₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s Conflict Is Not a Genocide, By Zakari U. Mijinyawa


Recent claims in Western political circles and media have described the violence in Nigeria as a “*Christian genocide.*” Some members of the United States Congress, including Senator Ted Cruz, have urged that Nigeria be redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution, a classification previously used by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Senator Cruz, in introducing the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, alleged that Christians in Nigeria are being “targeted and executed for their faith” by Islamist terrorist groups. While some commentaries have described these claims as assertions of a “Christian genocide,” the bill itself does not use that term.

These claims are emotionally powerful but legally and factually misleading.

Nigeria faces an evolving humanitarian and security situation, but calling it genocide distorts the nature of the conflict and risks deepening divisions. The reality is that Nigeria is fighting a long and brutal war against terrorism, not an organized campaign to exterminate Christians.

The Legal Meaning of Genocide

Genocide is one of the most serious crimes in international law. Under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which Nigeria has incorporated into national law, genocide refers to acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

This definition demands clear proof of intent to eliminate a group because of its identity, not purely evidence that large-scale killings or persecution occurred. The situation in Nigeria, tragic as it is, does not meet this stringent standard.

The crime of genocide has been legally confirmed only in a few cases, such as Rwanda and Darfur, through international tribunals and ICC proceedings. This underscores how rare and high the legal threshold for such a finding is.

What the International Criminal Court Found

The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor examined the situation in Nigeria for nearly a decade. In December 2020, Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda concluded that there was a reasonable basis to believe that both Boko Haram and security forces had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture, persecution, and the use of child soldiers.

However, she did not describe these crimes as genocide. There was no evidence of intent to destroy Christians or any other group. The ICC found that Nigeria’s violence stemmed from terrorism, ideology, and armed conflict, not from a plan to eliminate a religious population.

If the world’s foremost criminal court, after years of evidence-gathering, did not conclude genocide, it is inaccurate for politicians or advocacy groups to claim otherwise.

The Nature of Boko Haram’s Violence

Understanding Boko Haram’s ideology is essential. The group rejects modern government, democracy, and secular education. Its worldview is anti-state and anti-modern, not narrowly anti-Christian.

As detailed by scholar Alex Thurston in Boko Haram: The History of an African Jihadist Movement (Princeton University Press, 2017), the group’s attacks have targeted both Muslims and Christians. Boko Haram has bombed mosques, assassinated imams who opposed it, and murdered traditional leaders who resisted recruitment.

While large-scale data are incomplete, research by Amnesty International shows that Boko Haram attacks both Muslims and Christians and that many incidents are not based on the victim’s religion.

To label this campaign of terror a Christian genocide ignores the suffering of thousands of Nigerians who have also been killed, displaced, or enslaved.

Boko Haram and its affiliates have made it clear in their public statements that their fight is against Nigeria as a state, against democracy, and against all who identify with the idea of Nigeria. To them, anyone loyal to the country is a legitimate target of their terror, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region.

Extremists Attack Their Own Elsewhere Too

The idea that violent extremists target only non-Muslims is contradicted by evidence from across the Sahel and the Middle East. Groups with similar ideologies, such as ISIS affiliates and al-Qaeda networks, have repeatedly attacked Muslim communities, clerics, and Sufi orders who reject their authority.

Reports by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Mali and the Africa Center for Strategic Studies document massacres by jihadist groups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, often in regions with few or no Christians. These terrorist groups enforce ideological conformity, not religious cleansing. Nigeria’s experience reflects this global pattern.

Nigeria’s Legal Response

Nigeria prosecutes Boko Haram members under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022, not under laws on genocide or religious persecution. Charges typically include terrorism, murder, hostage-taking, and membership in proscribed organizations, as reported by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

This approach fits the facts: Boko Haram’s objectives are political and ideological. The group seeks to destabilize the state and impose extremist rule based on a distorted interpretation of Islam, not to annihilate Christians. Nigerian courts, often with support from regional and international partners, continue to try suspects for terrorism and related offenses.

Law, Evidence, and Policy

The urgency of protecting victims must not lead to careless use of legal terms. Both Christians and Muslims have suffered deeply and deserve justice. But labeling the conflict genocide, when even the ICC did not, misapplies the law and risks misdirecting policy at home and abroad.

The ICC’s careful distinction between war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide matters. It determines how evidence is collected, which institutions respond, and what remedies victims can pursue. Precision in law is not academic, it is fundamental to justice and sound policymaking.

A Constructive International Role

The most constructive role for international partners is practical support, not rhetorical escalation. The focus should be on strengthening investigations, ensuring fair prosecutions, improving civilian protection, and expanding humanitarian access. Development initiatives that rebuild communities and reduce recruitment into armed groups, as highlighted in the UNDP’s Journey to Extremism in Africa (2021), are equally vital.

Rhetoric that mislabels the crisis as genocide may draw attention but risks polarizing Nigerian communities and undermining cooperation. The priority should remain helping victims, reinforcing institutions, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s security challenges are serious and demand urgent, coordinated action. But the correct legal frame—terrorism and organized violence, points toward criminal justice, institutional reform, and long-term reconciliation.

Calling the situation a Christian genocide does not advance justice or protect victims. Nigeria’s struggle is against violent extremism and criminal networks, not against faith. Recognizing that truth is essential for effective policy and lasting peace.


Zakari is a Nigerian lawyer and national security staff.

The Inside Story: Diplomatic Shuttles Behind Nigeria’s Victory at the GECF

Yesterday, Nigeria’s Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was elected Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) at its 27th Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar.

Founded in 2001 and formalised in 2008, the GECF is an intergovernmental organisation headquartered in Doha. It serves as a platform for major natural gas producers to coordinate development strategies, exchange information and foster dialogue between producers and consumers—all aimed at ensuring stability in global supply.

The Forum comprises 12 member states—Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela—with observers including Kazakhstan, Iraq, Norway and the Netherlands. Collectively, its members hold between 67% and 71% of global proven gas reserves, account for 40–44% of production and more than half of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.

Dr Mshelbila’s election is a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s technical competence and leadership within the global gas sector. The meeting also saw Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, appointed President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting. President Bola Tinubu congratulated both men, reiterating that natural gas remains central to Nigeria’s industrial expansion, energy security and economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nigeria is the world’s 19th-largest gas producer and the third-largest in Africa, with proven reserves exceeding 210 trillion cubic feet. Its newfound leadership at the GECF will strengthen its leverage in influencing global production and pricing, while promising to secure a greater share of the international gas market.

The country has positioned itself as a champion of natural gas as a transition fuel in the global shift towards cleaner energy. It has ramped up gas production, reduced gas flaring and made significant investments to expand supply infrastructure—all while aligning with climate goals.

According to diplomatic insiders, Nigeria’s victory was the result of skilful diplomacy led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar. Through a series of bilateral meetings, coalition-building efforts and quiet negotiations, he and his team were able to secure broad support for Nigeria’s candidacy at the GECF.

Ambassador Tuggar’s strategic engagements with Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria, Venezuela, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Equatorial Guinea proved crucial in Nigeria clinching both positions.

In a statement, Ambassador Tuggar described the dual success as evidence of President Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy and strategic ambition to restore Nigeria’s clout in global energy diplomacy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He outlined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts, including directives to Nigeria’s missions in all GECF member states to formally launch the campaign and mobilise African support.

“Nigeria’s missions were activated to engage and lobby voting members, in close coordination with bilateral engagements conducted at key summits such as the BRICS Summit in Brazil and the African Union’s 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The process also benefited from high-level political backing from the Presidency, ensuring Nigeria’s candidature received broad-based support.”

Ambassador Tuggar praised Dr Mshelbila and Minister Ekpo for their credentials and experience, calling the outcome a “victory not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance.” He expressed confidence that both men would strengthen the GECF’s role in managing the global energy transition, promoting fair resource use and advancing sustainable development.

The GECF’s Ministerial Meeting is its highest decision-making organ. Below it sit the Executive Board and the Secretariat, which is led by the Secretary-General. The organisation conducts analytical studies on global gas market trends, facilitates data exchange among member states and advocates for the sovereign rights of members over their natural gas resources. Its broader mission is to encourage cooperation for energy security and sustainable development worldwide.

Eyimofe Amajuoritse is a journalist covering Nigeria’s foreign relations.

DSS, NASENI begin local production of high-tech security equipment


The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure said on Thursday that it has commenced the production of high-tech security equipment in partnership with the Department of State Services, according to a report by The PUNCH newspaper

The agency described the development as a major step towards achieving technological self-reliance in Nigeria’s security sector.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, said the advanced security equipment, jointly developed with the DSS and with full support from the President, would enhance intelligence gathering and improve national security coverage.

“A state-of-the-art manufacturing facility jointly constructed with the DSS in Abuja is fully equipped with the latest security systems and technology that will transform the conduct of security operations nationwide,” Halilu said.

He added that the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, has consistently emphasised the President’s vision of promoting self-reliance among security agencies and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported security equipment.

Halilu explained that both agencies had trained and developed technical expertise in manufacturing the equipment, though specific details could not be disclosed for security reasons.

“The President firmly believes that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture its own security equipment and should minimise reliance on foreign imports. This strategic partnership leverages NASENI’s scientific and engineering expertise to enhance research and innovation tailored specifically to the needs of the security sector,” he said.

Halilu added that the success of the project would soon position Nigeria as a regional leader in security technology manufacturing in West Africa, with positive implications for regional stability and economic growth.

“The initiative reflects the President’s broader priorities to promote self-reliance and technological advancement in security systems, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable security solutions,” he stated.

Earlier in the year, security expert Bright Echefu noted that Nigeria possesses the indigenous capacity to tackle its security challenges without relying on foreign countries through the use of homegrown technology.

Nigeria has long depended on foreign nations for military hardware, spare parts, and technical expertise — a reliance that has often led to delays and operational setbacks during crises.

Over the years, security analysts have warned that such dependence undermines military readiness and compromises national sovereignty.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, recently stressed the urgent need for the military to embrace local technology and innovation to strengthen national security.

Tuggar to Spotlight Nigeria’s Global Engagement at Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, will join global business leaders and policymakers at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi on October 22, 2025.

At the exclusive, invitation-only forum, Ambassador Tuggar is expected to highlight Nigeria’s global engagement strategy, regional diplomacy, and evolving trade relations in a rapidly shifting multipolar world.

Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest trading partners with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with its trade volume with the United Arab Emirates alone exceeding US$3 billion.

In a fireside chat session, Ambassador Tuggar will discuss Nigeria’s economic and geopolitical ties with countries across the Gulf region, underscoring opportunities for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomacy.

The Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit brings together C-suite executives, policymakers, and global thought leaders to explore key issues shaping the future of business, governance, and society.

U.S. Recognizes Nigeria’s Religious Coexistence, Reaffirms Strong Ties with Tinubu Administration

The United States has acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding tradition of religious coexistence, noting it as an essential part of the country’s identity and resilience.

This recognition came during a meeting between U.S. Special Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amid ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and counter false narratives portraying Nigeria as divided along religious lines. Boulos highlighted the deep-rooted presence of both Christianity and Islam in Nigeria and affirmed that religious diversity remains a unifying element rather than a source of division.

Their discussions also focused on enhancing economic cooperation, expanding U.S.-Nigeria trade, and building an investment climate capable of supporting long-term growth and regional prosperity. This aligns with President Tinubu’s economic agenda to stabilise key sectors and attract foreign capital.

Security collaboration was another key area of engagement, with both parties reaffirming joint efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, and Gulf of Guinea. They stressed the importance of translating shared commitments on peace and stability into actionable outcomes through intelligence cooperation, capacity building, and diplomatic partnerships.

NO COUP ATTEMPT IN NIGERIA, DHQ REAFFIRMS LOYALTY TO DEMOCRACY

The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The Defence Headquarters categorically states that there is no coup attempt and that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remain fully committed to democratic governance and the authority of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The report, which also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers under investigation for professional misconduct, is entirely false, malicious, and intended to create unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.

For clarity, the decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was taken to enable the President attend a strategic bilateral engagement outside the country, while allowing members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

Furthermore, the ongoing investigation involving sixteen officers is purely a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks. A duly constituted investigative panel is handling the matter, and its findings will be made public upon conclusion.

The Defence Headquarters urges all peace-loving Nigerians to disregard the falsehood being circulated by agents of misinformation and to continue to support the Armed Forces in their efforts to protect the nation. The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are united in their commitment to the safety, development, and wellbeing of Nigeria.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain steadfastly loyal to the Constitution and to the democratic government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Democracy is not under threat. Democracy is secure.

Forging Nigeria’s Defence Future: Matawalle and the Rebirth of DICON

Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, Nigeria’s quest for self-reliance in defence production is taking on renewed urgency and tangible form. When he convened the second meeting of the DICON Governing Board on May 2, 2025, at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, it was more than a routine gathering; it was a reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to transforming DICON into a world-class defence manufacturing hub capable of meeting the operational needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces and contributing to the nation’s security architecture.

That vision found dramatic expression in July 2025, when Dr. Matawalle unveiled the DICON–Vanquish Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) at the Ministry of Defence headquarters. Built in collaboration with Vanquish Industries Ltd, the new APC represents a decisive step toward indigenizing Nigeria’s military hardware. It is lightweight, rugged, mine-resistant, and equipped with advanced ballistic protection to withstand small arms fire and improvised explosive devices—attributes that make it ideal for the asymmetric warfare Nigeria faces in its counter-insurgency and internal security operations. Beyond its technical sophistication, the DICON–Vanquish APC is a bold statement of intent: that Nigeria possesses the talent, capacity, and resolve to design and manufacture its own military solutions. For Dr. Matawalle, it symbolises far more than an engineering milestone—it embodies the country’s transition from dependency to self-sufficiency, and from consumer to producer within the global defence ecosystem.

The unveiling was followed by another strategic milestone: the establishment of DICON–D7G, a joint venture that consolidates government and private sector expertise to expand Nigeria’s defence production base. Commissioned by Dr. Matawalle at a colourful ceremony in Asokoro, Abuja, the venture is designed to build assembly lines for small arms and ammunition at DICON’s factory in Kaduna, while also setting up a showroom, research facilities, and training programmes to nurture local talent. The scale of ambition is vast—ranging from the production of rifles, machine guns, and mortars to the assembly of armoured vehicles, drones, and electro-optic systems. By integrating technology transfer and sustainable local sourcing, the partnership aims to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign contractors, conserve foreign exchange, and create a self-sustaining defence-industrial ecosystem capable of serving both domestic and regional markets.

Dr. Matawalle’s stewardship of DICON has been marked by pragmatism and partnership. Working closely with Major General B.I. Alaya, the Director General of DICON, he has encouraged innovation, strengthened collaboration with private firms such as Vanquish Industries and D7G Nigeria Limited, and repositioned DICON as a hub for indigenous research, development, and production. This approach aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises security, economic diversification, and technological advancement as pillars of national development. The Minister’s efforts also build on the DICON Act 2023, which grants the corporation greater autonomy to pursue industrial and commercial ventures that support national defence.

Yet, the push for transformation has not been without challenges. The unfortunate explosion at DICON’s Kaduna ordnance facility in September 2025, which claimed a life and injured several others, tested the institution’s resilience. Dr. Matawalle’s prompt visit to the site and his directive for a thorough investigation demonstrated a leadership style defined by accountability and responsiveness—qualities essential for sustaining public trust in a sector as sensitive as defence production.

Through these milestones and setbacks alike, one theme has remained constant: a determination to build a defence industry that Nigerians can be proud of. Under Matawalle, DICON is not only producing armoured vehicles and munitions but also building partnerships for advanced systems such as drones, surveillance radars, and thermal imaging devices. The corporation is nurturing an industrial base that creates jobs, drives innovation, and strengthens Nigeria’s capacity to respond to modern security threats.

Step by step, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria is fulfilling its founding mandate of producing arms, ammunition, and equipment for the country’s military and security forces. Under Dr. Bello Matawalle’s guidance, it is evolving into a symbol of national resilience and technological confidence—a place where policy meets production, where innovation meets patriotism, and where Nigeria’s long-held dream of defence self-reliance is steadily becoming a reality.

- Dahiru Bashir Hassan is a security researcher and writes from the FCT

Forging the Future: NASENI’s Partnership-Driven Rise Under Khalil Halilu

When Khalil Suleiman Halilu assumed the leadership of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), he inherited an institution with vast technical potential. Its achievements however too often remained constrained within laboratories and prototypes.

Over the past two years, however, NASENI has embarked on a transformative journey, under Halilu’s stewardship, that reframes the agency not just as a research entity, but as a vital engine of industrial innovation and national development. The key to that transformation has been collaboration: partnerships that bridge research and real-world production, policy and practice, local expertise and global technology.

NASENI’s guiding philosophy under Halilu has been to align all its activities with Nigeria’s national development goals, while striving to conserve resources, avoid duplication of effort, and shorten the time it takes for a product to move from R& to market. Realising this requires strong, deliberate partnerships—ones that bring in expertise, funding, capacity, and shared responsibility.

One of NASENI’s flagship collaborations is with China Great Wall Industry Corporation, which is enabling a turnkey assembly line for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This partnership transfers skills, raises quality standards, and strengthens Nigeria’s capacity in aerospace and surveillance technology.

Similar ambition is evident in the agreement with Shanghai Launch Automotive Technical Co., which aims to establish a facility for electric vehicles. Local manufacture of EVs under this arrangement promises cleaner transport options and the development of ancillary manufacturing—battery assembly, charging infrastructure, and skilled technical labour. Recently, I saw one of the NASENI trucks built under this partnership in the Federal Capital Territory. I felt proud.

Clean energy features repeatedly in NASENI’s partnership portfolio. An MoU with Newway Power Technology Company Ltd focuses on lithium batteries and related technologies; off-grid solar lighting systems are being deployed to tens of thousands of homes through a partnership with A Solar Systems Limited. Sunracks Limited is helping to set up Nigeria’s first solar mounting rack factory. Such efforts support the country’s energy security, reduce costs of imports, and help communities gain reliable electricity in remote locations.

NASENI’s influence also extends to agriculture and food security. The collaboration with MECA to refurbish over fifty-five thousand moribund tractors has given a new life to equipment once abandoned, boosting mechanised farming in states that have long suffered neglect. At the same time, the joint venture with Saputra Global Fertilizer for a coal-based fertilizer plant promises to reinvigorate local fertilizer production—a strategic move to reduce dependency on expensive foreign imports and stabilise input costs for farmers.

Housing, infrastructure, and inclusion have not been forgotten. NASENI is in partnership with the Family Homes Funds Limited to promote modern, sustainable housing designs that use locally manufactured materials and efficient building techniques.

The partnership with IMOSE Technologies to produce indigenous laptops and smartphones is another strong statement from the agency, emphasizing that digital inclusion must begin with devices produced in-country. Simultaneously, collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities ensures that assistive technologies are built into NASENI’s innovation portfolio, extending the benefits of technology to all citizens.

Another compelling collaboration is with Caverton Offshore Group to domesticate helicopter manufacturing, maintenance, and drone technology. This effort aims not simply at servicing offshore operations or private use, it also seeks to build a local aerospace support base that can reduce costs, foster skilled jobs, and elevate Nigeria’s defense and commercial capacity in a domain where maintenance, safety, and local competence are crucial.

Beyond sectoral partnerships, NASENI’s internal architecture has been retooled to sustain these collaborations. The Accelerated Technology Transfer Framework, introduced under Khalil Halilu, formalises the pathway from prototype to production, ensuring that research doesn’t stay idle but gets adopted by industry. Through this framework, NASENI has avoided redundancies, prioritised market-ready designs, and pushed for increased accountability in timelines and outcomes.

The results are visible: factories in planning, production lines being set up, local technicians being certified, and innovations moving out of the lab. Financially, MoUs and agreements have begun yielding investor interest; the promise of local EV manufacture, solar infrastructure, and digital device production is attracting both domestic and international capital. Importantly, this is not done in competition with the private sector, but in collaboration—as NASENI positions itself more clearly as enabler, not rival.

Of course, challenges remain. Import dependence for certain critical components, funding gaps in scaling production, certification and regulatory alignment, and ensuring that consumer trust keeps pace with local content all require persistent attention. But the institutional reforms, team management, and culture of partnership instilled under Halilu offer strong foundations to address these.

Looking ahead, NASENI is exploring additional ventures in coal-based fertilizer, affordable housing, renewable energy, aviation technology, and supply chain development. Each new project adds a layer to what is becoming a multifaceted ecosystem of innovation and impact.

- Bature Danlami, a technology enthusiast writes from Kano State.

EDUN REAFFIRMS PRIVATE SECTOR AS THE ENGINE OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has reaffirmed the central role of the private sector in driving Nigeria’s economic recovery and sustainable growth, while highlighting the bold reforms reshaping the nation’s economic landscape.

Speaking at the 60th Anniversary and 55th Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), held on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr. Edun commended the institute for six decades of professional excellence, integrity, and contribution to national development.

He noted that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, far-reaching reforms are restoring economic credibility, stimulating productivity, and unlocking opportunities across critical sectors of the economy.

“These reforms are ushering in a new era that rewards innovation and enterprise over rent-seeking,” the Minister stated.

According to him, the impact of these policy measures is already evident: Nigeria’s GDP expanded by over 4% in the second quarter of 2025, industrial output rose by 7.45%, inflation eased to 20.1% in August, and a record N7.4 trillion trade surplus underscored renewed competitiveness. He further noted that foreign reserves have strengthened to $42 billion, while the naira continues to gain stability, narrowing the gap between the official and parallel market rates.

Mr. Edun emphasised that the government’s ongoing reforms are designed to establish a foundation of transparency, predictability, and accountability—critical conditions for private sector confidence and long-term investment.

“With the private sector accounting for 90% of GDP, it remains the true engine of Nigeria’s economic growth. Government’s role is to create an enabling environment, not to crowd out enterprise,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Minister reaffirmed the administration’s ambition to achieve a 7% GDP growth rate through strategic investments in infrastructure, export diversification, fiscal discipline, and digital transformation in public financial management.

He commended the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria for its enduring role as a custodian of professional ethics and a partner in shaping discourse on economic reforms and sustainable development. The ICAN Annual Accountants’ Conference, he noted, continues to provide a vital platform for collaboration between policymakers, professionals, and the business community in charting Nigeria’s economic future.

*Khalil Halilu Celebrates Seyi Tinubu on His Birthday, Commends His Youthful Leadership and Impact*

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has extended warm birthday wishes to Mr. Seyi Tinubu, describing him as a symbol of youthful, visionary, and purpose-driven leadership.

In his message, Halilu said; “Happy Birthday, my dear brother @STinubu.
You are proof that leadership can be youthful, visionary, and purpose-driven. Your work with young people across Nigeria continues to inspire a generation to dream bigger and do better. Just as we believe at @KSHFoundation and @NASENIHQ, innovation and service must go hand in hand.”

He further wished Seyi Tinubu more years of impact and national service, urging him to continue “building bridges and possibilities for others.”

Wole Oke Recruitment Bribery Scandal: Group Demands House, ICPC Release Findings

The Security Watch Newtork for Good Governance (SecWatch), a civic advocacy group committed to promoting transparency and accountability in governance, has called on the House of Representatives and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to make public their findings on the alleged bribery and extortion scandal involving the House Committee on Recruitment Racketeering.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Mal. Abdullahi Maikano, the group expressed deep concern that the revelations published by Premium Times in September 2023 on the bribery scheme involving Hon. Wole Oke and other lawmakers and top officials of tertiary institutions had been “surreptitiously swept under the carpet.” The SecWatch described the silence surrounding the matter as “a dangerous signal that emboldens corruption in the legislature and deepens public mistrust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”

The Premium Times investigation had detailed how the House Committee on Recruitment Racketeering in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)—originally set up to uncover corruption—became entangled in a complex web of bribery and illicit financial flows. Central to the scheme was Honourable Oluwole Oke, a member of the House of Representatives representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, and the Lead British International School (LBIS), a private institution in which Mr. Oke holds a 75 per cent ownership stake.

According to the report, the committee—led by Mr. Oke and chaired by Yusuf Gagdi—allegedly compelled heads of federal tertiary institutions, including vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts, to pay bribes ranging from N2 million to N3 million each under various guises. The funds were allegedly channelled through Ama Business Solutions, a company linked to an Abuja-based bureau de change operator, Abubakar Sambo, who confirmed to reporters that his firm’s accounts were used in the transactions.

Premium Times uncovered that the illicit payments were subsequently converted to foreign currency through Mr. Sambo’s parallel market operations and handed over in cash to intermediaries connected to the committee. Investigations further revealed that Mr. Sambo’s long-standing business relationship with Lead British International School created a convenient conduit for laundering the bribe proceeds without leaving a paper or digital trail.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, the House Committee is reported to have moved swiftly to stage a cover-up—recalling some of the implicated vice-chancellors and rectors to publicly deny their involvement under oath. Analysts have described this as an attempt to sanitise the narrative and absolve implicated lawmakers.

Following the publication, the ICPC had announced an investigation into the matter after receiving a petition from Premium Times. However, months after the public disclosure and the Commission’s acknowledgment of the petition, no findings have been released, nor has any prosecution commenced.

The Security Watch Network for Good Governance condemned the apparent inertia, noting that the anti-corruption agency’s silence “sends a wrong message that lawmakers are above the law.” According to Mal. Maikano:

“When a member of the National Assembly is implicated in an elaborate bribery ring that undermines the very essence of public trust, the country cannot afford silence. The people deserve to know what became of the ICPC’s investigation and what actions the House of Representatives has taken to purge itself of this stain.”

He further emphasized that Hon. Wole Oke’s dual role—as the initiator of the committee and majority owner of the school allegedly used to launder the bribe funds—“makes him the central figure in one of the most scandalous abuses of legislative privilege in Nigeria’s recent history.”

The group argued that the scandal not only undermines Nigeria’s anti-corruption commitments but also ridicules the National Assembly before the international community. “If the legislature, the institution responsible for oversight, becomes a marketplace for inducement, then the moral foundation of governance collapses,” the statement added.

The SecWatch therefore called for a reopening of the case, urging the House leadership to make its internal findings public and for the ICPC to transparently brief Nigerians on the status of its probe. “This is not merely about punishing wrongdoing; it is about restoring faith in public office and sending a clear signal that integrity still matters in Nigeria’s democracy,” Mal. Maikano said.

“This case, anchored on clear evidence of illicit payments, use of bureau de change channels, and perjury before a parliamentary committee, represents a critical test of Nigeria’s willingness to cleanse its political system of entrenched corruption.

“The Nigerian people are watching,” the SecWatch concluded. “Whether this case is reopened and pursued to its logical conclusion will determine if this government is truly committed to accountability—or content with cosmetic reform.”

Under Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria Has A Stronger Voice on the Global Stage

For anyone to say that Nigeria’s credibility abroad has eroded, or that there is a steady collapse of our foreign policy, implies that such a person has no idea what foreign policy is. Since President Olusegun Obasanjo left office in 2007, the country has not had a more clearly defined and coherent foreign policy stance than under President Bola Tinubu. And this is thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

Yusuf Tuggar is no new entrant into the conversation of diplomacy—as both diplomat and politician. Prior to his appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in August 2023, he was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2023. During his ambassadorship, he notably facilitated significant diplomatic efforts including the successful repatriation of over 22 Benin Bronzes, advancement of bilateral trade and investment opportunities, enhanced security and migration agreements, and hosted Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel on a state visit to Nigeria.

He also played key roles in international climate negotiations and other major diplomatic engagements. Before his diplomatic career, Tuggar was a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, where he chaired the Public Procurement Committee and was involved in governance reforms. He holds degrees in International Relations from the United States International University, San Diego, and a Master’s from the University of Cambridge.

On assumption of office, he defined Nigeria’s foreign policy strategy by anchoring it on what he described as the “4D Doctrine”—Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography. The 4D Doctrine, also known as the Tinubu Doctrine, defines Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities within the context of our extant Afrocentric foreign policy tradition.

What does each pillar mean?

The Democracy pillar means that Nigeria will continue to promote and uphold democratic values, political stability, and the strengthening of democratic institutions both at home and abroad. It is in pursuit of this pillar that Ambassador Tuggar conceived the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) initiative. The RPD, launched in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to confront the democratic challenges facing West Africa. It is positioned as an African-led, people-centered effort to strengthen constitutional rule, institutional resilience, and inclusive governance across the sub-region.

The Demography pillar aims at harnessing Nigeria’s large and youthful population as a vital asset for global engagement. The doctrine emphasizes collaboration with countries that share similar demographic profiles to address common challenges and opportunities.

The Development pillar centers on how Nigeria will drive its economic growth and development through strategic diplomacy—focused on infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and industrialization. This involves the promotion of trade, attraction of foreign investment, and fostering of regional economic integration.

This pillar has been particularly impactful in unlocking new trade corridors for Nigeria. The launch of the West Africa Economic Summit by Ambassador Tuggar, with the goal of driving cross-border industrialization, trade, and infrastructure integration within West Africa, flows directly from this pillar.

Ambassador Tuggar has been renowned for pushing deeper regional cooperation and investment in regional value chains, as well as policy harmonization to boost competitiveness and resilience. He has strongly advocated for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s policy and research institutions to develop evidence-based reforms and foreign policy.

The Diaspora pillar emphasizes Nigeria’s rich diaspora population as a key national asset. The goal is to prioritize the well-being, engagement, and empowerment of Nigerians abroad, recognizing their role as a bridge for cultural, economic, and political exchange, as well as a key driver of Nigeria’s interests internationally.

Every student of diplomacy will agree that, together, these pillars reflect a strategic shift toward intentional, values-driven, and dynamic foreign relations aligned with Nigeria’s national interests. The 4D Doctrine seeks to enhance Nigeria’s global standing, promote African unity, maximize economic opportunities, and reinforce national security and trade through purposeful partnerships and multilateral engagement.

It is nauseating to read that a so-called activist and pharmacist, with zero training or background in foreign relations, named “Elder Karofi,” claims there is a steady collapse of Nigeria’s foreign policy. His comments do not only show a lack of understanding, but also a lack of restraint in exposing it.

There is no doubt that in the past two years, under Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar’s leadership, Nigeria has forged a stronger identity than ever before. The country’s recent outing at the UNGA 80 is evidence that Nigeria’s voice in the international space is stronger than ever. Did we not all see how the West reacted with propaganda against Nigeria, rattled by the statement delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima? Who can, in good faith, say that Nigeria has lost its voice in the global space? In fact, our voice is at its loudest.

When the United States issued a visa policy that ran foul of the principle of reciprocity governing the global visa system, Ambassador Tuggar did not mince words in stating Nigeria’s position and demanding respect.

When the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions across the world faced challenges, Ambassador Tuggar stepped in decisively. He engaged with the Office of the Accountant-General and the Federal Ministry of Finance to recover shortfalls and expedite the release of allocations for personnel and overhead costs. Additionally, he met with the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to ensure the 2025 budget aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and to lay the foundation for sustainable financing in subsequent years. The ministry, under his leadership, is also developing a sustainable financial framework and exploring innovative strategies for the long-term stability of diplomatic funding.

- Nathaniel C. Adoji a journalist, writes from Abuja

Powering Food Security: NEC Endorses NASENI’s Solar Pumps for Farmers

By Umar Abubakar Shema

When I stand at the edge of my farmland, I often think of two things: the soil beneath my feet, and the sky above my head. Between them lies my hope for survival—rain to water the crops, sunshine to make them grow. But in recent years, rain has grown scarce, and petrol for irrigation pumps has grown too costly. Many of us farmers spend more time worrying about fuel prices than about our harvests.

This is why the news from Abuja last week felt different. At the Presidential Villa, the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, endorsed the rollout of NASENI’s solar-powered irrigation pumps nationwide. For the first time, it feels like someone in government has looked at our struggles and found a solution born out of Nigeria’s own ingenuity.

To grow food during the dry season, we rely heavily on irrigation. But the pumps we use are powered by petrol or diesel. With fuel prices biting deeper every year, many farmers like me can no longer afford to irrigate as much land as we used to. Some have abandoned dry season farming altogether, while others take loans that keep them trapped in debt. The result is smaller harvests, higher food prices, and greater hardship for rural families.

When rain fails and fuel prices rise, we farmers stand powerless. And when farmers are powerless, the nation’s food security weakens.

The new solar-powered irrigation pumps developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) change the equation. These pumps draw their energy from the sun—free, abundant, and reliable. No more endless trips to buy petrol. No more uncertainty about how much of the harvest will be swallowed by fuel costs.

What excites me most is that the pumps are designed with us farmers in mind. They irrigate fields, they lower our costs, improve yields, and can even serve as backup power for our homes. They come with modern features like GPS tracking and mobile app dashboards—tools that allow us to monitor usage and manage costs with transparency. With the pay-as-you-go option, even smallholder farmers who are civil servants like me can access them without huge upfront expenses.

If these pumps are deployed widely in time for the 2025 dry season, Nigeria’s agricultural landscape could be transformed. More farmers will plant, more land will be cultivated, and food supplies will increase. This means lower prices in the markets, more income for farming families, and stronger rural livelihoods. For a country where food inflation is one of the harshest burdens, the ripple effect could be profound.

Vice President Shettima put it clearly: “NASENI’s Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumps prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete globally.”

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, also captured it well: “Together, we are building a more resilient agricultural sector, harvesting more sustainably and unlocking infinite possibilities for Nigeria.”

The NEC has directed Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, to work out funding so that NASENI can mass-produce and distribute these pumps quickly. For we farmers, timing is everything. If the pumps reach us before the 2025 dry season, the story of next year’s harvest will be one of abundance, not scarcity. The government should make this a priority.

For too long, we have labored under the twin burdens of erratic rainfall and expensive fuel. With NASENI’s solar-powered irrigation pumps, we finally have a tool that matches our resilience as farmers. It is a chance to reclaim our fields, secure our nation’s food future, and prove that innovation can grow from Nigerian soil to feed Nigerian mouths.

And for me, a farmer whose life depends on the earth and the sky, it feels like hope has finally found its way back into the soil.

— Umar Abubakar Shema, is a retired civil servant and writes from Katsina State

Rots in LAUTECH: Groups send SOS to Gov. Makinde to revert unjust relocation of two Departments
……says such act violating NUC rules

Groups of Concern Alumni of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Alumni for Academic Justice (AAJ), have cried out to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to as a matter of urgency revert the defeatist decision to relocate the Departments of Physiology and Anatomy by powerful interests within the University, without following the extant laws by the National Universities Commission, NUC guiding the location of Departments.

The Groups, AAJ in a statement issued, signed by the Secretary of the Coalition, Alhaji Abdulraham Umaru Babatunde and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, said findings legitimately indicated that these two Departments in all Nigerian Universities and worldwide are located in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (FBMS) according to the NUC rule book. And also, by the CCMAS standards which guides and regulates the training of B.Tech students of Physiology and Anatomy and also Medical Students. The regulatory bodies, National Universities Commission (NUC) and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) expressly stated that the training or the programmes should be domiciled in the FBMS. Hence, it becomes an aberration or a misnomer to forcefully relocate by executive fiat the location of the two Departments which is been planned by these powerful forces.

Abdulraham frowned that a purported hijack of the core units of FBMS by a select few powerful individuals in the Senate building due to some overt politicking was unpromising to the efforts of the executive governor of the State, Seyi Makinde to reposition medical training in the University to be able to compete favourably in the world stage.

It was gathered that sometimes last week following a meeting at the oval office, a riot act was given by the chief executive of the University who ordered the immediate relocation without following the extant laws guiding the location of the Departments. From our investigation, the Departments of Physiology and Anatomy are currently domiciled at the FBMS according to National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines and some powerful people through the connivance with the executives following frivolous complaint and petition necessitated this immediate relocation.

Our investigations revealed that there is a female lecturer (name withheld) who is in cahoots with a top management staff of the University both are actually the brains behind this unwholesome plan to scuttle the progress of the two Departments, the Faculty, the College and the University at large. There are other shenanigans going on within the University community and if this is allowed to stand, it will affect the webometrics rating of the great University and also the feasibility of graduates of those two Departments getting gainful employment within the health sector as envisioned by the programme.

“We call on the Visitor to the University, not allow this kind of suicidal move under his watch after he has committed much resources to the University. And also, the University will become a pariah and laughing stock if this is allowed to sail through. These incongruities and charlatan plans cannot stand the test of time due to the fact that a University is apparently the highest peak where learning and research goes on. This knowledge hub should not be turned to an Orwellian farm where anything goes.

“It is sine non-qua that Physiology and Anatomy Programmes are inseparable from the medical training and as a matter of fact, students of these two units undergo comprehensive training during their stewardship in the affiliated teaching hospital and any separation will be defeatist and deleterious to the programs.

There is no separation in the ultimate prize for Medicine and Physiology and one begins to wonder the rationale or motives behind this proposed hijack of the core programs to Faculty of Sciences. Out of the 48 medical schools currently operating in Nigeria, this model of Physiology and Anatomy being domiciled in FBMS is the norm, so the questions are why the need for change?
Accreditation procedures will be difficult and all Governor Makinde’s effort to reposition medical training in the University as a pace setter might be futile. Hence, the clarion call to the University management to do the needful by not dancing to the selfish interest of some few disgruntled individuals who are hell-bent on destroying the established order for their pecuniary reasons and self-preservation interest,” Abdulraham opined.

Understanding Defence Diplomacy: Nigeria’s Matawalle as a Case Study

By Dahiru Hassan Bashir

Diplomacy is often imagined as being the preserve of foreign ministries, ambassadors, and state visits. Yet, in the modern international system, the armed forces and defence institutions have also become key diplomatic actors. This practice—known as defence diplomacy—is an increasingly vital tool in advancing national interests, building alliances, and projecting soft power without firing a shot.

At its core, defence diplomacy is the peaceful application of a country’s defence resources and capabilities to achieve broader foreign policy goals. Unlike the traditional image of “gunboat diplomacy,” where the threat of force was central, defence diplomacy is about dialogue, cooperation, and confidence-building. It emerged prominently after the Cold War, as countries recognised the need to use their militaries not only for deterrence but also for creating stability, preventing conflicts, and strengthening partnerships.

The instruments of defence diplomacy range from high-level ministerial exchanges, joint military training, and professional education for foreign officers, to security sector reforms and humanitarian support in times of crisis. Countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Australia, and Canada have long institutionalised defence diplomacy as a strategic element of statecraft. Nigeria, too, is increasingly adopting this approach, and at the forefront of this effort is Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence.

Since assuming office, Dr. Matawalle has been deliberate in positioning Nigeria as an active player in international security cooperation. His engagements tell a story of how defence diplomacy works in practice.

In April 2025, Matawalle met with a delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), led by Major General Garrick M. Harmon. Their discussions focused on counterinsurgency operations, regional stability, and sustaining pressure against terrorist networks across Nigeria and the wider Sahel. A few weeks later, he hosted the U.S. Defence Attaché in Abuja, reinforcing the operational ties between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and their American counterparts. These meetings exemplify defence diplomacy’s first principle: cultivating mutual trust and ensuring that military cooperation serves long-term stability.

Matawalle’s diplomatic engagements extend well beyond traditional partners. In August 2025, he travelled to India for high-level talks with his counterpart, Minister Sanjay Seth. Their discussions covered counter-terrorism training, maritime security, hydrography, and defence industry collaboration. The visit reaffirmed a historical military relationship dating back to the early 1960s and opened new avenues for industrial partnerships—proof that defence diplomacy is also about economic and technological cooperation.

Another hallmark of Matawalle’s approach has been his focus on strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence industry. In March 2025, he received a high-level delegation from China’s NORINCO, one of the world’s largest defence conglomerates. Their talks centered on technology transfer and capacity-building for the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), underscoring the strategic importance of defence diplomacy in industrial development.

Similarly, engagements with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, and Azerbaijan have showcased Nigeria’s openness to exploring diverse partnerships. At the IDEF 2025 Defence Industry Exhibition in Istanbul, Matawalle met with Turkish, Azerbaijani, and other defence leaders, highlighting Nigeria’s intent to be part of the global conversation on security innovation and military-industrial cooperation.

Participation in international exhibitions and forums—such as Brazil’s LAAD 2025 and Turkey’s IDEF 2025—demonstrates how Nigeria is positioning itself as a serious player in global defence diplomacy. These platforms are not just trade shows but strategic arenas where countries project influence, build networks, and explore cooperative solutions to shared security challenges. By leading Nigeria’s delegations, Matawalle is ensuring the country has a voice in shaping the global security agenda.

The logic of defence diplomacy is clear: security cannot be achieved in isolation. In a world where terrorism, piracy, cyber threats, and transnational crimes transcend borders, cooperation among militaries and defence institutions is indispensable. Defence diplomacy, therefore, is less about showcasing military might and more about cultivating the relationships and trust that allow for joint responses to shared threats.

For Nigeria, this approach is crucial. With challenges ranging from Boko Haram insurgency to piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, building strong defence partnerships is as much about protecting sovereignty as it is about ensuring regional stability. Matawalle’s engagements—from Washington to New Delhi, from Beijing to Istanbul—illustrate how Nigeria is weaving itself into the global fabric of defence cooperation.

Like all diplomacy, defence diplomacy has its limits. It cannot resolve deep political disputes on its own, nor can it substitute for domestic reforms or political will. But it can build the bridges of trust and technical cooperation that underpin long-term peace and stability.

Dr. Matawalle’s deliberate engagements show Nigeria leaning into this reality. His strategy reflects not only the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises security and indigenous capability, but also a recognition that Nigeria’s defence future is best secured through collaboration, not isolation.

In this way, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence is writing a chapter in the evolving global story of defence diplomacy—where the tools of war are increasingly employed for the cause of peace.


- Dahiru Bashir Hassan is a security researcher and writes from the FCT

Your research works impetus for national developmental, PVAMU applauds graduating student

Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has recognized the outstanding research contributions of Emma Junior Emmanuel, whose ground-breaking work has been highlighted for its impact on national development.

The recognition, which was contained in an appraisal by the Associate Professor of Computer Science and Faculty-RISE Mentor at PVAMU, Prof. Ahmed Ahmed, Ph.D underscores Emmanuel’s commitment to innovative solutions addressing pressing societal challenges, positioning him as a rising scholar whose efforts align with the university’s mission of advancing knowledge for community and national progress.

A promising graduate student in Computer Information System, Emma Junior Emmanuel, has charted an unusual path, moving from the rigorous lawmaking procedures into the fast-evolving field of cyber security. With a keen understanding of how policies are crafted, debated, and enacted, Emmanuel brings a unique perspective to technology and digital protection. By blending legal insight with technical expertise, he is venturing into cyber security not only as a career but also as a platform to shape policies that safeguard individuals, institutions, and nations in the digital age. This rare combination of legislative knowledge and cyber defense skills positions Emmanuel as a future thought leader at the intersection of governance and technology.

When most people think of cybersecurity, they imagine lines of code, firewalls, and digital locks. Emmanuel, concentrated in cybersecurity and digital transformation, his journey into technology began in the halls where laws are written and policy is shaped: the Nigerian National Assembly.

As a legislative aide, Emmanuel conducted policy research, supported the drafting of legislative proposals, and advised lawmakers on pressing issues. His work emphasized digital inclusion, governance modernization, and the role of technology in national development. “I quickly realized that technology isn’t just about systems and machines; it’s about people, institutions and how policies allow innovation to flourish,” he said.

Now at PVAMU, Emmanuel has turned his focus from policy to research. As a graduate research assistant, he is investigating ways to strengthen national security through artificial intelligence. His study, Quantitative Evaluation of AI-Augmented Cybersecurity Architectures for Threat Intelligence and Vulnerability Remediation in the United States Critical Infrastructure, explores how AI can automatically detect anomalies, identify vulnerabilities, and respond to cyber attacks in real time. He is pursuing this work under Ahmed Ahmed, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science and Faculty-RISE mentor.

“Mr. Emmanuel’s research plays an important role in advancing the understanding of privacy-preserving mechanisms within the domain of AI-augmented cybersecurity,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed continued, “His work on the intersection of adversarial robustness, data confidentiality, and trust establishment through AI-based frameworks offers both depth and clarity to a complex and rapidly evolving cybersecurity field. Furthermore, he took multiple of my graduate classes at PVAMU and excelled as one of the top students in the classes I teach.”

Emmanuel recently expanded his portfolio with a publication titled Systematic Review of 6G-IoT Privacy Risks, Emerging Threats, Mitigation Strategies, and Cybersecurity (Sept. 10, 2025). The research examines how 6G networks and massive IoT deployments reshape the cybersecurity landscape for critical infrastructure, from power grids to healthcare systems, while also proposing frameworks that balance innovation, resilience, and user privacy.

Beyond the lab, Emmanuel is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers, advocating for representation and mentorship in technology. “As cyber threats grow more complex, our solutions must evolve to be not only technical but also strategic and human-cantered,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in the RISE program, Emmanuel points to growth and connection as his biggest takeaways. “I got to sharpen my skills through real projects and learn directly from mentors who cared about pushing me forward,” he said. “But what stood out the most was building relationships with peers who inspire me. It feels like I’m leaving with both confidence and a community I can carry with me.”

The PVAMU Faculty-RISE Program, led by Vice President for Research and Innovation Magesh Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., empowers students through comprehensive research training, dedicated mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of scientists and innovators to drive transformative discoveries and leadership both at PVAMU and in their future careers.

Matawalle and the Case for Africa’s Tech-Driven Defence Future

By Dahiru Bashir Hassan

When Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, took the floor at the Inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja, his message resonated. Summarily it said: The future of warfare is digital, fast-moving, and unpredictable. To secure that future, Africa must invest in technology.

For those who have followed Bello Matawalle as Minister of State for Defence, this is not rhetoric. Since assuming office, he has consistently championed the idea that Africa’s defence capacity cannot rely solely on imported solutions. Instead, it must be rooted in indigenous innovation and local manufacturing.

Take an example. Under his watch, Nigeria has revived efforts to strengthen the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), long seen as the backbone of domestic military production. By forging a strategic partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), he has pushed for the fusion of defence needs with homegrown engineering and technological innovation.

This approach also speaks to a broader philosophy: that defence resilience is inseparable from economic sovereignty. A nation unable to produce or adapt its own military technologies remains dependent and vulnerable. Simple. Bello Matawalle has therefore argued for increased investment not only in cyber defence and surveillance systems but also in building Nigeria’s capacity to design and manufacture critical defence equipment. Such moves, he insists, will save foreign exchange, create skilled jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for defence innovation.

The Abuja summit itself underscored the scale of the challenge for Africa. Terrorism, insurgency, piracy, and cyberattacks remain pressing threats across the continent. But Matawalle’s intervention cut through the usual security discourse. “Africa must take the lead in shaping the future of defence,” he told his audience of military chiefs, diplomats, and policymakers. His call was for greater collaboration and particularly for Africa to build the technological backbone that would make collaboration meaningful.

Nigeria’s own history lends weight to his appeal. From peacekeeping missions across West Africa to counterterrorism campaigns at home, the Armed Forces have shouldered heavy responsibilities, often at great cost. What they have lacked, too often, are the modern tools needed to match their courage. Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle’s agenda seeks to close that gap.

He has also framed the push for local capacity as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which has expanded support for the military while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in regional security. His insistence on embedding defence production within Nigeria’s industrial policy reflects the administration’s wider ambition to diversify the economy through strategic sectors.

But for Matawalle, the argument is as much about unity as it is about technology. He called for the summit to become an annual fixture, with standing working groups to ensure continuity in African defence collaboration. Security, he reminded his audience, is not a solitary enterprise but a shared endeavour that demands shared tools.

In his vision, Africa’s defence future lies in marrying collaboration with capacity, and strategy with science. For Nigeria, the path forward is a stronger, more secure nation built not only by soldiers in uniform but also by engineers, innovators, and policymakers who understand that modern wars are won as much in the laboratory as on the battlefield.

- Dahiru Bashir Hassan is a security researcher and writes from the FCT

Nigeria’s Economic Winds Are Shifting

Capital, as the old adage goes, is a coward; it flees uncertainty and gravitates towards clarity and opportunity. For years, Nigeria’s economy had been a case study in unrealised potential—vast resources, dynamic people, but hampered by weak policy choices and wavering investor confidence. Yet the tide appears to be turning.

Foreign portfolio investment (FPI)—a key gauge of international investor sentiment—tells the story most vividly. Under Yar’Adua (2007–2010), FPI shrank by –6.22%. Jonathan’s administration oversaw a 77.55% surge, reflecting a period of relative optimism. Buhari’s years, however, saw sharp declines: –8% in his first term and a staggering –56.46% in the second. Then, almost as if on cue, the curve bent upwards. Since 2023, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, FPI has soared by 253.89%, the sharpest rebound in nearly two decades.

To a non-economist, these are mere numbers. But why does this matter? Unlike foreign direct investment (FDI), which builds factories and infrastructure, portfolio flows are more fickle: they chase returns, test waters, and retreat when policy missteps loom. But they are also barometers. Rising inflows into Nigerian equities and bonds reflect renewed confidence in the economy’s direction. In Nigeria, this is exactly the case. For the first time in years, international investors are beginning to believe Nigeria can deliver on its promise.

This resurgence is the product of a new policy thrust—anchored by Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Since assuming office, Edun has spearheaded reforms designed to restore macroeconomic stability and signal seriousness to the markets. From the unification of exchange rates to the removal of unsustainable subsidies, his stewardship has aimed to replace opacity with clarity, and restore distortions with discipline.

The numbers back this up. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows capital importation in the first half of 2024 more than doubled year-on-year, with portfolio inflows accounting for over half of the total. By mid-2025, the Nigerian Exchange had recorded foreign investment inflows of N1.3 trillion, more than twice the figure of the previous year. Meanwhile, the Central Bank has reported increasing foreign reserves and improved liquidity in the FX market, easing some of the pressure that had long constrained businesses and consumers alike.

None of this is to say Nigeria’s economy is suddenly out of the woods. Structural challenges remain: FDI is still anaemic, accounting for just over 1% of inflows in 2024. Infrastructure gaps persist, and inflation still bites. But the significance of rising FPI is that it buys time and space—it allows the government to fund deficits, stabilise the Naira, and attract attention back to sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. The more confidence grows, the more likely it is that hot money can be converted into long-term commitments.

For ordinary Nigerians, the gains may not yet be obvious. But the logic is straightforward: more investment means stronger capital markets, better access to credit, and, ultimately, resources for job creation and public services. For telecoms, banks, and energy firms alike, it means the ability to expand, upgrade, and innovate. Confidence in the macroeconomy creates ripple effects that touch lives—from the reliability of power supply to the speed of internet connections, to the price of food in the market.

Mr. Edun’s challenge is to sustain momentum and deepen reforms. His task is not just to attract capital but to ensure it translates into impact. Nigerians will judge less by the glow of investor optimism than by the feel of economic relief in their daily lives. Still, the story today is one of resurgence: Nigeria is back on the radar of global investors.

- Bernard Okri - Global Economic Policy Initiative (GEPIn)

NSA Ribadu Leads Resolution of PENGASSAN–Dangote Refinery Dispute

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has played a pivotal role in brokering peace between the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery, bringing an end to a dispute that had threatened industrial harmony in the sector.

Ribadu, who assumed the role of chief conciliator in the negotiations, steered discussions that culminated in a breakthrough after two days of intensive meetings. The Federal Government announced on Wednesday that both parties reached a mutually beneficial resolution under his guidance.

As part of the agreement, the Dangote Group committed to immediately redeploying the disengaged refinery staff to other companies within its conglomerate, ensuring no loss of pay. In return, PENGASSAN agreed to commence the process of calling off its strike action. Both sides also pledged that no worker would face victimisation for their role in the impasse.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, in a statement confirming the outcome, reaffirmed that unionisation remains a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law, and urged all parties to uphold this principle.

Alongside Ribadu, other senior government officials present at the talks included the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Dingyadi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of State for Labour, Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; as well as the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, and the Director-General of the NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

Wale Edun Reassures Nigerians of Steady Petroleum Supply, Resolves Dangote Refinery Concerns

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to uninterrupted supply of refined petroleum products in the country, with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, taking the lead in steering discussions to strengthen stability in the downstream oil sector.

Chairing the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Domestic Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Local Currency Initiative earlier today, Mr. Edun addressed recent concerns in the sector, notably the purported suspension of the Naira-for-crude oil arrangement by the Dangote Refinery—which has since been amicably resolved—as well as issues raised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Alongside Mr. Edun were key government officials and industry stakeholders, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, who also chairs the Technical Committee; representatives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority; Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd.; the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Afreximbank; and the Dangote Refinery.

Under Mr. Edun’s leadership, the committee reaffirmed that there will be no disruption in the supply of refined petroleum products nationwide. It also clarified that the crude oil-for-Naira initiative remains firmly in place. Furthermore, the committee assured Nigerians that all outstanding issues, particularly the dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery, are being handled with urgency and in good faith.

Mr. Edun underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering resolve to safeguard energy security, protect consumers, and sustain stability in the domestic petroleum products market.

FG Refutes False Claims of Religious Genocide in Nigeria

The Federal Government strongly condemns and categorically refutes recent allegations by certain international platforms and online influencers suggesting that terrorists operating in Nigeria are engaged in a systematic genocide against Christians. Such claims are false, baseless, despicable, and divisive.

Portraying Nigeria’s security challenges as a targeted campaign against a single religious group is a gross misrepresentation of reality.

While Nigeria, like many countries, has faced security challenges, including acts of terrorism perpetrated by criminals, couching the situation as a deliberate, systematic attack on Christians is inaccurate and harmful. It oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted security environment and plays into the hands of terrorists and criminals who seek to divide Nigerians along religious or ethnic lines.

The violent activities of terrorist groups are not confined to any particular religious or ethnic community. These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those who do not identify with any religion have suffered at their hands.

The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to completely degrading terrorist groups and securing the lives and property of all citizens, and this resolve is already yielding results. Between May 2023 and February 2025 alone, over 13,543 terrorists and criminals were neutralized and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued in multiple military operations across the country.

Only last month, the top leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan - commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate, was captured in a well-coordinated counter-terrorism operation. They are: Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU; and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.

These feats underscore the determination and success of our security forces and expose as unfounded the notion that Nigeria is passively tolerating religiously motivated terrorism.

The Federal Government is steadfast in its duty to protect every Nigerian, regardless of ethnic or religious identity, and continues to work with international partners to address the global threat of terrorism.

The Nigerian Armed Forces and Police have demonstrated their commitment to accountability by conducting several court martials and prosecutions to hold their officials accountable for any misconduct. This effort underscores the importance of discipline and adherence to the rule of law within our security agencies.

Nigeria is a multi-religious state with large populations of both Christians and Muslims. We are home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the world, alongside some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally. Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria.

It is doubtful that foreign interlopers into Nigeria’s affairs are aware that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians—a fact that underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership.

In the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has made significant strides in prosecuting Boko Haram suspects. To date, we have successfully prosecuted seven batches of suspects, securing over 700 convictions. We are currently moving into our eighth prosecution cycle, further demonstrating our resolve to tackle terrorism and its sponsors.

Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, our administration remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice and enhancing security. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who threaten our nation's peace and stability are brought to justice.

The Nigerian story is not one of religious genocide or persecution. Rather, it is a story of resilience, diversity, and a globally acknowledged commitment to peaceful coexistence.

In March of this year, the inaugural Commonwealth Peace Prize was awarded to two Nigerian religious leaders, Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye and Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Centre.

Their decades-long work to promote trust and tolerance across faiths now serves as a model for peacebuilding in all 56 Commonwealth countries. This means that Nigeria is not only exporting culture and music to the world—we are also exporting proven frameworks for interfaith harmony.

We urge the international media and other commentators to act with responsibility and have respect for facts. All stakeholders are advised to avoid ignorance, sensationalism, and divisive rhetoric, and instead support Nigeria’s ongoing efforts in the fight against terrorism and all forms of criminality.

Mohammed Idris, fnipr
Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.

Edun, Kyari Discuss Seed Certification Reforms to Bolster Food Security

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, is intensifying efforts to secure Nigeria’s food supply chain through targeted reforms in seed certification.

During a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kiyari, Mr. Edun alongside his Ministerial counterpart underscored the central role of agriculture in the government’s economic strategy. Discussions focused on expanding access to certified seeds, introducing a decentralised certification system with rigorous quality standards, and accelerating preparations for the upcoming dry season farming programme.

These reforms are expected to improve seed quality and availability, while reinforcing the link between agricultural productivity, reduced food inflation, greater private investment, and sustainable economic growth for Nigeria.

NSA Ribadu to Lead Stakeholder Engagement as Tinubu Receives Ogoni Dialogue Report, Confers Honours on Ogoni Four

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has been directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to spearhead immediate engagement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Ogoni people, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The directive came on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, where President Tinubu received the report of the Presidential Committee on the Ogoni Consultations, chaired by Professor Don Baridam. The report was presented in the presence of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who led the Ogoni delegation.

In his remarks, Ribadu explained that the President had earlier approved several confidence-building steps that helped restore trust among stakeholders. These included the establishment of the Governing Council for the Federal University of Environment and Technology, as well as notable progress on the East-West Road. He noted that divisions and tensions were carefully mediated throughout the consultations, resulting in an inclusive process that produced a collective report.

“All through the process, dialogue prevailed over confrontation, and today, all parties have reached readiness to see the responsible resumption of oil production in Ogoniland anchored on fairness, equity, environmental responsibility, and direct community benefit,” Ribadu said.

President Tinubu, while commending the committee for its work, emphasised his administration’s commitment to reconciliation and sustainable development in Ogoniland. He assured stakeholders that the Federal Government would deploy necessary resources to safeguard the environment and support the Ogoni people in achieving shared prosperity.

“We are not, as a government, taking lightly the years of pain endured in Ogoniland. The Federal Government truly acknowledges the long suffering of the Ogoni people, and today we declare with conviction that hope is here,” the President said.

He further urged Ogoni communities to put divisions behind them, embrace reconciliation, and work towards a united future.

In a symbolic gesture of recognition, the President also conferred the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on four Ogoni leaders—Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Albert Bade, Chief Samuel Orage, and Chief Theophilus Orage—who lost their lives in the struggle for environmental justice. This followed the June honours conferred on Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists.

Governor Fubara praised the confidence-building measures initiated by President Tinubu, noting their impact on infrastructural and institutional projects in the Niger Delta.

Committee Chairman, Professor Baridam, expressed gratitude to the President for his foresight in placing the process under the leadership of the NSA, describing Ribadu’s “steady hand of diplomacy and insistence on dialogue” as pivotal in restoring hope to the Ogoni people.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar: A Firm Voice for Africa at UNGA 80

When the United Nations General Assembly opens its 80th session in New York, the world will look once again to its most influential states for leadership on questions of peace, development, and justice. Yet, in this moment, Africa’s voice is no less critical. And for Africa’s largest democracy and one of its strongest economies, Nigeria, the task of giving substance to that voice falls squarely on the shoulders of its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

Tuggar has already earned a reputation as a diplomat of conviction, one who embodies both firmness and patriotism in equal measure. His record as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany underscored this: he helped secure the return of 22 Benin Bronzes, giving weight to calls for cultural restitution and confronting the shadows of colonial injustice. At the same time, he cultivated deep commercial ties, from the Siemens Power Project that underpinned Nigeria’s electricity reforms, to agricultural and investment partnerships that broadened opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.

As foreign minister, Tuggar has carried this ethos into the global arena. Perhaps most telling was his firm refusal to accept the United States’ attempts to offload Venezuelan prisoners on Nigerian soil—a proposal packaged as diplomatic “cooperation.” He made it clear that Nigeria would not be reduced to a dumping ground, no matter the pressure applied. It was a striking moment in which Africa’s most populous country stood up to one of the world’s great powers and refused to bend. In Ambassador Tuggar’s defiance, the broader message was simply this: friendship with Nigeria must be built on respect, not coercion.

It is this unyielding approach that Nigeria now brings to UNGA 80, where its agenda reflects not only national priorities but the wider interests of Africa and the Global South. Central to that agenda is the long-standing demand for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council. For decades, the Council has remained structurally skewed, excluding the very continent that contributes the most peacekeepers and suffers the highest share of global conflicts. Yet, Nigeria’s case is compelling: with its population, its economy, and its historic role in peacekeeping across West Africa and beyond, its presence on the Council would anchor Africa’s voice in the highest deliberations on global security.

Equally urgent is Nigeria’s call for reform of the global financial architecture. Current systems continue to burden developing nations with unbalanced debt structures and limited access to capital. Ambassador Tuggar and his delegation will argue that genuine reform of this financial architecture is not an act of charity, but one of justice. A restructuring of this nature would allow Africa, and countries like Nigeria, to drive the kind of growth that benefits the entire global economy.

Nigeria, at UNGA, must also champion regional partnerships for democracy, an initiative that comes at a time when democratic governance in Africa is under strain from repeated coups and rising authoritarianism.

Recently, Ambassador Tuggar announced a new initiative in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) called the Regional Partnership for Democracy. The goal of this program is to strengthen democratic governance and institutional resilience across the West African region. The forum of UNGA will be the right global platform to advance this initiative and seek more voices and hands in its support.

Finally, Nigeria would be expected to use its position as a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council to demand more consistent UN funding for African-led peace operations. Without such support, regional institutions remain hamstrung, leaving conflicts to fester and undermining global stability.

Taken together, these positions reflect both an ambitious and necessary agenda. They signal a Nigeria determined not only to advance its own interests but also to speak for Africa in shaping the rules of the international order. For this, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, with the right pedigree is well-positioned to advocate the country’s position. His career has shown that he is unafraid to confront imbalance, whether in matters of cultural restitution, global trade, or the politics of migration. At UNGA 80, he has the chance to apply that same resolve to questions of peace, justice, and development.

If the General Assembly is to live up to its ideals, it will need strong, clear, and principled voices. Nigeria has one in Ambassador Tuggar. And in his voice, Africa’s demand for fairness and dignity will be difficult to ignore.


Nathaniel C. Adoji, a journalist writes from Kaduna

Edun Steers Economic Team as Nigeria Launches Livestock Growth Plan

Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, last week underscored the government’s determination to sustain economic recovery as he chaired a meeting of the Economic Management Team (EMT) that unveiled a landmark livestock development strategy.

The meeting also took the presentation of the National Livestock Growth and Advancement Strategy (NL-GAS) by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha. The ten-year, two-phased plan aims to double Nigeria’s herd size and expand sectoral output by at least 100 percent by 2035. It emphasizes robust public–private partnerships to modernize production, enhance food security, and strengthen value chains across the country.

Mr Wale Edun welcomed the strategy as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s broader reform agenda, linking it to the government’s drive to boost investment and ensure sustainable, private-sector-led growth. “Initiatives like the NL-GAS,” he said, “are precisely what will deepen our reform gains, create opportunities for investors, and secure long-term food sufficiency for Nigerians.”

The session, which held in Abuja, also reviewed the country’s economic outlook and highlighted key indicators pointing to renewed stability. Inflation slowed for the fifth consecutive month to 20 percent, GDP growth held firm above 3 percent, and Nigeria posted a merchandise trade surplus of N7.4 trillion in the second quarter of 2025. Officials attributed the performance to disciplined fiscal reforms and a more competitive exchange rate regime—policies at the heart of Edun’s economic stewardship.

The launch of the livestock plan comes as part of a wider push by Mr Wale Edun and the Economic Management Team to diversify Nigeria’s economy, consolidate recent gains, and set the foundation for inclusive growth.

Ogun Govt Gives Clarification on Paddy-Arikawe Oye, Igbimo Road Project


The Ogun State government has described as egregious falsehood the news report that it stopped an ongoing federal road project along Paddy-Arikawe Oye Igbimo Road to settle political scores with the facilitator of the project.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Ogun State government clarified that the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, was only asked to follow due process and apply for permission from the government because the road in question is a state road.

According to the statement, having discovered a contractor working on the road, which was earlier scheduled for repairs by Governor Abiodun, the state government asked the contractor to apply for permission, stating the scope of work expected to be done, which would enable the state government to take the road off its schedule.

It challenged the writers of the fake news to publish anything legally wrong with the letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Dr. Yusuf L.O., directing the contractor to suspend operations because the necessary permit/clearance was not obtained from the State Government before commencement.

According to the statement, no one can carry out any repair work on a road without obtaining the necessary permission, which is why a state government intent on repairing any federal road must first obtain the Federal Government’s permission.

The statement said: “Nigerians will recall that for a long time, the Ogun State Government could not carry out any repair works on federal roads like the Abeokuta-Sango Ota road because the then Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, refused to give the state permission. In their utter ignorance, the authors of the fake news claimed that the Federal Government had approved the construction of a road belonging to Ogun State.

“If not for outright mischief carried out on behalf of their drowning principal, how can anyone equate asking a contractor to obtain necessary approval before working on a state road to stopping the project because of alleged political hostility? How do you work on a state road, indeed any road, without obtaining the necessary approval?”

The statement asked Nigerians to note that in a letter dated February 1, 2025, a former federal lawmaker, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, sought permission to start construction work on four rural roads, namely Sokanmade Road, Ewuga; Oko and Ada Road, Simawa; Ita Maro to Ilara Road; and Alhaja Ogunsanya Street, Irolu, among other projects.

This, the statement said, is the normal route to take.

National Economic Council (NEC) Endorses NASENI’s Solar Irrigation Pumps For Nationwide Rollout

“It’s a proof that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world.” - VP Shettima

In a bid to boost food security in Nigeria, the National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed solar-powered irrigation pumps produced by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season farming.

The NASENI solar irrigation pump, produced to replace the petrol-powered pump, is aimed at reinforcing the nation’s food security strategy, as it is expected to increase agricultural productivity, lower operational cost, higher incomes and improve livelihoods.

At its 152nd meeting held on Thursday at Presidential Villa, Abuja, NEC endorsed the use of the solar irrigation pump and resolved to adequately notify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his approval.

In anticipation of the President’s approval and the need to provide funding for NASENI, the Council also mandated the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out modalities of funding to enable NASENI to mass produce the solar irrigation pumps and distribute in time for the 2025 dry season.

Chairman of the Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the scaled-up solar irrigation pumps is an indication that Nigerians can compete at the global level with their creativity.

“We must also face the challenge of innovation in agriculture. NASENI’s scaled-up solar irrigation pumps are ready for national rollout ahead of the 2025 dry season. These pumps replace expensive petrol-powered systems, lower farmers’ costs, expand dry-season cultivation, and even provide backup power for households.

“Their advanced features, including GPS tracking, mobile app dashboards, usage monitoring, and pay-as-you-go integration, prove that Nigerian ingenuity can compete with the world,” he stated.

VP Shettima said the innovation by NASENI “will not only boost food security but also unlock carbon credit opportunities” for farmers across the country.

The NASENI solar irrigation pump is also, designed to help boost agricultural productivity by lowering operational costs for farmers, increasing yields, raising incomes, and improving rural livelihoods.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, commended NEC’s resolution;

“NEC’s decision is a strong vote of confidence in our ability to deliver energy-efficient, homegrown solutions that will boost food production, lower costs for farmers, and secure livelihoods.

“Special appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continuous support, ensuring NASENI remains at the forefront of advancing his administration’s reforms on industrialization, technology transfer, and food security. Together, we are building a more resilient agricultural sector, harvesting more sustainably and unlocking infinite possibilities for Nigeria.”

To facilitate immediate mass production and distribution of the pumps, NEC further mandated the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, to work out funding modalities for NASENI.

In his remarks Vice President Kashim Shettima also hinted at other efforts by the Tinubu administration to ensure food security, saying recently, “250,000 farmers have been insured across eight states, the 30 percent Value Addition Bill is advancing, and the ₦250 billion Bank of Agriculture facility is being activated to reach smallholders.”

Based on updates from the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, VP Shettima further stated that, “The Green Imperative Project with Brazil is being repositioned for financing, while the World Bank-backed AGROW programme is mapping priority value chains for roll-out.

“The Harvesting Hope Caravan has reached half a million citizens in eight states, building trust and grassroots mobilisation. These are lifelines to farmers and proof that NEC’s decisions resonate beyond these chambers.”

FG disburses N330 billion to vulnerable Nigerians- Wale Edun

The Federal Government has disbursed N330 billion in cash transfers to poor and vulnerable Nigerians through the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO).

“We are pleased to report that the social protection programme put in place as a safety net to help people cope with the rising price level is now firmly back on track," the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said.

He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting of the Special Presidential Panel on the Social Investment Programme.

“About 19.7 million poor and vulnerable households, representing more than 70 million individuals, are captured in the National Social Register.

“The cash transfers, funded from the 800 million dollars World Bank facility, were disbursed to 15 million households.

“So far, 8.5 million households have received at least one tranche of N25,000, while some have received two or three payments.

“The remaining seven million households will be paid before the end of the year,” he said.

The minister said that the programme is anchored on a robust and sustainable system with beneficiaries verified through their National Identity Numbers (NIN) and payments made digitally via bank accounts or mobile wallets.

Telecoms Rank Low on Consumer Complaints as Banks, Fintechs Dominate – FCCPC

Nigeria’s telecommunications industry emerged as one of the least sources of consumer complaints, according to fresh data from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The commission’s latest sectoral complaints report shows that while banks, fintechs, and fast-moving consumer goods companies dominated grievance lists between March and August 2025, telecoms recorded relatively fewer cases compared to other critical sectors.

Out of more than 9,000 complaints handled during the period, the banking sector accounted for the largest share with 3,173 disputes, followed by the FMCG sector (1,543) and fintech firms (1,442). The electricity sector drew 458 complaints, while sectors such as e-commerce, aviation, logistics, and telecommunications featured far lower on the list.

The FCCPC noted that it successfully resolved 9,091 cases within the five months, securing over N10bn ($6.7m) in refunds and compensation for consumers.

“These numbers are not just statistics; they tell the story of consumer frustration and the daily challenges Nigerians face in accessing essential services,” said Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC.

The report underscored that the highest consumer grievances remain concentrated in financial services—particularly banking and digital lending—where issues such as unauthorised deductions, unfair charges, and failed transactions are common. Fintech complaints, largely tied to predatory lending and online investment schemes, continue to rise as Nigerians increasingly rely on digital platforms.

By contrast, the telecommunications sector featured only minimally in the complaint tally, reflecting fewer disputes relative to its large subscriber base. The FCCPC said this trend shows improvements in dispute resolution mechanisms within the industry, even as it continues to monitor service quality and billing practices.

The commission pledged to intensify oversight, especially in financial services and utilities where consumer dissatisfaction is most widespread, while also maintaining collaboration with other regulators to ensure Nigerians are better protected.

Edun Suspends 4% Customs Levy to Protect Businesses, Ease Inflationary Pressures

In a move widely applauded by industry stakeholders, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has ordered the immediate suspension of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) charge recently introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.

The decision, conveyed through the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Finance (Special Duties), followed extensive consultations with trade experts, businesses, and relevant government agencies and reflects the government’s sensitivity to the concerns of importers and manufacturers who had warned that the levy would worsen the cost of doing business in Nigeria.

According to the Ministry, the suspension was necessary to prevent negative consequences such as higher inflation, reduced trade competitiveness, and a slowdown in economic activity.

Mr Wale Edun stressed that the wellbeing of businesses and the stability of the economy remain paramount in the government’s economic reform agenda.

“The suspension provides an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and a thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications,” the Ministry noted, adding that the goal is to devise a more equitable and efficient revenue structure that balances revenue generation with economic growth and stability.

The halted levy prioritises economic stability and business confidence, further reaffirming the President Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparent and inclusive reforms.

Tuggar Pushes Strategic Autonomy, Unveils Democracy Partnership at NIIA

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for stronger intellectual collaboration to drive the nation’s foreign policy, while reaffirming Nigeria’s pursuit of Strategic Autonomy in global affairs.

Tuggar made the call during his working visit to the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, where he praised the Institute for over six decades of thought leadership in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy direction.

He commended the NIIA’s management and scholars for forging partnerships with institutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, and the private sector. According to him, these collaborations have delivered concrete outcomes, including modern training facilities, an Early Warning System, upgraded libraries, and a Cultural Diplomacy Centre.

In a keynote address titled “Policy Practice with Emerging Global Dynamics,” the Minister said Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is anchored on four pillars: Democracy, Demography, Development, and Diaspora. He explained that Strategic Autonomy is essential for Nigeria to safeguard national interests without compromising its moral and ethical values.

Tuggar also unveiled the Ministry’s Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD) Programme, a platform to help African nations strengthen democratic institutions and practices rooted in their own histories and cultures. “Africa must own its democratic journey; no one holds a patent on how democracy is expressed,” he said.

He urged the NIIA to deepen synergy with the Foreign Service Academy to train the next generation of diplomats and policy innovators, stressing that the Institute remains critical to providing the intellectual foundation for Nigeria’s foreign policy ambitions.