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I wasn’t always a believer. When I first encountered His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, I was skeptical. He was in the PDP then, and I had no reason to trust his vision. But one evening changed everything. I sat with him and listened – really listened. I saw the intensity in his voice, the focus in his eyes, the clarity in his thoughts.

This wasn’t a politician putting on a show. It was the quiet force of someone who had seen tomorrow and was determined to bring it into today. That night, his words echoed in my mind. Through Governor Peter Mbah’s eyes, I glimpsed a future where the glory of my beloved Enugu would shine brighter than ever before.

After the war and years of neglect, our industries had gone quiet. Our proud civil servants held the fort in an economy that moved slowly – dignified, peaceful, but asleep.

Then came Governor Mbah, with private-sector precision. And with almost startling speed, the work began. Sit-at-home ended. Insecurity was tackled. Not one, not two, but six ultramodern bus terminals were commissioned in a single day – a bold signal that motion had returned to Enugu. Then came the Smart Schools Project.

Two hundred and sixty world-class schools – one in every ward. Learning systems built for the 21st century: solar-powered classrooms, digital labs, AI-assisted platforms, robotics, coding, green design. Imagine each school graduating at least five hundred students a year – that’s 130,000 young minds annually. A pool of ready talent to position Enugu as the Silicon Valley of Africa. With Governor Peter Mbah’s Smart Schools, our children’s tomorrow is already taking shape.

At the same time, he’s reimagining Enugu as a global destination – a vision that came alive when the city hosted the Nigerian Bar Association Conference. Enugu exhaled after years of dormancy. Over 20,000 delegates arrived. Hotels sold out. Private homes, student hostels, even old guesthouses were refurbished and rented out. That one week put more money into more hands than a year of bureaucratic salary disbursements. It was a true awakening.

The five-star ICC Hotel is nearing completion, right beside the state-of-the-art hospital designed to support medical tourism, now almost finished. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport has been concessioned, with its international wing set to open in early 2026. Enugu Air launched just months ago, with six more aircraft arriving before Christmas. By the end of next year, four new branded hotels will be completed. And across the state, dozens of other high-impact projects are rising. Governor Peter Mbah’s government has set a bold target: attract three million visitors annually and grow Enugu’s GDP from four to thirty billion dollars.

To anchor that ambition, he’s building what will soon be the tallest landmark in the state – the Cross of Hope. A monument of faith, culture, and tourism. It will draw pilgrims as Jerusalem and Rome do, reminding the world that spirituality and modernity can coexist beautifully on the hilltop of Enugu. Governor Mbah’s transformation plan is holistic – from power to infrastructure to culture.

With the urbanization of Nkanu East fully underway, I know fresh investment and fresh purpose will soon pour into my hometown, Nara Unateze. So yes, I’m a believer. And a disciple. Politics must meet truth, and the truth is that Governor Peter Mbah is working – without excuses – for all of us. If you have a dream for Enugu, or children, or even business interests, take a moment to reflect on this. Verify if you must. And join me in defending, protecting, and championing Governor Mbah’s vision.

I’m confident we’ll all witness the full sunrise of the tomorrow he’s building today. Because even if he reaches only halfway to the skies, Enugu will already be flying higher than it has in decades.

But I believe he’ll reach them. And when he does, we’ll all say that a governor came who refused to dream small. Ndi Enugu, brace yourselves. The sleeping giant is wide awake. The hill is alive again – with the sound of music and a loud drum.

Tomorrow is here indeed, and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is leading the charge.

Former Senate President Pius Anyim yesterday said that economic recovery and industrial development are only possible through the protection of the local market.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said the local productive base should be expanded and strengthened.

He said: ‘There is no gainsaying that every successful local productive economy not only enjoys policy protection but also operates within a competitive production environment.

‘If we must expect a quick turnaround in local production, we must protect our market and enhance our environment. No productive economy thrives without policy protection and a competitive production environment,’ he said.

Anyim spoke in Abuja at the 4th Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN).

The theme of the conference was: ‘Boosting Nigeria’s productive capacity for national growth and self-reliance: The role of leadership, industry, and innovation in policy implementation.’

He argued that no economy could thrive without deliberate efforts to safeguard its domestic production base,

The former President called for a national reawakening on patriotism and shared vision, adding that there is no magic wand to reverse decades of economic decline without sacrifice and a united resolve.

He stressed: ‘We must accept that our national institutions and sense of patriotism have been weakened,

‘There is no simple fix, but with collective resolve and a renewed determination, we can rebuild like China, Singapore, and Vietnam did. It can work for us if we commit to it.’

Anyim said patriotism, policy consistency, and institutional commitment are essential ingredients for reviving the industrial base and achieving sustainable national growth.

He recalled that Nigeria’s earlier attempts at industrialization from the First National Development Plan (1962-1968) to the Indigenization Decree of 1977 had laid solid foundations that once made industrial clusters like Bompai (Kano), Kakuri (Kaduna), Onitsha (Anambra), Aba (Abia) and Ikeja (Lagos) vibrant manufacturing hubs.

The ex-Senate President attributed the collapse past efforts at industrialisation to past military interventions and the oil boom.

He said: ‘The collapse of past efforts was not for lack of understanding of their benefits, especially in job creation and economic stability.

‘The military coups of 1966 dislocated our sense of nationalism and values, replacing patriotism with ethnicity and nepotism. This weakened the rule of law and fostered recklessness in public office.’

Anyim also attributed the collapse to ‘the oil boom of the 1970s, which shifted consumer preference to foreign goods, and Nigeria’s signing of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement in 1994, as major setbacks that turned the nation into a dumping ground for imported products.’

He called urged Nigerians to recommit to a shared vision of national renewal built on patriotism and accountability.

Ayim added: ‘For any meaningful respite to be achieved in record time, we need the combined efforts of our leaders and the people to redirect our nation on the path of patriotism and national aspiration. Without this, no government’s industrial policy can succeed.’

FFDGN’s National Chairman and former Deputy Governor of Abia State Dr. Chris Akomas noted that nation-building is not a sprint, but a continuous process.

He explained that the event was not just another gathering of minds but a reminder that the destiny of the nation rests not in the hands of a few, but in the collective resolve of all citizens.

Akomas described the conference as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and practical recommendations aimed at accelerating industrial productivity, fostering innovation, and ensuring effective policy implementation,

He said: ‘Nation-building is not a sprint; it is a continuous process. At the heart of it lies one indispensable ingredient a shared vision. This is the story of the FFDGN.’

Akomas added: ‘Nigeria is blessed with immense human and natural resources. Our challenge has never been the absence of potential but how to harness and translate it into tangible progress and improved quality of life for our people.’

He called for a grand coalition of purpose where leadership, industry, innovation, and civic responsibility converge to drive sustainable progress.

Akomas said: ‘Our leaders must embody integrity and foresight; our industries must be productive and globally competitive; our innovators must be empowered to create solutions; and every citizen must embrace patriotism, discipline, and a shared vision for national development.’

Former Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamako commended the group for its evolution into a respected institution for policy dialogue.

Wamako, who represents Sokoto North in the Senate, was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi.

He said: ‘ In 1999, I was part of a team that attempted to form an umbrella body for former deputy governors. Our principals truncated it then. Today, I am delighted to see that the vision has not only been revived but has become impactful.’

He pledged his full support for the group’s initiatives and promised to champion legislative actions that would strengthen sub-national development.

Wamako said: ‘We must design a shared vision and work plan to build trust and enhance development at all levels. With the calibre of resource persons here today, actionable solutions will emerge to revitalize Nigeria’s industrial base.’

FFDGN’s Director-General, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu hailed the unprecedented growth and development currently being recorded within the organization.

Ibe-Kalu said that the group has never experienced such steady progress and robust advancement in all areas since its inception.

He noted that the group has also strengthened internal unity, leading to increased collaboration with serving deputy governors, who now serve as Associate Members and have been instrumental in supporting the Forum’s initiatives.

Ibe-Kalu disclosed that the group has fulfilled one of the key resolutions from last year’s conference by establishing a Peer Review Group to monitor the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said Poland remains a friend of Nigeria and will continue to collaborate in areas of trade, innovation, and capacity development to strengthen Nigeria’s productive base.

The event brought together serving and former public officials, diplomats, scholars, and industry leaders.

At the conference were former Deputy Governors Azeem Gbolarunmi (Oyo State), Mukthar Shagari (Sokoto), Philip Shuaibu (Edo) and Lasisi Oluboyo (Ondo).

Other speakers agreed that rebuilding Nigeria’s economy requires patriotism, innovation, and leadership built on shared national aspirations.

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun tree-planting campaign in Ondo State, as part of efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability across Niger Delta.

The initiative, aimed at ensuring a greener environment, had earlier been launched in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo states in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), an environmental solutions non-governmental organisation.

This development comes amid reports of several coastal communities, particularly in southern Nigeria, being devastated by gully erosion.

Speaking yesterday at a one-day sensitisation workshop and tree-planting event held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the theme: ‘Reawakening the Practice of Tree Planting’, the Acting State Director of NDDC, Dr. Asonye Victor-Ngozi, said the initiative became necessary in view of the severe ecological impact of erosion across Niger Delta communities.

He noted that the campaign underscored the commission’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, describing the exercise as a practical demonstration of NDDC’s dedication to safeguard the environment.

‘Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating greenhouse effects, improving air and water quality, and sustaining biodiversity,’ he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FOSDO, Dr. Anthony Chovwen, lauded NDDC for funding and supporting tree-planting campaigns across the nine Niger Delta states.

Represented by Ms. Abigail Bokoyeibo, the FOSDO Ondo State programme director, Chovwen said the region was not immune to the effects of climate change, adding that the campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.

‘Through this collaboration, we have conducted sensitisation programmes and environmental education projects, reaching more than 1,000 young people in secondary and primary schools across Niger Delta,’ she said.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Menakai Kekwaru, an environmental zoologist from the University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the growing threat of climate change caused by human activities that increased carbon emissions and heated the planet.

Dr. Michael Rotimi Olujugba, a lecturer at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, emphasised the vital role of trees in sustaining life and reducing noise pollution.

He urged all tiers of government to implement policies promoting afforestation, noting that ‘anyone who cuts down a tree should be mandated to plant three new ones.’

The event featured practical tree-planting sessions involving students from participating schools, including Community Primary School, Kofawa; Caring Heart Mega School; Ilaje High School and Community Grammar School, Igbokoda.

Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday held a solidarity march to back the governorship aspiration of the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The supporters converged on Osogbo City Stadium and marched through Ayetoro, Igbona, Olounkoro, Old-Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, to Ogo-Oluwa, which covered five kilometres before they stopped at Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.

They described the NIWA boss as the best aspirant, who had the capacity to deliver victory for the party if given the governorship ticket for the 2026 election.

Former Speaker of House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye said the walk was not just a show of strength for Oyebamiji, but also a reaffirmation that APC remained the party to beat in Osun.

He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, saying his achievements had rekindled faith in the party across the country.

‘This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,’ Owoeye said.

Addressing reporters, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Adebayo Adeleke, said the large turnout of APC members to support Oyebamiji was a testament that he was loved by all ahead of December 13 primary.

‘It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State.’

ýKehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Oyetola for their continued support for the APC since 2022.

He said their efforts had strengthened the party and rekindled public trust.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, yesterday warned that any attempt to induce voters before or during the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State would be resisted and curtailed.

Speaking at the first consultative meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Amupitan urged Nigerians-especially political actors-to unite in combating the menace of vote buying as a way of restoring integrity to the electoral process.

He said the commission was working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies, particularly the anti-graft agencies, to stop vote buyers from contaminating the electoral process.

‘Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate during the Anambra election,’ he said.

‘Together, let us combat vote buying, uphold the values of democracy, and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections. The path ahead may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.’

The INEC boss said that following a week-long comprehensive readiness assessment conducted across Anambra State, the commission was confident of its full preparedness for the polls.

According to him, INEC recently conducted a mock accreditation exercise in 12 selected polling units across six local government areas of the state, using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to test-run its facilities and readiness.

Ivorian international Jonathan Bamba has stirred debate after omitting the Super Eagles from list of favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Despite Nigeria finishing as runners-up in the last edition hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, the AFCON 2023 winner, failed to shortlist the three-time African champions among likely to lift the trophy.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the Lille forward backed his country to perform strongly despite the fierce competition expected at the continental showpiece.

‘I have an excellent feeling about it. The team is good, with a rotating squad. Despite the injuries, the team remains competitive. It’s great,’ Bamba said.

‘I don’t know if we are favourites, but I have a good feeling about this CAN.

‘We know the favourites – Senegal with its top players, Morocco also present, and Algeria too. But in this kind of competition, you may be the favourite, but it’s the pitch that speaks,’ he noted.

Bamba’s omission of Nigeria – finalists just months ago – has sparked mixed reactions among fans, who believe the Super Eagles deserve recognition after their impressive run at the last edition where they finished with the silver medal.

With the tournament drawing closer, his comments could serve as added motivation for Nigeria as they seek redemption and a fourth continental title in Morocco.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM)Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said air power pressure would be on terrorists such that they won’t have the time to plan attacks.

Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under his watch would keep the insurgents running without time to think or plan, assuring that he would lead a versatile, disciplined, and lethal service.

‘I use the word lethal in a professional sense because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you,’ he said.

A statement Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS gave the assurances during his confirmation before the National Assembly.

Ejodame said the Air Chief stressed that his leadership would be anchored on training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation, emphasising that ‘true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.’

‘The new CAS vowed to build an Air Force that responds swiftly, strikes precisely, and acts intelligently across all spectrums of military operations, a force defined not only by strength, but by precision, professionalism, and purpose,’ said the DOPRI.

Aneke’s confirmation followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.With this confirmation, he legally succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs as a member of the Armed Forces Council.

Lawmakers at the confirmation session praised AVM Aneke’s depth of experience, operational leadership, and intellectual grounding.

They particularly commended his tenure as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he improved strategic airlift capability, strengthened joint operations, and enhanced the

NAF’s responsiveness in complex security environments. His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and internal security outcomes.

Beyond the individual merit of his appointment, AVM Aneke’s confirmation carries constitutional and strategic significance. Constitutionally, it reinforces the principle of civilian oversight in military leadership and underscores the National Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and democratic accountability within the Armed Forces. Strategically, it marks continuity and confidence in a leadership transition aimed at consolidating NAF’s modernisation drive, expanding airpower projection, and deepening civil-military trust.

A scholar and strategist, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the United States Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With more than 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he stands among Nigeria’s most accomplished pilots and forward-looking airpower professionals.

The confirmation session was witnessed by key dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado. As he assumes office, AVM Aneke’s message to Nigerians is clear: the Nigerian Air Force under his command will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution, a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ending Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 through concrete actions, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the first lady’s Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi, during her message as the special guest of honour at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting held in Manila, Philippines.

The first lady explained to the gathering of over 180 participants from 47 countries that Nigeria is strengthening its commitment to reduce reliance on donor funding, to build resilient systems to ensure no setback on ending TB by 2030.

According to Mrs Tinubu, who is the Global and National Stop TB Champion, TB remains the biggest infectious killer disease and is a threat for all of us, being airborne.

She said the stainability of TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance but from within the nation through leadership, community engagement and strategic national coordination.

‘I am equally pleased to share that, despite the temporary shifts in support from some financing partners, Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against TB have remained strong.

‘Through steadfast leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination, we have ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 did not increase..

‘This stands as a testament to the power of country ownership and to the unwavering commitment of Nigerians who continue to drive this response forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

‘Health for all begins in our communities, therefore, coming together for the Stop TB Partnership Board meetings remind us that the fight against tuberculosis is not finished, ‘ the first lady said.

She emphasised that TB was a threat that has claimed lives saying ‘it claims close to 1.3 million lives each year.

‘In Nigeria, we remain among the eight countries that account for two-thirds of global TB cases, with an estimated 479,000 Nigerians developing TB in 2023 and more than 150,000 deaths recorded.

‘These are not numbers, they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters whose lives compel us to act with urgency and compassion,’ Mrs Tinubu said.

She commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its affiliate agencies, the Stop TB Partnership and others for their dedication and transparency in ensuring that all the money mobilided towards expanding access to testing, diagnosis, treatment and integrating TB services into primary healthcare are judiciously utilised.

In his remarks, the Stop TB Partnership Board Chair and Secretary of Health of Philippines Teodoro Herbosa pointed out that TB was more than a health concern but a development challenge for many nations.

‘It is critical fight, despite the remarkable progress made but we must be relentless and determined.

The Executive-Director of Stop TB Partnership, Dr Lucica Ditiu while giving the board report said that integrating data systems with governments of various country’s is vital to ending TB by 2030.

‘In five countries, in the last two months new facility for grants have been deployed and with it, 8,000 were screened, 5,000 were diagnosed and 3,000 enrolled in preventive treatment.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate was in attendance at the meeting.

The 38th edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was held in Abuja in 2024. (NAN)

Tragedy struck along the Otedola Bridge, inward Berger-Ojodu corridor of Lagos, on Wednesday, following a violent collision between two heavy-duty trucks, leaving one driver critically injured.

The incident, which occurred involved a 14-tyre Scania truck loaded with tonnes of wheat and a 6-tyre Iveco mini-truck carrying cartons of Gala sausage rolls.

LASTMA said both drivers were locked in a reckless struggle for the Right of Way (ROW) before the fatal impact occurred.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), led by the Director of the Incident Management and Enforcement Unit, Mr. Akeem Adeoshun, swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations.

According to Adeoshun, the driver of the 14-tyre Scania truck sustained severe injuries to legs and head.

‘Our foremost duty in any rescue mission is the preservation of human life,’ he said, confirming that the victim was carefully extricated from the mangled vehicle with assistance from officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force before being rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

He added that the magnitude of the crash necessitated the temporary closure of the expressway from Otedola Bridge inward Berger to allow for safe recovery operations. Rescue personnel and heavy-duty machinery were deployed to transload the truck’s contents and clear the wreckage. Normal traffic flow was restored after the successful evacuation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, condemned the crash, describing it as ‘an avoidable tragedy that should never have transpired.’

He lamented the increasing recklessness among truck drivers who engage in dangerous manoeuvres and unlawful competition for the Right of Way, noting that such indiscipline continues to endanger lives and disrupt order on Lagos roads.

Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers Federation has called on Federal Government to realign its reforms to avoid stifling private sector’s growth.

The federation raised concerns about the country’s business environment, calling for action to address rising energy costs, multiple taxation and weak infrastructure that continue to stifle growth in the industrial sector.

Speaking at its 46th AGM in Lagos, President, Chief Devakumar Edwin, painted an economy struggling under inflationary and structural pressures, but praised the resilience of manufacturers who ‘innovate, diversify and adapt amid daunting challenges.’

Some reforms, he said, are tax/fiscal policy, monetary policy, trade policy, industrial revolution, aviation sector and immigration policy reforms.

‘The removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira were intended for reform. But these escalated energy and import costs, raising operational expenses in industries. Despite the headwinds, members adapted, optimising resource use and exploring regional export markets, ‘ Devakumar said.

According to him, the non-oil sector, which includes manufacturing grew by 3.96 percent in 2024, yet this growth did not translate into improved competitiveness due to high input costs, multiple taxation, and limited access to foreign exchange.

The CANMPEF President acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent efforts to stabilize the economy, including the suspension of the Expatriate Employment Levy (EEL) and the introduction of the Nigeria First policy to promote local content and import substitution.

He also commended the issuance of N1.1 trillion Sovereign Sukuk bonds for road projects but cautioned that infrastructure development must move from ‘policy to practice.’

He added that, ‘A ‘Nigeria First’ policy must be matched with ‘Nigeria’s Infrastructure First’ to succeed. Poor road networks, unreliable power supply, and multiple taxes continue to inflate production costs. These issues must be addressed if local industries are to thrive.’

Edwin outlined CANMPEF’s strategic priorities for 2025 and beyond, emphasizing aggressive advocacy on infrastructure, development of local value chains, and strengthening member support systems.

‘The operationalization of the Dangote Refinery is a milestone. But we must build linkages that connect raw material producers to end-users for a resilient, self-sufficient industry.

‘Our vision is clear, to position the chemical and non-metallic industry as a pillar of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance,’ he declared.

Edwin further urged the Federal Government to harmonize regulatory functions, reduce energy costs, and prioritize industrial infrastructure.

The Federation also called on policymakers to partner more closely with industry groups in crafting policies that encourage investment, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing competitiveness.

In his own words, CANMPEF Executive Secretary, Femi Oke, presented a detailed report that described 2024 as ‘a year of perfect storms’ for manufacturers.

He cited the combined effect of global trade tensions, the aggressive monetary tightening by the Central Bank, the lingering fuel subsidy removal, and the 230.8 per cent electricity tariff hike as critical factors that worsened production costs and squeezed profit margins.

‘In April 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission increased tariffs for Band A customers from N68 to N225 per kilowatt-hour. For an industry already battling fuel shortages and weak infrastructure, this was devastating. Many manufacturers are now questioning their sustainability.’

Oke noted that recurring fuel scarcity, protests over economic hardship, and high borrowing costs created a stagflationary environment that eroded industrial productivity.

‘The Monetary Policy Rate rose to 27.5 percent by Q4 2024, one of the steepest increases in our history,’ he added. ‘This has made access to credit for working capital nearly impossible for many firms.’

Both executives lamented the burden of overlapping taxes and regulatory levies imposed by multiple federal and state agencies.

His words: ‘Our members face a web of duplicative mandates from agencies such as NESREA, SON, NAFDAC, and numerous Lagos State regulatory bodies.

‘There is an urgent need to harmonize these functions to reduce cost and confusion,’ he said.

The Federation, he added, has intensified advocacy through partnerships with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and continued dialogue with government agencies.

‘We remain committed to promoting a predictable regulatory environment.

‘A stable policy framework is the foundation of industrial growth,’ he said.