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The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) yesterday pleaded with the Federal Government to explore every means to curb insecurity.

Its President, Archishop Danial Okoh, made the plea at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja.

Speaking on the Assembly’s theme: ‘Demand for Justice and Righteousness,’ Rev Okoh said the current security situation threatens the nation’s soul and places fresh moral demands on the government.

He said: ‘The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses’.

The CAN President urged the CCN to continue standing with CAN in pushing for stronger national action, adding that the church must remain firm and consistent in demanding justice for affected communities.

Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for all qualified Zamfara indigenes who want to pursue health-related courses at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, on Tuesday.

The statement said, ‘We are pleased to inform the general public that Zamfara State students interested in studying health-related courses have been given full scholarships at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State.

‘The students were interviewed and screened successfully and sent to the university to commence their studies.’

She said the ‘students are fully sponsored by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal.’

Professor Liman commended Governor Lawal for creating the educational opportunity for the deserving students.

Earlier, Governor Lawal had offered full scholarships to all Zamfara State indigenes pursuing courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

He also paid for all the outstanding school fees and tuition for the state students studying various courses in Indian universities.

Governor Lawal, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared an emergency rule in education.

He vowed to overhaul the decayed sector for the overall well-being of the state by rebuilding infrastructure, payment of WAEC/NECO filing debts, improving teachers’ welfare and training and creating an enabling environment for learning across the state.

Prominent Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and former Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba has described the 2026 budget proposals presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as bold, promising and designed to unlock the growth potential of Delta State.

In a statement where he reviewed the highlights, Okumagba said he was delighted at the continued dedicated funding of infrastructure in the state, noting that under the Oborevwori administration, capital projects at 70 percent continue to take a huge chunk of budget allocation.

In his words: ‘The allocation of 70 percent of the ?1.664 trillion Appropriation Bill to capital expenditure indicates continued commitment to fund the infrastructure developments currently underway in Delta State. The impact on economic activities in the state will evidently be huge, especially as these projects are delivered from 2026. Governor Oborevwor’s focus on delivering comprehensively on the MORE Agenda will definitely improve on the economy of the state and impact lives.

‘ Also commendable is the allocation to agriculture, a sector where the state has massive potential. The increased allocations to the economic and social sectors will undoubtedly drive more growth and development in Delta State.’

The 2026 budget proposal of ?1.664 trillion is an increase of ?685 billion or 70 percent over that of 2025. Commenting on the ongoing development projects in the state, Okumagba said with the projects including the flyovers in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli and Effurun; drainage systems in Warri-Uvwie and Asaba; and road rehabilitation across the state; ‘Gov Oborevwori is capturing critical needs in the state at this time.’

Okumagba also commended the allocations to education and health. Other areas that attracted the attention of Olorogun Okumagba include the social intervention program D-Cares under which 307,600 beneficiaries and 10,000 widows will receive monthly stipends and free health insurance.

On security, which had been a knotty issue in recent years, Okumagba commended the launch of a security trust fund and increased allocation to the sector which will provide for drone surveillance, border control, support for security services and strengthening vigilante networks. If followed through, Okumagba says, it should address the pockets of insecurity that need to be taken care of.

Okumagba urged Gov Oborevwori to stay the course which he has charted since his election in 2023, noting that ‘In two years the impact of the administration is unfolding brightly.’ He commended the governor’s vision to ‘build the Delta State of our dreams where no one is left behind.’

The Zamfara Government has reiterated its commitment to promote peace building and conflict resolution and commended partners and Civil Society Organisations support towards achieving sustainable peace in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, gave the commitment in Gusau on Tuesday while declaring a one-day meeting on ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS) Early Programme for Katsina and Zamfara’.

The meeting was organised by the Civil Society Organisation, Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), in partnership with NEEM Foundation.

The meeting was organised under a project ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS)’, on Regional Early Warning -Early Response (EWER).

The meeting was attended by traditional and religious leaders, members of the Community Peace Committees, farmers, herders, CSOs, religious organisations, and other relevant stakeholders from Katsina State and Zamfara.

The deputy governor described the meeting as one of the key achievements of the ECOS project in both Katsina and Zamfara.

‘This is timely, considering the needs and importance of peace and stability to society.

‘This aligns with the state government’s commitment under Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration to promote peacebuilding, community dialogue, and conflict resolution and to ensure sustainable peace and stability among communities in the state.

‘As we all know, Gov. Lawal was fully prepared and committed to continue partnership with local, national, and international NGOs to promote peace, stability, and general development of Zamfara.

‘On behalf of the state government, I would like to commend VAI and NEEM Foundation for their contribution to peacebuilding in the state.

‘This initiative is not only timely but commendable considering the choice of the time and the target stakeholders from the two states currently affected by insecurity,’ Mummuni said.

In their separate remarks, the Emirs of Gusau, Abdulqadir Ibrahim-Bello and Kaura Namoda, Dr Sanusi Muhammad, assured the commitment of traditional institutions in the state to continue supporting projects for peace building.

The Salvation Army Church has resolved to hand over its school, Salvation Army Secondary School -SASSCO-, Akai Ubuim, to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The decision followed an appeal by the school’s Old Students Association during its reunion night, which held last week.

The President of the Alumni Association, Chief Joseph Udoeshiet, lamented the dilapidated condition of the school, which he described as a former pride and a training ground for men and women of calibre.

He urged members of the association to support efforts to revive the institution.

Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army, Lt. Col Sunday Ayanam, expressed appreciation to the old students.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, the Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, who is also an alumnus of the school promised to convey the development to the governor and commended the organizers of the reunion for hosting an the event that reunited old classmates after many years.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Eno; the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, who is also an alumnus; and other distinguished old students.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), yesterday, lamented that at between 30 and 37 per cent, borrowing costs remain high for manufacturers, and this rate hinders production and reduces the manufacturing sector’s competitiveness.

MAN, therefore, called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to review downward the benchmark interest rate in subsequent meetings of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

The Association said adopting a downward review of the rate will lessen the burden of high borrowing costs and incentivize long-term investments in manufacturing, particularly in capital-intensive sub-sectors.

MAN Director General Segun Ajaiyi-Kadir made this position known on Wednesday while reacting to the report of the 303rd meeting of the MPC held from November 24 -25, 2025.

The MPC had at the meeting agreed to retain the benchmark interest rate at 27.00 per cent that was fixed at its September meeting.

It also adjusted the Standing Facilities Corridor to +50 / -450 basis points around the MPR from +250/-250 basis points to encourage borrowing from the central bank, pushing commercial banks to lend more and reducing upward interest-rate volatility.

The cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) was also retained at 45 per cent for commercial banks and 16 per cent for merchant banks.

The Committee also retained the 75 per cent CRR on non-TSA public sector deposits to manage excess liquidity while maintaining the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

The Committee members expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability, highlighting key improvements such as the continued slowdown in inflation, steady real output growth, a stable exchange rate, and stronger external reserves.

They particularly noted the accelerated pace of disinflation standing at 16.05 per cent in October 2025, the most significant in seven months, attributing this progress to sustained monetary tightening, increased capital inflows, a surplus in the current account, as well as moderating fuel prices, all of which have collectively eased the inflationary pressures.

Reacting, MAN said it appreciates the MPC’s decision to halt the increase in MPR and to maintain the 27.00 per cent fixed at the last meeting, including the decision to adjust the standing facilities corridor to enhance liquidity

Ajaiyi-Kadir, however, said MAN’s expects a further reduction in the rate to reduce the cost of borrowing for manufacturers.

He lamented that despite the reduction at the MPC’s last meeting, borrowing costs of 30 to 37 per cent remain high for manufacturers, which hinders production and reduces the competitiveness of the sector.

The MAN DG insisting that it is essential to reduce the cost of funds to encourage borrowing for expansion and investment.

He added that the emphasis on exchange rate stability and improved forex liquidity is also vital, as manufacturers rely on foreign exchange for imports.

He further stated that persistent high lending rates will further limit access to affordable credit for manufacturers, especially those within the Small and Medium Industries (SMI) cadre.

‘The situation is complicated with prevailing structural challenges like poor infrastructure, high logistics costs, inadequate electricity supply, high energy cost and insecurity that cumulatively raise production costs and weaken competitiveness,’ Ajaiyi-Kadir said.

He urged the CBN and other policymakers to continue to pursue policies that foster inclusive growth, incentivize manufacturing and address binding constraints limiting the performance of the sector.

‘The CBN should also strengthen handshake with fiscal authority to promote reforms capable of unlocking the full potential of the manufacturing sector.

CBN should consider additional policy instruments or incentives that facilitate credit flow to the real sector of the economy, especially the manufacturing sector,’ the MAN chief added.Top of FormBottom of Form

Ajaiyi-Kadir also urged closer collaborate between the Federal Government and CBN to stabilize the naira and manage external risks by monitoring the potential risk of capital flights because of the MPC’s corridor review that will push banks to lend more.

MAN also recommended the implementation of complementary fiscal measures that support industrial development and promote structural reforms especially in real sectors of the economy including Agricultural, Manufacturing and Energy sectors to further reduce inflationary pressure.

It also called for urgent resolution of the lingering spate of insecurity in the country, especially in agricultural and industrial zones to stabilize food supply and raw material inputs.

‘A secure environment is critical to food security, lower inflation rate and sustained industrial growth in both urban and rural areas,’ Ajaiyi-Kadir said.

He also urged CBN to monitor and evaluate the impacts of previous MPC decisions on credit access to the real sector to aid informed position at subsequent meetings.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has warned that Nigeria stands to lose more than $3 billion annually if it fails to align with European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Kyari spoke yesterday in Abuja during signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), with launch of Nigeria’s White Paper on National Strategy for EUDR Compliance, in Abuja.

The minister stressed the urgency for Nigeria to modernise its agricultural monitoring and traceability systems to avoid severe financial repercussions.

He said findings in the White Paper show Nigeria could lose over $1 billion in direct export revenue and more than $3 billion in economic value each year if its agricultural produce fails to satisfy EU’s stringent entry requirements.

Under EUDR, agricultural goods exported to Europe must be traceable to specific farm boundaries, produced legally, and demonstrably free of deforestation.

‘We cannot allow this level of exposure to place our farmers or our national economy at a disadvantage,’ he warned, noting that the situation presents an opportunity to enhance Nigeria’s global agricultural competitiveness.

He described the new compliance strategy as significant and forward-looking, saying it would protect farmers, upgrade value chains, and help Nigeria secure a stronger hold in international markets.

A key moment was signing of the MoU with NASRDA, which lays the foundation for an environmental and traceability monitoring system.

Under the pact, NASRDA will supply satellite data, real-time monitoring, and technical expertise, while the ministry will coordinate farmer engagement, policy alignment, and the national rollout plan.

The minister said the adopted Responsibility Matrix defines roles, timelines, and accountability mechanisms, with a Joint Steering Committee to ensure transparent execution.

He cautioned states against initiating parallel compliance systems, stressing EU will not evaluate on state by state basis.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country between January and July, this year.

The service also said its collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies has also led to the seizures of drones, arms, and endangered wildlife products.

It said in the first half of the year, it generated N3.7 trillion, exceeding budget targets by 12.5 per cent and outperforming 2024 collections by 25 per cent.

According to NCS, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command alone contributed N97.16 billion.

The Officer in charge of Special Duties headquarters, Abuja, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, said this at the fourth quarter aviation stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.

The Service said its operations this year at various airports have evolved into intelligence-driven missions, shaped by citizen insights and collaborative agency efforts, adding that every tip from the public has helped it intercept contraband, enforce currency declarations and protect the border.

On its security and enforcement, he said: ‘Between January and July 2025, the NCS intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country. For instance, $193,000 concealed in a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on March 20, 2025, $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in Saudi Riyals at the Kano airport from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia and $578,000 in falsely declared cash was intercepted from an inbound passenger arriving from South Africa at Lagos Airport’.

Former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State Prof. Abdul Rahman Afonja has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said his decision to leave the party followed consultations with stakeholders and political associates across the state.

A statement by Afonja, a former commissioner under Governor Seyi Makinde, said his decision to leave the party stemmed from lack of recognition for loyal members and the party’s failure to address internal injustices.

He added: ‘I hope this act will prompt reflection and reform before others feel compelled to follow my example.”

Afonja said during his tenure as a commissioner, he instilled discipline, encouraged professional development, prioritised workers’ welfare and championed teamwork and innovation, focusing on projects that would benefit Oyo State.

He said: ‘Even after my removal from office, I continued to support PDP, funding campaigns, mobilising security agencies for free elections and safeguarding ballot materials.’

He cited the 2023 general election and the 2024 local government poll as examples, particularly his role in protecting the electoral process in Ogbomoso at personal risk and expense.

‘I only not contributed to the 2023 and 2024 elections in Ogbomosho, but also campaigned for Governor Makinde in Hausa speaking communities of Sabo-both in Ibadan and Ogbomosho-thanks to my his fluency in Hausa.’

He lamented that despite the efforts, he received no recognition-no political appointment, civil service placement, or routine party slot-while others who engaged in anti party activities or accepted money from the opposition were rewarded.

Dangote Group yesterday said it has entered into a series of strategic technical partnerships to support the next phase of expansion of its fertiliser operations in Nigeria and the development of new fertiliser plants in Ethiopia.

It said the collaborations mark a significant step in its long-term plan to strengthen regional food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and deepen Africa’s position in the global fertiliser market.

Through the strategic partnerships, Dangote Group said it would increase its urea production capacity in Nigeria from the current three million to nine million metric tons annually.

A statement by Head of Media Relations, Esan Sunday, said the existing facility operates two trains with a combined capacity of three million metric tons.

He stated: ‘The expansion will introduce four additional trains, enabling the Group to meet the rising demand for high-quality fertiliser across Africa and global markets.

‘In addition to the Nigerian expansion, the Group recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia.

‘The facility is designed to produce three million metric tons of urea annually and represents a significant step in Dangote Group’s commitment to strengthening food security and industrial growth across the continent.

‘To deliver world-class facilities and ensure the highest standards of technology, reliability, and operational efficiency, Dangote Group has entered into the following partnership agreements:

‘Topsoe will provide ammonia technology licensing and complete process design packages for six ammonia plants. Four of these plants will be located in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia.

‘Topsoe is recognised globally for advanced ammonia process technologies that support efficient and environmentally responsible production.

‘Saipem will deliver technology licensing and the full process design package for urea melt units across all six plants. This includes four units in Nigeria and two in Ethiopia.

‘Saipem brings deep engineering expertise and decades of experience in fertiliser production systems.

‘Thyssenkrupp’s UFT division will supply the granulation technology license and complete process design package for granulation units in the six fertiliser plants.

‘This will support the production of premium-quality urea granules suited for domestic and international markets.

‘Engineers India Limited has been appointed as project management consultant and engineering procurement and construction management consultant for the four fertiliser plants being developed by DFFZE in Lekki, Nigeria.

‘Engineers India brings proven competence in large-scale industrial engineering and project delivery.

‘These partnerships reflect Dangote Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality industrial assets that meet the most rigorous global standards.

‘The planned expansion will significantly increase regional urea and ammonia production capacity, create new jobs, support agricultural value chains, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and across the continent.’

Dangote Group said it remained fully dedicated to building resilient industrial capacity, supporting national development priorities, and forging strong global collaborations that advance Africa’s long-term prosperity.