Category: Business Day

At the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meetings holding in Washington DC, United States, Nigeria has joined other Commonwealth Nations to explore strategies aimed at strengthening economic resilience and driving sustainable development among member countries.

Temvert Empowerment Foundation, one of the United Nations’ partners on children and youths empowerment was at the World Bank/IMF Meeting in Washington DC, where it attended sessions that captured issues of economic outlook, poverty eradication, climate change, and aid effectiveness. Speaking through its founder and civil society leader, Temitayo Olatunde, at one of the sessions, Temvert Empowerment Foundation emphasised the importance of involving grassroots organisations in global decision-making and dialogue, especially on areas that align with non-governmental organisations’ objectives

‘Being here at the World Bank IMF Annual Meetings goes beyond participation; it is about advocating for sustainable development and judicious use of aid given to countries,’ he said.

The Temvert boss further emphasised that the World Bank and IMF need to be closer to the grassroots organisations to chart ways for social development, adding, ‘At one of the sessions, we discussed policies that can alleviate poverty, ensure food security, and boost economic resilience.’ Olatunde stated that ‘this is the mission of his organisation that has impacted thousands of Nigerians through scholarship schemes, distribution of school materials, youth empowerment, among others. ‘

He noted that his organisation participated at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York and also hosted a side event at the 2025 ECOSOC Youths Forum.

Muhammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Affairs of the Ministry of Finance on the sidelines of the meeting, event had reportedly said the meeting brought together finance ministers from Commonwealth nations to discuss ways to deepen cooperation and unlock new opportunities for shared prosperity. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State Finance, who represented Nigeria at the meeting holding from Monday to Saturday, called for increased funding to support the bloc’s development agenda, particularly programmes aimed at lifting millions of people out of poverty and enhancing infrastructure across member states.

‘The Commonwealth remains a critical platform for collaboration among nations with shared history and values,’ Uzoka-Anite noted.

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International White Cane Day, the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) has called on the federal government, particularly the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), to urgently close open manholes and create more job opportunities for persons with visual impairments.

Speaking during a road walk and awareness campaign in Abuja, Stanley Onyebuchi, President of the association, decried the dangers open manholes pose to blind persons in the nation’s capital, describing them as ‘silent death traps.’

‘Even today, as we held our procession, volunteers had to block the open holes to prevent our members from falling into them. We are appealing to the FCT Minister to close these holes immediately. They endanger our lives every time we attempt to move around independently,’ Onyebuchi said.

Onyebuchi explained that the International White Cane Day, marked every 15th of October, is dedicated to celebrating the independence, safety, and dignity of persons with visual impairments worldwide. He emphasised that while the white cane symbolises independence, the current state of road infrastructure in Abuja limits that freedom.

‘We have many educated, skilled, and talented members who remain unemployed. We urge the government to employ qualified persons with visual impairments and provide empowerment opportunities for our members who have acquired various skills,’ he said. He also called for scholarships for visually impaired students and the allocation of land in Abuja for the construction of a national secretariat for the Association, a facility he said is long overdue. ‘In the entire West Africa, Nigeria is the only country where the Association of the Blind does not have a national secretariat. We have written to the FCT Minister several times with no response. We have partners willing to help us develop the land if the government provides it,’ he added.

Sports broadcasting in Nigeria is not just about airing matches, it is a booming multibillion-naira industry powered by the electric energy of football, athletics, and other fan-favorite events. From local stations to global streaming platforms, the sector fuels advertising revenue, sponsorship deals, and cultural influence across the continent. But behind the glitz and goals lies a tightly regulated legal terrain that every player in the game broadcasters, content aggregators, advertisers, and tech platforms must navigate with precision.

Whether you are streaming live from the pitch or monetizing highlight reels, staying compliant is not optional its the difference between scoring big and getting benched. This article breaks down the legal playbook with a practical compliance checklist, spotlighting the key laws, regulators, and obligations that shape Nigeria’s sports broadcasting ecosystem.

2.0. Key Laws and Regulations Governing Sports Broadcasting in Nigeria.

Sports broadcasting rights also called media rights are the legal permissions granted to a broadcaster to air sporting events. These rights are a form of intellectual property and are often sold or licensed for huge sums, especially for popular events like football matches. For example, SuperSport holds the rights to broadcast English Premier League (EPL) matches across Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigerian broadcasters must negotiate sublicensing agreements or risk violating copyright laws. Unauthorized streaming or rebroadcasting can lead to legal action and fines.

In Nigeria, sport broadcasting is governed by several laws. At the foundation of regulation is the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended 2023). The constitutional framework provides an important balance between commercial rights and press freedom. The Constitution guarantees that ‘every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference ‘. It also provides that ‘every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions. ‘ However, reasonable restrictions in the interest of public safety, public health, among others are permitted setting the foundational legality of broadcasting.

The Nigeria Copyright Act 2022 also plays a significant in regulating sports broadcasting. It recognizes broadcasting rights as a form of intellectual property. Under the Copyright Act (the Act), copyright is conferred on a work which is a broadcast transmitted from Nigeria or by a broadcasting organisation that has its headquarters situated in Nigeria . However, the Act preserves fair dealings exceptions in cases where the reproduction of a work under the direction or control of a broadcasting organisation is a lawful broadcast done without infringing the copyright in the work . Also, this Act makes extensive provisions for broadcasting organisations to report illegal broadcasting websites to the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) so that they may be taken down.

One of the most important regulations is the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, regulated by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) under the National Broadcasting Commission Act 1992. In June 2020, NBC issued amendments to the sixth edition of the Code, introducing major reforms on anti-competition, sporting rights, local content, online broadcasting, and advertising. Notably, the Amendment prohibits exclusivity in sporting rights and mandates that broadcasters sublicence live foreign sports events on fair terms . The NBC Code amendments required broadcasters airing prime foreign sports to invest 30% of rights’ costs in local sports and advertisers to balance exposure between foreign and local events. They strengthened local content rules by mandating Nigerian directors, producers, and at least 75% Nigerian participation in productions, and extended NBC oversight to online platforms like Netflix and IrokoTV. Broadcasters were also required to suspend campaigns for clients who defaulted after 60 days. These provisions, especially those on exclusivity and sublicensing, drew criticism for violating constitutional property rights, the Copyright Act, and international treaties. In Femi Davies v. National Broadcasting Commission , the Federal High Court addressed the validity of NBC’s restrictions on exclusive broadcast rights, ultimately ruling that the Commission lacked such authority and affirming exclusivity as a legitimate investment protected under copyright and contract law. By granting a perpetual injunction, the Court restored certainty for broadcasters while underscoring the balance regulators must strike between public access and commercial interests.

Other important regulations to note are The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 regulates competition in sports broadcasting by curbing monopolistic exclusive rights and empowering the FCCPC to sanction anti-competitive contracts. The Cybercrimes Act 2015 complements this by prohibiting digital piracy and unlawful rebroadcasting, highlighting the need for strong digital rights management.

4.0. Compliance Checklist for Businesses in Sports Broadcasting

Given that the sports broadcasting industry in Nigeria is regulated by a complex legal framework, stakeholders must pay close attention to compliance at every stage of their operations, from licensing and content acquisition to advertising and fair competition. Non-compliance carries significant risks, including regulatory sanctions, financial penalties, and reputational damage. To guide businesses in navigating these requirements, the following checklist highlights key areas for compliance.

4.1. Corporate and Licensing

a. All broadcasting entities must be duly incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and maintain statutory registers in compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020.

b. Following incorporation, all broadcasting entities must obtain the appropriate licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to legally operate within Nigeria. This includes terrestrial, satellite, cable, and digital platforms. For Over-the-Top (OTT) and streaming services, operators are required to either register with or formally notify the NBC, depending on the nature of their service . In addition, they must demonstrate adherence to local content requirements such as ensuring a minimum quota of Nigerian-produced programming, promoting indigenous language content where applicable, Supporting the development of local creative industries, proactive engagement with the NBC and transparent documentation of compliance efforts are essential to avoid regulatory delays and ensure smooth market entry or continued operation.

c. Keep proof of all filings, renewals, and approvals, as failure to maintain proper licensing records can attract NBC sanctions.

4.2. Rights Acquisition and Contracts

a. Before entering into any broadcasting rights agreement, stakeholders must conduct full due diligence to avoid legal disputes and ensure the integrity of the content acquisition process.

b. Contracts involving broadcasting rights should include clear and enforceable sublicensing clauses. These must reflect Nigerian case law that recognises and protects exclusive rights, while also anticipating potential regulatory intervention by bodies such as the NBC.

c. Ensure all contracts to comply with the Copyright Act 2022, especially with respect to digital rights, streaming, highlights, and social media use.

d. Include warranties, indemnities, and compliance clauses that cover NBC, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), FCCPC, and NDPA regulations.

4.3. Advertising and Sponsorshipa. Before airing any advertisements directed at Nigerian audiences, broadcasters must secure approval from ARCON before airing any adverts targeting Nigerian audiences. Maintain records of all approvals.

b. Ensure advertising partnerships and sponsorship agreements comply with ARCON standards on truthful claims, local content, and payment obligations.

c. Implement internal controls to suspend advertising for clients who default on payments, in line with NBC/ARCON directives.

4.4. Local Content and Production

a. Broadcasters must meet the National Broadcasting Commission’s local content requirements by involving Nigerian producers, directors, and ensuring that at least 75% of production participants are Nigerian nationals.

b. When acquiring foreign sports broadcasting rights, operators should maintain clear documentation of investments in local sports programming. This remains a best practice for regulatory goodwill even though enforcement under the 2020 Amendment has been judicially limited.

4.5. Competition and Fair Trade

a. Ensure operations comply with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), avoiding practices that may be construed as market allocation, tying, or abuse of dominance.

b. Before any merger, acquisition, or rights aggregation, assess whether the transaction meets FCCPC notification thresholds and seek clearance to avoid ‘gun-jumping’ penalties.

4.6. Data Protection and Consumer Privacy

a. Comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA 2023) when processing subscriber data. Maintain a data register, privacy notice, and lawful basis for processing.

b. Include data protection clauses in contracts with vendors, streaming platforms, and payment processors, and appoint a Data Protection Officer where applicable.

4.7. Recordkeeping and Dispute Management

a. Maintain detailed records of sublicensing offers, advertising approvals, programming logs, and compliance registers for at least seven years.

b. Incorporate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clauses in contracts. Given recent rulings limiting NBC’s powers, ensure arbitration or dispute resolution mechanisms align with enforceable legal standards.

Conclusion

The sports broadcasting industry in Nigeria is shaped by a strict legal and regulatory framework that balances commercial goals with consumer protection and competition principles. To succeed, businesses must embed strong compliance systems that respond to changing regulations and judicial trends. Following the compliance checklist and engaging proactively with regulators helps new and existing operators reduce legal risks, safeguard investments, and support a sustainable sports broadcasting sector.

Christian Aniukwu is the Managing Partner at Stren and Blan Partners and supervises the firm’s Technology, Entertainment, Media and Sports (TEMS) Sector. Omonefe Irabor-Benson is a Senior Associate, while Stanley Umezuruike and Rebecca Sojinu are Associates in the TEMS Sector.

A cross-section of professionals under The Covenant Nation (TCN) has called for a renewed commitment to integrity, mentorship, and value-driven leadership as essential tools for rebuilding Nigeria’s social and economic structures.

Speaking at a roundtable themed ‘Regaining the Soul of the Marketplace’ held in Abuja, members of the church’s Corporate Executive Connect Group emphasised that the country’s transformation requires men and women of character who will uphold honesty and values in both public and private sectors.

Abimbola Uloko, Chief Executive Officer of SAB Africa, an event management and creative company, said mentorship and integrity remain critical to raising responsible citizens.

‘We need to make deliberate efforts in identifying people who walk in integrity and use them as templates for others to emulate. There are still Nigerians focused on their God-given purpose, and their stories should be told to inspire others,’ she said.

Uloko added that through SAB Africa, she has mentored over 20 young people in event management and creative projects. ‘We are intentional about raising young people who will stand for excellence and creativity. Some of them have gone on to pursue master’s degrees after years of training with us,’ she noted.

Explaining the vision behind the initiative, Victor Dickson, head, connect group, said the forum emerged from the desire of Pastor Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nation, to take Christian values beyond the church walls into the marketplace.

‘Christianity should not only happen within the church. It must influence how we conduct business, govern, and relate in society. The idea is to build a community of professionals across sectors-agriculture, business, creative industries-who will take integrity and excellence to their workplaces,’ he stated.

He added that the discussion was not limited to church members alone but open to all professionals who share the vision of nation building. ‘Our message is simple: good Nigerians will build a good Nigeria. We must bring honesty, values, and humanity to the table if the country must progress. Dickson reiterated that the essence of the meeting was to produce refined Nigerians who embody integrity and accountability.

‘We’re not just waiting for government to fix the nation. Our focus is on raising good Nigerians who will, in turn, build a good Nigeria,’ he said.

Moradeke Okunrinboye, of the organizing team, emphasised the need for sustainability and unity within the church and the business community. ‘The way we have done things in the past cannot continue. We must begin to think long-term and collaborate for the future. The church must also lead by example by fostering partnerships and unity,’ she said.

Okunrinboye noted that Christians should not isolate themselves from industries often considered secular but should instead bring light and ethical standards into those spaces. ‘There shouldn’t be off-limit businesses for Christians. Our role is to show how things should be done rightly, regardless of the industry,’ she added.

The meeting also featured discussions on national values, mentorship structures, youth inclusion, and the role of faith-based organisations in shaping responsible citizens ahead of future elections.

Similarly, David Opeyemi, a member of the TCN Corporate Executives, said the group is strategically curating platforms that mentor the next generation of reformers who will redefine business and governance in Nigeria.

‘Beyond Sunday sermons, we are democratizing the mindset of integrity among professionals and young people. By intentionally curating the next generation of leaders who operate by Christian values, we believe change and transformation are possible,’ he explained.

Opeyemi stressed that the church is youth-focused, with structures such as Kingdom Connect and Covenant Connect actively engaging young Nigerians. ‘We are not just building for the youth but building with them. The goal is to raise reformers who can reimagine a better Nigeria and Africa,’ he added.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has found that Nnamdi Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.

This follows a September 26 order by Justice James Omotosho, directing the NMA president to form a panel to evaluate Kanu’s health.

The order was issued after an application seeking Kanu’s transfer from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital in Abuja for treatment.

Kanu had claimed his health was deteriorating in detention, citing medical reports indicating liver and pancreatic issues, a lump under his arm, and low potassium levels.

The prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that the government had provided adequate medical care.

At Thursday’s court prosecuting, Adegboyega Awomolo, prosecuting counsel said the NMA’s report was submitted on October 13 and had been served on the defence. Kanu’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, confirmed receipt. The report, read in court, concluded that Kanu is fit for trial. With no objections from either side, Justice Omotosho accepted the findings and ruled that proceedings could continue.

He announced that six consecutive dates would be set for Kanu to present and conclude his defence. Agabi requested that Kanu be brought to court for a private consultation with his legal team, citing concerns over possible surveillance by the DSS.

The judge granted the request and scheduled the meeting for Wednesday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric has urged Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman to maintain a positive attitude and refocus on his performances after his failed summer transfer to Inter Milan.

Lookman reportedly refused to train during pre-season after Atalanta rejected a pound 40 million offer, plus add-ons, from Inter, insisting the club valued him closer to pound 50 million.

With no club meeting that valuation, the 27-year-old was later reintegrated into the squad, though Juric admitted Lookman’s attitude had initially been poor. Following his return from international duty with Nigeria in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, Juric hopes to see continued improvement from the forward.

‘I hope that he will return from international duty with the same attitude I saw in the last two or three weeks, where I had no complaints,’ Juric told Sport Mediaset. ‘It was a great attitude, really positive, and I want to make up for the time we lost over the summer. He is not yet at his best, but I hope to see the right spirit from him.’

Juric acknowledged that Atalanta’s attacking options have been limited by the absence of both Lookman and injured Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca.

‘Lookman was named African Player of the Year, so that says it all. The other day, he played in an unfamiliar role but still showed good things; he was only missing a goal,’ Juric added.

The coach, who succeeded Gian Piero Gasperini after nine years in charge, also confirmed that Scamacca, Nicola Zalewski, and Giorgio Scalvini are back in contention.

FACTS

General Electric International Operations Nigeria Limited (the Appellant) and Q Oil and Gas Services Limited (the Respondent) entered into a master services agreement and other related contractual documents under which the Respondent claimed to have provided expatriate manpower, consultancy, and technical support services to the Appellant in the execution of certain oil and gas projects within Nigeria. According to the Respondent, these services were duly rendered in strict compliance with the terms and specifications contained in the master services agreement, but the Appellant failed, neglected, and refused to make full payment for them despite several reminders and repeated demands. The Respondent therefore brought an action at the High Court of Rivers State, Port Harcourt Judicial Division, under the undefended list procedure, claiming the sum of US$459,123.27 as the outstanding contractual payment, together with interest at the rate of 10% per annum after judgment until the final liquidation of the debt. The claim was supported by invoices, correspondence, and other documentary evidence showing the extent of the services rendered.

The Appellant, upon being served with the originating processes, contested the action by filing a notice of intention to defend, along with a formal application seeking a stay of proceedings pending reference of the dispute to arbitration in line with the arbitration clause expressly contained in the master services agreement between the parties. In its considered ruling, the trial court upheld the Appellant’s application, granted the order for stay of proceedings, and adjourned the matter sine die pending the outcome of the arbitral proceedings, holding that the parties were bound by their contractual obligation to submit disputes to arbitration.

Dissatisfied with that decision, the Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal. In response, the Appellant raised a preliminary objection, contending that the trial court’s ruling was interlocutory in nature and that, by law, an interlocutory appeal must be filed within fourteen (14) days, and not within two years as done by the Respondent. The Court of Appeal, however, dismissed the objection, holding that the ruling of the trial court was a final decision on the issue of jurisdiction. It thereafter proceeded to hear the substantive appeal, allowed it, set aside the ruling of the trial court, and ordered that the case be remitted to the Chief Judge of Rivers State for reassignment to another judge for hearing and determination on the merits.

Aggrieved by the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court. One of the issues for determination was: Whether the lower court was right when it held that the order of the trial staying further proceedings in the suit and referring the parties to mediation or arbitration was a final order appealable as of right.

ARGUMENTS

The Learned Silk for the Appellant contended that the court below erred when it held that the decision of the trial court, which stayed proceedings and referred the parties to mediation or arbitration, amounted to a final decision appealable as of right under the Constitution. He maintained that the order did not in any way dispose of the substantive rights of the parties but merely gave effect to their contractual agreement to explore arbitration or mediation pending litigation. Learned Silk further argued that it is well settled that an order which merely determines a procedural issue, such as referring a dispute to arbitration, is interlocutory in nature and does not dispose of the interests of the contending parties. He emphasised that the reference to arbitration was a procedural step in accordance with the contract freely entered into by both parties, and that it neither extinguished nor adjudicated upon any of their respective claims or defences. He also stressed that an adjournment sine die, by its very nature, does not terminate proceedings but only suspends them indefinitely pending the occurrence of a future event, such as the conclusion of the arbitration process or any other agreed mechanism of settlement. Learned senior counsel reiterated that the ruling of the trial court neither resolved the substantive claim nor determined liability, and therefore could not properly be classified as a final decision within the meaning of the law. In his view, the trial court merely paused to allow the parties to pursue an alternative method of dispute resolution as they had voluntarily agreed, after which the matter could, if necessary, be revived and determined on its merits. He concluded that, being interlocutory in character, the order required the Respondent to first obtain leave of court before filing an appeal, and that the lower court therefore fell into grave error when it assumed that the reference to arbitration meant there was nothing left for the trial court or any other court of co-ordinate jurisdiction to determine.

In response, the Learned Silk for the Respondent argued that although the decision of the trial court emanated from an interlocutory application, it was in substance a final decision for the purposes of appeal. He relied on the definition of ‘judgment’ in the Court of Appeal Act, which includes any decision or order of a court, as well as the relevant provisions of the Constitution, which define a ‘decision’ to include a judgment, decree, order, conviction, sentence, or recommendation. Learned Silk submitted that the ruling in question conclusively determined the rights of the parties in relation to the issue of jurisdiction and left nothing more for the trial court to adjudicate upon. He maintained that once the trial court stayed proceedings and referred the parties to arbitration, it had effectively declined jurisdiction over the matter and could not thereafter take any further steps in the case.

He argued that the trial court thereby became functus officio on that point, having finally pronounced upon its competence to hear the case. The learned Silk contended that a proper reading of the relevant judicial authorities shows that where a ruling conclusively determines a court’s jurisdiction, such a ruling is final in nature, notwithstanding that it arises in interlocutory proceedings. He further added that by declining jurisdiction and adjourning the matter sine die, the trial court effectively shut its doors to the Respondent and curtailed its right to pursue its claim before a court of law. Accordingly, in the view of learned counsel, the trial court had exhausted its authority on the issue and the ruling satisfied the hallmark of a final decision, as there was nothing further left for the trial court to entertain in relation to the substantive claim or any ancillary question that might arise from the contractual dispute.

DECISION OF THE COURT

In resolving this issue, the Supreme Court held that:

A court which stays proceedings and refers a matter to arbitration does not thereby exhaust its judicial authority or render itself functus officio. Rather, the court continues to play a supervisory and facilitating role over the arbitral process. To treat such a referral as final, the Court reasoned, would amount to elevating a procedural step into a substantive determination an approach wholly inconsistent with the law.

The Court further clarified that an order staying proceedings and directing the parties to arbitration is purely interlocutory in nature and does not amount to a final determination of the rights of the parties. Such an order merely suspends the proceedings before the trial court to allow the agreed arbitral process to take its course. Consequently, any appeal arising from such an order can only be validly brought with the prior leave of court, as required by law for interlocutory decisions. In the present case, the trial court’s referral of the matter to arbitration neither disposed of the substantive claims before it nor extinguished its jurisdiction to entertain the matter upon the conclusion of arbitration. The proceedings were only held in abeyance pending the outcome of the arbitral reference. Accordingly, the Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal erred in treating the ruling as final.

Issue resolved in favour of the Appellant.

Adedapo Tunde-Oluwu, SAN, Rebecca Ebokpo,Esq. and Michael Aigbe, Esq. for the Appellant.

Prof. Mike A. Ozekhome, SAN, Collins N.Obulor, Esq.; Osilama Mike Ozekhome, Esq.; Oshoma Mike Ozekhome, Esq.; Jemilat Kassim Ali [Miss]; Yusuf Amoda-Kannike, Esq.; Osikhuemhe Mike Ozekhome, Esq.) for the Respondent.

The Senate on Thursday suspended debate on the proposed amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act after deliberations ran into confusion during plenary.

The bill, which seeks to review aspects of the electoral law ahead of the 2027 general elections, had been presented for debate by Simon Lalong, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator (Plateau South).

However, discussions became stalled after several lawmakers raised concerns over the specifics of the proposed changes.

Trouble began when Senator Titus Zam (Benue North East) supported calls for the bill to be passed for second reading. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, interrupted, asking him to specify which sections of the Act he wanted amended.

Akpabio then directed Senator Lalong to provide more clarity on the ‘nitty-gritty’ of the proposed amendments before further debate could continue.

The Senate President also used the opportunity to revisit what he described as the ‘injustice’ he suffered during the 2019 general election in Akwa Ibom State, where he contested for the Senate.

He recounted how Professor Peter Ogban, the returning officer for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District election, was sentenced to three years in prison for electoral offences, while the then Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, was not held accountable.

Akpabio said, ‘What happened during the 2019 elections was unfair. The court ordered the prosecution of those responsible, yet the wrong person was punished. ‘Professor Ogban, who served for 34 years, became a scapegoat, while INEC officials responsible for the lapses went free.’

He further alleged that security agencies hijacked result sheets during the collation process, contrary to the Electoral Act, and emphasized the need to hold the right institutions accountable in future elections.

Akpabio also raised concerns about Nigeria’s lengthy electoral timelines, noting that long campaign and pre-election periods often disrupt governance, especially when politicians appointed as ministers abandon their posts for electioneering activities.

‘If we want to fix our electoral system, we must ensure that INEC and other institutions perform their duties without bias or political manipulation,’ he said. Following his remarks, Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), the Senate Leader, , moved that consideration of the bill be suspended to allow for more clarity on its contents.

The motion was unanimously adopted.

It would be recalled that the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters on Monday held a joint public hearing on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025, which among other proposals, seeks to hold the 2027 presidential and governorship elections in November 2026.

Bassey Edet Otu, Cross River State governor, Wednesday, rewarded Yakurr-born Miracle Usani, a member of Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons squad that won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with a cash gift of N50 million, a plot of land in Calabar, and an appointment as sports ambassador of the state.

Governor Otu, who announced the reward during a reception held in his office in Calabar, said the gesture was in recognition of Usani’s outstanding performance on the continental stage and her inspiring contribution to women’s football and national pride.

‘We are very happy to have you here today,’ Otu said. ‘Your determination and spirit have blown me away. You have proven that what a man can do, a woman can also do, and even better. You are not just an international personality today, but a symbol of pride for Cross River, Nigeria, and Africa.’

Reflecting on his own days as a youth athlete, the governor lauded the resilience that defines sportsmen and women, adding that his administration remains committed to rebuilding the state’s sports foundation to nurture future champions. ‘We have a very determined Commissioner for Sports who is doing a great job,’ he noted. ‘Our sports system has structural challenges we are correcting, but with stories like yours, we are confident the future is bright.’

Otu described sports as ‘no longer a pastime but a serious commercial venture,’ emphasising the need to harness the passion of the youth for economic and social development. He said Miracle’s success should serve as motivation to other young people in the state.

‘Today we celebrate you so that other children can see that there is hope,’ he said. ‘What God cannot do does not exist. You have brought honour to this state, and we will continue to follow your progress proudly.’ Presenting the gifts, the Governor said: ‘We have agreed on N50 million and a plot of land in Calabar for you. You are now on our VVIP protocol list. Whenever we have official state events, you’ll be part of us as our Sports Ambassador.’

Governor Otu urged the sports community to continue supporting young athletes, assuring that his administration will keep investing in talent development to ensure that ‘many more Miracles’ emerge from the state.

In her remarks, Usani, born 20 June 2007, who plies her football trade with Edo Queens F.C. as a defender, expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the recognition and encouragement, recounting her difficult journey to football stardom.

‘My journey wasn’t easy,’ she said. ‘Growing up, people told me that girls who play football become masculine and won’t get married. There was no female team in Uke where I grew up, so I played football with boys. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined. Today, I’m proud to represent Nigeria and Cross River at the highest stage.’

Usani, who also represented Nigeria at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, dedicated her success to God, her parents, and the people of Cross River State.

Washington D.C || United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Thursday unveiled a white paper aimed at mobilising as much as $4 trillion in idle domestic capital across Africa, arguing that the continent’s development hinges on unlocking and properly deploying existing financial resources.

At the same event, Tony Elumelu, Chair of UBA Group, called on governments and the private sector to address chronic electricity deficits, a barrier he said is choking economic growth and innovation.

The document, titled ‘Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,’ was released on the sidelines of the 2025 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

UBA says the paper presents strategies for realigning policy, activating institutional investors-including pension funds-and aligning capital flows to domestic development priorities. It argues that Africa is not short of capital, but that much of it is ‘fragmented’ or locked in ways that prevent effective deployment.

Elumelu laid out the stakes in remarks after the white paper launch, saying: ‘We believe that the problem of Africa’s development is fundamentally a problem of capital. . There is an abundance of capital, but it is fragmented.’ He added: ‘Having capital that cannot be accessed or used effectively is as good as not having it.’

The white paper draws on research by the African Finance Corporation and illustrates that assets resident in African financial systems-commercial bank holdings, pension funds, sovereign wealth reserves-could be channeled toward infrastructure, energy, digital inclusion, and other priority sectors.

Elumelu emphasised that ‘electricity is so critical to power data and AI revolution,’ and in his view, failure to fix access and reliability amounts to a development straightjacket.

Over 50 percent of Africa’s population remains without reliable electricity, he said, noting that youth demand systems that deliver-not sympathy. ‘If this happens, Africa has a role to play. If this does not happen, we are doomed,’ Elumelu warned.

The report also calls on reforming how capital markets, pensions, and domestic savings are governed. It points out that many pension funds are overly conservative, often invested in low-yield government treasuries rather than being deployed in higher-impact assets.

According to the paper, over 85 percent of the assets of poor citizens are held in instruments or accounts where growth is minimal-a ‘false sovereign basis,’ Elumelu said, arguing that deploying even a small fraction of these resources toward productive investments could trigger a multiplier effect.

The white paper outlines practical mechanisms, including blended finance, public-private partnerships, domestic capital pooling, and regulatory reform that enables risk pricing and mobilizes domestic investors.

It highlights existing engines like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) as foundational for scaling intra-African trade and lowering barriers to capital flows. UBA, with operations in 20 African countries and strategic presence in global financial centers, positions itself as both participant and enabler in this shift.

Elumelu told reporters that the work begins after reports are written: ‘The next critical step is execution. . What we have done here today, is just less than 1%. What’s important is what happens after here.’ He emphasised accountability and delivery as the true tests of progress. Institutional leadership, clear governance, transparency, and the ability to de-risk investments are non-negotiable, he said.

Another key findings in the white paper is that the size of Africa’s idle domestic capital-held in reserves, insurance, pensions, and bank assets-if mobilised, could reduce dependency on foreign aid and volatile external funding.

The paper quantifies part of this pool: approximately $2.5 trillion in commercial bank assets, $1.1 trillion in long-term institutional capital, and hundreds of billions more in other forms of savings and reserves.

Although not all such capital is immediately deployable, the paper urges governments and private investors to craft policy and regulatory environments that enable much greater use of these funds.

Elumelu and UBA are pushing for public policy reforms-electricity included-but also improvements in digital infrastructure, tax policy, and investment protection as crucial enablers.

He noted that while mobile money and telecommunications have ‘leapfrogged’ forward in many nations, growth in sectors dependent on reliable power and connectivity lags far behind.

In her speech, Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of state for finance, commended the bank’s leadership in mobilising domestic capital for Africa’s development. She praised UBA for ‘putting your money where your heart is’ and aligning private-sector ambition with government reform. Uzoka-Anite said Nigeria’s economic reforms-removal of fuel subsidies, FX liberalisation, and efforts to stabilise macro fundamentals-are beginning to yield results. ‘We’ve witnessed at least four quarters of growth,’ she noted, adding that the government remains committed to achieving 7% GDP growth through further reforms in finance, energy, and capital markets.

She acknowledged the tension between government borrowing and private-sector access to credit, calling it ‘a paradox’ that must be addressed through better fiscal design.

Reaffirming the government’s role, she said, ‘We will continue to champion private partnerships and deepen access to capital to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria and across Africa.’