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The suspension placed on trading in the shares of International Energy Insurance Plc by the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has been lifted.

This followed the company’s filing of its Audited Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the outstanding Unaudited Financial Statements for 2025.

On September 1, 2025, NGX penalized the underwriting firm after its failure to submit the necessary financial statements for the perusal of the investing community.

After investors were prevented from trading its securities, including its stocks on the NGX platform, the board filed the outstanding results, prompting the lifting of the embargo.

In a statement, the stock exchange said it allowed the trading in the shares of the insurance company in line with Rule 3.3 of the Default Filing Rules, which states that, ‘The suspension of trading in the issuer’s securities shall be lifted upon submission of the relevant accounts, provided the exchange is satisfied that the accounts comply with all applicable rules of the exchange.

‘The exchange shall thereafter also announce through the medium by which the public and the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) were initially notified of the suspension, that the suspension has been lifted,’ the statement said.

The embargo was removed on Thursday with a notice on the NGX website.

‘Trading license holders and the investing public are hereby notified that the suspension placed on trading on the shares of International Energy Insurance Plc was lifted today, Thursday, October 2, 2025,’ a part of the notice read.

Last month, the NGX suspended the company based on the powers conferred on it by Rule 3.1: Rules for Filing of Accounts and Treatment of Default Filing (Default Filing Rules), which provides that: ‘If an issuer fails to file the relevant accounts by the expiration of the cure period, the exchange will: a) send to the issuer a second filing deficiency notification within two business days after the end of the cure period, b) suspend trading in the issuer’s securities, and c) notify SEC and the market within 24 hours of the suspension.’

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural and biotechnology sectors have underscored the importance of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in enhancing food security, improving crop yields, and strengthening farmers’ resilience against pests and climate challenges.

They made this known during a two-day sensitisation workshop on GMOs and their products, organised for officials of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology in Abuja.

The workshop, themed ‘Biotechnology and Biosafety: Building Trust Through Science and Facts,’ was facilitated by the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) in collaboration with the Ministry.

The programme focused on the role of modern biotechnology in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape while ensuring safety and sustainability.

In his keynote address, the Director-General of NBRDA, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said biotechnology has become a vital tool for agricultural advancement in Nigeria, with proven benefits in pest resistance, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional quality of crops.

‘Scientific innovation in agricultural biotechnology has never been an end in itself. It is a tool designed to deliver measurable benefits, greater resilience to pests and drought, improved nutritional quality, and higher and more reliable yields for our farmers,’ Mustapha said.

He explained that Nigerian farmers who adopted pest-resistant cowpea and drought-tolerant maize varieties have recorded significant yield increases, reduced pesticide costs, and greater income stability.

According to him, these successes demonstrate how biotechnology can directly uplift smallholder farmers and strengthen food security at the community level.

‘On farms where improved maize varieties with pest and drought tolerance have been deployed, farmers report steadier yields even under erratic rainfall. When crops withstand the twin pressures of pests and a changing climate, families are more secure and local markets more stable,’ he added.

Prof. Mustapha stressed that biosafety remains central to Nigeria’s biotechnology framework, ensuring that all genetically modified crops undergo rigorous risk assessment before approval. He noted that the goal of biosafety is to make scientific progress both safe and acceptable to the public.

‘Biosafety is not a barrier to progress but the mechanism by which progress becomes sustainable. Our work is guided by transparency, evidence, and public trust,’ he said.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Asanye Nko Esuabana, said agricultural innovation through biotechnology offers viable solutions to Nigeria’s food production challenges caused by population growth, climate change, and declining arable land.

She noted that GMOs, when properly regulated, can play a key role in ensuring sustainable food systems, reducing hunger, and achieving national agricultural development goals.

‘For a developing country like Nigeria, it is crucial to embrace innovations that can help guarantee sustainable food production. However, the introduction and use of GMOs must be approached with caution, knowledge, and adherence to regulatory standards,’ Esuabana stated.

She added that the Federal Government, through the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and other stakeholders, has established strict guidelines to ensure that all GMO products in the country are safe for both humans and the environment.

The Permanent Secretary urged participants to use the knowledge gained from the workshop to educate the public and farmers on the benefits and safety of agricultural biotechnology, noting that misinformation often hinders acceptance of scientific innovations.

‘We must act as custodians of accurate information and communicate facts in a clear and balanced manner. This will help build public confidence in biotechnology as a driver of agricultural transformation,’ she said.

The workshop featured technical sessions on GMO regulation, biosafety procedures, and case studies of successful biotech crop deployment in Nigeria.

Experts from NBRDA and partner institutions reaffirmed that biotechnology, when responsibly applied, can help Nigeria achieve food self-sufficiency, create green jobs, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Lagos State Government said it has removed over 17 houses for encroachment on the Right of Way (ROW) of the Ikota River alignment in Oral Estate II.

Besides, the state authority over the weekend issued an immediate seal and stop work order for illegal reclamation activities to narrow and reduce the size of the Ikota River around Partibons Homes Estate/Bee – Forth Estate Phase 2 off Orchid Road in Lekki area of the State.

The commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive while speaking with the media after an inspection tour of the area, saying the illegal activities going on in the area is heart wrenching because some individuals have deliberately chosen to destroy the ecosystem provided by nature.

Wahab said the ministry recently received an SOS message that some people were aggressively reclaiming some parts of Ikota river and erecting illegal structures with the aim of selling the illegal properties to unsuspecting / innocent citizens.

He stressed:’ There is no way flash flooding can be stopped in a coastal state, especially one like Lagos that is bordered by the Atlantic, Lagoons and rivers.’

He added that flooding could only be mitigated by putting resilient infrastructure in place alongside various sustainable approaches.

‘This present administration has introduced different approaches in mitigating flooding, some of which include the provision of resilient infrastructure, continuous maintenance of all drainage channels all year round by the Ministry’s EFAG team and construction of secondary collectors/primary channels Statewide,’ he said.

He added some unscrupulous individuals who believe they are above the law are pushing back nature and blocking system 156/ 157, forgetting that these channel are on a coastal alignment which must discharge into the Ikota to further discharge into the Lagoon.

He said discharging of storm water had been designed by nature itself, but human activities have distorted it saying that government will not fold its hands and allow the implication affect the majority.

The commissioner also visited the ongoing restoration of Right of Way along the Ikota River alignment in Oral Estate II, noting that a total of 17 units have been removed so far.

He recalled that government earlier engaged the property owners to find a win-win solution saying that it was necessary to remove the contraventions on the right of way along the Ikota River because the Ikota River is the only channel that supports the Atlantic in the axis.

The Environment Commissioner who was alongside his counterpart in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi also inspected environmental infraction along the Lekki/Epe expressway in preparation for the forthcoming Green rail line along the Corridor.

He explained that on the 26th of September 2025, abatement notices were served in sync with the Ministry to automobile dealers on the Lekki/Epe Expressway who had totally encroached further on wetlands and under the High Tension wires than the temporary approved site allocated to them, adding that this negates the original master plan for the Green Line by the Ministry of Transportation.

He said the temporary approvals issued to the automobile dealers stated that they are not to erect permanent structures because the site is under the power line, stressing that some of these dealers had pushed beyond the approved site while encroaching on the wetlands.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to preserve the wetlands across the state as wetlands are part of ways to proffer lasting solution to flooding.

‘Wetlands are meant to help you hold the water till rains subsides and after the recent heavy rainfalls, the ministry in the course of flying Drones, realized that virtually the whole wetlands where coconut were planted along Lekki – Epe Expressway Corridor have been seriously bastardized,’ he said.

He said ministry was there to check the infraction levels and how the two ministries can work together to salvage the Wetlands and restore the master plan to accommodate the green line, ordering that enforcement of the law against the infractions begin immediately.

The Holy Books contain several cases of crisis in homes to such dimensions that cannot not be imagined. In the Bible for instance, it is stated in Matthew 10: 36 that ‘a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.’ It is therefore not surprising how it has become normal for children of the same parents not to see eye to eye, to the extent of perpetrating violence against themselves. Domestic violence and crimes of passion are on the increase in the land. It used to be very strange to our culture for a husband to kill his wife or vice versa or for a brother to strike his own sister. The gruesome facts of this case are as reported in FRN v Okeke (2025) 16 NWLR (Pt.2011) 293, being part of the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria as contained in the said law report. This is not peculiar to any gender, tribe or faith but rather a matter that should be regulated by law. There is thus an urgent need for government action that will tame this rising monster.

THE FACTS OF THE CASE

Sometime in October 2011, there was an altercation between the respondent and his sister. Their father, the deceased, who was in his bedroom came out and intervened, preventing an escalation of the argument. In the process, the respondent hit their father on the head with a bottle as a result of which the father sustained injuries. The respondent’s father then went by himself to lodge a report against the respondent at the Police Station. The Police Officer at the Police Station took him to the Teaching Hospital in Abuja. He was treated overnight and discharged. After over two weeks of the incident, the deceased suffered a stroke. He was taken to a private hospital, St. Mary’s Catholic Hospital Abuja, where he was attended to and received treatment until he died on 6th November 2011. Subsequently, the respondent was arraigned before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on a charge of culpable homicide punishable with death under section 221 and of the Penal Code. In proof of its case, the appellant called a total of six witnesses and tendered documents marked exhibits A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I respectively in evidence. Among the witnesses called by the appellant were the respondent’s sister with whom he had the altercation and who testified as PW1, the investigating police officer who testified as PW2, and a Medical Doctor who testified as PW4. The Medical Doctor (PW4) tendered and explained exhibit G – the medical certificate of death which expressly stated that the cause of death of the deceased was a stroke and the antecedent cause of the stroke was hypertension. The PW4 surmised that emotional instability caused by an assault on the deceased could be a direct or remote cause of the stroke going by the medical history of the deceased who was a known hypertensive. The respondent testified on his own behalf and did not call any witness. The respondent’s extra-judicial statements were also admitted as exhibits E and I. In exhibits E and I, the respondent stated that during the altercation between him and his sister, he wanted to hit his sister with the bottle, but he mistakenly hit his father on his head.

THE JUDGMENTS

In its judgment, the trial court relied on the evidence adduced and the exhibits tendered, including the extra-judicial statements of the respondent, to hold that the death of the deceased was caused by the respondent who accelerated his death by stabbing him on the face. The trial court convicted the respondent as charged and sentenced him to death. The respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal, which re-evaluated the evidence on record and held that the trial court was wrong when it held that the deceased died as a result of the head injury inflicted on him by the respondent. The Court of Appeal held that based on the evidence on record, the chain of causation was broken, and that the cause of death of the deceased was not proved beyond reasonable doubt as it was not satisfactorily shown to be traceable to the acts of the respondent. Consequently, the Court of Appeal set aside the conviction and sentence of the respondent, and discharged and acquitted him. Dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, the appellant appealed to the Supreme Court which in its unanimous decision, dismissed the appeal.

The Burden and Standard of Proof of Murder:

By virtue of sections 135(1), 139(1), and 140 of the Evidence Act 2011, the burden or onus of proof to establish the offence of murder against an accused person lies squarely on the prosecution. In so doing, the extent of proof adduced must be beyond reasonable doubt. Standard of proof in criminal cases means that every ingredient of the offence must be established so as to leave no reasonable doubt of the guilt of an accused person. This applies to the cause of death in homicide cases where the prosecution must prove with certainty the cause of death and that it is as a result of the act of the accused. Thus, in order to establish a case of homicide, it must be proved, not merely that the act of the accused person could have caused the death of the deceased, but that it did.

The Effect of Failure of Prosecution to Discharge Burden of Proof:

Where the prosecution fails to prove a single ingredient of the offence charged, the burden of proof has not been discharged and the accused person will be entitled to an acquittal. In other words, where the evidence placed before a trial court falls short of fulfilling and/or meeting up with the requirements of the law in respect of the burden and standard of proof, then the case of the prosecution must, without any equivocation, collapse and the accused person deserves an acquittal.

The Meaning of ‘causation’ in Criminal Jurisprudence:

Under criminal jurisprudence, the expression ‘causation’ means proximate cause, legal cause, and direct cause. These terms are used synonymously. Under criminal jurisprudence, the terms ‘immediate cause’, ‘effective cause’ and ‘causa causans’ are used to signify the last link or connection in the chain of causation. It is, however, possible that there could be an intervening or supervening cause. And an intervening or supervening cause denotes a cause that comes into active operation arising from negligence or the like, even if that cause does not break the chain of causation. The principle of causation dictates that an event is caused by the act proximate to it, in the absence of which the event would not have happened.

The Need to Link Death of Deceased to Act of Accused Person:

Even if the period between the act and the death of the deceased are proximate, a court can still not find the accused person guilty if there is more than one possible cause of death. What is essential is that there must be evidence that the act of the accused person resulted in the death of the deceased. In this case, exhibit G showed the direct cause of death to be Right Hemispheric CVA, while the antecedent cause was Hypertension. Physical assault was referred to as another contributory condition but not related to the disease or condition that caused death. Thus, from the totality of the evidence, the trial court made the right deductions and made a right decision when it held that the deceased died of Right Hemispheric Celebro Vascular accident, a medical term for stroke and hypertension.

Per SANKEY, J. S. C.:

‘In consequence, the sum total of all the evidence presented to the trial court failed to link the prior injury inflicted on the head of the deceased to the death of the deceased in any way whatsoever. Thus, the best interpretation that can be given to the medical evidence is that the cause of death of the deceased was a stroke arising from a history of hypertension. Hence, from the incident when the respondent hit the deceased with a bottle on his head, mistakenly or not, to his bout of hypertension and stroke, the chain of causation was broken.’

AREMZO IS GONE!

I seek your kind permission as you draw the curtain on the first part of this piece to share my deep grief on the loss of one of the finest activists that I have met and worked with, Comrade Abiodun Aremu. Courageous, detribalised and ever faithful, Aremzo was the epitome of our collective struggle within the labour and civil society coalition. Like Comrades Chima Ubani and my dear friend Comrade Bamidele Aturu, Aremzo gave his all to the cause of the masses, working as a foot soldier in mass mobilisation, operating as a terror to the oppressor and living as a friend of the downtrodden. My heart has been very heavy since I got to know of this painful demise early Monday morning on October 13, 2025. Rest in power, my dear Comrade Fidelista Abiodun Aremu, assured that your struggles will not be in vain.

Renowned Nigerian journalist, Dr Reuben Abati, is set to present three new books exploring politics, society, and personal reflections.

The public presentation and official launch, organised by Caltop Publications Nigeria Limited, will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The books to be unveiled are Portraits: People, Politics and Society, A Love Letter and Other Stories, and How Goodluck Jonathan Became President.

Speaking on the publication, Ayo Arowosegbe, Managing Director of Caltop Publications, described the books as compelling and insightful.

‘Compelling, insightful, and relevant for our times. These works will serve as vital references for policymakers, media professionals, academics, students, and the public seeking informed perspectives on Nigeria and the world at large.’

The event is expected to attract dignitaries from government, academia, the private sector, the media, and the literary community in celebration of Dr Abati’s remarkable contributions to journalism, literature, and civic engagement.

Coinciding with his 60th birthday, the occasion will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the life and career of a media icon who has remained steadfast in his commitment to national development.

Dr Reuben Abati, a distinguished journalist, columnist, and writer, previously served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, and was Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspapers.

A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Niger Delta Advancement Forum (NDAF) has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, for driving ‘the most transparent and impactful community development effort in the history of Nigeria’s oil industry’.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its president, Comrade Ebiowei Timipre, the group said the successful execution of 536 community projects across oil-bearing states through the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) marks ‘a turning point in the long struggle for equity, justice, and inclusion in the Niger Delta’.

Timipre said President Tinubu’s administration had shown ‘unprecedented political will’ by empowering the NUPRC to enforce the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which had long remained dormant under previous governments.

‘For decades, host communities were left with unfulfilled promises and abandoned projects, but under President Tinubu, the story has changed. Through the visionary leadership of Engr. Komolafe at NUPRC, we are finally seeing the oil wealth of the Niger Delta being channelled into schools, hospitals, roads, and livelihoods for our people,’ he said.

The group noted that the Commission, acting under Tinubu’s directive to prioritise local development, has ensured that all projects are executed transparently and simultaneously across multiple states, creating a model of inclusive progress.

Citing verified records from the Commission, NDAF revealed that as of October 13, 2025, the Host Community Development Trust Fund had risen to ?373 billion contributed by oil companies operating under the PIA. It described the figures as ‘a historic leap in fiscal accountability’ and a clear sign that the President’s reforms are working.

‘President Tinubu’s insistence on reform-driven governance has given the PIA a new life. And under Komolafe’s watch, the NUPRC has become a model of how regulation should work – firm, transparent, and community-centred,’ Timipre said.

He noted that the Commission’s HostComply digital dashboard, which monitors all deposits and disbursements to host community funds, had eliminated the opacity that once plagued oil industry interventions.

The group particularly praised the transformation recorded in Rivers State, where NUPRC recently facilitated the delivery of more than ten projects and flagged off another ten under the Obagi HCDT operated by TotalEnergies. These include hospitals, roads, and education facilities that directly benefit rural dwellers.

Timipre described the results as ‘proof that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is producing measurable outcomes in the oil region,’ adding that ‘the synergy between the presidency and NUPRC has given new meaning to resource justice’.

He urged oil companies to remain faithful to the three per cent operating expenditure contribution required under the PIA, assuring them that the current administration had restored trust in the system.

‘For once, the Niger Delta is seeing the dividends of oil. What past governments could not achieve in decades is now being delivered under President Tinubu’s watch. We’re grateful to the President and the Niger Delta shall return the Favour in 2027,’ Timipre declared.

Fires are a recurring menace in Lagos and Nigeria, causing loss of life, property damage, and economic hardship. The complexity of urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of awareness about fire safety contribute to the prevalence of fires in this region and the African continent as a whole. This article proposes a comprehensive approach to curb fires in Lagos and Nigeria through corrective fire and life safety procedures.

Understanding the Fire Risk Landscape in Lagos and Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, is a densely populated city with a high concentration of commercial and residential buildings. The city’s infrastructure is often inadequate, and fire safety measures are frequently overlooked or poorly implemented. The situation is further exacerbated by:

Inadequate building codes and enforcement: Many buildings in Lagos and Nigeria do not meet fire safety standards, and enforcement of existing regulations is often lax.

Poor electrical infrastructure: Overloaded electrical systems, exposed wiring, and poor maintenance contribute to electrical fires.

Inadequate firefighting services: Fire departments in Lagos and Nigeria often lack the resources, equipment, and training to respond effectively to fires.

Lack of awareness and education: Many residents, business owners, and building managers are not aware of fire safety procedures and best practices.

Corrective Fire and Life Safety Procedures

To address the fire risk in Lagos and Nigeria, a comprehensive approach is needed. The following corrective measures can be implemented:

Fire Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Conduct thorough fire risk assessments of buildings, industries, and infrastructure to identify potential fire hazards and implement mitigation measures. They should be carried out every six months while authorities should enact a law that made it compulsory for property owners to do the needful.

Fire Safety Design and Installation: Ensure that buildings and infrastructure are designed and installed with fire safety features, such as fire-resistant materials, fire alarms, and suppression systems. In order to suppress fire within possible time limit, water works must be adequately provided for by the government maximum of five minutes covering distance area and a special lane must carved for only fire access trucks in case of emergency. Most Building services Engineer in Nigeria majorly relies on BS 9990:2015 Building regulations that wet riser is required for high-rise building of over 50 meters in height, this is only possible in a sane cline or environment like western world. Peculiarities of the environment need to be taken into consideration. The present urban planning in Nigeria doesn’t permit this. It is highly imperative that the riser should be pressurized with water no matter the height of the building. In addition to this, the underground water tank should be adequately sized to cater for fire suppression for at least three hours.

Fire Safety Training and Education: Provide regular training and education to residents, business owners, and building managers on fire safety procedures, emergency response, and evacuation plans.

Firefighting Infrastructure and Equipment: Upgrade firefighting infrastructure and equipment, including fire stations, vehicles, and equipment, to enhance response times and effectiveness. This equipment would have prevented the death of ill-fated staff of UBA in marina,Lagos in Nigeria. Most countries in the world use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to fight fire, and Nigeria should not be left behind. Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems/Vehicles (UAS/UAV), or Remotely Piloted Aircraft, that uses artificial intelligence are used in wildfire surveillance and suppression. They help in the detection, containment, and extinguishing of fires. They are also used for locating a hot spot, firebreak breaches, and then to deliver water to the affected site. In terms of maneuverability, these are superior to a helicopter or other forms of manned aircraft. They help firefighters determine where a fire will spread through tracking and mapping fire patterns. These empower scientists and incident personnel to make informed decisions. These devices can fly when and where manned aircraft are unable to fly. They are associated with low cost and are flexible devices that offer a high spatiotemporal resolution

Enforcement of Fire Safety Regulations: Strengthen enforcement of fire safety regulations, including regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance.

Public Awareness and Community Engagement: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public on fire safety and promote a culture of fire safety. Social media has made a world a village, The authorities should emphasize more social media campaigns with respect to fire and life safety. Using indigenous languages increases the rate of dissemination of information with respect to safety campaigns.

Implementing Corrective Measures

To implement these corrective measures, the following steps can be taken:

Consultancy: The government should make it more imperative that every project must have a fire and life safety consultant to coordinate other consultants and an office to register all safety consultants must be created.

Establish a Fire Safety Task Force: Create a task force comprising government agencies, fire safety experts, and stakeholders to oversee fire safety efforts.

Develop a Fire Safety Plan: Develop a comprehensive fire safety plan that outlines strategies, procedures, and protocols for fire prevention, response, and mitigation.

Provide training and resources: Provide training and resources to firefighting personnel, building managers, and residents on fire safety procedures and best practices.

Conduct Regular Fire Safety Audits: Conduct regular fire safety audits to ensure compliance with regulations and identify areas for improvement.

Engage with the Community: Engage with the community through public awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to promote fire safety and educate the public on fire safety procedures.

Fire Safety Design and Installation

Fire safety design and installation are critical components of fire safety. The following measures can be taken:

Fire-Resistant Materials: Use fire-resistant materials in building construction to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Fire Alarms and Suppression Systems: Install fire alarms and suppression systems in buildings to detect and respond to fires quickly.

Emergency Lighting and Signage: Install emergency lighting and signage to ensure safe evacuation in case of a fire.

Fire-Resistant Doors and Windows: Install fire-resistant doors and windows to prevent fire spread and reduce smoke infiltration.

Fire Safety Training and Education

Fire safety training and education are essential for preventing fires and responding to them effectively. The following measures can be taken:

Fire Safety Training Programs: Develop and implement fire safety training programs for residents, business owners, and building managers.

Emergency Response Plans: Develop and implement emergency response plans for buildings and industries.

Fire Drill Exercises: Conduct regular fire drill exercises to ensure that occupants are prepared in case of a fire.

Fire Safety Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public on fire safety and promote a culture of fire safety.

Firefighting Infrastructure and Equipment

Firefighting infrastructure and equipment are critical for responding to fires effectively. The following measures can be taken:

Upgrade Fire Stations: Upgrade fire stations to enhance response times and effectiveness.

Firefighting Vehicles and Equipment: Provide firefighting vehicles and equipment that meet international standards.

Fire Hydrant Systems: Install and maintain fire hydrant systems to ensure adequate water supply for firefighting.

Firefighting Training: Provide regular training to firefighting personnel on firefighting techniques and equipment operation.

Enforcement of Fire Safety Regulations

Enforcement of fire safety regulations is critical for ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of fires. The following measures can be taken:

Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Impose penalties for non-compliance with fire safety regulations.

Fire Safety Certification: Require fire safety certification for buildings and industries.

Public Feedback Mechanism: Establish a public feedback mechanism to report fire safety concerns.

Public Awareness and Community Engagement

Public awareness and community engagement are essential for promoting a culture of fire safety. The following measures can be taken:

Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public on fire safety and promote a culture of fire safety.

Community Engagement: Engage with the community through workshops, seminars, and other events to promote fire safety and educate the public on fire safety procedures.

Fire Safety Education: Provide fire safety education in schools and communities.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations, to promote fire safety.

Benefits of Corrective Fire and Life Safety Procedures

Implementing corrective fire and life safety procedures can have numerous benefits, including:

Reduced risk of fires: By identifying and mitigating potential fire hazards, the risk of fires can be significantly reduced.

Protection of life and property: Fire safety measures can help protect human life and property from the devastating effects of fires.

Economic benefits: Fires can have significant economic impacts, including loss of business, damage to infrastructure, and costs associated with firefighting and recovery. Implementing fire safety measures can help reduce these costs.

Improved public safety: Fire safety measures can contribute to a safer and more resilient community.

Conclusion

Curbing fires in Lagos and Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of fires and promotes a culture of fire safety. By implementing corrective fire and life safety procedures, we can reduce the risk of fires, protect life and property, and promote economic development. As a fire and life safety expert, I urge stakeholders to work together to implement these measures and create a safer and more resilient community.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis above, the following recommendations are made to the appropriate authorities:

Develop a comprehensive fire safety plan: Develop a plan that outlines strategies, procedures, and protocols for fire prevention, response, and mitigation.

Establish a fire safety task force: Create a task force to oversee fire safety efforts and ensure compliance with regulations.

Provide training and resources: Provide training and resources to firefighting personnel, building managers, and residents on fire safety procedures and best practices.

Conduct regular fire safety audits: Conduct regular fire safety audits to ensure compliance with regulations and identify areas for improvement.

Engage with the community: Engage with the community through public awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to promote fire safety and educate the public on fire safety procedures.

By working together, we can create a safer and more resilient community in Lagos and Nigeria.

David Olapade Akindoyin is the Managing Director, Zerubabel Konsult, Consulting MEP Engineer, and Fire and Life Safety Expert and

Author of the book: Fire and Life Safety Handbook for Construction Industry

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives on Monday called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to caution Judges against being used by desperate politicians to derail Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the leader of the PDP caucus, Honourable Fred Agbedi, the lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as a growing trend of judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, a practice that, according to them, poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic stability.

The caucus’s position followed a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja which declined to grant an interim injunction seeking to stop the PDP from holding its scheduled meetings and national convention, but went ahead to make orders which negate the benefits of his ruling refusing the interim injunction.

The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, was filed by some individuals who has consistently opposed the planned national convention of the PDP.

The plaintiffs: Austine Nwachukwu, PDP Chairman in Imo State; Amah Abraham Nnanna, chairman of the Abia State chapter; and Turnah George, the South-South secretary of the party, had asked the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent the PDP from holding any meetings, congresses, or conventions pending the determination of their substantive suit.

Although the presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho declined to grant the ex parte order, he made pronouncements to the effect that any steps taken by the party during the pendency of the suit would be null and void, a pronouncement the lawmakers said could be interpreted as indirectly enabling those seeking to disrupt the Party’s activities.

‘We are deeply concerned that despite repeated Supreme Court pronouncements against judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, some Judges continue to make themselves available as instruments in the hands of desperate politicians seeking to subvert democracy and impose a one-party on Africa’s largest democracy.

‘We are worried that while Justice James Omotosho refused the grant of the restraining order asked by the plaintiffs in this case, he still went ahead to declare that any action taken by party in preparation for its National convention during the pendency of the suit shall be null and void, might embolden anti-democratic elements determined to truncate democratic process in Nigeria.

‘These pronouncements clearly provide an enabler for those who do not want the PDP National convention to hold so that the main opposition political party in Nigeria will not be able to present candidates in the Presidential and other elections in 2027.

‘It is worrisome that while the Court refused to grant the restraining order requested by the plaintiffs, it still made pronouncements that could be interpreted as providing legal cover for those intent on halting the PDP’s democratic processes. This, in our view, amounts to judicial overreach,’ the PDP Caucus noted.

The PDP lawmakers noted that it is unfortunate that the principal actors in this desperate move to manipulate the judicial process are known to have done similar ignoble things in the past which the NJC frowned at but unfortunately which the damage had already been done.

They therefore urged NJC to act decisively to prevent any abuse of the judicial process that could undermine multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

‘The survival of our democracy depends on the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary.

‘The NJC must ensure that no court becomes a willing tool for the subversion of the will of the people or the destabilization of political institutions,’ the caucus urged.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Olúwa?eun Mayomi Faleye, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s social protection system to safeguard workers against the emerging risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological disruptions in the workplace.

Speaking at the 2025 Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) Workshop in Ibadan on Friday, Barrister Faleye said the nature of work is rapidly changing, and so are the risks that come with it. Presenting a paper titled Social Security and Protection for Nigerian Workers Amid AI Disruption, he warned that technological innovations are expanding the scope of work-related risks beyond traditional physical injuries.

‘Work-related risks are expanding. They are no longer only injuries sustained in factory floors; they now include technological displacement, income instability, and psychological stress caused by rapid workplace changes,’ he stated.

According to him, Nigeria’s social protection system must evolve to keep pace with the transformation happening across industries. ‘Social Protection must evolve. We must rethink coverage, redefine risk, and reimagine support. In the era of AI, social security must not only compensate, it must empower,’ he said, emphasizing the need for intentional policies and sustained investment in social security.

While acknowledging that AI brings innovation, efficiency, and productivity gains, the NSITF boss cautioned that it also threatens traditional job structures, leaving many workers vulnerable to displacement. ‘AI promised efficiency and productivity, but it also threatens traditional jobs from factory floors to administrative offices,’ he observed. ‘The real question now should be the protection of displaced workers.’

Faleye identified several factors hindering full social protection coverage in Nigeria, particularly the dominance of the informal sector, which constitutes over 80 percent of the economy yet remains largely outside existing safety nets. He also lamented the limited awareness among workers about their rights and the benefits available under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme operated by the NSITF.

Despite these challenges, the Managing Director expressed optimism that AI could also be harnessed to strengthen the country’s social protection framework. ‘AI itself offers tools to make social protection more efficient. From digital identity systems that verify workers, to predictive analytics that help detect fraud or anticipate workplace risks before they happen,’ he explained.

Faleye emphasized that Nigeria must prioritize expanding social security coverage, investing in digital literacy and reskilling for workers, leveraging AI for social security delivery, and fostering collaboration among government, labour, and employers to ensure continuous dialogue and action. He urged that ‘the Nigerian workers’ welfare must remain the centre of all innovation.’

Calling on journalists to play their part, the NSITF chief appealed to members of the media to help raise public awareness about social protection and the challenges of AI-driven workplace transformations.

He concluded his presentation on a note of reassurance, saying that with proactive policy reforms and adequate preparation, Nigerian workers can look to the future with hope. ‘With the right policy changes, preparations, adaptation, and adequate protection, the future would be bright, and no Nigerian workers would be left behind,’ he said.

The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and key industry stakeholders have taken a major step toward improving the quality and efficiency of Nigeria’s seed industry with the validation of the Draft National Seed Regulation.

The move, described as a a good reform, is expected to decentralize seed certification, enhance private sector participation, and ensure that farmers across the country have better access to high-quality seeds.

Speaking at the Stakeholder Validation Workshop in Abuja, Dr. Okelola Folarin Sunday, Registrar of the Plant Variety Protection Office at NASC, said the new regulations aim to harmonise existing laws and create a clear framework for operations within the seed industry.

‘When you have clear regulations or clear laws and people know what they need to do and how they have to do it, then you can get the best result.

‘The seed space is a regimented one where everybody must know the right approach to do things. So today we are looking at harmonizing our regulations as they affect variety registration, release, and other key components like third-party certification’, he said.

He explained that one of the key reforms is the decentralisation of NASC’s roles, allowing private actors to handle certain certification functions under strict supervision.

The initiative, he noted, would enable the Council to focus on oversight and regulatory functions while empowering trained, licensed third-party operators to handle field and laboratory certification.

‘Our eyes will be on the job, but our hands will be off the job. We are bringing in more actors to produce early generation seeds, such as breeder and foundation seeds, to ensure farmers have access to certified seeds for improved productivity’, Okelola added.

He further noted that companies seeking to operate their own internal quality assurance units would be required to meet stringent standards, including staff training and periodic audits by NASC.

The approach, he said, would build the capacity of the seed industry while addressing funding limitations that make it difficult for government to solely police the fast-growing sector.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Dahiru Rabiu, a Director in the Office of the Director General of NASC, described the validation as a memorable moment for the Nigerian seed industry, marking a transition toward greater private sector involvement and improved regulatory efficiency.

According to Rabiu, three key draft regulations were being reviewed and validated; Third Party Certification Regulation 2025, Early Generation Seed Production Regulation 2025 and crop Variety Release Regulation 2025

He explained that the regulations were developed to operationalize sections of the National Agricultural Seed Council Act, 2019, which empowers the Council to engage private operators in certification and quality assurance processes.

‘The Council is going to license private sector players to handle some of these activities because the number of staff we have is too small compared to the growing needs of the industry. By bringing in the private sector, we can ensure wider coverage and better quality assurance across the country’, Rabiu said.

Rabiu disclosed that three models are being tested under the new framework, the company model, where seed companies establish internal quality control units; the institutional model, involving research and academic institutions; and the independent third-party model, comprising accredited private firms.

He also highlighted efforts to liberalize Early Generation Seed (EGS) production, noting that Nigeria currently meets only about 30 percent of its national seed requirement. Most breeder and foundation seeds, he said, come from public research institutions, a gap the private sector can help close to boost productivity and food security.

The validation workshop brought together representatives from across the seed value chain, including seed companies, research institutions, NAFDAC, and the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB). Participants described the effort as a necessary step toward a more competitive, transparent, and sustainable seed system in Nigeria.

The new regulatory framework, once adopted, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s seed quality assurance, attract private investment, and accelerate the country’s drive toward agricultural transformation and food security.