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Past & Present: UK’s House of Lords discusses Uganda human rights situation

Forty two years ago, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, issued a statement in Kampala accusing president Milton Obote’s Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) of having come up with a plan to arrest Opposition Members of Parliament.

Ssemogerere, who was also the president general of the Opposition Democratic Party (DP), made the revelation during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters on Johnson Street in downtown Kampala on October 26, 1984.

Ssemogerere made the claim at a time when five people from Busoga, namely Dr Eriab Muzira, Alex Waibale, John Magezi, John Mpaulo and David Kisadha Nabeta had been ‘convinced’ by then UPC Secretary General John Luwuliza Kirunda to ‘cross to the common ruling party’. Prof Yoweri Kyesimira, who turned down Kirunda’s overtures, was languishing in Luzira thanks to a detention order signed by Kirunda.

UK Debate

Ssemogerere’s claims came 10 days after the UK’s House of Lords discussed the human rights situation in Uganda.

In the record of proceedings of October 16, 1984, the debate was precipitated by a question tabled by Viscount Buckmaster.

‘The question was as follows: To ask Her Majesty’s government whether they accept recent reports of extensive killings and other serious violations of human rights by the armed forces in Uganda and whether they will define the role of the British military training team operating with the Ugandan Army,’ Viscount Buckmaster submitted.

In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces, Lord Trefgarne, conceded that the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) had indeed been found to have carried out extrajudicial killings and that the British government had already called out the government in Kampala over the same.

‘My Lords. We accept that abuses of human rights and killings have taken place in Uganda and that members of the Ugandan Army, among others, have been responsible. We have made clear our concern to the Ugandan government. The role of our training team is to assist with the training and development of the Ugandan armed forces as part of our wider efforts to help improve security and economic conditions in Uganda,’ he said.

According to the record, the minister’s response elicited more concerns, with Lord Viscount Buckmaster describing the human rights situation in Uganda as ‘among the gravest in the world’.

‘Would he (minister) not agree, however, that human rights violations in Uganda are among the gravest in the world? Is he not aware that the reports from Amnesty International, whose reputation for the assessment of such situations is surely beyond dispute, have indicated that these human rights violations have been continuing since February 1981, quite apart from the killings in Amin’s day, and that they are increasing in severity rather than diminishing?’ he asked.

He added: ‘Secondly, the Amnesty International report reveals that most of the victims of these army barbarities have not been guerrillas at all but unarmed civilians, including many women and children. Is the noble Lord the minister also aware that there are in Britain today a great many Ugandans, and also Britons, who served in Uganda recently and who have first-hand experience of these horrendous happenings, which have included mass murders, mutilations, abductions and many other horrible happenings?’

Amnesty report

At the time, some details of a report that Amnesty International was compiling on the human rights and security situation had started trickling into the public in Britain.

The global human rights watchdog subsequently released a 64-page report in which it detailed claims that the UNLA had committed serious atrocities, including killings of civilians in the Luweero Triangle where it was battling rebels of the National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/A) and in other parts of the country.

The report, which was released on June 11, 1985, also detailed the harassment of supporters of DP and the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) and suspected sympathisers of the NRA.

The NRA had taken up arms against the Obote II government amid claims that the 1980 elections had been rigged in favour of UPC.

1980 elections

Although the party won the popular vote with a narrow margin of 3,000 votes, having garnered a total of 1,966,244 votes against UPC’s 1,963,679 votes, it could not form the government as it had fewer MPs compared to what UPC had. DP had only managed 50 seats in Parliament against UPC’s 75 seats.

It has been claimed in several reports that voter registration centres had been manned by UPC supporters; that potential Opposition candidates for some of the parliamentary seats had been denied the opportunity to get nominated; that constituencies had been gerrymandered and that the Military Commission, which organised the polls, had ignored proposals aimed at having the Electoral Commission constituted differently.

In its report, Amnesty International accused UNLA of illegally detaining civilians, some of whom appeared ‘unconnected with the armed Opposition to president Obote’s government’, in military garrisons where they would be subjected to torture.

The report further noted that all but a few of those detained in military facilities, namely Makindye Military Police barracks, Lubiri and Kireka barracks, were tortured, adding that many torture victims have ‘disappeared’ in custody and are feared dead. The report also accused UNLA and the National Security Agency of carrying out illegal detentions; setting up detention camps; employing crude methods of torture; denying detainees access to sanitation facilities; extorting detainees’ families and burying victims in mass graves.

Minister responds

In response, the minister said whereas abuses were occurring, the situation in most parts of the country had improved. He attributed the improvement to the presence of British military trainers.

‘However, we take the view that across the country there has been some improvement in recent years, and I believe that that can to some extent be ascribed to the work done by our military training team in that country. It is for that reason that we plan that the training team should continue,’ he said.

At the time, Britain was contributing troops to the Commonwealth Military Training Team (CMTT) and the British Military Training Team (BMTT), both of which were involved in training UNLA. BMTT was composed of only 13 people, five officers and eight Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), and the minister believed that they had positively impacted the UNLA.

‘I believe we can claim that the work of that team has resulted in improved discipline and efficiency of the Ugandan Army. The purpose of the team is to train junior officers and NCOs for the Ugandan Army. We believe that they have been very successful in that role. Indeed, in the area where the team is working, we can point to a significant improvement in the security and human rights situation,’ he submitted.

He also reported that Uganda was receiving aid to the tune of about £7 million a year and defended continued engagement with the Obote II government, saying that it was not in conflict with Her Majesty’s government policies on aid.

‘As the noble Lord knows, we are always ready and indeed desirous to condemn abuses of human rights wherever they may occur. But I believe that the Ugandan government is trying to put this matter right. We think it best to assist them in that endeavour,’ he submitted.

According to the record, Lord Viscount Buckmaster called on the British government to order the Uganda government to ‘stem this terrifying torrent of evil’, but Lord Trefgarne was reluctant to go that way.

‘My Lords, I certainly agree that we should do everything we can to assist the Ugandan government and the Ugandan Army in their endeavours to improve the situation, but Uganda is, of course, a sovereign country and we have to stop short of interfering in the internal affairs of that country,’ he said.

Ssemo claims dismissed

In Kampala, the government was quick to dismiss Ssemogerere’s claims that it was targeting DP MPs.

Then minister for Information, David Anyoti, issued a statement saying the Chief Justice had not written any such letter to president Obote.

Border with Cambodia to remain shut amid concerns

Thailand will not reopen its border checkpoints with Cambodia until its key concerns are addressed, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said.

Speaking on the programme Talk with PM Anutin on Saturday, Mr Anutin said there was no timeline for reopening the border and no indication that bilateral relations would return to their previous level soon. He cited unresolved land and maritime boundary issues, transnational scam operations and the safety of Thai citizens.

The border had been closed for some time and the government must prioritise Thailand’s interests, he said.

Key considerations included tackling illegal imports, addressing concerns over agricultural trade, combating cross-border criminal networks and ensuring national security.

Mr Anutin said the government would not allow political considerations to outweigh the country’s interests.

Economic indicators had improved since the closure and public sentiment remained supportive of the measure.

While dialogue with Cambodia remained possible, several steps had to be completed before relations could be restored to their previous level.

Tinubu has failed on steady power supply pledge, Atiku replies Alake

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to fulfil its promise of providing Nigerians with steady electricity supply.

Atiku said the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council was attempting to divert attention from the administration’s unfulfilled electricity pledge by highlighting legislation, committees, bonds and power projects.

He stated this on Sunday through Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, in a response to comments by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on the government’s electricity sector reforms.

Atiku said Nigerians continued to grapple with unreliable electricity, forcing households and businesses to spend scarce resources on alternative sources of power while still paying electricity bills.

‘APC should spare Nigerians spectacle of celebrating paperwork while homes and businesses remain in darkness. After three and a half years, families still struggle to keep their homes lit. Traders and small business owners spend scarce resources on alternative power, yet struggle to keep their businesses alive. Nigerians are billed for electricity they cannot rely on. President Tinubu promised steady power and an end to estimated billing. That promise has not been kept,’ he said.

The former vice-president also faulted the existing electricity band system, arguing that consumers across the different categories continued to experience power failures despite paying varying tariffs.

‘Across Nigeria, consumers are placed in Bands A, B, C, D and E and charged different rates. In many areas, Band A customers pay about N209.50 per unit before VAT. Rates for other bands vary by state and electricity provider. Yet across every band, same hardship endures: power fails, but bill arrives,’ he said.

He argued that households should not have to choose between paying electricity bills and meeting their basic needs, while businesses should not be charged more for electricity they do not receive.

On the planned removal of electricity subsidies from 2027, Atiku demanded clarification from the Federal Government on the implications for consumers, despite assurances that there would be no immediate increase in electricity tariffs.

‘Nigerians are entitled to clear answer: what will happen to their bills when subsidy ends?’ he asked.

Atiku said he would work with state governments and regulators, within the provisions of the law, to replace the existing band system with what he described as a fair, transparent and affordable electricity pricing framework that would hold distribution companies accountable for the power supplied.

He also recalled Tinubu’s campaign promise during the 2022 presidential election, when the President reportedly pledged to provide constant electricity within four years.

‘When President Tinubu campaigned in 2022, he made unmistakable commitment. He said: ‘If I don’t give you constant electricity for four years, when I come back for second term, don’t vote for me.’ Nigerians have lived through those four years. They do not need his campaign council to interpret his words for them. They need him to answer for them,’ he said.

The ADC chieftain further questioned the administration’s investment in new electricity generation infrastructure, alleging that it had failed to build a new generation facility to increase the country’s power capacity despite introducing a multitrillion-naira bond programme to settle outstanding debts owed to generation companies.

‘Paying old debts is not same as building new power infrastructure. Bonds cannot be presented as substitute for power in people’s homes,’ he added.

Atiku also expressed concerns over the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and a provision in the Nigeria Tax Act for a five per cent surcharge on certain fossil fuels, including petrol and diesel.

He noted that although the government had said the surcharge had not been activated and would require a ministerial order, Nigerians deserved clarity on the possibility of additional energy-related charges.

‘Dele Alake’s statement cannot light a home. Signing a law is not electricity. Raising a bond is not electricity. Approving a project is not power delivered. Nigerians cannot cook, study, work or sustain a business on announcements,’ Atiku said.

He maintained that Nigerians expected reliable and affordable electricity, urging the Tinubu administration to account for its campaign promises and the performance of the power sector.

We must enable people, build institutions that convert capacity into sustainable performance – Salami

Abiola Salami, Performance Strategist and founder, CHAMP Global Leadership Consulting, a leadership development and performance advisory firm, speaks to institutional investment in technology, people, infrastructure and innovation; and argues that innovation and adoption are not sufficient measures of institutional success. In this interview, Salami discusses why Nigeria needs a stronger approach to measuring institutional performance leadership ahead of the 2026 Peak Performer Africa awards scheduled for November 20. Excerpts by JOHN SALAU:

As a performance strategist, what role would you say governance and accountability play in institutional performance?

They are central. Strategy without accountability can become aspiration without delivery.

Governance without decision quality can become procedural compliance without effective oversight. Good governance should help an institution make sound decisions, identify risks, allocate resources responsibly and ensure that authority is matched by accountability.

Accountability also has to extend beyond assigning blame when something goes wrong. It requires clarity about who owns an outcome, the resources and authority available to that person, the standards against which performance is assessed, and the mechanisms for learning and correction. When these elements work together, accountability becomes a performance discipline rather than a disciplinary event.

What is the implication of having an institution heavily dependent on the chief executive when it comes to performance?

It may perform impressively during that leader’s tenure, but the more important question is whether the institution has built the capability to continue performing when that individual leaves. Enduring performance requires leadership depth, succession planning, institutional memory, effective processes and a culture that supports sound decisions beyond the personality of the chief executive. A leader’s legacy should not be measured only by the results achieved while in office. It should also be measured by the institution’s readiness to continue delivering afterwards. This is why leadership continuity and succession are among the dimensions examined by the Performance Leadership Index.

What is the Performance Leadership Index?

The Performance Leadership Index 2026 is an evidence-led assessment developed by The Peak Performer Africa to examine institutional capability for sustainable performance. It is not designed to reward size, popularity or visibility.

It examines the evidence of how institutions establish direction, execute priorities, take ownership of performance, govern decisions, develop leadership capability and sustain results. The assessment uses ten dimensions i.e. Strategic Coherence; Execution Discipline; Performance Ownership and Accountability; Leadership Capability and Readiness; Leadership Continuity and Succession; Governance, Decision Quality and Behavioural Integrity; People, Culture and Organisational Alignment; Innovation and Organisational Adaptability; Stakeholder Confidence and Market Signals; and Enduring Performance.

Together, these dimensions encourage a more integrated view of institutional effectiveness.

How does the Index differentiate genuine performance from good corporate storytelling?

Our methodology uses the 5D Standard (i.e. Direction, Discipline, Depth, Dynamism and Durability) through evidence and disciplined assessment. It also applies the Four Proof Rule, which examines evidence of the system, the outcome, the time dimension and independent corroboration. The assessment considers the strength and consistency of the available evidence, rather than relying solely on what an institution says about itself. Evidence confidence and integrity checks are also part of the process.

A distinction must be made between a claim and proof of that claim. Having a policy does not automatically demonstrate that it is implemented effectively. Reporting an achievement does not, by itself, establish that the achievement is sustainable. The assessment is designed to reward substantiated institutional capability – not merely compelling narratives.

What does the Index mean for institutions that are recognised?

Recognition should mean something more than visibility. It should reflect evidence that an institution meets a defined standard. The Performance Leadership Index 2026 assesses institutions against a common methodology, with sector context considered in interpreting institutional performance. It is not intended to produce a simplistic league table of the largest or most popular organisations. The 2026 assessment covers 100 institutions, with 25 qualifying as PLI 25 Leading Institutions under the established assessment criteria. The assessment uses a threshold of 80 percent, alongside minimum requirements across the five dimensions, evidence confidence and integrity criteria. Recognition is therefore tied to the applicable evidence and qualification standard.

It should be understood in that context.

Do you think there is a need to measure performance leadership differently in Nigeria?

We have become accustomed to measuring institutional success through familiar indicators like revenue, profitability, market share, growth, asset size and visibility. These are important, but they do not tell the complete story. We must also ask how consistently an institution translates its strategic direction into results, how well it executes, whether accountability is embedded in its operating culture, how sound its governance, and whether it can sustain performance beyond the tenure of a particular leader. An institution can be profitable without being sufficiently resilient. It can be innovative without delivering a better customer experience. It can have an impressive strategy that never becomes an organisational reality. Performance Leadership challenges us to examine the connection between direction, capability, execution and outcomes. The question is not simply whether an institution is successful today. It is whether it has the leadership systems, organisational discipline and institutional foundations to sustain that success.

On Friday, November 20, 2026, at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, The Peak Performer Africa will convene two connected experiences under the theme Unlocking Capacity. Redefining Performance. The evening programme, TPP Awards 2026, featuring the Performance Leadership Honours, begins at 6:00 p.m. It will include my keynote on The State of Performance Leadership in Nigeria and the unveiling of the Performance Leadership Index 2026, alongside institutional and individual recognitions under the applicable criteria. The morning experience, No More Shrinking; The Full Capacity Experience, begins at 8:00 a.m. and examines the utilisation of female capacity in Nigeria. The two conversations are connected by a national imperative: we must enable people to contribute fully and build institutions that convert capacity into sustainable performance.

Are you saying financial performance indicators are no longer relevant?

Not at all. Financial performance remains essential. My argument is that we should distinguish between measuring results and understanding the institutional capabilities that produce and sustain those results. Profitability tells us something important about an institution. But it does not, by itself, tell us how effectively the organisation manages risk, develops future leaders, maintains governance standards, aligns its people, adapts to disruption or prepares for leadership succession. The objective is not to replace financial indicators. It is to complement them with a more complete understanding of institutional performance. A stronger measurement approach helps boards and executives understand not only what happened, but also the systems and leadership disciplines that made it possible and whether those systems can continue to deliver.

How should businesses do outside investing in innovation to boost institutional performance?

They should begin by defining the outcomes that matter before celebrating the activity. If an institution invests in digital banking, for example, it should examine not only transaction volumes and adoption but also reliability, security, complaints resolution, inclusion and customer trust. If it invests in employee development, it should examine whether leadership capability improves, execution becomes stronger and business outcomes change. If it introduces a new strategy, it should track whether priorities are understood, resources are aligned, responsibilities are clear and intended outcomes are achieved. In my latest Guardian column, I make a related argument about digital banking that the deployment of technology is not the same as the achievement of better performance. The same principle applies across sectors. The discipline is simple; connect investment to capability, capability to execution, and execution to evidence of results.

What do you consider a call to action after a possible engagement with this approach?

I would encourage boards and chief executives to ask five questions. First, is our strategic direction clear enough to guide choices and resource allocation? Second, do we have the discipline to execute our priorities consistently? Third, is accountability connected to outcomes rather than activity alone? Fourth, do our governance, leadership and people systems support the performance we expect? Finally, are we building an institution that can sustain its results over time? These questions can expose gaps that conventional reporting may not make sufficiently visible. The value of measurement is not the score itself. It is the quality of the decisions that follow.

Finally, what is your advice to Nigerian business leaders on deepening institutional performance?

Do not confuse activity with achievement, visibility with capability, or short-term success with enduring performance. The institutions that will matter most in the years ahead are those that can demonstrate a clear direction, execute with discipline, take ownership of outcomes, govern responsibly and sustain results. Nigeria does not lack ambition. We must become more deliberate about building the institutional capability to turn ambition into performance.

INEC Targets Dec 15 For Publication Of Final Voters’ Register

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed December 15 2026, for final publication of the voters’ register.

Professor Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Commission, disclosed this at the South-South Zonal Interactive Meeting with INEC Staff in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, this weekend.

He also reacted to concerns over allegedly AI-generated photographs appearing on the Commission’s preliminary voters’ register, saying the records are being examined for possible corrective action.

Amupitan said the Commission was reviewing the photographs and would take necessary steps based on verified findings.

He urged Nigerians to participate in the ongoing display, claims and objections process to identify irregularities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The INEC chairman urged eligible voters to scrutinise the preliminary register and report suspected errors.

He stressed that public participation was important to ensuring the credibility and accuracy of the final document.

He said the final voters’ register was scheduled for publication on December 15, 2026.

Amupitan’s response comes amid concerns over the authenticity of some photographs uploaded on the preliminary register published online by the Commission.

Questions have been raised about possible irregularities in the voter registration records.

He disclosed that the South-South geopolitical zone had 15,823,550 registered voters, with Rivers State accounting for 3,736,434.

He assured Nigerians that INEC would ensure that no eligible voter was disenfranchised through administrative negligence or logistical failures during the 2027 elections.

On preparations for the polls, Amupitan said the Commission was strengthening its technological capacity, including preparations for the deployment of 57,000 newly procured Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices.

He added that INEC was auditing its electronic result management systems to strengthen transparency in the transmission of results through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

The chairman also identified the peculiar geographical features of the South-South, particularly its creeks, coastal settlements and riverine communities, as major logistical challenges requiring special arrangements.

He disclosed that the Commission had finalised a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maritime Transporters Union to facilitate the timely and secure transportation of election personnel and materials to difficult-to-access communities.

On election security, Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s collaboration with security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

He stressed the need for intelligence-led planning and adequate protection for voters, electoral materials and personnel.

He warned that anyone who threatens or attacks electoral officials, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed for election duties, would face the full weight of the law.

The INEC chairman also cautioned electoral officers against partisanship, negligence, absenteeism and financial impropriety, saying such conduct would attract disciplinary action.

He said the Commission was assessing its operational readiness through field engagements, drawing lessons from recent governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states, FCT Area Council elections and 16 by-elections.

Amupitan further highlighted staff welfare measures introduced by the Commission, including the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS), enhanced salaries, hazard and field allowances.

He also disclosed that INEC had increased monthly overhead allocations to its state offices by 150 per cent, with the adjustment taking effect from July 1, 2026.

Oando production hits 42,985boepd as revenue grows 9% in nine months

Oando Plc has increased its average daily oil and gas production by 14 per cent to 42,985 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in the first nine months of 2026, as revenue rose by nine per cent to N2.78 trillion on the back of higher crude oil liftings, increased gas and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) sales, and improved realised prices.

According to the company’s unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, operational performance improved across its upstream portfolio, with growth in crude oil, natural gas, and NGL production.

Average daily production rose from 37,614 boepd in the corresponding period of 2025 to 42,985 boepd in 2026, reflecting increased investment, improved operational efficiency, and better facility reliability.

Crude oil production also increased by 12 per cent to 12,193 barrels per day, while gas production rose by 13 per cent to 28,689 boepd.

Its NGL production recorded the highest growth, increasing by 53 per cent to 2,103 barrels per day.

The improved output also translated into higher sales volumes. Crude oil liftings increased by 43 per cent to 3.97 million barrels, while natural gas sales rose by five per cent to 34.01 billion standard cubic feet (Bscf).

NGL sales surged by 90 per cent to 0.57 million barrels, pushing total exploration and production sales volumes up by 21 per cent to 10.21 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Commenting on the performance, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, said the results reflected the impact of disciplined execution under the company’s operatorship and renewed investment drive.

He said production growth was supported by improved efficiency, higher facility uptime and lower operating costs across the company’s expanded upstream portfolio.

According to him, facility uptime improved to 96.1 per cent from 85 per cent in the corresponding period of 2025, while production operating costs declined by 22 per cent to $15.39 per barrel of oil equivalent.

The company, according to him, also recorded a significant improvement in profitability, moving from an operating loss of N109.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 to an operating profit of N159.7 billion in the review period.

Gross profit increased by 483 per cent to N174.5 billion from N29.8 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Tinubu attributed the improvement to higher production, better operational reliability, lower unit costs and increased efficiency across the company’s assets.

On its investment programme, he said the company had committed N110.7 billion to capital expenditure during the period, largely directed towards drilling activities across Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 60-63.

‘The company’s seven-well drilling programme for 2026 is progressing across its operated assets. Two wells, Idu 6ST and Idu 15, have been completed and brought on stream, while workovers at Samabri 4T and Samabri 7T have also been completed.

‘ Drilling is ongoing at Idu T and Samabri A50, with the final well, Ogbainbiri, scheduled to commence in December,’ the company said.

On completion, the company said the drilling campaign is expected to add between 16,000 and 20,000 boepd gross production, helping to offset natural field decline and sustain output growth.

The programme is also expected to support Oando’s medium-term ambition of increasing production to approximately 100,000 boepd within the next four to five years.

Meanwhile, the company reported that total borrowings declined to N2.16 trillion, representing a 22 per cent reduction from the peak recorded at the end of 2024.

Cash generated from operations stood at N285 billion during the review period.

In the clean energy segment, Oando’s electric mobility partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) recorded more than 212,000 passenger journeys in the first nine months of 2026, with average capacity utilisation of 73 per cent.

‘An additional 11 electric buses, the first batch of a planned 50, have arrived in Lagos, bringing the fleet to 13. The expanded fleet is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter, with LAMATA operating the buses on behalf of Lagos State,’ the statement read.

Looking ahead, Oando said it has narrowed its full-year production guidance to between 40,000 and 45,000 boepd, while projecting capital expenditure of $90 million to $100 million for 2026, primarily targeting high-impact, short-cycle upstream activities.

Tinubu said the company’s priorities for the remaining months of the year included completing its drilling programme, sustaining operational reliability and strengthening shareholders’ funds through an impending equity raise.

He added that the initiatives would help reduce leverage, improve the company’s capacity to finance future growth and support potential shareholder distributions.

NASENI empowers 300 Ondo residents with locally made products

Over 300 residents of Ondo State have benefited from the Federal Government’s distribution of locally manufactured solar home systems and clean cooking stoves under its National Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).

The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, received the items at an empowerment programme organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) at the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Event Centre, Akure.

The intervention is aimed at improving access to clean energy, reducing household health risks, promoting indigenous technology and supporting small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to economic self-reliance, local production and youth-centred development.

Olawande said the initiative was designed not only to provide immediate relief to vulnerable households but also to stimulate local industries, create employment opportunities and encourage Nigerians to embrace homegrown technological solutions.

He stressed that the selection of beneficiaries was not based on political affiliation, adding that the government was determined to ensure that its interventions reached ordinary Nigerians in need of support.

According to him, beneficiaries would also receive stipends to support the establishment and expansion of micro-businesses, making the intervention more sustainable.

He said: ‘Over 300 beneficiaries in Ondo State are receiving these items, irrespective of political affiliation.

‘This is not a political strategy but a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling his promises and making government interventions beneficial to ordinary Nigerians.’

The minister explained that the clean cooking stoves would reduce health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood, particularly among women and children, while the solar systems would provide electricity for students and small-scale business operators.

He said the programme had been extended to several states, including Kano, Katsina, Lagos and Oyo, adding that Ondo was selected as part of efforts to expand its nationwide coverage.

Olawande also announced that the Nigeria Youth Academy (NYA) would be launched on November 9, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, offering grants ranging from N5 million to N20 million to support promising young entrepreneurs.

He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, describing the intervention as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, said the agency was focused on converting research and development into practical products that address the needs of Nigerians.

Halilu said the locally manufactured solar systems and clean cooking stoves were part of efforts to promote indigenous technology, generate employment and provide solutions to challenges confronting communities.

He said: ‘Our clean cooking stoves make cooking healthier and more efficient, while the home solar systems help small businesses have electricity throughout the day and ensure that children can do their assignments even when there is no public power supply.’

He explained that the initiative was also intended to strengthen local manufacturing and create employment opportunities through the production of Nigerian-made equipment.

‘In a nutshell, it is about translating research and development into actual products that will impact people’s lives and, most importantly, make the intervention sustainable,’ he said.

The NASENI chief executive expressed satisfaction with the agency’s collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, describing the partnership as an important step towards sustainable development.

He assured that more empowerment initiatives would be introduced to improve living conditions, promote local manufacturing and create opportunities for economic advancement.

The Politics of no-vote and the imperatives of economic development and sustainability in Nigeria’s democracy

Nigeria stands today at a decisive inflexion point in its democratic journey. The nation’s political landscape is increasingly defined not by the loudness of electoral participation but by the silence of abstention. The politics of no-vote-often dismissed as apathy-has matured into a potent political signal, a collective expression of disillusionment, distrust, and frustration with a system perceived as unresponsive to the needs of its people. This phenomenon is not merely a democratic inconvenience; it is a structural warning that Nigeria’s political and economic foundations are under strain.

In a country where economic development and sustainability are urgent imperatives, the rise of no-vote politics threatens to weaken the very mechanisms required to achieve national progress. Democracy thrives on participation, legitimacy, and accountability. When citizens withdraw their consent through abstention, the democratic engine slows, governance becomes fragile, and economic transformation becomes increasingly elusive. Nigeria must therefore confront this challenge with intellectual honesty, institutional courage, and strategic foresight.

Understanding the politics of no-vote

The politics of no-vote is not a passive act of indifference. It is an assertive political stance rooted in accumulated disappointments. Many Nigerians have come to believe that voting does not produce meaningful change, a perception shaped by decades of electoral irregularities, unfulfilled promises, and governance failures. The ballot box, once a symbol of hope, has become for many a symbol of futility.

This disillusionment is particularly pronounced among the youth, whose political energy has migrated from polling units to digital platforms. Social media has become a theatre of civic expression, where frustrations are aired, movements are mobilised, and alternative visions of governance are debated. Yet this digital vibrancy contrasts sharply with declining physical participation in elections. The youth, who constitute a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, now engage politically without engaging electorally.

Regional disparities further complicate the landscape. Communities that feel historically marginalised or economically neglected often abstain from voting as a symbolic protest. Their silence is a message: the system does not serve them, and participation feels pointless. When such sentiments become widespread, they weaken national cohesion and erode the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

The economic consequences of no-vote politics

Democracy and economic development are inseparable. A disengaged electorate produces leaders with weakened mandates, undermining the stability required for economic growth. Investors-both domestic and foreign-monitor voter turnout as an indicator of political stability. Low participation signals uncertainty, discouraging long-term investments and slowing economic progress.

Policy continuity, essential for sustainable development, becomes fragile when electoral outcomes are shaped by disengagement rather than robust participation. Leaders elected by a minority of eligible voters often struggle to implement transformative policies, lacking the broad public mandate necessary for bold reforms. This fragility disrupts long-term planning, weakens institutions, and creates an environment where economic policies are easily reversed or abandoned.

Political disengagement also erodes accountability. Leaders who do not fear electoral consequences may become complacent, allowing corruption to flourish. Corruption undermines economic development, widens inequality, and perpetuates poverty. Communities that abstain from voting lose political leverage, becoming invisible in policy formulation and resource allocation. Their economic marginalisation deepens, creating a vicious cycle of disengagement and deprivation.

Thought processes behind no-vote behaviour

To address the politics of no-vote, Nigeria must understand the psychological and social dynamics that drive it. Many citizens believe their votes do not count, a perception reinforced by historical electoral malpractice. Others feel that all politicians are indistinguishable, lacking ideological diversity or moral distinction. This belief fosters cynicism and discourages participation.

Another prevailing thought is that democracy has not improved daily life. Citizens judge governance by tangible outcomes-jobs, security, infrastructure, fairness. When these outcomes remain elusive, democracy itself becomes suspect. The perception that the system is rigged against ordinary people further fuels disengagement, creating a sense of powerlessness.

Digital participation also shapes no-vote behaviour. Many young Nigerians feel more empowered through online activism than through voting. Social media provides immediate visibility and influence, whereas electoral participation feels distant and ineffective. This shift in civic engagement must be understood and addressed if Nigeria is to revitalise its democratic culture.

The link between democracy, economic development, and sustainability

Nigeria’s democratic health cannot be separated from its economic realities. Sustainable development requires stable institutions, predictable policies, and inclusive growth. Democracy provides the framework for these outcomes, but only when citizens participate meaningfully. A disengaged electorate weakens institutions, undermines policy continuity, and erodes public trust.

Economic development thrives in environments where the rule of law is respected, public institutions are transparent, and leadership is accountable. These conditions attract investment, stimulate innovation, and promote equitable growth. Sustainability, in turn, demands responsible resource management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and long-term planning. Nigeria’s vast natural resources, youthful population, and emerging digital economy offer immense potential, but this potential cannot be realised without a stable and participatory democratic system.

Solutions: Re-engineering Nigeria’s democratic and economic future

Nigeria must adopt a comprehensive strategy to reverse the politics of no-vote and strengthen democratic sustainability. Rebuilding trust in electoral processes is paramount. Transparent systems, secure digital technologies, and strong institutional independence are essential. Electoral malpractice must be met with strict penalties, and real-time monitoring should be made accessible to the public to enhance transparency.

Civic education must be revitalised. Citizens need to understand how voting influences economic outcomes and national development. Schools, religious institutions, and digital platforms should be leveraged to promote democratic participation. Influencers and community leaders can play a vital role in reshaping public perceptions of voting.

Governance performance must improve. Citizens disengage when leadership fails to deliver. Governments must prioritise policies that directly impact daily life-job creation, security, healthcare, and infrastructure. Performance-based governance metrics and quarterly scorecards can enhance accountability and rebuild trust.

Economic reforms are critical for inclusive growth. Nigeria must expand opportunities in the digital economy, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, and implement regional development plans to reduce inequality. Green industries and sustainable agriculture should be promoted to align economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Technology offers powerful tools for democratic sustainability. AI-driven platforms can facilitate public consultations, while blockchain can enhance transparency in public finance. Digital town halls can bridge the gap between leaders and citizens, fostering dialogue and trust.

Essentially, Nigeria must strengthen its social contract. National unity requires inclusive dialogue, recognition of historical grievances, and the promotion of shared national narratives. Democracy thrives when citizens feel heard, valued, and included.

A new democratic imagination for Nigeria

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The politics of no-vote is a warning sign, signalling that citizens are losing faith in the democratic process. To build a sustainable future, Nigeria must re-imagine democracy as a continuous, participatory, and economically productive system. A sustainable democracy is one where citizens feel heard, leaders are accountable, institutions are strong, and economic opportunities are widespread.

The next chapter of Nigeria’s democratic evolution will depend on whether the nation can transform no-vote politics into renewed civic engagement and align democratic governance with economic development and sustainability. The stakes are high, but the possibilities are immense. Nigeria must seize this moment to build a democracy that works, an economy that grows, and a future that endures.

Conclusion

The politics of no-vote is not a trivial trend; it is a profound democratic alarm. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore it. The nation’s economic aspirations, sustainability goals, and democratic stability depend on revitalising citizen participation. A democracy without voters is a democracy without legitimacy, and a nation without legitimacy cannot build a resilient economy or a sustainable future.

Nigeria must therefore confront this challenge with urgency and resolve. By rebuilding trust, strengthening institutions, enhancing governance performance, and expanding economic opportunities, the nation can transform political disengagement into renewed civic energy. The future of Nigeria’s democracy-and its economic destiny-depends on the choices made today.

.Ademola is first African Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management; Global Education Advocate; Chartered Manager; UK Digital Journalist; Strategic Advisor and Prophetic Mobiliser for National Transformation; Public Intellectual; African Governance Thinker; General Evangelist, CAC Nigeria and Overseas.

FG expresses support for SMEs in communication sector

The Federal government has expressed commitment to the continuous support of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the communication sector of the country.

Speaking at the Weekend in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua, reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration has continued its economic rescue by empowering SMEs, especially those in the communication sector.

‘The last time I was travelling out of the country, I bought a very expensive eSIM at Abuja Airport, and I was going to Bangkok. The eSIM worked in London, but it didn’t work in Bangkok. I didn’t get much value for it, but I’m hoping that Esdiac is better. I think it’s much cheaper than what I got’.

He commended the indigenous firm for building a system that reduces the cost of making calls around the globe, assuring Esdiac of government support.

Also speaking, the Founder of Esdiac, Mr. Austin Ugbebor, and the Lead Infrastructure and Security Engineer, Daramola Olugbenga, said the Esdiac Media Parley and Stakeholders Engagement is proof that world-class telecom products can be built and sustained in Nigeria.

Olugbenga explained that Esdiac was designed from the ground up as a statement of local capability, leveraging existing global technologies but building a proprietary, highly scalable backbone.

‘From Esdiac, we have done it and we are still doing it with Nigerians. This is a big statement that we can do it,’.

He stated that the system was initially dimensioned for one million concurrent calls, with architecture that prevents mid-call drops despite network fluctuations.

‘We built in a very scalable manner. So even if there is a network fluctuation, the call will not drop mid-conversation. Once a call starts, it will run to the end’.

At the heart of the local-content pitch is data sovereignty. Both speakers stressed that Esdiac complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and NCC regulations, storing and processing all Nigerian user data in Nigeria.

On his part, Ugbebor said, ‘We authenticate your access into the platform using the SIM and we ride on our own backbone, which is mainly here in Nigeria and also in the US. We are very careful that data here are not transmitted outside the country.’

He noted that as a paid product licensed by both the NCC in Nigeria and the FCC in the United States, Esdiac cannot share user information with third parties without user approval or a court order, and users have the right to request data held about them.

Nigeria Trkiye confab to focus on local defence production tech transfer

Nigeria’s ambition to expand local defence production within a year is shaping discussions at the Africa International Defence Exhibition (Afridex) 2026 in Lagos where Nigerian and Turkish industry representatives are examining opportunities for joint manufacturing technology transfer and skills development.

The Strategic Conference programme connects equipment procurement with the industrial partnerships engineering expertise and long-term support needed to strengthen domestic defence capability.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd) outlined the government’s production ambitions.

Musa said ‘Within the next year Nigeria will commence large-scale local production of defence hardware to meet domestic requirements and support exports to other African countries.’

The ambition provides the backdrop to ‘From Partnership to Production’ a dedicated Trkiye-Nigeria panel examining joint development manufacturing and investment opportunities.

The published panel programme includes Proforce’s Ade Ogundeyin; Gökhan Uçar Deputy Secretary at Trkiye’s Secretariat of Defence Industries; Bam Ibrahim Garba Chief Executive Officer of DICON Gray Insignia; and Sevket Ünal Vice President at HAVELSAN.

Moderated by Maj. Gen. (rtd) Anthony Mayowa Atolagbe the session focuses on technology transfer local industrial capability and government- industry partnerships that can support long -term defence requirements.

For Nigerian manufacturers and technology businesses the discussions address opportunities to participate in defence supply chains develop specialist expertise and support equipment throughout its operational life. The programme also includes ‘Building Africa’s Defence Capability: From Procurement to Sovereignty’ examining how acquisition decisions can strengthen national readiness while developing sustainable domestic capability.

Speaking at Monday’s opening ceremony Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence and Chairman of the DICON Board Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON emphasised the importance of developing the workforce required to sustain local manufacturing. Matawalle said ‘A good and trusted partner leaves behind the engineers and the technical crew that will continue to keep the production lines active.

Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) said the exhibition’s value would depend on the capabilities and industrial relationships it helped establish.

Alaya said ‘Ultimately AFRIDEX’s success will be measured not by exhibitors or visitors but by lasting partnerships investments industrial projects and sustainable capabilities.’

The wider international cooperation agenda was reinforced by Major General John Clark CBE Commander of the Integrated Global Defence Network at the UK Ministry of Defence during his keynote on Tuesday 27 October.

Clark said ‘The UK will maintain strong bilateral and regional partnerships across Africa to respond to shared security challenges and support prosperity’ His address ‘From Partnership to Prosperity’ connected security cooperation with long -term stability and economic prosperity highlighting regional coordination information sharing and the ability of armed forces to operate together.

Sustaining capability after equipment enters service is another principal theme. ‘The Day After Delivery’ featuring Henry Fulbrook of Black Star Global and Colonel Dr Aminu Mohammed Shaibu Director of Procurement at Ghana Armed Forces examines the role of training local support and long -term force planning.’

‘Technical sessions address counter -drone readiness including the selection of appropriate systems and their integration with training and operational doctrine. International industry participation also includes WB Group alongside the exhibition’s wider focus on emerging technologies and operational capability.

Maritime discussions connect defence readiness with the protection of trade. The programme includes Vice Admiral Idi Abbas of the Nigerian Navy and Rear Admiral Manuel António Pereira Semedo of Cabo Verde in a session examining maritime threats naval cooperation and critical sea routes.

Counter -terrorism discussions include Somalia’s Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed and General Júlio dos Santos Jane of Mozambique with a focus on evolving threats intelligence sharing and regional coordination.

Further sessions examine strategic autonomy drones artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare alongside technical discussions on defence innovation resilient infrastructure and multinational cyber exercises.