Category: Business Day

JAC Motors, a leading Chinese truck manufacturer, has urged the federal government to fast-track the signing of Nigeria’s automotive policy into law, describing it as a critical move that will unlock foreign investments, deepen local assembly operations, and reduce reliance on imported used vehicles.

The call was made by Oscar Yu, general manager, JAC Motors, during a strategic visit to Lanre Shittu Motors’ JAC truck assembly plant located along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos.

Describing Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM) as a great partner, Yu praised the company’s efforts in assembling JAC trucks locally, amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges.

He stressed that a properly legislated automotive policy would attract more Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) into the country, enabling the production of affordable, brand-new trucks with better return on investment for buyers. ‘We are ready to work closely with the Nigerian government to grow the automotive sector. Signing the policy into law will help stabilise investors’ confidence and encourage more local assembly,’ Yu said.

He also highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s vast market of over 200 million people, noting that with the right policy environment, JAC could help bridge the gap between the dominance of used vehicles and the availability of affordable, high-quality new trucks.

Yu noted that continued importation of used vehicles hurts the economy by limiting job creation and undermining local production capacity.

‘Nigeria is a huge market with great potential. With local technical talent and a supportive government policy, the country can become a hub for truck manufacturing in West Africa,’ he added. On the partnership with Lanre Shittu Motors, Yu expressed satisfaction with the progress so far, pledging continued support in areas such as technical training, spare parts supply, and after-sales service.

‘We take care of our partners, customers, and staff. Our products are of high quality, and we believe that’s our biggest selling point. We’re happy with what LSM has done and are fully committed to growing this partnership,’ he affirmed. LSM recently commenced delivery of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered JAC trucks equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), among others, for maximum safety features.

Taiwo Shittu, managing director of Lanre Shittu Motors, in his remarks, described JAC as an exceptional partner.

‘JAC is the most supportive company we’ve worked with. They are sincere, respectful, and always deliver on their promises. They value our culture and treat us as true partners,’ he said.

Saheed Shittu, executive director of finance at LSM, called the visit by JAC’s top management historic and strategic, noting that it would further cement the relationship between both companies.

Lanre Shittu Motors assembles JAC heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks in Nigeria and has consistently won awards for its quality by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Awards.

‘We remain committed to providing customers with reliable automotive products, backed by strong after-sales service and genuine parts. This partnership is helping us achieve that,’ Saheed said.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister has formally apologised to Qatar after an unprecedented Israeli missile strike in Doha earlier this month killed a Qatari citizen and several Hamas members, sparking global outrage.

The apology was delivered on Monday during a joint call with Donald Trump, United States president and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime minister, following a White House meeting.

A White House statement said Netanyahu expressed ‘deep regret’ over the September 9 attack, which targeted Hamas leaders during ceasefire negotiations but ended up killing Badr Al-Dosari, a Qatari serviceman, and violating Qatar’s sovereignty.

‘He further expressed regret that, in targeting Hamas leadership during hostage negotiations, Israel violated Qatari sovereignty and affirmed that Israel will not conduct such an attack again in the future.’ the statement added.

The missile strike killed at least five Hamas officials and a Qatari security officer but failed to eliminate Hamas’s top leadership, who were present in Doha for US-backed mediation efforts. It marked Israel’s first military strike on Qatari soil, a move that shook diplomatic channels given Qatar’s role as a key mediator in ceasefire talks and its hosting of the US military’s largest Middle East base, Al Udeid.

Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the call, describing the attack as a ‘blatant violation of sovereignty’ and stressing that assurances had been received from Washington to prevent any recurrence. The Qatari leader thanked Trump for ‘guarantees of US defence partnership with Qatar’ while also welcoming Netanyahu’s apology.

Netanyahu himself was quoted on his official X account telling the Qatari prime minister: ‘Israel regrets that one of your citizens was killed in our strike. I want to assure you that Israel was targeting Hamas, not Qataris. I also want to assure you that Israel has no plan to violate your sovereignty again in the future.’

However, he also underscored Israel’s grievances with Doha, citing Qatar’s ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, its support for Hamas.

The strike drew swift and widespread condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a ‘flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’ Within days, nearly 60 Muslim-majority countries gathered in Doha in a show of solidarity with Qatar.

For now, both governments have sought to contain the fallout. Qatar said it remained committed to ‘contributing to regional security and stability,’ while the White House framed Netanyahu’s apology as a step toward de-escalation.

By asking members to proceed with industrial action and disconnect the gas supply to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN has eventually revealed its ulterior motives as a destructive force in the oil industry. In a statement issued on Saturday by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union asked members working across field locations to withdraw services from 6 am on Sunday, September 28. ‘This includes all control room operations, panel operations and outfield personnel,’ according to the statement. The directive also orders all PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions and agencies to withdraw services and specifically directs that all processes that involve gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be let off effectively immediately. In other words, PENGASSAN has disrupted Nigeria’s crude oil business and is out to cripple the $20 billion refinery and return the country to the era of fuel importation and scarcity. This is an act of economic sabotage, and I call on the federal government and law enforcement agencies to step in and terminate this criminal action by the trade union. From what I have read across many social media platforms, Nigerians are understandably horrified by what PENGASSAN wants to do.

‘No investor will invest in any country where a union leader can easily destroy a multibillion-dollar private investment without cause. No serious nation will even allow such unions to survive.’

At the centre of this dispute is the freedom of employers to operate their businesses without unions and the right of workers to unionise. The petrochemical company has recently fired 800 workers for engaging in trade unionism. While PENGASSAN wants Dangote Refinery to recall the 800 workers, the company insists that it does not want any worker to be involved in trade unionism. Nigeria’s trade union and international labour laws allow workers the freedom to join or refuse to join a trade union and employers the liberty to disallow unionism in their organisations. That is why there is no ASUU in private universities and NUBIFE (National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees) in privately owned banks and insurance companies. NUBIFE was a very powerful union in the financial industry till the privatisation of the banks and insurance companies in the late 1980s and early 1990s. NUBIFE fought and nearly crippled government-owned banks like Union Bank, Afribank, UBA and First Bank, which in those days were banks, for all sorts of reasons. NUBIFE leaders were a terror in those days, and they were dreaded and feared by management.

With privatisation, new investors and owners of banks were quick to disallow unionism in the industry. In place of unionism, workers were rewarded with a very attractive reward system. That’s why NUBIFE, a once-powerful trade union, is now almost nonexistent. Similarly, when the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbenedion, founded the first private university in the country in 1988 (Igbenedion University), he made it clear that he didn’t want any staff member to join ASUU. Till today, ASUU does not exist in any of the 149 private universities in the country. Union activities are also restricted or disallowed in other industries like aviation, tourism and even electricity, where private investors are the major operators. An employer has the right to refuse the existence of trade unions in their businesses, and a staff member has the right to walk away from any employer who doesn’t want unionism. Why is Dangote Refinery treated differently and not allowed the liberty to do away with unionism? Why have certain interest groups, including PENGASSAN, NUPENG and even industry regulators, been fighting Dangote Refinery since it began production last year?

As President Obasanjo was preparing to leave office in 2007, he offered to sell the moribund Port Harcourt refinery to Aliko Dangote, and the man agreed to buy. But it was these same unions and the NLC that rose and opposed the sale, prompting the businessman to move on to establish his own, which is the largest single-train refinery in the world, while the government-owned refineries continued to gulp billions of dollars in endless fraudulent turnaround maintenance. While the government refineries waste away, the two trade unions continue to profit from check-off levies paid by members who work in the moribund plants. The members continue to earn salaries and even get promoted without working, while the unions and their leaders continue to profit from dues and levies. By calling on members to disrupt gas supply to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN is out to kill the $20 billion investment. It’s criminal, unpatriotic and economically disastrous. No investor will invest in any country where a union leader can easily destroy a multibillion-dollar private investment without cause. No serious nation will even allow such unions to survive.

Even after disengaging the 800 workers, Dangote says, ‘Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively’ at the refinery, in addition to indirect employees, suppliers and contractors who make a living from the plant. The federal government should do everything to protect Dangote Refinery from economic saboteurs and parasitic interest groups.

Intelligence agencies from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have announced plans to unveil the identities of senior Nigerian politicians allegedly linked to bandit groups wreaking havoc across Nigeria’s North-West.

Officials of the agencies confirmed that they are already in possession of names of some politicians believed to be providing support and resources to the criminal gangs.

According to Zagazola Makama, a Counter-terrorism expert on the lake Chad, several individuals suspected of supplying arms to the bandits have been arrested, with investigations currently underway to establish the extent of the networks’ reach.

Makama reported that the disclosures are part of regional initiative aimed at dismantling cross-border criminal operations that sustain insecurity in West Africa.

The report also noted that the move underscores growing concern over how political influence and illicit arms trafficking intersect to fuel violence across the region.

‘This latest development comes at a time of deepening collaboration among Sahelian states in addressing insecurity.

‘Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, countries that have experienced their own struggles with insurgencies and armed groups are increasingly coordinating intelligence, border patrols, and security operations to stem the flow of weapons and fighters’, the report said.

The analyst suggest that the revelation of Nigerian political figures allegedly tied to banditry could intensify pressure on Abuja to strengthen internal oversight, tighten border controls, and work more closely with neighboring governments.

Banditry in Nigeria’s North-West has escalated in recent years, with armed groups responsible for mass kidnappings, deadly raids on rural communities, and attacks on security personnel.

Authorities in Abuja have long accused foreign arms dealers and cross-border smuggling networks of fueling the crisis.

In a vibrant celebration of intellect and youth potential, the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro recently hosted an interschool debate to honour Basic Education and Literacy Month.

The event according to a statement which , followed the club’s weekly meeting, saw five Lagos secondary schools engage in a spirited clash over a topic shaping the global conversation: ‘Will Artificial Intelligence Improve Our Future or Put It at Risk?’

With millions of naira in prizes, the initiative underscored Rotary’s mission to champion education and empower Nigeria’s next generation.

The debate, the statement said featured standout performances from student leaders: Utsu Comfort of Ireti Senior Grammar School (ISGS), Ugwuede Rhema of King’s College (KC), Nwankwo Munochimso of Holy Child College (HCC), Abdulmumin Zainab of Government Senior College (GSC), and Asiegbu Maryrose of Girls Senior Secondary Grammar School (GSSGS).

Over 30 students and a dozen teachers filled the room, with HCC sending the largest contingent of 11 students and one teacher, while GSC brought a lean team of six students and one teacher.

Rotarian Jude Izuka moderated with finesse, while judges Rotarian Anita Ugochukwu, Rotarian Dimeji Olatunji-Audu, and Rotarian Abiodun Aderonke Okusolubo, alongside timekeeper Rotarian Florence Kelvin, ensured a fair and lively contest.

The debate buzzed with insights, as students weighed AI’s transformative potential in education and healthcare against its risks of job losses and ethical challenges.

ISGS emerged victorious, but the event’s true win was its inclusivity.

Rotarian Francis Egede, Youth Service Chairman, praised the club’s collective effort, spotlighting United President Rotarian Alexander Chukwu and Immediate Past President Rotarian Gbolahan Adeyinka.

‘These students brought incredible perspectives,’ Egede said. ‘I learned so much, and I can’t wait for next year’s debate.’

Chukwu highlighted the event’s evolution: ‘Last year, we promised bigger and better, and we delivered. We expanded to five schools and ensured every participant; students, teachers, even spectators, receives a reward.’

ISGS secured N500,000, with its debaters earning N50,000 each and teachers N25,000 each. GSSGS, in second, received N400,000, with students at N30,000 each and teachers at N25,000 each. HCC took N300,000 for bronze, with N20,000 per student and N25,000 per teacher.

KC and GSC, in fourth and fifth, each got N200,000, with students receiving N10,000 each and teachers N25,000 each.

Every student attendee also pocketed an extra N10,000, a gesture of universal appreciation by the club president.

This debate was part of Rotary’s broader commitment to education, one of its seven focus areas.

Recently, the club awarded scholarships to 15 indigent students for school fees, WAEC, JAMB, and NECO exams during a District 9112 Governor visit.

‘While others sponsor morally questionable content, we choose to invest in our youths’ minds,’ Chukwu said.

‘This programme pushes them to think critically and build their futures.’

Sunbeth Shipping and Logistics, an affiliate of Sunbeth Global Concepts, is positioning technology at the heart of its operations as Africa pursues deeper trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The agro-commodities trader provides forwarding, customs clearance, haulage, and integrated supply chain solutions, and took part in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers.

Speaking at the event, Omowasola Akinsomisoye, managing director of the Lagos-based firm, said the company views technology as a critical platform for more efficient trade. ‘IATF has shown that innovation bridges the gap – technology makes logistics easier,’ he said.

‘By embracing smarter solutions, we can streamline movement across borders and support Africa’s growing role in global trade,’ Akinsomisoye added.

During the IATF2025, Sunbeth participated in the automotive trade show segment, where its team engaged with sector leaders on innovations in trucking and logistics. The company said the sessions revealed persistent barriers caused by restrictive border policies but also created opportunities to partner with customs authorities to build more transparent and cost-effective systems.

Akinsomisoye also said that AfCFTA’s objectives to reduce tariffs and harmonise trade policies will allow operators like Sunbeth to scale more effectively across the continent.

Sunbeth operates a modern fleet of more than 100 GPS-enabled trucks and has facilitated the export of 115,000 metric tons of agricultural produce while clearing over 70,000 metric tons of imports across Africa.

Founded in 2017 as part of Sunbeth Global Concepts, the company has expanded from a local haulage operator into a full-service logistics provider. Its offerings now include sea and air freight, cold chain logistics, and integrated supply chain solutions. By leveraging its GPS-enabled fleet and investing in technology-driven systems, Sunbeth aims to deliver secure, transparent and resilient cargo movement across Nigeria and West Africa.

According to a press briefing, ‘Sunbeth Shipping and Logistics’ vision is to establish itself as a global logistics leader, beginning with Africa.’

Sunbeth’s presence at IATF2025 was more than a marketing exercise; it was a signal of its ambition to shape how goods move across Africa. By showcasing its technology-driven model, the company positioned itself as a partner to regulators and businesses seeking to cut bottlenecks, lower costs, and unlock the promise of regional integration.

That ambition is timely. As AfCFTA edges closer to full implementation, the speed and efficiency of private logistics players will determine how quickly traders and communities feel the benefits of reduced tariffs and harmonised policies. Sunbeth is betting that Africa’s competitiveness will rest not just on moving commodities, but on moving them smarter, faster, and with greater transparency.

Lagos, Nigeria September 27th 2025- There’s a new window opening up in Nigeria to the global market in industrialisation but only 1% of Nigeria’s industrialists are leading this charge, all that will change as Emma-Tob International Academy reaffirmed its commitment to shaping the future of Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth by equipping the next generation of engineers with cutting-edge skills, knowledge, and practical experience. Through its innovative learning approach, the Academy is positioning itself as a driving force behind Nigeria’s much-needed industrial revolution.

Founded with a vision to bridge the gap between theory and practice, Emma-Tob International Academy is nurturing engineers who are not only academically sound but also industry-ready. The Academy’s curriculum integrates classroom instruction with hands-on workshops, industry partnerships, and real-world problem-solving projects, ensuring that graduates are equipped to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructural and technological challenges.

‘Nigeria cannot achieve industrialization without engineers who are globally competitive and locally relevant,’ Debbie Oreoluwa, Founder and Director of Emma-Tob International Academy. ‘Our mission is to build engineers who will power industries, create solutions, and drive the nation’s transformation-one engineer at a time.’

With Nigeria’s economy at a critical turning point, the Academy emphasises areas such as renewable energy, manufacturing, construction technology, and sustainable industrial practices. By doing so, it aims to reduce dependence on imported expertise and empower local talent to lead Nigeria’s Industrial Revolution.

Beyond academics, Emma-Tob International Academy is also committed to mentorship, innovation incubation, and entrepreneurship development. The institution’s belief is that every engineer trained is a potential employer of labour, innovator, and contributor to the nation’s GDP.

The Academy has already begun forging partnerships with secondary schools, universities, industry leaders, and professional bodies to strengthen its vision. These collaborations open doors for students to access internships, research opportunities, and international exposure, further preparing them to lead Nigeria’s industrial evolution.

About Emma-Tob International Academy

Emma-Tob International Academy is a premier institution dedicated to advancing engineering education and practice in Nigeria. With a focus on innovation, skills development, and industrial relevance, the Academy seeks to empower students to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the annual enrollment of medical students to 20,000 in order to expand access to medical education and retain critical health manpower in the face of the rising japa trend, which has seen many professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

Maruf Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, made this known on Monday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the launch of the Federal Ministry of Education’s Communication Strategy (2025-2027).

According to him, the reforms are part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), inspired by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which positions education as a catalyst for national renewal.

Alausa disclosed that enrollment in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy has doubled in recent years, with medical student intake rising from about 5,000 to a projected 20,000 in the 2025/2026 academic session. Nursing admissions have also grown exponentially, from 28,000 to 115,000 nationwide.

‘We have doubled the intake of students in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in our health educational institutions. For medical students for example, from an enrollment of 5,000 students a couple of years back, we are well on our way to achieving 20,000 this new academic year. These are all aimed at addressing the critical manpower shortages in the health sector.

‘These interventions are deliberate steps to address critical manpower shortages in the health sector and ensure that Nigerians are not denied access to quality healthcare because of the japa syndrome,’ the minister said.

He further disclosed that 18 medical schools are being equipped with modern facilities, while 1,000 laboratories are being upgraded in senior secondary schools in partnership with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).

‘We are partnering with the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to equip 1000 Laboratories in our senior secondary schools nationwide. ‘Nursing student intake has risen to 115,000 nationwide, from an initial figure of 28,000 which we met on ground. This would greatly increase the number of Nurses that would serve the nation despite the JAPA syndrome we are currently facing now,’

Beyond medical education, the minister highlighted other NESRI achievements, including the government’s foundational education strategy, which has expanded access to basic education in underserved and rural communities.

The minister noted that in just six months, 4,900 classrooms were constructed, 3,000 renovated, 34 model and smart schools established, and 353,000 furniture supplied, impacting more than 2.3 million learners nationwide. On tackling out-of-school children, Alausa disclosed that the Almajiri Commission has mapped nearly one million children, while 35,000 learners have been reintegrated into formal education through TVET centres. He added that 1,400 Tsangaya teachers have been trained and policies on Almajiri and non-state schools strengthened.

Other initiatives outlined by the minister include: The launch of a TVET digital platform that has attracted over 1.3 million applicants.

Free education in federal and selected state technical schools from the 2025/26 academic year, covering tuition, boarding, feeding, and a ?22,500 monthly stipend.

Nigeria’s membership of WorldSkills International, giving artisans global certification opportunities.

The training of 6,000 teachers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare learners for the digital future.

The introduction of the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF), a ?10 million interest-free revolving loan scheme for staff of public tertiary institutions.

The minister reiterated that education remains central to national renewal, assuring that the government will continue to implement reforms that bridge gaps in access, quality, and relevance while tackling brain drain across key sectors.

Speaking on the Communications Strategy (2025-2027), Alausa said it is designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust through unified and data-driven communication.

According to him, the strategy provides a coordinated framework for the Ministry, its agencies, and parastatals to communicate reforms effectively. Its key objectives include: establishing clear priorities and target audiences, standardising processes and branding, enhancing public awareness of policies, and improving interdepartmental alignment using evidence-based planning.

The plan rests on five strategic pillars: Unified Messaging and Branding, Stakeholder Engagement and Public Trust, Crisis Communication and Reputation Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Capacity Building and Professionalisation of Communication.

To achieve these, the strategy outlines measures such as appointing departmental communication focal points, activating a shared content calendar, developing a knowledge hub, and training communication officers in media relations, digital engagement, and crisis response.

System-strengthening measures include integrating communication into departmental budgets, institutionalising stakeholder feedback loops, and applying real-time monitoring to adjust messaging and channels.

Expected outcomes, according to the ministry, include consistent and credible messaging across the education sector, stronger alignment between communication and policy delivery, improved public awareness, and an institutionalised culture of proactive, data-driven communication.

Alausa reaffirmed that education remains central to Nigeria’s national renewal, adding that the twin goals of expanding human capital and building public trust will drive the sector forward under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Ann Pettifor, the British economist who became a global figure in the fight for debt relief, will deliver the keynote address at the 9th Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC).

Pettifor is best remembered for her pivotal role in helping Nigeria secure one of the most remarkable debt deals in modern African history. Between 2004 and 2005, she worked closely with Nigeria’s Debt Management Office. She also collaborated with the then Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to negotiate the clearance of more than $30 billion owed to the Paris Club of official creditors. The deal restored fiscal breathing room to Nigeria’s economy. It also set a precedent for how developing nations could reset their debt burdens.

Her influence on the global stage extends far beyond Nigeria. She was one of the driving forces behind the Jubilee 2000 campaign. The grassroots movement galvanised world leaders and ultimately secured the cancellation of more than $100 billion in external debts for 42 of the world’s poorest countries. Backed by churches, trade unions, and civil society groups, the campaign reshaped conversations around sovereign debt and international finance.

In recognition of her contributions, Nigeria’s former president Olusegun Obasanjo conferred on her the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2002, a rare honour for a foreign national.

Today, Pettifor serves as Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics (PRIME), a UK-based think tank focused on sustainable finance and economic justice. She also sits on the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission, where she advises on climate finance and equitable economic policies. 9th Edition of GITFiC

At GITFiC 2025, she will act as both keynote speaker and lead discussant for the Global Debt Initiative and the GITFiC Agenda 2031. She is expected to bring decades of experience in global finance and advocacy into the ongoing dialogue on Africa’s debt sustainability.

The 9th edition of the conference, scheduled for October 29 to November 2 in Accra, will revolve around two major themes: the second Global Debt Initiative and the maiden AfCFTA Tertiary Students’ Congress.

Selasi Kofi Ackom, CEO of GITFiC, said the Global Debt Initiative was born out of the realisation that externally imposed solutions often failed to meet Africa’s needs.

‘Over the past years, we noticed that solutions designed outside Africa for Africans were not helping the continent’s financial architecture,’ Ackom noted.

‘This highlighted the need for an integrated, indigenous African financial architecture-cooked by Africans, made for Africans, and implemented by Africans. This vision gave birth to the Global Debt Initiative.’

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has approved a fare of ?8,244,813.67 for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

A statement by Muhammad Aliyu, Board’s Public Relations Officer issued on Monday in Abuja indicated Kadiri Edah, the Director of the Board, had urged intending pilgrims to complete their payments on or before December 2025 to secure a slot for the pilgrimage.

He added that pilgrims might begin with deposits but must ensure full payment by the deadline, emphasising that all transactions must be made through bank drafts only, as cash payments will not be accepted.

Edah explained that early payments would enable the Board to compile the final list of pilgrims and remit funds to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on time. The Board also asked individuals who had overpaid to forward their account details for refunds, which will only be processed via direct bank transfers.

‘Additionally, pilgrims who have completed payment are advised to submit their international passports and application forms to their Area Officers to facilitate processing of travel documents’, he said.

Edah reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to providing services to the FCT contingent during the 2026 Hajj exercise.