Why N50M YouTube film ‘Falling Notes’ skipped cinemas, Netflix

Okusaga Adeoluwa, known as Saga from the 2021 Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) season, has released his first film as a producer, ‘Falling Notes’. The movie, available on his YouTube channel, reached over 870,000 views in its first 10 days.

In an interview with BusinessDay, Saga detailed his shift from offshore engineering to filmmaking, crediting his BBNaija experience with providing the platform to build a multifaceted career.

Saga entered the BBNaija house in 2021 as a completion engineer with Halliburton, working on offshore rigs. After 91 days, he emerged with millions of new followers and widespread recognition. ‘The biggest return on investment was my online community,’ Saga said. He now has one million followers each on Instagram and TikTok, over 100,000 on YouTube, and nearly one million on Facebook. The following allows him to enter any room without introduction, a stark contrast to his pre-show anonymity.

Leveraging this fame required deliberate effort. ‘By consistency, to be honest,’ Saga explained. Post-BBNaija, he faced scepticism, with many viewing housemates as fleeting celebrities. To counter this, he invested in self-development, learning entertainment skills from scratch despite having no prior experience. He endured setbacks, including being cheated by collaborators, but persisted. His portfolio expanded to include hyper-realistic drawings and paintings exhibited in Europe, a music EP, influencer content under series like fashion styling, and fitness coaching.

For investors tuning in, Saga offered a 30-second pitch: ‘Since I came out of the Big Brother House in 2021, I’ve been positioning myself as a visual artist. I draw hyper-realistic artworks, I paint, and I’ve exhibited both locally and internationally in Europe. I sing, have my EP out, I’m an influencer, I’m a fashion icon, I’m a fitness coach, I’m a fitness enthusiast, I am also an actor, and now I’m a producer as well. I like to put excellence in everything I do.’

Engineering skills proved transferable to film sets. Attention to detail, essential for preventing structural failures in rigs, ensured precise execution in production. His work ethic-honed through salaried, hourly, budgeted, and timed projects-translated to delivering value on brand gigs. Risk analysis, a staple of safety protocols, helped him foresee production hurdles. However, entertainment demanded unlearning corporate straightforwardness.

‘Things are not always what they are at face value,’ he noted, citing the prevalence of ‘fake it till you make it’ attitudes. He adapted by honing social skills, grasping entertainment’s unique commodities like social following and appearances, and curating public output to avoid scandals.

‘Falling Notes’, subtitled ‘when sudden fame distorts a Lagos street musician’s frequency, love goes off-key,’ marks Saga’s dual role as lead actor and producer. The story follows a musician navigating fame’s impact on romance, mirroring Saga’s own post-BBNaija struggles. ‘The film is very adjacent to my life. it is almost like me in another universe,’ he said.

He drew on real locations in Shomolu, where he lived after moving from Port Harcourt, and cast friends like Folarin Agunbaide, a longtime friend of Saga and Soso (Sophia Chisom), as the love interest for authentic chemistry. Eso Dike’s schedule even dictated filming adjustments as they had to move shooting dates to accommodate his availability. According to Saga, Newcomer Liya, a former Davido signee, was persuaded to act despite no experience, fitting the role of ‘Shade’ perfectly.

The project originated organically. While brainstorming with producer cousin Moyo Okusaga, a recent graduate, Saga decided music would showcase his talents in the movie more uniquely than visual arts, already common in Nollywood. Joined by director Mustapha Edochie and writer Anwuri Ijenebe, they developed the script over two months starting in March. Songs and stories evolved in parallel, with Saga writing both.

‘I was writing the script as well as writing the songs. This is why the songs kind of tell the story,’ he explained. Studio costs for songwriters, producers, mixing, and mastering elevated the budget.

Production costs nearly N50 million, exceeding typical YouTube film budgets due to extended shooting across multiple locations, high-end cameras, and music integration. ‘I spent a lot of money.But I tell people like, if you cannot go all out for yourself, don’t expect anyone to go all out for you,’ Saga said. Marketing received less but included a premiere attended by family, fellow housemates, and industry figures. Sponsors like Heineken and Johnnie Walker supported promotion, alongside media rounds.

Challenges arose from his debut status. In an industry where crew members sometimes prioritise quantity over quality, Saga came with a detail-oriented approach. Timelines for pre-production, writing, shooting, and post-production were extended due to his standards. Securing locations in Nigeria proved costly and bureaucratic, requiring payments even for street shoots. Despite this, the cast and core team aligned well.

Saga opted for YouTube over cinemas or Netflix for accessibility. ‘YouTube probably has the widest market,’ he said, noting cinema’s high costs, low attendance for Nigerian films due to lack of disposable income to cover ticket prices, and limited global reach. Netflix’s lengthy approval process and declining Nigerian penetration made it unsuitable.

His goal: maximum exposure to prove his producing prowess. ‘I want people to have access to it, I want people to see what I can do, it’s my first project, and so I want people to see i’m a phenomenal producer and that my work is different from everyone else,’ Saga added.

The premiere, unusual for YouTube releases, served dual purposes-demonstrating seriousness to doubters and creating a shared viewing experience. ‘I wanted my friends to come. my father was there, my family, my friends,’ he recalled.

The film ends with a dedication: ‘In loving memory of Abosede Okusaga,’ Saga’s mother, who nurtured his performative talents as a child. ‘She always made me perform for her. sing for her as a kid, dance for her, act for her,’ he said. Her absence adds emotional weight to his entry into directing and producing.

Looking ahead, Saga envisions himself as a full-time filmmaker in five years, akin to Kunle Afolayan or Kemi Adetiba. ‘Out of all the things I’ve ever done. acting and producing has been the most passionate,’ he confessed. He aims to be remembered as a ‘maestro’ of excellence, like Christopher Nolan or James Cameron, where his name guarantees a ‘masterpiece.’ Big screens are next: ‘100 percent.’

Saga’s trajectory underscores BBNaija’s role as a launchpad, but success stems from sustained reinvention. As Nollywood grows, his call for more artistic patience-spending days on single shots, as in Hollywood-could elevate the industry. ‘If we let that happen. the whole world is going to stand at attention for that content,’ he argued, citing South Korea’s quality-driven K-wave.

Why Paul Scholes quit commentary to care for his Autistic son

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Scholes has revealed that he quit his commentary work to dedicate more time to caring for his autistic son, Aiden.

Speaking on The Stick to Football podcast, the 50-year-old explained that his media commitments began to clash with his son’s routine, prompting him to step back from regular punditry duties.

‘Everything I’m going to do now just works around him,’ Scholes said. ‘I do studio work, but everything is built around his day. Last season, on Thursday nights, I’d do the Europa League for Manchester United, that’s the night I’d usually have him, so he was getting agitated, biting and scratching. He knows straight away when the pattern isn’t there.’

Scholes, who co-parents the 20-year-old with his ex-wife, said he initially kept Aiden’s diagnosis private during his playing days. He revealed that the situation became so difficult that Sir Alex Ferguson once dropped him from the Manchester United squad while he was silently struggling to cope.

‘I never got a break from it, even when playing, it was very hard in those days,’ Scholes said. ‘They didn’t diagnose it until he was about two-and-a-half, but you knew early something was wrong. After we got the diagnosis, I remember we were playing Derby away and I just didn’t want to be there.’

The United legend added that his biggest worry now is what will happen to Aiden when he’s no longer around.

‘The big concern now is, because you’re getting a bit older, what happens when you’re not here? That’s the thing that’s on my mind all the time,’ he said.

APC flags off Northwest e-registration refresher training in Kaduna

The All Progressives Congress (APC) today flagged off the Northwest E-Registration Train-the-Trainers Refresher Training in Kaduna, marking a major step in the party’s digital transformation agenda.

Declaring the event open, APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, represented by the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori, said the initiative would modernize membership management and strengthen internal democracy.

‘This training is key to preparing our structures for the next political cycle through innovation, discipline, and unity,’ Yilwatda stated.

The Coordinating Governor of the APC Northwest Zone and Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, commended the effort, describing it as timely and strategic, ‘This training reflects our collective commitment to innovation, accountability, and inclusion. Accurate and inclusive registration will enhance our party’s legitimacy and grassroots strength,’ Uba Sani said.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdulkadir Meyare at the event, highlighted Kaduna’s progress in digital governance through initiatives such as the Smart City Project and Open Government Partnership, urging participants to uphold transparency and integrity.

APC National Organizing Secretary, Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu, said the exercise is part of the party’s drive for innovation and data-driven leadership.

‘With the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are building a smart, transparent, and accessible party. Every APC member must be visible, verifiable, and valuable,’ Argungu noted.

Chairman of the E-Registration Organising Committee, Lord Mayor Emma Eneukwu, explained that the digital process covers the seven Northwest states – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa – and requires members to present their NIN and INEC registration numbers for verification.

He said the initiative would replace manual registration and promote the inclusion of youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

The training featured technical sessions on digital tools, data protection, and grassroots mobilization, as part of APC’s broader plan to digitize membership records and enhance planning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Zulum unveils plan for state-owned electricity outfit

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has announced plans to establish a state-owned independent electricity framework following the recent amendment to the Electricity Act.

Zulum made the disclosure on Friday during a high-level meeting with Abba Abubakar Aliyu, managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri.

He stated that his administration is at an advanced stage of planning to create a Borno State-owned electricity outfit.

‘I am very much aware of the new Electricity Act section 152/153, which clearly states that electricity is now under the concurrent legislative list. This is something very important. I have started working on it. A draft memorandum has been submitted to me on how the state will establish its own electricity outfit,’ Zulum said.

‘We have invested hugely on solar system. I believe that most of our health facilities are solar-powered, and many of our schools, especially the Mega Schools, are also solar-powered. In the area of water supply, we have our water treatment plant, which is run by solar power. Then, coming to our industrial park, we have 5 megawatts of solar energy.

‘Borno is one of the states that has invested in solar power generation; we have established, along with several mini solar stations,’ the governor noted.

Speaking earlier, Aliyu said they were in Maiduguri as part of the agency’s efforts to implement the rural electrification framework.

The meeting was attended by Bukar Tijani, the Secretary to the Borno State Government; Muhammad Ghuluze, Head of Service; members of the State Executive Council, and other senior officials.

Insurance sector must drive $1trn economy dream -Omosehin

Olusegun Omosehin, Commissioner for Insurance has said that the Insurance sector must move from a peripheral role to becoming a key growth engine to help drive the country’s $1trillion economy target.

The commissioner disclosed this during his keynote speech at the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) hosted recently in Lagos.

Omosehin, represented by Ajibola Bankole, Director of Inspectorate at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) focused on the role of insurance in national development, describing insurance as a key driver of confidence and investment stability.

‘For Nigeria to achieve the $1 trillion goal, the insurance sector must move from a peripheral role to becoming an engine for growth. The NIIRA 2025 Act is a major step in this direction,’ he said.

Speaking further, he noted NAICOM’s reforms are aimed at boosting capital retention, reducing capital flight, and building a more transparent and competitive market. ‘The commission wants to see more cooperation among shareholders, insurers, and regulators. Everyone, including ISAN, has a role to play in achieving this national goal,’ he said.

The event was themed ‘Nigeria, Towards a $1 Trillion Economy by 2030,’ and featured discussions on how the insurance, finance, technology, and capital market sectors can work together to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

Moses Igbrude, National Coordinator, ISAN reiterated the association’s commitment in protecting shareholders and making companies more responsible.

‘We are here to engage meaningfully and contribute to shaping policies that will drive Nigeria’s economic growth,’ Moses said, adding that ISAN would keep pushing for fairness and transparency in the business environment.

Peggy Halliday, Compliance and Enforcement Manager at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX RegCo), reminded shareholders of their power in holding companies accountable.

‘You have the power to ensure that your interest in the capital market remains protected. Continue to engage and demand transparency,’ Peggy said.

She also noted that NGX is working to make the market more open and investor-friendly, adding that education and inclusion remain key to strengthening investor confidence.

The panel discussion featured Ajibola Bankole, Williams Erimona, Partner at Ernst and Young; Peggy from NGX; Martin Ikephai, COO of Computer Audit Control and Security Associates; and Matthew Akinlade, President of the Noble Shareholder Solidarity Association. The session looked into practical steps needed for Nigeria to transition into a trillion-dollar economy.

Williams spoke about Nigeria’s current economic standing, noting that the GDP is around $237 billion, largely driven by the service sector. ‘For us to reach a trillion-dollar economy, we must rethink how we execute policies and fix issues like insecurity that scare away investors,’ he said.

Peggy talked about making financial processes simpler and helping young people and women understand money management. ‘We have to build from the ground up. Financial education is key to independence,’ she said, adding that NGX has made it easier for new companies to list by cutting delays and simplifying rules.

Martin focused on cybersecurity as a foundation for development, warning that no economic goal can stand on weak systems. ‘If our systems are not secure, the foundation of our trillion-dollar ambition is weak. Technology must be trusted to be transformative,’ he said.

The speakers shared a central view that progress will only come through cooperation, reform, and shared responsibility, adding that a trillion-dollar economy is within reach if everyone stays committed to discipline, innovation, and openness.

NSCDC deploys 10,250 personnel for Anambra guber election, warns politicians against violence

Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has ordered the deployment of 10,250 personnel to Anambra State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The deployment, which includes tactical forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters, is part of coordinated security efforts to ensure a peaceful, credible, and violence-free poll.

Speaking at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja while addressing State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads, Audi said the move was in line with the Corps’ mandate to complement the Nigeria Police Force, the lead agency in election security, through effective coordination, cooperation, and collaboration with other security bodies under the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

‘All intelligence and undercover personnel are to proceed with immediate effect to man various identified flashpoints.

‘Tactical forces must commence round-the-clock patrols, while operatives deployed to polling units and collation centers are to adhere strictly to their posting orders’, the Commandant General ordered.

Audi cautioned politicians and their supporters against making inflammatory statements or engaging in actions capable of inciting violence before, during, or after the election.

He stressed that the NSCDC would not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group attempting to disrupt the process.

He emphasized professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights, urging operatives to maintain neutrality and uphold the Corps’ core values of integrity, vigilance, and discipline throughout the exercise.

‘In line with ICCES resolutions, the NSCDC and other security agencies on election duty will provide adequate protection for electoral materials, INEC officials, and voters.

‘We are determined to ensure that the election is free from intimidation and disruptions’, he said

According to a statement by Afolabi Babawale, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, the 10,250 operatives were drawn from the Corps’ National Headquarters Tactical Squad, Zone 13 in Awka, and neighbouring states including Edo, Kogi, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Bayelsa.

Audi assured the public that the Corps remains committed to safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that Anambra records a peaceful and credible governorship election.

’You feel it when hotel project you believed in becomes a place where people love to stay and work’

Can you tell us a little about your journey into hospitality and what led you to focus on hotel development in Africa?

I started in operations because I loved the buzz of hotels and the craft of service. Those years gave me the discipline, empathy for teams, and a guest-first mindset. Development drew me in later, since it blends strategy, numbers, design, and cultural exchange. Africa made that mix even more meaningful. The continent’s diversity, its demographics, and the pace of urban change create real opportunity. I was also drawn to the idea of long-term value, not quick wins, working with local partners to deliver assets that create jobs, skills, and pride in place.

What first drew you to Radisson Hotel Group, and what keeps you inspired in your role today?

Radisson Hotel Group moves with purpose. The culture is entrepreneurial, decisions get made, and teams rally around owners and guests. I liked that from day one. We adapt to local realities, we back our partners, and we keep promises. What inspires me now is seeing that approach turn into openings that change a city block, a career, sometimes a whole district’s energy. You feel it when a project you believed in becomes a place where people love to stay and work.

Nigeria is a key market for Radisson Hotel Group. From a personal perspective, what do you enjoy most when visiting the country?

The people, first. Warm, direct, and full of momentum. Lagos and Abuja move at a pace that keeps you sharp, and the creativity is everywhere, from tech to music to food. I always try to sample jollof, suya, and fresh seafood, then catch up with partners to feel the pulse of the market. There is resilience and optimism in every meeting. You leave with ideas and a longer contact list.

How do you build trust and relationships with local partners and owners in markets like Nigeria?

You listen before you propose. Understand the owner’s vision, the site’s realities, and the capital stack. Then you are transparent about what will work and what won’t. Consistency builds credibility, and delivery cements it. We show up on the ground, we put our technical and commercial teams in the room early, and we stay present through opening and beyond. Partnerships last when incentives align and respect runs both ways.

What has been the most rewarding project or moment for you so far?

Cutting a ribbon is always special, but the best moments happen months later. You walk back into a hotel that was a challenging site, and you see a full lobby, a confident team, and an owner who is already planning the next deal. Watching young colleagues grow into leaders is equally rewarding. That is when a project stops being a file and becomes a platform for people and place.

Looking at Nigeria, what excites you most, not just as a developer, but as someone passionate about travel and culture?

The depth of culture. Music, fashion, film, and food set trends far beyond the country. As a traveler, I am excited by the contrasts, the coastline, the art scene, and the energy of secondary cities that are stepping forward. As a developer, I see potential in mixed-use, serviced apartments, and well-positioned upscale and lifestyle hotels that serve business during the week and locals on weekends. The ingredients for a standout destination story are already there.

What is your leadership style, and how do you approach building teams and partnerships across diverse regions?

Collaborative and accountable. I set clear outcomes, then give teams the space to own the path. I stay close to the details when needed and remove blockers quickly. Diversity of views makes us better, so I encourage pushbacks and debate, and then we commit and move. Across regions, context matters. I adapt my style to the market and partner, while keeping our standards and pace intact.

Outside of work, how do you unwind when you are traveling so frequently across Africa?

Fitness keeps me grounded, even if it is a short session in a hotel gym. I like to explore local neighborhoods, try a new spot for dinner, and pick up a book or a podcast on leadership or design. The other anchor is family. Staying connected on the road takes effort, and it is worth every call.

If you had to describe your vision for hospitality in Nigeria in just a few words, what would they be?

Inclusive, transformative, resilient, world-class, and rooted in local culture.

Governance failures, not insurgency fuel West Africa’s security crisis – Fayemi

West Africa’s escalating insecurity is rooted less in the gunfire of insurgents and more in the failures of governance that have eroded public trust, Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State has said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the African Public Square (APS) Second Continental Edition at the ECOWAS @50 Conference, themed: Future Proofing Regional Integration in Africa: ECOWAS @ 50 in Abuja, Fayemi argued that corruption, exclusion, and weak institutions have done greater damage to regional stability than armed groups.

He warned that no amount of military firepower would bring lasting peace without addressing the root causes of public discontent.

‘What we face is not just a security deficit, it’s a governance deficit. Until we rebuild trust between leaders and citizens, insecurity will remain our daily reality,’ Fayemi declared.

Fayemi who is also the co-founder of Amandla Institute said the resurgence of coups and violent extremism across the region reflected citizens’ deepening loss of faith in democratic governance.

According to him, military takeovers, however well-intentioned, cannot cure the underlying inequality, unemployment, and poverty that continue to feed instability.

Fayemi urged ECOWAS to move from rhetoric to reform, adopting a people-first security strategy anchored on justice, accountability, and inclusion.

‘Genuine stability will only emerge when citizens see democracy working for them, not against them,’ he said.

Fayemi described the golden jubilee as a ‘moment for deep reflection’ on the trajectory of regional integration. He praised ECOWAS’s early role in promoting peace and democracy through interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. But he cautioned that the organisation now risks losing touch with its citizens.

‘ECOWAS must move beyond an elite-driven community of rulers to one that truly represents its people, particularly the youth and women. Overdependence on donor funding and stalled reforms threaten its long-term relevance’, he said.

Representing Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, traced the evolution of ECOWAS through three defining eras: its 1975 formation amid linguistic and colonial divides; its resilience during post-Cold War conflicts; and its current struggle to navigate internal democratic crises in a shifting global order.

Touray warned that the world is entering what he termed a ‘warm war’ era a phase of global realignments and strategic rivalry and urged West Africa to make deliberate choices to protect its collective interests.

He lamented that growing political exclusion in some member states has undermined democracy and contributed to recent withdrawals from the regional bloc.

‘Only renewed commitment to inclusivity, good governance, and dialogue can bring estranged members back into the ECOWAS family,’ he said.

In her remarks, Funmi Olonisakin, vice president for International Engagement at King’s College London, called for a ‘cross-generational pathway’ to regional transformation. With an average age of just 18, she said, West Africa’s young population represents both a challenge and a reservoir of potential.

‘The promise of ECOWAS as an equal community of peoples must now be reimagined for the next generation. This is a generation that learns, communicates, and innovates differently and must be part of the conversation’, she said.

Similarly, Godwin Murunga, executive secretary of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), argued that integration must move beyond state-centric models to people-led movements. Citing the late Jacob Ade Ajayi, Nigerian historian, he said the continent’s youthful population is already driving ‘integration from below’ through mobility, technology, and social networks.

‘States must recognise this momentum or risk being left behind by the realities unfolding before them,’ Murunga cautioned.

The event, convened by the Amandla Institute and African Leadership Centre, brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and academics to examine how ECOWAS can redefine its integration framework amid growing political, economic, and security challenges.

Court rejects Sule Lamido’s bid to halt PDP convention

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined to issue an interim order sought by Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State governor, aimed at stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention.

Lamido, through his counsel, Jeph Njikonye, SAN, had asked the court to restrain the PDP from proceeding with the convention until his substantive motion was heard and determined.

In his ruling, Justice Peter Lifu refused the application and instead directed both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – the first and second defendants in the suit – to appear before the court and show cause why Lamido’s request should not be granted.

The case, filed under number FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025, lists Lamido as the plaintiff, with the PDP and INEC as respondents.

FATF grey list exit to boost Nigeria’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure drive – ICRC DG

Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), says Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list marks a key milestone that strengthens the country’s financial credibility and supports faster infrastructure investment.

In a statement issued in Abuja by Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head of Media and Publicity at the ICRC, Ewalefoh said the development positions Nigeria as one of Africa’s attractive destinations for investment.

He explained that the FATF grey list identifies countries with weaknesses in anti-money laundering and financial transparency systems. Nigeria’s exit, he said, reflects improved financial governance, lower investment risk, and renewed global confidence in the country’s commitment to international standards.

‘The delisting underscores the stability and reforms being pursued under President Bola Tinubu,’ Ewalefoh said, commending the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Ministries of Finance and Justice for their joint efforts.

According to the ICRC chief, the delisting is expected to attract more private capital into Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, particularly through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) aimed at addressing the nation’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure financing gap.

‘Nigeria now has a cleaner financial risk profile. This means lower risk premiums, easier cross-border transactions, and stronger investor confidence,’ he said. ‘At the ICRC, this supports our goal of mobilizing private financing to bridge the infrastructure gap.’

He noted that addressing the deficit estimated at over $2.3 trillion requires sustained annual investments of about $100 billion until 2043. The renewed investor confidence following the FATF delisting, he added, will help drive this effort through well-structured PPPs and private-sector-led models.

‘The FATF milestone will attract institutional investors and global financiers seeking credible and transparent investment opportunities in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector,’ Ewalefoh said.

He also highlighted ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration, noting that they have repositioned the ICRC for greater efficiency.

‘Under this leadership, the ICRC has streamlined PPP processes, raised approval thresholds to ?20 billion and ?10 billion for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to fast-track smaller projects, and issued a regulatory framework with clear guidelines from project conception to completion,’ he said.

Ewalefoh urged local and international investors to take advantage of the enabling environment to partner with the government in developing infrastructure in transportation, power, water, healthcare, and technology.

‘Nigeria is open for business,’ he said. ‘With the FATF delisting and our strengthened PPP framework, the conditions are right for a new wave of infrastructure investment that will reshape the economy.’