Category: Business Day

South Africa has been plunged into shock following the death of Nathi Mthethwa, its ambassador to France, who was found dead in Paris after what French authorities described as a fall from a high-rise hotel.

French daily Le Parisien reported that the 58-year-old diplomat is believed to have jumped from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the French capital. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that Mthethwa’s wife had raised the alarm after receiving a ‘worrying message’ from him on Monday evening, prompting her to report him missing.

A room registered in his name was later found in the hotel. According to investigators, its security window had been forced open. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, and French prosecutors have opened an inquiry. A duty magistrate was dispatched to the scene on Monday night, while the city’s Brigade for the Repression of Personal Crime, part of the judicial police, has taken over the investigation.

Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s foreign minister, described Mthethwa as a ‘distinguished servant of the nation,’ saying his death was not only a personal tragedy but ‘a national loss’ that would be felt within the diplomatic community.

Mthethwa had been appointed ambassador to Paris in December 2023 and also served as South Africa’s permanent delegate to UNESCO. His political career stretched back decades: he chaired parliament’s committee on mines and energy from 2004 to 2008, later becoming police minister, and subsequently sports, arts, and culture minister.

He was a prominent figure within the African National Congress (ANC), the party that brought an end to apartheid under Nelson Mandela in 1994. He was also known as a close ally of former president Jacob Zuma and was implicated in the state capture inquiry, which investigated systemic corruption during Zuma’s administration.

News of his sudden death has rippled through South Africa’s political and diplomatic circles. Mthethwa was widely regarded as a seasoned politician, and while his career was not without controversy, he remained a central figure in the ANC and in government for over two decades.

The details surrounding his final hours remain uncertain. French investigators have yet to confirm whether foul play was involved, stressing that all lines of inquiry remain open.

Nigerian Senior Government officials and the European Union (EU) on Tuesday held a meeting to assess existing vibrant economic partnership, to chart a way forward.

The EU bloc made this known in a statement by Modestus Chukwulaka, the Press and Information Officer of the EU Embassy in Abuja.

According to Chukwulaka, the inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and investment Dialogue (TID) was anchored by Amb. Nura Rimi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

He said that Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, and Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, welcomed the launch of the Dialogue.

According to him, the senior officials’ meeting marks an important step in strengthening the trade and investment partnership between the EU and Nigeria.

‘It provided opportunity for the officials to exchange views on areas of mutual interest; address potential challenges and explore opportunities for further collaboration.’

Chukwulaka said that the discussions at the meeting focused on a range of issues, including trade and investment policy, cooperation on market access barriers and requirements.

He said that preferential trade and investment arrangements and collaboration within the World Trade Organisation (WTO), regulatory measures could impact trade and investment.

‘The highpoint of the meeting was that both sides expressed their interest to continue the dialogue, with the second TID billed to take place in Brussels, Belgium, in 2026, on a date to be jointly decided.’

Recently, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) faced criticism for allegedly lacking insurance coverage for federal government-managed airports.

Edward Boyo, founder and CEO of Overland Airways, publicly expressed concerns at an industry event, stating that FAAN’s failure to insure airports across the country exposes airline operators’ equipment to potential damage.

Boyo urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to engage with relevant authorities to ensure that all airports in Nigeria are properly insured, lamenting that poor airport infrastructure has resulted in significant damage to aircraft, with airlines bearing the financial burden.

Boyo highlighted the need for proper insurance coverage for airports, citing issues such as inadequate wildlife control and runway deterioration, which have caused damage to aircraft. ‘These infrastructures are not insured,’ he emphasised. ‘The government would have to meet its own responsibility.’

However, Olubunmi Kuku, managing director of FAAN, debunked Boyo’s claims, stressing that all federal government’s airports managed by FAAN are insured, with the insurance coverage up to date.

‘Derubberization and runway hygiene have been maintained; records are available. The only area I would concur is habitation and community issues that have impacted wildlife/bird strikes, and we have been working closely with relevant stakeholders to control,’ she stated.

According to Kuku, historical runway issues based on structural and engineering problems on some of the runways, along with those exceeding their lifespan, are being corrected gradually with complete overhauls and maintenance.

Some stakeholders have raised concerns about why airlines still pay substantial sums of money for damage resulting from poor infrastructure at the airport, such as bad runways, bird strikes, broken conveyor belts, and tight parking spaces, among others. They argue that if the airports are truly insured, FAAN should be liable for damages caused by its inefficiencies.

Insurance experts, however, clarify that airport insurance does not function in this manner as individuals and companies are responsible for insuring their own properties.

Sunny Ateba, an airline insurance expert, explained that operators and agencies have the responsibility to insure their own equipment against damages and should therefore have their own insurance coverage.

‘FAAN owns the airport terminals, so they are responsible for providing insurance to cover public liability and terminal buildings against damage,’ Ateba said.

Ateba provided an example, stating that if an airplane or moving equipment damages another plane parked on the tarmac, a third-party claim should suffice. He noted that airlines are also expected to insure their passengers in case of crashes or incidents.

‘If you rent a shop from FAAN to sell shoes, it’s your duty to insure your shoes. Similarly, if your aircraft hits the runway and the tyres are damaged, you can make claims for insurance to cover the damages, provided the aircraft is fully insured,’ the aviation expert explained.

Ado Sanusi, managing director of Aero Contractors, corroborated this view, stating that when airline operators insure their equipment, any damage would be covered by the insurance company.

‘If I insure my airplane and damage it due to poor infrastructure, my insurance company would cover the damage. Insurance is a stabilising factor in everyone’s business, and everyone is expected to insure their properties,’ Sanusi emphasised.

He added that FAAN’s insurance coverage does not extend to individual airline operators’ equipment, and each party is responsible for insuring their respective assets.

‘As FAAN insures its assets, so do the airlines, vendors, ground handlers, and airline operators,’ Sanusi concluded.

Social media has become deeply involved in debates and disagreements surrounding the imbroglio between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery. While some support PENGASSAN, citing the right to free association and assembly, others argue for the refinery’s economic contributions.

Until PENGASSAN’s threat and directive to its members in seven firms to withhold essential feedstock from the refinery.

People now reference Abacha’s proscription of PENGASSAN on 18 August 1994. They also mention laws they suggest the president utilise to resolve the conflict.

The Nigerian Trade Disputes (Essential Services) Act of 1976 grants the President power to proscribe trade unions or associations in essential services that engage in disruptive activities or fail to follow dispute settlement procedures. Key provisions include the power to refer disputes to an Industrial Arbitration Panel, penalties for disrupting the economy, restrictions on forming new unions after a proscription, and the forfeiture of property and cancellation of registration for proscribed unions. Officials of proscribed unions face permanent barring from leadership positions.

Key Provisions:

Power to Proscribe Unions: The President can order the proscription (dissolution) of any trade union or association whose members work in an essential service if they are involved in industrial unrest or actions that disrupt such services.

Referral to Industrial Arbitration Panel: The Act permits the special referral of trade disputes in essential services to an Industrial Arbitration Panel for resolution.

Penalties for Disruptive Acts: There are penalties for acts calculated to disrupt the economy or the smooth functioning of essential services.

Restrictions on Proscribed Organisations:

Property Forfeiture: Proscribed unions forfeit their property to the Federal Government.

Loss of Legal Status: The proscribed organisation ceases to exist.

Formation Restrictions: Members are prohibited from forming or joining another union for a period of at least six months.

Official Disqualification: Officials of a proscribed union are barred from holding leadership positions in any other union in an essential service.

Property Registration: The Act includes provisions for the registration of property and indemnity related to these disputes.

Detention: Individuals involved in acts prejudicial to industrial peace after a union’s proscription may face indefinite detention.

Comrade Festus Osifo, national president of PENGASSAN

Ramifications and implications of the PENGASSAN versus Dangote Refinery conflict

The dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has escalated into a major crisis with immediate nationwide consequences. The federal government has stepped in to mediate, aiming to prevent severe economic disruption and energy shortages.

PENGASSAN’s Position

a. Dismissal of over 800 workers for joining the union, violating constitutional rights to freedom of association.

b. Accuses the refinery of replacing Nigerian workers with foreigners and providing poor working conditions.

c. Nationwide strike; directive to cut off crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

Dangote Refinery’s Position

a. A ‘minimal number’ of staff were let go during an internal reorganisation to improve safety and efficiency, denying that it was due to union membership.

b. Union’s actions are ‘lawless,’ ‘economic sabotage,’ and ‘terror tactics’.

c. Accuses PENGASSAN of a history of sabotaging national projects and serving the interests of its leaders over Nigerian workers.

Immediate National Implications

The strike actions have moved beyond the refinery’s gates and are now affecting the broader Nigerian economy and populace.

Operational Shutdown: The Dangote Refinery has reportedly been ‘100 per cent shut down,’ and operations at its fertiliser plant have also been significantly halted. The union has also directed its members across all oil and gas installations to go on strike.

Threats to Fuel and Power Supply:

Fuel Crisis: The disruption risks a return of fuel scarcity. The refinery has been supplying an estimated 17 million litres of fuel daily to the Nigerian market; cutting this supply could spark a 32% shortage and drive up prices.

Electricity Instability: The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has warned that the dispute poses a serious risk to the national grid. As the grid relies heavily on gas-fired power plants, any sustained disruption to gas supply could lead to widespread blackouts.

Severe Economic Loss: Nigeria risks a daily loss of $110.8 million in crude oil export revenue and an estimated N14.7 billion in domestic losses, exacerbating existing economic pressures.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, founder and CEO, Dangote Refinery

Government Intervention and Legal Context

The federal government is taking urgent action to mediate the dispute and prevent a national emergency.

High-Level Mediation: The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, chaired a meeting of a steering committee to address the issue, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the naira-for-crude policy and energy security. Separately, the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, has appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend the strike and has called for a conciliation meeting with both parties.

Broader Labour Movement Stance: The Trade Union Congress (TUC), an apex labour centre to which PENGASSAN is affiliated, has condemned the refinery’s actions. The TUC has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the workers and has placed its affiliates on ‘red alert,’ signalling readiness for a wider industrial action if its demands are ignored.

Legal Perspectives: A public interest lawyer analysed that while the dismissal of workers for joining a union ‘falls short of the provided constitutional safeguards,’ PENGASSAN’s directive to cut off supplies might itself be unlawful as it affects ‘essential services,’ which requires a 15-day notice for industrial action.

What to Watch For

The situation remains fluid. The key developments that will determine the outcome are:

The result of the conciliation meeting called by the Minister of Labour.

Whether PENGASSAN will heed the government’s appeal to suspend the strike to allow for dialogue.

Whether Dangote Refinery shows flexibility regarding the reinstatement of the dismissed workers.

Deeper Dive: The Legal and Constitutional Tension

The conflict lies at the intersection of constitutional rights, labour laws, and national economic security, creating a complex legal landscape.

The Core Legal Violation: PENGASSAN’s main argument is that dismissing workers for unionising violates Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of association and assembly. Additionally, it breaches Sections 9(1) and 12(1) of the Trade Unions Act, which safeguard workers from victimisation for joining a union.

PENGASSAN’s ‘Nuclear Option’ – A Legal Grey Area: While Dangote Refinery labels the directive to cut off crude supply as ‘economic sabotage,’

PENGASSAN’s action is a classic, if extreme, form of sympathy or solidarity strike. The legality of this is murky:

Against PENGASSAN: The refinery could be classified as an ‘essential service,’ and the Trade Disputes Act requires a 15-day notice before industrial action in such sectors. By acting immediately, PENGASSAN may have technically acted outside the strict letter of the law.

For PENGASSAN: Unions argue that the right to strike is a fundamental corollary to the right to associate. By allegedly engaging in mass anti-union dismissals, Dangote Refinery is perceived as having provoked an unprecedented situation that demands an equally unprecedented response, justifying immediate and widespread action to protect the very existence of union representation within the critical refinery.

The legal battle, if it proceeds to the National Industrial Court, will likely centre on balancing the company’s operational prerogatives against the fundamental rights of workers to organise.

A Pivotal Moment for Nigerian Industry

The PENGASSAN vs. Dangote dispute is more than just a labour disagreement. It serves as a crucial test case for Nigeria’s goal to shift from a crude oil exporter to a refined products powerhouse.

The resolution will set a critical precedent on several fronts:

1. The Power of Labour: It will define the limits of union influence in the ‘new’ Nigerian oil industry, which is controlled by private entities such as Dangote.

2. Investor Confidence: The balance between protecting workers and ensuring operational stability will be a key factor for future investments, both foreign and domestic.

3. Governance: It assesses the government’s capacity to mediate complex disputes without resorting to heavy-handed force that might escalate tensions.

The central conflict is between the ‘right to manage’ claimed by a private enterprise and the ‘right to organise’ claimed by labour. How this conflict is resolved will influence every major industrial project in Nigeria for years to come.

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, writer and social commentator Keem Abdul offers a timely reflection on leadership and democracy through two books that examine the country’s most recent presidents.

Together, the works provide a thoughtful look at the past and present, inviting Nigerians to consider the lessons of leadership as the nation charts its future.

In Scorched Earth: Anatomy of the Buhari Years (2015-2023), Abdul explores the life and presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, from his days as a military ruler to his two terms as a democratically elected president.

The book reflects on Buhari’s reputation for integrity, the challenges he faced while in office, and the lessons his leadership leaves behind.

Abdul writes: ‘The story of Buhari is the story of a man who became the symbol of integrity in Nigeria, but whose government eventually became a byword for competence tested by enormous national challenges.’ (p. 9)

He adds: ‘The Buhari years will be remembered not only for the change they promised, but for the lessons they leave behind for a country still seeking its democratic balance.’ (p. 313)

While Scorched Earth looks back, Abdul’s The King Maker: Chronicle of a Roller Coaster Life turns to the present. This volume follows Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s remarkable journey from his early years and career abroad, to his achievements as Governor of Lagos State, and his pivotal role in building political coalitions that led him to the presidency.

It highlights Tinubu’s resilience and strategic brilliance, while also addressing the controversies that have accompanied his career.

The book observes: ‘Tinubu’s genius lies not only in winning power for himself but in constructing platforms that made others possible.’ (p. 12) It concludes:

‘The question now before Nigerians is whether the skills that brought Tinubu to power are the same ones that can

rescue a fragile Republic.’ (p. 280)

Taken together, the two books form a companion study of leadership at a defining moment in Nigeria’s history.

Buhari’s years in office serve as a reflection on service and the weight of expectations, while Tinubu’s ongoing story raises questions about the future of governance and the meaning of political mastery in a young democracy.

Keem Abdul, the author of both works, is a Nigerian writer and social commentator who focuses on politics, governance, and society.

His books are not written in the language of praise or attack, but as chronicles that encourage Nigerians to reflect deeply on their leaders and on the

Republic itself.

Scorched Earth: Anatomy of the Buhari Years (2015-2023) and The King Maker: Chronicle of a Roller Coaster Life are both available on Mainstack and Selar.

Bolaji Balogun, CEO of Chapel Hill Denham, has shared strategic guidance for entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable businesses in Nigeria and Africa.

He presented the growth strategies at a recent Worldwide Alumni Celebration of the London Business School (LBS), Nigeria chapter in Lagos, themed ‘Africa’s Builders: What it takes to start, grow and scale.’

He noted that Africa’s demographic advantage lies in its rapidly growing young population, which he says can boost economic growth by creating wealth through entrepreneurship.

Balogun shared the insights based on his 35 years of inspiring entrepreneurial journey and working with other successful entrepreneurs who built from scratch to big conglomerates on the continent.

In starting a business, he advised start-ups to have a big vision, clarity about the unique problems they intend to solve, discipline, financial prudence, and lots of experience.’

‘You must have a big vision and be clear about the problems you are solving when starting a business,’ he said.

‘The other thing that you’ll find common is that you need tremendous discipline around consistency in execution. It’s about financial prudence, operational rigour, and you will also need a lot of courage when you start,’ he explained.

He emphasized that starting a business requires experience, urging start-ups to have working experience before launching into entrepreneurship.

‘Experience is important as it helps you learn the business and the fundamentals properly. It helps you understand the structure, margins, customers and markets and how brands are built,’ he said.

In growing a business, Balogun says that growing a business in Africa requires the ability to identify, hire, and retain high-quality people over a long period. He noted that aggression is needed to grow any business, saying, ‘When you look at the entrepreneurs that have succeeded around here, they all have a mean streak around them, whether it’s Aliko, or Aigboje and the late Herbert of Access Bank, or Tony of UBA. Every single person who has built something here invariably has a bit of aggression.’

‘If you don’t have a bit of aggression, go home. Aggression is necessary for three simple reasons. It’s about the ability to make decisions quickly.’

‘It’s about the ability to process a lot of information and be clear-minded through that process and to be able to make the right decisions quickly.’

He stressed that having aggression ensures not making a mistake because it provides the ability to pivot when necessary and the swiftness to react to opportunities that are available all the time.

He urged startups to establish structures that promote accountability, transparency, ethics, and governance discipline.

In scaling a business, Balogun says the business must have had a significant community impact and now be focused on a broader stakeholder community.

He urged entrepreneurs who want to scale their businesses to ensure that their corporate governance is stronger, they understand the power of the capital market, they understand sustainability, increase employee training, reinvest in the business, think long-term, and continue the quest for excellence.

The event also included a panel discussion on what it takes to build a regional and continental business in Africa and practical advice on how to grow and scale businesses successfully was offered.

The panelists include: Adedotun Sulaiman, chairman, Parthian Partners Ltd; Roosevelt Ogbonna, group managing director, Access Bank; Kathleen O’Connor, clinical professor, LBS and Olumide Soyombo, co-founder, Bluechip Technologies and Voltron Capital. It was moderated by Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, CEO, EnergyInc Advisors.

In Nigeria’s fast-paced world where vehicles are not just a convenience but the lifeblood of movement, trade, and connection, engines are the unsung heroes. From taxis weaving through Lagos traffic to long-haul trucks powering interstate commerce, the performance of an engine can mean the difference between efficiency and frustration. And at the heart of every great engine lies one essential element: quality lubrication.

This is where Ardova PLC, one of Nigeria’s foremost energy companies, and Shell Lubricants, a global pioneer in advanced motor oils, converge in a partnership that has redefined engine care in the country with the creation and distribution of Shell Helix motor oil. Ardova is the sole distributor of Shell Lubricants in Nigeria.

A Meeting of Expertise and Innovation

As part of our efforts to increase visibility and drive relevance for Shell Lubricants in Nigeria, we have organized two editions of the Power Conference to engage with industry players in the power sector, and position Shell Lubricants as a leader in that space.

We have also launched the ‘Keep It Running’ campaign, alongside other marketing efforts, to further strengthen this commitment.

The Science Inside Every Bottle

What sets Shell Helix apart isn’t just the brand name, it’s the technology within. Formulated with active cleansing agents, Shell Helix motor oils are designed to go beyond basic lubrication. They:

– Actively clean and prevent sludge build-up.

– Reduce friction for smoother performance.

– Protect against wear and corrosion, even under Nigeria’s demanding driving conditions.

Think of it as giving your engine a spa treatment ,cleansing, protecting, and rejuvenating it with every drive.

Why This Matters for Nigerian Drivers

Nigeria’s driving environment can be unforgiving. Heavy traffic, fluctuating weather, rough roads, and long-distance journeys all put engines to the test. Cheap or substandard oils often fail under these conditions, leading to breakdowns, higher fuel consumption, and costly repairs.

With Shell Helix, the Ardova-Shell Lubricants partnership provides a lubricant engineered to withstand these pressures, ensuring engines run smoother, last longer, and give drivers peace of mind.

More Than Oil: A Promise of Reliability

When motorists pick up a bottle of Shell Helix from an Ardova or Enyo filling station, they’re not just buying motor oil. They’re investing in a promise: the promise of a cleaner engine, improved performance, and the backing of two trusted names in the energy sector.

It’s a promise that every journey whether it’s the daily school run or a cross-country delivery will be powered by excellence.

Shell Lubricant Solutions

Shell offers a wide range of Lubricants across all industries, from automotive, fleet, general manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying, agriculture, marine to power. Following decades of collaboration with the businesses that help shape our global industrial sectors, located across every corner of the world, we’ve come to help unleash untapped sources of power: potential.

At Shell Lubricant Solutions, we help unleash this potential:

– The potential for equipment to perform better and last longer

– The potential for people to face new challenges and stay safe

– The potential for businesses to adapt to change and for industries to be both profitable and responsible.

We believe in the potential for positive change, by empowering businesses, reducing negative impact, and improving lives.

Because potential is only a promise until you add action, we’re committed to helping you transform your own business, so we can all make a real difference to the world.

Our mission is to put potential in motion and that drives everything we do.

The Road Ahead

The Ardova-Shell partnership reflects a shared vision to elevate the standard of machine/ equipment care in Nigeria. By marrying innovation with accessibility, they’ve turned Shell into more than just a lubricant, it’s a movement toward smarter, more sustainable operations.

For Nigerians, this means every turn of the key isn’t just the start of an engine, but the continuation of a journey powered by trust, science, and collaboration.

Shell Lubricants are formulated for passenger cars, heavy duty engines, gas engines, hydraulic systems, industrial gears, turbines, compressors, transformer oil and marine applications.

Available nationwide in Ardova and Enyo filling stations as well as through authorized reseller stores.

Canada’s has formally ceased its permanent residency (PR) pathway for foreign nationals through its flagship Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the permanent closure of the pathway intended for caregivers applying from outside the country, ending a long period of uncertainty for prospective applicants.

The HCWP, which launched with separate options for Home Support and Child Care, was initially presented as including streams for workers abroad. However, despite early assurances, the international intake component never opened for applications and has now been officially discontinued. Backlog blamed for sudden closure

While IRCC has not provided a formal explanation for the decision, available data strongly suggests the closure is a direct result of the immense backlog in caregiver applications.

As of September 11, 2025, IRCC’s inventory of caregiver applications, which includes both the current and older pilot programs, stood at a staggering 34,400.

The department has stated its intention to process only 14 per cent of this figure, equating to 4,816 applications by the end of the year.

With Canada having already admitted 4,200 new permanent residents under caregiver pilots between January 1 and September 11, 2025, only approximately 600 spaces remain for the rest of the year.

This allocation falls significantly short of the 2,750 new permanent residents originally planned for the in-Canada stream of the HCWP alone. The closure therefore aligns with a broader governmental policy shift to prioritise the transition of temporary residents already within Canada to permanent status.

This strategy is reflected in recent category-based Express Entry draws favouring the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and federal instructions requiring provinces to dedicate 75 per cent of their nomination allocations to candidates already residing domestically.

Alternative immigration options remain

Despite the end of the international HCWP stream, foreign caregivers still retain several avenues to immigrate. They are:

Express entry: Workers whose roles fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) remain eligible to apply through the federal Express Entry system.

They may benefit from the popular category-based selection draws for healthcare and social services roles, although it is highly competitive.

The most recent healthcare-specific draw required applicants to achieve a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs): Several provincial governments continue to actively invite caregivers through their respective nomination streams. These include:

Manitoba: Skilled worker overseas stream.

Ontario: Employer job offer: Foreign worker stream (through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program).

New Brunswick: Priority occupations stream

Newfoundland and Labrador: Skilled Worker category.

Canada has set an overall limit of 10,920 permanent residents for 2025 across all economic federal pilots, a number that encompasses the Caregiver Pilots alongside programmes such as the Agri-Food Pilot and Start-up Visa Program.

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna state has called all Nigerians to work together, across communities, faiths, and backgrounds so as to confront the challengesand unlock the collective potentials, describing the 65th Democracy Day celebration as a history day. Adding that, It is in unity that Nigerians will continue to give life to the dream of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani who made the call today Wednesday, /1/10/2025 while addressing the good people of kaduna state stated that, in Kaduna State, they are translating vision into action as the administration is pursuing inclusive development and renewal through strategic and peoples centred investments especially in the areas of Infrastructure and Economic Connectivity, Rural Transformation Agricultural Revival, Human Capital Development and Health Care, Agriculture as well as Food Security, Peace Building, with Justice, Equity and inclusion.

The Governor stressed that his administration prioritised infrastructure as the engine of development haven launched 85 urban and rural road projects, covering 785 kilometres across the state, nearly half of them completed, facilitating trade, reducing travel time, and improving access to markets for farmers and entrepreneurs alike with rebuilding urban roads, bridges, and essential public utilities to stimulate investment and elevate living conditions.

Uba Sani emphasized that Rural Revitalisation Agenda is reawakening the economic potential of previously marginalised communities with reopening of key markets such as the Birnin Gwari Livestock Market and the Kidandan Market in Giwa, a resurgence of local commerce and a renewed sense of community confidence, more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland have been reclaimed, equipping the farmers to produce more while enhancing food security across the state.

‘ Education and health are not luxuries – they are the pillars of our future. We are executing a comprehensive reform of our educational system to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning. This includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and the integration of digital tools. Through the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, we have successfully returned over 10,728 children to the classroom. Moreover, we have reopened 535 schools previously shut due to insecurity, reaffirming our belief that education is a right, not a privilege’. He added He added that, ‘ In healthcare, we have turned promises into action. We have upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres across the state, bringing vital services closer to rural communities. These efforts are supported by our investments in three world-class vocational institutes, which are empowering our youth and women with marketable skills to thrive in an evolving economy. Agriculture and Food Security: Recognising the strategic importance of agriculture, we have allocated over 10% of the 2025 budget to the sector – the highest in recent years. This demonstrates our commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-smart practices, and strengthening the agricultural value chain to ensure long-term food security and economic growth’ ‘.

He said, ‘ We understand that meaningful development is impossible without peace. This is why we have deepened our investment in community security, reconciliation, and dialogue. We are expanding community policing initiatives, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and supporting victims of conflict. Through these efforts, we are rebuilding trust across diverse communities and reaffirming our collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. Justice, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of our governance approach. We are building a Kaduna State where policy is driven by fairness, leadership is guided by empathy, and every community, no matter how remote, has a voice in shaping our shared future ‘.

Sani who expressed determination to build a Kaduna that is safe, strong, and inclusive detailed that the path ahead requires greater cooperation between government and the people. Adding that Development is a shared responsibility as such every citizen should contribute through acts of peace, through civic participation, and through unwavering belief in the promise of our state and nation. ‘Nigeria’s future remains bright, and Kaduna’s role in that future is significant. Under His Excellency,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the nation is undergoing bold reforms to secure peace, restore prosperity, and strengthen democratic governance. Kaduna stands fully in support of this vision. As we celebrate today, let us renew our commitment to building a nation where hope thrives and unity endures. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and country ‘ he stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, October 1st, during Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary national broadcast, said his administration has achieved 12 economic milestones in just over two years of sweeping reforms.

The president, who assumed office in May 2023, said his government inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth.

But he insisted that the ‘painful but necessary decisions’ of subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, and fiscal tightening have begun to yield measurable gains.

‘Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit,’ Tinubu said. ‘The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.’

Here are the 12 economic milestones the president listed in his address.

Record-breaking non-oil revenue

Nigeria attained ‘A record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August, with over ?20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised ?3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023,’ Tinubu said.

Fiscal health restored

The president noted that the debt service-to-revenue ratio, once a staggering 97%, has now dropped ‘to below 50%. He also confirmed that the government has paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation, while savings from subsidy removal have been channelled into education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Stronger external reserves

‘Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019,’ Tinubu announced, describing it as a buffer that has strengthened investor confidence.

Higher tax-to-GDP ratio

The country’s tax-to-GDP ratio rose from under 10% to 13.5%, with a new law expected in January 2026. ‘The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base. and providing tax relief to low-income earners,’ the president clarified.

Trade surplus achieved

For the first time in years, Nigeria is consistently exporting more than it imports. ‘We have recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to N7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years,’ Tinubu stated. Non-oil exports now account for 48% of trade compared to oil’s 52%.

Oil sector recovery

Oil output has climbed back to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely 1 million in May 2023. Nigeria also refined petrol locally for the first time in four decades and became ‘the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.’

Naira stability

After years of volatility, Tinubu said, ‘The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows.’

Social investment for the poor

Under renewed social safety nets, ‘N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of N25,000 each,’ the president confirmed.

Solid minerals boom

Coal mining, which had declined by 22% in Q1, surged by 57.5% in Q2 2025, making solid minerals one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors.

Infrastructure expansion

Tinubu said transport infrastructure is expanding rapidly: ‘Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Katsina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion, while the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway are progressing.’

Improved investor confidence

According to the president, Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. ‘Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2023 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025,’ he said.

Interest rate cut

Tinubu highlighted a monetary policy shift: ‘At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.’