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Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), on Wednesday, advised newly-appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Omupitan, not to put his reputation on the line by failing to conduct credible elections for the country.

He said the nominee, awaiting confirmation by the Senate, must strive to do the right thing throughout his tenure and leave a good legacy to avoid being remembered in the future for the wrong reasons.

The former governor of Anambra State, who spoke with reporters shortly after arrival in Abuja, noted that Omupitan must remember that he would leave office one day and live with the consequences of his actions as the head of the electoral umpire.

Obi stated, ‘It is for the good of everybody. None of us is going to be here forever and none is going to be in his position forever.

‘So, whatever position we find ourselves in, it’s to do the right thing. So I wish him well.

‘When he (Amupitan) is confirmed, I will congratulate him and tell him to know that one day, he’s going to leave that post. Let him ensure that he keeps his reputation.’

Obi added that Nigeria had had enough rough electoral experience and needed an umpire that would do the simple job of conducting credible elections.

‘He’s a Nigerian. We want a new Nigeria where elections will be free, fair and credible and our people who have the competence, capacity, compassion, character and commitment to lead the nation are elected’, he further reacted.

The former governor, who visited the Local Government Education (LEA) Primary School, Kapwa, Lugbe, in company with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) candidate for the upcoming FCT Area Council elections, Dr Mose Paul, observed that credible polls would produce good leaders who felt the pain of the people.

For instance, he said the school had no adequate chairs, desks, toilet facilities and water, adding that such needs should be what leadership should focus on and not the fight for political party tickets.

He went on, ‘I am here today to support my brother, Dr Moses Paul, the ADC candidate contesting for AMAC Council. You know he is campaigning and going round the communities in his constituency.

‘He told me that he went to a school that has no chairs for teachers. They have no toilet. So I told him to let us go and see it.

‘That’s what I believe leaders should do. Visit schools and other public facilities to see things. As governor, I visited all the primary and secondary schools in Anambra State. I always like going to see it.

‘If you talk about sincerity of purpose in Nigerian politics today, you cannot count me as one who is insincere. I’m the only person who finished in office and left public money.’

Obi, who also commented on the defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, disagreed with the view that the ruling government was all about capturing the South-East, adding that Mbah probably acted on his own personal ‘political decisions and calculations’ before moving.

‘As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military time when you capture people.

‘You are a leader. You tend to do the right things for them to follow you. So, I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere. But, the government needs to do more if they want the people to support them’, Obi stated.

The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has pledged to partner with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to ensure improved soil health and sustainable agricultural production in Nigeria.

The research-based organisation made the promise on the sidelines of the official launch of the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) which was held on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

NFSHS is a comprehensive soil fertility programme designed to promote agricultural land and sustainable climate and regenerative practices. It also aimed to give farmers real-time insights into their soil conditions, helping them boost yields save costs and farm smarter.

Speaking with Tribune Online, head of station, IITA Abuja, Dr Beatrice Aighewi, said the Institute is working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to see how soil can be improved as she urged farmers to take full advantage of the initiative by visiting the laboratory and get information that would help in improving their yield.

‘IITA is a partner and is working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to see how soils can be improved. And fortunately, IITA is hosting the ECOWAS Center of Excellence known as the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel (RHFSH), based at the headquarters at Ibadan.

So, any work that they do there will also benefit the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the farmers of Nigeria at large. Because what they are trying to do there is to make sure that the soil in which the farmers are planting is healthy.

‘The message to the farmers is that with this launch that the Federal Government has done, they should take full advantage of it because if they know their soil, they will be able to produce better. So let them take advantage, visit the soil lab, get whatever information they can, and that would help them to improve their yield,’ Dr Aighewi told Tribune Online.

Also speaking, a visiting scientist at RHFSH Professor Vincent Aduramigba, pledged the support of the Hub to bring the expertise of IITA as a centre of excellence to assist Nigeria and especially the farmers by making the facilities available.

He said, ‘What the Hub does is to translate research in soil fertility and agronomy into productivity, empowering farmers and their living using science and good agronomy practitioners. We’re also bringing our expertise and making sure that we are looking at what is relevant for Nigeria.’

Former leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has commended the Nigerian Army for its prompt response in restoring normalcy in Kirawa, Borno State.

Residents of the border town in the North-East state have recently fled into neighbouring Cameroon after Boko Haram militants seized the community.

The palace of the district head was equally burnt along with a military barracks, and several homes were set ablaze.

The insurgents were, however, pushed back after the military deployed reinforcements, while residents are returning home following deployments of military personnel.

The lawmaker representing Borno South in a statement on Wednesday commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt- General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their prompt response, particularly the deployment of 153 Task Force Battalion to the community.

Senator Ndume, who noted that the quick intervention of the military lessened the havoc that could have been wreaked on the community by the terror gang, further pleaded with the military authorities to make the presence of the military personnel permanent in the community, which he noted is a border town.

He also called for sustained collaboration between the Nigerian military and its Cameroonian counterpart in policing border towns.

He said:’ The courage displayed by our military and their resilience remains laudable. I have always acknowledged the fact that our military is overstretched, and I am impressed with their successes in the face of obvious challenges.’

The former Leader of the Senate further urged residents of the Kirawa town to be vigilant and always willing to cooperate with the military on the ground to guarantee the security of the community.

‘I sympathise with the people of Kirawa who are at the receiving end of the insurgents. My appeal to them is to always remain vigilant and be willing to share useful information with the military to secure their community. ‘

The lawmaker who applauded the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his efforts in resettling the people and encouraging them to be resilient, further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing more than passing interest in restoring peace to the North-east states in the country.

‘Security of lives and property is the first and paramount responsibility of any government. The presentation administration has not failed in fulfilling this constitutional mandate to Nigerians.’

TO say that Lekan Alabi is a famous professional in the media world is an understatement. He is an asset.

In the foreword to this book, Media, Governance and Culture, legendary broadcaster, Chief Julie Coker, aptly described him as one ‘whose name and influence cut so seamlessly across the triad of media, governance, and culture.’

Many still recall Alabi’s strokes as a bilingual Society and Culture columnist with the Sketch newspaper in Dugbe; his big interviews and television years with NTA Agodi, TSOS, and later BCOS, Ibadan; his commanding presence on the social circuit in full Yoruba regalia; and his strategic roles at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, where he served as Principal Staff to both democratic and military administrations-from Uncle Bola Ige, the Cicero of Esa-Oke, to Colonels Oladayo Popoola, Adetunji Olurin, and Sasaenia Oresanya.

Indeed, he embodied an unusual immersion in two contrasting cultures of governance.

Alabi was also a pioneer of Public Relations as a management practice at the O’dua business conglomerate, where he proved himself to be far more than a mere publicist.

Now to the work itself-Media, Governance and Culture-anchored by Dr Rasaq Akinyemi, a young mediapreneur of Okeho and Ibadan heritage, known for honouring accomplished media leaders. This is his second festschrift: the first honoured Professor Ralph Akinfeleye of the University of Lagos at his retirement; this one celebrates Oloye Alabi at 75.

Traditionally, a festschrift is a collection of academic essays written by colleagues or mentees to honour a scholar at a milestone. While Alabi is not an academic in the formal sense, his prolific publications-over 30 works, including a documentary (Inside Source) on Governor Bola Ige and another -clearly qualify him for such recognition.

Media, Governance and Culture, a 284-page, two-part volume, is a collection of contributions by fourteen academics, including four professors of media studies and education.

Part One examines the intertwining of media, governance, and culture-highlighting both possibilities and contradictions in Nigeria’s socio-political life. Here, media is envisioned as watchdog, governance as a Western-imported framework, and culture as the symbolic foundation of legitimacy. But these elements rarely align neatly; they interact dynamically, producing hybrid forms of democracy, accountability, and cultural expression.

This part is themed into four sections: Media, Democracy and Governance (A) covering Nigerian media and elections; engagement, ethics and safety; Watchdog media, public amnesia and fizzing of political discourse; Using solution journalism to redefine the role of the media in a democratised Nigeria. These are thoughtful academic reviews.

Social Media and Youth Activism (B) covers National security in the context of social media and youth activism in Nigeria, a reflection on the Nigerian Nigerian youth activism through Twitter ( now X); Influence of social media on newspaper consumption patterns among undergraduates of Lead City University, Ibadan. Check the #EndSARS revolt and get sense.

Media, Human Rights and Global Perspectives (C) which looks at : Media and the protection of human rights: Analysing the watchdog role of Nigerian newspapers; Foreign media assistance to Nigeria and the question of media imperialism. Here you look at content and context of media practices in Nigeria and the influence of the western orientation and the quality of journalism practice in Nigeria. We are a product of our history.

Communication, Culture and Education (D) that dwell on Public relations for governance, Power relations and conflict management in a multicultural society; Investigating the importance of culturally responsive teaching practices, fostering diversity and inclusions in education.

Highlights include: A sober reflection on the Nigerian media’s inability to fully free itself from prebendal politics, with a call for a shift from problem-saturated reporting to solution journalism.

The disruptive impact of social media as a democratising force and an alternative to traditional gatekeepers.

A critical look at foreign aid to media institutions, warning against uncritical adoption of foreign values and dependence.

The recognition of Public Relations as a potential mediator of Nigeria’s governance contradictions, through strategies like stakeholder mapping, intercultural dialogue, and storytelling.

Of special importance is the emphasis on culturally responsive education: teaching that values students’ cultural backgrounds and leverages them as assets for learning, engagement, and leadership.

This festschrift is, therefore, not just celebratory but scholarly. It will serve students, academics, policy-makers, and media practitioners alike.

Finally, the icing on the cake: Part two, which in my view qualifies as the biographical section-Oloye Lekan Alabi on the Scroll. Here, Oloye Alabi either in press interviews, speeches, lectures or excerpts of different narrations, provides insight into his own story: his birth and lineage here in Ibadan and EmureEkiti, education, career, marriage and family, triumphs, politics of a non partisan operator, challenges, and legacy. For me, you have a sense of an authentic memoir-detailed, illustrated, engaging, and inspiring. From his pioneering days as Nigeria’s first bilingual columnist in a national daily to his service under both democratic and military regimes, Alabi connects history with destiny in ways that illuminate and inspire.

For those less inclined to academic discourse, this section is an accessible and compelling read.

In conclusion, while Media, Governance and Culture might demand patience in its early chapters, it is a worthy festschrift-a thoughtful tribute to a deserving icon. I recommend it wholeheartedly to scholars, practitioners, students, and all who are interested in the interplay of media, governance, culture, and the life of a role model.

The Senate has expressed concern over the increasing incidents and accidents in the aviation sector, directing its Committee on Aviation to commence investigations to ascertain their causes.

It noted, in particular, the recurring cases of runway incidents at several airports across the country and called for urgent measures by the relevant regulatory authorities.

The Senate passed the resolution following a motion moved by the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Abdulfatai Buhari.

Senator Buhari, who pushed for the strengthening of aviation safety, drew attention to the recent report of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) on the 22 June 2025 Air Peace runway incident at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

An Air Peace aircraft had overshot the runway, with the report citing ‘critical gaps in safety standards, infrastructure management, and operational compliance.’

The Oyo senator noted that the observed lapses could put the lives of air travellers at risk, as well as erode public confidence in the country’s aviation services if not quickly addressed.

For instance, he told the session that in 2025 alone, the industry had recorded seven near-air mishaps, expressing concern over the finding that the Air Peace pilot involved in the Port Harcourt incident was intoxicated.

Buhari stated, ‘Aviation safety is not negotiable.

‘The NSIB report shows systemic failures that must be addressed urgently to safeguard passengers and restore confidence in our airports.’

While passing the motion, the Senate called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to implement the NSIB report and further strengthen air safety within six weeks.

Similarly, the Senate urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ‘strengthen compliance monitoring, conduct routine audits of airport facilities, and enforce strict adherence to international safety standards by operators.’

FAAN was also directed to prioritise the rehabilitation of runways, the provision of airfield lighting, and the installation of modern navigational aids, beginning with the Port Harcourt International Airport.

In addition, the resolution called for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to improve operational safety and reduce pressure on the airport’s existing runway.

Basheerah Ojedeyi, a newly inducted Radiography graduate of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has regained her freedom two weeks after being kidnapped.

Tribune Online learnt that Basheerah was abducted in Niger State around 2:00 p.m. on September 29, 2025, while travelling to her hometown in Osun State, shortly after her induction ceremony in Sokoto.

According to reports, the vehicle she boarded developed a fault at Mokwa, Niger State, after which she became unreachable. Her family later confirmed that kidnappers made contact on Tuesday, 30th September, demanding a ransom of N200 million for her release.

The family, in a public appeal seeking assistance for her release, said: ‘All efforts to secure her freedom, including tough and intense negotiations to reduce the outrageous ransom demand of N200 million, have so far yielded no positive result. It is becoming increasingly clear that waiting any longer without further action could jeopardise her safety and prolong this heartbreaking situation.

‘We are therefore appealing to the public, friends, colleagues, and well-meaning Nigerians to kindly support in any capacity possible towards securing Basheerah’s safe and swift release. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to reuniting her with her family.’

In a recent development, the family confirmed that Basheerah was released on Monday, October 13, 2025, at about 6:00 p.m., following a ransom payment of N10 million.

The National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) Health Wing, UDUS Chapter, while confirming her release in a statement on Monday, expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their prayers, support, and contributions towards her freedom.

‘We urge the public not to send any money to the account number as the target has been reached and she has been released. May God not leave you to your affairs and may you find favor with God and humans. We, Naoss Health wing and on behalf of the family of Rad. Ojedeyi Basirat says thank you,’ the statement read.

Speaking with Tribune Online, Ademola Adam Oluwafisola, President of the association, explained steps taken after her abduction, appreciating the collaborative efforts among Police commands.

‘When we got the report of her abduction, we immediately informed the Sokoto, Niger, and Osun State Commissioners of Police. I personally reached out to the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, providing all details of the incident. I must commend their collaborative effort and everyone who contributed to make it possible for us to meet up with the N10 million ransom,’ he added.

AN emerging voice within the Nigerian literary space, Oluwatosin Akinrinde, is set to captivate readers with the simultaneous launch of two highly anticipated literary collections – Deathbed and Other Poems and Out-of-School Children and Other Stories. These books, published by the Academic Publishing Centre, University of Lagos (UNILAG), offer an unflinching examination of the complex socio-political landscape of modern-day Nigeria.

These literary publications mark a significant moment for Nigerian literature, as they directly confront the nation’s most pressing challenges, ranging from systemic poverty, insecurity, poor educational standards, mental health struggles, and the yearning for a better life abroad.

Out-of-school Children and Other Stories is a tapestry of human experiences woven through deeply evocative narratives. The titular story follows an aspiring journalist struggling to publish an article on out-of-school children, which highlights the devastating impact of poverty and insecurity. Other stories delve into the harsh lives of street beggars from Northern Nigeria in Lagos (‘Arewa’); the tough economic realities faced by the youth (’79 Missed Calls’); and the difficult decisions made by mothers grappling with neglect and poverty (‘The Fateful Mother’). The collection boldly tackles subjects often relegated to the shadows, including the trauma of ‘kitoing’ within the LGBTQIA+ community (‘Kitoed!’) and the emotional cost of emigration (‘The Cost of Flight’).

The accompanying poetry collection, Deathbed and Other Poems is a masterful dual exploration of mortality and societal decay. The opening poems on mortality are a ‘Triptych on Mortality,’ featuring speakers grappling with the liminal space between life and death. The second, more expansive section serves as a direct, lyrical Societal Critique, touching on topics from ‘Healthcare’s Collapse’ and ‘Tribalism’s Divide’ to ‘Boko Haram’s Terror’ and ‘Police Brutality’s Yoke.’

Speaking about the publications, the literary writer, Akinrinde, noted that his works reflect the lived experiences of the Nigerian people.

‘These two books are not just creative works; they are interventions. In the stories, I wanted to reflect the human cost of Nigeria’s social fractures, ranging from children denied education to women trapped in cycles of neglect and poverty. In the poems, I sought to hold a mirror to our collective struggles, while also insisting that literature must act as a voice of resistance and possibility. My hope is that readers find both discomfort and courage in these pages,’ he noted.

Director of Academic Publishing Centre, University of Lagos, Dr Moji Shodipe, commended the author’s ambitious work.

‘These two collections are a necessary intervention in contemporary Nigerian discourse. Oluwatosin demonstrates a rare courage through tackling the multi-dimensional poverty,insecurity, and social injustices that define our time. The stories and poems serve as a vital, unvarnished record of the Nigerian experience, and these publications serve as a significant event for our literary community,’ Shodipe said.

The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has called for a comprehensive review of the disciplinary control system in the civil service.

Olaopa made the call at a one-day joint retreat between the Commission and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to him, such reform is necessary to drive culture change, value reorientation, and address the persistent delays in handling disciplinary matters within the system.

Head of Press and Public Relations, FCSC, Taiwo Hassan, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, quoted Olaopa as describing the relationship between the Commission and OHCSF as ‘Siamese twins,’ given their shared roles in implementing policies, enforcing regulations, and providing leadership for the nation’s civil service.

‘The Chairman called for a holistic review of disciplinary control in the civil service to drive deep-seated culture change, value reorientation, and reverse the delays in handling disciplinary cases in the service.

‘There was a thin line in the shared central governance responsibilities of the two offices, and there are bound to be some measures of conflict and tension around the boundaries of roles, jurisdictions, and operations in actual practice.

‘The retreat was organised to enables open communication, regular meetings and dialogue, problem-solving, co-creation, sharing and learning in an atmosphere that helps prevent misunderstanding, build trust and foster strategic partnership,’ the statement added.

The FCSC boss also emphasised the importance of rethinking the link between merit, competency-based human resource practices, performance management, and the wage structure, noting that such integration was crucial to restoring the Federal Government’s image as an ’employer of choice.’

Speaking earlier, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Walson-Jack, said the retreat represented a renewed partnership between the two bodies and a deliberate effort to deepen collaboration in service to Nigerians.

She lauded Olaopa for his ‘unwavering support’ and described him as a dependable ally in the ongoing civil service transformation.

Walson-Jack also commended the FCSC for introducing reforms such as the Computer-Based Test for promotion examinations and merit-based recruitment, which she said would enhance transparency and fairness in the system.

When most people talk about the highest-paying jobs in Europe, their minds usually go to Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. But beyond these popular countries, there are lesser-talked-about nations that quietly offer some of the best-paying jobs in Europe, with salaries that match and sometimes even surpass the heavyweights of the continent.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five little-known countries with the highest-paying jobs in Europe:

1. Austria

Austria might not make as much noise as Switzerland and Germany, but it offers excellent salaries, stability, and a high standard of living.

The country’s gross average salary is around £60,500 per year, with a monthly wage of about £5,000. The major job sectors in Austria include healthcare, management, and finance, making it a solid destination for people seeking the highest-paying jobs in Europe without the overwhelming competition of bigger economies.

2. Lithuania

Lithuania may not be the first country that comes to mind when discussing the highest-paying jobs in Europe, but the numbers speak for themselves.

As of January 1, 2025, the minimum monthly wage is pound 1,038, while the minimum hourly wage is pound 6.35. However, a typical gross monthly salary could go as high as pound 1,600. Salaries vary by industry, with IT professionals earning between £3,000 – £4,000, while education and healthcare workers earn around £1,200 – £1,350.

3. Iceland

Iceland, with its small population of about 378,000, is another country offering attractive paychecks among the highest-paying jobs in Europe. Workers here earn an average annual salary of about US$68,660.

Tourism, fisheries, agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing are the key sectors. With such diversity, Iceland has positioned itself as a hidden hub for high salaries in Europe.

4. Luxembourg

Luxembourg, one of the world’s smallest countries, is famous for offering some of the highest salaries in Europe. The average monthly minimum has significantly increased to around US$3,250 for skilled workers, US$2,700 for unqualified workers, and about US$7,433 a month in higher-paid occupations.

Major job sectors here include banking, steel, and finance, making Luxembourg a hotspot for professionals chasing the highest-paying jobs in Europe.

5. Ireland

Ireland has become one of the strongest economies in Europe, and its wages reflect that. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum hourly wage for workers aged 20 and above is £13.50.

According to the Central Statistics Office (Q4), the average annual salary in Ireland is £50,945. This equates to a post-tax salary of about £3,349 a month and £773 per week. With booming sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, tourism, and agriculture, and hosting global giants like Apple and Google. Ireland is firmly among the countries with the highest-paying jobs in Europe.

Nigeria’s mining sector recorded a significant growth rate of 4.85 percent in 2024, up from 2.84 percent in 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), reflecting renewed investor confidence and the impact of ongoing reforms by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development announced the figures on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the 10th Edition of the Nigerian Mining Week, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel with the theme ‘Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance.’

He said the impressive growth was a direct outcome of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the solid minerals sector as a driver of economic diversification, industrialization, and job creation.

‘Mr. President quickly deployed a minister with his vision, policy experience, and willingness to make tough decisions. In the past 25 months, the Ministry has rebuilt the sector’s foundation and positively reformed its operations,’ the Minister stated. He added that the recorded growth ‘was not achieved by accident but through deliberate reforms and accountability,’ stressing that the Ministry preferred to measure success not by praise or recognition but by ‘quantifiable, tangible evidence of impact.’

The Minister said the success was driven by several reforms that had changed the face of mining in Nigeria. He explained that the enforcement of stricter compliance with the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act (2007) had strengthened discipline in the industry, with the Mining Marshals ensuring that operators adhered strictly to legal and environmental standards. He also disclosed that the modernization of the Electronic Mining Cadastre Office (eMC+) and the introduction of the Nigerian Minerals Resources Decision Support System had opened up better access to mining data and transparency in licensing processes.

According to him, the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Development Company has created a new framework for joint ventures between local and foreign investors to promote efficient resource utilization and domestic processing. He further revealed that the sector had attracted over $1 billion in foreign direct investment into mineral processing within two years, leading to the commissioning of new plants and the start of several major projects.

He noted that the Ministry also mobilized ?1 trillion to resume geological exploration across the country, describing it as a landmark move that will strengthen Nigeria’s mineral data and investor confidence. In addition, he said the Ministry recorded remarkable growth in revenue generation despite low budgetary allocations in 2024, a testament to better governance and accountability.

‘These are not just statistics; they are a testament to the President’s vision and our collective commitment to rebuild the mining industry,’ he said, adding that the figures were proof that reforms in the sector were yielding real dividends.

The Minister said that while Nigeria had made remarkable progress, the government’s goal was to achieve global relevance by positioning the country as a major player in international value chains. ‘Progress is the foundation, but global relevance is the goal,’ he said. ‘We are deliberately moving from exporting raw minerals to refining and processing them locally.’

He explained that the forthcoming Solid Minerals Development Roadmap (2025-2035) would guide investments into specific beneficiation corridors and industrial clusters, focusing on key minerals such as lithium, gold, baryte, iron ore, and bitumen. He added that the Ministry was embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its policies, saying the new Environmental Rehabilitation Fund would ensure responsible mine closure, promote climate-smart mining, and guarantee that host communities benefit equitably from mining operations.

He stated that the Ministry was also working closely with the Ministries of Power, Works, and Transportation to improve energy supply, access roads, and logistics in mineral-rich regions, while its new Investment Promotion Office provides tailored support to genuine investors – from licensing to project development – to improve ease of doing business.

The Minister noted that Nigeria’s mineral wealth places it in a strategic position to benefit from the global shift toward renewable energy and green technologies. ‘Minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite are essential for electric vehicles and solar technologies,’ he explained. ‘We are determined to make Nigeria a reliable supplier of these critical minerals while ensuring local industries and communities reap the rewards.’ He urged international partners to collaborate with Nigeria through technology transfer, capacity building, and sustainable investment, adding that ‘by working together, we can make Africa a vital contributor to global energy security.’

Reaffirming the role of collaboration in sectoral development, the Minister said no government can transform a sector alone. ‘The mining sector thrives on partnerships between the public and private sectors, and between federal and state governments,’ he said. He praised the VUKA Group and the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) for their decade-long collaboration with the Ministry in sustaining the Nigerian Mining Week. ‘For ten years, this forum has been a hub for dialogue, innovation, and investment. As we begin this 10th edition, let’s commit again to transparency and inclusiveness to drive mining as a catalyst for sustainable national growth,’ he added.

The Minister said the sector’s growth marked only the beginning of a broader transformation. ‘Ten years ago, we began a journey of rediscovery and reform. Today, we stand on the threshold of a new era, one defined by opportunity, global relevance, and shared prosperity,’ he said.

‘The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development remains unwavering in its commitment to leadership, stability, and partnerships that will make Nigeria’s mining industry a beacon of progress not just in Africa, but across the world,’ he concluded.

He expressed optimism that the Nigerian Mining Week would inspire new ideas, partnerships, and confidence in the future of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.