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The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, (EIRS) said it has generated the sum of N79 billion out of the N100 billion target by the State in 2025 fiscal in the last nine months.

Oladele Bankole-Balogun, the executive chairman of EIRS, disclosed this during a meeting with heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs permanent secretaries, and directors in Benin- City.

Bankole-Balogun, however, warned that leakages by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, threaten sustainable growth.

He added that between January and June, 2025, the agency generated N52.6 billion representing a 46 per cent increase over the 2024 generation.

The EIRS who described revenue as the ‘lifeline of development,’ insisted that Edo must position itself as a frontrunner in implementing the new framework.

He also disclosed that the state government would be adopting the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as part of policy reforms to boost revenue generation and block leakages.

‘These results are commendable. Yet, by the standards of the governor, the expectations of Edo people, and the possibilities before us, there is still much more to do. ‘A fundamental tool for achieving this is the Single Treasury Account (TSA), which we have begun to institutionalize.It ensures that all government receipts flow through a transparent,centralized account-eliminating cash handling,reducing leakages, and improving accountability.

‘Going forward,we will insist that all revenue streams be remitted into the IGR account, with proper digital trials and accountability’, he said.

He explained that there was the need to close leakages, comply fully with the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and align with the Nigerian Tax Reform Acts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

He said the meeting was more than administrative, and a clarion call for unity, collaboration, and shared purpose in building the Edo State of our dreams

‘Revenue is not an end in itself; it is a means – a means to better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education, safe communities, and dignity for all citizens of Edo State. ‘Every MDA must become ‘a revenue-generating asset in its own right’ while ensuring compliance with digital systems and TSA requirements.

While highlighting the opportunities in the 2025 Nigerian Tax Reform Acts, he said it would consolidate multiple tax laws into a unified Nigeria Tax Act (NTA).

He also explained that the reforms expanded the tax net to digital assets and informal commerce, introduced a four per cent development levy, and established new institutions like the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and a Tax Ombudsman.

‘The new framework simplifies, digitalises, and makes tax administration more predictable.

‘Edo must align internal processes, adopt e-receipting and digital reporting, and leverage our informal and digital economy for sustainable growth,’ he added.

He, however, urged MDAs handling land, urban planning, permits, and business registrations to strengthen compliance under the restructured stamp duty and real estate provisions.

He also called for sustained partnership, with the MDAs stressing that, ‘We do not ask for compliance by fiat, but by reason, trust, systems, and partnership.

‘Think of the untapped potential in land and planning agencies, in building control, in informal trade regulation, in permitting systems, and in new business registration,’ he advised.

‘We invite each of you to own the vision, to embed revenue-conscious thinking in your agencies, and to commit to the discipline that accountability demands.’, stated.

On his party, Jackson Eribo, Executive Director of MDA Services, listed some of the challenges hindering revenue optimisation to include illegal opening of revenue accounts, cash collections against the state’s cashless policy, and partial remittances

Eribo listed other challenges to include fragmentation of systems outside the Edo Revenue Administration System (ERAS), and non-compliance with Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) requirements.

He noted that the continued violation of the state’s cashless policy through cash collections and partial remittances remains a serious concern.

Estate planning is the structured process of organizing and managing an individual’s assets during their lifetime and arranging for their efficient transfer upon death or incapacity. It encompasses the preparation of legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, to ensure asset preservation, provide for dependents, and align asset distribution with the individual’s personal, financial, and philanthropic objectives, all in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Estate planning remains one of the most important but neglected areas of family life in Nigeria particularly for aging parents. Most families are often left in crisis situations when a parent, and in most cases the breadwinner, becomes incapacitated or dies suddenly with no plan in place as to how the surviving family members can have access to his assets or continue to manage his business. The consequence has been that the family becomes confused with hitherto hidden crisis suddenly resurrecting leading to court battles, strained family relationships, or even the loss of hard-earned property and investments.

This article aims to essentially provide a concise but thorough step-by-step overview of what estate planning entails for elderly parents in Nigeria, the key factors to be considered, and the ways in which families can begin the process in a culturally sensitive and legally correct manner.

Why Estate Planning?

Aging inevitably comes with higher risks to health and diminished abilities to manage one’s finances or be involved in the day-to-day management and negotiation of complicated property issues. Forward and thoughtful planning process gives aging parents the chance to make intelligent decisions regarding:

How their assets are carefully organised and eventually passed on to their beneficiaries.

Who acts on their behalf should they no longer be able to do so or be involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

How would their dependents, spouse, or children be taken care of financially.

How do they ensure that the family cohesion is maintained and that family conflicts are avoided when they pass on.

In many jurisdictions, including Nigeria, improperly constituted Estate Plan has resulted in numerous court cases involving land, cash, businesses, and pensions. In the absence of properly arranged and documented Estate plan, some members of the family or institutions forcefully takeover these assets which are neither documented nor legally transferred to them. All these could conveniently be avoided with proper Estate Plan.

Estate Plan for aging parents in Nigeria need not be complex, although it must be concise, thoughtful and purposeful. The overriding aim and principle should be to ensure the wishes of the parent are respected, and their beneficiaries are not left in confusion or disputes when the Settlor passes on.

One of the first and most important steps in estate planning is the preparation of a valid legal will. This is the most traditional way of giving assets to loved ones. A will is a short statement of the maker’s wishes regarding how his or her assets should be distributed upon death. Although not exhaustive, some of the most common assets that may be disposed of in a will include property, bank accounts, vehicles, investments, pensions, personal belongings and digital assets.

A properly written will provides protection from inheritance disputes and minimizes interference from customary, traditional, or statutory claims that may conflict with the deceased’s true intentions. It ensures that the distribution of assets is carried out according to the testator’s wishes, not left to chance or contested interpretations. Given the complex nature of wills, especially in a culturally diverse legal environment like Nigeria, it is strongly advised that Settlors seek legal counsel when preparing and executing a will. This ensures that the document carries the full force of law, is free from ambiguity and less likely to be challenged.

It is possible that some aging parents may not be disposed to writing a Will (often regarded as remembrance of death).

In which case, a Settlor could consider setting up a Trust especially where the estate is more complex say, with multiple spouses, young children, or vulnerable family members. A Trust allows assets to be held and managed on behalf of beneficiaries, typically through a licensed Trust company. In Nigeria, Trust Companies are registered and regulated by the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and have a legal obligation to administer the trust in good faith, ensuring the fulfillment of the terms as specified by the Settlor over the years. Trusts are particularly helpful when money disbursement, property administration, or wealth accumulation for the subsequent generation needs to be carried out professionally and gradually distributed.

Another significant part of the estate planning process is beneficiary naming on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, cooperative contributions, and other such financial instruments. Under the Nigerian Pension law, the named Next-of-Kin takes no benefit of the amounts standing to the credit of the deceased’s Retirement benefits. The Will must specifically name the beneficiaries in a formal Will. Parents should thus scrutinize and regularly update their estate plan to ensure that there are no lacunae that could be exploited by persons waiting to pounce on their assets once they pass on.

Apart from ensuring that assets are distributed to named beneficiaries either in the Will or Trust instruments, there is also the concern of decision-making in the event of sickness or incapability. A power of attorney can be utilized in appointing a person that is acceptable and trusteed by the Settlor to make legal, financial, or even medical decisions on behalf of the parent when the parent become incapacitated or is unable to manage his/her affairs. This instrument can become exceptionally useful in the management of day-to-day affairs such as accessing bank accounts, settling bills, or dealing with property, and needs to be balanced in terms of adopting a preventive approach versus an aftereffect one.

While relating with others, it is possible that a parent may have entered into contracts or agreements that either increased his/her assets or imposed liabilities on them or claims against their assets. It is therefore important that they are encouraged to document every asset that may have accrued from such relationships or liabilities that they may have been exposed to. Parents need to be encouraged to maintain an up-to-date list of all that they own: land, buildings, shares, pensions, cars and of any debts payable to or owed by them. That document, whether kept in paper form or electronically, helps family members and executors to ascertain whatever assets the deceased has, or liabilities owed when family members review his/her affairs. Having such clear and concise assets list would ultimately prevent disputes or conflicts from family members or those claiming against the estate.

Finally, although frequently overlooked and left to the discretion of family members, it is useful for parents to give guidance or direction either in the Will or Trust instrument regarding their funeral wishes, such as the nature of the funeral, where they wish to be buried, and what cultural or religious practices they would like their families to adopt, follow or outrightly avoid. Although intensely personal, providing the needed guidance or direction will not only help to soften the emotional trauma that the family is subjected to at that trying moment but also minimize the risk of argument as to how the deceased wants to be buried or the nature of the funeral celebrations.

The above, all ccollectively brought together in a brief, written plan are the basis of an empathetic estate planning process. They not only give comfort to elderly parents but also give their families the clarity and organization needed to manage the future with understanding, dignity and harmony.

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, criticised those peddling allegations of religious genocide in the country, saying no religion is under siege.

The president described the allegations as ‘unfounded and misleading, as citizens focus more on harmony and shared prosperity.*

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, in a statement, said Tinubu acknowledges that after 65 years of Independence, citizens have grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.

President Tinubu allayed fears of religious intolerance in the country at the unveiling of a book on the 10 years of the APC government in Nigeria. It was authored by the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu was in Owerri to commission projects, such as the Owerri-Mbaise-Umahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuayanwu Convention Centre.

Nentawe Yilwatda, the All Progressive Congress APC national chairman, two former APC Chairmen, Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, governors of APC states, and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, attended the commissioning of the projects and the book launch.

The event was also attended by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Senate President, former Senate Presidents, Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, and Ahmad Lawan, were also at the event.

Others include the founding Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, and former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, as well as traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, student unions, and market associations.

President Tinubu told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre: ‘Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded.

‘Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

‘We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

‘Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’ he added.

On the impact of the All Progressives Congress in running Nigeria since 2015, President Tinubu said: ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power on the wings of change. Nigeria was at a crossroads. A break from the old order was not only desirable; it had become inevitable to steer our nation away from collapse. ‘Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance. Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good,’ he added.

‘APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift,’ the President said.

‘We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were. We are building a Nigeria that values productivity above handouts and is a nation prepared for a sustainable future.

The President has a message for the critics of the APC administration: ‘And to those who today parade themselves as prophets of solutions, let me say this: those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions using corrupt practices and subterfuge.

President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodimma for his scholarship documenting this decade of progressive governance.

‘Hope has given Nigeria a gift: a reminder that nations must write their own stories, and leaders must account for their stewardship.

The President stated that the outlook for the economy had improved across various indicators.

‘I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience. I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned. The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.

‘Believing in true federalism and decentralisation, I have created regional development commissions to bring progress closer to the people. Nigerians have the right to hold leaders at every level (federal, state, and local) accountable. And as leaders, we have the duty to deliver,’ he added.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thanked the President for the initiative of NELFUND, which had encouraged more underprivileged children to pursue their education in higher institutions.

‘Mr President, you have given hope to many young people through the Education funds you provide. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians.

‘On behalf of the entire National Assembly, we want to congratulate the performing governor,’ the Senate President said.

The Governor of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, stated that the sub-national governments had consistently received increased allocations, enabling infrastructure construction and improving sectors such as education and health.

‘Mr President, we are grateful for your support. It is through your courage and bold policies that our economy is stabilised today. Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time.

‘Your consistency in the political trajectory of Nigeria made it possible for the formation of APC, which became a force in the build-up to the 2015 elections. This inspired me to document all these remarkable efforts into a book titled ‘A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria’.

Wale Tinubu CON, group chief executive, Oando PLC, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to building Oando into one of Africa’s foremost integrated energy companies.

The award, one of the most coveted accolades at AEW, is presented annually to industry leaders whose careers have demonstrated extraordinary vision, resilience, and a lasting impact on Africa’s energy landscape. Past recipients have included trailblazers such as Benedict Okey Oramah, president of Afreximbank, who received the Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024; Hage Geingob, former president of Namibia, and H.E. Macky Sall, former president of Senegal, awarded in 2023; and Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, minister of Hydrocarbons, Republic of Congo, in 2022.

In conferring the award, the Africa Energy Chamber cited Tinubu’s ‘dedication to advancing Africa’s energy security, his bold leadership in navigating Oando through periods of uncertainty and transformation, and his pivotal role in demonstrating the power of indigenous companies in driving industrial growth and energy sovereignty across the continent.’ Throughout his career, Tinubu has been a steadfast champion of Africa, charting its own destiny by harnessing its abundant resources for the benefit of its people. A firm believer that anyone can achieve greatness with vision, determination, and the right team around them, he has led Oando from its modest beginnings as a local downstream operator into a multinational integrated energy player with a robust portfolio spanning exploration and production, power, and renewables. His leadership has not only positioned Oando as a continental leader but also symbolized African ambition, ingenuity, and resilience.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence at AEW, reserved for leaders whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Africa’s energy sector. It recognises individuals whose sustained, more than decade-long careers embody remarkable achievements and enduring contributions to the oil, gas, and energy industries. Tinubu’s recognition was a fitting and well-deserved tribute to a leader who has consistently inspired others to believe in the promise of Africa and the power of its people.

In Nigeria’s fast-paced world where vehicles are not just a convenience but the lifeblood of movement, trade, and connection, engines are the unsung heroes. From taxis weaving through Lagos traffic to long-haul trucks powering interstate commerce, the performance of an engine can mean the difference between efficiency and frustration. And at the heart of every great engine lies one essential element: quality lubrication.

This is where Ardova PLC, one of Nigeria’s foremost energy companies, and Shell Lubricants, a global pioneer in advanced motor oils, converge in a partnership that has redefined engine care in the country with the creation and distribution of Shell Helix motor oil. Ardova is the sole distributor of Shell Lubricants in Nigeria.

A Meeting of Expertise and Innovation

As part of our efforts to increase visibility and drive relevance for Shell Lubricants in Nigeria, we have organized two editions of the Power Conference to engage with industry players in the power sector, and position Shell Lubricants as a leader in that space.

We have also launched the ‘Keep It Running’ campaign, alongside other marketing efforts, to further strengthen this commitment.

The Science Inside Every Bottle

What sets Shell Helix apart isn’t just the brand name, it’s the technology within. Formulated with active cleansing agents, Shell Helix motor oils are designed to go beyond basic lubrication. They:

– Actively clean and prevent sludge build-up.

– Reduce friction for smoother performance.

– Protect against wear and corrosion, even under Nigeria’s demanding driving conditions.

Think of it as giving your engine a spa treatment ,cleansing, protecting, and rejuvenating it with every drive.

Why This Matters for Nigerian Drivers

Nigeria’s driving environment can be unforgiving. Heavy traffic, fluctuating weather, rough roads, and long-distance journeys all put engines to the test. Cheap or substandard oils often fail under these conditions, leading to breakdowns, higher fuel consumption, and costly repairs.

With Shell Helix, the Ardova-Shell Lubricants partnership provides a lubricant engineered to withstand these pressures, ensuring engines run smoother, last longer, and give drivers peace of mind.

More Than Oil: A Promise of Reliability

When motorists pick up a bottle of Shell Helix from an Ardova or Enyo filling station, they’re not just buying motor oil. They’re investing in a promise: the promise of a cleaner engine, improved performance, and the backing of two trusted names in the energy sector.

It’s a promise that every journey whether it’s the daily school run or a cross-country delivery will be powered by excellence.

Shell Lubricant Solutions

Shell offers a wide range of Lubricants across all industries, from automotive, fleet, general manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying, agriculture, marine to power. Following decades of collaboration with the businesses that help shape our global industrial sectors, located across every corner of the world, we’ve come to help unleash untapped sources of power: potential.

At Shell Lubricant Solutions, we help unleash this potential:

– The potential for equipment to perform better and last longer

– The potential for people to face new challenges and stay safe

– The potential for businesses to adapt to change and for industries to be both profitable and responsible.

We believe in the potential for positive change, by empowering businesses, reducing negative impact, and improving lives.

Because potential is only a promise until you add action, we’re committed to helping you transform your own business, so we can all make a real difference to the world.

Our mission is to put potential in motion and that drives everything we do.

The Road Ahead

The Ardova-Shell partnership reflects a shared vision to elevate the standard of machine/ equipment care in Nigeria. By marrying innovation with accessibility, they’ve turned Shell into more than just a lubricant, it’s a movement toward smarter, more sustainable operations.

For Nigerians, this means every turn of the key isn’t just the start of an engine, but the continuation of a journey powered by trust, science, and collaboration.

Shell Lubricants are formulated for passenger cars, heavy duty engines, gas engines, hydraulic systems, industrial gears, turbines, compressors, transformer oil and marine applications.

Available nationwide in Ardova and Enyo filling stations as well as through authorized reseller stores.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its industrial action, which commenced on Monday.

This follows the reconciliatory meetings which took place in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday, at the instance of Muhammad Dingyadi, the minister of labour and employment. Dangote Refinery, at the meeting had agreed to deploy disengaged workers, while PENGASSAN committed to call off the strike.

PENGASSAN had embarked on the strike action to protest the sack of 800 workers by Dangote Refinery. The Association had said the action is an affront to all workers in Nigeria and a deliberate violation of Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and ILO conventions. However, Festus Osifo, President of PENGASSAN, who announced the suspension on Wednesday in Abuja, noted that the union suspended the strike strictly out of respect for the Federal Government and its institutions involved in the conciliation process.

He warned that the union would not hesitate to resume the strike if Dangote’s management fail to act in accordance to the agreement to recall the affected staff.

He said: ‘We are not happy with the terms of the agreement because it did not capture our main demand of recalling the 800 sacked Nigerians. But out of respect for government institutions, for the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Chief Reconciliator of the Federation, and ministers who worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning to mediate, we decided to suspend the action.

‘However, let me be clear: if Dangote fails to keep its part, we will resume immediately, without any warning.

‘We know that Dangote does not play by the rules or respect agreements. We believe and suspect that some of the promises extracted during the negotiations will not be honoured. But because we respect due process and institutions of government, we will give them that benefit of doubt. Yet, any breach will be met with severe and immediate response.’ Osifo speaking further, explained that PENGASSAN’s resolve to withdraw services nationwide was to protect young oil and gas workers who voluntarily agreed to be part of the union.

He noted that the oil and gas workforce has carried the burden of Nigeria’s economy for decades, providing over 90 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. ‘We know who we are and what we stand for. We are patriots who love this country more than any single individual, and that is why, despite our reservations, we chose to suspend this strike in deference to government efforts.

‘We will be monitoring closely. Any slip, any breach, any part of this agreement that is not kept, we will not issue further notice. We will not give any warning. We will resume the suspended industrial action immediately. That is our resolution.

‘Let’s see where they will take them to, the grey area where we were not happy with was very clear, it was the fact that we wanted them to send all of them to the Refinery but the government moved other wise, to find a middle point.

‘On paper it has been that they will take them back but in reality we have not seen it, so the issue is that we will not be deceived because they said they will take them back, then we will now wait, one, to five days, if we do not see any traction, we will not be deceived and that is why what we said was that we have suspended the industrial action.

‘We are in good faith as a demonstration to government that we respect institution, that we are extremely patriotic but this suspended action, we will go back to the trenches immediately we see any foul play, we will come back without any notice.’

Osifo affirmed that PENGASSAN’s struggle was not against progress but against injustice, and that the union would remain steadfast in defending the rights and welfare of its members, no matter whose interest was at stake.

Newcastle United bounced back in emphatic style with a dominant 4-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise, marking Eddie Howe’s first-ever win in the Champions League.

Just days after a gut-wrenching defeat to Arsenal, Howe’s side looked every bit the European contenders in Brussels as they secured their first away win in the competition since 2003.

There was no sign of a hangover at Lotto Park. Newcastle opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Sandro Tonali’s sweetly struck volley deflected off Nick Woltemade, leaving Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen wrongfooted.

Union Saint-Gilloise-making their Champions League debut-responded positively, and Nick Pope was called into action to deny Adem Zorgane midway through the first half. But Newcastle doubled their lead just before the break. Anthony Elanga was brought down in the box by Fedde Leysen, and Anthony Gordon confidently converted from the spot, sending Scherpen the wrong way.

The Belgian champions pushed forward after the interval, with Anan Khalaili firing wide and Pope producing key saves to keep out Niang and Zorgane.

Newcastle’s control was cemented after a VAR check awarded them a second penalty when Leysen was penalised for handball. Gordon stepped up once more and buried his second of the night.

Substitute Harvey Barnes rounded off the rout with a composed finish from inside the area late on, sealing a vital three points in Group F. Following their opening loss to Barcelona, Newcastle’s European campaign is now truly up and running.

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, attention is shifting toward the next phase of freedom – one defined not just by political sovereignty but by economic and industrial self-reliance. In the transport sector, NEV Electric Ltd is emerging as a key player shaping that vision, using local manufacturing and clean energy to solve Nigeria’s mass transit challenges.

For decades, Nigeria’s public transport system has relied heavily on imported vehicles and fossil fuels, exposing citizens to fuel price shocks and rising costs. NEV Electric is changing that narrative through an integrated model that combines local assembly, increasing local content manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure deployment.

The company currently builds its electric buses with 30% local content, incorporating Nigerian components, materials, and labor, with a clear roadmap to reach 70% local content as domestic supply chains expand. This strategy ensures more value remains within the economy, fueling industrial growth, job creation, and technology transfer.

‘True independence means being able to design, build, and power what we need with our own hands,’ says Mosope Olaosebikan, Founder of NEV Electric. ‘We’re not just assembling buses; we’re building Nigeria’s transport future – powered by clean energy, local innovation, and sustainable systems.’

So far, NEV Electric has assembled over 120 electric buses in-country, with plans to scale up to 300 units in its next production phase. The company is also deploying 160kW high-capacity fast chargers across Abuja and Lagos – the largest in Nigeria – to support fleet operations and reduce range anxiety for operators.

To make electric mobility affordable, NEV Electric has introduced a Pay-As-You-Drive financing model that enables transport operators and state agencies to adopt EVs without heavy upfront capital. The plan bundles access to the bus, charging, maintenance, and battery into one predictable payment, ensuring smooth fleet transition and easier adoption.

Beyond vehicles, NEV Electric is investing in training programs for Nigerian engineers and technicians in EV assembly, maintenance, and conversion – empowering a new generation of green-skilled workers.

Aligned with Nigeria’s industrialization goals, NEV Electric is positioning the country as a regional hub for electric mobility. The company’s vision extends beyond Nigeria, with plans underway to export its electric buses and technology solutions to other African markets, contributing to the continent’s clean mobility transition.

By integrating local manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and innovative financing, NEV Electric is delivering a homegrown solution to Nigeria’s urban transport needs – one that reduces emissions, lowers operating costs, and builds local capacity.

As the country looks toward a more sustainable future, NEV Electric represents the promise of a new kind of independence – powered by Nigerians, built in Nigeria, and soon exported to Africa.

‘Every bus we build is a statement of what’s possible,’ Olaosebikan says. ‘We’re proving that Nigeria can lead Africa’s clean mobility revolution – not by importing the future, but by building it.’

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna State, has approved the 100 per cent implementation of the revised 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS, worth over ?518 million monthly and ?6.2 billion annually, a move that ended more than a decade of stagnation in health workers’ pay and restored dignity to medical practice.

Health sector unions in Kaduna State, through a joint press conference, have commended Governor Uba Sani for what they described as historic reforms that have transformed the state’s healthcare system. These were the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (AMLSN), and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

The unions hailed directives for local councils to begin payment of 60 per cent CONHESS for primary healthcare staff, automatic employment of 2025 Kaduna State University medical graduates as House Officers, and the reintroduction of a three-year bond system for state-sponsored medical students and resident doctors. They also praised infrastructural strides, including a new 300-bed specialist hospital, renovation of 15 general hospitals, revitalisation of 200 primary healthcare centres, construction of oxygen plants and baby-care units across senatorial zones, procurement of advanced equipment and ambulances, and annual recruitment of 1,800 health workers.

‘Governor Sani has restored confidence, strengthened retention, and positioned Kaduna as a model for others to emulate,’ the unions declared.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, noting that Enugu is on a pathway to economic growth and positive turnaround.

The governor sees the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration and the citizens’ huge sacrifices ultimately paying off if the nation stays the course.

These were contained in the governor’s message to Nigerians to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, where he noted that, though the anniversary may is low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated Nigerian citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today,’ he said. Continuing, the governor said, ‘the commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of the federal government that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.’

Mbah said that as Nigerians raise their flags today, they should renew their covenant to Nigeria; embrace the spirit of unity, and uphold the optimism that has carried them this far.

The governor recommitted his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, stressing that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of exponential economic growth and positive turnaround.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course, and no one will be left behind,’ he assured.

He noted that from moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, the children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via the state’s modern transport system and infrastructure, the state is, no doubt, on a pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth.