Category: Business Day

Tamrose Limited, a Nigerian oil and gas marine services company, has fully repaid a $10 million loan obtained from the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund), marking a major milestone in its six-year growth trajectory that saw the company triple its fleet and consolidate its position as a key indigenous player in the sector.

The NCI Fund, managed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), confirmed that Tamrose completed its final repayment instalment on September 30, 2025, without missing a single payment. The loan, accessed in 2019, was designed to support capacity expansion among Nigerian-owned service providers in the oil and gas value chain.

At the time of the loan disbursement, Tamrose operated only four security patrol vessels. With the support of the NCI Fund, the company expanded aggressively, growing its fleet by 200 percent to 15 vessels, including 10 security patrol vessels and five platform supply vessels, now serving major international oil companies and indigenous operators across Nigeria’s offshore and onshore fields.

‘The repayment milestone reflects both the rigorous standards applied by NCDMB in selecting beneficiaries and the impact of its interventions in building real capacity among indigenous operators,’ said Tamrose executive chairman, Ambrose Ovbiebo, in a statement announcing the completion of the loan. ‘For Tamrose, this marks a defining moment in our growth journey and reinforces our role as a proud flag bearer of the NCDMB legacy.’

In a letter addressed to Felix Ogbe, executive secretary of the NCDMB, Ovbiebo expressed appreciation for the Board’s unwavering support of indigenous companies and reaffirmed Tamrose’s commitment to deepening local participation in Nigeria’s marine logistics and security segment.

Ovbiebo noted that the loan not only enabled fleet expansion but also facilitated human capital development through crew training, technical certification, and the establishment of a maintenance support hub in Port Harcourt. ‘Our success story is proof that the NCI Fund works. It shows that with disciplined execution, indigenous companies can compete sustainably and deliver value in the oil and gas ecosystem,’ he said.

The NCI Fund was established as a low-interest financing mechanism to support Nigerian service providers, manufacturers, and asset owners under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. Managed in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI), the fund offers credit to qualified local companies to promote participation in upstream and midstream activities, reduce capital flight, and foster technology transfer.

Since its inception, the fund has supported dozens of indigenous firms across fabrication, engineering, and marine logistics segments. Tamrose’s complete repayment marks one of the fund’s most successful case studies to date, demonstrating both financial prudence and tangible capacity outcomes.

In recognition of this achievement, Tamrose has proposed to host a celebration event at the NCDMB Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on November 13, 2025. The event will be attended by senior government officials, industry regulators, international oil companies (IOCs), and representatives from indigenous service providers.

According to Tamrose, the celebration will ‘showcase how the NCI Fund has empowered indigenous companies while also highlighting the broader socio-economic benefits of such interventions, including job creation, human capital development, and value-chain expansion.’

The event will also serve as a case study session for stakeholders to discuss the long-term impact of local content financing schemes and explore new collaboration frameworks for sustaining growth within the Nigerian oil and gas industry. NCDMB executives are expected to deliver keynote addresses emphasizing the Board’s ongoing commitment to fostering self-reliance and competitiveness among Nigerian companies.

Industry analysts note that Tamrose’s repayment and fleet expansion signal renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s marine logistics sub-sector, which had struggled in recent years due to funding constraints and volatility in oil prices. The company’s ability to maintain steady loan servicing amid market headwinds underscores both operational resilience and the viability of targeted development funds.

Beyond debt repayment, Tamrose’s management said it plans to reinvest profits into fleet modernisation and digital operations systems to enhance efficiency and safety. The company also intends to explore regional expansion opportunities within the Gulf of Guinea, leveraging its experience in maritime security and offshore support.

For NCDMB, the milestone reinforces its broader mandate under the NOGICD Act – to ensure that a greater proportion of oil and gas spending is retained within the Nigerian economy. The Board has recently expanded the scope of the NCI Fund to include renewable energy projects and manufacturing initiatives tied to the oil and gas value chain.

As Tamrose prepares to celebrate its repayment milestone, the company’s journey stands as an emblem of what deliberate policy, disciplined management, and patient capital can achieve when aligned toward a shared goal of industrial transformation.

Over the past two decades, Ezinne Nnebocha has built a reputation as one of the most respected engineers and technology leaders in the global oil and gas industry. Her story reflects a rare balance of technical depth, industry service, and people-centered leadership.

With more than 21 years of experience, Ezinne has worked across Africa, the Middle East, and North America – shaping how technology, data, and human insight come together to advance the energy sector’s transformation.

‘Leadership in energy today isn’t about how much we produce,’ she says.

‘It’s about how intelligently and sustainably we do it – and how well we prepare the people who make it happen.’

Professional journey

Ezinne began her career in Nigeria as a Production Engineer, solving field-level challenges in well performance, completions design, and production optimization. Over time, she transitioned through roles in production technology, reservoir management, sand control, and digital integration, combining technical precision with commercial perspective.

She became known for her ability to bridge engineering detail with business strategy, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that improve both efficiency and profitability.

‘Innovation only matters when it makes a difference – to operations, to people, and to how we think about performance and safety,’ Ezinne reflects.

Her professional growth has been as much about people as technology – coaching teams, building shared standards, and fostering an inclusive culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

Global role in technology leadership

In her current global capacity at SLB (formerly Schlumberger), Ezinne plays a pivotal role in advancing production systems technology integration. She leads multi-regional teams that align innovation strategies across continents – linking predictive analytics, digital twins, and intelligent completions with real-world production challenges.

Her leadership philosophy emphasizes balance: global consistency combined with local adaptability. At the ASME Digital Transformation in Oil and Gas (DTOG) 2024 Conference, she delivered a plenary address on connecting digital intelligence with human decision-making – a topic that mirrors her broader leadership philosophy.

Early stage of career

Ezinne began her career in Nigeria as a Production Engineer, working on field development planning studies and production optimization projects. Within a few years, her career expanded beyond Nigeria, giving her the opportunity to work across the African continent, the Middle East, and the Gulf of the Americas – experiences that broadened both her technical scope and cultural perspective.

Ezinne combines rigorous engineering with creativity, delivering projects that enhanced

well performance, improved production efficiency, and reduced downtime. Her early work built a strong foundation in practical problem-solving and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Those formative field experiences also shaped her people-first philosophy – a belief that innovation succeeds best when teams are empowered, informed, and connected.

Ezinne Nnebocha as a thought leader

Beyond her operational expertise, Ezinne is recognized as a teacher, author, and mentor. Her scholarly articles – listed publicly on Scholar GPS – explore production optimization, completions design, and sustainable field development.

She is also deeply involved in capacity building and technical training, bridging the gap between academia and industry through knowledge-sharing initiatives and professional mentorship.

‘Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied,’ she often says.

‘When we mentor others, we strengthen the foundation of the industry itself.’

Professional presence and industry influence

Ezinne’s influence extends well beyond the companies and teams she has led. She has been a speaker and contributor at major global energy platforms, consistently advocating for innovation, inclusion, and collaboration in the sector.

Below is a list of some instances where Ezinne has spoken to global audiences, sharing her experience and vision for the future of energy:

ASME DTOG 2024: Plenary address on integrating digital technologies in mature assets.

Namibia International Energy Conference (2023): Panelist on Namibia’s roadmap for a just and inclusive energy transition.

Angola Oil and Gas Conference (2022): Discussant on service company competitiveness and local capacity building.

Mozambique Gas and Energy Summit (2022): Speaker on innovation, technology, and regional energy partnerships.

INSEAD GEMBA Commencement (2022): Guest address on leadership, resilience, and authenticity.

Each of these engagements highlights her commitment to advancing thought leadership in the global energy community – using her platform to promote technical excellence, regional development, and the power of shared knowledge.

Looking ahead

As the global energy sector evolves, Ezinne’s focus remains on digital transformation, operational excellence, and workforce empowerment. She is passionate about helping organizations embrace innovation responsibly – balancing efficiency with sustainability, and technology with human insight.

‘The future of energy will be built by people who combine systems thinking

with empathy,’ she notes.

‘Our best innovations are the ones that improve both performance and lives.’

Conclusion

From her early fieldwork in Nigeria to the international stage, Ezinne Nnebocha embodies the evolution of modern energy leadership. Her career blends engineering expertise, global perspective, and an unwavering commitment to people and progress.

Through her work, mentorship, and public voice, she continues to shape a more connected, informed, and inclusive future for the energy industry.

The Lagos State Government has officially launched Omi Eko Project, a pound 410 million (Euro) initiative aimed at transforming Lagos’ inland waterways into a world-class transportation system.

The project, unveiled at the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi, represents a major step in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s plan to ease traffic congestion, improve mobility, and promote sustainable transport across Africa’s most populous city.

Backed by the Global Gateway Initiative, the Omi Eko Project is jointly financed by the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Lagos State Government. Together, they are working to make water travel in Lagos safer, cleaner, and more efficient.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the project marks a ‘new chapter in Lagos transportation,’ adding that it will ‘change the way people move, work, and live.’

Under the Omi Eko Project, 15 ferry routes will be developed, supported by the deployment of 75 large-capacity electric ferries and the construction of 25 modern ferry terminals. The initiative is expected to move 25 million passengers annually, cutting travel time and reducing the pressure on Lagos roads.

Officials said the electric ferries will help reduce carbon emissions by about 41,000 tons each year, aligning with Lagos’ broader goal of becoming a greener and more climate-resilient city. The project will also include electric charging points, smart ticketing systems, passenger information centers, and a vessel tracking control room for better safety and management. ‘Water is a big part of Lagos. Fifteen out of our 20 local government areas are reachable by water,’ said Wuraola Alake, Head of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA). ‘This project will make those waterways not just accessible, but reliable and safe for everyone.’

Representatives of AFD, EU, and EIB, who spoke during the event, praised Lagos for taking a bold step toward sustainable mobility. They emphasised that the collaboration reflects shared goals of improving infrastructure while protecting the environment.

The Omi Eko Project will run from 2024 to 2030 and is part of the Lagos State Transport Master Plan, which aims to build a fully integrated transport network across road, rail, and waterways.

When completed, the system will help cut average commuting time by up to three hours on key routes, provide thousands of jobs, and encourage Lagosians to embrace water travel as a safe, affordable, and eco-friendly option.

‘Omi Eko,’ which translates to ‘Water of Lagos’ in Yoruba, captures the spirit of the project, a city reconnecting with its waters to build a cleaner, faster, and more inclusive future.

Great Nigeria Insurance Plc (GNI) has defied the odds, boldly charting a growth path fueled by strategic investments, operational resilience, and regulatory alignment.

As one of Nigeria’s long-standing insurance firms, GNI is demonstrating a renewed commitment to performance with N2 billion profit from a loss position of N736 million in 2022.

The company is positioning itself for long-term success amid sector reforms and economic headwinds, according to Bade Aluko, chairman of the Board of Directors.

Aluko speaking at the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, where it considered the 2023 financial result said the results reflected the company’s resilience and strategic management amid both global and domestic challenges.

According to him, GNI’s net investment income surged from N1.3 billion in 2022 to N4.6 billion in 2023, while profit after tax jumped from a loss of N736 million in 2022 to a profit of N2 billion in 2023. ‘Our organisation gallantly thrived through the avalanche of economic woes that swept businesses globally and locally since the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

He noted that while insurance revenue declined slightly by 3.8 per cent, from N2.6 billion in 2022 to N2.5 billion in 2023, insurance service expenses rose by 33 per cent from N1.5 billion to N2 billion, reflecting the impact of inflation and operational expansion.

Aluko further explained that the 2023 financials were prepared under the new International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 17, which replaced IFRS 4 effective January 2023, in compliance with regulatory requirements.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustaining its growth trajectory, saying, ‘We have maintained a rare display of courage and resilience thus far, and we will continue to give it all it takes to ensure we keep thriving in all our business expressions.’

Buzz about the proposed Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on Nigeria by the USA

The Senate has tasked a committee with examining the issue and formulating an official position. However, the federal government dismisses these efforts as misguided and ill-intentioned, while a report from a ‘fact-finding’ mission causes considerable embarrassment.

The buzz is about a plan in the United States Senate to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

A U.S. ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) designation for Nigeria would have substantial consequences, potentially straining diplomatic relations, affecting security cooperation, damaging Nigeria’s international reputation, and impacting its economy.

What does a CPC label mean for Nigeria?

It could strain bilateral relations and lead to diplomatic tensions.

It might reduce US security aid, intelligence exchange, and joint counter-terrorism efforts.

Effects on economic and trade cooperation. It could disrupt trade agreements, increase regulatory scrutiny on exports, and potentially reduce

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Furthermore, it could damage Nigeria’s international reputation, strengthening perceptions of human rights abuses and religious intolerance.

Finally, it could prompt the US to apply targeted sanctions on officials, such as travel bans and asset freezes.

The Designation and Context

What is a CPC? The ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) designation is an official classification by the U.S. Secretary of State for countries accused of engaging in or tolerating ‘systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom’ under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

The Current Push: In September 2025, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025. This bill seeks to compel the State Department to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and impose targeted sanctions on specific Nigerian officials accused of enforcing blasphemy laws or tolerating religiously motivated violence. This push is supported by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which has recommended this designation for years.

Nigeria’s Official Stance: The Nigerian government, through its House of Representatives, has unanimously rejected the proposed U.S. bill.

Lawmakers argue that it is based on ‘incomplete and de-contextualised assessments’ and mischaracterises Nigeria’s complex security crises-which involve insurgency, criminal banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts-as purely religious persecution. They have pledged to use diplomatic channels to counter these narratives.

Perspectives from Within Nigeria

Views within Nigeria, particularly among Christian leaders who are often the focus of these reports, are mixed, reflecting the complexity of the situation:

Support for the Designation: Some religious figures, like Fr. Maximilian Okpong Peter, agree that the designation reflects a painful reality, stating it is ‘tied to deep socio-political divisions and bad governance.’ Others see international pressure as a necessary check on the government, hoping it will force officials to ‘sit up’ and prioritise protecting citizens.

Belief that the Situation Has Improved: Some church leaders, such as Fr. Lawrence Emehel, question the timing, arguing that while severe persecution occurred in the past, ‘the situation today is not as widespread or as dangerous as it used to be.’

A Nuanced View of Violence: Several voices warn against viewing all violence solely through a religious lens. Fr. Solomon Patrick Zaku observes that ‘the insecurity in Nigeria affects all. Christians, Muslims, and traditional believers,’ even though Christians have experienced it in unique ways.

Expert testimony to the U.S. Congress also stressed that attributing the conflict to religion alone overlooks deeper causes, such as governance failures and competition for resources.

US Senator Ted Cruz

2. The Reno Omokri complication

Social media influencer Reno Omokri is actively leading a campaign against the potential U.S. designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC). His efforts involve public statements and organising a fact-finding delegation from the U.S., though his stance faces opposition from both American and Nigerian figures.

He is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Complications set in at the press briefing, where a US delegation member denounced Mr Omokri’s claims and his description of the situation.

Mr Omokri argues that terrorists target both Christians and Muslims, with victims often belonging to the dominant religion of the area.

Attributes insecurity to the aftermath of the 2011 NATO intervention in Libya.

Organised a U.S. fact-finding delegation to Nigeria.

Mike Arnold, the former Mayor of Blanco, Texas, and a member of Omokri’s fact-finding delegation, believes that the violence constitutes a genocide against Christians. Arnold asserts that the violence is a ‘calculated and long-running genocide.’ He based his perspective on numerous visits to Nigeria and interviews with affected communities.

3. No more Mathematics obstacle for Arts students

The Federal Government has officially removed the compulsory credit pass in Mathematics as an entry requirement for students seeking admission into Arts and Humanities programs. This change is part of the newly revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions announced in October 2025.

It cuts across the degree, National Diploma, and Higher National Diploma.

Reasons and Reactions Behind the Policy Change

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, stated that this reform is a ‘deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education.’ The government aims to remove a significant barrier for many qualified candidates who excelled in creative and literary subjects but struggled with Mathematics, thus preventing them from gaining admission. It is estimated that this policy could open opportunities for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to be admitted each year.

The policy has sparked a public debate:

Supporters see it as a brilliant reform that democratizes education and allows students to focus on their strengths.

Critics argue that it is a terrible idea, expressing concern that foundational numeracy skills are essential for everyone and that the move might be detrimental in the long run.

The optimistic view of the removal

For generations, the narrative for students passionate about literature, history, art, and philosophy was often overshadowed by the ‘obstacle’ of mathematics. The idea that this obstacle is now disappearing is significant. Let’s examine what this means.

Why Mathematics Felt Like an Obstacle

The ‘Fixed Mindset’ Label: Struggling with maths was often misunderstood as a lack of overall intelligence, which could be very discouraging for a creative student.

Irrelevance to Passion: When your dream is to write a novel or understand Renaissance art, solving for x in a quadratic equation can seem not just tricky, but completely pointless.

Gatekeeping for Education and Careers: Certain university programmes and career paths require specific maths credits, effectively blocking talented arts-inclined individuals.

How the Obstacle Is Being Dismantled

The statement ‘No more Mathematics obstacle’ is becoming increasingly true for several reasons:

1. The Redefinition of ‘Math Literacy. The focus is shifting from advanced calculus to practical, applicable skills. For arts students, this means:

-Data Literacy: Understanding charts, graphs, and statistics in social studies, economics, and polling data.

– Financial Literacy: Managing a budget, understanding taxes, and calculating royalties or project grants.

-Logical Reasoning: The core of maths is logic, which is essential for constructing a solid argument in an essay or thesis.

2. Technology as the Great Equaliser. We no longer need to be human calculators. Powerful tools handle complex calculations, allowing us to focus on application and interpretation.

– Spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets): For budgeting, data organisation, and analysis in arts management, research, and freelancing.

– Statistical Software: User-friendly programs can help sociology or psychology students analyse survey data without manual calculations.

– AI and Digital Tools: Can assist with everything from basic arithmetic to generating visual data representations.

3. The Rise of Interdisciplinary Studies

The modern world values hybrid skills. The most interesting solutions often emerge at the intersection of arts and STEM (STEAM). An arts student with even basic, comfortable numeracy is powerfully positioned:

– Digital Humanities: Using data analysis to study patterns in literature or history.

– Arts Management: Running a gallery, theatre, or non-profit requires budgeting and fundraising.

-User Experience (UX) Design: Combining psychology (a social science) with data-driven design principles.

– Tech Writing/Editing: Explaining complex technical concepts requires clear, logical thinking.

What This Freedom Actually Means

It does not mean ‘Arts students can now be ignorant of numbers.’ It signifies:

The anxiety, gatekeeping, and sense of intellectual inadequacy are no longer necessary. Mathematics can be transformed from a feared obstacle into a practical toolkit.

You no longer need to be a ‘math person’ to succeed. You just have to be a ‘curious person’ who isn’t afraid to utilise the available tools to solve problems related to your passion.

Therefore, the new mantra for arts students is not ‘I can’t do maths,’ but rather:

‘I can understand the data that informs my research.’

‘I can manage the budget for my creative project.’

‘I can leverage technology to handle calculations.’

‘My intelligence is not defined by my ability to integrate a function, but by my ability to think critically, create meaning, and communicate powerfully.’

The obstacle was not the mathematics itself, but the burden of anxiety and rigid systems built around it. Removing that burden allows the arts to embrace the parts of numeracy that genuinely serve its purpose: to understand, critique, and shape the human world.

The federal government, on Thursday flagged off the sensitisation activities for the commencement of the Personnel Audit and Skill Gap Analysis (PASGA) project, that targets a more efficient service delivery in the Federal Civil Service.

Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), speaking at the official commencement of the flagship reform initiative, called for cooperation from all Permanent Secretaries, Directors, the Union leaders and all staff across MDAs, by demonstrating ownership of the program.

It will be recalled that over the years, the Federal Civil Service had grappled with the challenge of fragmented and outdated personnel information, leading to inefficiencies and misalignments, and in some instances fuelling corruption in the system.

She noted however, that the reform initiative is designed to strengthen personnel data integrity, align competencies with organisational needs, and drive evidence-based human resource management across the Federal Civil Service.

‘Today’s event represents yet another major milestone in our collective journey to reposition the Civil Service as an efficient, accountable, and digitally driven institution.

‘The PASGA Project is a strategic component of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25), reflecting our unwavering commitment to innovation, talent optimisation, and institutional excellence, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.’

Watson-Jack while reflecting on the needs, said ‘data remains the backbone of effective planning, deployment, and decision-making.

‘Through PASGA, we are setting a new standard-one that is transparent, data-based, and performance-oriented.’

She assured that the ‘reform will deliver accurate personnel records, identify existing skills gaps, and support targeted training and redeployment aligned with the evolving needs of government.

She commended the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office (CSO), and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) for the painstaking coordination and preparatory work that have brought us to this stage.

‘Your dedication exemplifies the teamwork and shared vision required to sustain the ongoing transformation of our Civil Service.

‘Distinguished Civil Servants, this exercise is a bold statement of our readiness to build a Civil Service that is data-driven, merit-based, and future-ready’

She therefore, called on the OHCSF Cluster Consultant, Knewrow Consulting, to approach this national assignment with utmost professionalism, integrity, and technical precision.

‘The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) shall remain your primary reference point as this exercise unfolds Service-wide.

‘PASGA is not merely an audit-it is a reform tool that will shape the future of our workforce by ensuring that placements, promotions, and performance management are grounded in reliable data and merit.’

Danjuma Usman, Permanent Secretary, Common Services, in his welcome address at the sensitisation event, charged the civil servant to cooperate with the relevant bodies to guarantee its success

‘Distinguished colleagues, PASGA is more than an audit, it is a reform tool and a statement of our readiness to build a Service that is data-driven, merit-based, and performance-oriented.

‘Together, we can ensure that the Federal Civil Service remains a model of efficiency, accountability, and innovation in public administration.’

Nigeria is taking another step toward becoming an AI-ready nation, as the federal government has partnered with Google and Apolitical to launch the Government AI Campus.

This is a global learning initiative designed to equip public servants with the knowledge and tools to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in governance and public service delivery.

Backed by Google and facilitated through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), the initiative is focused on building the capacity of civil service leaders to drive digital transformation across ministries, departments, and agencies.

Through the AI Campus, participants will access practical online courses, expert-led masterclasses, and global peer-learning opportunities. The training curriculum explores AI fundamentals, strategic leadership, and the ethical use of AI in public service, ensuring that the adoption process is responsible and inclusive.

Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, speaking at the launch, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to integrating AI into everyday governance.

‘Artificial intelligence has the potential to redefine how public institutions operate, enhance decision-making, and improve service delivery for citizens. We are investing in building public servants’ fluency with AI so it becomes integral to administrative and service-delivery processes,’ he noted.

‘This aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital economy agenda, which prioritizes innovation, inclusion, and efficiency in public governance,’ Tijani said.

For Google, the collaboration goes beyond providing technical expertise, as Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, noted that the company’s goal is to empower the Nigerian public sector with both the knowledge and the mindset required to embrace digital transformation.

‘AI-driven governance has the potential to deliver smarter solutions, better social outcomes, and greater inclusiveness across communities. By supporting this initiative, we’re helping Nigeria build a more digitally competent and future-ready government workforce,’ Balogun said.

Chris Ferguson, vice-president at Apolitical, emphasised the importance of structured learning for successful AI adoption in the public sector. ‘For AI to truly transform governance, civil servants must not only understand the technology but also know how to lead with it.

‘This program is designed to help them develop the leadership and technical capacity to steer Nigeria’s digital transformation with confidence,’ Ferguson said.

NEM Insurance Plc, one of the top five insurers in Nigeria, has renewed its commitment to assisting customers make their desired mission and dream into reality.

Andrew Ikekuha, managing director/CEO, said this during the opening ceremony of the firm’s 2025 Customer Service Week in Lagos, pledging that the firm would continue to make the desired mission possible for its dear esteemed customers.

Speaking on the theme for this year’s Customer Service Week, ‘ Mission Possible’ he said the company would continue to dedicate itself to making the impossible, possible for customers.

‘This theme completely covers the spirit of innovation, team work; creativity; determination and customer focus that drives us,’ he submitted. Ikekuha said the firm’s customer service is not just at a department but the heartbeat of the organisation, stressing that the company’s staff are driven by passion for solving problems; answering questions and going the extra miles in meeting customers needs and expectations.

He maintained that the company during the customer service week, would be celebrating excellence and highlighting impacts made on customers.

He implored the staff to renew their commitment to making mission possible a daily reality as they celebrate the customer service week. Moji Teluwo, general manager, Corporate Services submitted that the company values its clients, adding that they are considered precious and worthy to be celebrated.

She said the firm’s core values are; excellence integrity and discipline, noting that the company is keen in looking at the needs of its clients; brokers and even prospects, to see how it can meet their needs and how it can provide them an excellent service.

‘In the motor business, we are number one in the industry and we give prompt services to our clients. We empathize with them in the event of loss and we partner with them; they’re not just customers, we are their partners, making sure their businesses grow as we grow,’ she posited. NEM Insurance Plc started an insurance business in Nigeria in 1948 through the agency of Edward Turner and Co.

It became a Nigerian branch of NEM General Insurance Association Limited of London in 1965 and incorporated in 1970 as a Nigerian company in compliance with the Companies Decree of 1968.

The company became quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1989 following the privatisation by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The company, a major player in the country’s financial services sector.

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent presidential clemency list, which included the late environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his Ogoni compatriots executed in 1995.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the CSOs described the move as ‘insensitive, misleading, and historically inaccurate,’ arguing that the so-called pardon fails to acknowledge the grave miscarriage of justice that led to the execution of the Ogoni 9.

The statement – endorsed by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, We the People, Environmental Rights Action, HEDA Resource Centre, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, and other groups – expressed dismay at comments made by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a State House release titled ‘Details of the Presidential Pardon and Clemency.’

In the statement, Onanuga had listed among the 175 pardoned individuals ‘illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight.’

The CSOs faulted the categorisation, saying it ‘erroneously lumps environmental justice icons with convicted murderers and drug offenders, portraying them as common criminals.’

‘The reference to Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades by the Presidency is offensive to their memory and that of thousands of Ogonis who suffered indignity and repression under the Abacha regime,’ the groups said. ‘It does little to bring closure to their families or justice to the Ogoni people.’

They further criticised the statement’s reference to the four Ogoni leaders murdered by a mob in 1995 as ‘victims of the Ogoni 9,’ describing the narrative as a distortion of historical facts.

The CSOs recalled that Saro-Wiwa and eight others – Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, and Barinem Kiobel – were executed on November 10, 1995, following a controversial military tribunal widely condemned as unjust and politically motivated.

They noted that forced testimonies, denial of appeal rights, and withdrawal of defence lawyers marked the trial, which the international community later described as a ‘judicial murder.’ ‘What the world has consistently demanded is not clemency, but exoneration – a full acknowledgment that the Ogoni 9 were victims of a travesty of justice orchestrated by the military government with the complicity of Shell,’ the statement read.

The coalition said it was ‘deeply troubling’ that the presidency recognised colonial injustices against nationalist, Sir Herbert Macaulay, while failing to make similar corrections for Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues.

‘If President Tinubu can acknowledge that Macaulay was unjustly treated by colonialists, why is the same not said of the Ogoni 9 who were killed for standing against environmental exploitation?’ the groups asked.

The organisations warned that the ‘half-hearted pardon’ could be a prelude to renewed attempts to resume oil extraction in Ogoniland – a move they vowed to resist.

They called on President Tinubu to withdraw the so-called pardon and instead issue an official state apology, coupled with a gazetted pronouncement quashing the murder convictions of the nine activists. ‘Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel and their colleagues were not criminals. They were heroes who gave their lives for environmental and social justice,’ the CSOs declared. ‘Their names deserve exoneration, not pardon.’

The statement was endorsed by 14 organisations, including the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, We the People, Environmental Rights Action, Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre, Social Action, Ogoni People’s Assembly, Oilwatch Africa, and the Civil Rights Council.

About seven in 10 Nigerian workers spend 40 percent or more of their annual salaries on rents and housing-related matters.

This was one of the findings of the recently conducted BusinessDay Talk Exchange polls on the ‘State of Housing in Nigeria.’

The poll shows that 72 percent of respondents spend between four and six months of their annual salaries on house rents, amounting to about 40 percent of their incomes.

The findings raise questions around sustainability, as many households have to grapple with other basic necessities such as feeding, clothing, and transportation costs. Speaking about the issue during the Talk Exchange on X (formerly Twitter), Samuel Ajiboyede, CEO of Rowvar Property and Finance, stated that with almost 60 percent of building materials still being imported, there is little possibility of rents dropping in Nigeria.

‘Speculation doesn’t drive real estate. Demand and inflation drive it, and with a deficit of over 29 million housing units in Nigeria, rents may keep rising. Without corresponding increases in income, salary earners will be spending higher parts of their income on rents,’ Ajiboyede said.

Many turn to mini-flats, self-contained units

The BusinessDay Talk Exchange poll also shows mini-flats and self-contained units as the most commonly rented spaces, with 39 percent choosing the former, and 34 percent going for the latter.

The poll received responses from residents in Lagos, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Anambra, Gombe, Osun, Oyo, Kaduna, Nasarawa states, and FCT Abuja.

Most of the respondents were within the 25 to 44 years age range, and in full-time employment or self-employed.

The reasons for their current choice of housing and location mostly revolve around affordability, and about 40 percent of respondents have been forced to relocate due to high rents.

About 70 percent described their current housing as overpriced, while 25 percent thought their house rents to be fairly priced.

The findings also reveal that the average rents differ from one Nigerian state to the other, with Lagos state and Abuja recording rents as high as N1 million for mini-flats and self-contained apartments.

While affordability guides current choices, over 60 percent of respondents said that if they could afford it, they would prefer to pay higher rents to enjoy a shorter commute time to work.

A legal perspective to increasing rents

Some common challenges highlighted by respondents include: the poor housing quality despite high rent, excessive agent fees, and hidden charges, as well as the sudden and sharp increase in house rents, some as high as 70 percent. But is this legally acceptable?

Speaking on the issue, Ejovi Erebor, a legal and compliance professional, told BusinessDay that while the law spells out the rights of tenants and property owners, it is silent on rents.

She explained that the law only restricts the property owner from imposing unreasonable increases in house rents but fails to define what ‘unreasonable’ means.

‘Whenever there is such an increase, there can be a conversation or negotiation around how reasonable the rate is. If the tenant does not want to move out, he can challenge it in court and argue that the increase is unreasonable. The court will decide how unreasonable the rent is by considering several factors such as the condition of the property, and the average price of rents in the neighborhood. But this largely leaves the reasonable rent exposed to several interpretations and that is why there have been calls for reforms,’ She said.

The quality of the houses comes down to the compliance with the National Building Code. Ayomide George, principal architect at OddSpace Consults, noted that Nigeria’s National Building Code was last reviewed in 2006 and has since been overtaken by environmental and climate realities.

George pointed out that the enforcement of the said code has been ‘laissez faire,’ leaving room for property developers to cut corners.

‘On the policy side of things, we first need the government to update the National Building Code to reflect today’s environmental and climate realities, and the enforcement should be taken more seriously,’ he stressed.

How lack of capital compounds the problem

Speaking as a real estate investor and developer, Ajiboyede, earlier cited, noted that the absence of a central land ownership database in Nigeria makes it difficult to access the needed funds.

‘Many people have land without having the necessary documentation, and even when they try to get it, it can drag for months. This means the person cannot use that asset as collateral to secure a loan to develop it. In the end, the developers are under so much financial pressure that they have to rent or sell the property at high costs to offset the burden’ Ajiboyede explained.

He urged the government to act as an enabler by providing a guarantee on real estate funding to enable banks give developers favourable loan rates. This, he predicted, would bring in more players into the sector and move the country closer to bridging the deficit in housing units.

Any practical path for low-cost housing in?

Experts say there is a practical path to low-cost housing. Speaking at the BusinessDay Sustainable Building Conference 2025, Sanmi Olowosile, chairman of the Sustainable Green Environment Initiative, urged Nigeria to rediscover the use of local materials such as mud, timber and bamboo as alternatives to the expensive imported materials.

He noted that with proper treatment, bamboo’s tensile strength can match conventional steel. The plants can also regenerate within 18 months, absorb carbon, and create jobs if policies were in place to scale its usage. Importantly, such policies could attract the much-needed funding to power the almost 30 million housing unit deficit in Nigeria. Olowosile pointed to Rwanda’s thriving Climate Fund as proof that intentional policy attracts billions in support.

Architect George also called on the government to improve the road and rail transportation network in order to encourage more people into moving away from overcrowded commercial centres to neighbouring locations where rents are more affordable.