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The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has expressed concern over the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Act championed by the Senate Committee on Labour and Employment, chaired by Senator Diket Plang.

The OPSN comprises the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

Others are the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and other 25 Employers Federations.

Five Directors-General of the OPSN, in a letter addressed to the Senate President, strongly objected to the proposed changes, which have already passed second reading in the Senate.

‘These amendments threaten to fundamentally weaken the NSITF governance structure, erode accountability and transparency, and expose the Fund to undue political interference, the OPSN pointed out.

The OPSN reminded the Senate President that the NSITF was founded on a tripartite structure, representing Government, Employers, and Labour, in strict alignment with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 102 on Social Security (Minimum Standards), Convention 144 on Tripartite Consultation, and Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise.

‘These Conventions, which Nigeria has ratified, require that social security institutions be managed with the full and effective participation of social partners, ensuring that the interests of both contributors and beneficiaries are protected from political or unilateral government control,’ OPSN stated.

It explained that the proposed amendment seeks to reduce the representation and influence of employers and workers, who are the main contributors and beneficiaries of the Fund, while increasing government control through political appointments.

‘This approach, OPSN insisted, ‘is not only contrary to the spirit and letter of the ILO Conventions but also undermines the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability that are essential for the effective management of social security funds.

‘The ILO’s Recommendation 202 on Social Protection Floors further underscores the need for participatory, transparent, and accountable governance in social protection systems, warning against the dangers of politicisation and lack of stakeholder involvement.’

According to OSPN, the Management Board of the NSITF, as currently constituted, serves as the Trustee and conscience of the Fund. It provides critical checks and balances to ensure that contributors’ resources are managed prudently, transparently, and in the best interests of Nigerian workers.

It, therefore, said weakening or replacing this Board with a politically dominated structure would erode the Fund’s autonomy, open the door to mismanagement, and ultimately jeopardise the benefits and security of millions of Nigerian workers and their families.

OPSN pointed out that international experience has repeatedly shown that when social security funds are politicised or removed from the oversight of social partners, the result is often inefficiency, loss of public trust, and the erosion of social protection for workers.

‘It is important to clarify that no two Agencies are managing the NSITF. In fact, the NSITF is the sole statutory agency responsible for implementing the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA).

‘Any attempt to create parallel structures or to repeal or alter this arrangement under the guise of reform would not only remove existing safeguards but also contravene international standards and expose the Fund to unnecessary risks, including the potential for confusion and mismanagement,’ OSPN said.

The OPSN reiterated that it will not accept any amendment that weakens the Fund’s governance framework or diminishes the participation of organised labour and employers in its management as the primary contributors to the Fund.

The group said its members are prepared to employ all legitimate and legal means, including recourse to international labour standards and the ILO’s supervisory mechanisms, to protect the NSITF from any actions that threaten its effectiveness, sustainability, and compliance with global best practices.

‘We are deeply concerned that, while the Senate prioritises an unnecessary and potentially damaging amendment to the NSITF Act, which has no operational defects, the long-overdue Nigeria Labour Law remains stalled.

‘This Bill is critical for the future of work in Nigeria. It is designed to address urgent gaps in the nation’s labour and employment laws, improve dispute resolution, enhance workplace safety, promote social dialogue, and clarify the rights and responsibilities of all parties.

‘Passing the Labour Law Bill is essential for aligning Nigeria’s labour laws with international standards, promoting decent work, and supporting sustainable economic growth. Its continued delay undermines efforts to modernise the country’s industrial relations framework and protect employers and employees’, OSPN added.

The OPSN said it is regrettable that, despite the completion of technical work and a broad consensus among stakeholders, the Nigeria Labour Law Bill has not been passed. Instead, legislative attention is being diverted to an amendment that risks undermining a key national social protection institution and violating Nigeria’s international obligations.

The OPSN urged the Senate to redirect its efforts towards the urgent passage of the Nigeria Labour Law, which will have far-reaching positive impacts on industrial harmony, investment, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

The group, therefore, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate President, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio, to intervene and stop the charade by the Senate Committee on Labour and Employment, while directing them to focus on completing and passing the Nigeria Labour Law, a far more pressing and productive legislative priority.

OPSN said the NSITF, as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s social protection system, must not be politicised or weakened. Its governance must remain firmly rooted in tripartism, transparency, and accountability as enshrined in ILO Conventions and international best practices.

OPSN added that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders, including government and organised labour, to strengthen, not weaken, the institutions that safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerian workers.

It insisted that the future of Nigeria’s social protection and industrial peace depends on upholding these principles and resisting any attempt to compromise the integrity of the NSITF.

Suspected drug lords have attacked operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and personnel of the Nigerian Army at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

An NDLEA official was injured in the attack.

The attack made the team suspended an operation to raid drug kingpins in the area.

Edo NDLEA commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who spoke in a statement, said ‘the community notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.’

Ofoyeju said the combined team was attacked as they advanced through the town.

He said exchange of gunfire made the team to abort the operation.

The statement reads: ‘A combined team of NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack on Monday at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

‘Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.

‘I commend the bravery of our officers and the army personnel involved. Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation.

‘Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no life was lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.’

Security has been tightened around the popular Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election as accreditation of delegates commenced early Monday morning.

Armed security operatives drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed at strategic points within and around the pavilion to ensure hitch-free exercise.

Vehicular movement around the venue was restricted, while heavy security checkpoints were mounted along major routes leading to the area.

Only accredited delegates, party officials, and journalists with official tags were granted access into the premises.

Representatives of the APC National Working Committee were also on ground to supervise the process.

As early as 7:00 a.m., delegates from the 177 wards in the 16 local government areas of the state had started arriving the venue for accreditation.

The atmosphere at the venue was calm but heavily guarded, with security agents conducting stop and search on vehicles and screening of individuals entering the premises.

Patrol vans and anti-riot personnel were also visible along adjoining streets.

A total of 885 delegates, five each from 177 wards across the state, are expected to participate in the exercise to affirm Governor Biodun Oyebanji as the party’s governorship flag bearer for the June 20, 2026 election.

The governor, who is the sole aspirant in the contest, is expected to be ratified by the delegates after the voting process in line with the party’s constitution and laid down internal electoral guidelines.

His unopposed emergence followed the withdrawal of Mrs. Atinuke Omolayo and the earlier disqualification of Kayode Ojo and Abimbola Olajumoke who failed to meet the party’s requirements.

Speaking to journalists, the Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe said the heavy security presence was part of precautionary measures to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful exercise.

He commended the cooperation of delegates and party stakeholders across the 16 councils.

‘We are satisfied with the arrangements. The process has been smooth and peaceful so far. Our delegates have shown maturity and discipline, and we expect the exercise to end successfully’, he added.

A senior police officer at the venue of the primary told The Nation that the tight security arrangement was to guarantee safety and prevent unauthorized access.

He said the command had deployed enough personnel to cover the entire pavilion and adjoining areas.

The mood among party members was upbeat, with many chanting solidarity songs in support of Governor Oyebanji’s candidacy.

A delegate from Ijero local Government and former House of Representatives member, Bar. Wumi Ogunlola, described the process as smooth and well-coordinated.

She said the atmosphere reflected the unity within the party and the widespread acceptance of Oyebanji’s leadership.

‘We came early and the accreditation has been orderly. Everyone is happy because this is a moment of reaffirming our faith in the governor’s leadership,’ she said with excitement.

As of the time of filing this report, accreditation of delegates was still ongoing, with voting expected to commence shortly after.

All Progressive Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has called on Nigerians to leverage on sports for promotion of unity, nurturing leadership, discipline, and teamwork among youths.

Speaking in Ibadan at a football final match tagged ‘Asiwaju Till 2031’, organised by the Progressive Youth Ambassadors (PYA), Oyo State Chapter, Adelabu said just as power energies homes and industries, sports energies Nigerians, fostering hope, unity, and community spirit.

The Minister, who was represented at the event by one of his aides, Comrade Femi Awogboro said the tournament was not just about football, but celebration of enduring vision and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose tireless efforts continue to strengthen Nigeria’s peace, unity, and development.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is rekindling confidence in Nigeria’s youth and creating platforms where talent and patriotism can thrive.

He said: ‘Today’s final match is a reminder that true progress is achieved when we work together – with fairness, perseverance, and respect for one another.’

Adelabu commended organisers, sponsors, and players who contributed to the success of the tournament.

‘To our finalists play with passion, respect your opponents, and remember that victory is most meaningful when it uplifts the spirit of unity and sportsmanship.

‘May this event continue to inspire greater harmony, progress, and purpose among our youth, and may our collective energy – from power to sports – continue to light up Nigeria’s path to greatness.’

Highlight of the event include presentation of prices to Egbeda local government as winner of the cup, and Ibadan Northwest local government, who came second by Comrade Awogboro on behalf of the Minister.

Africa’s innovation and technology future is set for a change at Innovation and Technology Summit (InnTech Summit 2025) next month at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

The event, with the theme: ‘AI, Digital Economy, and Sustainability’, is a platform for advancing innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.It will convene government leaders, private sector executives, development partners, academia, startups, and investors to explore how AI and digital innovation can accelerate Africa’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

This edition aims to spark cross-sector collaboration and foster dialogue on harnessing AI for economic diversification and productivity, building resilient digital economies to empower citizens and businesses, aligning innovation with environmental sustainability and UN SDGs as well as strengthening Africa’s position in the global digital ecosystem.

Ahmed Mansur, chair of InnTech Summit, said: ‘Africa stands at the threshold of a new era driven by technology and innovation. The summit provides a strategic platform to align our digital transformation journey with sustainable economic growth.’

Speakers include Chief Executive of Verraki Partners, Niyi Yusuf; Chief Executive of Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Tayo Aduloju; National Consultant at UN Women, Hansatu Adegbite; Chief Executive of iCentra, Taopheek Babayeju; Country Manager of Cisco, AbdulAziz Saidu; Chief Executive of PIPA USA, Lola Adey; and Regional Director of Avanti, Reuben Oshomah. Others are Chief Executive of ipNX Business, Oluseyi Lala; Chief Executive of Fiducia International, Chukwuka Amadife; Chief Executive of Management Edge, Rex Abitogun and Policy Director at Women’s World Banking, Stephen Ambore.

The summit is open for strategic partnerships and participation from organisations committed to advancing innovation, sustainability, and digital inclusion in Africa.

It will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, fireside chats, innovation exhibitions, and networking, showcasing solutions and success stories in industries.

Participation is for professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and enthusiasts passionate about Africa’s innovative future. InnTech is an annual platform for leaders and innovators shaping Africa’s digital and sustainable future.

Promoted by iCentra, with partners, it is a multi-stakeholder forum to foster dialogue, showcase innovation, and inspire collaboration toward a digitally empowered and environmentally conscious Africa.

Leader of the Igbos in Diaspora Chief Emeka Obieolom has explained why he and Anambra indigenes at home and in the Diaspora are supporting Governor Charles Soludo for a second term in office.

Obieolom, who is the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of GEONEFT LLC, an international Oil and Petroleum magnet, said Soludo has acquitted himself creditably with his transformational and impactful leadership within the past four years.

According to him, the former Central Bank Governor has brought unprecedented number of developmental projects and human capacity interventions in all the local government areas of Anambra state.

In an e-mail sent to our correspondent on Monday, Obieolom also said Soludo has ensured adequate security of lives, peace and property, adding that this has created a congenial environment for economic growth and prosperity.

He said: ‘The Governor of Anambra state has earned by respect and support because of his great performance in his first term as a governor.

‘Anambra state has witnessed an Unprecedented development across all the local government areas. His Human Capital development is second to none.

‘Today Anambra state in enjoying so much peace because of the security measures the governor has put in place.

We have never had it so good.

‘There are visible projects across the whole state, in fact the people are so happy to identify with Soludo’s administration and that is why people are not just campaigning for him but are funding his second term project making it their own project’.

Obieolom, a native of Nri, Aniocha local government area of the state,said that Soludo should be given a second term to complete the great work he doing for the state.

‘Soludo’s second term will change the face of Anambra and the entire South East states because the state is already creating more Industries and building businesses.

‘I am a Solution ambassador. I am mobilizing our people for a man who has created enduring programmes for our people.

‘The Igbos in Diaspora are with him and I have already instructed that all my members across the the world and Nigeria should join hand in the support of our Governor,’ he said.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated Victor Ochei on his election as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), describing his victory as well-deserved and a testament to his unwavering commitment to the growth of sports in Nigeria.

Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, lauded Ochei, a philanthropist, investor and supporter of grassroots sports for his passion and consistent contributions to the development of tennis and other sporting disciplines in the country.

He noted that the emergence of the former Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly reflects the confidence reposed in him by stakeholders in Nigerian tennis, given his track record of promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports administration.

‘Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei has, over the years, demonstrated exceptional dedication to grassroots sports, particularly through his sponsorship of wheelchair basketball and the Davnotch National Tennis Open Championship.

‘His election as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation is a recognition of his steadfast service to the sporting community,’ the statement read.

The Governor expressed optimism that Ochei’s leadership would usher in a new era for Nigerian tennis, emphasizing his vast experience and international exposure as assets that would elevate the sport’s profile both locally and globally.

Governor Oborevwori urged Ochei to bring his wealth of experience and visionary leadership to bear on the development of Nigerian tennis.

‘With Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei at the helm of affairs, I have no doubt that Nigerian tennis is on the path to renewed glory,’ Oborevwori stated.

Meanwhile, Ochei’s contender, Ifueko M. Omoigui Okauru, has pledged her support to the new helmsman at the NTF.

In a post-election statement, Okauru admitted that delegates to Saturday’s election in Abuja ‘overwhelmingly chose Victor Ochei as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation for the period 2025 to 2029’.

‘I pledge to work with the President, Vice-President (Yusuf Datti) and my fellow members on the NTF Board as we begin this onerous task of leading the Federation to higher heights.

‘May God bless the new NTF Board,’ she added.

Rapper Omoniyi Temidayo popularly known as Zlatan Ibile has opened up on how becoming a father reshaped his life and perspective.

Speaking on ‘Is This A Safe Space?’ podcast, the Zanku star reflected on the birth of his son five years ago, describing it as a moment that thrust him into a more serious phase of life.

Scared of future expenses, he noted the popular prediction that his music relevance could fade within three years.

To cope, Zlatan said he adopted a stricter approach to his finances, cutting unnecessary expenses and saving for essentials like diapers.

According to him, fatherhood also prompted personal growth, leading him to regret past behaviors and shed certain habits.

‘The birth of my son changed me. It made me realise that life was getting more serious. I wasn’t prepared. I started paying house rent in London at 25. I was scared I might not be able to keep up with the bills because some people were saying I might not be relevant in the music industry for more than three years.

‘I became more serious with managing my finances. Limited spending and started saving for diapers,’ he said.

Senator Ned Nwoko has called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

He believes Kanu was only amplifying the alleged marginalisation of the Southeast through his agitation, and that freeing him will ease tension in the region.

Senator Nwoko described Kanu’s continued incarceration as unjust and a major cause of unrest in the Southeast.

Speaking during Sunday Politics on Channels, he said he had earlier met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the insecurity and agitation in the Southeast.

‘Almost just over a year ago, I had a meeting with the President where I discussed the problems of the Southeast – the insecurity and the agitations. He knows the issues and has ideas on how to address them,’ the Senator said.

According to him, one of the major grievances of the people of the region is the perceived marginalisation of the Southeast, which remains the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with five states.

‘The Southeast is the only zone with five states. Why is that so? Was it done intentionally to undermine them? Of course, yes.

‘If a step is taken to create one more state to bring the region at par with the others, then something meaningful would have been done to address the sense of exclusion,’ he stated.

He argued that the creation of an additional state, alongside Kanu’s release, could serve as key steps toward restoring peace in the region.

‘They are clamouring for different things, but one of their major demands is the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

‘He has been in custody for some time now, and I believe he has been held unjustly. Many people feel that way,’ he said.

As a lawyer, the Senator expressed dismay at the slow pace of Kanu’s trial, describing the judicial process as unfair.

‘If you want to get him tried and convicted, get on with it. But this is a man who has been held unjustly for so many months. His incarceration has not helped matters,’ he added.

He further noted that while the crisis in the Southeast predates Kanu’s arrest, it has been worsened by the government’s failure to address the underlying causes of agitation.

‘The problem in the Southeast is different from that in the Northeast or Northwest. It is rooted in the perceived injustice by successive governments,’ he said.

The Senator maintained that a political solution, as earlier proposed by the courts, remains the best way to resolve Kanu’s case and restore peace.

‘By the time you create one more state and release Nnamdi Kanu, I am almost certain peace will return to the Southeast,’ he declared.

He added that many youths in the region are ready to embrace peace if they see genuine efforts by the government.

‘I have spoken to so many youths from the South-East. They don’t want to die. They want to go back to school and to their jobs. All they want is respect and acknowledgement by the nation,’ he said.

Also yesterday, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, distanced himself from a 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government for the release of Kanu.

Tompolo, in a statement by his Media Consultant, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, denied authoring the publication which is currently trending on social media.

He described the development as the handiwork of his traducers, determined to disrupt his efforts against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Reassuring of his support to the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, he stressed that his endorsement for the president’s second bid remained firm.

The statement read: ‘The attention of High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has been drawn to the above subject matter, which is trending on some social media platforms.

‘We wish to state unequivocally and unambiguously that Tompolo did not author the said publication. High Chief Ekpemupolo has nothing to do with the issue of Nnamdi Kanu.

‘It is clearly the handiwork of Tompolo’s enemies, who are out there to discredit and pull him down because of his stand against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta region.

‘This set of people has failed and will continue to fail because he will not relent in carrying out his duty to totally eradicate illegal oil activities in the region.

‘We wish to reassure the Federal Government, led by our dynamic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that Tompolo is with him and will continue to support the renewed agenda of his government.

‘We wish to add that Tompolo remains firm and reaffirms his endorsement of Mr President for a second term and continues to work for its realisation.

‘Once again, the Federal Government and the general public should ignore the said publication.’

Also, the leadership of the PBAT Door To Door Movement (PDDM) condemned what it described as a false and malicious claim that its Grand Patron, Tompolo, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to release Kanu.

A statement by the National Coordinator, PDDM, Sunday Asuku, said: ‘This claim is entirely baseless and the handiwork of desperate propagandists, fake news merchants, fifth columnists, and agents of disunity.’

Asuku said that the fake news merchants’ plot to create tensions and instigate the Federal Government against Tompolo had collapsed like a pack of cards in the face of his exemplary commitment to national peace and development.

He said it was clear that persons behind the 21-day ultimatum claim had been unsettled by Tompolo’s unalloyed support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Asuku urged security agencies to investigate and bring to book those behind the fake news.

In the same vein, Tompolo’s allies dismissed the reports that he issued the 21-day ultimatum.

The Chairman of Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, described the insinuations as untrue, unfounded and misleading.

Kenepadei, a staunch ally of Tompolo, said: ‘It has come to our attention that there are false and misleading reports circulating on social media.

‘These reports claim that High Chief Tompolo issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government regarding the release of Mazi Kanu.

‘We wish to state that these claims are untrue. High Chief Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) has not made or authorised any statements or ultimatums concerning this matter.

‘These rumours are the work of mischief-makers, who aim to exploit Tompolo’s name and influence for their own agenda.

‘We urge our followers to disregard this misinformation and rely on verified channels for accurate updates regarding Tompolo and his positions.’

Afrobeats singer Davido has revealed why he chose Akwa Ibom State as the first Nigerian destination for his 5ive Alive tour.

According to Davido, the state’s world-class infrastructure and serene environment were key factors in his decision.

He praised Governor Umo Eno’s administration for its emphasis on peace, security, and youth empowerment, noting that these efforts create opportunities for young talents to thrive.

During a pre-concert reception in Uyo, Davido expressed excitement about performing in Akwa Ibom, calling it the ‘best of its kind.’

He revealed that Akwa Ibom was at the top of his list when considering venues in Africa, and he was impressed by the state’s facilities.

‘I am excited, it is (the Akwa Ibom tour) the best of its kind. We toured America already, and it was a great success, and we were looking for a good facility around Africa, and Akwa Ibom is one of the places that we found.

‘You have a standard facility, that’s why we are starting here. As time goes, we will keep doing the other states and I am just excited the stadium is already filled up, so let’s get ready and shut it down,’ Davido said.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, praised Governor Eno’s leadership style, describing him as a youth- and sports-friendly governor.

He also commended Davido for his positive influence on young Nigerians and encouraged him to showcase upcoming Akwa Ibom artists on his international tours.

Governor Eno expressed gratitude to Davido for inspiring the younger generation through his hard work and consistency.

He stated that Davido’s success serves as a motivation to young people, demonstrating that their goals are achievable with dedication and perseverance.

The governor also appreciated Davido for sharing the stage with local entertainers, which is an inspiration to them and shows that they too can aspire to greatness.

‘We want to thank you for being an inspiration to the younger generation. For me, you have taken your career to the zenith, and it is an inspiration to the youths that what they set their hand to do is possible and achievable.

‘We are a youth-friendly state and we are trying to develop talents. Thank you for sharing the stage with some of our local entertainers, which is an inspiration to them that one day, they can also aspire to be like you,’ Eno said.