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Nigeria has secured its third major gas investment in 18 months, with Shell approving a $2 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for a new offshore gas development in the HI Field, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 144.

The project is expected to deliver about 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) from 2028 – roughly one-third of the gas requirements of the Nigeria LNG Limited’s Train 7 project.

President Bola Tinubu welcomed the investment, describing it as another clear vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and energy policies.

‘This major FID announcement by Shell, their second in one year, is a clear validation of our wide-ranging reform efforts and a signal to the world that Nigeria is fully open for business and investment,’ the President said.

The new decision brings total upstream investment commitments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to over $8 billion since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

The announcement followed earlier approvals of the Ubeta Non-Associated Gas project and the Bonga North deepwater development, both seen as cornerstones of the administration’s energy revitalisation drive.

Together, the Ubeta and HI gas projects will supply up to 15 percent of the total feedgas requirements of the NLNG’s Trains 1 to 7, underpinning energy security and export reliability.

These investment inflows, it was gathered, are the result of targeted reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, coordinated through the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

The reforms include fiscal incentives, streamlined regulatory processes, reduced contracting costs, and faster approval timelines – measures now enshrined in law.

The HI gas field, discovered in 1985, is being developed under Presidential Directive 40, which introduced a new fiscal framework to attract Non-Associated Gas investment in onshore and shallow offshore zones.

Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, said the HI and Ubeta projects will solidify the foundation for NLNG’s Train 7 and enhance domestic energy access.

‘With the Ubeta FID and now the HI FID, we have secured the gas supply needed to make NLNG Train 7 not just possible, but transformative. These projects will strengthen Nigeria’s LNG exports, expand LPG availability for households, reduce imports, and boost foreign exchange earnings. And this is only the beginning – more FIDs are on the horizon’, Verheijen stated.

Shell’s Upstream President, Peter Costello, affirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector.

‘Following recent investment decisions related to the Bonga deep-water development, today’s announcement demonstrates our continued commitment to Nigeria’s energy sector, with a focus on Deepwater and Integrated Gas.

‘This project will grow Shell’s leading gas portfolio while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a more significant player in the global LNG market’, Costello said.

The NLNG Train 7 expansion, to which the new projects will contribute, is expected to increase Nigeria’s LNG capacity by 8 million metric tonnes annually, a 35 percent boost over current production.

The expansion will also stimulate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthen SME participation in host communities, and expand the country’s clean energy footprint.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining a stable investment climate.

Residents of Chief Natufe, Babs Animashaun and Bode Thomas areas of Surulere, Lagos, have again protested a proposed cemetery in their neighbourhood, accusing the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development of attempting to force the project on them.

The residents alleged that the plan, promoted by businessman Olumide Amure, poses grave health and environmental risks, particularly to their borehole water- the only source of clean water.

Their renewed agitation followed a stakeholder’s meeting conveyed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at Eko Club, Surulere, yesterday.

According to the residents, notice of the meeting only got to them at midnight, and they could not mobilise their members since people left for their respective businesses and work places before dawn.

‘The notice for this meeting was sent at 12am. There was no way to inform the core residents and CDA executives. Many had gone to work by morning. The meeting should have been rescheduled and proper notice given,’ said Bayo Sanwo-Olu, one of the residents.

Similarly, Uche Umeweni, confirmed receiving the notice around midnight. ‘We got the message asking us to mobilise for a stakeholders’ meeting. By the time I saw it in the morning, people were already off to their businesses. It was clear the organisers didn’t want residents to attend,’ he said.

Umeweni expressed disappointment that Commissioner Olumide, ‘was making a case for the cemetery instead of listening to residents’ concerns.’

A community leader questioned whose interest the commissioner was representing, alleging that he appeared more interested in defending the developer than protecting residents’ welfare.

‘Governor Sanwo-Olu personally stopped this same project two years ago. When we protested in June, it was also stopped. Why is the commissioner now trying to revive it? Did he not see the schools, churches and houses surrounding the proposed site? Did he not hear that we drink from boreholes? A cemetery there will contaminate our water,’ lamented a CDA leader.

The residents also queried why Amure failed to honour invitations from the State Assembly but attended a meeting convened by the ministry.

A former CDA chairman, Olanrewaju Olaniyan, warned that the community would resist any attempt to reintroduce the project.

‘The developer should know the consequences of his actions. We will not allow him to pollute our land and water. We have lived here for over 50 years; many of us are elderly. Bringing a cemetery here is like inviting an epidemic. We are begging him to consider a business that will develop, not destroy our community,’ he declared.

Defending the proposal, Commissioner Olumide said the project was conceived to address the shortage of designated burial spaces in Surulere. He described it as part of the state’s broader infrastructure development plan to ensure equitable distribution of essential facilities across Lagos.

‘Lagos is growing rapidly within a limited land space. We must adopt creative and inclusive planning to meet public needs. The proposed site meets global standards, and its location is permissible under state guidelines,’ he said.

He urged residents to view the project objectively, saying it would benefit the entire local government area.

Supporting the commissioner, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, said the developer, under the company name Legacy Gardens, had revised the original plan to reflect concerns raised by stakeholders. These, he said, included underground water safety, drainage, security, and proximity to residences.

Town planners Risikat Bello and Sulaiman Raheem also made presentations explaining the criteria used in reviewing the proposal.

On his part, Amure said the cemetery would be equipped with modern management facilities, including street lighting, CCTV surveillance, 24-hour security, and a 20-metre setback from surrounding properties. He added that the design incorporates a strategic drainage system to prevent flooding or groundwater contamination.

At the close of the meeting, ministry officials announced that another stakeholders’ meeting would be held soon to allow for broader participation and further discussions on the contentious proposal.

Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and his wife in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JTF-OPEP is a special task force saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states.

Zhakom said that the 40 and 18 years-old suspects were apprehended on Oct. 8, by its troops in collaboration with Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY).

‘In a coordinated operation to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area, troops JTF OPEP in collaboration with that of OPFY tracked and apprehended two notorious gunrunners.

‘The suspects were intercepted at a snap checkpoint established by the joint troops of JTF OPEP and OPFY at the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere LGA.

‘The operation, prompted by auctionable intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau, led to the recovery of 1,207 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.

‘The ammunition was believed to be bound for armed groups operating in the North West region of the country,’he said.

The media officer said that suspects and other items recovered are currently in its custody undergoing further investigation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, beginning with the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8, 2025.

Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, gave the assurance yesterday at the quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

She said the commission had completed 10 out of 13 key activities on the timetable and schedule for the Anambra election and is determined to deliver a free and fair poll.

‘The timetable for the Anambra governorship election outlines 13 activities to be carried out by the commission. I am glad to inform you that we have completed 10 of these,’ she said.

‘The remaining activities are the publication of the notice of poll slated for October 25, 2025, the last day for campaigns on November 6, 2025, and the election itself on November 8, 2025. The commission is committed to strictly adhering to these timelines.’

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that non-sensitive election materials had already been delivered to Anambra State, while voter education and sensitisation campaigns were ongoing. She also confirmed that the commission had held several security meetings at national, state, and local levels to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.

‘Political parties are reminded to be mindful of the last day for campaigns and to keep strictly to it,’ she cautioned.

The INEC boss also provided updates on the commission’s preparations for other upcoming elections across the country, including:

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections are scheduled for February 21, 2026; the Ekiti State governorship election is fixed for June 20, 2026; and the Osun State governorship election is slated for August 8, 2026.

According to her, the commission had already released the timetable and schedule of activities for these polls, with several of the activities already carried out.

‘For the FCT Area Council elections, which will be held in 68 constituencies-comprising six council chairmen and deputies, and 62 wards-the Commission has completed eight of the 13 scheduled activities,’ she explained.

‘The remaining activities include the submission of polling agents’ names, publication of the official register of voters, publication of notice of poll, the last day for campaigns, and the election itself.’

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu also reviewed the successful conduct of bye-elections held on August 16, 2025, across two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, as well as two court-ordered re-runs in Enugu and Kano States, where Certificates of Return had been issued to winners in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

The Acting INEC Chairman announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise resumed on August 18, 2025, for online pre-registration, and on August 25, 2025, for in-person registration at all INEC state and local government offices nationwide.

She said the exercise, which will run for a full year until August 30, 2026, has achieved impressive participation nationwide.

‘The response of Nigerians to the CVR exercise has been remarkable. This demonstrates that Nigerians believe in our democracy and trust the Commission’s efforts to ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to choose their leaders,’ she said.

‘The details of completed online and physical registrations are published on our website weekly.’

On the registration of new political parties, Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that out of 171 associations that applied to INEC, 14 had been pre-qualified to proceed to the next stage after meeting the basic requirements.

‘Each request was assessed based on its compliance with Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 79 (1, 2, and 4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022,’ she explained.

Speaking on behalf of all registered political parties, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, commended INEC for its renewed commitment to credible elections but urged the Commission to sustain the momentum.

He emphasised that Nigerians expect the electoral body to justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring that the upcoming Anambra governorship election and other off-cycle polls reflect the true will of the people.

‘After 26 years of unbroken democracy, we must get it right,’ Dantalle said.

‘The forthcoming Anambra governorship election is the litmus test for the new INEC leadership. Its success will set the tone for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the decisive 2027 general election.’

He urged the commission to uphold transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in all electoral processes, adding that credible elections remain the bedrock of national stability.

‘With new leadership at INEC, citizens’ expectations are high. The commission must justify the confidence the nation has placed in it. That is the only way to rebuild trust in the electoral process and encourage mass participation in future polls,’ he stated.

Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s readiness to collaborate with INEC in consolidating Nigeria’s democratic gains.

‘As the umbrella body of all registered political parties, IPAC assures the commission of our continued support in promoting political stability, successful elections, and the overall well-being of Nigerians,’ he added.

‘We are all in this together-to build a better, greater, inclusive, prosperous, and just democratic society.’

In conclusion, Acting Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu reiterated INEC’s unwavering resolve to uphold the integrity of the electoral process through professionalism, inclusivity, and transparency.

‘The commission remains committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria through credible elections that reflect the will of the people,’ she affirmed.

The Public Complaints Commission has restated its unwavering commitment to promoting justice, accountability, and fairness.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, on Wednesday, during the golden jubilee celebration of the Commission, the Commissioner representing Ekiti State, Prince Akintade Olayisade, said the celebration offered an opportunity to renew PCC’s dedication to equity and protection of citizens’ rights.

He emphasised that as the Commission celebrates 50 years of service, the Ekiti office remains resolute in strengthening justice delivery, deepening transparency, and ensuring every citizen, regardless of their status, can seek redress against administrative injustice.

Olayisade noted that the Commission, established on October 16, 1975, during the administration of General Murtala Mohammed, has remained the voice of the voiceless, the defender of fairness, and a bridge between the government and the governed.

‘For fifty years, the Public Complaints Commission has been a pillar of justice and fairness in our democracy. As we celebrate this golden milestone, we reaffirm our resolve to deepen justice delivery, strengthen transparency, and ensure that every Nigerian has access to redress without fear or favour.’

The Commissioner noted that the Ekiti PCC has consistently upheld the core values of the ombudsman by ensuring prompt and impartial investigation of complaints bordering on unpaid entitlements, wrongful dismissals, and land disputes.

Olayisade said these interventions have brought relief to the aggrieved and restored citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

He also highlighted the Commission’s commitment to innovation and reform, including the introduction of digital record-keeping systems, open-door complaint mechanisms, and sustained public enlightenment campaigns to raise awareness about citizens’ rights and avenues for redress.

While acknowledging challenges such as limited resources and increasing case volumes, the Commissioner maintained that such hurdles would not deter the commission from fulfilling its statutory responsibilities.

‘Our commitment remains firm and unshaken. We will continue to defend the rights of the people, uphold fairness in all dealings, and promote transparency and accountability across all tiers of government’, he assured.

Olayisade commended the Ekiti State Government, ministries, departments, agencies, civil society groups, and the general public for their continued cooperation and urged them to sustain their support for the Commission’s mission.

Experts, policymakers, and business leaders have called for renewed confidence in the economy and collaboration between public and private sectors as key drivers of sustainable growth.

The call was made at the maiden Nigeria Investment Forum (NIF), with the theme: ‘Nigeria’s Business Policies and Investment Opportunities’ and the slogan, ‘Naija go work, Japa no be solution.’

Organised by Hullbridge Solicitors, the forum was described as a ‘turning point’ in the effort to reawaken investor confidence and reposition Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment.

Speaking at the event, Managing Partner, Mr. Anthony Nwajiugo, said the initiative was designed to create a platform for investors, policymakers, and innovators to chart a course for economic recovery.

He noted: ‘We must renew our faith in Nigeria’s business environment. Strategic partnerships and innovation are vital to unlocking opportunities and driving growth.’

In his keynote address, Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, spoke on ‘The Role of National Orientation Agency in Mitigating the Negative Effects of the Japa Syndrome in Nigeria.’

He stressed that true national development could be achieved when Nigerians deploy skills and resources to rebuild the domestic economy.

The forum featured four panel sessions examining opportunities in technology, law, health, and agriculture.

Discussions centred on leveraging innovation to drive inclusion, strengthen governance, and build human capital.

Lawyers, including Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), Fola Kuti (SAN), and Prof. Nwudego Chinwuba examined ways innovation and investment can boost inclusion, improve governance, and strengthen human capital.

The Agriculture and Oil and Gas panel, featuring Engr. Precious Adeho and Mr. Tobi Adegbite, underscored the urgent need to diversify Nigeria’s economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Participants agreed that Nigeria’s path to economic recovery lies in fostering innovation, reforming key sectors, and cultivating a renewed sense of national commitment.

‘Nigeria has the talent, the market, and the resources,’ Nwajiugo concluded. ‘What remains is for us to believe in our potential and act together to make it work.’

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos said South Africa’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was the result of all the work over the last three years.

There was a lot riding for Bafana before the match after Friday’s goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Durban put their qualifying hopes in doubt.

However, Bafana turned up and blew the Amavubi away with three unanswered goals to claim top spot in Group C ahead of Nigeria, who thrashed Benin 4-0 in the day’s other clash.

‘It feels wonderful. We all knew that we could do it, we believed in ourselves and I think you saw it from the beginning of the game that we wanted to win the game,’ Broos told SABC Sport.

‘The only thing was what happened in Nigeria so Nigeria did what they had to do and we did what we had to do so we’re going to the World Cup fantastic.’

The balance, will-power and overall exuberance of the Bafana team stems from three years of work, identifying the right players and didn’t come together overnight.

‘You know, the age doesn’t matter, it doesn’t. It’s the talent, mentality and this is something also with the young players today – they have the right mentality and have the talent and then you can make a good team and I think we did that in the last three years,’ he added.

‘We changed players and every time it was the right choice, so what happened today was work from three years now, I think the future looks very bright for South African football so let’s do a nice and good AFCON in December and then we go to America.’

Filmmaker and actor Lateef Adedimeji has reacted after his film ‘Lisabi’ secured seven nominations at the 2025 Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA).

The movie is recognised in categories including Best Visual Effects, Best Director, Best Make-up, Best Nigerian Film, Best Actor, Best Film in African Language, and Best Film Overall.

In a Instagram post, Lateef expressed overwhelming gratitude, noting how much these nominations mean to him.

He celebrated the collective effort behind Lisabi, thanking the cast, crew, distribution partners, and collaborators like Niyi Akinmolayan and Anthillstudios for bringing the project to life.

He also shared an inspiring message, encouraging others to persevere as recognition will come in time.

He wrote: ‘ALHAMDULILAH. I once again realised how much of a great work our last mega project, LISABI, is, as we bagged 7 nominations at the AMAA Awards.

‘To be nominated in seven categories alongside great movies from this continent means so much to me, and beyond words, I’m super grateful for the recognition.

‘I want to once again appreciate everyone who worked on the Lisabi project, from cast and crew to distribution partners and those who supported us one way or the other.

‘A big thank you to our wonderful partners, @niyiakinmolayan and @anthillstudios, for bringing our vision to life.

‘I hope this encourages someone to keep going, recognition will come someday. Thank you AMAA! Cc @akeemeffect etc’.

Supreme Court has struck out an appeal filed by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to overturn the acquittal of Dismass Adoon, former aide to former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpolobokemi.

The panel was led by Justice Mohammed Garba, with Justices Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Tsammani, and Jamilu Tukur concurring.

In its September 25 ruling in Appeal SC/ML/29/2025, Supreme Court struck out EFCC’s motion after prosecution withdrew it, holding the case could not proceed any further.

The legal tussle originated at Federal High Court, Lagos Division, which, in 2019, convicted Adoon on counts of conversion contrary to Section 15(1) of Money Laundering (Prohibition Amendment) Act.

He was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on each count, with an option of a N7 million fine per count.

Adoon challenged the decision at Court of Appeal, Lagos.

In its unanimous judgment, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Chidi Uwa ruled that Section 15 of the Money Laundering Act is not a strict liability offence and requires proof of knowledge or intent.

The court found that Adoon, as personal assistant to NIMASA’s chief, was responsible only for managing schedules, visitors, and itineraries.

He neither participated in meetings nor in tender processes or committee accounts.

Consequently, there was no evidence he knew or ought to have known that the funds iwere unlawfully obtained.

Emphasising the principle that any doubt in a criminal trial must be resolved in favour of the accused, the appellate court set aside the trial court’s conviction and acquitted Adoon on all counts.

Dissatisfied with the decision, EFCC approached Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the acquittal and reinstate the conviction.

However, following the withdrawal of its motion dated February 4, Supreme Court struck out the appeal, thereby leaving the acquittal intact.

Tamrose Limited, a leading oil and gas service company has announced the successful repayment of a $10 million loan it obtained in 2019 from the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund), the dedicated financing scheme managed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for growing capacity in the oil and gas industry.

NCDMB confirmed that the final instalment was completed on September 30, 2025, with no missed payments throughout the six-year repayment period according to a statement by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, GM Corporate Communications, NCDMB.

At the time of accessing the loan, Tamrose operated with only four security patrol vessels. With the support of the NCI Fund, the company expanded significantly and today owns a fleet of 15 vessels comprising 10 security patrol vessels and five platform supply vessels. This growth, achieved within six years, positions Tamrose as a leading indigenous marine solutions provider to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The Executive Chairman of Tamrose Limited, Mr. Ambrose Ovbiebo, disclosed that the repayment milestone reflected both the rigorous standards NCDMB applied in selecting beneficiaries and the impact of its interventions in building real capacity among indigenous players. For Tamrose, it marks a defining moment in its growth journey and reinforces its position as a proud beneficiary and flag bearer of the NCDMB legacy.

In a letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Ovbiebo, expressed appreciation to the Board for its unwavering support of indigenous companies.

He stated that the repayment milestone also marked a defining moment in the company’s growth journey as a marine solutions provider and as a proud beneficiary of NCDMB’s intervention.

In recognition of this achievement, Tamrose proposed to host a celebration event at the NCDMB conference hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on November 13 2025.

The event will be attended by oil and gas stakeholders across the country and will serve as an opportunity to showcase how the NCI Fund has empowered indigenous companies, while also highlighting broader benefits, including job creation, human capital development, and value-chain expansion.

The event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the positive outcomes of NCDMB’s funding interventions and the importance of sustained collaboration in building capacity within the sector. It will also serve as a platform to encourage more indigenous operators to take advantage of structured support systems like the NCI Fund to expand their businesses and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s local content objectives.