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Experts call for disability-inclusive climate reporting

Experts have called on journalists to promote accurate, inclusive and sustained reporting on the impact of climate change on women and girls with disabilities, saying greater media attention is crucial to ensuring their voices are reflected in climate action and policy decisions.

The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja during a media engagement on disability-inclusive climate action organised by organisations of persons with disabilities as part of efforts to secure the formal adoption of a National Guideline on Disability-Inclusive Climate Action by May 2027.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), between 13 and 17 million women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria face heightened climate risks. Globally, about 16 per cent of the population lives with a disability, while the mortality rate of persons with disabilities during disasters can be up to four times higher than that of the general population.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association, Grace Jerry, said women and girls with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate-induced disasters such as floods, heatwaves and prolonged droughts, yet remain largely underrepresented in climate reporting and public discourse.

She noted that despite the provisions of Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (2021-2030) and the National Adaptation Plan, journalists need a better understanding of disability-inclusive climate action to accurately report the challenges, needs and contributions of women and girls with disabilities.

According to her, the media engagement was organised to strengthen journalists’ knowledge of disability-inclusive climate action, raise public awareness and equip media professionals with practical skills and evidence-based reporting techniques.

Jerry expressed hope that participants would adopt a disability-inclusive approach to climate reporting by reflecting the lived experiences, vulnerabilities and resilience of women and girls with disabilities.

She stressed that climate justice cannot be achieved without the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities, urging governments and stakeholders to mainstream disability inclusion into climate policies, programmes and interventions.

Reform Is Not the Enemy – Why NAHCON Must Not Retreat

Every meaningful reform has its casualties. Not casualties in the literal sense, but casualties of convenience-those who have prospered under weak regulation, opaque systems, and institutional laxity. It is therefore unsurprising that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) latest regulatory framework has attracted fierce criticism from sections of the Hajj industry. What is surprising, however, is the determination by some commentators to portray a long-overdue attempt at professionalising the sector as an assault on enterprise.

The recent critique titled ‘A Portrait of Confusion: Inside NAHCON’s War with the Hajj Industry’ is eloquently written, but eloquence is no substitute for sound analysis. Beneath its polished prose lies a familiar argument: that regulation is inherently oppressive whenever it demands higher standards. It is an argument that mistakes inconvenience for injustice and reform for repression.

The economics of regulation are straightforward. Markets that deal with vulnerable consumers-in this case, pilgrims investing their life savings to fulfil a sacred religious obligation-cannot be left to goodwill alone. Around the world, aviation, banking, insurance and healthcare all impose high entry thresholds because failure in those industries carries enormous human and financial consequences. Hajj operations belong in the same category. They are not ordinary tourism.

For years, Nigerian pilgrims have endured stories of abandoned accommodation, delayed visas, broken promises, inflated charges, poor welfare, and operators who disappeared once payments were collected. Every Hajj season has produced complaints that damaged Nigeria’s reputation internationally. To pretend that the previous system merely required ‘minor adjustments’ is to ignore years of documented failures.

Critics have focused almost exclusively on the ?250 million bank guarantee, presenting it as evidence of regulatory excess. Yet they conveniently overlook the purpose of such guarantees. A financial guarantee is not government revenue; it is a measure of financial capacity and consumer protection. Pilgrims deserve assurance that operators entrusted with hundreds of millions of naira possess the financial strength to fulfil their contractual obligations or absorb unforeseen shocks. Serious industries demand serious capitalization.

The argument that the requirement will reduce competition also deserves closer examination. Competition is valuable only when competitors are capable. An industry populated by numerous undercapitalised firms that cannot deliver promised services offers the illusion of choice rather than genuine competition. Quality matters more than quantity.

Equally revealing is the criticism of NAHCON’s insistence on documented operational experience. Experience requirements are hardly revolutionary. Airlines require demonstrated competence before receiving operating certificates. Financial institutions undergo rigorous licensing before accepting deposits. Healthcare providers must satisfy extensive accreditation before treating patients. Why should Hajj operators, entrusted with the welfare of thousands of Nigerians in a foreign country, be subjected to lower standards?

Some critics argue that the reforms exclude newcomers. That concern deserves discussion, but it is not an argument against reform itself. Regulatory frameworks can evolve to create supervised pathways for credible new entrants without abandoning rigorous standards. The answer is refinement, not rejection.

The circular also places strong emphasis on transparency, customer complaint resolution, staff certification, emergency response planning, accommodation verification, accurate record-keeping and periodic reporting. None of these requirements can reasonably be described as anti-business. They are, in fact, hallmarks of modern consumer protection.

Ironically, even the strongest critics concede that pilgrims have suffered fraud and exploitation. Having acknowledged the disease, they object to the medicine because it tastes bitter.

Certainly, NAHCON itself must continue to modernise. Digitising licensing processes, improving internal efficiency and reducing paperwork are legitimate expectations. Regulators cannot demand excellence from operators while tolerating inefficiency within their own institutions. Reform, to retain credibility, must be reciprocal. But administrative imperfections do not invalidate the necessity of raising industry standards.

What should concern observers is not that NAHCON has acted, but that such decisive action took this long.

The era of business as usual must end. The Hajj industry cannot remain a sanctuary for weak compliance, opaque financial practices and operators whose business models depend on regulatory loopholes. Neither should the Commission become an experimental ground where vested interests dictate policy through sustained public pressure whenever reform threatens entrenched privileges.

The real beneficiaries of these reforms are not large operators or small operators. They are the pilgrims-the retired civil servant who saved for decades, the farmer who sold livestock, the trader who invested a lifetime of earnings to answer a sacred call. Their interests must remain superior to every commercial consideration.

Regulation inevitably imposes costs. But the cost of weak regulation is almost always higher. Every abandoned pilgrim, every failed accommodation arrangement, every fraudulent operator and every avoidable hardship represents the price society pays for regulatory complacency.

NAHCON’s latest reforms are therefore best understood not as a declaration of war against the Hajj industry but as a declaration of higher expectations. The Commission has effectively announced that efficiency is now the governing principle, service excellence the benchmark, and pilgrim protection the overriding objective.

Those objectives deserve scrutiny, refinement where necessary, and faithful implementation. They do not deserve caricature.

The future of Nigerian Hajj administration will not be secured by defending outdated practices or romanticising an imperfect past. It will be secured by insisting that those entrusted with one of Islam’s most sacred obligations meet standards worthy of the responsibility they bear.

The message is unmistakable: the old order has run its course. Accountability has arrived. Service excellence is the new mantra. And no amount of resistance from vested interests should be allowed to derail a reform whose ultimate beneficiaries are the Nigerian pilgrims themselves.

Sansiri targets B40bn of Phuket projects as demand grows

SET-listed developer Sansiri is bullish on Phuket’s residential market as it shifts towards pool villas and foreign buyers, with plans to launch 40 billion baht worth of new projects over four years, matching its total development value on the island over the past 15 years.

Poomchai Mattayompoppinyo, managing director for southern project development, said the company will launch its first pool villa project in the second half of 2026, driven by robust demand from foreign buyers in Phuket’s luxury residential market.

“Pool villa demand is strong but buyers are increasingly concerned about construction quality and delivery delays,” he said. “We will complete the project before launching sales, giving buyers the confidence to see the finished product before committing.”

Buyers of pool villas comprise both foreigners and Thai investors seeking rental income from foreign tourists, said Mr Poomchai.

The first project, The Tales Story One – Bangjo, is located in the Bangjo-Cherng Talay area and comprises 13 units priced from 45 million baht. Each villa has a land plot of 140-150 square wah, offering usable space from 400 square metres with three bedrooms.

He said luxury pool villas of this size typically command monthly rents of 300,000-400,000 baht under one-year lease agreements. During Phuket’s peak tourism season from December to February, some owners lease their properties for only three months, earning 600,000-900,000 baht per month.

“Our development plan from 2027-30 will focus more on beachside and beachfront locations as foreign buyers become an increasingly important customer base,” said Mr Poomchai. “We have already secured more than 10 land plots in these prime areas.”

Locations attracting the strongest foreign demand include Nai Yang, Bang Tao, Surin, Karon and Rawai beaches. Sansiri is also returning to Patong Beach with a new project a decade after launching its first development there.

“While foreign buyers and overseas investors remain our key target, we will continue developing projects for local residents and people relocating to Phuket for work,” he said.

Projects targeting local demand are going to be located in key business districts, including areas around Central Phuket, Kathu, Koh Kaew near the British International School Phuket, the emerging Bang Tao business district and Pa Klok, said Mr Poomchai.

Sansiri entered the Phuket market in 2011 and has since developed around 10,000 residential units, including condos and low-rise houses, with a combined project value of 40 billion baht. Between 2027-2030, the company plans to launch 30 new projects worth 40 billion baht, comprising 17 condo projects valued at 25 billion baht and 13 low-rise housing projects worth 15 billion baht.

In the second half of 2026, Sansiri plans to launch seven projects worth a combined 10 billion baht, including four condo developments in Cherng Talay, Phuket Town, Patong and Rawai, and three pool villa projects in Bangjo, Pa Sak and Phru Jampa.

“We are upgrading our Phuket sales target for this year from 5 billion baht after recording 3 billion in the first half, surpassing our half-year target and up from 2.3 billion year-on-year,” Mr Poomchai said.

Thai and foreign buyers each accounted for half of total sales in the first half, compared with a previous split of 70-75% Thai buyers and 25-30% foreigners. Russian and Chinese buyers remained the largest foreign customer groups.

Cebu City govt urges residents to help reduce waterway clogging and prevent flooding

The Cebu City Government has called on residents to help reduce the clogging of major waterways by practicing proper waste disposal, stressing that indiscriminate throwing of garbage continues to worsen flooding in many parts of the city during heavy rains.

The appeal came after heavy downpours affected several areas of Cebu City on Wednesday, prompting post-rain inspections that revealed drainage systems, canals, and waterways clogged with plastic bottles, household waste, and other debris.

City officials said the accumulated garbage obstructed the flow of water, contributing to flooding in several communities.

In response, the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) immediately conducted declogging operations, clearing blocked waterways and removing tons of waste from the city’s drainage system to restore the normal flow of water.

The city government said similar operations will continue in flood-prone areas as part of its ongoing flood mitigation efforts.

While Cebu City continues to implement drainage improvement projects and regular cleaning activities, officials emphasized that government interventions alone are not enough to address flooding.

They pointed out that improper waste disposal remains one of the leading causes of clogged waterways and overflowing drainage systems during periods of heavy rainfall.

The city government urged residents to properly segregate and dispose of their garbage and to refrain from throwing waste into canals, esteros, rivers, and other waterways.

Barangays, businesses, schools, and community organizations were likewise encouraged to participate in regular clean-up drives and promote responsible solid waste management within their respective communities.

As the rainy season continues, the Cebu City Government called on every Cebuano to do their part in reducing flood risks.

The city will continue to experience heavy rains and thunderstorms until Friday, July 23, 2026, based on the two-day Special Localized Weather Forecast and Outlook of state weather bureau Pagasa. The southwest monsoon continues to affect several parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Emergency response operations were conducted on Wednesday evening to help out stranded passengers from floodwaters in the downtown area. The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) deployed its rescue truck where it helped ferry stranded passengers to safety.

City officials reiterated that simple actions such as disposing of waste properly, keeping drainage systems free from obstructions, and encouraging others to do the same can significantly help protect lives and properties from flooding.

The city government underscored that flood prevention is a shared responsibility, adding that collective action and environmental stewardship are essential in building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Cebu City in line with its vision of becoming a Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive City.

Radda moves to tackle voter apathy

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda yesterday called for renewed action against voter apathy.

He said ensuring credible local government elections could strengthen operational independence of state-owned Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and restore public confidence.

Radda made the call in Katsina at the opening of the 14th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria (FOSIECON).

The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Manir Sullubawa.

The conference brought together chairmen and commissioners of state electoral commissions, officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), development partners, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, to deliberate on strategies for addressing voter apathy ahead of the 2027 general election.

Governor Radda described Katsina’s hosting of the conference for the second time as having reflected the confidence reposed in the state for its peaceful environment, hospitality and commitment to democratic development.

He said: ”Democracy can only thrive when public institutions operate with integrity, accountability and independence.

”State Independent Electoral Commissions represent critical institutions in ensuring credible local government elections that truly reflect the will of the people.”

Radda said his administration had implemented reforms across key sectors, including security, agriculture, education, health care and social welfare, under its ‘Building Your Future’ agenda.

He recalled the February 15, 2025 local government election during which chairmen of the 34 local governments and 361 councillors were elected, noting it was a model of credible electoral conduct.

The governor said no legal challenge was filed before or after the exercise.

He urged participants to exchange ideas and experience that would strengthen electoral administration and deepen democracy in Nigeria.

Chairman of Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC), Alhaji Lawal Faskari, said the state was honoured to host the FOSIECON conference for the second time, having first hosted the event in 2013.

He said the choice of Katsina reflected the confidence other state electoral commissions had in the state’s capacity to organise national gatherings.

Faskari described the conference as timely, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election, expressing confidence that its resolutions would contribute to improving electoral administration across the country.

The chairman of the occasion and former deputy governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Tukur Jikamshi, said state electoral commissions remained vital to sustaining democratic governance.

He advised electoral officials to uphold transparency, fairness and integrity in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, to strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.

FOSIECON National Chairman and Chairman of Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, Mamman Eri, described the conference as an important platform for reviewing challenges facing electoral administration, sharing best practices and strengthening state electoral institutions.

2027: Coalition demands urgent resolution of Oyo APC crisis

Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) members and stakeholders, under the agies of Coalition for Oyo APC Renewal (COAR) has demanded urgent resolution into crisis rocking the party in the state.

The stakeholders, who are worried about the state of the party in the state lamented that the controversy surrounding the party’s recent primary elections has created deep anger, suspicion and division.

COAR urged former Senate Leader and a Chieftain of the party, Senator Teslim Folarin to take in cognisance state of structures within the party, which according to them is currently burning.

In an open letter to Folarin by its Chairman, Hon. Rasak Raji Gbadamosi, and its Secretary, Surveyor Christopher Adewusi, COAR alleged that results of the partys primary election was not transparently declared, while candidates were being presented in circumstances that have left many aspirants and party members feeling cheated, ignored and politically disenfranchised.

According to COAR, instead of urgently resolving the crisis, the national leadership appears more interested in moving ahead as though nothing has happened, describing such move as a dangerous political miscalculation.

‘You cannot demand loyalty from members whose grievances you refuse to hear. You cannot ask aggrieved aspirants to mobilise for candidates they believe were imposed upon them. And you cannot build a presidential campaign on the ruins of a fractured party structure.

‘Let us be clear: if this crisis is not resolved, the consequences will go beyond the disputed primary elections.

‘There may be widespread anti-party activities, voter apathy, silent sabotage, rejection of unpopular candidates, defections, loss of grassroots mobilisation and a general collapse of enthusiasm for the APC.

‘Many aggrieved members may not openly defect or publicly campaign against the party. They may simply withdraw their support, remain at home on election day or quietly vote for alternatives.

‘The President must therefore be told the truth about Oyo State. A few meetings with selected individuals cannot erase the grievances of thousands of party members. The crisis cannot be solved by pretending that the party is united.’

COAR urged Folarin to use his access to President Tinubu Presidto demand urgent intervention in Oyo APC.

‘The way forward is clear: transparency in the declaration of primary election results, fair resolution of genuine grievances, an inclusive reconciliation process, and an end to the imposition of candidates without due process.

‘Senator Folarin, if you genuinely desire the success of President Tinubu in Oyo State, then your first assignment should not merely be to campaign for him. It should be to help save the party structure that is expected to deliver the votes.

‘No campaign machinery can replace angry party members. No slogan can substitute for trust. And no presidential candidate can expect maximum support from a state chapter whose members feel abandoned by their own party.

‘This is not a threat. It is a warning based on the political reality on the ground.

‘If the Oyo APC crisis remains unresolved, the 2027 elections may become a referendum-not only on the candidates presented by the party, but also on the impunity and injustice that party members believe they have suffered.

‘The President may still secure victory in Oyo State. The APC may still win the governorship and legislative elections. But that will only happen if the National Leadership acts decisively and urgently.

‘Ignore Oyo APC at your own political peril. The crisis must be resolved before the campaign begins-not after the party has lost the election.’

Smart launches Samsung’s latest foldable innovations with exclusive pre-order offers

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is empowering more Filipinos to widen their Galaxy and experience Samsung’s newest foldable innovations as it opens pre-orders for the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series from July 22 to August 13, 2026.

Fresh from Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy Unpacked event, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 takes center stage as Samsung’s newest foldable design, leading the lineup alongside the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8.

Slimmer, lighter, and more powerful than ever, Samsung’s latest foldables combine advanced Galaxy AI features, enhanced cameras, and seamless connectivity across the Galaxy ecosystem.

Get bigger storage and more value with easy and flexible payment options

By pre-ordering with Smart Postpaid or Smart Infinity, customers can experience these mobile innovations with exclusive storage upgrades, trade-in savings, flexible payment options, and competitive pricing.

Smart subscribers who successfully pre-order a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, or Galaxy Z Flip8 can enjoy up to P14,000 in savings when they upgrade their device storage from 256GB to 512GB. Plus, they can also get three months of complimentary Samsung Care+, subject to applicable terms and availability.

Customers can maximize their devices with Smart’s All-New Postpaid Plans+, which come with UNLI App Bundles, UNLI 5G for 12 months (in select areas), Open-Access Data, and high priority on the Smart network, empowering customers to play, create, and connect wherever they go on Smart’s fast and reliable network.

With Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999, subscribers can get the following devices through straight payment or 24-month, zero-interest installment using participating credit cards (Metrobank, Security Bank, BPI, UnionBank, HSBC, and RCBC):

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra (512GB) for P101,600 or P5,021/month

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 (512GB) for P91,100 or P4,500/month

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 (512GB) for P65,100 or P3,217/monthTruly premium lifestyle with Smart Infinity

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Series is also available through Infinity Plan 5000 and Infinity Plan 8000, which come with unlimited data, calls, and texts, roaming-ready connectivity, and exclusive Infinity privileges.

Smart Infinity members also enjoy a curated suite of privileges designed around convenience, access, and personalized service, including Worldwide Concierge Services, complimentary airport lounge access, exclusive access to the Infinity Collection, Smart Infinity’s carefully curated portfolio of privileges and experiences from distinguished luxury and premium partner brands, dedicated Relationship Manager support, and 24/7 priority assistance with personalized service at Smart Stores nationwide.

Upgrade easier with Smart and Samsung Trade-In

Smart also makes upgrading to Samsung’s newest foldables easier and more rewarding with the Smart and Samsung Trade-In Program. Customers can reserve their preferred Galaxy Z8 Series device during the pre-order period and complete their trade-in at participating Smart Stores once the devices officially launch. Eligible smartphones can be traded in for instant discounts that can be applied toward the purchase of a new Galaxy device.

Complete the Galaxy ecosystem with Samsung’s newest smartwatches

Smart Postpaid and Infinity are also offering the new Samsung Galaxy Watch9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, enabling subscribers to enjoy a more intelligent, connected, and personalized Galaxy experience alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series.

Compatible smartwatch users can also add on Smart Device Link, which enables their smartwatch and phone to share one mobile number and plan inclusions for a more seamless connected experience. First-time subscribers can enjoy the service free for six months, when they activate until September 30, 2026, making it even easier to stay connected across devices.

With the Smart Postpaid Plans, subscribers can save up to 20% compared with the suggested retail price when they bundle a Samsung Galaxy Watch with their new Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series device. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 LTE starts at P1,525 per month, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch9 starts at P867 per month. These devices are also available to Infinity members.

Backed by Smart’s fast and reliable 5G network, subscribers can truly make the most of the latest Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series and Samsung Galaxy Watch devices for streaming, creating, collaborating, and staying connected wherever they go.

Funders push for social impact beyond profits

Funders such as multilateral lenders, donors and bilateral partners are increasingly demanding that businesses demonstrate returns beyond financial performance on investments supported by their capital.

The owners of capital are pushing local startups and other businesses to begin tracking their social impact, including metrics such as job creation, poverty reduction, access to credit, and affordable healthcare and clean water.

Financiers and philanthropists backing multilateral lenders such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and donors like the Gates Foundation are increasingly insisting that investments generate more than profits.

Social impact reporting is emerging as a key disclosure for businesses seeking to attract funding, particularly from external sources such as development finance institutions.

“Impact reporting is quite important for visibility to both global and regional investors, and it goes beyond the assessment of financial metrics,” said Isis Madison, an independent non-executive director at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), who also advises global investors and philanthropic institutions on entrepreneurship and the digital economy.

“From an investor’s perspective, it is important that the capital you are deploying not only delivers financial returns but also has a wider impact on the communities where the enterprises operate.”

Acumen, the global impact investment firm, says wealthy donors and social impact investors are increasingly demanding data that measures both the financial return and the human impact of their investments.

The organisation has identified key gaps, including inadequate funding for data collection and the absence of a standard framework for measuring social impact.

Its State of Social Impact Reporting in East Africa report found that reporting is largely driven by the need to satisfy external funders rather than to improve business performance or social outcomes.

Among the 40 organisations assessed, all had a history of impact reporting, but few were using the findings to strengthen investment decisions or maximise social impact.

“SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) indicators dominate framework adoption for social impact definitions and explanations, but qualitative evidence reveals this is largely communicative rather than operational. SDGs are cited in reports, not used to drive documentation and measurement design,” the report states.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals comprise 17 global objectives aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet and promoting prosperity.

Social impact experts argue that businesses can no longer separate social impact from financial sustainability, even though profitability remains the primary performance measure for most enterprises.

Wealthy donors and philanthropists have also been challenged to provide both funding and technical expertise to help businesses measure and manage their impact on communities.

Poverty alleviation remains the leading social impact indicator in Kenya and across Africa.

“Most of the impact we have seen is income improvement because unemployment and poverty remain major challenges in Kenya and across Africa,” said Chris Maranga, Acumen’s Regional Director for Africa.

The 40 organisations covered in the report operated across six sectors, including financial services, agriculture, education, healthcare and retail.

Most of the firms said their funding came from multilateral institutions, development partners, bilateral donors and private investors.

Experts: Good governance vital to Nigeria’s $1tr economy ambition

Experts in corporate governance, finance and public policy have said Nigeria must institutionalise good governance, sustain economic reforms and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate economic growth and realise its ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

The call came at the 2026 National Corporate Governance Summit themed ‘Implementing Good Governance for Economic Acceleration: Consolidating Public and Private Sector Partnership,’ organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) Centre for Corporate Governance, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).

Speaking on the theme, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, who represented the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remained committed to implementing reforms capable of building a resilient and competitive economy.

He said the government’s economic reforms including foreign exchange reforms, tax reforms and subsidy removal must be complemented by strong corporate governance in both public institutions and private enterprises.

‘The public sector can create the enabling environment through reforms, but it is the private sector that translates those policies into investments, jobs and wealth creation. Both sectors must operate with integrity, accountability and transparency,’ he said.

Fasua emphasised that governance should not be treated as a mere compliance exercise but as the foundation upon which investor confidence and sustainable economic development are built.

Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, he explained that the Federal Government’s reforms were designed to create long term economic transformation rather than deliver short term political gains, while calling for greater support for domestic investment and industrialisation.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs. Juliet Anammah, described the summit’s theme as timely, saying good governance must move beyond compliance and accountability to become a strategic tool for driving Nigeria’s economic rebirth. She maintained that stronger partnerships between government and the private sector would be critical to achieving sustainable economic acceleration and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

According to her, the country’s immediate objective should be to move from a lower-middle-income economy to an upper-middle-income economy through sustained industrialisation, innovation and long-term policy implementation.

She acknowledged that the Federal Government had undertaken bold reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification and bank recapitalisation, saying the difficult decisions had helped stabilise the economy.

While noting that macroeconomic stability was encouraging, Anammah said it was not the final destination.

‘Stabilisation is not the end goal. The destination is economic rebirth that improves household incomes, creates quality careers, expands access to healthcare and education and delivers reliable infrastructure,’ she said.

Drawing lessons from countries such as Vietnam and Morocco, she argued that Nigeria must embrace industrialisation by producing more sophisticated and value-added products instead of relying on primary commodities.

She noted that sectors such as petrochemicals, agro-processing, automotive, renewable energy and manufacturing already possess enormous growth potential but require consistent industrial policies supported by sound governance to unlock higher levels of economic complexity.

According to her, policy inconsistency remains one of Nigeria’s greatest development challenges, urging governments at all levels to sustain industrial policies beyond political administrations.

She also advocated stronger competition among states, independent evaluation of industrial policies and closer collaboration between government and the private sector to deepen investment and accelerate economic growth.

She concluded that achieving meaningful economic acceleration would require strong corporate governance, sustained industrial policies and close collaboration between government and the private sector, noting that only through such coordinated efforts can Nigeria transition from an economy driven by informal livelihoods to one characterised by productive industries, quality careers and rising prosperity for its citizens.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the IoD Centre for Corporate Governance, Dr. Uche Eke, said the summit deliberately shifted the conversation from governance principles to implementation, stressing that sustainable economic growth would only be achieved when sound governance becomes embedded across both public institutions and private enterprises.

He explained that Nigeria had spent years identifying governance challenges and developing frameworks, stressing that the time had come for practical execution.

‘We have stayed too long articulating the issues. The focus now is implementation. We must embed sound corporate governance practices in both public institutions and private organisations to guarantee sustainability beyond current leadership,’ he said.

Eke noted that the summit sought to build national consensus among regulators, government institutions and the private sector on practical governance reforms capable of improving transparency, accountability and economic competitiveness.

He stressed that merit, competence and diversity should determine appointments into leadership positions rather than nepotism or political considerations.

‘If Nigeria is serious about building a one trillion dollar economy, we must consistently place the right people in leadership positions, promote diversity of skills and hold leaders accountable for results,’ he said.

Also speaking, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, Dr. Armstrong Takang, said government alone cannot build the economy Nigeria desires, stressing that strong corporate governance is the foundation for effective public-private partnerships, investor confidence and long-term economic development.

He argued that contrary to the belief that government should not participate in business, successful economies such as China had demonstrated that well-governed state-owned enterprises could become major drivers of investment, industrialisation and economic growth.

Takang said MOFI’s recent experience showed that institutions with strong corporate governance frameworks consistently attracted greater investment and delivered better value creation.

According to him, governance reforms introduced across MOFI’s portfolio companies had significantly improved investor confidence and strengthened the performance of government-owned assets.

He cited initiatives including the MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund and the proposed Metro Rail Infrastructure Programme as examples of projects attracting institutional investment because of strong governance structures.

‘Government alone cannot build the economy we desire. We need partnerships with the private sector and institutional investors, and corporate governance remains the common denominator that inspires confidence and mobilises capital,’ he said.

Stakeholders and participants at the summit agreed that sustaining reforms, strengthening institutions and entrenching transparency across both public and private organisations would be critical to accelerating economic growth, boosting investor confidence and positioning Nigeria to achieve its long-term development ambitions.

Govt mulls waste-to-power for airports

The Federal Government has concluded plans to activate its ambitious Waste to Power Initiative, aimed at turning waste/ refuse materials into a valuable source of energy.

The new move is part of Nigeria’s compliance with global commitments for the Airports Carbon Accreditation programme managed by Airports Council International (ACI).

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, disclosed this yesterday during the launch of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Circular Economy at the Conference Room of the new terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA),in Lagos.

Keyamo, while lauding the move by FAAN to pursue the Clean/Green Energy Initiatives for airports , said Nigeria was switching to global best practices as many countries , had taken steps to migrate from the use of fossil fuels in running their airports to the utilisation of alternate sources of power , including solar technology.

The minister directed the contractor : Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company ( CCECC) handling the burnt terminal of the old international airport to ensure solar fields are installed in the roof of the facility to provide clean energy in powering aspects of the facility when completed.

Keyamo said the Waste – to Power Initiative , could not have come at a better time, when Nigeria must switch and align itself with the trend gaining traction for global cleaner and greener airports.

Keyamo said the new move is also in line with the programmes enunciated by global aviation regulators : ACI and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

He said : ‘Today FAAN is aligning with global best practices , as what we are launching today is actually the trend all over the world to cleaner and greener airports. In fact, there are airports in the United Kingdom that are already implementing zero or no emission . They deploy solar panels everywhere powering both aeronautical and non aeronautical sides of these airports.

‘This is the reason, I have directed the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company that our new airport they are constructing in Lagos, must be partly powered by solar energy. There has to be a solar field on the roof .

That was the directive I gave to them while they were designing to ensure that solar panels are provided to at least power the non- aeronautical parts of the airport.’

Keyamo said the new arrangement aligns with the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , in pushing for the adoption of green energy and the pursuit of carbon emission programmes.

Keyamo went on : ‘Mr President is also very , very passionate about green energy. I am sure you have seen that he has attended and approved the attendance of Nigeria in most of these programmes round the world . Mr President is very passionate about it and this programme aligns with his vision.’

Earlier in her address, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku described the programme as a new era of environmental stewardship for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

She said in line with FAAN’s circular economy goals and its unwavering commitments towards Airport Carbon Emission Reduction, it is unveiling the first phase of the comprehensive Circular Economy Program:

Kuku said : ‘ In 2023, this airport generated approximately 1,446 tonnes of waste. By 2024, we recorded a modest yet encouraging reduction to about 1,383 tonnes. However, the sobering reality remains that, regardless of volume, every single tonne was consigned to landfill-completely unsorted, entirely unrecycled, and representing a monumental lost opportunity.

‘That chapter closes today. From this moment, we are overhauling our approach with the strategic precision our operations demands. This milestone inaugurates Phase One, embedding source sorting across our terminals. By initiating separation at the point of generation, we are transforming every passenger, partner, and staff member into an active guardian of our shared environmental destiny. But this is just the beginning. This indoor system is the vital first step that will feed into Phase Two: the introduction of outdoor mammoth colour-coded waste recycling bins. These large-scale receptacles will serve as the central collection points for the sorted waste from across the airport ecosystem.

‘Finally, in Phase Three, we will engage a certified third-party expert who will collect the sorted waste-specifically, Plastics, Glass, Cans, and Organic waste-and transport it to dedicated recycling facilities. This partnership ensures that our waste is not merely moved, but transformed.We are not embarking on this initiative to comply with regulations or global trends; we are doing so because it makes sound business sense.

‘ By aligning with the global waste management hierarchy of Re-use, Recovery, and Re-cycle, we ensure we adequately account for the waste generated around our airports.This initiative will assist the organisation in significantly reducing overhead costs associated with procuring new products. By creating a demand for recycled materials, we close the loop and lower our operational expenditure. Furthermore, this program will drastically reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, thereby alleviating pressure on our local environment.

‘ And we are not stopping there; this is a foundational step as we plan to activate our ambitious Waste-to-Power initiative, turning our waste into a valuable energy source.Our actions today are deeply connected to our global commitments. As you are aware, the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, managed by ACI, is the global standard for carbon management in airports. This recycling initiative is a critical component of our Carbon Management Plan, propelling us further on our trajectory to achieve net-zero requirements.

‘We are not just talking about sustainability; we are engineering it into our operations.I must also reiterate that FAAN is fully aware of the potential environmental and social impacts of our operations. As an airport operator, we are focused on generating revenue, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to do so responsibly. We strive to be environmentally responsible in our operations, ensuring that our business growth is in perfect harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

‘Waste is everybody’s business.’ From the passenger dropping a plastic bottle, to the concessionaire managing their packaging, to the airline handling inflight catering-we all have a role to play. I urge you to embrace this system, to use these bins correctly, and to join us in building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable aviation industry for Nigeria.

Also speaking, Chairman of FAAN Board and former Kano State Governor, Alhaji Umaru Ganduje, commended the authority for introducing a system for recycling waste to other by-products, that will provide a source of energy to power airports. He assured of the board’s support for the lofthy initiative.

Meanwhile, Keyamo , Ganduje , Kuku and others embarked on a tour of facilities at the Pilgrim’s Terminal, where they lauded the massive renovation and infrastructure renewal work at the facility geared towards delivering a seamless pilgrimage experience.

They said the massive uplift of facilities aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for the aviation sector.

After inspecting the facility, Mr Keyamo said the project reflects the President’s commitment to revitalising airport infrastructure, adding that similar upgrades are underway across the country, with Kano and other Hajj terminals next in line.

The Minister described the renovated terminal as meeting high operational standards despite limited resources, noting that it now boasts modern passenger screening systems, improved boarding areas, dedicated prayer halls, and VIP and VVIP facilities.

He commended FAAN for delivering the project.

Mrs. Kuku said the terminal can process between 8,500 and 10,000 pilgrims during the Hajj season, explaining that the once-dilapidated facility has been transformed into a modern passenger terminal with improved cooling systems, immigration and customs processing areas.

Others are, baggage facilities, prayer halls, lounges, and fully equipped VIP and VVIP suites to enhance passenger comfort.

Ganduje described the renovation as clear evidence that the Federal Government’s aviation reforms are yielding results.

According to him, the transformation demonstrates effective implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda and has already earned positive feedback from pilgrims.