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A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for the final forfeiture of $49, 700. 00 said to have been recovered from a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Sokoto State in the 2023 general elections, Dr Nura Ali.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a ruling on Wednesday after a lawyer from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Osuobeni Akponimisingha, moved a motion on notice he filed.

Akponimisingha said following an earlier interim forfeiture order granted by the court, the ICPC made a newspaper publication for interested person(s) to show cause why the recovered funds should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government, as directed by the court.

He said no person indicated interest after publication and that no body came to court on Wednesday to contest the ownerahip of the funds

The lawyer then prayed the court to issue an order forfeiting the sum of $49, 700.00 to the Federal Government since no one came forward to claim same.

Justice Nwite had, on December 30, 2024 issued an order of temporary forfeiture of the seized funds, while ruling on amotion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1846/2024, filed by the ICPC.

The ICPC in a court filing, claimed that the victim of the alleged crime was the Federal Government of Nigeria and innocent taxpayers which include judges of courts across the country.

It said the money was recovered during a search operation by operatives of the DSS at the residence of Ali.

The ICPC added: ‘The alleged moveable property of $49,700.00 was bribe money received by Dr Nura Ali when he was the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Sokoto State.

‘The alleged moveable property is not the legitimate earning of Dr Ali as independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner.

‘The alleged moveable property is suspected to be proceed of crime,’ it said.

The ICPC argued that INEC is not in the practice of paying its staff with United States dollar as salaries or allowances.

It said the essence of the application was not to compulsorily acquire the alleged moveable property from the alleged owner, but to preserve the property from dissipation.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has charged corps members to remain politically neutral and uphold the highest standards of integrity as they prepare to serve as ad hoc personnel in the November 8 governorship election.

Its State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, gave the advice during a Zonal Sensitisation Programme, where she warned the over 3,000 corps members in attendance against any form of partisanship, inducement, or misconduct during the election.

‘You are ambassadors of the NYSC. Your duty is to serve the nation impartially, with discipline, integrity, and courage. Remember-your neutrality is sacred, and your integrity is non-negotiable,’ she stated.

Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have been ruled out of today’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Brighton.

Defender Saliba was forced off at half-time of Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, while forward Martinelli limped down the tunnel after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who confirmed Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be available to face the Seagulls, is unsure how long the duo will remain sidelined.

Asked about Saliba, Arteta replied: ‘He’s out. We are assessing him but he won’t be involved in this match.’

Speaking of Martinelli, the Spaniard said: ‘It looks as well he’s going to be out.

‘We have to do some more tests and see the extent of the injury but this game is going to be too early for him.’

The loss of Martinelli adds to Arsenal’s attacking issues, with Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus already unavailable due to injuries.

‘In the front line, that’s where we have more difficulties with Noni out, with Kai out, with Gabi Jesus out, with Gabi Martinelli out as well,’ Arteta, who plans to rotate his squad, said. ‘That’s the area where we have to be more careful, more conscious, because we don’t have that many options.

‘We are going to try to manage the load as good as possible, to make sure that the players are fresh, they can compete really well, and the team can maintain the level that it is showing.’

Victory over London rivals Palace left Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with seven wins, a draw and one defeat from nine fixtures.

Arteta is embracing the optimism around the club.

‘That’s what we want,’ he said. ‘When our people are excited and you see that the team is competing at the level consistently, they are the right reasons to believe.

‘If you want to win big trophies, you certainly have to install that feeling amongst the team, the club, and around it.

‘We are in a really good position at the moment but we know how early it is and how difficult every game is.’

English League Cup Fixtures

Arsenal vs. Brighton

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace

Swansea versus Man City

Wolves vs. Chelsea

Newcastle United vs. Tottenham

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has begun revalidation to register members ahead of 2026 governorship election.

The Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, who hosted the 12-member revalidation team and state co-ordinators led by Mr John Malumi, the deputy director, Elections Management (Organising Department), enjoined the party chairmen in the local governments and area office in Modakeke to assist the team during the exercise.

He said it was imperative for the party’s stakeholders to join hands with the visiting team for a desired result.

Lawal, represented by the state Secretary of the party, Alhaji Alao Kamoru, told the visiting membership validation team that the party had put everything in place for them, in order to make the programme a success.

Malumi told the APC state Working Committee and the chairmen of the party in the local governments that the exercise was not about registration of new members into the party, but rather to work on the existing members.

Seeking the cooperation of the party chairmen in the local government, he said members of the party must be financial members and that they all had the right to vote and be voted for.

He said: ‘Credible members of the party must pay N200 per month for one year each and they have the right to contest for any position.

‘Some members have left the party; some are dead, while others have just joined. We have a mechanism of authenticating if any member of our party has paid.

‘The ward secretaries, ward organising secretaries and similar officers of the party at the local government level will have crucial roles to play in the party’s membership revalidation.’

He said the exercise, which started on October 20, would end on the 31st, in line with the APC National Headquarters’ outline for the 2026 Osun State governorship primary election.

The Federal Government says food security remains a top national priority in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this during the distribution of farm inputs to smallholder farmers on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Kyari, represented by Mr Ayodele Olawumi, Director of Agricultural Extension in the ministry, said the Federal Government remained resolute in its commitment to developing the agricultural sector in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kyari said to address the underlying challenges hindering national food security, the Federal Government embarked on bold economic reforms designed to stimulate productive capacity, create jobs, and reduce the cost of living.

The minister also said in addition to the economic reform, targeted humanitarian interventions and emergency responses had been implemented to cushion the effects of the current food crisis across the country.

‘I wish to assure you today that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering political will and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

‘With food security positioned as one of the central pillars of his administration’s priorities,’ he said.

Kyari said since 2023, the Federal Government had undertaken a thorough review of existing programmes and initiatives to identify what needs to change and how best to realign them with the core mandates of the ministry.

‘Accordingly, the ministry has rolled out several programmes and projects aimed at addressing the challenges faced by farmers while ensuring that food remains available, accessible, and affordable to all Nigerians’, he said.

The minister said the distribution of farm inputs was in fulfillment of the president’s promise to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic situation and to encourage continued food production.

He said the intervention formed part of their broader program aimed at increasing national food production and ensuring stability in food availability and prices.

‘The ultimate goal of every nation is to attain food security, a global priority underscored in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

‘This administration remains resolute in its commitment to developing the agricultural sector in alignment with the SDGs,’ he said.

Kyari called on the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to their welfare and to reciprocate by increasing productivity and contributing to the country’s food security.

In his remarks, Mr Taiwo Aiyegoro, the state Coordinator of the ministry, said the distribution of farm inputs was a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting smallholder farmers.

According to him, the farm inputs will go a long way in enhancing the productivity and livelihoods of the farmers who are the backbone of the agricultural sector.

Mr Tola Faseru, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the state, commended the Federal Government for remembering the farmers in the state.

Faseru, represented by Mr Moshood Adepoju, Director of Administration and Supplies in the ministry, said the inputs would assist farmers in ensuring food security in the state.

Mr Wahaab Bello, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended the Federal Government for the gesture.

Bello, however, appealed to the government to resuscitate the services of farmers’ extension officers to assist farmers in their food production.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the farm inputs distributed included fertilisers, chemicals, grinders, seedlings, among others.

The Federal Government’s port modernization is all inclusive, Minister Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola said yesterday.

According to him, the policy is not limited only to Apapa and TinCan ports in Lagos but captures ports and Deep Seaports across all regions of the country.

He debunked insinuations by former Anmabra State Governor Peter Obi that the projects were one-sided.

The Ministry, according to a statement, said Oyetola ‘ has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. These projects are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative, forming part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions of the country.

In addition to these ongoing interventions, the Minister said, ‘the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the respective state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will further strengthen the nation’s maritime capacity. These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and a deep seaport in Cross River State. Each of these projects reflects the Ministry’s commitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion within the framework of the national blue economy.

Furthermore, ‘the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) – an agency under the Ministry – stands as a practical example of the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos. These initiatives demonstrate a deliberate and strategic approach to strengthening Nigeria’s port network, improving logistics efficiency, and stimulating industrial and commercial growth across the federation.

‘The Lagos ports modernisation project is a necessary intervention given the age and scale of trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island. However, it is by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive. The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernise, and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Oyetola said, ‘wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Peter Obi’s claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading. The Federal Government’s policies and actions clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential.

The Ministry, he said, ‘ remains committed to transparent, accountable, and equitable maritime governance, and assures Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities inherent in the nation’s growing blue economy.’

Grammy-nominated singer Davido has added an Abuja show to his 5ive Alive Tour lineup, scheduled for December 14, 2025, at Eagle Square.

The concert promises an ‘unforgettable night of music and energy’.

He wrote: ‘You asked for it. now it’s official!

ABUJA – DEC 14TH. The #5iveAliveTour finally lands in the capital’.

This addition comes after the tour’s successful kickoff in Uyo, where Davido sold out the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium with 30,000 fans.

The 5ive Alive Tour celebrates Davido’s fifth studio album and will feature performances across major Nigerian cities, including Yola, Enugu, Ibadan, and Lagos, where the grand finale is set to take place on Christmas Day.

It is crucial to start this by acknowledging the importance of Dangote Refinery as a turning point in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. For nearly 40 years, the country has relied on imports to meet its energy needs, even though Nigeria is a major crude oil producer and the government has built three refineries.

This situation has caused a lot of contention for the country, including the introduction of fuel subsidies to provide a cushion for impoverished citizens in the country at the mercy of international markets.

The completion of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is a monumental achievement. With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world and a symbol of industrial ambition with the potential to change the lives of Nigerians for the better or worse.

The Dangote Refinery can become a catalyst for healthy competition, accelerating the development of the downstream sector, or a monopolistic force that stifles competition, dictates prices, and undermines the broader goals of economic inclusion. The direction the refinery takes will be decided by the actions of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies.

The Promise and the Peril

The Dangote Refinery promises to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. We can already see the added benefits of local production in the stabilisation of the naira against the dollar as the country saves billions in foreign exchange and reduces its reliance on imported refined petroleum products. But, there have also been concerns about how the Dangote Refinery, which, despite its scale, intends to achieve vertical integration, will stay profitable without artificial market dominance.

Moves made in the company’s first year of operations suggest the Dangote Refinery is looking to replicate its attempts at a forced monopoly in other sectors in the downstream oil and gas sector. The refinery has already sought to disrupt the complex logistical network that ensures petroleum reaches final consumers by introducing a ‘free’ delivery service targeting major retailers, in a bid to incentivise them to ditch their long-term relationships with importers and depots and to buy products exclusively from the refinery. Industry stakeholders have condemned this move as predatory.

The Dangote Refinery has also been accused of abruptly lowering ex-depot petroleum prices and bearing the cost differential to undercut importers who cannot bear the losses incurred by this tactic. Already, many major importers and depots have been forced to shutter their businesses or risk bankruptcy. When challenged on the integrity of its tactics, the Dangote Refinery has defended its actions as healthy market competition.

A monopoly, even one born from private investment and innovation, can distort markets. It can lead to price manipulation, limit consumer choice, and create barriers for new entrants. In the absence of robust regulatory oversight, the very infrastructure meant to empower the economy could end up concentrating power in the hands of a few.

The Mandate of Regulators

Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the principles of fair competition.

It is their responsibility to ensure transparency in all business practices, monitor market behaviour and intervene when predatory actions are taken against competitors or consumers, even when they are ‘legal’. They must also enforce anti-trust laws and deter larger corporations from engaging in anti-competitive practices that marginalise smaller marketers. But most importantly, it is their responsibility to provide a favourable environment for new entrants into the downstream sector, and by doing so, ensure the energy sector remains resilient and dynamic.

The Dangote Group is only as big and successful as it is today because regulatory agencies ensured indigenous entrepreneurs were protected from monopolistic manoeuvres from international competitors. The same consideration must now be extended to other players in the energy sector to balance industrial ambition and market fairness. The Dangote Refinery represents a significant advancement towards self-sufficiency, but that doesn’t exempt it from the same standards of accountability that any other market participant must adhere to.

A Delicate Balance

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery offers a rare opportunity to redefine the country’s energy future. The refinery may be privately owned, but the market it operates in belongs to the people.

The future of the energy sector is the responsibility of the agencies tasked with ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of deregulation and that companies maximise the opportunities a free market offers Nigerian entrepreneurs. If local regulators rise to the occasion, they can ensure that this refinery becomes a cornerstone of shared prosperity, not a symbol of concentrated power.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, have pledged to prioritise peace and security if elected in the November 8 governorship election.

The duo said the state had experienced prolonged insecurity resulting from killings and kidnappings, which had affected residents and economic activities.

Speaking during the APC campaign rally at Richie Hall, Umudioka, in Awka South Local Government Area, Ukachukwu said their administration, if elected, would work to restore normalcy and foster development.

‘Our state is destined for greatness. We have endured too many challenges. It’s time to choose prosperity, truth, and purposeful leadership. Together, we will build an Anambra that works for everyone,’ he said.

Ukachukwu said insecurity had forced several businesses to close, including some of his manufacturing firms, following repeated abductions of expatriate workers.

‘The last experience was devastating. A huge ransom was paid to secure their release, after which they left the state. Anambra deserves a better environment for business,’ he said.

He also outlined plans to improve infrastructure and essential services, including a proposed 250-megawatt power plant and a statewide water supply system to ensure access to clean water.

‘We will work towards stable electricity and functional water systems.

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise local refining and allocate 100 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery to enable full-scale production and self-sufficiency in fuel supply.

The students, armed with various placards and banners, made the call during a peaceful protest on Wednesday from the Millennium park to the Unity Fountain, as security agents did not allow the protesters storm the National Assembly as earlier scheduled.

Addressing newsmen, President of NAPS, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan described the Dangote Refinery as ‘a root that has given life to a decaying tree,’ symbolising hope for Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial revival.

According to him, Dangote Refinery was a symbol of Africa’s industrial power and a cornerstone for Nigeria’s ambition to become the refining hub of the continent.

He said: ‘For decades, our nation lived under the shadow of dependency, we were exporters of crude and importers of survival. But today, we have found pride again in an African-built refinery, one that can restore Nigeria’s economic independence.’

Reaffirming their confidence in the Tinubu led administration, the students while praising the President’s investments in education and youth empowerment initiatives, noted that Tinubu ‘understands the suffering of the common man and the Nigerian student, that is why we believe he will listen to our appeal.

‘The Nigerian government should please approve 100% crude oil allocation to Dangote refinery let us refine our destiny at home. When we feed this refinery fully, it will produce more barrel, flood the market supply, decrease the price of fuel and stabilize our economy.

‘We are appealing to the federal government and relevant agencies to prioritize local refined products. Nigerians, we want you to be reassured, Dangote has come to help you and the people that are coming to sabotage this effort are feeding fat on our national failure.’

While commending Dangote for his bold investment in the energy sector, the students urged President Tinubu to take decisive action including the scrapping of anti-development elements within the oil and gas sector who they claim were frustrating national progress.

‘For over 30 years, the nation’s refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri were dead. These same groups did nothing. But now that one man has chosen to rebuild our dream, they have risen against him.’

The students called on their peers across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of technology to defend and promote homegrown innovation.

‘The soul of a nation is not measured by the size of its GDP, but by the strength of its will. When the youth rise to defend productivity, the nation itself will stand tall.’