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The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed a call by the US congressman, Riley M. Moore, urging the United States to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over what he described as ‘systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians’ in the country.

In a letter dated October 6, 2025, addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Moore alleged that Nigeria had become ‘the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,’ and urged Washington to halt arms sales to Abuja until the Nigerian government ‘demonstrates it is sufficiently committed to ending this reign of persecution and slaughter.’

‘More than 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 already, an average of 35 murders per day,’ the congressman wrote. ‘This includes at least 50 Christians brutally martyred on Palm Sunday and another 200 killed in June. These relentless persecutions have continued for years and show no signs of abating.’

He further claimed that between July 2009 and September 2025, over 19,100 Christian churches were attacked or destroyed, while at least 850 Christians were being held for ransom in jihadist camps. Moore also accused ‘corrupt cells of the Nigerian government’ of complicity in some of the attacks.

Citing reports from Open Doors and other Christian watchdog groups, Moore said Nigeria hosts ‘no less than 22 Islamic terror groups with links to ISIS and other broader networks,’ describing the situation as a ‘scourge of anti-Christian violence.’

The lawmaker urged Rubio to ‘redesignate Nigeria as a CPC without delay and withhold arms sales and all associated technical support until the Nigerian government has taken tangible steps to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ.’

However, the Nigerian government swiftly condemned the claims, describing them as misinformed, exaggerated, and politically motivated.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, criticised Moore and other US politicians for what he called a ‘propaganda campaign’ built on falsehood.

‘Rep Riley Moore, you are simply pathetic. You don’t know anything about my country. You, Rubio, Cruz and other hypocritical Christians on a propaganda campaign are feeding from some pots of lies about Nigeria,’ Onanuga said in a reply to Moore’s post on X.

‘Nigerian Christians are not under persecution, except for what you imagine. We reject your labeling of our country as the deadliest for Christians. If you are a faithful Christian, you should be more concerned about the genocide against Christian and Muslim Palestinians, including children and women, by your beloved Israel,’ he added.

Onanuga argued that the insecurity in Nigeria is not religiously motivated, stressing that ‘bandits and terrorists operating in some tiny parts of my country are not operating based on religion. They kill and maim Muslims inside mosques. They kidnap fellow Muslims and just anyone who falls prey.’

Similarly, Dada Olusegun, another presidential aide, described Moore’s letter as ignorant and disrespectful to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

‘Firstly let me say, Congressman Riley, you are ignorant if not more ignorant than @tedcruz about Nigeria,’ he wrote. ‘Secondly, 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.’

Just last week, the federal government also debunked similar claims of ‘religious genocide’ circulating on social media, linking them to coordinated disinformation from foreign accounts allegedly affiliated with the US and Israel.

In a statement, Mohammed Idris, minister of Information and National Orientation, said Nigeria remains a ‘multi-religious state’ that accommodates both major faiths.

‘Nigeria is a multi-religious state with large populations of both Christians and Muslims. We are home to one of the largest Muslim communities in the world, alongside some of the biggest Pentecostal churches and the largest Anglican congregation globally,’ Idris said.

‘Christianity is neither endangered nor marginalized in Nigeria. It is doubtful that foreign interlopers into Nigerian affairs are aware that the current heads of both the Armed Forces and the Police Force are Christians, a fact that underscores the inclusivity of our national leadership.’

The debate has since sparked controversy on social media, with Nigerians expressing mixed reactions. While some users supported Moore’s position, citing frequent attacks on churches and clergy in the country, others accused the US and Israel of attempting to blackmail Nigeria following Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Palestinian cause.

Observers say the latest exchange reflects growing tensions between Abuja and Washington over human rights and religious freedom narratives, an issue that has repeatedly surfaced in U.S. foreign policy toward Nigeria since the country was first placed, and later removed, from the CPC list between 2020 and 2021.

The US Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation is reserved for nations that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act. Nigeria was first designated a CPC by the Trump administration in 2020, but the Biden administration removed it from the list in 2021, citing improved engagement with Nigerian authorities.

Sixty-seven percent of Nigerian children live in multidimensional poverty, deprived of basic education, health, and other basic rights, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.

Kitty van der Heijden, the agency’s deputy executive director, said this at a breakout session on ‘Safeguarding Nigeria’s Future: Prioritising Child Well-being’ at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, warning that the country’s ambition for economic transformation could falter unless children’s welfare is placed at the heart of national policy.

‘Sixty-seven percent of children in Nigeria are multidimensionally poor. So if we talk about 100 children here, 67 out of 100 are deprived.

‘We talk about Nigeria’s economy and its political position in Africa and globally. But if the children of Nigeria are not getting their basic minimum rights and services, then those of us here as development partners are not doing our job’, she said, adding that children in the rural areas are the most deprived.

According to her, Nigeria’s children deserve better, and their well-being should not be treated as charity but as a matter of justice and rights.

‘It’s their right, not their privilege. It’s their fundamental right to be able to go to school, to learn, and to get the basic health services, both preventive and curative. Nigerian children don’t need to be child labourers. Nigerian girls don’t need to get married before they are actually women’, she added.

The UNICEF deputy chief underscored the importance of ensuring that every child has access to clean water, proper sanitation, and social protection, all of which she noted remain scarce in many parts of Nigeria.

Oby Ezekwesili, former minister of Education Minister, said Nigeria must begin to treat education as a core economic priority, warning that the country cannot achieve growth while neglecting its children’s learning and welfare.

‘Education is profoundly an economic activity,’ she stressed. She also tasked government on a nationwide system to register every child as the foundation for long-term planning.

‘We must get a sense of the children we bring into the world so we can plan scaled transformation for them. We can’t continue to cheat our children or dump on them.’

Ezekwesili, further proposed the creation of a national scorecard on child development, tracking progress in areas such as birth registration, immunisation, and literacy, among other indicators.

Suwaba Saidu, minister of State for Education, also emphasised that reliable data is crucial to tackling the problem of out-of-school children. She informed that he ministry is working to obtain accurate figures on the actual number lf out-of-school children tp ensure effective planning.

Prominent Nigerians have called for restraint and sustained dialogue following the recent dispute at the Dangote Refinery, warning that industrial disruptions of such magnitude could derail efforts to stabilise the economy and restore confidence in local production.

In a joint statement by Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside COM, Bishop Matthew Kukah CON, Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman and Dudu Mamman Manuga Tuesday, the coalition of concerned stakeholders commended the Federal Government, labour unions, and Dangote Refinery management for de-escalating tensions through dialogue, but warned that future industrial disruptions could undermine investor confidence and economic recovery.

The statement described the Dangote Refinery as ‘more than a private venture,’ calling it a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve after decades of failure in Nigeria’s state-run refineries and wasteful subsidy regimes.

‘Already, the refinery has begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices in some parts of the country dropping from around N1,500 per litre to about N820, a 55 percent reduction. This impact on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life,’ the group noted.

However, the signatories of the statement cautioned that strikes and threats of shutdowns could reverse this progress. ‘Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation,’ the statement said.

Emphasising a balanced approach, the group outlined three key principles for sustainable growth: respect for workers’ rights, protection of productive enterprises, and commitment to social responsibility.

They stressed that while workers have the constitutional right to organise and demand fair treatment, such rights ‘cannot become a licence to hold the economy hostage.’

The statement also dismissed claims of monopoly against Dangote Refinery, arguing that Nigeria has regulatory institutions, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to handle such concerns.

‘Where there are legitimate issues of pricing or dominance, the proper channel is through these statutory bodies, not strikes that harm ordinary Nigerians,’ it added.

The coalition further urged transparency and community reinvestment from major investors, saying enterprises of such magnitude carry a social responsibility to the people they serve.

‘This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business. It is about the direction of our economy, whether we will continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored in productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity. The Dangote Refinery represents an audacious step forward. It should not be undermined but strengthened, as a signal to other industrialists that investing in Nigeria’s future is worthwhile,’ the statement addded.

Other signees of the statement include Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Khalifa, Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka and Senator Sola Akinyede.

The Chinwe-Bode Akinwande (CBA) Foundation is pleased to announce its upcoming conference themed ‘Empowering Widows in Nigeria: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty and Vulnerability,’ scheduled to be held on 9 October 2025 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The pivotal event is aimed at spotlighting the pressing challenges faced by underprivileged widows across the country.

The CBA Foundation is a registered not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to providing a beacon of hope for underprivileged widows and children, protecting and empowering them with the courage to build better lives.

Widows, particularly those from marginalised communities, frequently endure isolation, neglect, and systemic injustice. The CBA Foundation Conference will provide a platform for meaningful conversations that illuminate these realities and explore empowerment strategies such as skill acquisition, microfinance, impact investing, and advocacy.

Speaking about the conference, the founder of the CBA Foundation, Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, stated, ‘Widows are often exploited, largely because they are vulnerable. Our mission is to empower them through strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives, amplifying their voices and strengthening their positions in society. With this conference, we are creating a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences on these issues, proffer solutions to them and drive everyone to commit to implementing the solutions.’

The conference will feature a keynote address by Amina Oyagbola, Founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), and a plenary session moderated by Hansatu Adegbite, Executive Director of Women in Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ). The event will also include interactive discussions, success stories from impact-driven programmes, and a call to action for attendees to engage in meaningful support for widows across the country.

It will bring together stakeholders from civil society, government, academia, and the private sector to share experiences, successes, and policy recommendations to build more supportive environment for widows.

Since its official launch in 2015, the CBA Foundation has impacted over ten thousand widows with women empowerment/capacity building projects. It has provided support for over seventeen thousand widows with health intervention support, food distribution, business start-up assistance, clothing, and one-on-one counseling. The Foundation has also supported over 100 underprivileged children with tuition fees and skill acquisition training.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible innovation in the country’s rapidly evolving fintech sector, emphasizing that sustained growth must be anchored on trust, compliance, and consumer protection.

Olayemi Cardoso, CBN governor, made this known at the Nigeria FinTech Week 2025 held in Lagos, on Tuesday.

Cardoso, who was represented by Yusuf Rakiya Opeyemi, the director of payment system supervision, CBN, commended the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) for creating a platform that continues to unite regulators, innovators, and investors to chart the course of Nigeria’s digital future.

He said the theme of the week, ‘Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future’, aptly captures the delicate harmony required between innovation and regulation in building a safe and inclusive financial ecosystem.

‘Like an orchestra, our fintech ecosystem requires harmony between innovators and regulators, between inclusion and security, and between competition and collaboration. Only through such balance can we orchestrate a future that advances innovation, strengthens trust, and enhances financial inclusion,’ he said.

The CBN governor noted that innovation remains the lifeblood of the digital economy, as fintech products, from mobile payments to AI-driven financial services, continue to expand access and convenience for millions of Nigerians.

However, he cautioned that technological progress must not outpace the safeguards necessary to protect consumers and the financial system. ‘The Central Bank embraces responsible innovation. We provide space for creativity while safeguarding financial stability. Regulatory compliance is not an obstacle but a precondition for sustainable growth,’ Cardoso added.

He disclosed that the apex bank has taken several steps to ensure this balance, including the adoption of ISO 20022 messaging standards for payment interoperability, and geofencing and geotagging of terminals to enhance transaction traceability and combat fraud. These measures, he said, are part of broader efforts to build a more resilient, transparent, and trusted digital payment infrastructure.

Cardoso also highlighted the CBN’s ongoing work on the open banking framework, which allows the secure sharing of financial data, with customer consent, between banks and fintechs. He described the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s financial innovation journey, one that would encourage collaboration, competition, and customer-centric product development.

However, he noted that implementation would be gradual to ensure the right safeguards are in place. ‘Our approach to open banking remains measured. We are ensuring that the necessary controls around fraud prevention and data protection are firmly established before full rollout,’ he explained.

On financial inclusion, CBN governor said that despite the rapid rise of mobile wallets, agent banking, and USSD services, technology alone cannot close the financial access gap. He called for stronger collaboration between fintech companies, banks, and government agencies to extend literacy, build consumer trust, and reach underserved rural communities.

‘A symphony is incomplete if some instruments are missing. Likewise, national progress suffers when communities are excluded. Our collective commitment must be that no region or community is left behind in Nigeria’s digital transformation,’ he said.

The CBN’s data, he said, reflects growing public confidence in digital payments. The total number of electronic transactions increased from 3.9 billion valued at N280 trillion in August 2024 to 4.12 billion valued at N384 trillion by July 2025. ‘This sustained growth underscores the Nigerian public’s confidence in digital platforms and the depth of consultation within our payment ecosystem,’ he added.

To sustain that momentum, the apex bank continues to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, enhance fraud detection systems, and collaborate with the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) and other enforcement agencies to safeguard consumers.

Cardoso urged fintech founders and innovators to view regulators as partners rather than obstacles, stressing that both parties share a common goal, which is to build a financial system that is inclusive, transparent, and trusted. ‘Innovation thrives where there is trust. We must build a compliance-based trust, a trusted business is a sustainable business. Trust is the bridge between technology and transformation. Without it, innovation will not deliver its full promise,’ he affirmed.

In his welcome address, Dr. Stanley Jacob, president of the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), said this year’s conference theme: ‘Orchestrating the Future of Finance’, reflects the sector’s shared responsibility to harmonize innovation, policy, and impact.

‘The fintech ecosystem is no longer a collection of startups working in silos. It is a movement of innovators, regulators, investors, and educators working together to transform Nigeria’s economy. Collaboration is the rhythm that sustains our symphony of progress,’ Jacob said.

Jacob outlined FintechNGR’s strategic initiatives, including its Policy Innovation (PI) Agenda, capacity-building programmes, and expansion of Nigeria FinTech Week to more cities across Africa. He added that the association now represents over 600 member institutions, spanning banks, technology firms, investors, and universities, demonstrating the depth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Segun Aina, president of the Africa Fintech Network (AFN), emphasized the need for harmonised regulations across African markets to enable startups to scale beyond their borders. ‘Africa cannot compete globally if its fintech innovators remain confined by fragmented national regulations. Our goal is to create a single African fintech market, driven by trust, interoperability, and shared standards,’ Aina said.

He revealed that the AFN is working with regional bodies to introduce a cross-border licensing framework that would allow fintechs to operate across multiple African jurisdictions with a single approval process.

For her part, Dr. Jameelah Sharrief-Ayedun, CEO of CreditRegistry and chairperson of the FintechNGR Nigeria FinTech Week Committee, said the industry must ensure that consumers are not left behind in the digital transformation journey.

‘Fintech is not just about innovation, it is about inclusion. As we adopt artificial intelligence, blockchain, and open banking, we must make sure these innovations serve real human needs, protect data, and inspire confidence,’ Sharrief-Ayedun stated.

Sharrief-Ayedun also urged delegates to turn networking opportunities into tangible collaborations that move Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem forward. ‘Every connection made here must contribute to something bigger, partnerships that make finance safer, smarter, and more inclusive,’ she added.

The Nigeria FinTech Week 2025, hosted by FintechNGR in partnership with the CBN, the Africa Fintech Network, and other ecosystem stakeholders, attracted participants from over 20 countries, including regulators, startups, investors, and technology firms.

Panel sessions at the event explored topics such as open banking adoption, digital identity, cybersecurity, cross-border payments, and AI in financial services, with experts agreeing that regulation and innovation must evolve together.

Public outcry has intensified across Nigeria as calls mount for the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the minister of science and technology, following revelations surrounding alleged discrepancies in his academic qualifications.

The controversy has also cast a shadow over the screening committee responsible for his vetting, with many Nigerians questioning the integrity and thoroughness of the process.

Nubi Achebo, director of academic planning at the Nigeria University of Technology and Management (NUTM), said the minister should not only be sacked but also handed over to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

‘He should be summarily fired from his minister job and handed to law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Forgery is still a crime under Nigerian laws,’ he said.

Friday Erhabor, director of media and strategies at Marklenez Limited, emphasised that Nnaji should just voluntarily resign, and if he fails to do so, the president should fire him.

‘It is not enough to admit. If he truly claimed to have a certificate from UNN and the claim turned out to be false, he should have just voluntarily resigned, and where he failed to do so, the president should fire him. He should also be made to refund every penny he has earned as a minister,’ Erhabor emphasised.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, said the minister’s scenario raises a serious ethical and institutional concern, especially when holding a public office.

‘Leaders, especially those entrusted with portfolios such as science and technology minister, are expected to be models of integrity and credibility.

‘When such controversies arise, they erode public trust, demoralize genuine graduates, and cast a shadow on the credibility of Nigeria’s education system,’ she said.

Osikoya emphasised that certificate forgery has sadly become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, not only in politics but also in the civil service, education, and even the private sector.

‘This trend thrives because of weak verification systems, a culture that often overlooks merit, and a lack of strict legal consequences for offenders,’ she noted.

Isaiah Ogundele, an administrator, describes the development as very appalling, after the good job a journalist did recently, where an undercover reporter discovered certificate racketeering in some universities across Nigeria’s border.

‘I thought that should have informed the authority to have done the right thing to curb and scrutinise the existing certificates from a particular year, probably from the year 2000 downward.

‘It is a big shame for the committee that was involved in the screening for them not to have discovered this on time, and the minister is also disgracing the country before the world,’ he said.

The way forward

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Stakeholders pointing the way forward suggested strict verification, transparency, and institutional reform, among others.

Osikoya said there is a need that all appointments, from ministers to local officials, should go through an independent and digital certificate verification process, such as tertiary institutions and the NUC.

‘There should be public access to the credentials of public officials should encourage accountability and build trust. Besides, the government should strengthen penalties for forgery and enforce them without bias or political influence.

‘The government should encourage tertiary institutions to fully digitise students’ records and certificates, to make forgery nearly impossible,’ she stressed.

Ogundele suggests that there should be newspaper publications for the intending public office holders showcasing their credentials in order for people to verify their true picture before giving them responsibility.

Besides, he said the Ministry of Education and everyone in the educational sector should rise up to the task.

‘A state of emergency should be declared on education, and the government should weed out the bad eggs. Also, some schools that have been fingered should be investigated, and the culprits must not be spared,’ he said.

For Ebuka Nnaji, an education consultant, the agencies in charge of document falsification should rise up to their duties, and tertiary institutions should make access for verification easier.

Recall that the minister of science and technology finally admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never gave him a degree certificate, confirming earlier reports that he might have forged his academic credentials, according to a Premium Times report.

Erhabor suggests the DSS screens nominated ministers and authenticates all the claims.

Besides, he calls on the Senate to have a sub-committee on the verification of claims.

‘Certificates of appointed government agencies and top political posts must have their certificates properly verified before they assume office. One day, somebody with a forged certificate can become our CBN governor,’ he said.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has expressed concern over the reported loss declared by NNPC Retail, describing the development as worrisome and demanding full clarification from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), Chairman of the Committee, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the National Assembly after plenary.

He confirmed that the NNPCL had responded to the 19 audit queries issued against it by the Senate, covering the period between 2017 and 2023, involving over N210 trillion reportedly unaccounted for in the audited statements of the national oil company.

Wadada explained that although the Committee had given Bayo Ojulari, the NNPCL Chief Executive Officer, a three-week ultimatum in July to respond to the queries, the company had sought an extension while lawmakers were on recess to enable it to compile relevant data and documents.

He said, ‘While we were on recess, management of NNPCL wrote to the committee requesting an extension of time to enable them to compile data and respond comprehensively to the questions we raised, and we granted that request.

‘They have since responded, and we now have answers to all 19 questions we sent to them.’

The senator, however, noted that the responses were yet to be tabled before the committee for deliberation.

‘The report is yet to be presented before the Committee. That is why, as chairman, I have refrained from making any public statement on the matter until it is properly laid before members.

‘But let me assure you, as I promised earlier on behalf of the committee, we will do justice to the matter’, he added.

He revealed that the Committee’s investigation went beyond the audited accounts, adding that new issues had emerged around the operations of the national oil company.

According to him, one of such issues concerns the production sharing contracts (PSCs), particularly the actual production cost to Nigeria and the need for transparency in the sharing formula among stakeholders.

‘The public deserves to know what portion goes to the NNPCL, what goes to the international oil companies (IOCs), and what accrues to the federal government under the production sharing arrangement,’ he stated.

Wadada also confirmed that the committee had been informed that NNPC Retail Limited declared a loss, a situation he said raised serious questions about efficiency and accountability.

‘The committee has been informed that NNPC Retail has declared a loss. This development is of concern to us and to the public. We find it difficult to understand why NNPC Retail should record a loss, but we will seek clarification when the corporation appears before us,’ he said.

He assured that Nigerians and the media would be duly briefed on the contents of NNPCL’s responses once the committee reviews them.

‘As far as the audited financial statements are concerned, which cover the period between 2017 and 2023, NNPCL has submitted its responses to the 19 questions we asked.

‘Nigerians will know the details in due course. Out of those answers, the ones that make sense and those that do not will be evident to the public,’ Wadada said.

Nigeria has intensified efforts to promote sustainable construction and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) scorecard for Sustainable Building Project, a global initiative spearheaded by the World Green Building Council under the Rebuild Our Buildings campaign.

The project, which aims to accelerate climate action in the building sector, is currently being implemented in five countries – Nigeria, Egypt, the Philippines, Brazil, and Colombia. It focuses on decarbonizing buildings and cities while strengthening their resilience to climate impacts.

Speaking at a regional engagement session in Abuja on Tuesday, Danjuma Waniko, president of the Green Building Council of Nigeria (GBCN), explained that the project, which began in August 2024, has already completed four national workshops leading to the development of an Action Plan for Sustainable Buildings.

‘We brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, finance, academia, civil society, and professional bodies,’ Waniko said.

‘Together, we assessed Nigeria’s built environment, reviewed existing policies, identified gaps, and co-created an action plan with eight strategic objectives.’

Among the key recommendations of the plan, he highlighted the urgent need to strengthen building codes and regulatory frameworks, noting that while Nigeria has numerous policies on paper, enforcement remains weak.

‘It is in the transition from paper to practice that we are lacking,’ he said. ‘We must ensure regulations are implemented and monitored effectively.’

Waniko also emphasized the importance of mobilizing finance to support the transition to a carbon-neutral and resilient built environment. ‘This transition requires money. We need to catalyze investment and unlock more financing for sustainable building,’ he added.

Another major recommendation is the improvement of data collection and research.

According to him, there is limited information on emissions, energy use, and climate impacts in Nigeria’s building sector, making it difficult to design evidence-based interventions.

He also called for pilot and demonstration projects to showcase practical, locally relevant solutions. ‘People often ask, ‘Does it work? Is it fit for purpose?’ We need proofs of concept to show that sustainable solutions are both effective and adaptable to our context,’ he said.

The final and most critical component, Waniko noted, is catalyzing subnational action, since issues of land use, urban planning, and building regulation are constitutionally under state jurisdiction.

‘In Nigeria, the national government cannot dictate building regulations to the states. That is why we are engaging with regional and state authorities to help them operationalize the action plan within their contexts,’ he explained.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, minister of Housing and Urban Development, commended the initiative, describing it as ‘a bold and innovative step’ toward aligning Nigeria’s built environment with sustainability, equity, and climate responsibility.

‘Urban development is not merely about constructing buildings and infrastructure,’ Dangiwa said. ‘It is about building communities, nurturing ecosystems, and creating inclusive spaces where Nigerians, regardless of income, gender, or geography, can thrive.’

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the Minister emphasized that the built environment accounts for a significant share of energy use and emissions, making it imperative to transform it into ‘a driver of sustainability.’

‘Sustainability is not a luxury-it is a necessity,’ Dangiwa added. ‘It is an opportunity to create jobs, improve health, reduce poverty, and protect our environment.’

He urged all stakeholders-architects, engineers, planners, policymakers, and community leaders-to embrace the national green building vision with courage and creativity.

‘Let us build not just structures, but legacies. Let us design not just cities, but futures,’ the Minister said. ‘Together, we can make Nigeria’s built environment a beacon of sustainability, resilience, and hope.’

The ongoing regional workshops are part of broader efforts to ensure that state governments take ownership of green building practices, integrate sustainability into urban planning, and align their policies with national and global climate goals.

The Rebuild Our Buildings campaign represents one of the most coordinated global efforts to transform the built environment – a sector that accounts for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions – into a driver of climate resilience and sustainability.

Tetracore Energy Group is pleased to announce the new appointment of Mr. Dayo Williams former Programme Executive as Managing Director, Tetracore Energy Group Subsidiaries. This appointment reflects the Group’s continued commitment to nurturing leadership excellence and driving innovation across its business divisions in Africa.

In his new role, Mr. Oladayo will oversee the strategic direction, growth, and operational performance of Tetracore’s subsidiaries; Tetracore Energy Limited, Tetracore Gas Limited, Tetracore CNG Solutions Limited, ensuring alignment with the Group’s mission of delivering sustainable and transformative energy solutions across Africa.

Mr. Oladayo joined Tetracore Energy Group with a strong background in commercial law and business development strategy with over 15 years of experience leading high-value energy transactions across Nigeria’s oil, gas, and power sectors. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in coordinating key initiatives that have strengthened the Group’s footprint in the energy sectors.

His achievements includes the deployment of 6.2mmscfd CNG mother station In Ogun State, mini-LNG hubs, project management of the ongoing 5.2mmscfd mother station in Tema, Ghana, fast growing Auto CNG delivery which currently supplies Dangote Cement CNG trucks, and embedded gas-to-power solutions tailored to the needs of Nigeria’s industrial clusters. He also leads a team as the Deputy Chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Power Sector Group, where he contributes to national policy direction on tariffs, grid decentralisation, and gas-to-power frameworks.

His portfolio features end-to-end advisory on onshore and offshore gas gathering systems, multi-million-dollar EPC contracts and long-term Gas Supply and Transportation Agreements that have unlocked reliable fuel for both on-grid and off-grid power projects. Notable achievements include leading commercial due diligence for million dollars offshore gas-gathering system, closing a $10million CNG mother-daughter network within seven months, securing the partnership and supply of Auto CNG to Dangote Cement, structuring a $15 million solar-hybrid IPP whose blended financing model attracted development-finance institutions and private-equity funds.

His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Tetracore as the largest gas trading company in Nigeria, with strategic objectives operational efficiency in its outspread of its facilities in Ogun state, Benin, Ghana and Mobile refueling unit in Ibese, Dangote Cement

Speaking on the appointment Olakunle Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Tetracore Energy Group, said:

‘Dayo’s appointment reflects his exceptional leadership, professionalism, and contribution to Tetracore’s growth journey. We are confident that under his leadership, our subsidiaries will continue to thrive and deliver even greater impact in the evolving energy landscape. For Tetracore Energy Group a greater expansion has begun, new projects are being outlined and what a perfect timing to have this appointment, we look forward to having more achievements as a team’

Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Oladayo stated:

‘It is an honor to take on this new responsibility within an organisation that continues to lead with purpose and innovation. I look forward to working closely with our teams to deepen value creation and drive sustainable growth across our subsidiaries.’

This appointment underscores Tetracore Energy Group’s dedication to recognising excellence, empowering its people, and building a future-ready leadership culture.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review the 2026 Hajj fares.

The directive comes after the naira’s continued appreciation against the dollar, a key factor in determining the cost of Hajj.

According to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the review is necessary to ensure that the benefits of the improved exchange rate are reflected in the fares.

The previous fares were N8.1 million for pilgrims from the Maiduguri zone, N8.2 million for other northern states, and N8.5 million for southern states.

NAHCON has been given two days to submit a new fare proposal. The Vice-President emphasized the need for close coordination between national and state officials to ensure uniformity in adopting the revised rate.

He also called for quick payment and remittance of funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure a smooth and timely operation.

Ibrahim Hadeija, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, said the discussion focused on finalizing arrangements for the 2026 Hajj, particularly on reducing fares for intending pilgrims.

He noted that the government’s economic reforms have strengthened the naira and that the president expects the benefits to be passed on to prospective pilgrims.