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The National Economic Council (NEC), on Thursday, announced that it had approved the expansion of its Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control to include oversight of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector amid growing insecurity, illegal mining and revenue loss concerns

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Chairman of the Committee, told State House Journalists on Thursday, after the expanded 153rd Meeting of NEC attended by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker; House of Representatives and Governors of the 36 States. This is just as the Council also approved measures to strengthen macroeconomic reforms, security and domestic production

BusinessDay gathered that the decision followed significant progress made in curbing crude oil theft and boosting daily production.

Governor Uzodinma recalled that before President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria’s crude oil production had averaged between 700,000 and 800,000 barrels per day, a situation that prompted the reconstitution of the Committee.

‘Working with critical stakeholders, including regulators, operators, and the armed forces, we adopted a collaborative approach involving all governors of oil-producing States,’ Uzodinma said.

‘Today, daily production exceeds 1.7 million barrels, while cases of pipeline vandalism and crude theft have declined.’

Governor Uzodimma, who stated that NEC was satisfied with the Committee’s interim report, added: ‘We agreed to broaden its mandate to cover solid minerals, where illegal mining of gold and other resources has deprived the country of substantial earnings.’

He also revealed that the Committee recommended that the NNPC, in collaboration with security agencies and consultants, strengthen surveillance across creeks and offshore facilities to prevent illegal vessel movements around export terminals.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, while also briefing on the outcome of the meeting, disclosed that NEC also approved President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to establish a high-level committee for the revamp of training institutions for security agencies nationwide. The decision followed a presentation by Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, who highlighted the importance of security investments to the President’s $1 trillion economy vision by 2030.

Citing Section 130 (2) of the 1999 Constitution, he recalled that the President serves as ‘Head of State, Chief Executive of the Federation, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,’ while Section 13 mandates all authorities and persons exercising powers to uphold the Constitution and apply its directive principles of State policy.

‘The memo recognises the president’s deep respect for federalism and highlights the achievements made through collaboration between the Federal and State Governments over the past two and a half years,’ the minister said.

He noted that measures such as macroeconomic reforms, security interventions, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, and grassroots development programmes had strengthened the economy and laid the groundwork for accelerated growth.

Bagudu proposed six key resolutions (‘prayers’) which were approved by the Council, including Regular Briefings on Economic Stability: The Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Central Bank Governor, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning are to periodically brief NEC on policies supporting macroeconomic and monetary stability.

Sustained Infrastructure Collaboration: The Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund shall remain a collaborative vehicle for nationwide infrastructure development, with periodic progress reports to NEC.

Enhanced Security Funding: Cooperation on national security shall continue, with additional investments to be determined by the President on NEC’s recommendation.

Sani said the President and Governors expressed concern over the dilapidated state of police training facilities, agreeing that their rehabilitation was vital to improving morale and professionalism within the force.

The new Committee is headed by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and it includes Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).

The Council approved the appointment of Alkali Baba, former Inspector-General of Police, as Secretary of the Committee, which has one month to conduct on-the-spot assessments of all training institutions and submit recommendations for joint Federal and State intervention. Governor Sani said NEC also directed the Committee to extend its review to other security agencies, ensuring that their training facilities are rehabilitated and equipped to meet operational demands.

‘The President urged governors to continue prioritising grassroots development and the welfare of citizens,’ he added.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president has declared he will run for re-election next year, setting up what could be another defining contest in Latin America’s largest democracy.

Speaking during a state visit to Indonesia on Thursday, Lula brushed off concerns about age or fatigue, saying he still felt as driven as ever. ‘I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30,’ he told reporters at a joint news conference with Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto. ‘And I’m going to run for a fourth term in Brazil.’

The announcement ends months of speculation over whether the veteran leftist would seek another mandate. Brazil’s constitution limits presidents to two consecutive terms, but Lula who governed from 2003 to 2010 before returning to power in 2023 remains eligible for another run. Now the country’s longest-serving president since its return to democracy forty years ago, Lula appears intent on extending his political legacy. His remarks came during a tour of Asia that will also take him to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit, where he is expected to meet United States president Donald Trump for the first time since the latter’s return to office.

That encounter, scheduled for Sunday, will likely focus on the 50 percent tariff Washington imposed on Brazilian exports in August a move that reignited nationalist sentiment at home and, paradoxically, boosted Lula’s approval ratings.

Lula had previously signalled that his 2022 campaign would be his last, citing his age and the need for political renewal. But by early 2023, he was already hinting at another run, saying any decision would depend on Brazil’s political climate and his health. For now, the political landscape seems to favour him. Opinion polls put Lula ahead of all potential rivals, though around half of voters say they disapprove of his government’s performance. His most formidable opponent, former president Jair Bolsonaro, has been barred from running after being convicted of attempting to subvert the 2022 election. Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year sentence under house arrest, and analysts say any credible challenger will likely need his backing to mount a serious campaign.

The Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) has reaffirmed its commitment to technological advancement, policy advocacy, and market development.

Speaking during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ASHON, Sam Onukwue, chairman of ASHON emphasised the need for continuous investment in technology and capacity building to ensure members remain competitive and aligned with evolving regulatory standards.

‘The accelerating pace of technological innovation in the securities industry demands continuous investment and capacity enhancement. Members are encouraged to prioritise training, cybersecurity, and digital trading infrastructure to maintain competitiveness and regulatory alignment. The Association has strengthened its collaboration with the NGX, CSCS, NASD, LCFE, and FMDQ partnerships that continue to drive policy initiatives promoting market growth and investor protection,’ Onukwue stated.

He further highlighted ASHON’s proactive role in policy engagement throughout the year, noting that the Association consistently represented members’ interests before regulators and market institutions. ‘We participated in the review of the 2024 Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) at the Senate Committee on Capital Market’s public hearing. ASHON also advocated for an upward review of brokerage fees and the introduction of pricing floors and ceilings to support sustainable remuneration structures.

‘Additionally, we engaged the SEC on delays in share allotment linked to extended verification processes at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Our collaboration with FIRS consultants and the NGX on automating VAT assessment and collection via the Sentinel application is ongoing. We have also sustained discussions with NGX on ensuring affordable cloud hosting fees for member firms,’ Onukwue added.

During the meeting, members commended the Governing Council for its commitment and service to the Association. Kasimu Kurfi of APT Securities and Funds, praised the Council’s dedication and urged them to maintain their efforts. Emeka Madubuike of Compass Investment and Securities also advised members to pay their annual dues promptly to strengthen ASHON’s financial position. All resolutions presented during the meeting were duly passed.

The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has announced the opening of entries for the Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards 2026, an annual initiative that celebrates journalists who promote transparency, accountability, and good governance through the effective use of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

The awards, named after former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who signed the FOI Act into law on May 28, 2011, aim to recognise exceptional journalists who have used or promoted the Act as a vital tool for investigative reporting and civic engagement.

According to MRA’s statement issued in Lagos on Thursday, entries are open to Nigerian journalists across print, broadcast, online, and multimedia platforms. Applicants will be considered under two categories;

Most Active User of the FOI Act: awarded to the journalist with the highest number of verifiable information requests made under the FOI Act between May 2011 and December 2025.

Most Outstanding Promoter of the FOI Act: recognising a journalist who has made notable contributions in creating awareness and advocating the effective implementation of the Act through stories, features, analyses, or public engagement.

MRA said the initiative seeks to encourage journalists to use the FOI Act as a professional tool to enhance accountability in governance, ensure citizens’ right to know, and deepen democratic participation. ‘The awards are designed to highlight journalists who not only use the FOI Act effectively but also inspire public confidence in the power of open information to strengthen democracy,’ the organisation stated. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens in active journalism practice and must not have been found guilty of professional misconduct by any regulatory or judicial authority.

Entries are to be submitted with verifiable documentation, such as acknowledged FOI requests or published works, depending on the category. The submission deadline is January 31, 2026.

Winners in each category will receive a plaque, certificate, and a cash prize at a public ceremony scheduled for May 28, 2026, in Abuja – coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the FOI Act.

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dismissed his entire legal team and announced his decision to represent himself in court, marking a dramatic twist in his long-running trial with the Nigerian government.

The development unfolded during Thursday’s proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Kanu, who faces charges bordering on treasonable felony, informed the court that he no longer wished to be represented by his lawyers. The decision reportedly caught both the prosecution and courtroom observers by surprise, as Kanu had previously relied on a team of senior advocates and human rights lawyers to defend him since his arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.

In a firm but calm tone, Kanu told the presiding judge that he had lost confidence in his legal representatives and preferred to take charge of his own defence. ‘I have decided to represent myself in this matter,’ he said, according to courtroom sources. ‘I no longer have confidence in the people who were supposed to defend me.’ The judge, while acknowledging his constitutional right to self-representation, cautioned Kanu on the complexity of the case and the potential challenges of handling legal arguments without professional counsel. Nevertheless, the court adjourned briefly to allow Kanu to confirm his position before proceedings resumed.

Members of Kanu’s former legal team declined to comment immediately after the session, though some aides hinted at internal disagreements over legal strategy and communication with the court. For months, there have been reports of tension between Kanu’s lawyers and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding access to their client and alleged interference with court preparations. The self-determination leader’s decision to defend himself adds another layer of uncertainty to a trial that has already dragged on for years amid political tension, security concerns, and calls for his release. Since his re-arrest in 2021, Kanu has remained in DSS custody, despite several court orders granting him access to better medical care and easing his detention conditions.

His trial has become a focal point of contention in Nigeria’s Southeast region, where IPOB enjoys strong support. The group has repeatedly called for Kanu’s unconditional release, arguing that his prosecution is politically motivated. The Nigerian government, however, insists that the IPOB leader must face justice for allegedly inciting violence and threatening national unity. Reactions to Kanu’s decision have been swift and divided. While some of his supporters hailed the move as an act of courage and conviction, legal analysts expressed concern that representing himself could weaken his case and prolong proceedings.

As the court prepares for the next hearing, observers say Kanu’s decision to stand alone underscores his growing frustration with the legal process and his determination to take full control of his defence – a move that could either strengthen his personal narrative or complicate his already delicate trial.

With no legal counsel currently representing him, all eyes are now on how the court will navigate the coming proceedings and whether Kanu’s bold choice will alter the course of his case or deepen his legal troubles.

The federal government has launched the National Farmer Soil Health Scheme, a key component of the Presidential Soil Health Initiative, designed to boost productivity and attract investment through data-driven soil management.

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, while briefing the media at the Nigeria Soil Health Information Systems Development Workshop which held in Abuja on Thursday, said the initiative will enable farmers to match crops with soil types, optimise fertiliser use, and reduce production costs – laying the foundation for precision agriculture in Nigeria.

‘This scheme allows experts to analyse farm soils and guide farmers on what crops to plant and what fertiliser blends to use,’ Abdullahi explained at a workshop in Ibadan. ‘The result will be higher yields, lower input costs, and improved efficiency.’

He noted that most farmers currently apply fertiliser without scientific guidance, leading to waste and low yields.

The new programme, he said, will promote location- and crop-specific fertiliser blends, stimulating efficiency across the agricultural value chain and encouraging private sector participation in fertiliser production.

Abdullahi added that the initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for food sovereignty, which seeks to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.

The government is partnering with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan – home to the West Africa and Sahel Fertiliser and Soil Health Hub – and the International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC) in the Netherlands, to ensure data collection and soil mapping meet global standards.

‘Nigeria has about 73 million hectares of arable land, but we currently cultivate only 34 million,’ Abdullahi said. ‘With reliable soil data, investors can identify viable crops and regions, enabling better decisions and attracting more capital into the sector.’ Field trials have begun, targeting 1,200 farmers across key production zones in the first phase. The minister said the goal is to eventually create a national soil database that will support agribusiness investment, research, and policy formulation.

In his remarks, Bernard Vanlauwe, deputy director-general, R4D at IITA, said the regional soil hub will ensure Nigeria’s data systems align with global best practices.

‘The Nigerian soils belong to Nigeria, and so does the information about them,’ Vanlauwe said. ‘Our role is to help strengthen the Nigerian Soil Information System (NISIS) with the latest technologies and ensure consistency across West Africa.’ Similarly, Chrow Krushid, project manager at ISRIC Netherlands, said Nigeria is one of the focus countries under the West Africa hub and will benefit from technical support in developing digital soil maps to guide policy and investment decisions.

Abdullahi described the project as part of a broader effort to ‘repair and restore’ Nigeria’s soils, ensuring sustainable productivity and long-term food security.

‘Soil is the foundation of agriculture,’ he said. ‘We must take ownership of our soil and the data it produces – it’s the basis for national food security and sovereignty.’

Kesington Adebutu, a renowned business magnate and philanthropist has been conferred with an Honorary Fellowship by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS).

This is in recognition of his unwavering commitment to developmental and humanitarian causes across Nigeria and beyond.

Among his many initiatives is the recently inaugurated medical research centre at the University of Lagos, established through the Kesington Adebukunola AdebutuFoundation (KAAF).

Speaking during the investiture ceremony held in Lagos on Wednesday, the Institute’s 13th President and Chairman of Council, Oluropo Dada, highlighted the CIS’s pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian capital market over the past three decades, particularly in the areas of manpower development and certification aligned with global best practices.

Dada noted that the Honorary Fellowship is a rare distinction, previously awarded to only nine eminent Nigerians, including a former Head of State. He emphasized that Sir Adebutu was selected for the honour in recognition of his exceptional contributions to national economic development. ‘It is noteworthy that the Honorary Fellowship of our Institute is a distinction sparingly awarded. It is bestowed exclusively on distinguished individuals whose exemplary service and exceptional contributions have significantly advanced the Nigerian economy and society. Over the years, this rare honour has been conferred on a select group of eminent personalities,’ Dada stated.

In his acceptance speech, Adebutu expressed gratitude to the Institute, describing CIS as a respected professional body. He praised the leadership for upholding ethical standards and for considering him worthy of the fellowship.

‘This is an award from a revered Institute. It is not a personal honour, but a testament to the values we all uphold. I appreciate the leadership and members of the Institute. By this award, you have strengthened my resolve to continue contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s financial system. I pledge to remain a committed partner in advancing the capital market,’ he said.

The CIS President was joined at the investiture by key officers of the Institute, including the 1st Vice President, Fiona Ahimie; 2nd Vice President, Akeem Oyewale; and Registrar/Chief Executive, Ayorinde Adeonipekun. Also in attendance were past Presidents, members of the Board of Fellows, members of the Governing Council, and senior stockbrokers.

In recent years, the CIS has introduced the Diploma in Securities and Investment (DSI) and the Stand-Alone Certification schemes, offering students specialised tracks in various capital market disciplines. These initiatives have further elevated the Institute’s global standing and modernised its professional development offerings.

Daniel Nnamani, a student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has emerged as the winner of the 2025 NECCI PR essay competition for students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

Nnamani defeated other students who wrote on the topic, ‘The Ethics of Governance: Shaping Reputation through Public Relations’, organised by the NECCI PR in commemoration of its 25th roundtable anniversary.

Nnamani won the prize money of N250,000 for his essay presented to him by Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the founder/convener NECCI PR Roundtable in the company of John Momoh, the chairman and CEO of Channels Television.

Baba-Enoch Temitope, a student of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, won a prize money of N150,000 for emerging the first runner-up, while Tomiwa Oyegunle from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State got the sum of N100,000 for emerging the second runner-up. As Nigeria grapples with complex challenges, from governance and economic reform to public trust, NECCI is championing the push for PR professionals to go beyond image-making and become architects of ethical leadership and sustainable progress.

In a rapidly evolving socio-political landscape, the importance of ethical leadership and transparent communication has never been more critical in driving national development. Ali-Balogun said that gathering sets the agenda for ethical leadership, national development, and the strategic role of public relations in shaping reputation over the next decade.

She emphasised that the roundtable is not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of the organisation’s commitment to fostering ethical governance and strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in the global space.

According to the convener, ‘This silver jubilee edition is a landmark summit with the theme: ‘The Ethics of Governance: Shaping Reputation through Public Relations.’

Rufai Oseni, a broadcaster at AriseTV in a panel discussion called for scenario planning in public relations curriculum to address theories in the classroom and real-life experiences.

‘Scenario planning should be infused in public relations curriculum, and the practitioners should let truth be the cornerstone,’ he noted.

The roundtable will feature a line-up of speakers drawn from diverse sectors. Among them are: John Momoh, chairman of Channels TV; Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, executive head of regional marketing and communication at Standard Bank Group.

Also included are Tokunboh George-Taylor, managing director/chief executive officer of Skot Communications. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); Femi Adesina, former special adviser on media and publicity to the President of Nigeria. Obinna Ezeobi, a corporate strategist and public affairs analyst.

Bamidele Atoyebi, Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT)Ideological Group, a support group, has said that Nigeria’s President’s leadership style is a masterclass in effective governance, marked by courageous decision-making and a commitment to good governance for all.

Speaking at the launch of the group’s handbook in Lagos, Atoyebi described Tinubu as an enigma and an institution that should be studied by Nigerians.

According to him, Tinubu’s values of generosity, the principle of service, humility, and courage are qualities that should be emulated by all.

Atoyebi highlighted some of the President’s notable achievements, including the removal of fuel subsidy, stabilisation of foreign exchange, road infrastructure development, debt management, and student loans.

He noted that these reforms have put the country on track and exceeded the expectations of many Nigerians.

The Convener emphasised that the group’s goal is not just to support Tinubu’s re-election but to raise a new generation of leaders who embody his spirit of leadership, generosity, and service.

He revealed that the group comprises highly respected individuals, including professors, engineers, and medical doctors, who are committed to spreading Tinubu’s ideologies.

Atoyebi stated that the group has coordinators in most states of the federation and has started sensitising Nigerians on the President’s vision and ideologies.

He emphasised that the group is not just a regular support group but a platform for anyone who claims to be Tinubu’s protégé to have a deep understanding of the President’s values and principles.

The Convener noted that the group’s ultimate goal is to ensure that Tinubu’s legacy continues even after he leaves office.

‘We want to make sure that we raise as many people as we can that will also have his kind of spirit of leadership, spirit of generosity, spirit of humanity, spirit of service, among others.

According to him, with our handbook launched a few days ago, we are not only working toward his re-election, we are working toward building as many young men and women, youthful Nigerians who will understand who Bola Ahmed Tinubu is.

‘Tinubu is a man who believes in generosity, a man who believes in the principle of service, a man who believes in humility, a man who is courageous and a man who is politically rugged.

‘He is a man who can take tough decisions, a man who believes in progressive ideas, a man who wants good governance for all.

‘ He has even done so much, and he deserves to continue, with his reforms and various interventions and policies, putting the country on track,’ he said.

President Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll and assumed office in 2023 while initiating wide reforms in the economy

There are clear indication that the president would be seeking re-election with his party and many other stakeholders in APC giving him backing as the party’s sole presidential candidate in 2027.

Leaders and governance experts have underscored the need for stronger succession planning and adherence to best corporate governance practices as key to ensuring organisational sustainability and national development.

Speaking during the 2025 Annual Directors Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, themed ‘Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,’ top corporate leaders emphasised the importance of leadership continuity and capacity building in both the private and public sectors.

Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, chairman, National Organising Committee and Group Chairman of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited, said the major takeaway from the conference was the renewed focus on best practices in corporate governance, particularly around leadership succession. ‘Many organisations in Nigeria do not understand what succession planning is. For any organisation to succeed and continue, it must have a plan in place,’ Ashiru said.

‘At Odu’a, we already know who will succeed the current managing director in the next ten years, and that level of foresight is what every organisation should emulate.’

He stressed that poor leadership transitions and the absence of structured succession plans were often responsible for institutional collapse in both corporate and public sectors.

‘Best practices in corporate governance mean there should be no corruption, no hidden agenda. You must put the right people in the right places at the right time,’ he added.

Ashiru also linked the concept of succession planning to governance in the public sector, noting that the civil service is meant to operate as a structured system. However, he decried the rise of favoritism and mediocrity that undermine merit-based progression. ‘The civil service is the most structured system in the world, but in Nigeria, because of autocratic tendencies, people don’t follow the process,’ he said.

Highlighting his achievements at Odu’a, Ashiru said capacity building had been central to the company’s success.

‘When I became chairman, I focused on training and capacity development. Today, all our directors are attending Harvard Business School for advanced corporate training. Once you build capacity, the sky is the limit,’ he said.

In her remarks, Taiwo Nola-Alausa, director-general and CEO of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, said the conference was designed to prepare organisations for the future by promoting sustainability and leadership continuity.

‘Our conference, themed ‘Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,’ focuses on how businesses can survive and thrive,’ she explained.

‘We’ve seen that companies without succession plans eventually fail. That’s why we’re placing emphasis on how Nigerian enterprises can build structures that outlive their founders.’

The CloD conference brought together business leaders, directors, and governance experts to deliberate on strategies for strengthening corporate resilience and promoting ethical leadership in Nigeria’s public and private sectors.