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The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has disclosed that nearly 70 per cent of funds shared at monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings now come from taxes collected by the agency.

Adedeji disclosed this in an interview marking his two years in office, where he said the surge in tax revenue has strengthened fiscal stability across the country.

According to him, improved collections have enabled 30 states to repay N1.85 trillion in debts within the past 18 months.

‘Debt servicing costs that once consumed 90 per cent of government revenue have now dropped to about 50 per cent. External reserves have also grown on the back of stronger fiscal stability,’ he said.

The FIRS boss praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for creating a tax environment that eases compliance. ‘The president has fulfilled his campaign promise to simplify tax compliance and remove hurdles faced by taxpayers,’ Adedeji noted.

Adedeji explained that the government’s tax reforms-the most far-reaching since independence-are designed to reduce the burden on citizens while improving government revenue. He pointed out that food, education, shared transportation, and agriculture have been exempted from value-added tax (VAT).

‘The reforms are already yielding results. Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio has risen from 10 per cent to 13.5 per cent in just two years, with a target of 18 per cent by 2027. In August alone, the federation account disbursed a record N2 trillion,’ he stated.

The FIRS chairman admitted that the transition has not been without difficulties. ‘It is like the pain of a woman in labour,’ he said, while stressing that government interventions are already helping to cushion the effects. These include the rollout of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and crude-for-naira support for local refiners, which he said are already reflecting in fuel prices.

Adedeji outlined how the new consolidated tax law strengthens compliance by restructuring FIRS operations. Taxpayers are now segmented into small, medium, and large categories, with one-stop shops created to ease filing and payments.

‘We are service providers to taxpayers rather than just an enforcement agency. When companies are doing well, expanding, and making profits, we will benefit from their growth. Our task is to remove hurdles in their way, and that is what the president has done with these new laws,’ he explained.

He also clarified the decision to rename the FIRS as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS). ‘The word ‘federal’ gave the wrong impression that we only collect for the Federal Government. In reality, we collect VAT, of which 90 per cent belongs to the states,’ he said.

On the controversial petrol surcharge included in the new law, Adedeji assured that it would not apply automatically. ‘It will only take effect if activated by a ministerial order and published in the official gazette,’ he noted.

Adedeji said the consolidation of multiple tax laws into a single code-set to take effect in January-will simplify Nigeria’s tax system. The new framework reduces the number of tax types to single digits, eliminates tax for businesses with annual turnover below N50 million, and adjusts personal income tax thresholds to shield low-income earners.

On June 26, 2025, President Tinubu signed into law four major bills: the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act. The laws aim to broaden the tax base, improve compliance, and enhance transparency across all tiers of government.

Adedeji further linked Nigeria’s fiscal improvement to Tinubu’s wider economic reforms. ‘The health of the federation account has blossomed greatly, as there are no bogus subsidy claims to deplete the pool,’ he said, referring to the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates.

Nigerian development investment bank, DLM Capital Group, has completed its N9 billion Series 1 Sovereign Bond Backed Composite Notes (SBCN) issuance due 2035 under its N30 billion Medium-Term Note Programme.

The completion of the N9 billion Series 1 SBCN issuance, through its special purpose vehicle, DLM Funding SPV Plc., is seen as a bold step towards reshaping the Nigerian capital market.

The issuance, which is AAA-rated and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), was designed to deliver capital preservation, liquidity, and competitive returns.

It attracted strong participation from a pool of institutional investors, demonstrating continued confidence in DLM’s credit strength, innovative structuring capability, and proven track record of delivering secure investment products.

The signing ceremony, hosted by DLM Advisory (Financial Adviser, Transaction Structurer, and Joint Issuing House/Bookrunner for the transaction, and a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group), took place at the Group’s headquarters in Lagos, recently.

At the signing ceremony, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of DLM Capital Group, Dr. Sonnie Ayere, stated: ‘At DLM Capital Group, we are committed to building innovative financial instruments that not only protect investor value but also unlock opportunities for growth across Nigeria’s real economy.

‘This first issuance is a testament to our ability to structure products that balance safety, liquidity, and competitive returns, while channeling capital into sectors like Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are critical for long-term national development.’

Proceeds from the issuance will be used for investment in Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bonds and underserved SME sectors, and target investors include pension funds, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), asset managers, and high net-worth individuals.

With attractive yields backed with sovereign-level credit protection, the N9 billion milestone marks the beginning of DLM Capital Group’s N30 billion Medium-Term Note Programme.

‘The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s journey towards a $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP), by unlocking capital, accelerating formal sector growth, and boosting productivity across critical sectors,’ Dr. Ayere said.

The North Central PDP Youths Frontier has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for openly endorsing Christopher Maikalangu, chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Convener of the group, Nathaniel Iorzua, described Wike’s action as gross anti-party behaviour that undermines the discipline and values the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claims to uphold.

He alleged that the minister has consistently aligned with APC candidates and chieftains in Rivers State and beyond, warning that his conduct now constitutes ‘a public betrayal that threatens the unity and electoral prospects of the PDP nationwide.’

The group urged the national leadership of the PDP to launch an immediate investigation into Wike’s activities and apply sanctions without fear or favour.

‘The national executive must act decisively, including appropriate sanctions up to and including expulsion if the evidence so warrants,’ Iorzua said.

Reaffirming support for Zadna Dintani, the PDP’s candidate for the AMAC chairmanship election, the group called on party members to rally behind him.

‘The FCT is not Rivers. Local party structures and the people of Abuja will not accept external interference or attempts to subvert the will of the electorate,’ Iorzua said.

The North Central PDP Youths Frontier said it will mobilise peacefully for PDP candidates in the FCT, coordinate election monitoring with party agents and civil society groups, and pursue legal remedies through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts if any attempt is made to manipulate results.

It added that anti-party conduct would be challenged through party organs and public accountability mechanisms, not through intimidation or disorder.

On a humid morning in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Lagos-Ibadan train glides into its terminal with clockwork precision. From its doors pour a cross-section of Nigeria-civil servants gripping files, traders balancing bags of goods, students with backpacks slung over shoulders. Only hours earlier, they had departed Lagos, Africa’s largest city, where clogged roads once stretched the 120-kilometre trip into a punishing half-day ordeal. Today, the same journey takes just a little over two hours.

Completed in 2021, the Lagos-Ibadan rail line was initially celebrated as another milestone in infrastructure delivery. But fresh data suggests it is quietly maturing into something more transformative: a driver of economic efficiency. Between January and August 2025, the train carried 690,169 passengers. Monthly ridership climbed from 79,672 in January to 109,413 in August-a 37 per cent increase in just eight months. Behind those numbers lies a human story: workers reaching offices earlier, traders opening shop on time, students saving on bus fares and stress.

One civil servant captured the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter): ‘I left Lagos at 6:00 a.m. and was in a 9:00 a.m. meeting in Ibadan. By road, that was impossible.’ Economists say such time savings translate directly into productivity and disposable income. The World Bank notes that in economies burdened by high logistics costs, each minute shaved off travel yields measurable economic output. By saving passengers an estimated two hours each trip, the Lagos-Ibadan line restored nearly 1.4 million productive hours to Nigeria’s economy in just eight months-the equivalent of 160 years of labour time regained.

Freight revolution: The steel backbone of trade

If passenger trains showcase the rail’s social value, freight is the steel backbone that powers economies. Between January and August 2025, the Lagos-Ibadan line hauled 382,340 tons of cargo-cement, steel coils, gypsum, soda ash, and containerised goods, the very lifeblood of Nigeria’s industries. In April alone, over 73,000 tons moved on the line. That is freight that might otherwise have clogged highways, driven up haulage costs, or perished before reaching destination. By contrast, road transporters contend with soaring fuel bills, congestion delays, and accident risks.

For traders, the difference is tangible. A tomato merchant told Channels TV: ‘By road, half of our goods rot before reaching Ibadan. By train, more arrive fresh and we make more money.’ This is logistics efficiency at work. In Nigeria, transport typically consumes 30-40 per cent of business expenses-compared to under 10 per cent in developed economies. Every ton shifted from truck to train reduces costs, raises margins, and improves competitiveness.

Economic multipliers

Economists classify railways as general-purpose infrastructure-assets that lower transaction costs, stimulate trade, and integrate markets. Studies by the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) suggest every dollar invested in rail can yield $1.50-$2.20 in wider economic output once spillovers into agriculture, manufacturing, and services are included. On the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, passenger fares and freight receipts totalled about ?12 billion (roughly $8 million) in the first eight months of 2025. Using AfDB’s multiplier, this translates into an additional $13-$19 million in economic value in less than a year.

The impact extends well beyond revenues. Towns along the line-Papalanto, Abeokuta, Moniya-are stirring back to life as stations double as logistics hubs. Land values around Ibadan station are rising, while shops, eateries, and small service firms sprout around the steady stream of commuters and traders. More broadly, the line is altering Nigeria’s inflation and growth dynamics. By shifting passengers and freight from the chronically congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway to rail, it chips away at one of the country’s deepest structural problems: high logistics costs.

For farmers and food traders, the change is striking. Perishable produce that once spoiled after a day in traffic now reaches markets intact, reducing waste and stabilising supply. Consumers, in turn, feel the benefit in more moderate food prices-vital in a country where food carries the heaviest weight in the inflation basket. The Lagos-Ibadan rail line is thus more than a transport project. It is a quiet lever of productivity, competitiveness, and price stability.

The headline inflation rate, which eased to about 20.1 per cent in August 2025 after months of food-driven surges, reflects a mix of influences. But improved efficiency along critical supply corridors such as Lagos-Ibadan stands out as one of the quiet structural supports cushioning upward pressure. The growth story becomes even clearer when viewed through output. Every commuter who reaches Ibadan in two hours instead of five embodies regained productivity: fewer wasted hours in gridlock, more time contributing to the economy. Every ton of cement, steel, or grain that moves inland by train rather than truck lowers factory input costs and distributor expenses, freeing up margins for reinvestment and expansion.

This productivity dividend loops back into the inflation story. Lower transport costs help cool food prices, and with food carrying the heaviest weight in Nigeria’s inflation basket, this feeds directly into headline inflation. The Lagos-Ibadan line is thus more than a commuter service. It is the flagship of a broader rail reform agenda under the Renewed Hope government. Central to this is the Track Access Programme, which opens Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) lines to licensed operators. Lagos State is already linking its Red Line commuter rail into the corridor, while Chinese partners are piloting freight runs. By attracting private capital and easing the government’s fiscal burden, the programme is breaking open a sector long closed to outside players.

The reform also doubles as industrial policy. At the Abuja International Railway Conference in September, the NRC signed a five-year agreement with Ajaokuta Steel Company to produce rolling stock components locally-especially steel wheels. The Lagos-Ibadan line will be among the first to benefit, reducing import dependence while channelling demand into Nigeria’s long-struggling steel sector.

Energy transition is another pillar. In partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), the NRC plans to convert diesel locomotives into hybrids using liquefied natural gas, while replacing diesel generators with gas-fired alternatives. For the corridor, that means lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and new demand for Nigeria’s gas reserves. Complementing this are shuttle vehicles linking stations to nearby towns, tightening intermodal connections and feeding local economies.

Equally critical is human capital. Through agreements with universities and technical institutes, the NRC is training a new cadre of engineers and technicians in modern rail operations. The Lagos-Ibadan corridor doubles as both showcase and classroom-embedding skills alongside steel, and building the human foundation for Nigeria’s rail future.

At Obafemi Awolowo Station in Moniya, Ibadan, the promise of rail-driven growth is visible – but uneven. Business activity peaks only when the trains arrive, then quickly fades into silence until the next service. Taxi operators, tricycles, and motorcycle riders spring to life as passengers with luggage disembark, haggling over fares in scenes that reflect both the vibrancy and fragility of the station’s economy. Operators told The Nation that while their incomes have improved compared to before the station opened, the pace of growth remains far below expectations. Comrade Abraham Temitope, a cab driver who has worked at the station for three years, put it bluntly: ‘Except for trains coming down, there’s nothing here again. Immediately the train leaves, nothing else happens until the evening. The government needs to work on more trips and create facilities around the station to attract people.’

He and others argued that hotels, malls, and family-friendly spaces could help keep visitors longer and stimulate commerce. They also lamented the abandoned road linking Moniya to the Oyo-Iseyin axis, warning that the unfinished stretch damages vehicles and discourages patronage. ‘The road has been left unfixed for almost three years. It is to our detriment every day,’ Temitope added.

The General Secretary of the Micra Cab Operators, Mr. Adebayo Abiodun, echoed these concerns. He noted that only two daily trips – three on weekends – limit the economic spin-offs. ‘By now, the train should be running at least three trips every day. More trips mean more passengers, and more passengers mean more business for us all,’ he said.

Awareness is another hurdle. Abiodun observed that many residents in Ibadan and even Lagos remain unaware the service is operational. ‘Many people I carry still tell me they didn’t know the train station was working. Publicity will help bring passengers, and when they come, our businesses will grow,’ he added. Around the station, petty traders such as food vendors and snack sellers depend largely on staff and transport operators for patronage, with only occasional sales to passengers. Property values, which had spiked after the terminal opened, have since plateaued as development momentum slowed.

Challenges of maintenance and sustainability

Even as the Lagos-Ibadan line demonstrates promise, sustainability looms large. Earlier this year, a derailment on the Abuja-Kaduna line reignited fears about safety and maintenance. Although the NRC restored service far more swiftly than in the past – a sign of greater responsiveness – questions linger: can Nigeria sustain adequate maintenance funding, resist political interference, and guarantee governance discipline over the long term? ‘Infrastructure is not only about building. It is about maintaining and managing,’ noted Prof. Sam Amadi, former regulator and energy policy scholar. ‘Rail can catalyse growth, but without governance, it can also collapse.’

The Lagos-Ibadan line also forms the southern stretch of the Lagos-Kano-Maradi corridor, envisioned as a continental trade spine under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Properly linked to ports and extended inland, it could anchor Nigeria’s ambition to serve as West Africa’s logistics hub. Vice-President Kashim Shettima underscored this at the Abuja railway summit: ‘Railways connect raw materials to factories, workers to opportunities, and farmers to markets. They shape economies and societies. Every poor-looking country from China to Vietnam has used rail as a driver of development. Nigeria cannot afford to lag.’

Back at Ibadan station, as the last commuters head home and freight wagons roll north, the Lagos-Ibadan line feels like more than just steel and concrete. Each passenger carried and every ton of freight hauled chips away at Nigeria’s old reputation for inefficiency. Sustained momentum could turn this corridor into more than a transport link – into a lever for growth, integration, and renewal in a country searching for prosperity beyond oil.

On October 1st, 1960, Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. It was celebrated as freedom from centuries of human and economic exploitation. It marked the end of the slave trade, the dehumanization of our people, and the systematic drain of our natural wealth. But more than six decades later, the question still echoes: Did Nigeria truly achieve independence, or was it only the beginning of another phase of control?

From the very first administration in 1960, it became clear that independence was not complete. Nigeria’s leadership was forced to operate within frameworks designed by Western interests, particularly around the control of natural resources.

As military coups toppled governments and dictatorships emerged, foreign influence remained in place. Policies were shaped abroad, debts piled up, and sovereignty was limited. Independence too often looked like an illusion.

At the heart of this neo-colonial arrangement was the constant effort to dominate Nigeria’s natural wealth. By keeping the country dependent on foreign refineries, international lenders and imported goods, external powers ensured that Nigeria remained under their grip. Successive governments, from one Head of State to another, found it difficult to break free. Progress was slowed and dignity was weakened.

The story began to change with the rise of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though educated abroad, Tinubu was forged in Nigeria’s own political struggles. From his days in NADECO resisting military dictatorship to his transformation of Lagos State into Africa’s fastest-growing economy and one of the most creative hubs in the world, he built a reputation for resilience, vision and innovation. What he did in Lagos was a preview of the national rebirth he now drives as President.

Today, under President Tinubu, Nigeria is walking firmly toward true independence.

His words, ‘It is time to work as partners, not as masters and servants,’ capture a new spirit of leadership. His government has refused to bow to external pressure, choosing instead to design policies that directly serve Nigerians. His leadership beats like the drum of freedom, breaking the chains of neo-colonialism that have held the nation for decades.

In the oil and gas sector, Nigeria now hosts the world’s second-largest refinery, a bold step that ends reliance on foreign refineries. In finance, Tinubu’s reforms focus on reducing debt, exempting the poor from excessive taxes and strengthening the naira. These are practical steps that secure Nigeria’s sovereignty and give the people control over their future.

Healthcare, education, infrastructure and agriculture are also being reshaped. Federal medical centres are being expanded and the cost of dialysis has been reduced. A new health insurance network is being built to protect citizens. The NEL Fund supports students and young people.

Airports are being revived and transport systems upgraded. In agriculture, regional food hubs are being established to stabilize prices, ensure food security and reduce dependence on imports.

In less than two years, these reforms have started to show real results. Nigerians are seeing change in their daily lives, from cheaper access to healthcare to new opportunities in education and work.

Unlike past administrations that kept the country tied to dependency, Tinubu’s government is building structures that guarantee lasting independence. For the first time, Nigeria is setting its own terms and standing tall in global affairs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven himself to be more than a reformer. He is the leader who has finally redefined independence for Nigeria.

What began in 1960 as political freedom is now becoming full economic and institutional independence. Under his leadership, Nigerians can celebrate freedom that is real, practical and irreversible.

– Gbenga Abiola, national coordinator, Tinubu Media Force, Nigeria’s largest progressive grassroots media structure

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas yesterday said that the future of Nigeria is bright.

In their messages to Nigerians on the occasion of the 65th Independence Anniversary, they urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the reforms produce results.

Akpabio said that Nigeria is moving in the right direction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.

He urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms a little while longer ‘in the interest of our children and future generations’.

He said: ‘My dear resilient and wonderful people of this great nation, I wish to heartily congratulate you for witnessing Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration. At 65, we are matured and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people.

‘We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.

‘In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria’, I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms. We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms, but I want to assure you, very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.

‘Let me also congratulate our President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his demonstrated commitment to the peace and development of our dear country, Members of the National Assembly for the steadfastness in their legislative engagements, the judiciary and the Nigerian people at home and in diaspora on this auspicious occasion.’

He added: ‘I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable. We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.

‘If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land.’

Abbas urged Nigerians to look beyond the current challenges and anticipate a bright future.

The Speaker, who said God has blessed the country with immeasurable human and natural resources, called for collective efforts towards building ‘a nation of our dreams regardless of religious, ethnic and political differences.’

According to the Speaker, Nigeria remains on the right path with the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He expressed optimism that the country remains the giant of Africa, adding that it would reclaim its position as the biggest economy on the continent.

He urged Nigerians to remain undaunted by the security and socio-economic challenges.

Abbas called for more prayers and patriotism from law-abiding Nigerians, assuring that the House would provide accountable leadership, good governance and dividends of democracy, especially at the grassroots.

Sterling Bank has once more redefined the boundaries of customer-first banking in Nigeria by scrapping Account Maintenance Fees (AMF) across all personal accounts.

Just months after abolishing transfer fees on local online transactions in April 2025, the bank has dismantled yet another long-standing industry practice, cementing its role as the nation’s leading force for transparent, fair, and customer-focused banking.

This decision cuts at the heart of a revenue model that has long cost Nigerian customers dearly.

In 2024 alone, tier-1 banks raked in over ?650 billion from account maintenance and e-banking charges.

Sterling’s move rewrites Nigeria’s banking rulebook while amplifying its bold stance: customers deserve freedom from too many deductions and the right to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman explained the principle driving this bold action.

He said: ‘Every fee we remove is one less barrier between our customers and true financial freedom. This was the rationale behind eliminating transfer fees in April, and it is the same principle we uphold as we eliminate account maintenance fees.’

Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling

Bank, reinforced this position.

‘This initiative is about building lasting relationships that fuel sustainable growth. We put transparency and customer value first, and in doing so, we are building a foundation that serves both our customers and Sterling’s future.’

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Sterling Bank presents this decision as a declaration of financial independence for millions of Nigerians.

By freeing customers from deductions that silently erode their balances, Sterling is empowering them to keep and grow their wealth while redefining true financial freedom.

With two unprecedented moves in quick succession, the removal of transfer fees in April and now the elimination of account maintenance charges, Sterling Bank continues to challenge the status quo and champion a new era of fairness in Nigerian banking.

The Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs Adetola Abubakar, has described education as a path to success.

She spoke during the Spelling Bee Competition in the council.

Mrs Abubakar commended the participating pupils for their outstanding performances, noting that their preparation and determination reflected a bright future for the area’s education sector.

She stressed the importance of continuous learning, urging children to study diligently, ask questions, and always strive for improvement.

‘Education remains the only true path to success. It is the best legacy we can leave for our children, and my administration is determined to prioritise it. What we are witnessing today is a new dawn in the education sector in Agboyi-Ketu,’ she said.

Education Secretary at the Kosofe Local Government Education Authority, Babatunde Shoneye, emphasised the broader significance of the event.

He noted that the competition provided a valuable platform for pupils across Lagos State to demonstrate their brilliance, expressing optimism that pupils from Kosofe, Agboyi-Ketu and Ikosi-Isheri LCDAs would excel at the state level.

‘This is our time to move beyond second place. With the right preparation and support, our pupils can secure first position and bring pride to our communities,’ he said.

A teacher at Irepodun Primary School, Mrs. Esther Awofodun, described the competition as uplifting.

According to her, it had strengthened her resolve to prepare her pupils even better for future contests.

She applauded the council chief’s initiative and called for the continuity of such programmes, which she said were crucial for motivating both students and educators.

A pupil of Community Senior High School, Sewura Adabira, expressed gratitude to God for advancing to the next stage, admitting she had not been fully prepared but was determined to study harder and refine her skills.

‘I thank God for this opportunity, and I am grateful to the council boss for making this possible. I will work harder to make my school and community proud,’ she said.

Former Nigerian international, Dimeji Lawal, has cautioned the Super Eagles not to get carried away by FIFA’s sanction against South Africa, stressing that the real challenge lies in their capability to win their remaining qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

The world soccer ruling body, FIFA, on Monday docked South Africa three points and overturned their previous 2-0 victory over Lesotho after fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a preliminary qualifier on March 21, 2025. The disciplinary ruling awarded Lesotho a 3-0 win, while South Africa was fined CHF 10,000. Mokoena also received a formal warning from football’s governing body.

Speaking on the development, Lawal acknowledged the significance of the ruling but insisted that Nigeria’s qualification hopes depend on the Super Eagles’ performances in their last two fixtures.

‘I don’t get excited about the sanction of South Africa because one thing is to get three points taken away from South Africa. Another thing is for us to be able to win our remaining games,’ Lawal posited. ‘The bottom line is: can we win the last two games?

‘That’s the question and this is the crucial part of it. I’m not so excited about removing South Africa’s points. What I am looking forward to is how we can prepare ourselves in a manner that we can win the next two games.’

Lawal, who represented Nigeria at both youth and senior levels before moving abroad to play in Spain, Belgium, and South Africa, emphasized that FIFA’s decision was expected given their long-standing stance on player eligibility.

‘They won’t bend their rules at that level. They will not like to undermine their own regulations. So for sure when South Africa made that mistake, I knew they were going to forfeit the three points and three goals,’ he added.

Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) is set to hold architecture, and building exposition from November 25 – 28, at NIA Architectural Village, Abuja.

The event will showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable design practice, and visionary projects transforming Nigeria’s landscape.

President, Mobolaji Adeniyi, .in a statement, said as Nigeria marks 65 years of Independence today, NIA is honouring the nation’s resilience, creativity, unity and contributions of our heroes, living and dead.

‘The theme, ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands-on Deck for a Greater Nation’, is a call to compatriots and members to build a future reflecting our shared aspiration and architectural excellence.

‘In the spirit of Independence, NIA is re-echoing our contribution to nation building by presenting Archibuilt 2025, a forum for innovation.

‘Archibuilt is a showcase of products, and services as well as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, as it brings together architects, engineers, surveyors, policymakers, and others to find solutions for housing, infrastructure, climate resilience, and urban development.”

‘This year’s theme speaks to our national reality of building a nation on a good economic and socio-political foundation where professionals are in the forefront of its development.”

‘Also, it highlights the role architecture plays in fostering economic stability, growth and resilience by creating sustainable spaces and prioritising community needs.

‘Archibuilt 2025 will feature the building clinic, Nigerian content challenge, students’ innovative projects, artisans’ challenge and much more.

‘We invite Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and citizens to participate in Archibuilt 2025. Whether as exhibitors, speakers, volunteers, or attendees, your voice and vision are vital to the conversation,’ it said.