Category: Business Day

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says over $50 billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions flowed through Nigeria between July 2023 and June 2024.

The Director-General of SEC, Emomotimi Agama, said in a notice on Sunday that the situation raised concern over the low participation of citizens in the traditional capital market.

Agama said no fewer than four per cent of the country’s adult population were active investors.

The director-general described the low participation rate as a major impediment to economic growth and capital formation.

He noted that, while fewer than three million citizens invested in the capital market, more than 60 million engaged daily in gambling activities, spending an estimated $5.5 million every day.

‘This reveals a paradox, an appetite for risk clearly exists, but not the trust or access to channel that energy into productive investment,’ he said. Agama also lamented that Nigeria’s market capitalisation to Gross Domestic Product ratio stood at about 30 per cent, far below South Africa’s 320 per cent, Malaysia’s 123 per cent, and India’s 92 per cent.

He said the disparity highlighted the urgent need to deepen financial inclusion and rebuild investors’ confidence.

‘Nigeria’s $150 billion annual infrastructure deficit far exceeds the market’s contribution, with only N1.5 trillion approved in Public Private Partnership bonds.

‘This shows a misalignment between financial innovation and national priorities,’ he said.

The director-general called for a ‘reimagined SEC’ that served as both regulator and enabler of private-sector-driven growth.

ýOlatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has called on Joash Amupitan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not yield to political intimidation or manipulation in the discharge of his duties.

ýOyintiloye, who was a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, made the call while addressing journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, urging the INEC boss to demonstrate a high level of courage and integrity in the face of intimidation from politicians, especially the opposition parties, ahead of the off-cycle and general elections.

ýHe also advised Amupitan not to disappoint Nigerians and to resist all forms of undue pressure from politicians, especially opposition who may seek to blackmail the Commission to discredit valid electoral processes.

ýAccording to him, the Commission, under Amupitan’s leadership, must act in line with the established rules and regulations, as well as, acceptable standard of practice to avoid committing errors in the face of pressure from politicians.

ýThe former lawmaker said, ‘All eyes are on the new INEC boss, and I want to advise him to stay focused and resist all forms of pressure that could undermine the integrity of the Commission. Amupitan must ignore all forms of negative criticism and ensure he abides by the laid-down rules and regulations for the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.

ý’Those who lost elections will continue to undermine the efforts of the commission towards conducting a credible elections in the country for their own personal gain, but the INEC boss must fear no one. He must apply the rules without favour,’ he added.

ýOyintiloye who also commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Amupitan for the job, saying his choice could not have been a mistake said that ‘Amupitan’s appointment by the President shows that he is a man of integrity and honour with capacity to sanitise the country’s electoral processes.’

ýHe, however, noted that the November Anambra governorship election and the 2026 gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun would be a litmus test for Amupitan.

ýWhile congratulating him on his appointment, Oyintiloye further said all eyes are on the new INEC boss to protect the integrity of the electoral Commission.

Every crypto cycle has its breakout presales, and 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Several new presale crypto coins are pulling strong attention for their technology, concepts, and early-stage performance. These projects are still in their fundraising phases, but the excitement around them is hard to ignore.

From advanced blockchain architecture to wallet ecosystems and community-driven meme tokens, these presales cover a mix of serious utility and light-hearted fun. Let’s look closer at four notable names like BlockDAG, Maxi Doge, Best Wallet Token, and Pepenode, and see what’s driving their momentum and why so many early buyers are watching them closely.

1. BlockDAG: The Hybrid Powerhouse With $432M+ Raised

BlockDAG (BDAG) has become the most talked-about among all presale crypto coins, thanks to its record-breaking $432 million+ raise. Its core innovation is combining Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work security with a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) system for massive scalability.

This hybrid design allows BlockDAG to handle between 2,000 and 15,000 transactions per second, which is something traditional blockchains can’t match. Developers can already test and build on its Testnet, which supports Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, attracting more than 4,500 developers.

Another key strength is BlockDAG’s accessible mining ecosystem. The project’s X-Series rigs (X10, X30, and X100) allow everyone from beginners to professionals to mine BDAG coins efficiently. More than 20,000 units have already been sold, creating a strong sense of community participation. Each rig can mine anywhere between 200 and 2,000 BDAG coins daily, depending on the model.

The presale is now in its 31st batch at $0.0015 per BDAG, with a planned launch price of $0.05. Over 27 billion coins have been sold to 312,000+ holders worldwide. With a strong team led by CEO Antony Turner and backed by advisors like Dr. Maurice Herlihy, the project has completed security audits by CertiK and Halborn. For many, BlockDAG represents the kind of mix between innovation and trust that’s rare in new crypto projects.

2. Maxi Doge: The Meme Power Presale

Maxi Doge is bringing the fun side of crypto back to life. Built on the spirit of Dogecoin, it combines meme energy with a loyal online community that loves humor as much as speculation. Despite being lighthearted in tone, Maxi Doge’s presale results are serious, it has already raised around $2.2 million, with token prices floating near $0.000258 per MAXI.

Its simple message of strong community, fun culture, and straightforward utility has helped Maxi Doge become one of the popular presale crypto coins in 2025. Like many meme projects, its strength lies in how engaged the holders are rather than what the code can do. Whether it sustains that momentum beyond listing depends on how active the developers remain after launch. Still, it’s gaining attention from traders looking for quick-moving projects with viral potential.

3. Best Wallet Token: Utility With a Purpose

Best Wallet Token (BEST) is one of the few presale crypto coins that focuses on practical use from day one. It’s tied directly to the Best Wallet app, a platform promising secure storage, early access to new presales, and staking rewards. Its token acts as the fuel for that ecosystem: used for governance, rewards, and discounts within the wallet.

The project has gathered real traction, reportedly raising about $13.5 million so far. The ongoing presale price sits at $0.025855 per token, and the sale period has been extended until the end of December 2025 to allow new participants to join. If Best Wallet can convert presale interest into active app usage, it could have a steady base of long-term users rather than just short-term speculators.

4. Pepenode: The Meme-Mining Experiment

Pepenode is one of the more unusual presale crypto coins this year. It merges meme culture with mining rewards, branding itself as a ‘mine-to-earn’ ecosystem. The idea is that token holders can operate Pepenode Nodes that generate rewards in PEPENODE and other meme tokens like PEPE and FARTCOIN.

Its presale has already attracted nearly $2 million, showing how meme projects can still find fresh twists to stand out. The community push behind it is enthusiastic, though the success of its ‘mine-to-earn’ model depends entirely on whether the promised infrastructure goes live and performs well. It’s fun, risky, and unpredictable. Exactly the combination that defines many new-age meme presales in 2025.

Summing Up

The current lineup of presale crypto coins is diverse, blending serious technology and playful community-based tokens. BlockDAG stands out for its mix of scalability, security, and transparency. Maxi Doge adds humor and hype, Best Wallet Token offers a real-world wallet use case, and Pepenode experiments with meme-based mining. Each has its strengths, but they all share the same risk: being in presale means success isn’t guaranteed.

Still, with careful research and realistic expectations, exploring presale crypto coins can give traders an early window into projects shaping the next crypto cycle. Whether they prefer innovation, utility, or community energy, 2025 is proving to be one of the most active years for presale opportunities.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has revealed that Nigeria’s public debt has decreased by over $19 billion since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, countering perceptions of a rising debt crisis.

In an explainer released on October 24, the NOA stated that misinformation has fueled a misleading narrative about the country’s debt burden.

Citing data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ministry of Finance, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the agency maintained that Nigeria’s debt position has, in fact, improved.

According to the NOA, Nigeria’s total public debt was $113.42 billion in June 2023, with a debt-to-GDP ratio below 40 percent considered sustainable by the IMF and World Bank. By December 2024, total public debt had fallen to approximately $94.22 billion, a reduction of over $19 billion in 18 months.

‘The reduction in Nigeria’s debt reflects active management of borrowings and repayments,’ the NOA said. ‘Rather than accumulating new debt, the government has made down payments on existing loans and avoided unnecessary borrowing.’

The agency noted that before the Tinubu administration, debt servicing consumed nearly all federal revenue, with 97 percent used in the first half of 2023. By the end of 2024, this ratio fell to 68 percent and is now under 50 percent as of the second quarter of 2025.

NOA highlighted the government’s commitment to meeting its debt obligations, including the repayment of a $3.26 billion IMF loan within two years and spending about $7 billion on external debt servicing during the first 18 months of the administration.

While debt is manageable, the agency noted Nigeria’s continued economic challenges due to reliance on oil revenue. Efforts to diversify income sources have led to a 30 percent increase in non-oil revenue in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

In the first quarter of 2025, the Nigerian Customs Service collected N1.3 trillion – more than double the N600 billion collected in the same period in 2023.

The NOA added that Nigeria’s economy shows signs of recovery, supported by diversification beyond oil. The World Bank projects GDP growth of 3.7 percent in 2024, driven by agriculture, telecommunications, and services the highest in a decade outside post-pandemic rebounds.

The report also highlighted government investments in infrastructure, agriculture, the digital economy, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to create sustainable revenue streams and reduce dependence on oil.

Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), pledging to restore internal democracy, rebuild public trust, and reposition the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lamido’s declaration, made on Sunday in Dutse, Jigawa State, marks the beginning of what is expected to be a competitive race for the PDP’s top leadership seat, as the party struggles to recover from internal crises, defections, and dwindling influence since its loss of power at the national level in 2015.

Speaking to journalists and party supporters, the former governor said his decision to seek the chairmanship was born out of a desire to unite the PDP family and return it to its founding ideals of inclusiveness, justice, and equity. According to him, the party had drifted away from the principles that once made it Nigeria’s dominant political force, noting that it was time for experienced leaders to step forward and rebuild it from within.

‘I am offering myself to serve because our party is at a critical juncture,’ Lamido stated. ‘The PDP must rediscover its soul. We must move away from personal ambitions and sectional interests to rebuild a national movement that speaks for ordinary Nigerians. I believe we can restore the PDP’s pride and reposition it as a credible alternative to the ruling party.’

Lamido, who governed Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015, is one of the party’s founding members and a long-time ally of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He has been a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of failing to deliver on its promises and deepening Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges.

His announcement comes amid growing calls within the PDP for leadership renewal following a series of electoral setbacks, internal wrangling, and public perception issues. Many stakeholders have blamed the party’s decline on weak leadership and factional divisions, urging a return to the disciplined, issue-based politics that once defined its early years.

Reacting to Lamido’s declaration, some PDP chieftains welcomed his ambition, describing him as a leader with ‘the political maturity and ideological clarity’ to stabilize the party. Others, however, expressed concerns that his candidacy might reignite old rivalries among senior figures, especially from the North-West, where several party heavyweights are also eyeing the top position.

Political observers note that Lamido’s entry into the race could significantly reshape internal power dynamics within the PDP. His long-standing relationships with party elders, coupled with his reputation as a grassroots mobilizer, may give him an edge in negotiations with state chapters and influential blocs.

The PDP National Executive Committee is expected to announce a date for its elective convention in the coming months. Until then, Lamido and other aspirants will intensify consultations across the country to secure support.

As the race gathers momentum, analysts say Lamido’s bid symbolizes more than a personal ambition; it represents a call for revival within Nigeria’s oldest surviving political party. Whether that call will unite or further divide the PDP remains to be seen.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), under the leadership of Zacch Adedeji, has recorded a total of N22.59 trillion in tax collections in the first nine months of 2025 (January-September).

This figure represents 90 percent of its annual target of N25.2 trillion. The agency said the feat reflects the success of its diversification and reform initiatives.

According to a document obtained by BusinessDay, a total of N47.39 trillion was collected between October 2023 and September 2025, representing 115 percent of the target for the period.

Of the total collections from January to September 2025, oil tax revenue stood at N5.29 trillion, representing 98 percent of the target, while non-oil taxes amounted to N17.3 trillion, or 128 percent of the target, accounting for 76 percent of the total collection.

The document read: ‘In the last two years (October 2023 to Sept 2025), FIRS achieved significant revenue improvements in mobilisation.

‘It achieved a record-breaking revenue growth of N47.39 trillion, representing 115 per cent of the target. Non-oil revenue accounted for 76 per cent of total collections, reflecting diversification and reform success.

‘Total collection N25.2 trillion representing 120 percent of target for the period or 90 percent of annual target.’

The agency also noted that the total non-import VAT collected from October 2023 to September 2025 stood at 137 percent of target while import VAT was 131 percent of target.

Adedeji, in a recent engagement, assured that the FIRS would continue to implement new tax laws fairly, enhance the digitalisation of tax processes, train and retrain its staff, and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to meet and surpass government revenue expectations.

He stated that with the implementation of the new tax laws, which provide for the transformation of the FIRS into the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and are expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, the agency’s mandate will include non-tax revenue collection from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

According to Adedeji, several strategic initiatives have modernised tax administration, including the National Single Window Project, designed to streamline trade and tax processes, and the e-invoicing system, which enhances transparency, accuracy, and digital integration in tax collection.

He also noted the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve compliance among taxpayers. These efforts, according to him, include nationwide tax clinics targeting small businesses, start-ups, and informal sector operators, providing guidance on filing and dispute resolution.

On the international front, he said the FIRS has advanced Nigeria’s global tax cooperation by concluding five mutual agreement procedures with Belgium, France, and the Netherlands; partnering with the Swedish Revenue Agency on tax administration training; and negotiating or renegotiating treaties with countries including Hong Kong, Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, India, and Jersey.

He said, ‘FIRS has in 2025 continued its transformation into a modern, technology-driven, and service-oriented institution, achieving major legislative, operational, and technological milestones that position it for sustained growth and greater efficiency.’

Yushau Shuaib, Editor-in-Chief of PRNigeria and Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPL), has inducted 10 Nigerian youths into the PRNigeria Fellowship, as part of his ongoing initiative to empower young people in the field of communication.

Shuaib explained that the training, organised by PRNigeria in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aims to equip youths with practical skills in effective information gathering and dissemination.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the induction ceremony held in Ilorin, Kwara State, Shuaib noted that the evolution of technology and the dominance of social media have transformed communication practices, making it essential for young people to be properly guided.

‘We realised that with the advent of technology, social media is gradually taking over traditional media in areas like advocacy, sensitisation, and awareness creation. The youths have the tools, but many don’t know how to use them effectively.

‘Ethics in journalism, public relations, fact-checking, and the use of artificial intelligence are among the core areas we train them on, so they can use communication tools wisely,’ he noted.

Shuaib revealed that the fellowship programme, which began last year, initially trained 30 participants across Kano, Kwara, and Abuja. 10 from each state and continued this year with another 10 inductees in Ilorin, bringing the total beneficiaries to 50 youths so far.

He added that the initiative provides participants with free access to professional knowledge that would otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of naira if pursued online.

‘We are training them not only to become Fellows and Ambassadors of PRNigeria but also Ambassadors of Nigeria,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, Saudat Abdulbaki Salah, a Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, described communication as an intentional act that requires understanding one’s audience to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

‘As a communicator, you need resilience, determination, composure, and intentionality to communicate effectively.

‘Feedback is what makes communication complete. When your audience responds in the way you intended, it shows that you are both on the same page,’ she explained.

She further emphasised the difference between listening and hearing, urging communicators to always set clear and measurable objectives relevant to their message.

In his remarks, Adebisi Adams, the team leader of the PRNigeria Young Fellows, appreciated the organisers for the intellectual empowerment and practical exposure gained during the training.

‘We have learnt that the world needs voices that disseminate information with clarity and factual evidence to dispel misinformation and help build a better society,’ he said.

Chef Tolulope Erogbogbo, popularly known as Chef Eros, has always been defined by audacity. From selling chicken in college to creating culinary experiences that have graced tables from Lagos to Los Angeles, his story is one of grit, reinvention, and refined vision.

Martell’s Swift Diaries, a bold mini-series spotlighting four extraordinary Nigerians known as ‘The Swift Ones’ we see a side of Chef Eros that goes beyond the kitchens and high-profile clientele. We see the man who has a passion for cooking and dared to dream.

The Early Spark

Before he became The Billionaire Chef, Chef Eros was simply a young man who believed that food could be more than survival. It could be a language, a business, and a bridge between worlds.

While studying abroad, he started a small food venture, where he sold fried chicken, and the business became so popular his friends nicknamed him ‘The Chicken Guy.’ It was an early glimpse of the entrepreneurial spirit that would later define his career.

‘You see that intersection where food and business meet? That’s where I’ve always felt most at home,’ he shares in Swift Diaries

When The Flame Flickered

At 21, Eros returned to Lagos with a dream to open a restaurant alongside his mother. Financial challenges mounted, the restaurant struggled, and he was served a quit notice. It was a moment that could have ended his story, but instead, it lit a new fire within him.

‘Every great chef burns a few things before they get it right,’ he reflects.

This resilience, the refusal to let failure define him is what makes him a true Swift One, embodying Martell’s belief that audacity shapes legacy.

Reinvention

Chef Eros’s next chapter began unexpectedly, with a craving for cookies. That simple moment led to the birth of a small cookie business that became an instant hit. He recalls selling over half a million cookies in a single day and sharing them with stars like Don Jazzy and Dr. Sid.

‘One minute I was craving cookies, the next I was sharing them with Don Jazzy and Dr. Sid,’ he laughs.

From there, doors began to open. Chef Eros became a brand ambassador, gained access to a professional kitchen, and soon began curating private dining experiences for Lagos’s elite. Each venture sharpened his craft and brought him closer to his true calling; elevating Nigerian cuisine to the world stage.

The Billionaire Chef

Today, Chef Eros is celebrated globally for his artistry and his mission: to put Nigerian flavors on the fine-dining map. Through Ìlè Eros in Lagos and Ìlè LA in California, he has created spaces where tradition meets innovation, where local ingredients are transformed into experiences worthy of global recognition.

Forbes once dubbed him ‘the man who knows what billionaires eat for lunch.’ But for Eros, being The Billionaire Chef is not about monetary wealth, it’s about richness in culture.

‘The Billionaire Chef is one who is wealthy in culture and exports that culture,’ he says in Swift Diaries.

His journey mirrors Martell’s legacy, which is built on craftsmanship, authenticity, and the audacity to break boundaries.

A Celebration of Audacity

Chef Eros’s story is one of four narratives featured in Martell’s Swift Diaries, a groundbreaking mini-series that celebrates Nigerians who embody the spirit of audacity and excellence.

Alongside Eros are Young Jonn, the legendary hit producer turned chart-topping artist, Timini Egbuson, the award-winning actor who built his name through perseverance; and Tubo, the fashion visionary reshaping African fashion design. Together, they represent the bold new generation of Nigerians who are shaping culture in their own way.

Watch Chef Eros’s Swift Diaries episode exclusively on Martell Nigeria’ official YouTube channel, and catch it on MTV Base and BET on the 29th of October. Follow the journey on social media @MartellNigeria, using the hashtags #MartellSwiftOnes and #BeTheStandoutSwift. 

About Martell

Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, Maison Martell is one of the world’s oldest and leading international prestige cognac houses. The brand’s three-century legacy is built on a foundation of audacity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for cultural connection. In Nigeria, Martell has been a prominent player since 2012, operating under Pernod Ricard Nigeria to create premium experiences that bring people together. With a strong presence in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, Martell continues to share its exceptional savoir-faire and celebrated spirits with connoisseurs across the country.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in the wine and spirits industry. Since its incorporation in 2012, the company has established a strong presence in the Nigerian market with a diverse portfolio of premium international brands, including Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell Cognac, and Absolut Vodka. Rooted in the Group’s philosophy of ‘Convivialité,’ Pernod Ricard Nigeria is committed to creating genuine human connections and shared experiences, while also championing responsible drinking and sustainability.

The Ondo State Government, on Monday, said it has uncovered what it described as a politically motivated attempt to discredit the ongoing O’Datiwa mass metering scheme, handled by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, through the circulation of false allegations by a faceless group.

A statement made available to journalists by the Information Officer of the Ministry, Debbie Funmilayo, dismissed the claims as ‘malicious, mischievous, and sponsored by desperate political actors ahead of the forthcoming general elections.’

According to the Ministry, the so-called Ondo Integrity Group (OIG) behind the allegations is ‘a fake and unregistered entity, assembled by disgruntled politicians to discredit a performing Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Alabi and tarnish the image of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration.’

‘Intelligence available to us confirms that certain political actors have sponsored online blogs and paid media platforms to circulate fabricated stories designed to create confusion and weaken public confidence,’ the statement said.

Recall that a group, Ondo Integrity Group (OIG), recently claimed that funds for the O’Datiwa Mass Metering Scheme were being diverted to private accounts.

But the state government said the O’Datiwa meter project remains one of the most transparent and people-centred energy reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

The statement said further, ‘It explained that all financial transactions under the scheme are handled through a designated state-controlled account domiciled in JAIZ Bank, as well as accredited online payment platforms approved by the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB).

‘The false claim that payments were directed into private accounts is mischievous and therefore misleading.

‘The government further clarified that the metering scheme allows private participation through Meter Asset Providers (MAPs), who operate independently in line with regulatory approval. As at the last count, about ten accredited MAPs are legitimately operating within the State.

‘Each MAP, being a private and commercial entity, has its independent financial accountability separate from the Ondo State Power Company Limited (OSPC).’

The statement, however, emphasised that the O’Datiwa meter is currently ‘the cheapest in Nigeria,’ with prices approved by OSERB to ensure fairness and transparency.

As stakeholders are waiting for a bill to institutionalise government interventions to improve the life of the poor and vulnerable either affected by conflict or economically disadvantage has scaled through the public hearings stage in the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

The data shows that Northeast region has about 70 percent poverty rate especially Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states due to years of unending conflict and others factors. This is to says that 70 percent of the total population in the region are currently living below the poverty line and these also comes with diseases, displacement, restiveness, unemployment and others.

The World Bank had said despite the economic reforms of the Federal Government, 139 million Nigerians still live in poverty, this revelations was made known by its Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, stated this at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja recently where he warned that more needs to be done to ensure better living standards for Nigerians.

Also, the data World poverty clock shows that Nigeria has the population of about 230,833,200 people. Unfortunately People living in extreme poverty 71,917,223 represent 31%; equally target escape rate is 24.88 people/min, while current escape rate is -2.06people/min; and over 3.4 million people are currently living in multidimensional poverty in Adamawa state.

Business Day reports stakeholders came together from reviewing and validating a social protection bill for Adamawa State have rounded off the process and okayed the bill for submission to the State House of Assembly with a vie to have a workable, strong mechanisms and framework bills that will support and provides safety net for less privileged people.

The Adamawa State Social Protection Draft Bill, being sponsored at the Assembly by the Majority Leader, Kate Mamuno, is expected to give birth to a law tailored to drastically raise the fortunes of the poor and other vulnerable people across the state.

At a public hea6on a social protection bill for Adamawa State, Kate Mamuno, in her welcome address explained that the bill, developed by the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection, Participation and Economic Resilience in Northeast Nigeria project implemented by GIZ through funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union.

The event was mobilized by the GIZ, included members of the State House of Assemblies from Borno and Adamawa, experts, academicians, representatives of non-governmental organisations, the civil society, faith- and gender-based organisations, and people from vulnerable groups.

She assured the stakeholders, they took an intensive look at the Adamawa State Social Protection Draft Bill and perfected its provisions, including provisions for significant reduction of poverty and vulnerability, as well as promotion of equity and inclusive growth through addressing inequalities among residents in the state.

Kate assured the participants projected other timelines within which they expect the bill to go fully through the Assembly to the expected signing by the State Governor, ‘I would do my part to ensure that the bill gets passed for executive assent. We will go back and look at the grail areas and ansure a workable document for the people in the state.

A right step toward Legislative Adoption

At the public hearing in Yola, lawmakers, development partners, and civil society representatives expressed strong support for the Bill, describing it as a transformational step toward ensuring that social protection becomes a legal right rather than a privilege.

Stakeholders reaffirmed that the Bill is designed to create a coordinated, transparent, and sustainable system capable of reaching those most in need-particularly women, children, returnees, and persons displaced by conflict or climate change.

According to the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Planning Commission, Mary Paninga, ‘This Bill is not just a document-it is a commitment to our people. It provides the legal and institutional framework that ensures every vulnerable citizen can access the support they need to live with dignity.’

Adamawa’s progress in developing and validating a Social Protection Bill sets a precedent for other states in the region. With technical support from SEPIN-SUSI, Borno State has also advanced its own policy and bill validation process, reflecting a growing commitment among northeastern states to embed social protection within their governance structures.

Abdulkarim Lawan, the Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly said the BAY states have suffered unimaginable challenges following a 16 period of Boko Haram insurgency which has compounded their woe in the areas of human capital development and social protection over a decade.

Represented by Ali Kotoko who led a delegation of other members of the House Assembly underscores the importance of a public hearing on the proposed bill to enact a Social Protection Law in Adamawa State.

He said,’Let me begin by commending the Adamawa State House of Assembly for taking this bold and timely step toward institutionalizing a legal framework that prioritizes the welfare and dignity of all citizens, particularly the poor and vulnerable. The vision to create inclusive, people-centered governance through social protection policies is not only commendable but also aligns with global best practices and sustainable development goals.

He added, ‘In Borno State, we understand, perhaps more than most, the critical importance of social protection-especially in the context of rebuilding lives, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion after years of conflict and displacement. We are currently in the process of developing our own Social Protection Law, and your leadership in organizing this forum provides a valuable learning opportunity for us.

He explained further, ‘We are particularly keen to draw from the experiences, consultations, and legislative insights gathered here as we continue to shape our own framework. The cooperation between our two Assemblies today demonstrates the spirit of regional collaboration, mutual learning, and shared commitment to improving the lives of our people.

He opined, ‘We recognize that effective social protection is not just about safety nets-it is about building resilience, empowering communities, and laying the groundwork for equitable development. We therefore urge all stakeholders present today to contribute constructively toward shaping a bill that will serve as a model for others.’He said.

Kotoko assured the continued support and partnership of the Borno State House of Assembly as we all work towards building a more just, inclusive, and humane society.

The bill will provides inclusive platform for vulnerable

The initiative reinforces the broader vision of the SEPIN-SUSI Programme: to ensure that poverty reduction and resilience building are driven by strong, evidence-based systems that protect the most vulnerable and promote equitable development.

As Adamawa State moves toward final legislative passage of the Social Protection Bill, stakeholders remain optimistic that the law will transform the way the state addresses poverty, vulnerability, and inequality.

By institutionalizing social protection, the state government-supported by GIZ, the EU, and BMZ-is not only investing in systems but also in the human capital and dignity of its people.

In the words of the representative of the SEPIN-SUSI head of Programme, Ana Vinambres was represented by Mahamane Lawane, ‘This process marks a turning point. It demonstrates what is possible when government ownership, technical support, and citizen engagement converge for the common good.’

If passed and signed into law, Adamawa will become first state in northeast and one of the few states around the country with a social protection law. Although In the northern part of Nigeria, only Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, and Zamfara have duly legislated social protection laws.