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Nigeria reaffirms continental drug regulation leadership, cites WHO benchmarking success

The Federal government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to leading regulatory excellence on the African continent.

The government stance becomes imperative because, faced with the urgent need to strengthen its regulatory oversight of medicines and vaccines, Nigeria embarked on the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking process in 2018, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said.

According to her, at the time, the country’s regulatory framework struggled with gaps in efficiency, capacity, and international credibility, issues that affected public trust, delayed access to quality-assured medical products, and hindered local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

She said the decision to undergo WHO benchmarking was a strategic response to these systemic challenges.

Adeyeye spoke recently in Abuja during the NAFDAC-hosted first in-person meeting of the WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3) National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs), that focused on streamlining regulatory pathways, strengthening cooperation, and aligning with broader African Union health goals.

The in-person meeting brought together the heads of seven other WHO Maturity Level 3 regulatory agencies in Africa, along with experts from across the continent, to share experiences on reliance practices, identify common challenges, and review a draft operational plan for collaborative implementation.

Explaining that through the Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT), a WHO mechanism developed following the World Health Assembly’s 2014 Resolution 67.20, Adeyeye noted that NAFDAC was evaluated across more than 260 sub-indicators under eight core regulatory functions.

The regulatory functions, according to her included market authorization, surveillance and control, clinical trial oversight, inspection, laboratory testing, vigilance, licensing, and the strength of the overall regulatory system.

The outcome of that assessment was sobering: over 800 recommendations were issued, revealing the scope of reform required, she noted.

In the years that followed, she said NAFDAC implemented the recommendations with strong institutional will, technical investments, and support from partners.

“In 2022, Nigeria achieved ML3 status, signifying that its regulatory system was now stable, well-functioning, and capable of ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines and imported vaccines.

“This milestone placed Nigeria among a select group of African countries to reach ML3—alongside Tanzania, Ghana, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.

“While the achievement reflected national progress, it also underscored a continental opportunity: to build a collaborative regulatory model that reduces duplication, increases access to quality-assured health products, and strengthens Africa’s health sovereignty”, she stressed.

To seize the opportunity, the DG noted that the eight African ML3 NRAs signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in February 2025, adding, “The agreement, aimed at formalizing a regulatory reliance mechanism, provides a framework for shared assessments, mutual recognition, and data exchange.

“It seeks to harmonize regulatory practices across borders and improve efficiency in approving medical products.

“The MoU aligns with key continental initiatives such as the African Medicines Agency (AMA), the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) programme, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa (PMPA), the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), and the Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM).

“By establishing reliance practices, the ML3 NRAs aim to support local manufacturing, reduce the time and cost of product approvals, and accelerate access to quality medical products.

“This will support the African Union’s strategy and bring its Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa to reality.

Read Also: WHO backs new injectable HIV prevention drug

“To oversee the implementation of this mechanism, a Steering Committee composed of the heads of the eight ML3 NRAs was inaugurated in Abuja”.

Mr. Richard Tendayi Rukwata, Director-General of the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, was elected as Chair, while Dr. Ali Ghamrawy of the Egyptian Drug Authority was elected Vice Chair for a two-year term.

The Committee is responsible for providing strategic guidance, resolving policy-level issues, and ensuring alignment with both national and regional regulatory priorities. Representatives from the AMA, AMRH, and Africa CDC serve as non-voting members, while support partners may participate as observers.

The Abuja meeting also explored integration with the upcoming Regulatory Information Sharing Portal (RISP), and the role of ML3 agencies in supporting AMA operations and the Africa CDC’s African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM).

Through this collaboration, the ML3 NRAs are laying the groundwork for a unified regulatory space in Africa—one that reduces inefficiencies, ensures quality, and enables timely access to essential medicines and vaccines across the continent.

July 16, 2025
Nigeria boosts local arms production as DICON signs landmark deal with SP offshore

Nigeria’s push for self-reliance in arms and ammunition production received a significant boost on Wednesday as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) signed a joint venture agreement with SP Offshore Nigeria Limited.

The partnership will pave the way for the local manufacturing of military hardware, including weapons, ammunition, fast assault craft, drones, and security vehicles.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at DICON headquarters in Kaduna, the Director General of DICON, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, described the agreement as a landmark development in Nigeria’s drive to establish a robust military industrial complex.

“This memorandum of understanding with SP Offshore takes DICON to another level,” Alaya said. “We are now partnering with another Nigerian company to produce ammunition, weapons, and establish a jetty in Lagos where we can manufacture fast assault craft, security vehicles, and other platforms critical to our national security.”

He revealed that local production of ammunition would commence within a year, with plans to expand to full weapons manufacturing shortly afterward.

Alaya emphasized that the venture would accelerate indigenous capacity and enable DICON to meet the growing needs of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the DICON Act 2023, which provided the legal framework for such strategic partnerships. Alaya extended appreciation to the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for their unwavering support.

In his remarks, SP Offshore’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Obafemi Adekunle, said the collaboration would attract billions of dollars in investment to Nigeria’s defence sector, with technology transfer and capacity building as key benefits of the partnership.

Adekunle stressed that modern warfare would increasingly hinge on technological superiority, adding that, “The next wars won’t just be fought with guns and bullets, but through technological warfare,” he said. “What we are offering the Nigerian military is deterrence capability the kind that puts fear into the enemies of the state and compels them to rethink any attempt to destabilize our country.”

Read Also: DICON, Saudi firm sign landmark deal to produce security drones, satellites in Nigeria

He hinted that some of the cutting-edge platforms under the partnership could not yet be disclosed for strategic reasons. “A lot of things are coming, but we won’t reveal everything here because you don’t show your entire hand to adversaries. Let them discover it themselves over time.”

Adekunle also paid tribute to the DG DICON for his “record-speed administrative acumen,” and lauded the commitment of President Tinubu as well as lawmakers who championed the enabling legislation. “This alliance is more than a contract. It is a beacon of our collective strength, an unbreakable promise to safeguard Nigeria,” he said.

The joint venture is expected to not only satisfy Nigeria’s local defence requirements but also create excess capacity that could see the country exporting military equipment to other nations in the near future.

With the new deal, stakeholders say Nigeria is on course to drastically reduce dependence on foreign arms supplies, conserve foreign exchange and build critical local competencies in defence manufacturing.

July 16, 2025
Nine longest reigning Monarchs in Nigeria

The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, died on Sunday July 13, 2025.

The respected monarch died at 91, just hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and widely reverred for his contributions to the sociopolitical development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.

Here are the nine longest reigning Monarchs in Nigeria.

1. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Awujale of Ijebu land)

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was the reverred Awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom in Nigeria, installed as king on April 2, 1960. Born on May 10, 1934, he reigned for over 65 years, becoming one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs. He belonged to the Anikinaiya royal house and passed away on July 13, 2025.

2. Oba Okunade Sijuwade

Oba Okunade Sijuwade was the 50th Ooni of Ife, who ruled from 1980 to 2015. He ascended the throne in 1980 and ruled for 35 years until his death in 2015. He played a significant role in promoting Yoruba culture, unity, and national development, leveraging his business expertise and influential position to drive positive change. As a traditional leader, he worked to preserve Yoruba heritage and facilitated dialogue to resolve disputes, leaving a lasting impact on Nigerian society.

3. Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III

Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III reigned as the Alaafin of Oyo for 52 years from November 18, 1970, until his passing on April 22, 2022. He was 83 years old at the time of his death and holds the record for the longest-reigning monarch in Oyo history.

4. Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III

Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III served as the Soun of Ogbomoso for 48 years, from October 24, 1973, until his passing on December 12, 2021. He holds the record for the longest-serving Soun in Ogbomoso’s history, leaving a lasting legacy of development and progress in the ancient city.

5. Oba Erediauwa

Oba Erediauwa was the 38th Oba of Benin, reigning from March 23, 1979, to April 29, 2016. He served for 37 years. Born on June 22, 1923, in Benin City, Nigeria, he was the son of Oba Akenzua II and succeeded his father to the throne. Before his coronation, he was known as Prince Solomon Aiseokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua.

Oba Erediauwa passed away on April 29, 2016, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, peace, and cultural preservation in the Benin Kingdom.

6. Alhaji Shehu Idris

Alhaji Shehu Idris reigned as the 18th Emir of Zazzau for 45 years from February 8, 1975, until his passing on September 20, 2020. During his long and illustrious reign, he played a significant role in promoting peace, stability, and development in the Zazzau Emirate, and was widely respected for his wisdom, humility, and commitment to the welfare of his people.

Read Also: Five longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria history

7. Kpop Ham, Dr. Jonathan Danladi Gyet Maude

Kpop Ham, Dr. Jonathan Danladi Gyet Maude, has reigned as the paramount ruler of Ham (Jaba) Chiefdom in southern Kaduna State, Nigeria, for over 51 years. He was coronated in 1974 and is still in office. During his long reign, he has demonstrated empathy and commitment to peace, often canceling the annual Tuk Ham festival to show solidarity with his people during times of crisis. He has also received recognition for his traditional leadership, including the DINMA 2006 award.

8. Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II

Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, has reigned for 66 years, ascending to the throne on June 26, 1959. He is recognised as the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria and one of the longest-reigning traditional rulers in Africa. Oba Aladesuru is overseeing significant developments in Igede-Ekiti, including improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-cultural life.

9. Chief of Kagoro, Gwamma Awan

Gwamna Awan was the Chief of Kagoro, a Nigerian traditional state in southern Kaduna State. He was born in 1915 in Ucyo (Fadan Kagoro) and reigned as the monarch of Gworog (Kagoro) Chiefdom for 63 years from 1945 until his passing on October 1, 2008.

July 16, 2025
Nigeria needs logistics policy for global competition

The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr. Igwe Onyekachi has said the country urgently needs a national logistics policy to progress in the sector and compete globally.

Mr. Onyekachi while decrying the hardship domestic freight forwarders and logistics companies experience, called on stakeholders to make the sector more competitive.

Speaking in Abuja at a press conference, he disclosed that digitisation training for freight logistics has commenced for unskilled service providers, with the training of 300 freight forwarders on air cargo logistics.

Read Also: We cannot defeat Tinubu in 2027 divided, says Edo PDP

He said: “We need a national logistics policy that will give us direction. The industry in Nigeria doesn’t have any policy, which is why the logistics sector in this country has not emerged to the level it should like others globally.

“The world is coming together and digitising with the advent of blockchain, ICT and e-commerce, which has evolved. However, the practice of logistics services is still manual and this is why we have commenced a digitisation process and a national policy will complement our efforts for the sector to compete globally”

The Head of Liaison Office CRFFN Abuja, Mrs. Arikewuyo Rafiat, expressed the Council’s readiness to ensure that logistics business aligns with international standards.

She said Nigeria will leverage and explore the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) for the industry to grow.

July 15, 2025
Nigeria’s predicament: Why the gods are not to blame
- By Zekeri Idakwo Laruba
Sir: As I reflect on Nigeria’s present economic and political situation, I am compelled to draw a parallel in Ola Rotimi’s book, “The gods are not to blame,” a gripping adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. The gods, be they ancestral spirits, destiny, or structural circumstances, are not to blame for our predicament. The fault lies within us, among the citizens, and in our daily conduct. Nigeria’s crisis is not rooted in some divine curse, leadership, or preordained calamity. The tragedy is man-made, self-reinforced, and perpetuated by generations of unchecked habits.

The go-to culprit for our country’s dysfunction is always leadership. In fact, we have had our share of weak, corrupt, selfish or visionless leaders. But to lay the entire burden of national failure on leaders alone is to ignore the broader ecosystem that produces and enables them. Leadership, in many ways, reflects the society from which it emerges.

As the former national secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buba Galadima, recently argued on Arise TV, the problem isn’t merely the constitution or even the political structure. The constitution may have its flaws, yes, but no document, no matter how perfectly worded, can save a people who refuse to uphold its spirit. The rot goes deeper, into the very fibre of society.

The average Nigerian wants change, better roads, reliable electricity, transparent governance, reduction in cost of transportation, foodstuffs, but resists the personal sacrifice required to achieve that transformation. We want leaders who won’t embezzle funds, but we are ready to bribe our way out of traffic offences, rig student union elections, or inflate business invoices for profit. We demand accountability from the top while practicing impunity at the grassroots.

Read Also: How Buhari and I were admitted in same UK hospital before his death, by Abdulsalami

What we face is not a constitutional crisis, but a moral and cultural one; an attitudinal crisis. A society where dishonesty is normalized and rewarded cannot produce integrity at scale. A nation where people cheat customers, underpay staff, evade taxes, and applaud fraudsters as “smart” will always find itself circling the drain of underdevelopment.

You see it in business, in education, in religious institutions, even in our homes. The trader who mixes sand/stones in beans to increase weight; the employer who withholds salaries while funding a lavish lifestyle; the pastor or imam, even herbalist, who uses fear to manipulate followers; the teacher who extorts students for grades; the parent who teaches a child to lie to visitors, these are not the acts of the gods. They are human choices.

Much is said about fighting corruption in public office. But who will fight it in the private lives of citizens?

Corruption does not begin at the national budget office. It begins in the market stall, the classroom, the family dinner table. Before it is institutional, it is psychological. We must cleanse the mind-set that normalizes dishonesty, excuses shortcuts, and praises the rich regardless of how their wealth was acquired.

What Nigeria urgently needs is a complete national reorientation campaign, not the kind that involves empty slogans or jingles on radio, but a sustained, grassroots movement to rebuild ethical standards. We need to teach honesty not just as virtue, but as power. We must reintroduce shame where wrong is done and rekindle collective pride in doing things right.

This means rethinking our educational curricula to emphasize civic duty and moral reasoning. It means reforming religious institutions to emphasize substance over spectacle. It means putting social pressure on influencers, celebrities, and community leaders to model ethical behaviour. It also means supporting the rare public officials who dare to lead by example.

Nigeria is not doomed. It is not a failed state by fate. But we must be honest: we are dangerously close to reaping the full harvest of our collective neglect.

To change our national direction, we must start with the mirror, not the ballot box. Reforms must start in the marketplace and the family unit before they can translate to public office. Only then will the constitution come alive. Only then will good leadership be sustained. Only then will Nigeria’s story turn from tragedy to triumph.

•Zekeri Idakwo Laruba,

idakwozekeri93@gmail.com
July 15, 2025
Five longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria history

The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, died on Sunday July 13, 2025.

The respected monarch died at 91, just hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend, former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mourning his passage, a prince of Ijebu, Prince Adedoyin Alatishe wrote on X, “Baami Ogbagba agbatewole. Erin wo. Omo anikilaya saagbu.”

Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and widely revered for his contributions to the sociopolitical development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large.

Here are five longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria history:

1. Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (Awujale of Ijebu land)

Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was the revered Awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom in Nigeria, installed as king on April 2, 1960. Born on May 10, 1934, he reigned for over 65 years, becoming one of Nigeria’s longest-serving monarchs. He belonged to the Anikinaiya royal house and passed away on July 13, 2025.

2. Oba Okunade Sijuwade

Oba Okunade Sijuwade was a highly respected king in Nigeria, known as the 50th Ooni of Ife, who ruled from 1980 to 2015. He ascended the throne in 1980 and ruled for 35 years, until his death in 2015. He played a significant role in promoting Yoruba culture, unity, and national development, leveraging his business expertise and influential position to drive positive change. As a traditional leader, he worked to preserve Yoruba heritage and facilitated dialogue to resolve disputes, leaving a lasting impact on Nigerian society.

3. Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III

Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III reigned as the Alaafin of Oyo for 52 years, from November 18, 1970, until his passing on April 22, 2022. He was 83 years old at the time of his death and holds the record for the longest-reigning monarch in Oyo history.

Read Also: Nigerian doctor wins Dale Abel award at Northwestern, begins cardiology fellowship at Harvard

4. Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III

Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III served as the Soun of Ogbomoso for 48 years, from October 24, 1973, until his passing on December 12, 2021. He holds the record for the longest-serving Soun in Ogbomoso’s history, leaving a lasting legacy of development and progress in the ancient city.

5. Oba Erediauwa

Oba Erediauwa was the 38th Oba of Benin, reigning from March 23, 1979, to April 29, 2016. He served for 37 years. Born on June 22, 1923, in Benin City, Nigeria, he was the son of Oba Akenzua II and succeeded his father to the throne. Before his coronation, he was known as Prince Solomon Aiseokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua.

Oba Erediauwa passed away on April 29, 2016, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, peace, and cultural preservation in the Benin Kingdom.

July 14, 2025
Egypt, Nigeria seek improved economic relations

The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad has said that increased trade and investment relations between his country and Nigeria is of top priority.

Fouad said both countries are on the path to forge a modern and forward-looking partnership anchored on common values and shared objectives.

Speaking at the Commemoration of the 73rd Anniversary of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the weekend in Abuja, the envoy said: “Scaling up our trade and investment relations is a priority for our two governments.

In that regard, we are proud of the numerous Egyptian companies that have been active in Nigeria for years, in     areas such as construction, energy, and communications, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and creating employment opportunities.”

He also added, “From security, countering-terrorism, to energy, communications, trade, and infrastructure, to agriculture, health care and education, our two countries are proceeding with determination on the path to forge a modern and forward-looking partnership anchored in our common values and shared objectives.”

He said: “We are proud of the growing people-to-people exchange between Egypt and Nigeria, that has significantly intensified over the last few years through tourism, business, and education, constituting a solid foundation for our bilateral relations.”

He said: “Egypt, today, is a nation on the move. Under the “New Republic” Vision of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, we are embarking on an ambitious journey of comprehensive development and               modernization across all sectors.

“We are building new cities, investing in         sustainable energy, expanding our industrial base, and prioritizing education and healthcare, all with the aim of creating a prosperous and inclusive future for all Egyptians. Our economy is diversifying, our infrastructure is rapidly evolving, and our commitment to regional stability and global cooperation remains steadfast.”

Read Also: Nigeria-Brazil Livestock alliance to boost $2.97b global animal genetics market

He added that: Today at a time of profound uncertainty, Egypt and Nigeria are cognizant of the imperative of redefining and further developing their bilateral relations to meet emerging common challenges and priorities.

“Against this backdrop, the third round of our bilateral political consultations convened for the first time at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Cairo last January. Our two Ministers of Foreign Affairs H.E Dr. Badr Abd-Elatty, and H.E Youssef Tuggar discussed numerous regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest. The two Ministers also signed a joint statement elevating our bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive partnership.”

The envoy added that: “Our respective compatriots in Egypt and in Nigeria play a crucial role in advancing the various facets of our partnership. They will continue to serve as the engine advancing our common objectives.”

He also said historical ties that link Egypt to Nigeria date back centuries ago with Cairo’s leading Al-Azhar AlShareef University established a few centuries ago “The Borno Pavillion” dedicated to students arriving from Northern Nigeria.

He noted that generations of Nigerians sought knowledge at the esteemed University of Al Azhar, and as of today, hundreds of Nigerian students are enrolled in Egyptian universities, fostering a new generation of leaders who will contribute to Nigerian society, and will undoubtedly strengthen the ties between our two nations.

July 14, 2025
Transforming Nigeria through real estate development

By Jide Ogundoro

From its first day in office, the present administration has not minced words that its number one priority is to build a Nigeria where every business would thrive, where prosperity would be felt in every community, and where every citizen would enjoy a life of dignity and opportunity. The president has been using every opportunity to reassure Nigerians on this, and to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s economy from its age-long status of “potential to pragmatic” through the execution of tangible, people-centred projects across the country. Nigeria, he said, should not remain perpetually potentially great. A pivot point I would say.

To achieve the transformation agenda of his administration, the president embarked on restructuring and re-engineering of the economy, with bold and strategic decisions geared towards diversification of the economy through industrialization, agriculture, mining, manufacturing among others, with steps taken to enhance infrastructure and to create enabling environment, such that would attract investments, promote entrepreneurship, and deliver inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Who would say Nigeria’s economy doesn’t require urgent and critical restructuring anyway? In the early 1960s, African nations, including Nigeria, were given a better outlook of economic development than their Asian counterparts. Fast forward to 65 years later, the differing outcome is there to see and compare. After independence, we took different pathways of development from the countries of Asia. Nigeria got stuck in mono-economy, relying almost absolutely on crude oil for income, abandoned other critical sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, agro-allied industry, tourism and manufacturing, while corruption ravaged the entire system, crippled growth and development. Somebody wrote that the 21st century belong to Asia, while we are wobbling and groping in unending circle of backwardness, under-development and poverty, with its attending consequences in Nigeria.

This is the narrative the government has committed itself to change. Given the enormous and growing scale of its development challenges, especially against the backdrop of rising poverty, insecurity and fragility, it has become urgent to accelerate Nigeria’s development progress, otherwise we would remain trapped as the undeveloped and poverty capital of the world.

Starting with the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of exchange rates, other bold and strategic reforms, the government has shown unwavering commitment to implementing policies that would change Nigeria’s economic trajectory. And I think we are making some progress in the country’s ongoing path of economic reforms. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a recent report (Article IV consultation on the Nigeria’s economic health and policies) while projecting 3.4% growth in 2025, acknowledged that the country’s economic reforms have significantly helped to improve micro-economic stability.

In as much as the programmes being implemented to transform the nation’s landscape are commendable, I however intend to propose a shift in mind-set. I would suggest to government to recognize the benefits of redefining Nigeria’s economic narrative, and transforming Nigeria through real estate development.

Building more houses will transform the economy because it will generate more work; that is why more investment in housing and infrastructure should be given consideration and commitment. Real estate sector offer compelling opportunities for development in its diverse areas of, residential, commercial, office, and hospitality, to mention a few. With a favourable investment climate and a government that is committed to infrastructure development, Nigeria is poised to become a significant hub for real estate investment in the years to come. Investors have Nigeria’s dynamic economy and expanding urban landscape to capitalize on.

Read Also: Buhari served Nigeria with integrity, deep love for his people — First Lady

In the more developed countries of Europe, America and other developed climes, whenever they have challenges in the economy, what the government does is to invest massively in real estate, and infrastructure. The reason is simple; investments in these areas enhance job creation, stimulate economic activities that ensure the citizens have reliable source of income and means of livelihood. And when people have secured means of livelihood, they will be empowered to pay tax, which is injected back into the system, and used to refinance the economy. Businesses thrive on the back of that, and you have multiplier effects, the circle goes on, economic and national transformation is either triggers off or revitalized. I suggest we go this route, otherwise we might have to endure a fairly long, and painful journey to our desired transformed nation.

Nigeria’s housing deficit is put at 28 million units. It could be more than that, considering the number of graduates being turned out by the universities and other tertiary institutions, and the fact that this army of young Nigerians would need accommodation to settle down for the next phase of their lives. Many Nigerians, particularly those in the low end are in dire need of decent and affordable accommodation. What about the littering of the urban space with slums and ghettos, a complex social phenomenon that reflects deeper structural problems such as poverty, marginalization and exclusion? Lagos is a city of two halves: money dripping in the corridors of corporate offices, and stagnant water dripping in the slums that are home to over 20 million.

What about the rapidly expanding population, particularly in urban centres, which has created a significant demand for affordable housing! The import of this is that housing deficit offers a huge opportunity for investment and development. Developers should key into this challenge and construct high-quality yet affordable residential units. They are well-positioned for success.

Demand for modern, well-located office spaces in Nigeria’s burgeoning economy is high, fuelled by the presence of multinational corporations and the growth of local businesses. The vibrant middle class increasingly seek diverse and attractive retail experiences, not just shopping; the tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, attracting domestic and international visitors. All of these offer promising investment opportunities.

Despite the huge opportunities and potential in the real estate sector, and its potential, Nigeria has not really explored this veritable tool for national economic transformation. It is not surprising that real estate has remained flat in the last two years in terms of its contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), single digit growth, while other countries in Nigeria’s category, recorded two digits contribution to the GDP. Going forward, government need to have comprehensive conversation with professionals and stakeholders in the sector, particularly estate surveyors and valuers on how to turn the economy around, bench-marking the real estate sector

•ESV Ogundoro is an estate surveyor and valuer

July 14, 2025
Why Nigeria must embrace, not discourage, solar adoption

Sir: Nigeria faces a persistent electricity crisis, with millions lacking reliable access to power. In this context, the federal government’s recent blanket advisory warning against rooftop solar installations, coupled with proposals to ban solar panel imports and impose taxes on households and businesses that adopt solar has sparked widespread concern among renewable energy stakeholders and citizens alike. These moves, rather than addressing the root issues of energy access, risk deepening the country’s power woes and stifling innovation.

Nigeria’s grid is notoriously unreliable, leaving millions dependent on costly and polluting generators. Government and private on-grid electricity companies have consistently failed to provide stable, affordable power, pushing citizens toward solar alternatives. While the government seeks to promote local solar manufacturing by proposing a ban on solar panel imports by 2025, domestic production capacity remains insufficient and unsupported to meet demand, threatening supply scarcity and price hikes.

Beyond the rumoured attempted import bans on solar panel, there are reports of some state and even federal government allegedly considering taxing households and businesses that install solar rooftop solutions. These punitive approach discourages citizens from investing in clean energy solutions that could alleviate their energy challenges – thus effectively penalizing those seeking self-reliance, increasing job creation, stimulating productivity, and finding leisure and rest – away from the troubles and insanity of life.

The government’s sweeping advisory against rooftop solar, aimed ostensibly at curbing substandard installations, risks undermining legitimate solar adoption at such a critical time. These policies or advisory as they claim – appear aligned with entrenched electricity providers who may view decentralized solar power as a threat to their market dominance.

Rather than fostering an enabling environment for renewables, the government whether – state or federal government should not be seen erecting regulatory and financial obstacles that hinder solar adoption in Nigeria.

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What should be done? Rooftop solar is a globally proven, scalable solution for homes and businesses, especially where grid power is unreliable. The government should remove all thoughts, actions and attempts to introduce punitive taxes on solar adopters and instead provide incentives to encourage uptake. Secondly – policies to boost local manufacturing of solar components in country must prioritise, and balance with pragmatic support for imports to ensure immediate access to affordable solar technology.

Thirdly, agencies like Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) should be supported to enforce quality and safety standards without discouraging legitimate providers. Support licensed professionals and quality installers rather than issuing blanket advisories that create confusion and fear.

Federal and state governments should dismantle unnecessary regulatory hurdles and punitive taxation that disincentivize solar adoption. Provide tax credits, subsidies, and clear guidelines to accelerate renewable energy deployment, as outlined in Nigeria’s 2025 Solar Policy framework which includes tax incentives to make solar affordable and accessible.

Rooftop solar is globally recognized as a vital and scalable solution for households, SMEs, and institutions seeking reliable and sustainable power. Discouraging solar adoption through import bans, punitive taxes, and blanket advisories in a country plagued by electricity shortages is a classic case of “problems meeting poor solution thinking.” If the government cannot solve the power crisis, it must not stand in the way of those who can. Nigeria’s path to energy security lies in embracing—not obstructing—the renewable revolution.

•Donald Ikenna Sustainable Nigeria, Abuja.

July 14, 2025
Nigeria, Qatar partner on sustainable development

Nigeria and Qatar Charity have formalised a new partnership to boost humanitarian interventions and development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities across the country.

A statement from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning said the signing ceremony took place in Doha and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, represented the Federal Government, while the Chief Global Operations Officer of Qatar Charity, Mr Nawaf Abdullah Al-Hammadi, signed on behalf of the organisation.

The agreement sets out a framework for cooperation and establishes a legal foundation for Qatar Charity’s continued operations as an international organisation in Nigeria. It also guarantees essential facilities for the Charity’s office in the country, supporting the rollout of humanitarian and development projects across critical sectors.

Through this partnership, Qatar Charity will extend its support in areas such as health, education, information technology, water supply, institutional capacity building, and the empowerment of local social networks and charitable organisations. These activities will be carried out in coordination with Nigerian government agencies to ensure alignment with national development priorities.

Speaking after the signing, Senator Bagudu described the agreement as a reflection of Qatar Charity’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian development in Nigeria. He noted that over the years, the organisation has implemented projects that have positively impacted thousands of Nigerian families.

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“We greatly value this leading and effective role, which has left a significant mark on the lives of thousands of Nigerian families,” Bagudu said. He expressed optimism that Qatar Charity would continue to expand both the scale and quality of its work in Nigeria, thereby contributing to a brighter future for local communities.

The minister also pointed out that the agreement signifies the close ties between Nigeria and Qatar, and opens new opportunities for collaboration to address shared humanitarian and development goals.

On his part, Mr Nawaf Abdullah Al-Hammadi stressed Qatar Charity’s dedication to supporting sustainable development and humanitarian initiatives in Nigeria. “In the coming years, we aim to implement impactful and high-quality projects that make a real difference in people’s lives,” he said.

The new agreement builds upon a previous three-year cooperation agreement signed in 2022, which concluded this year. It is designed to further strengthen the Charity’s operations and broaden the scope of its interventions across Nigeria.

Qatar Charity is recognised as one of the world’s largest humanitarian and development organisations. Its work spans life-saving assistance in conflict and disaster-affected areas, and long-term programmes targeting poverty reduction through social welfare, water and sanitation, education, nutrition, and economic empowerment.

The ministry noted that with this agreement in place, both Nigeria and Qatar Charity have signalled a shared commitment to deepen cooperation, tackle pressing humanitarian challenges, and promote sustainable development across Nigerian communities.

July 14, 2025