worked for everyone—not just the privileged few? That question drives Vida AI, the groundbreaking platform from VeendHQ, co-founded by fintech leader Olufemi Olanipekun. In a market plagued by defaults and exclusion, Vida is using intelligent infrastructure to fix what’s broken—real-time scoring, income-linked repayments and fraud-proof verification. With $18M disbursed to over 314,000 Nigerians, it’s transforming access to credit across Africa’s informal economy. Olanipekun, who earned his B.Sc. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Olabisi Onabanjo University—where he wrote his first production-grade code—shares his insights on why traditional credit systems fail and how Vida AI is solving the problem at scale. Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF provides the excerpts:

    Why and how Vida AI was born

    In 2014, I joined the team that built Paylater (now Carbon), Nigeria’s first fully digital lending app. This was a pivotal time, as we pioneered online credit in a space that had previously relied heavily on manual processes. A year later, I led engineering on PayWithCapture for Access Bank, my first real immersion into card infrastructure and payment collection systems. That experience taught me how deeply technical innovation can transform financial accessibility. From 2016 to 2020, I joined Flutterwave as an early engineer and later transitioned into Product Management. During that time, I helped build and scale the checkout and payouts infrastructure that now powers thousands of merchants across Africa. It was a high-growth, high-impact environment that exposed me to the operational backbone of digital commerce.

    In 2020, I took a leap and launched a dev shop focused on automating processes for lending institutions. While building for different players in the ecosystem, I kept seeing the same pain point resurface: collections—not disbursements—were the real bottleneck. While many fintechs obsessed over getting money out quickly, few had cracked how to get it back reliably. That insight became the foundation of VeendHQ, which I co-founded in 2021. We built Vida AI, our proprietary credit infrastructure, to solve the toughest problems in lending: collections, credit profiling, and dynamic scoring. Since launch, Veend has disbursed over $18 million to more than 314,000 Nigerians, helping lenders and merchants reduce defaults, speed up approvals, and reach customers traditionally excluded from formal credit. At Veend, we’re not just building lending tools—we’re building the infrastructure for smarter, safer credit in Africa. From real-time underwriting to income-linked repayments, we’re transforming how financial service providers engage their customers, especially in emerging markets where trust and efficiency are critical. My journey began with a line of code. Today, it’s about empowering millions through intelligent credit systems that create lasting impact.

    The credit gaps Vida AI was built to solve

    In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, credit remains a privilege out of reach for the majority. Millions of individuals—particularly in the informal economy—are locked out of formal lending because traditional systems fail to capture their financial reality. Vida AI was built to change that. By addressing three of the most critical gaps in Nigeria’s credit ecosystem, it aims to unlock access to responsible lending for those long ignored by legacy systems.

    The first gap is the widespread lack of credit history. Over 60% of Nigerian adults have no record with the major credit bureaus, making it nearly impossible for lenders to assess their risk using traditional scoring methods. Vida AI bridges this gap by combining bureau data with rich alternative data—from telco usage and savings behaviour to POS transaction volumes. This fusion creates real-time, dynamic credit profiles, allowing lenders to make informed decisions about individuals with no formal borrowing history.

    The second major challenge is repayment reliability. For most lenders, disbursing loans is not the hard part—getting their money back is. Vida solves this by tying repayments directly to the borrower’s income sources. Whether it’s payroll or accounts linked to a customer’s Bank Verification Number (BVN), Vida intelligently routes repayments, drastically reducing default rates and improving loan performance across the board. A third barrier to scaling credit in Nigeria is speed. Traditional underwriting is often manual, slow and expensive, taking days to process even simple loans. Vida’s AI-driven decisioning engine enables approvals in under 60 seconds, making it ideal for real-time credit products like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). This speed not only improves user experience but allows lenders to operate efficiently and competitively in a market that demands instant service.

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    Beyond solving these operational pain points, Vida AI aligns closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s goal of achieving 95% financial inclusion by 2025. It does so by removing the onboarding friction that prevents millions from accessing financial services. With one-click identity verification, real-time credit scoring and embedded infrastructure that keeps costs low, Vida enables even first-time borrowers to access formal credit quickly and affordably. Lenders, in turn, are able to expand their reach without increasing risk.

    Perhaps most importantly, Vida AI provides a path to financial inclusion for those in Nigeria’s vast informal economy—market traders, subsistence farmers, artisans, and transport workers—who are routinely excluded from traditional finance. Instead of relying solely on payslips or tax records, Vida assesses creditworthiness through unconventional but insightful indicators like daily sales from POS terminals, mobile airtime patterns, or cooperative savings contributions. This makes it possible to assess a tomato seller in Kaduna or a pepper farmer in Benue with the same rigor as a salaried worker in Lagos. In a country where identity inconsistencies and data sparsity often lead to loan rejections, Vida uses a triangulation method—merging BVN, NIN, biometrics, and facial recognition. When data is inconclusive, it initiates secondary verification steps like ID selfies rather than outright rejection. This approach makes Vida inclusive, adaptive and resilient—designed for Nigeria’s complexities and built for its future.

    In a market plagued by high default rates, fraud and widespread distrust in digital lending platforms, Vida AI is taking a different path—one grounded in transparency, intelligent design and inclusiveness. With a robust AI-driven infrastructure, Vida is not only solving technical and operational inefficiencies in Nigeria’s credit system, but also tackling the deeper cultural and behavioral challenges that have held back financial inclusion for decades.

    One of the most pressing issues in Nigeria’s digital lending space is fraud. From identity theft to loan stacking, lenders routinely face losses due to deceptive or duplicate loan applications. Vida AI counters this with a multi-layered fraud detection system. At the identity level, the platform validates borrower identities using data triangulation across BVN, bank accounts, device metadata and facial biometrics. It also detects mismatches or red flags across these points in real-time, reducing the chance of impersonation. Additionally, Vida’s AI scans credit activity across multiple lenders and pings credit bureaus instantly to flag loan stacking attempts—ensuring that borrowers do not accumulate debt across platforms undetected.

    Yet fraud prevention is just one part of the equation. A more sustainable credit culture also requires borrower education. Many Nigerians struggle with poor or nonexistent credit scores, largely due to a lack of financial literacy. Vida AI is addressing this with a personalised “Next-Step” coach embedded into every credit profile. This virtual assistant guides users with practical, real-time advice—like keeping credit utilisation under 30%, setting up direct debit for repayments, or bringing on a co-signer. Unlike generic financial education, these prompts are contextual and actionable, helping users gradually build stronger credit profiles. Borrowers can actually track their eligibility scores improving as they take recommended actions, making the process both educational and motivating.

    For the millions of Nigerians with irregular income—such as gig workers, artisans or small business owners—traditional credit scoring fails to reflect their true financial capacity. Vida’s dynamic scoring model solves this by continuously reassessing borrowers as new data flows in, whether from updated bank statements, wallet balances or sales history. During peak income periods, Vida automatically raises credit limits, while gently tapering them during lean seasons. This flexibility ensures borrowers are never unfairly penalised by short-term income drops, unlike rigid traditional scores that trap people in low-limit cycles. Lenders on the Vida platform benefit directly from these innovations. Many of them have seen their Portfolio at Risk (PAR30) drop from 12% to as low as 4%. This improvement is driven by several AI-powered features: smarter affordability models that analyse income consistency and spending behaviour; direct linkage of repayments to income sources (payroll or any BVN-linked account); timely reminders that nudge users toward repayment; and intelligent routing that pulls funds from secondary accounts when necessary.

    Extending these capabilities to Nigeria’s underserved rural areas is central to Vida’s mission. While smartphones are growing in penetration, many rural dwellers still use basic feature phones. To bridge this gap, Vida is piloting USSD-based loan applications and agent-assisted onboarding through cooperative societies and agricultural unions. These community-based models reduce barriers to entry and bring formal credit to areas where banking infrastructure is minimal or nonexistent.

    Lastly, Vida AI is acutely aware of the mistrust surrounding digital lending in Nigeria. Aggressive recovery tactics, unclear terms and data misuse have tainted the sector’s reputation. Vida is actively rebuilding that trust. The platform prioritises transparent pricing, NDPR-compliant data protection, and zero-harassment recovery processes. By treating borrowers with respect and communicating clearly, Vida is restoring credibility to digital credit and proving that inclusion doesn’t have to come at the cost of dignity. Through intelligent systems, empathetic design and local adaptability, Vida AI is not just building better lending tools—it’s helping redefine what ethical, inclusive credit can look like in Africa’s largest economy.

    Building the infrastructure for a safer, smarter, cashless Nigeria

    At the core of Vida AI’s operations is a firm commitment to data protection and regulatory compliance. In a digital lending ecosystem where trust is everything, user data must be handled with the highest level of integrity. That’s why Vida undergoes annual audits to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). Every piece of user data on the platform is encrypted at rest and in transit, ensuring it remains secure from potential breaches. Internally, access is tightly controlled through role-based permissions, with every access request logged and monitored to prevent misuse.

    Looking ahead, Vida AI is also poised to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s broader transition to a cashless economy. By embedding Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) functionality directly into merchant checkouts, Vida is helping move consumers away from cash-based transactions. As more small businesses and online vendors adopt Vida’s BNPL rails, digital payment usage will grow organically—especially among first-time credit users who were previously excluded from formal financial services. This aligns directly with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s goals of increasing digital inclusion while reducing cash dependency.

    But Vida AI’s ambitions go well beyond lending. Artificial Intelligence is set to reshape the African fintech space, and credit scoring is only the beginning. In the near future, a credit profile won’t just get you a loan—it could become a key that unlocks a range of opportunities. Imagine using your verified credit history to apply for a visa, qualify for a government grant, pass employer background checks, or onboard quickly into a financial services app with minimal friction.

    AI will also drive more programmable financial experiences, including bank accounts that adjust automatically to your income cycles, savings plans that are tailored to your lifestyle, and financial dashboards that act more like advisors than spreadsheets. As data becomes more interconnected, credibility will become currency, and access will follow those with strong, verifiable digital footprints.

    For businesses and lenders ready to offer smarter loans, or embed BNPL into their products, Vida AI offers plug-and-play APIs and white-labeled solutions. Interested parties can sign up at askvida.ai. Meanwhile, government agencies, non-profits, and impact funds eager to sponsor the creation of two million new credit profiles—and lift countless Nigerians out of the informal economy—can reach out directly at support@veendhq.com.

  • The untold agony of Yelwata survivors

    The untold agony of Yelwata survivors

    The June 14 massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, left behind scorched homes, shattered lives, and over 5,000 displaced. Survivors of the herder terrorist attack—many now hospitalised or living in IDP camps—grapple with trauma, hunger and uncertainty. Once a vibrant farming community, Yelwata now lies in ruins, its people pleading for security, shelter and a chance to return to lives violently disrupted, reports SANNI ONOGU.

    The brutal attack on Yelwata community by herder terrorists has left an indelible mark of horror on all who witnessed or heard of the tragedy. During a recent visit, our correspondent observed the devastating aftermath: unarmed peasant farmers were not only attacked and killed but their homes were set ablaze, reduced to smouldering ruins. Charred buckets, cooking utensils, and heaps of burnt newly harvested rice littered the remains of houses, courtyards, and surrounding areas. Corrugated iron roofs of shops—once bustling with rice and guinea corn trade—were either completely destroyed or collapsed, leaving walls caved in.

    According to an eyewitness, this was not Yelwata’s first encounter with violence from suspected herders, but the June 14, 2025 attack was unparalleled in its scale of theft, killing, and destruction. The market settlement, once renowned for its vibrant trade, now stands deserted like a ghost town. Even domestic animals have vanished, signalling the extent of displacement. Only four men remained when our correspondent visited. Most survivors have been relocated to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, while others receive medical care at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.

    “Things are very difficult for us now. There is no peace in our homes and community,” said Simeon Shaagwa, one of the four men our correspondent met in Yelwata. “It’s unbearable. We’re currently sleeping in the church and the primary school because we dare not sleep here—we don’t know when they will come back.” He added, “Just today, some family members went to farm but were pursued and shot at by herder terrorists. Luckily, they escaped and ran back. If the government can’t provide security, there’s no point in staying here.”

    Simeon urged the government to provide effective security—one that can patrol at least a kilometre into the surrounding bushes so people can safely farm. “We can’t just sit here waiting for the government to feed us.” Regarding police presence, he said, “Yes, police are posted at the town’s north and west sides but they don’t patrol during the day or leave their posts. When incidents happen, our elders report to the soldiers who then tell us to inform the police. It’s very frustrating.”

    While a few hospitalised victims and displaced families are tragic, it’s unacceptable to sack the whole community. Those who survived the Yelwata attack are either hospitalised or displaced to an IDP camp in Makurdi, about 50 kilometres from Yelwata. According to Aondowase Kunde, Commissioner of the Benue State Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management, approximately 150 people were killed, while 117 others were hospitalized. The Head of Administration of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) added that over 5,000 members of the community are currently living in the IDP camp located at the International Market in Makurdi. International agencies are also supporting the Benue State government’s efforts to manage the crisis.

    Speaking to our correspondent at his office in Makurdi, Kunde said, “The devastating incident of June 14th, 2025, when suspected Fulani attackers struck the Yelwata community, is now well known. Most of those killed were people who had fled from their communities and sought refuge in Yelwata. The attackers targeted their houses, the market, and shops where these displaced people were staying.

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    “About 150 persons lost their lives, and 117 survivors were taken to Reverend Father Moses Adasu Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. At the time of the President’s visit, 55 with minor injuries had been discharged, leaving 62 patients, of whom about 30 remained hospitalised due to severe injuries. We have also established a clinic at the IDP camp in the International Market to provide immediate medical care. Cases beyond its capacity are referred to the teaching hospital under our Memorandum of Agreement. This referral system applies to all camps across the state,” he added.

    Kunde emphasised that the Benue State government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, is prioritising the welfare of the displaced. “Following the attack, many displaced persons were wandering, but the government, through SEMA, deployed vehicles to transport them safely to the camp, which was officially opened on June 14th. Since then, we have been providing necessary supplies, and the situation escalated to the point that it prompted the President’s visit.

    “International partners, including the EU, have recently been here, alongside federal agencies. We have also received generous support from churches, private individuals, and corporate organisations,” he said.

    He said that after the incident and the establishment of the camp, the government donated relief materials including mattresses, food, and non-food items to the displaced persons. “Other partners like IOM helped set up mobile toilets and provided lighting for the camp. Our ‘Mama,’ the Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Aber, also paid the electricity bills because the people at the camp could not afford to pay NEPA bills, and power had been disconnected. She covered the amount requested to restore electricity for them.

    “There are many other things we are doing. We ensure the provision of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services and various forms of assistance. We have even reached out to some chefs who voluntarily, with support from SEMA, cook meals for the displaced persons at the camp. Food must be prepared on-site. We don’t accept food brought from outside, but when someone comes through my ministry, we screen them, and they cook inside the camp under supervision by ministry staff and SEMA personnel. This is important because accepting outside food could be dangerous in the camp,” he explained.

    He added that the ministry only accepts chefs who have been properly screened to support cooking for the IDPs. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visit, saying, “He gave a presidential directive to arrest the perpetrators and to strengthen security in the affected areas. If you have been there, you would notice that the soldiers who were stationed before have been redeployed and replaced by a new team, accompanied by Mobile Policemen. The President has been following up on the implementation of these security measures.

    “Last Thursday, we received the Minister of Internal Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Netawe (Goshwe Yilwatda). One of the President’s directives was to liaise with the Benue State Government to set up a team for needs assessment and data collection at Yelwata and other camps—both formal and informal—to determine the root causes of the attack, assess what was destroyed, and understand the impact on livelihoods. This will help in planning the restoration of livelihoods and rebuilding the houses destroyed and burned in Yelwata,” he said.

    Regarding the cause of the ongoing attacks, he said, “The primary cause is land grabbing by the herders. This is strange because in the past, we coexisted peacefully with the Fulani. However, these Fulani militias that came are deliberately here to grab Benue land. That is what is happening.” When asked about the timeline for rebuilding Yelwata and resettling the displaced persons, Kunde said, “The people and their leaders—the traditional rulers and community heads—have written to me expressing the need for their return, especially since this is farming season and they want to resume their livelihoods. They also commend the presence of security and want to come back soon. We are in ongoing consultations, doing due diligence and expanding these talks to ensure a smooth return. We believe they will go back soon.

    “We don’t situate camps in the heart of towns because of the risk of infiltration. It’s difficult to distinguish between displaced persons and others once they come. We have to find ways to accommodate such complexities as well. We have started profiling them yesterday to see that those who want to go back will go back and those who could not go back there, we have camps. Some of the camps are empty. We relocate them to those camps and close this one at the International Market for now. That is the conversation that is ongoing. We will come out with solutions for what is appropriate and will still be communicated to the general public.”

    On her part, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Humanitarian Affairs, Mimidoo Kadev, said that since the incident on June 14th, those displaced have been moved by the Benue State government to the International Market IDPs Camp, “which is a temporary settlement.” Speaking to our correspondent during a visit to the camp, she highlighted the efforts being made to provide psychosocial and health support to the IDPs, preparing them to return to their normal lives in their local communities. “If I take you around the camp, you’ll notice that the highest population is women. There are more women, girls, and children here than men.

    “When displacement occurs, women are mostly affected because their ability to earn a living—going to markets, managing home care, and caring for children—is disrupted. Many of them just sit quietly. Psychosocial support is very important—they need to talk, to express their feelings and emotions. If you go around, you’ll see some women with their hands on their faces, deep in thought, reflecting on what has happened and how they ended up in this situation. The good thing is that the government of Benue State has provided them a safe space where they are protected from further attacks and from being in the same environment where the trauma occurred.

    “We have organisations supporting the state. UNICEF, for example, has done a lot in psychosocial support. Their volunteers visit daily and engage with these women. The Ministry of Women Affairs also has trained staff on site, providing activities like weaving, plating, and knitting to keep the women occupied and help distract them from their trauma.” She continued, “We also have UNFPA focusing on reproductive and sexual health. They offer guidance and regular talks on sanitation, self-care, and sexuality. In such confined settings, sexual activity often increases over time. Since this is natural, they teach the women how to protect themselves, especially because many girls may be vulnerable to abuse. We work with them on ways to stay safe.

    “For the children, UNICEF has created safe spaces that include a makeshift school and play areas. There are about 25 volunteer teachers helping to educate the children through academics, sports, singing, dancing, and other activities to help them cope emotionally. While trauma cannot be healed immediately, these activities help suppress the worst effects. Some individuals experience suicidal thoughts. For example, there is a woman here who witnessed the killing of her four children and her mother. She is one of our most severely affected victims.

    “She sometimes runs out of the camp saying she wants to die because she feels she can never recover. These individuals require constant emotional support. If left alone, without daily interaction and meaningful activities, the trauma and suicidal thoughts can worsen.”

    She noted that the government is doing a lot to support the displaced persons through the provision of food, non-food items, sanitary products, wrappers, and clothes. “Support is coming from donors. Both partners and the government are doing a lot,” she said. She also confirmed that the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is fully on the ground, managing the camp’s operations.

    Regarding healthcare, she said the camp has recorded about 29 births since it was established. “Many women arrived here pregnant. We are still collecting data, so I don’t have a complete figure, but from the hospital reports, we have had 29 births since June 14th. Out of these, nine were pre-term. The trauma of displacement has pushed some women into early labour, resulting in pre-term babies who are currently in incubators at the teaching hospital. The government is managing their care, including feeding, clothing, medication, and everything else.

    “The support has been good, and the government is doing its best. We are thankful to His Excellency the Governor, who calls daily, requests updates, and monitors the situation closely through our daily report group. So far, so good. God has been helping us,” she added.

    In a separate interview, Dr. Donald Komgbenda, Head of Administration at Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), described the difficulties encountered managing the camp. “Since opening this camp, I can honestly say I haven’t had a good night’s sleep,” Komgbenda said. “There is significant pressure in coordinating and managing the camp. Our first priority on arrival was to profile the victims—to determine the number of women, girls, adults, and households.

    This data is crucial for planning and responding to their specific needs.”

    He revealed that there was initial resistance from the IDPs when they tried to profile them. “The displaced persons were anxious and apprehensive, almost to the point of protest, fearing that we might short-change them. However, we needed to cluster them demographically because different partner organisations focus on different groups. Some work with children, some with women; others with the elderly or breastfeeding mothers. As you can see, there is now relative calm in the camp,” he said.

    On operational challenges, Komgbenda explained that the camp faces issues mainly related to health, logistics, and supplies. “When we arrived, this place was still a market with shops and no basic infrastructure like water, sanitation (WASH), or electricity. Moving people here was an emergency response, and many basic needs like mattresses were initially lacking. While we have managed to address some of these issues, others remain unresolved.

    “As of today, there are about 5,294 displaced persons in the camp, comprising roughly 2,336 households. Although organisations have provided mattresses, they are still insufficient, and we are working to address this shortage. Many residents also lack cooking utensils. While food is being provided, it’s better if they cook for themselves, but they need the necessary tools. Health is a major concern. Since the camp opened two weeks ago, we have attended to about 2,000 patients, and the number keeps increasing daily. Fifteen women have given birth here, and there are currently 181 pregnant women in the camp. More serious cases are referred to the teaching hospital.”

    “We have received some support in terms of drugs from NGOs and government partners. Notably, Mrs. Lillian Oghogho Musa, wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, visited and brought medical supplies, which have been helpful. However, the challenges persist, especially in providing adequate medications, doctors, and medical personnel to meet the growing needs,” Komgbenda concluded.

  • Benue killings

    Benue killings

    • How land disputes fuel deadly violence

    Benue State’s fertile lands, once a source of prosperity and pride, have become a battleground. Known as the nation’s “Food Basket,” this agricultural heartland is now ravaged by deadly clashes between indigenous farmers and Fulani herders fighting over land. With communities shattered and countless lives lost, the conflict exposes deep-rooted threats to livelihoods and security. The June 14 massacre in Yelwata and the ensuing displacement crisis underscore the urgent need for lasting peace, reports SANNI ONOGU.

    For the people of Benue State, their vast and fertile arable land has become more of a curse than a blessing. Known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue’s rich soil is both its pride and its predicament. This is due to longstanding conflicts marked by violence between native farmers and Fulani herders. Located in Nigeria’s North Central region, Benue experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The state covers over 35,000 square kilometers across 23 Local Government Areas, boasting fertile soil ideal for agriculture. Major rivers such as the Benue and Katsina-Ala provide ample water for irrigation and nourish fertile alluvial plains, enabling year-round farming.

    Benue is a leading producer of staple crops like yam, rice, cassava, maize, soybeans and palm oil, as well as high-quality fruits including oranges and mangoes, with vast orchards spread throughout the state. Its people have harnessed this natural wealth, making agriculture a prolific and vital part of life. However, the same vast grasslands and lush floodplains, with their year-round water supply, have attracted herders in large numbers—much like honey draws flies. According to Governor Hyacinth Alia, quoted by his media adviser Solomon Iorpev in an opinion piece for the Daily Asset Newspaper, 90 per cent of Benue’s population is engaged in agriculture. Speaking at the Agricultural Summit Africa (ASA) 2024 in Abuja, Governor Alia outlined the state’s strategic plan: “Our strategy is simple: 90 per cent of our people are already farming. We intend to make agriculture profitable for the farmer.”

    Yet, this vision has been severely hindered by violent conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in numerous killings, cattle rustling and destruction of farms and property by armed herder groups. One tragic example is the June 14 attack in Yelwata, a community in Guma Local Government Area. The violence claimed over 100 lives, including women and children, injured more than 100 people, and displaced over 5,000 residents to an IDP camp. The once-thriving town now lies deserted. The massacre in Yelwata sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria and the international community, with urgent calls for the Federal and Benue state governments to take decisive action to prevent future violence. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the state to console the victims and proposed a roadmap to restore peace. He also promised increased deployment of police and armed forces to bolster security throughout the state.

    Following President Tinubu’s visit, our correspondent’s trip to Benue and Yelwata revealed a strengthened security presence in the area. Investigations suggest that the rich natural resources of Benue—its fertile land and abundant vegetation—make it an attractive haven for herders seeking fodder for their cattle. While the majority of Benue’s people depend on farming for their livelihood, herders have increasingly migrated into the area, creating intense competition for land use. Farmers need the land to cultivate crops that sustain their families and communities, while herders rely on the lush grasslands to feed their cattle, which are also their means of survival. This clash over resources remains at the heart of Benue’s ongoing crisis, making it a critical issue that demands urgent resolution.

    During President Tinubu’s visit to console Benue State over the Yelwata massacre, the paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation, Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, described the deteriorating security crisis as a “calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits.” He emphasised that this conflict has persisted for decades and is worsening annually.

    “Mr. President, it is not herders versus farmers’ clashes. It is not communal clashes; it is not reprisal attacks,” Ayatse asserted. However, he lamented that political actors in the state have chosen to politicise the crisis rather than unite to quell the violence.

    Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, traced the root of the conflict to disputes over “the farm” or land use. In an interview at the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi, CP Emenari supported the Tor Tiv’s view, explaining that the crisis is not simply about farmers protecting their crops from cattle, but about “armed men patrolling people’s farms and forcing them from their ancestral homes.” When asked if the police had identified the root causes of the prolonged killings, which some attribute to political, inter-communal, or farmer-herder conflicts, Emenari replied: “All these factors contribute to the insecurity challenge in the state. But everything boils down to the farm. That is where most clashes and killings occur. Even incidents not directly on farms are linked to what happened on the farm.”

    He explained, “Take Yelwata for example. It’s not a farm but a rural town. Similar attacks have occurred in a few other rural towns. But generally, conflicts arise over disagreements about who owns or uses the farm. Everyone knows the ownership, but the dispute over usage is what drives the tension. All these factors you mentioned fuel this issue.” Emenari noted that farmer-herder conflicts are not new in Nigeria and have traditionally been resolved locally: “Animals must graze, and sometimes they stray into farms, damaging crops, which farmers then ward off. Local communities have always had mechanisms to handle this.” However, he stressed, “The current problem is not about animals eating crops or farmers shooing them away. It’s about armed men patrolling farms and forcing people from their ancestral lands. This is what complicates the matter, and the other factors capitalise on this core issue.”

    READ ALSO: 2027 and premature obituaries

    He explained that while some actors have gained political capital from the violence and instability, the root cause remains the dispute over farmland. “Some people want peace and an end to the conflict, but it’s also true that others may benefit from the problem and thus have no interest in stopping it,” he said.

    Adding to the conversation, Aondowase Kunde, Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management in Benue State, attributed the frequent killings and property destruction to land grabbing by Fulani militias. “The real issue is land grabbing by these herders. In the past, we coexisted peacefully with the Fulani, but these militias came specifically to seize Benue land,” he explained. Supporting this claim, Peter Akra, a 43-year-old resident of Yelwata, told our correspondent that bandits have prevented locals from planting crops or accessing their farms. “Since the rainy season began, we haven’t been able to farm even once because they don’t allow us. We are farmers, and if we can’t farm, how will we feed ourselves or pay our children’s school fees?” Akra lamented.

    He added, “They bring their cattle into our farms to eat and destroy our crops, forcing us to flee. If anyone is found farming, they are chased away at gunpoint. We have no other problem with them; this is all we know.” When asked about past conflicts, Akra said, “No, they attack us daily. In 2021, they killed my wife and four children near this market. We have no means to fight back. Attacks on Yelwata happen every day, but that day, they killed many and burned homes.” Akra, one of four men our correspondent met in deserted Yelwata, said the government is aware of the situation. “Some of our children are in government, and we have told them what’s happening. But these attacks have persisted through successive administrations. We reported the crisis, but no help came. That’s why we seem resigned.”

    He described their current plight: “We sleep outside by the expressway, exposed to mosquitoes and cold, because our homes were destroyed. My mother-in-law is in the IDP camp. My wife just returned from the camp this morning so she could help care for what remains in our house.” Regarding sustenance, Akra said, “The government provides food at the IDP camp, but here we have no food or wives. Someone kindly brought us food to share and eat.”

    Reliving the night of the attack, Akra recounted, “What happened that day was an outright assault. The Fulani herders came around midnight, around 12 a.m., and started shooting across the road. Our boys went to investigate what was happening. Suddenly, some attackers appeared in the new market across the road and began shooting and setting fire to people inside their rooms.

    “For example, this shop here,” he said, pointing nearby, “they entered and killed one of our pharmacists who worked with the Federal Medical Centre, Apir. They shot him dead here and burned many others. They destroyed the entire area—the shops, stores, and all the properties. People were burned alive inside their rooms.” When asked what the community wants from the government after the massacre and mass displacement, Akra said, “We want peace to return. Someone once said, ‘This is not my house,’ but you (herder terrorists) chased me from my village to town, from town to the road. Where do you want me to go? We need the government to intervene and provide security so we can live peacefully and return to our farms to grow food. We also want help to rebuild our homes and shops that were burned down.”

    A resident of Otukpo, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “What’s happening goes beyond farmer/herder clashes. This is genocide and ethnic cleansing. They want to eliminate the people so they can seize the land and feed their cattle without opposition. It’s a jihad.

    When people talk about farmer/herder clashes, it implies both sides are armed and fighting. But here, the farmers just sit peacefully at home, and by midnight, attackers come unprovoked, kill, and leave.

    “These armed men come in large groups, kill as many as they want, and disappear without being traced or challenged. Despite the numerous security checkpoints in Benue, none of these attackers are arrested.”

    Regarding whether the killings are revenge for the death of a bandit leader like Gana, the resident explained, “Gana’s group operated mainly in the Shankera axis—Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala local government areas. These areas have been targeted by local terrorists loyal to the late Terwase Gana, but their activities don’t go beyond those regions.

    “The Fulani, however, have killed far more people in Idoma land than in Tiv areas. The Yelwata attack gained more attention, but killings have been ongoing in Apa and Agatu local governments. In Otukpo alone, attacks have been frequent, sometimes lasting three days straight without challenge. They’ve also attacked Umogidi, Adoka, and Ohimini. Agatu and Apa remain under constant threat. There are IDP camps in Apa, Agatu, and Otukpo—Idoma land—but these attacks receive little attention.

    “The governor has never visited any attack sites in Benue South. After the massacre in Yelwata, which affected his Tiv kinsmen, he acted quickly to prevent protests. It was only after activist VeryDarkMan led a protest that drew international attention that the President visited Benue.”

    Addressing reports that some of the killings are politically motivated to portray the governor as inefficient on security, he said, “My brother, let me tell you, no sane person would want their own people killed just to score political points. Even if you want to be relevant, the people being killed are your voters too. If everyone is killed, who will vote for you or the person you sponsor in 2027?” He continued, “If anyone is sponsoring killings, it should be directed at the state government because the governor is the chief security officer. He knows everything. In fact, the Nasarawa state governor openly admitted on Channels TV three days ago that he was aware of the impending attack on Yelwata, and Governor Alia also received intelligence about armed men planning to attack.

    “The Nasarawa governor said it was Governor Alia who forwarded the intelligence to him, reporting attacks expected in Yelwata and other communities. The question is, what did he do with this information? The attacks still happened under his watch!”

    In a phone interview, Mr. Umishi Terungwa, a farmer from Ayilamo in Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government Area, shared the impact of the crisis: “I speak from my village, Ayilamo, the headquarters of Tombo Council Ward. The constant killings have severely affected us. The economy has shrunk, and people can no longer carry out normal activities. Many villages have been deserted due to the crisis, which has lasted over 11 years. People cannot access their farms.

    Large villages in the Shankera area remain abandoned following the Fulani invasion. Most have relocated to Ayilamo.”

    Asked about farmers near rivers and waterways being unable to reach their farms, Terungwa explained, “For example, Anyevbe is close to the River Benue, near the crossing to Nasarawa and Awe. These people are primarily farmers. This is the rainy season when they should be planting rice, but they cannot access their farms. There are areas near the riverbank now completely empty. Farming activities have stopped. The terrorists have taken over our forests, and they remain armed there, preventing us from farming.”

    “Just a day or two ago, very close to the suburb of Ayilamo Council Ward, five people were killed unexpectedly while working on their farms. I have pictorial evidence of one who was buried today—another victim of these attacks. The soldiers here don’t seem to help much. When we report incidents, they only accompany us to retrieve the bodies, but they don’t patrol the forests or take action to drive the attackers away. We also have a small Mobile Police presence, but they rarely go into those areas. I don’t know if the government isn’t supporting them financially or what instructions they’ve been given, but they are not acting swiftly to control the situation. This is the challenge we face.”

    He said he is unsure why the herders have effectively put Benue’s towns and villages under siege. “They claim some people rustle their cattle, which they say is their reason for attacking,” he explained. “But some of those killed don’t even live near the cattle.” He added, “They enter your farm with their cattle, and if you complain, that’s the start of your problem. They might machete or kill you instantly. I don’t fully understand if this is a deliberate genocidal plan against our people. I honestly don’t know.” When asked about community efforts to protect themselves, he said, “We have vigilantes and hunters for protection. But hunters are less equipped—they only carry Dane guns. The Fulani, however, have sophisticated weapons, and our people cannot match them.”

    Police: ‘We’ve taken the fight to the bandits — the farms are Free’

    According to CP Emenari, security forces have made significant progress in apprehending suspects connected to the June 14th Yelwata massacre, with 26 individuals arrested so far, including Fulani leaders (Ardos) and local collaborators. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, CP Emenari confirmed that law enforcement, under the directive of President Tinubu, has taken a proactive approach, aggressively pursuing attackers in their hideouts following the brutal killings of over 150 civilians in Yelwata community. “Since the President visited and gave a matching order, we’ve stepped up our response. We’ve arrested 26 suspects. You may be surprised to know that some of them are leaders of cultural organizations. Two Ardos are among those arrested. We also discovered some locals in Yelwata helped outsiders carry out the massacre,” Emenari revealed.

    He confirmed that the Inspector General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) has been instrumental in tracking down suspects across multiple states. “They’ve done marvelous work. Many of the perpetrators are on the run, but we are closing in. Several have been picked up already,” he said.

    CP Emenari outlined the current security architecture in Yelwata, noting that the town has been placed in a full security cordon, with mobile police units stationed on all flanks and a military base now active in the area. “We’ve reinforced Yelwata. It’s no longer easy for attackers to sneak in. The police post is now centrally located, with Mobile Police on both sides and soldiers backing them. We’ve also deployed APCs (Armoured Personnel Carriers) to ensure mobility and quick response,” he said.

    The reinforced operations cover not only Yelwata but also surrounding communities like Ortese, which recently experienced similar attacks. “We are patrolling the entire axis, working in synergy with other security agencies. With support from the state government, our men are motivated and taking the battle directly to the terrorists,” he said.

    Following the President’s visit and federal directives, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has sent additional 12 Mobile Police Squadrons, four tactical teams, and air surveillance units to Benue.

    Emenari praised the logistical and morale support from both the Federal Government and Governor Alia. “The IGP’s support is holistic – logistics, manpower, intelligence, and air surveillance. The Governor has also been supportive with welfare and logistics. These efforts have allowed us to effectively engage and pursue the criminals,” he said.

    On restoring long-term peace, CP Emenari emphasised the need for lawful coexistence between farmers and herders, urging both parties to embrace the rule of law and reject violence. “The Nigerian Constitution and Benue State laws have enough provisions to protect everyone. Both herders and farmers must live in peace. Where there are conflicts, legal mechanisms must be used—not violence,” he asserted. He acknowledged the protracted nature of the crisis, which has lasted for over a decade, displacing thousands. “Some children born in the IDP camps are now 15 years old. That tells you how long this has lasted. But with the joint efforts of federal and state governments, and the current reinforcements, we believe we can finally turn the tide,” Emenari said.

    Despite heightened security operations across Benue State, Commissioner of Police CP Emenari has warned that the perpetrators of the June 14th Yelwata massacre and other coordinated attacks continue to attempt psychological warfare by publicising isolated incidents to project control and instill fear among citizens. “What we’re seeing now is that these hoodlums are desperate. They know we’re closing in, so they try to discourage government efforts or deceive the world into thinking they’re still in charge. But they are not,” Emenari stated.

    He explained that while security has improved across affected areas, the vast and rural nature of farmlands makes total coverage difficult. “The farms are now free. But because Benue has massive farmlands, they can ambush isolated farmers before help arrives. They attack, then publicise it to create panic,” he said.

    Citing specific areas of improvement, the CP pointed to Apa and Naka — two previously volatile hotspots — as examples of recent success. “In the last two months, Apa was the epicentre of attacks. But for the past three to four weeks, there’s been no incident there. We deployed tactical teams to stabilize the area,” Emenari said. “Naka was worse than Yelwata. But now, Naka has been calm. These are signs that the tide is turning.”

    He reiterated that the police are not targeting any ethnic or occupational group but are strictly going after armed criminals, including bandits and militant herdsmen who use firearms, machetes, and daggers to attack farmers. “This is not about herders or farmers. We are against bandits, against armed attackers who slit the throats of farmers in their own fields. Those are criminals, and we will pursue them — regardless of tribe.”

    According to CP Emenari, improved synergy between the Benue State Government, local government chairmen, and security agencies, combined with increased public alertness, has strengthened the fight against rural violence. “The people are waking up too. They are working with the government and supporting security agencies. If you can’t fight the bandits, you can shout, you can call for help,” he said.

    He also praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for empowering local leaders and continuously supporting security forces with logistics and operational backing. “The Governor empowered all LG chairmen to coordinate closely with security forces. Everyone is involved now. We hold regular security meetings and update each other. That unity is making a difference,” he added.

     When asked if the people of Benue can finally sleep with their eyes closed, the CP responded optimistically: “If Apa and Naka can sleep in peace for the last three weeks, then yes, we are getting there. It’s a gradual process, but we’ve made progress. The farms are no longer under the control of bandits,” he asserted. He concluded by honouring the sacrifices of fallen officers and local security outfits, including members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard (BSCVG): “We’ve made a lot of sacrifices. Some of our men and the state security volunteers have paid the supreme price. But we will not let their sacrifices be in vain. Benue is on its way to total recovery. We’re clearing out the threats — and we won’t allow them to return.”