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The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria through a strategic partnership with the United Nations.

During a recent visit to Abuja, Simeon Ehui, IITA director-general, met with Mohamed Fall, United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria, for a high-level dialogue on strengthening collaboration for sustainable agriculture, youth agripreneurship, and food systems resilience.

The IITA is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation.

Ehui highlighted IITA’s major research milestones and the institute’s impact in addressing key challenges in Africa’s agrifood systems-particularly in the areas of soil health, seed systems, and plant health.

He also showcased successful innovations such as the award-winning Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics technology, which enhances crop propagation and productivity across regions. ‘For IITA, the biggest challenge remains scaling-taking proven technologies from the lab to farmers at a much larger scale,’ Ehui said.

‘This is why strategic partnerships are essential. We are committed to working closely with development partners like the United Nations to ensure that Africa becomes food-sufficient,’ he added.

On his part, Fall emphasised the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation as part of its broader effort to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

‘This visit has been high on my list-to not only connect with IITA but to create a bridge between us,’ he said. ‘For a country like Nigeria, agriculture is the biggest channel for economic transformation if the right investments are made.’

The meeting underscored a shared vision between IITA and Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global research partnership that works to achieve food security, and the United Nations to deliver science-driven, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that strengthen food systems and improve livelihoods across Africa.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said that the Net Billing Regulation is a critical tool in aligning Nigeria with emerging global standards that incentivise private investment in renewable generation while improving grid resilience.

Yusuf Ali, commissioner for Research and Data Analytics, NERC, speaking at the Public Consultation on the draft in Abuja, said that the new regulation indicates the the Commission’s resolve to build a more inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking electricity market.

The new regulation, according to the Commission seek to establish a standardised framework for the interconnection of renewable energy installations at customer premises to an electricity distribution network, thus enabling customers to export surplus power to the grid under a credit-based billing system. It also aim to provide a clear compensation mechanism for the utilisation of excess power produced by a customer with a renewable energy facility installed at its premises.

Ali also explained that the new Regulation represents an important step toward enabling prosumers-consumers who generate excess electricity to inject their surplus energy into the national grid at fair value. ‘This aligns Nigeria with emerging global standards that incentivise private investment in renewable generation while improving grid resilience.’

Ali highlighted that NERC is taking a new, more transparent approach by publishing a draft for public review and actively seeking feedback before finalisation.

‘Stakeholders, including DisCos, NEMSA, state regulators, and development partners, have been invited to provide technical and practical insights to ensure the framework reflects market realities.

‘We are not here to defend any document; this is a draft meant to evolve through robust debate. While some believe that Nigeria is not ready for this regulation, we can’t let perfection get in the way of progress,’ he said. Ali who acknowledged the contributions made towards the regulation, said that the consultation marks another milestone in NERC’s drive to develop regulatory instruments that balance innovation, safety, and affordability while positioning Nigeria for a sustainable electricity future.

These regulations is expected to come into effect on the date it is approved by a resolution of the Commission.

Also speaking, Milos Karic, head of Component, Sustainable Energy Planning and Access, of Nigerian Energy Support Program (NESP) of GIZ, commended NERC’s leadership and noted that the partnership has already supported several landmark achievements, including the Mini-Grid Regulations and the Mini-Grid Application Portal.

He added that under NESP III, GIZ is proud to support the development of the Draft Net Billing Regulation at a time when Nigeria must address grid reliability, electricity access, and renewable energy integration.

‘This regulation will empower consumers to become active participants in the energy market and accelerate the adoption of renewable systems across the country. It sends a clear signal to investors and consumers alike that Nigeria is ready to embrace a more reliable and sustainable energy future,’ he said.

Godfrey Ogbemudia, program manager for Energy and Circular Economy, Delegation of the European Union to the FGN and ECOWAS, also commended NERC for its leadership and vision. He emphasised that the Net Billing Regulation aligns with the EU’s Green Deal objectives and reflects global best practices adapted to Nigeria’s unique market realities.

‘The EU remains deeply committed to supporting Nigeria’s clean energy agenda and working with NERC to promote a stronger market for decentralized energy projects,’ he stated.

WACOT Limited, a member of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has secured a pound 1,26 million (N2.25 billion) grant from DEG Impulse through the develoPPP funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to empower 3,500 sesame farmers in the country.

WACOT will match this funding with a counterpart of about pound 1,26 million to support a three-year project aimed at empowering 3,500 smallholder sesame farmers to adopt organic and climate-resilient sesame farming in Jigawa and Kebbi States.

Naveen Chaurasia, managing director of WACOT Limited, said, ‘This grant is a powerful validation of our commitment to sustainable agriculture and the smallholder farmers who are the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.’ ‘By scaling our successful organic sesame model, we are not only securing a high-quality, traceable supply chain for our processing operations but, more importantly, we are directly improving the livelihoods of thousands of farming families.’

‘This project will double farmer incomes, enhance climate resilience, and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings. It is a true testament to TGI Group’s core philosophy of ‘earning the goodwill of the people’.’

The initiative builds on the success of WACOT’s 2020 organic sesame pilot, which more than doubled average national yields and achieved international ECOCERT certification.

The new project will scale this proven model, providing farmers with training, organic inputs, agroforestry, weather alert systems, and financial inclusion support. A key component is WACOT’s commitment to a 100 percent offtake agreement, ensuring farmers receive premium prices for their certified organic harvest.

Habiba Suleiman, head of strategic partnerships, TGI Group, said strategic partnerships are crucial for driving meaningful and sustainable development. ‘Our collaboration with DEG Impulse and BMZ exemplifies how aligning business interests with development goals creates powerful win-win outcomes.’

‘For TGI, this project reinforces our dedication to investing in rural communities and fostering economic development.

We are proud to be at the forefront of promoting the adoption of organic farming and climate-smart practices in Nigeria which inadvertently contributes to a healthier environment and a more prosperous agricultural future.’

Also, Marco Christ, managing director, of DEG Impulse, said through his organisation’s joint develoPPP initiative, it has empower smallholder farmers and contribute to poverty reduction in the region, while also supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export growth and environmental restoration.

‘We are pleased to support the scaling of this important project through develoPPP, accelerating the adoption of sustainable farming practices and strengthening the supply chain.’

The project is expected to deliver substantial outcomes, including training for 3,500 farmers in organic sesame production with a focus on the inclusion of women and youth, leading to a significant increase in climate resilience, higher sesame yields, and a doubling of farmer incomes. The project will also create 46 direct jobs, strengthen cooperatives, and improve access to financial services for farmers. It contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including No Poverty, Gender Equality, Decent Work, Climate Action, and Life on Land.

This funding marks a significant step towards building a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural economy in Nigeria, creating lasting impact for smallholder farmers and strengthening the country’s position in the global organic market.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have renewed their commitment to joint security operations aimed at sustaining peace and combating crime in the nation’s capital.

The commitment was reinforced during a courtesy visit by the newly deployed Dantawaye Miller, FCT Commissioner of Police, to Olusola Odumosu, NSCDC FCT Commandant, at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja.

Odumosu commended the cordial relationship between both agencies, stressing that sustained collaboration and intelligence sharing were key to ensuring long-term peace and security in the territory.

He noted that while Abuja currently enjoys relative calm, proactive measures must continue to be taken to forestall any form of criminal resurgence.

‘We must continue to forge ahead and come to a round table to ensure that we move the FCT to another level where people can go about their normal businesses without fear of any criminal attack,’ Odumosu said.

The NSCDC Commandant described the visit as a demonstration of continuity in the existing partnership between the Police and the Corps, saying it marked a renewed effort to eliminate unhealthy rivalry and promote unity among security agencies.

‘The best way forward in ensuring heightened security in the FCT is robust synergy and collaboration between security agencies. ‘Seeing you today gives me hope and confidence that the days of unhealthy rivalry are over. We are all one and the same, so whether at the upper or lower echelon, we should see each other as one because the only difference between us is the uniform we put on’, Odumosu stated.

In his remarks, Miller lauded the NSCDC for its proactive engagement and operational cooperation, describing security as a ‘shared responsibility’ that requires the joint efforts of all agencies.

He emphasised the need for continuous intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, and sustained inter-agency cooperation to effectively combat criminal activities in the FCT.

There is a need for enhanced collaboration between both organisations to forge a way forward to ensure proper protection of the territory.

‘Security is an enormous task that cannot be achieved in isolation. The importance of eradicating inter-agency rivalry cannot be overemphasised, as security organisations are meant to complement one another’, Miller stated.

The Police Commissioner also commended the existing synergy between both agencies and expressed optimism that their partnership would yield greater operational successes in curbing crime across the FCT.

According to the FCT NSCDC Command, both officials pledged to sustain the peace currently being enjoyed in Abuja by developing innovative strategies and maintaining consistent joint operations.

Jude Bellingham scored the decisive goal as Real Madrid defeated Juventus 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night to maintain their perfect start in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

The England international struck in the 57th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Vinicius Junior’s effort hit the post, to hand Madrid their third consecutive win in the competition. It was Bellingham’s first goal of the season, marking a strong return after recovering from shoulder surgery in the summer. Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso, dominated much of the contest, creating several chances through Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz, but struggled to break down Juventus’ compact defence.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, making his 300th appearance for Los Blancos, produced key saves, denying Dusan Vlahovic to preserve Madrid’s clean sheet and secure all three points.

The result leaves Real Madrid among the few teams with a 100 percent record after three matches, alongside defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, and serves as ideal preparation for Sunday’s El Clásico against Barcelona.

Juventus, meanwhile, extended their winless run to seven matches across all competitions, despite showing resilience in defence and flashes of counter-attacking threat.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has explained reasons behind aggressive development of offices in the partner states instead of rented office system.

The Commission tested the new offices approach when it built the Rivers State office on Olu Obasanjo Road in Port Harcourt in 2016. The Commission then explained many benefits of the initiative.

Now, with the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku and his team, the Commission has resolved to pursue state offices development as a deliberate policy.

Thus, a symbolic edifice for grassroots development was added to the skylines of Warri with the recent commissioning of a model state office of the Commission in the oil and gas hub of Delta State.

Gov Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State (Dark flowing gown) cutting the tape of the new office complex in Warri.

Management said moving into its own home represents a renewed move by NDDC to decentralise its operations, enhance service delivery, and reaffirm its core mission of transforming the oil-rich Delta into a region of shared prosperity and sustainable development.

The modern facility in Warri has been aptly described as a symbol of progress and institutional renewal.

NDDC has rented offices in its nine states except in Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states. The offices serve as a bridge between the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt and the local communities. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Governor, who commissioned the Warri office complex, maintained that it is a symbol of ‘shared commitment to development, inclusion, and service delivery.’

According to him, ‘The project is a clear reflection of purposeful governance, and actual progress happens when institutions work together to bring impact closer to the people.’

Oborevwori commended the NDDC boss for his visionary leadership and commitment to development, stating that the new office would reinforce institutional stability and renewed purpose.

The governor further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it had strengthened state finances, fostered inclusivity, and restored public confidence in governance.

The governor called for strategic alliance between the NDDC and state governments to rehabilitate critical federal roads across the region, and indicated readiness to partner with the NDDC on the Omadino-Warri-Escravos Road. He disclosed that a joint meeting between the state government, Chevron, and the Commission was already scheduled for first week of November 2025 to outline the next steps.

In his remarks, Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Regional Development, stated that President Tinubu had directed the NDDC to complete all abandoned projects in the region.

He cited successes such as the restoration of electricity in Okitipupa in Ondo State after 15 years and the construction of key bridges and substations.

Also speaking, Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the NDDC governing Board, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with Delta and other Niger Delta states to achieve sustainable development.

He averred: ‘A key example is the adoption of KPMG’s working document, which now guides our implementation processes and internal reforms.’

On his part, Ogbuku, the NDDC CEO, said the new Delta State office in Delta signified the Commission’s shift from transaction to transformation, adding that it would serve as a hub for improved service delivery. He declared: ‘We are ambassadors of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. What you see here today is proof that we are inspired to deliver real results.’

The NDDC boss stated that the era of abandoned projects in the Niger Delta was over, stressing that the Commission was now focused on completing all inherited projects across the region.

Ogbuku highlighted the gains from the collaboration between NDDC and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) on ?650 billion worth of infrastructure projects and assured that the NDDC was committed to timely project completion.

He also confirmed that President Tinubu has funded the NDDC more than any President since the agency was created.

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Ogbuku also acknowledged the unwavering support of the National Assembly, noting that they have consistently supported the Commission by ensuring the timely passage of Appropriation Bills, which has enabled the management to deliver more effectively.

He noted that the new office represents more than a physical structure; ‘It is a hub for innovation, transparency, and closer engagement with communities.’

Ogbuku stated: ‘Today, we celebrate the institutionalisation of the NDDC in Delta State, and we are pleased to see the people of Warri turn out in large numbers to witness this historic occasion. This marks the third state office we have commissioned, starting with Cross River State, followed by Bayelsa, and now Delta State.’

Victor Antai, the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, gave the project brief and the new office complex is actually a prototype of the one in Rivers State, commissioned on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, by Ibim Semenitari, the then Acting Managing Director.

He recalled that on that occasion, Semenitari had expressed relief that the NDDC staff in the Rivers State office could work in an elaborate environment deliberately textured for maximum output.

She had stated: ‘As we commission the Rivers State office, we celebrate a significant milestone and our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region and our staff. We decided to ensure that we exit all rented accommodation at the headquarters and across all the states to enable us to conserve scarce resources, which we should be using to develop our communities.

‘The NDDC is transforming the skyline of our host communities for the better. This edifice was designed and completed with the staff in mind. It has provisions for several facilities, including a large reception hall, conference/multi-purpose hall for 250 people, staff canteen, sick bay and offices for drivers on the ground floor. Each of its four floors has ample space for offices.

According to Semenitari, ‘The Rivers State Office would accommodate about 120 members of staff, with unique office suites for the State Representative and the Director of the state office. Additionally, it includes provisions for key Head Office Directorates. It is indeed a worker’s delight!

‘I saw that the workers of the Commission needed an office accommodation that would support their specific needs. We soon hit the ground running, tasking both the contractor and the project consultant with an exit date. I concluded that if we must demand absolute service from the Rivers State office workers to the Commission and, by implication, to the people, we must provide them with the tools.

In his goodwill message, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, commended the NDDC Board and Management and urged them not to rest on their oars.

Speaking in a similar vein, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, congratulated the NDDC management for significantly impacting the lives of Niger Deltans.

For Ned Nwoko, a senator, the new office complex ‘reflects the renewed commitment to efficient service delivery, transparency, and people-centred governance in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Sharing this sentiment, Anthony Ofoni, the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, affirmed that the NDDC’s new structure is a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Federal and State Governments aimed at attracting more development to the state, thereby improving the lives of people at the grassroots.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the $460 million Chinese loan obtained by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the Federal Capital Territory, a project that was never completed despite years of debt servicing.

In 2010, the federal government obtained a $460 million loan from the China EXIM Bank to finance the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations across the FCT to curb insecurity.

The contract was awarded to ZTE Communications, a Chinese firm, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Beijing by Olusegun Aganga, the then Finance Minister. The loan was part of a $600 million soft credit facility, repayable over 10 years after an initial 10-year grace period.

The House resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Amobi Ogah, who represents the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, during Wednesday’s plenary session.

The motion, titled ‘Need to investigate the rising insecurity and loss of several lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, despite the CCTV project secured with a Chinese loan of $460 million,’ drew attention to the growing wave of insecurity in the nation’s capital and questioned the fate of the long-abandoned surveillance project. Ogah said despite the substantial financial commitment, there has been no visible impact of the project on public safety. ‘The administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, acting in good conscience, sought to tackle insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory through the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor criminal activity. Yet, despite the heavy investment and continuous servicing of the loan, there is no evidence of functionality. Instead, insecurity in Abuja has worsened, with rising incidents of violent crimes and loss of lives’, Ogah said.

Ogah described the situation as a ‘lose-lose nightmare’ for Nigeria, given that the country continues to repay a loan for a non-functional project executed by the same foreign contractor from which the loan originated.

The motion was adopted by the House, which resolved to mandate its relevant committees to investigate the utilisation of the loan and the current status of the CCTV project.

Nigeria’s top business, finance, and sustainability leaders have called for stronger financing mechanisms, sound policy frameworks, and innovation-driven strategies to accelerate Africa’s transition toward a sustainable future.

The call was made on Tuesday in Lagos at the media launch of the 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum, a prelude to one of the continent’s most influential gatherings on sustainability.

The media launch, held ahead of the ESG Masterclass on October 28 and the Main Forum on October 29, highlighted the Forum’s growing influence in shaping sustainable business transformation, climate resilience, and corporate responsibility across Africa.

Now in its third year, the 2025 edition of the Forum, themed ‘Energy Security and Decarbonisation: Bridging the Gap for a Sustainable Future,’ will focus on designing an African energy transition model that addresses energy poverty while advancing environmental responsibility and economic inclusion. Delivering the opening remarks, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chair of the ESG Forum Technical Committee and External Affairs Director, BAT West and Central Africa, highlighted the continent’s most pressing sustainability challenge: how to power development without harming the environment.

‘Africa must not merely import global sustainability standards; we must define our own context,’ Erewa-Meggison said. ‘Our conversation is not just about reducing emissions, it is about expanding opportunity. We must begin to look for solutions that work for us; solutions that ensure energy fuels factories, lights homes, and sustains livelihoods.’

She explained that the Forum aims to serve as a rallying point for collaboration between private sector players, policymakers, and financiers.

According to her, the transition to a low-carbon economy must be pragmatic and equitable, ensuring that communities and industries still struggling with basic power access are not left behind.

‘The transition is not only about what we stop doing, but what we build in its place: innovation, local capacity, and inclusive progress,’ she added. Representing the financial sector, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, Head of Risk and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, underscored that sustainable transformation will remain elusive without robust financing structures.

‘Transition financing is not a buzzword; it is the backbone of implementation,’ she said. ‘We must de-risk sustainability investments and build blended finance structures that attract both public and private capital. If we want transformation, we must build financial systems that reward responsibility and long-term value creation.’

Leye-Odeyemi emphasised the need for financial innovation to unlock climate finance. She urged the private sector to explore instruments such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and other capital market tools that align with Africa’s development priorities.

Speaking from the agribusiness perspective, Yosola Onanuga, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, examined how energy and food security are deeply interconnected.

‘Food security and energy security are inseparable,’ she said. ‘By integrating renewable energy into agricultural production and processing, agribusinesses can lower costs, reduce emissions, and build resilience for communities most vulnerable to climate shocks.’ Onanuga’s remarks reinforced the need for cross-sector collaboration, highlighting how sustainable energy solutions can simultaneously drive agricultural productivity and rural development.

In her closing remarks, Halimat Shuaibu, Head of Business Communication and Sustainability at BAT West and Central Africa, reflected on the Forum’s overarching goal, to move the continent from dialogue to measurable action.

‘This Forum is a collaborative commitment to align profit with purpose, and growth with responsibility,’ she said.

Bassey Otu,Cross River State governor, has unveiled a landmark welfare initiative, the Cross River Social Investment Programme (CRSIP), a bold social re-engineering framework designed to expand the frontiers of government responsibility and ensure that citizens across all strata benefit directly from the state’s development agenda.

Speaking during the State Executive Council meeting, Governor Otu said the initiative emerged from the need to cushion the pressure of dwindling resources through an integrated approach involving government, the private sector, manufacturers, and the people themselves. ‘In times when resources are limited,’ he explained, ‘the only sustainable path forward is to strengthen shared responsibility, where energy, enterprise, and empathy converge for the common good.’

The governor emphasised that the new programme would touch every corner of the state, deepening the impact of his administration’s People First philosophy. ‘This is not just another policy; it is a people-centred covenant,’ he said. ‘Through the Cross River Social Investment Programme, we are ensuring that the benefits of governance seep into every household, particularly among the less privileged and those facing sanitation and welfare challenges.’

Under the framework, two key committees are to be constituted. The first, known as the Cross-Value and Partnership Committee, will coordinate multi-sectoral projects that address the peculiar needs of various social groups. Governor Otu said the committee would ‘serve as a bridge of collaboration between government and society, harnessing value chains and partnerships that empower people to thrive in dignity.’

The second committee, to be called Project UOPE (Cross River Universal Opportunity Programme for Empowerment), is designed to provide renewed hope and purpose for the elderly and vulnerable members of society. ‘Our elders deserve to live their twilight years with pride and comfort,’ Otu declared. ‘Through Project HOPE, we will restore not only their livelihoods but also their sense of belonging and value within our communities.’ Each of the committees will comprise a chairman and eight members drawn from diverse sectors, reflecting balance, inclusivity, and merit. According to the governor, ‘every member of these committees will be chosen based on integrity, compassion, and competence; not on politics or privilege.’

Governor Otu further directed that both committees should identify 50 youths and 50 adults in every ward across the state, cutting across political, gender, and ethnic boundaries. ‘This process will be transparent, fair, and purely merit-driven,’ he assured. ‘We will ensure that every Cross Riverian, irrespective of creed, status, or political leaning, has a stake in this transformative journey.’

The governor also underscored the importance of gender balance, stating that equal representation of men and women would be non-negotiable. ‘A society cannot stand on one leg,’ he said. ‘For development to be sustainable, both men and women must walk hand in hand, building together, dreaming together, and succeeding together.’

He said the Cross River Social Investment Programme embodies his administration’s unyielding devotion to human development and inclusive governance. ‘This is what the People First agenda truly means,’ he declared. ‘It is about governance that listens, leadership that serves, and progress that touches every life. With CRSIP, we are building not just a stronger economy, but a fairer and more compassionate society.’

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the name of Bernard Doro to the Senate for confirmation as a minister representing Plateau State.

The nomination, which was announced 24 hours earlier, follows the exit of Nentawe Yilwatda, the former minister from the state, who now serves as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read during Wednesday’s plenary, President Tinubu said the nomination was made in accordance with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The president urged the Senate to give the request ‘expeditious consideration.’

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for screening and possible confirmation.

However, the earliest the Senate can take up the confirmation is next Tuesday, as the chamber will not hold plenary on Thursday due to a retreat on the ongoing constitution review exercise scheduled for this weekend in Lagos.