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The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has appealed to the global community, including the Commonwealth, to support Nigeria’s democracy and youth empowerment.

Obi, in continuation of his consultation and knowledge-seeking mission, was at the Commonwealth of Nations Secretariat, London, where he met Shirley Botchwey, the Secretary General.

Obi, writing on his X handle, noted that this wide range consultations within and outside the country since 2023, is part of his efforts at acquiring knowledge preparatory to his Presidential ambition in 2027.

Obi, was accompanied to the international body, by his wife, Margaret, where he had discussions on ‘critical issues of our nation, democracy, education, and youth empowerment dominated the discussion at the enriching event.’

According to him, ‘On Wednesday, my wife and I met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at the Commonwealth Headquarters in London. Our discussions centred on promoting democracy, deepening the rule of law, expanding access to education, and empowering young people across Commonwealth nations.

‘With over 2.5 billion of the Commonwealth’s population under the age of 30, young people remain the organisation’s greatest asset and hope for the future.

‘I emphasised that for Nigeria, a nation richly endowed with human and natural resources, meaningful investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship is key to unlocking the vast potential of our youth.

‘When properly equipped, our young people will not only drive national development but also contribute significantly to global progress.

‘I further noted that youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Addressing it requires intentional and practical action – through skills development, access to quality education, and the creation of an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises to thrive.

‘Hon. Botchwey, the first African woman to lead the 56-member Commonwealth, reaffirmed that her top priorities include education, youth engagement, and employment creation.

‘She spoke passionately about the need to build inclusive societies that promote democracy, good governance, justice, and equal opportunity for all.’

He noted that her visionary, reform-minded leadership continues to amplify the voices of developing nations within the Commonwealth and inspire greater cooperation among member states.

‘She also stressed that empowering young people is not only vital to sustaining democracy but also indispensable to shaping a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all Commonwealth citizens. Her commitment to youth inclusion, education, and institutional reform reflects the enduring values of the Commonwealth.

‘I commended Hon. Botchwey for her dynamic and inspiring leadership, describing her as a trailblazer whose dedication to education, youth empowerment, and democratic ideals strengthens the global Commonwealth community,’ he added.

Obi expressed confidence that with leaders like her, ‘the Commonwealth will continue to serve as a beacon of unity, hope, and shared progress for its member nations.’

The Kano State Government has taken former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to court, accusing him, his two sons, and several associates of mismanaging public funds and unlawfully taking control of the state’s stake in a major project.

In a case filed before the Kano State High Court on October 13, 2025, the government is demanding the return of ?4.49 billion allegedly misappropriated during Ganduje’s tenure as governor. The suit also seeks to recover the state’s 20 percent ownership share in Dala Inland Dry Port Limited a major logistics and trade project meant to boost Kano’s economy by serving as an import and export hub for northern Nigeria.

The defendants named in the suit include Ganduje himself; his sons, Umar Abdullahi Umar and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar; Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro, a former Special Adviser; Hassan Bello, former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council; Adamu Aliyu Sanda, a legal practitioner; and Dala Inland Dry Port Limited.

According to court filings, the state government alleges that during Ganduje’s administration, public funds were diverted and state assets were transferred illegally to private individuals under the guise of investment partnerships. The government’s legal team claims that the 20 percent equity originally belonging to Kano in the Dala Inland Dry Port was ‘unlawfully and fraudulently’ taken away, depriving the state of its rightful benefits in the project.

The case is one of several investigations the current administration has launched into financial transactions that took place under the former governor. Since taking office, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has repeatedly accused his predecessor of corruption and financial misconduct, vowing to recover every kobo of public money allegedly stolen.

The Dala Inland Dry Port, located in Kano, was conceived as a key economic project to decongest Lagos ports and open up trade opportunities for northern businesses. It was expected to serve as an inland terminal for handling cargo directly from ships, cutting transportation costs and improving trade efficiency. However, according to the lawsuit, the project became a channel for questionable financial dealings and asset transfers.

The Kano government argues that Ganduje and his associates took advantage of their positions to illegally convert public investments into private ownership, reducing the state’s equity and transferring control to individuals with no legitimate claim. The suit further alleges that the funds amounting to over ?4.49 billion were diverted under various pretenses, including consultancy services and project financing, without proper documentation or due process.

Sources familiar with the case say the government’s legal team is prepared to present financial records, corporate documents, and witness testimonies to prove that the transactions violated procurement laws and breached public trust. The state contends that the alleged actions not only robbed Kano people of valuable resources but also stalled development projects that could have improved the local economy and created jobs.

On the other hand, political observers believe the case may deepen the ongoing rivalry between Ganduje’s camp and Governor Yusuf’s administration. The two have been at loggerheads since the 2023 elections, with Yusuf accusing the former governor of leaving behind a ‘legacy of looting,’ while Ganduje’s supporters insist that the current government is pursuing a political witch-hunt rather than genuine accountability.

This is not the first time Ganduje’s name has appeared in corruption-related controversies. During his time as governor, he faced allegations of collecting kickbacks from contractors, though he consistently denied any wrongdoing and described such claims as ‘fabricated lies’ by his political enemies. The former governor, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has yet to officially respond to this latest lawsuit.

Legal experts say the case could have far-reaching implications, not just for Ganduje and his associates but also for the broader issue of political accountability in Nigeria. If proven, the recovery of ?4.49 billion and the return of the state’s 20 percent stake in Dala Inland Dry Port could set a new precedent for reclaiming public assets diverted under past administrations.

Meanwhile, the court is expected to fix a date for the hearing soon. The Kano State Government has expressed confidence that justice will be served, stressing that the case is part of its wider anti-corruption drive aimed at restoring integrity to public service.

Officials close to the governor said the administration is determined to pursue every legal channel to retrieve public assets and funds allegedly stolen under previous governments. ‘This is not about politics,’ one official reportedly said. ‘It’s about accountability and doing right by the people of Kano State. Every kobo of public money must be traced, recovered, and returned.’

The Dala Inland Dry Port controversy has also sparked public debate across the state. Many residents say they support the government’s effort to investigate and recover lost funds, arguing that corruption has slowed Kano’s development for years. However, others warn that the case should be handled carefully to avoid being seen as a political vendetta that could distract from governance.

Tragedy struck in Zamfara State on Thursday evening when bandits ambushed and killed five police officers and three members of the Community Protection Guards (CPGs) who were on patrol along the Gusau Funtuwa road in Tsafe Local Government Area. The attack, which took place near Gidan-Giye village, a few kilometres from Tsafe town, has once again thrown the state into mourning and raised concerns about the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria.

Although the Zamfara State Police Command has not yet released an official statement, Governor Dauda Lawal confirmed the killings in a Facebook post late Thursday night. Expressing deep sorrow, the governor wrote, ‘To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. I have received a sad report that police officers and Askarawa were killed on the Funtuwa road to Gusau. May Allah rest their souls and grant their families the strength to bear this loss. We continue to pray for an end to this crisis in Zamfara, the North, and Nigeria.’

According to residents, the slain officers were on a routine patrol aimed at ensuring the safety of travellers along the road, which has become notorious for frequent bandit attacks. The patrol team, comprising police personnel and community protection guards, had reportedly set out from Gusau, the state capital, earlier in the evening. Their mission was to monitor security conditions and discourage the presence of armed gangs who often block roads, kidnap travellers, and extort money from residents.

Eyewitnesses said the ambush was sudden and well-coordinated. One of them, Ya’u Musa, who lives near Gidan-Giye village, told reporters that the bandits emerged unexpectedly from the surrounding bush and opened heavy fire on the patrol vehicle. ‘The attack happened very fast,’ he said. ‘The security men were driving past when the bandits came out from their hiding spots and started shooting. All the officers in the vehicle were killed instantly.’

Musa added that the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of the patrol movement. ‘It looked like the bandits knew they were coming,’ he said. ‘These officers had come from the government house in Gusau on a special assignment to make the road safe for travellers. Not long after they left Tsafe, we started hearing gunshots. It didn’t take long before we realized they had been ambushed.’

The gunmen, estimated to be in large numbers, reportedly rode on motorcycles, a common practice among bandits operating in the North-West. After the ambush, they fled into the nearby forest before reinforcements could arrive. Residents who later visited the scene described it as horrifying, with the patrol vehicle riddled with bullet holes. ‘It was a shocking sight,’ another resident said. ‘The whole place was littered with bullet shells, and the vehicle was completely damaged.’

Following the attack, the bodies of the eight slain officers were taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau. Security sources said additional personnel have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests in search of the attackers, but no arrests have been reported as of Friday morning. The area remains tense, with many locals fearful that the bandits might strike again.

Zamfara State, one of the regions worst affected by banditry in Nigeria, has seen repeated attacks on both civilians and security operatives over the years. Despite several military operations and peace efforts, the violence continues to claim lives and disrupt economic activities. The Gusau-Funtuwa road, in particular, has long been identified as one of the most dangerous routes in the state, with many commuters either avoiding it or travelling in groups for safety.

Thursday’s attack adds to the growing number of violent incidents targeting security personnel in the region. Analysts say such assaults demonstrate the boldness of the bandits and highlight the enormous challenges faced by security agencies. The killing of uniformed officers also raises concerns about intelligence leaks, as the attackers appeared to know when and where the patrol team would pass.

Residents have called on the federal and state governments to intensify security operations and ensure that the killers are brought to justice. ‘We are tired of living in fear,’ said a trader in Tsafe. ‘Almost every week, there are attacks. Sometimes they kidnap people, sometimes they kill. The government must do more to protect us.’

Governor Lawal, in his message, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting banditry and restoring peace in Zamfara. He urged residents to remain calm while assuring them that the state government was working closely with security agencies to address the situation. ‘We will not give up,’ he wrote. ‘The safety of our people and our security personnel remains our top priority.’

The killings have also sparked grief among law enforcement officers in the state. A police officer, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to comment, described the deaths as heartbreaking. ‘These were our colleagues who risked their lives to protect others,’ he said. ‘It is painful to lose them like this. Every time we step out for patrol, we know the risks, but we cannot abandon our duty.’

Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market is bracing for more shake-ups after the Dangote Refinery resumed full-scale operations this week and raised its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, gantry price by 7% to N877 per litre from N820.

The price adjustment, though an increase, remains below the N890- N900 per litre being charged by many private depot operators, positioning Dangote Refinery to reclaim market share and pressure independent fuel suppliers already grappling with tight margins and weakening liquidity.

Data compiled by BusinessDay showed leading depot operators Pinnacle and Rainoil quoted wholesale rates of N890 and N885 per litre, respectively, while Optima and Matrix were selling at N880-N890 per litre. That differential of N10-N20 per litre could become a critical factor in pricing decisions across the retail network, where pump prices have remained volatile in recent weeks.

Industry sources stated that Dangote’s discounted gantry price applies primarily to buyers purchasing two million litres or more, indicating that only major marketers and bulk distributors are eligible. This tiered pricing approach effectively rewards high-volume traders and integrated marketers capable of handling large consignments and logistics costs.

‘Dangote’s pricing strategy is clearly scale-sensitive,’ said a senior downstream executive who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly. ‘For smaller depots or independent marketers who can’t buy in such volumes, the gap is enough to push them out of the competitive lane.’

The move could further accelerate consolidation in the downstream petroleum market, with smaller depots either forced into partnerships or acquisitions to stay afloat.

Stakeholders in West Africa’s construction and infrastructure sector will converge in Lagos to address key themes around innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation at the upcoming BUILDMACEX 2026 Construction Exhibition, organised by Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Limited.

The event, scheduled to be held on April 22 to 24, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, is expected to attract industry leaders, professionals, innovators, policymakers, and investors from across the globe to explore how modern technology is revolutionising structural design and infrastructure development.

Now in its 10th edition, BUILDMACEX has become a major platform for advancing West Africa’s construction sector, showcasing technologies and solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. The 2026 edition will spotlight building innovations, smart construction materials, renewable energy integration, and eco-friendly design practices shaping the region’s built environment.

Beyond exhibitions, the three-day event will feature industry-led conferences, panel sessions, and technical workshops focused on the future of construction, sustainable infrastructure, and digital adoption. It will also provide B2B networking opportunities, connecting contractors, architects, and developers with suppliers, technology providers, and policymakers.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Vivian Sesi Godonuve, event manager at Atlantic Exhibition, said the 2026 edition will emphasise the transformative impact of technology on construction.

‘BUILDMACEX has always been at the forefront of shaping conversations around construction and infrastructure in West Africa,’ Godonuve said. ‘The 2026 edition is designed to emphasise how technology and innovation are transforming structural design and redefining the built environment. We are creating a platform where ideas meet action, where stakeholders can forge partnerships that will strengthen our region’s construction industry for decades to come.’

Organisers say BUILDMACEX 2026 will serve not only as an exhibition ground but also as a marketplace for innovation and collaboration, offering professionals insights into emerging policy trends, sustainability practices, and urban development strategies influencing Africa’s infrastructure landscape.

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) has decried the removal of its members and retired workers in general from accessing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The National Secretary, NUPCPS, John Bisan, expressed the displeasure at a Two-Day Sensitisation/Enlightenment Workshop on the Workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on Thursday in Lagos.

Bisan described the removal as unfair and a very wrong move toward the senior citizens, who had served the country in their younger age.

He said that it was during the retirement period of their lives that they needed to effectively use the scheme, as many of the retirees often fall ill.

‘I wouldn’t know whether the DG PENCOM is aware of it, that once you are 60 years of age, you are removed from NHIS, once you retire from service, even at the age of 55, once they know, you are removed from NHIS.

‘This is unfair, I cannot serve my country for 35 good years, my youthful and useful age, then after leaving the service, you are now telling me I am not entitled to free health care.

‘This is too bad, that is the period we need free health care, many pensioners, many retirees, many senior citizens, we are dying.

‘We have BP, diabetes, heart problems, and we don’t have money to do all our tests, to buy drugs. So please, the issue of this free health service should be returned back as you have promised us, and let it start now,’ the national secretary said.

He said that the Federal and State Government ought to take care of the senior citizens, as was done in the UK and the US, where they had access to healthcare freely.

Omolola Oloworaran, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), said that free healthcare access initiative for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme had been rolled out.

Oloworaran, who was represented by Mutiu Muslim, Head, South West Zonal Office, PENCOM, said that the healthcare initiative was a critical component of social protection and dignity in retirement.

Business leaders, investors and experts have shared sentiments on Africa’s readiness to scale digital transformation amidst the continent’s rising population

The stakeholders who gathered at The Texcellence Conference, 2025, a CWG Plc’s annual flagship technology conference, created to foster collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue across Africa’s technology ecosystem shared confidence that the continent is primed for a sweeping wave of digital transformation.

In his keynote, Adewale Adeyipo, group CEO, CWG Plc, speaking at Texcellence 4.0 held in Lagos underscored the urgency of Africa’s digital evolution.

‘Today, we are positioned to transition from a continent of potential to a global economic powerhouse,’ he said. ‘By 2040, Africa will be home to the world’s largest youth population, with unparalleled capacity and creativity to drive innovation and growth worldwide.’

Since its inception, the event has served as a meeting point for business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and design solutions that advance digital transformation across the continent.

Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres, highlighted Africa’s progress in connectivity and infrastructure, noting, ‘corporates must adopt agile systems to compete in a connected world.’

Beyond dialogue, Texcellence continues to strengthen its reputation as a convening platform for meaningful collaboration, investment, and innovation across Africa’s technology ecosystem.

The conference has evolved into a catalyst for partnerships that shape the future of business, digital infrastructure, and economic empowerment across the continent.

Under the theme ‘Future-Forward Africa: Leveraging Technology for Global Competitiveness,’ the conference delivered a dynamic program of keynote sessions, fireside chats, and high-level panels centred on innovation, collaboration, and growth.

The Conference featured speakers such as Adewale Adeyipo, group CEO, CWG Plc; Mark van Rijmenam, founder, Futurwise; Ade Buraimo, CEO, Alpha Morgan Capital; Gbolahan Joshua, group COO, FCMB; Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centres; Joe Abah, country director, DAI; Afolabi Sobande, COO, CWG Plc; Ashraf Zaki, executive chairman, Vericash; Mobolaji Adeoye, founder and managing Partner, Consonance Capital; Ashley Immanuel, COO and Co-founder, Semicolon; Radoslav Dimitrov, senior director, Borica AD; and Silas Adekunle, CEO, Awarri, among others.

Conversations spanned transformative themes such as ‘Africa, Technology and the World: Powering the Future of Global Innovation,’ ‘The Future of Finance: Defining Africa’s Role in the Global Digital Financial System,’ ‘Market-Creating Innovation: Building Prosperity from the Ground Up,’ and ‘Africa Without Borders: Building African Companies with Global Footprints.’ Speakers emphasised the need for strong infrastructure, agile systems, and forward-thinking policies to position Africa as a producer (not just a consumer) of technology.

Since its inception, the event has served as a meeting point for business leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and design solutions that advance digital transformation across the continent.

Each edition focuses on progressive themes that shape the role of technology in driving competitiveness, economic growth, and sustainable development across Africa.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed the objection raised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) against a suit challenging the Osun local government’s withheld funds.

The suit filed by the Attorneys-General (AG) of Osun seeks to stop the Federal Government from releasing withheld local government allocations to sacked officials elected during former Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola’s tenure.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the state’s Attorneys-General had locus standi (legal right) to file the suit on behalf of the local government authorities.

Justice Nwite dismissed the application brought by the defendants seeking the dismissal of the case on the ground that the Osun AG lacked locus standing to sue on behalf of the local governments.

The judge held that, the plaintiff, as the chief law officer of the state, had the duty and authority to act in the public interest, including protecting local government allocations.

The judge further held that the ongoing suit challenging local government allocations ‘does not constitute an abuse of court process.’

He observed that while parallel proceedings ‘may lead to unnecessary and duplicative objectives and judicial resources,’ there was no evidence that the plaintiff had ‘misused, perverted, or abused the expression of justice.’

He emphasised that the plaintiff did not act in ‘a biased or deliberate manner in seeking the present action.’

On the transfer of case from the Osogbo judicial division of the court to Abuja division by the chief judge, Justice Nwite held that the CJ had the discretionary power to do so.

The judge dismissed the motion filed by the state government calling for the return of the case to the Osogbo division.

He said he had carefully considered the positions of both parties and came to the conclusion that Section 21(1) of the FHC Act provides that a Chief Judge of the court may, ‘at any time or stage of the proceedings before final judgment, either on the application of any of the parties to transfer any cause or matter before him to any other judge of the court.’

He held that the application challenging the transfer of the case from the Osogbo division to the Abuja division lacked merit ‘and is hereby dismissed.’

On the allegation of bias, the judge held that the accusation was wholly unfounded and speculative.

According to him, the word ‘bias’ denotes a disposition or inclination of the mind that prevents a judge from making an objective determination based solely on the law and evidence.

‘A mere administrative act by the Chief Judge transferring a case cannot, by any stretch, amount to bias.

‘The plaintiff has not produced any credible evidence to support such a grave allegation,’ the judge ruled.

Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 17 for continuation of hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state’s AG had sued the CBN, the AGF and the Attorney-General of the Federation in the case.

Judge Nwite however dropped the name of the Attorney-General of the Federation from the suit, on Sept. 22, after the plaintiff discontinued the case against him, as a similar suit was already before the Supreme Court.

The same day, Osun Government, through its lawyer, Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, had filed a motion seeking the transfer of the case to the Osogbo division.

Every October, the world takes a united stand against breast cancer, a disease that continues to claim far too many lives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Despite medical advances, thousands of Nigerian women still lose their lives each year, not because breast cancer is untreatable, but because it is often detected too late.

As the Clinical Director of Oncology at the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), I have seen countless examples of courage and resilience among women fighting breast cancer. Their stories inspire hope, but they also highlight an urgent truth: early detection remains the single most effective way to save lives. When breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, survival rates can exceed 90%. Yet, in many parts of Nigeria and across Africa, the majority of women are still presenting at advanced stages, where treatment is more difficult and less effective.

Several factors contribute to this troubling pattern. Lack of awareness about breast health, fear of diagnosis, social stigma, and misconceptions about cancer all play a role. In some communities, breast cancer is still viewed as a spiritual affliction rather than a medical condition, delaying care and worsening outcomes. Additionally, many women lack access to affordable screening facilities or do not know where to go for help. Economic barriers, limited health infrastructure, and a shortage of trained oncologists further compound the problem. This is why institutions like AMCE are working to change the narrative by making world-class cancer care accessible in Africa and by prioritising education, early detection, and preventive care as the cornerstones of our fight against cancer.

Breast cancer detected early is highly treatable. Self-awareness and regular check-ups can literally mean the difference between life and death. Women are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-examinations and report any unusual changes, such as lumps, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling, to a qualified healthcare professional immediately. Routine clinical screenings and mammography are also essential for women over 40, or earlier for those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. These simple steps, when combined with timely medical attention, can dramatically improve survival outcomes.

At AMCE, we are investing in advanced diagnostic technology, specialised oncological expertise, and patient-centred care that rivals global standards. Our multidisciplinary teams work together to ensure that patients not only receive treatment but also the emotional, psychological, and social support they need throughout their cancer journey.

Awareness must go beyond slogans and pink ribbons. It should translate into action, and that begins with education and empowerment. We need to create safe spaces where women can talk openly about their health without shame or fear. Men, too, have a vital role to play, as husbands, sons, brothers, and friends, in encouraging early screening and providing emotional support. Employers, religious organisations, and community groups can also contribute by organising regular awareness drives and free screening programmes. Healthcare professionals must continue to engage, inform, and listen, bridging the gap between medical expertise and cultural realities.

To effectively reduce breast cancer mortality, Nigeria and other African nations must strengthen national cancer control strategies. This includes integrating breast cancer screening into primary healthcare systems, expanding access to diagnostic facilities, and ensuring that treatment is affordable and available across all regions. Public-private partnerships are crucial to scaling up these efforts. AMCE and institutions like it represent a new chapter in Africa’s healthcare journey, one that seeks to build capacity, harness technology, and ensure that quality cancer care is no longer a privilege but a right.

Breast cancer awareness is not just about information; it’s about transformation. It’s about turning fear into empowerment, silence into dialogue, and despair into hope. Every woman deserves the chance to live a full, healthy life, free from the shadow of late detection and preventable loss. As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to educate, to support, and to act. Let us encourage every woman to check herself, seek care early, and spread the message that early detection saves lives. Together, we can break the silence, fight the stigma, and ensure that breast cancer no longer steals our mothers, sisters, and daughters from us too soon.

The federal government has outlined a six-point plan with timelines to implement the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, which aims to promote local industries and economic growth.

The plan includes key initiatives. These are: prioritising local production in federal procurement, establishing a quarterly compliance dashboard starting in the first quarter of 2026, driving quality and trust at the point of sale, and providing long-term finance for manufacturers.

Others are; energy and logistics with dedicated power for industrial clusters, people, skills and safety with the Industrial Training Fund Production Grid Skills 2026 focus on manufacturing vacancy lists and safer commerce supply chains.

President Bola Tinubu made this known yesterday at the 5th Adeola Odutola Lecture and the 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and themed ‘Nigeria First: Prioritising Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria,’ in Lagos.

The President, who was represented by John Enoh, minister of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, described the Nigeria first policy as a clear decision to use public funding, procurement, and partnership to shift demand towards locally-made goods that meet globally competitive standards while lowering the structural cost of production so that manufacturers can compete both at home and abroad.

According to him, the first policy sits alongside the newly-validated Nigerian industrial policy, developed with extensive input from industry, including mining.

He noted that Nigeria will now move from validation and unveiling to sequenced implementation of the Nigeria First policy with transparent milestones.

Quoting data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the President said that the industrial sector grew 7.45 percent and manufacturing grew 1.6 percent, contributing 7.81 percent to GDP, noting that this is progress but not yet a mission accomplished.

‘These are tangible foundations on which Nigeria First must now scale, through demand that is predictable, standards that are trusted, finance that is patient, energy that is reliable, and trade rules that reward value addition at home,’ he said.

‘I will now set out six practical commitments with clear owners and timelines on what Nigeria First means,’ the President noted.

Tinubu urged manufacturers to ensure quality without compromise and should prioritise RandD, standards and process discipline, noting that e-MANCAP is an asset and not a hurdle.

He also called on them to source locally where competitive and to collaborate on phased localization where not feasible yet.

‘MAN will be expected to share accurate capacity and price data with the Federal Ministry of Industry and Investment and review for public procurements to aid procurement planning.’

‘MAN will also be expected to partner with FIRO and SMEDAN to mentor MSME suppliers.’

He urged citizens to expect greater visibility of Made in Nigeria products in public procurement and key sectors, better value and safety through standards enforcement and product untilisation.

‘More local jobs as firms expand lines, localise inputs and group distribution networks,’ he said.

Francis Meshioye, president of MAN, in his welcome speech, said manufacturers are eager to see the Nigeria First policy fully legislated and implemented.

‘We strongly believe this policy holds the potential to significantly boost the fortune of the manufacturing sector and improve the well-being of the Nigerian citizenry,’ he said.