Category: Business Day

Unicloud Africa is reshaping the cloud computing landscape across the continent by launching a sovereign cloud platform that combines local currency billing with cutting-edge AI infrastructure, offering African enterprises and governments a cost-effective alternative to high-latency offshore providers.

The pan-African cloud platform, dedicated to advancing digital sovereignty, unveiled its enterprise-grade Sovereign Cloud and Artificial Intelligence infrastructure on Monday, in Lagos, making it immediately available in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Senegal, and Mozambique.

Powered by the mission of ‘One Cloud, One Africa,’ the launch stems from a strategic partnership with TouchNet, a leading Africa technology services provider whose expertise ensures the platform’s robust, scalable foundation tailored to the continent’s unique needs.

Ladi Okuneye, Unicloud Africa CEO declared that the platform is the foundation for Africa’s true Digital and Financial Independence.

The initiative addresses longstanding challenges for African businesses, delivering world-class, highly certified, financially optimized, and fully compliant cloud services that eliminate the burdens of expensive offshore options. Central to this redefinition is the platform’s emphasis on financial sovereignty and predictable costs. Enterprises can now pay for services in their local currency, shielding them from foreign exchange volatility and unpredictable expenses.

Complementing this is the elimination of data egress fees, which guarantees no charges for retrieving data and enables straightforward, predictable monthly billing. The pay-per-use operational expenditure model further frees up capital by removing the need for heavy upfront investments in IT infrastructure.

Security and resilience form another cornerstone, with sovereign data compliance ensuring all sensitive information, especially for AI, machine learning, and big data, is hosted and processed entirely in-country to meet regulatory demands in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government.

The architecture features two active-active availability zones and a contractual 99.999% service level agreement on storage, providing unmatched uptime for mission-critical workloads. Global certifications, including ISO 27001 for information security and ISO 22301 for business continuity, underscore the platform’s adherence to the highest standards of trust.

Driving innovation at its core is the AI acceleration capabilities, particularly through GPU-as-a-Service, which delivers high-performance, on-demand GPU-enabled cloud servers for running complex AI models and large-scale applications. This empowers use cases from real-time fraud detection in financial services to AI-driven analytics in medical research. Developer compatibility aligns with familiar features from leading global cloud environments, facilitating rapid adoption by local and international teams and democratizing access to the computing power needed for the next wave of continental innovation.

‘A Strategic Shift for African Competitiveness’

‘For too long, African enterprises have been held back by the financial burden and compliance risks of offshore cloud platforms. This is a strategic shift. We are providing world-class infrastructure, backed by local currency billing, zero egress fees, and the peace of mind of ISO-certified, in-country data management. Unicloud Africa is the definitive foundation for Africa’s true digital and financial independence,’ Okuneye revealed.

‘By partnering with Unicloud Africa, TouchNet is directly accelerating Africa’s digital transformation. We are delivering secure, scalable, and locally optimised AI Cloud infrastructure that empowers businesses and governments to modernise operations, drive innovation, and secure their data locally. This platform is a testament to our commitment to a connected and sovereign Africa’, said Mr Charly Bahous, CEO of TouchNet.

Dr Ayotunde Coker, CEO of OADC, also added, ‘We firmly believe that fully localised cloud infrastructure is critical for economic growth and Africa’s digital future. This is why OADC is fully committed to collaborating with and providing all needed support to partners like UniCloud Africa, who are key to realising a truly unified African digital ecosystem.’

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the federal government of manipulating food prices for political gains, describing its claim of ‘increased local food production’ as dishonest, given that many farmers, especially in the northern part of the country, have been displaced by banditry.

Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, in a statement on Monday, said even the few farmers who remain active cannot afford the skyrocketing cost of fertilisers and other critical inputs.

The party also accused the government of hoarding imported food while millions go hungry, describing it as a deliberate weaponisation of poverty for political advantage.

While calling for a complete overhaul of the country’s agricultural strategy, the ADC urged the government to adopt policies that protect local production, promote food price stability, safeguard the lives of farmers, and pursue long-term food sovereignty.

The party also expressed deep concern over what it described as the federal government’s misleading narrative around the so-called drop in food prices.

According to the party, ‘Contrary to what is being celebrated in official circles, the reality on the ground, as confirmed by the voices of struggling farmers and families across the country, is that the Tinubu government is manipulating food prices and weaponising hunger for political gains.’

The party also stated that, ‘the reported drop in the prices of some food items is artificial, and a result of import waivers that have flooded the market with cheap foreign food.

‘It is neither evidence of sound policy nor proof of increased local production. And while that may offer momentary relief in food prices, it has, and will, come at the heavy cost of sabotaging local farmers who can no longer compete due to soaring input costs, especially fertilisers, and worsening insecurity.

‘Additionally, we find it particularly strange and dishonest for the government to claim that its policies are encouraging domestic production at a time when many farmers have been displaced by bandits, and those who remain are barely able to afford the cost of planting.

‘How can production be increasing when the rural economy is under siege by bandits, and the costs of planting are now beyond the reach of the average farmer?’ the party said.

‘This is propaganda. What we are witnessing is a deliberate manipulation of food prices for short-term political gain, designed to create the illusion of economic progress while citizens continue to suffer.

‘Any current drop in price is temporary, unsustainable, and driven by panic, not strategy, and deliberate planning.

‘We also take note of the government’s claim that it has not released imported food into the market. If we are to even momentarily entertain this falsehood, it begs an even more damning question: why is the government hoarding food while the people go hungry? What sort of administration stores food in warehouses during a hunger crisis?

‘The ADC condemned in the strongest terms the weaponisation of hunger and calls for a complete overhaul of the current agricultural approach. We must protect local producers, address rural insecurity, and invest in long-term food sovereignty, not temporary political optics.

‘The Nigerian people deserve truth and food, not manipulation and a false narrative of renewed hope.’

In this conversation, Taye Emmanuel, a finance professional at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation with years of experience navigating Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape, discusses the current shifts, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of finance and fintech across the country. BusinessDay’s Chinwe Michael brings excerpts.

How would you characterise the major shifts happening in Nigeria’s finance sector today?

The sector is in the middle of a digital revolution. What we’ve seen in the last five years is a complete change in how financial services are delivered and consumed. Traditional banking has given way to mobile-first and data-driven models. The rise of fintech firms has expanded access to credit, savings, and investment products that were once out of reach for millions. In the first quarter of 2025, Nigerian fintechs processed transactions worth N20.7 trillion in mobile transfers, according to data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

That’s a level of scale that even established banking systems in some developed economies haven’t achieved. This shift is not just about convenience; it’s about inclusion, transparency, and efficiency.

What would you say are the main drivers behind this fintech boom?

Nigeria’s demographic and digital profile make it a perfect breeding ground for financial innovation. We have one of the youngest populations in the world, most of whom are comfortable with smartphones and digital platforms. Mobile penetration is above 90 percent, and internet connectivity, although uneven, is improving. This creates the demand side. On the supply side, we’ve seen regulatory frameworks evolve, open banking guidelines, digital identity systems, and the licensing of payment service providers have all encouraged competition and creativity. Foreign and domestic investors are also seeing long-term potential here. Even amid global venture funding slowdowns,

How much influence are technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain having on the sector?

Their impact is already significant and growing. Artificial intelligence is now central to how banks and fintechs assess risk, detect fraud, and personalise financial products. A few years ago, credit scoring in Nigeria relied mostly on historical banking records, which excluded millions without a formal banking history. Today, AI models analyse behavioural data, mobile usage, and transaction patterns to determine creditworthiness. That’s a huge step for financial inclusion. Blockchain, meanwhile, is redefining transparency and transaction speed. Cross-border payments that once took days now happen almost instantly through decentralised systems. It also ensures tamper-proof record-keeping, which is vital for trust in digital finance. Together, AI and blockchain are making the financial system more predictive, transparent, and accessible.

Despite these advances, what challenges remain?

The biggest one is cybersecurity. As more money moves digitally, the incentive for fraudsters grows. Financial institutions are racing to strengthen their defences, but they also need customers to be more aware and cautious. Infrastructure gaps are another issue. Power supply and internet connectivity are still inconsistent in many parts of Nigeria, and that limits the reach of digital services. There’s also a regulatory challenge: innovation often outpaces oversight. Regulators are doing their best to keep up, but they must balance flexibility with consumer protection. Finally, profitability remains a concern for many fintechs. It’s one thing to scale; it’s another to sustain. Many companies are learning to focus not just on rapid expansion but on operational discipline and long-term value creation.

From a policy standpoint, what reforms could help the sector reach its full potential?

Government policy plays a crucial role. The first thing is to keep supporting digital inclusion, which means investing in infrastructure, education, and financial literacy, especially in rural areas. The second is to deepen collaboration between regulators and innovators. Sandbox environments, like those the Central Bank has launched, are excellent because they allow startups to test products without putting the system at risk. Stronger consumer protection laws are also essential. Many Nigerians are still sceptical of digital finance because of fraud and a lack of clarity around fees. Transparency builds trust, and trust sustains growth. Lastly, we should start integrating environmental and social sustainability into finance. Fintechs can play a big role in financing renewable energy, supporting smallholder farmers, and driving green innovation.

For young professionals who want to join this new wave, how should they prepare?

Young professionals embarking on a career in finance have the potential to shape their futures significantly and contribute to the industry. To help them navigate this journey, here are several pieces of advice: Keep learning, seek mentors, gain practical experience, understand regulations, and uphold integrity. Ethics and adaptability are your strongest assets.

How do you personally stay relevant in such a fast-changing landscape?

Through lifelong learning, networking, and adherence to ethical standards. I continuously engage with new technologies and feedback to grow professionally.

Looking ahead, what’s your outlook for Nigeria’s finance and fintech ecosystem?

I aim to promote financial literacy, drive innovation, and mentor young professionals. In the next decade, finance will be shaped by AI, sustainability, and digital inclusion.

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with the newly appointed Service Chiefs as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.

Recall that President Tinubu had on Friday last week reshuffled his security architecture by appointing new heads of security organisations.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, in a statement, said President Tinubu appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

Waidi Shaibu, a Major General, was appointed as the new Chief of Army Staff, even as Sunday Kelvin Aneke, an Air Vice Marshall, assumed duties as Chief of Air Staff while Idi Abbas, a Rear Admiral, was named new Chief of Naval Staff.

The statement said Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiendeye retained his position as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Although details of the meeting was not available at the time of filing this report, on Monday, Sources at the presidential Villa, indicated that the meeting which is the first since the new Service Chiefs took over, is part of efforts to work out strategies to deal with the increasing threats of insecurity and the need to halt the terrorists from further expanding into new frontiers in the country.

The meeting is coming amidst growing concern about the rapid spread of the bandits and terrorists into state hitherto considered peaceful in the country.

Recent indications had showed that the insecurity had pushed the nation into deeper turbulence over the past two years, with unrelenting violence, mass kidnappings, and persistent acts of terrorism, as well as banditry.

President Tinubu had charged the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to enhance the professionalism further, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

BusinessDay gathered that all the newly appointed Service Chiefs are present at the meeting.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has officially emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2026 governorship election, following his unanimous adoption through a popular voice vote on Monday.

The affirmation, conducted at the Ekiti State Pavilion (Ekiti Parapo) along the new Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, saw a total of 885 delegates drawn from the 177 electoral wards across the 16 local government areas echo their support for the governor’s candidacy.

Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader moved the motion for Oyebanji’s adoption as the party’s consensus candidate, which was seconded by Adeoye Aribasoye, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly,

With this development, Oyebanji becomes the first sitting governor under the APC banner in Ekiti to secure the party’s nomination back-to-back since the return of democracy in 1999.

Usman Ododo, the chairman of the APC Affirmation Congress Committee and Governor of Kogi State, who supervised the process, said the consensus decision was a collective agreement within the party, aimed at consolidating ongoing developmental strides in the state.

‘I can inform this gathering that the decision by our great party to adopt Oyebanji is not a product of imposition, but a way to allow the good works that the APC government in Ekiti has been doing, and so far recorded, to continue,’ Ododo said.

Earlier, the national chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, had inaugurated an 11-man Consensus Committee to oversee the process.

The committee, chaired by Governor Ododo and deputised by his Edo State counterpart, Monday Okpebholo, was mandated to affirm Oyebanji as the party’s sole candidate for the 2026 governorship poll.

Represented by Chidi Duru, the deputy national organising secretary, Yilwatda commended the peaceful conduct of the delegates’ election held on Saturday and lauded Oyebanji’s leadership style, which he said has endeared him to the people. He urged party members to maintain unity and decorum before and after the primary.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, the National Assembly caucus from Ekiti, former Governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi, and other stakeholders for their support.

‘I hereby accept this honour to fly the flag of our great party in the next year’s gubernatorial election, and I will never take this honour for granted,’ he said.

‘This is historic, in the sense that this is the first time any ruling party would be doing this for any of its governors in power. Be rest assured that this gesture will not go unappreciated.

‘To my opponents in the race, be assured that there is no victor nor vanquished. We are in the race together, and the party belongs to all of us. Please, let’s come together to lift Ekiti, as I am ever ready to embrace everyone, without segregation.

‘I plead that all forms of character assassination, cyberbullying, and abuses on social media should stop,’ he added.

An estimated 68.9 million Nigerians, 50% of the country’s 137.8 million active internet users, regularly face online harms, including cyberbullying and trolling, online impersonation and scams, child sexual exploitation, and other forms of digital abuse, according to a new report highlighting rising concerns over online safety in Africa’s largest digital market.

The ‘State of Online Harms 2025’ was presented by Gatefield, a public strategy and advocacy organisation, at a Child Online Safety Forum on Monday in Abuja, organised in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative. It revealed other forms of online abuse users face, including gender-based harassment, online sexual abuse misinformation and disinformation, hate speech and incitement, and unsolicited pornography.

The report found that X (formerly Twitter), a social media platform, accounts for 34% of online harms, accounting for the highest, while WhatsApp messaging is a breeding ground for disinformation, and Facebook is overwhelmed by a significant scale of harmful content.

It noted that 31% of reported harmful content is, however, never removed from online platforms.

The report further ranked fake news as the number one digital threat, adding that 58% of online harms target women.

Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead, Gatefield, while presenting the report, highlighted policy and regulatory gaps. She noted that existing laws do not explicitly address digital threats, revealing that some are misused to suppress free speech.

Shirley also noted a lack of accountability for big tech companies, adding that platform moderation is ineffective and culturally out of touch.

The report, therefore, recommended that tech firms must establish local content moderation teams. It highlighted the need to deepen digital literacy in Nigeria and tasked the government with a comprehensive online safety bill that addresses specific digital harms without creating tools for suppression of legitimate speech.

Meanwhile, stakeholders at the forum pushed for child online safety to protect Nigerian Children in digital spaces. Olumide Osoba, chairman of the Committee on Justice, and sponsor of the Child Online Access Protection Bill, assured of the passage of the bill in the shortest time possible, while expressing concern about the increasing risks our children face online.

He noted that the internet, though an extraordinary tool for education, innovation, and social connection, has also become a space where children encounter cyberbullying, online grooming, identity theft, exploitation, and harmful content that threaten their safety, dignity, and mental health.

The lawmaker explained that the proposed legislation seeks to mandate internet service providers to restrict access to violent or exploitative content; penalise individuals and organisations that engage in cyberbullying, grooming, or the dissemination of intimate images of minors, and promote digital literacy and online safety education for parents, teachers, and young people.

He added that the proposed law will establish mechanisms for prompt reporting and redress of online abuse.

‘This effort is not merely about legislation; it is about building a culture of online responsibility. It calls on every sector of the government, private industry, civil society, schools, and families to play their part in safeguarding our children’,

‘The consequences of inaction are too great to ignore, the trauma, exploitation, loss of innocence and in extreme cases, lives destroyed. Our goal must be to create a digital ecosystem that empowers rather than endangers, that educates rather than exploits’, he urged.

Tony Ojukwu, executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, represented by Ngozi Okorie, director, women and children, at the event, urged Nigerians to report online abuse and cyber threats through its automated online reporting platform accessible via its official website www.nhrc.gov.ng

He informed that the commission has dedicated a toll-free line: 6472, where reports related to online child abuse, cyber bullying and grooming can be made anonymously and with confidence.

Every few years, Nigeria experiences a familiar rhythm: the transition of leadership and the renewal of promises. But beneath the political spectacle lies a more profound and often overlooked question: what happens in between those transitions? For a great nation like Nigeria, succession planning should not be a political event; it should be an economic strategy. The cost of failing to plan for who succeeds in government, in business, in academia, in sports, and in public service goes beyond governance gaps; it directly affects productivity, policy continuity, and the future of national competitiveness.

Succession planning is often viewed through a narrow political lens in Nigeria, but in truth, it is the backbone of sustainable growth in every thriving economy. Countries that have mastered the art of institutional succession have built resilience through deliberate human capital pipelines that ensure leadership, skills, and innovation never die within a generation. We have repeatedly allowed its public and private institutions to hinge on individuals rather than systems. The result? Disruption every time a leader departs, a company founder retires, or a key policymaker exits office.

The economic cost of this leadership gap is immense. When succession is unplanned, investments stall, reforms lose momentum, and institutional memory is erased. Projects started under one administration struggle to survive the next. In the private sector, family-owned businesses, which constitute over 80% of Nigeria’s SMEs, often collapse within a generation because founders fail to institutionalise leadership transfer. This isn’t just about entrepreneurship; it’s about employment, taxes, and GDP. Every time a thriving enterprise dies with its founder, jobs are lost, supply chains are broken, and knowledge is erased.

Across Nigeria, we celebrate individuals who have risen to global prominence, our star footballers breaking records, business moguls building conglomerates from scratch, academic icons leading groundbreaking research, and public servants whose leadership inspires trust. But for every one of these remarkable figures, one question lingers: what happens when they step aside? Who takes over the relay baton when today’s champions retire, relocate, or simply move on? Nigeria’s challenge is not a shortage of superstars but the absence of systems to raise their successors, and therein lies the real test of national maturity.

At the heart of true succession planning lies human capital, the intentional identification, nurturing, and empowerment of the next generation of leaders. Nigeria’s greatest opportunity in the next 25 years is not in its natural resources, but in its people. Yet, our systems for grooming talent remain fragmented, reactive, and short-sighted.

The first step is mindset. Succession must be reframed as a matter of national security and economic policy, not an internal HR affair or political privilege. The private and public sectors must both recognise that leadership continuity is productivity continuity. For the government, this can mean building a Leadership Academy for Public Sector Transformation, an institution that should groom technocrats, not just politicians, and ensure that transitions do not erase institutional memory. For the private sector, it means embedding mentorship, executive training, and internal promotion systems that prevent brain drain and encourage retention.

Second, we must invest deliberately in regional human capital pipelines. Nigeria’s diversity is in its strength, but that diversity must be reflected in our leadership development. The North has immense potential in agriculture and renewable energy; the South-West can lead in digital innovation and manufacturing; the South-East has an entrepreneurial spirit that can power industrial growth; and the South-South, with its maritime advantage, can drive logistics and the blue economy. What is missing is a structured framework that aligns regional talent development with national economic priorities, a blueprint that ensures every region is producing the skills and leaders of the industries that define our future.

Third, businesses and educational institutions must collaborate to bridge the gap between theory and leadership practice. The idea of internships and national youth service should evolve into succession-oriented apprenticeship models, where students learn not only skills but also stewardship. Imagine a system where every multinational and SME is mandated to have a structured mentorship programme, pairing today’s leaders with tomorrow’s leaders. That is how nations prepare for the future, not through speeches, but through systems.

We must also confront an uncomfortable truth: Nigeria’s young population, though large, is not yet prepared to inherit the future. With over 70 percent of citizens under 30, we should be leading Africa’s innovation wave. Instead, too many of our young people are either unemployed or underemployed, with limited access to leadership opportunities. If we continue on this trajectory, we risk having a youthful population that is energetic but under-equipped, passionate but directionless. Succession without preparation is chaos; preparation without opportunity is frustration. The time to connect both is now.

It is also crucial to make succession transparent and merit-driven. Too often, appointments in both the public and private sectors are driven by loyalty rather than competence. This culture discourages excellence and breeds mediocrity. Institutionalising merit-based succession systems guided by clear performance metrics and leadership potential can help break this cycle. When people know that growth is earned, not gifted, motivation increases, innovation thrives, and institutions stabilise.

Nigeria’s long-term prosperity depends on how well it prepares its people for transitions, not just in politics, but across industries. We must build a culture where knowledge is transferred, not hoarded; where leadership is shared, not monopolised; and where continuity is celebrated, not feared. That is the true mark of development, when a country’s progress is not interrupted by change but sustained through it.

As we look toward the next two decades, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can continue the cycle of disruption, or we can build systems that outlast individuals. The question is not whether we have the potential; truly we do. The question is whether we have the discipline and foresight to institutionalise it.

Because ultimately, the economics of succession is the economics of stability. And in a world where change is constant, the nations that thrive are those that never have to start over but only build further.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has commended the Nigerian judiciary for recent rulings that reinforce consumer rights and ensure accountability among service providers.

In a statement by Ondaje Ijagwu, director of Corporate Affairs, the Commission hailed the Lagos and Enugu High Courts for their landmark judgments against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and Peace Mass Transit Limited, respectively.

Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the FCCPC, described the rulings as a major boost to consumer confidence and a testament to the effectiveness of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018.

He said the decisions demonstrate that consumers can lawfully seek redress and obtain justice against unfair business practices.

Bello applauded the judiciary for ensuring fair outcomes that strengthen trust in Nigeria’s marketplace, adding that the rulings highlight the judiciary’s growing role in advancing consumer protection.

He also commended the affected consumers for using legal channels rather than resorting to self-help, noting that the FCCPA provides multiple avenues for lodging complaints and securing redress.

Between March and August 2025, the Commission facilitated recoveries exceeding ?10 billion for consumers across 30 sectors, a milestone Bello said reflects growing enforcement efficiency.

He added that consistent judicial support complements regulatory efforts and sends a clear message that violations of consumer rights will attract consequences.

The commission added that in one of the cases, the Lagos High Court, presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu, awarded ?5 million in damages to a DStv subscriber, Ben Onuora, over wrongful disconnection despite verified payment.

Similarly, the Enugu High Court, under Justice C. O. Ajah, declared Peace Mass Transit’s ‘no refund after payment’ policy illegal and ordered the company to pay ?500,000 in damages to a passenger, Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after an uncompleted trip.

‘In one of the two decided cases, the Lagos High Court, presided over by Justice R. O. Olukolu, awarded ?5 million in general damages to a DStv subscriber, Mr. Ben Onuora, for the wrongful disconnection of his active subscription. The Court found that Multichoice acted unlawfully by cutting off service despite verified payment, causing inconvenience to the claimant and his family.

‘It ordered immediate reconnection and an extension to cover the period of disconnection, relying on Sections 130, 136, and 142-145 of the FCCPA 2018, which safeguard consumers’ rights to quality service and make suppliers liable for interrupted or defective delivery.

‘In the second case, the Enugu High Court, under Justice C. O. Ajah ruled that Peace Mass Transit’s ‘no refund after payment’ policy was illegal and void under Sections 120, 104, and 129(1) of the FCCPA 2018. The company was ordered to pay ?500,000 in damages to a passenger, Mr. Tochukwu Odo, whose fare was withheld after an uncompleted trip.

‘The Court held that service providers must refund consumers when a service is not rendered and that policies denying refunds breach statutory consumer rights.’

Bello reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting fair markets and protecting consumers nationwide, urging Nigerians to continue reporting unfair practices through the FCCPC complaint portal, email, or its offices nationwide.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called for a stronger partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government to reposition Nigeria’s automotive industry for global competitiveness.

The governor made the call on Monday while declaring open the retreat of the House of Representatives Committee on Industry and the National Automobile Design and Development Council (NADDC), held in Asaba. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Building a Global Competitive Automotive Sector in Nigeria through Effective Executive-Legislative Partnership,’ Oborevwori, who was represented by Johnson Erijo, his Chief of Staff, commended the organisers for their foresight, saying the retreat was timely and strategic in the nation’s quest to diversify its economy and revive industrial production.

He noted that the automotive sector remains a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and job creation globally, citing examples from Europe and the United States where the industry supports millions of livelihoods and drives multiple allied sectors such as steelmaking, ICT, and petroleum refining.

‘The objective of this retreat resonates strongly with my administration’s vision of accelerating industrialisation in Delta State.

‘We believe that legislative backing for local manufacturing incentives, infrastructure funding, and skill development must align with the executive’s commitment to policy consistency, ease of doing business, and protection of local industries. Nigeria can and must build an automotive industry that is sustainable, globally competitive, and capable of empowering our youths while conserving foreign exchange.’

Oborevwori emphasised that subnational governments have a critical role to play in complementing federal efforts, particularly through investor-friendly reforms, simplified approvals, and policies that foster social cohesion.

According to him, under his MORE Agenda, Delta State is creating an enabling environment for industries to thrive through massive infrastructure renewal, public-private partnerships, decentralised power initiatives, and strengthened peace and security.

He highlighted Delta’s comparative advantages, including its abundant natural resources, coastal location, and four seaports, which provide immense logistical benefits for manufacturing and export-oriented industries.

‘Beyond our mineral wealth, Delta’s strategic geographic position linking the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions makes it a natural gateway for commerce and industry,’ he noted.

Oborevwori expressed optimism that the deliberations from the retreat would chart a new course for Nigeria’s automotive sector, pledging to give due consideration to its recommendations.

While declaring the retreat open, he urged participants to take advantage of their stay in Asaba to explore the city’s tourist attractions and enjoy the hospitality of its people.

‘Together, we can build a future where our automotive industry becomes a source of national pride, technological advancement, and sustainable prosperity,’ the governor concluded.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Enitan Badru, chairman of the House Committee on Industry, underscored the importance of the retreat, which he said was aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s automotive sector through executive-legislative synergy.

Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have renewed their commitment to deepen diplomatic and parliamentary relations as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional development and global cooperation.

The renewed partnership was announced on Monday during a visit by members of the European Parliament to Abuja.

The delegation, led by David McAllister, chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, was received by Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s minister of Foreign Affairs.

Tuggar described the EU as one of Nigeria’s most strategic partners, noting that the relationship between both sides dates back several decades.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to expand collaboration with the European bloc in areas such as governance, trade, and sustainable development.

‘We have the burden of responsibility to develop our region, and the European Union model is our model.

‘We will do everything possible to strengthen our diplomatic and parliamentary ties with the EU and fast-track Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development’, Tuggar said.

The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s growing engagement with the EU, citing its membership as the 77th shareholder of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

He said the partnership reflects Nigeria’s expanding role in the global economic and diplomatic space.

In his remarks, McAllister commended Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and reiterated the EU’s commitment to sustaining a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.

He described Nigeria as an ‘indispensable partner’ in driving Africa’s development and promoting global stability.

‘Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its key economic and political players, is an indispensable partner to the European Union.

‘Our visit here is not only to strengthen existing ties but also to lay the groundwork for a successful EU-Africa Summit’, McAllister said.

McAllister explained that the visit to Nigeria formed part of a broader diplomatic tour across West Africa, which also included Ghana and other countries.

The engagements, he said, were aimed at fostering deeper understanding, mutual trust, and collaboration on key global issues such as democracy, trade, security, and climate resilience.