Category: Business Day

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.

Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that Nigeria’s transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in the capital market will significantly enhance market efficiency, reduce risks, and strengthen investor confidence.

Speaking at a Trade Associations Roundtable on ‘Ensuring Stakeholder Readiness for T+2 Settlement’ held in Abuja on Wednesday, Agama said the migration from the current T+3 to T+2 cycle represents a strategic step toward aligning Nigeria’s capital market with global best practices.

According to him, the move is not just a technical reform but a major milestone that will make the Nigerian market more competitive and resilient. He said: ‘A shorter settlement cycle is a hallmark of a mature, dynamic, and competitive market. It directly addresses several key objectives: It significantly reduces counterparty risk and market exposure. The less time between trade execution and final settlement, the lower the potential for a default to ripple through the system.

‘It boosts market liquidity by returning capital to investors more quickly, allowing for its redeployment and fostering greater market activity. It aligns our market with international best practices, enhancing our attractiveness to foreign investment and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global financial arena.

‘Ultimately, a more efficient and safer settlement system strengthens the bedrock of our market-investor confidence’.

Agama explained that by shortening the time between trade execution and final settlement, the T+2 system will lower market exposure and minimize the potential for defaults, adding that faster settlement would improve liquidity by returning capital to investors sooner, enabling them to reinvest and contribute to greater market activity.

He noted that many advanced markets are already moving toward T+1 settlements, adding that Nigeria must continue to evolve to remain globally relevant. ‘The global financial landscape is constantly changing, driven by technology and investor demand for efficiency. The transition to T+2 is, therefore, a strategic imperative to keep our market competitive and future-ready,’ he said.

The SEC boss emphasised that the success of the transition depends on the collective readiness of all market participants – from brokers and custodians to clearing houses and investors. He urged trade associations to take a leading role in preparing their members for the operational and technological changes that the new system will require.

‘Your readiness and that of your members is the single most important determinant of our success. This means recalibrating back-office operations, upgrading technology systems, streamlining settlement processes, and ensuring that all market participants are informed and prepared,’ he said.

Agama assured stakeholders that the Commission would work closely with trade associations, market operators, and Financial Market Infrastructures such as the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the Central Securities Clearing System to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition.

He said the Commission would also intensify investor education and awareness campaigns to ensure that all market participants understand the implications and benefits of the change. ‘The move to T+2 is a necessary leap forward for the Nigerian capital market. It is a testament to our collective ambition to build a market that is efficient, resilient, and globally competitive,’ he stated.

Agama called on stakeholders to engage constructively and collaboratively to identify potential bottlenecks, share best practices, and agree on a clear roadmap for implementation.

He reaffirmed SEC’s commitment to providing the necessary regulatory support and guidance, urging all market participants to work together to make the T+2 transition a ‘resounding success and a proud milestone’ for Nigeria’s financial markets.

Umo Eno of the governor Akwa Ibom State is restoring order in Uyo’s Tropicana layout, revoking illegal land entitlements and reinstating the area’s original master plan.

Eno announces this while answering questions from reporters warning people against encroachment or acquisition of government land for any personal purpose.

‘Even though the land has not been put to use for years, there has been so much of encroachment. That is why I came in here and revoked every title and activity that was happening here different from the original master plan,’ he stated. He disclosed that his vision to create a world-class tourism hub in the State, is the major reason that he decided to further the building of the hitherto abandoned 5,000-seat capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and the 200-bedroom Ibom International Hotel, while also initiating the Ibom International Shopping City to complete the ecosystem.

‘We are trying to create a tourism ecosystem for the State. And, we have been blessed by previous administrations to have laid this foundation, and we are building on this to better our State,’ he stressed.

According to Governor Eno, ‘We are trying to ensure that we revive tourism. That is the hallmark for our State. We have all the infrastructure to become the best tourist destination in this country, and we are building on it. That is our strong point.’ He explained that ‘whether this is in Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene or Oron, we will build all our tourism potentials and assets; whether it is culture and heritage, medical, agriculture, or aviation. We are going to put them together into a tourism Master plan that will help our State.’

He noted that the addition of the ARISE Shopping City to the area is to create a hub for tourists, which means here they can attend their event, have a place to lodge, do their shopping and access recreational facilities at one spot. ‘We need a Shopping City with international brands where tourists would come here and can stroll in to have their leisure, vacation, and recreational comfort.

‘So, instead of going to all those big places where tickets are very expensive, you can get them all here,

same quality, same top brands. That is what the ARISE Shopping City connotes,’ he said.

The Governor disclosed that the proposed ARISE Shopping City has a 12-month timeline for completion, adding that with the State’s quality road network and peaceful ambience, it was about to experience a huge boost in its tourism investment and traffic when the state-of-the-art hospitality, recreational, and shopping city infrastructures are completed.

‘It is against this backdrop that we are building on. We will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to disrupt the peace and harmony of Akwa Ibom State,’ he emphasized.

New Zealand is set to launch two pathways for skilled foreign migrants in mid-2026.

The new pathways will cater to different segments of the labour market. The first targets migrants in skilled roles who meet specific experience and salary thresholds, while the second focuses on trades and technical workers who satisfy qualification, work experience, and wage requirements.

The new measures unveiled by Nicola Willis, economic growth minister, will address labour shortages by filling critical gaps in the workforce and stimulate a sluggish economy.

‘Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that were not available in the existing workforce,’ Willis said in a statement. The move comes as New Zealand faces record levels of emigration and declining economic output. According to Stats NZ, between July 2024 and July 2025, 73,400 New Zealanders left the country, compared with just 25,800 returning to live.

Erica Stanford, immigration minister also explained that the skilled work experience pathway was designed to help employers retain experienced workers ‘who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles.’

She added that the trades and technicians pathway recognises the practical expertise required in industries that rely on non-university qualifications, which are often highly valued in New Zealand. Part of a broader immigration strategy

The new policy forms part of a broader government effort to attract both talent and investment.

Earlier this year, the government relaxed visitor visa rules to welcome digital nomads remote workers, including social media influencers, provided they are employed by overseas companies.

In February, it also eased requirements for the Active Investor Plus visa, commonly known as the golden visa, which grants residency to wealthy foreigners willing to make substantial investments in the country.

Business groups have largely welcomed the latest announcement. as they believe the policy would enable employers to retain skilled workers, while Infrastructure NZ urged the government to bring forward the implementation date, citing urgent labour needs in key sectors.

However, not everyone in government is in support.

Winston Peters, foreign affairs minister and party leader criticised the policy, warning that New Zealand risked becoming ‘a stepping stone into Australia.’

‘We take them in, train them, up-skill them, look after their families, and then they emigrate,’ Peters said. He pointed to Stats NZ data showing that 35 percent of New Zealand citizens who migrated to Australia in 2024 were born overseas, arguing that the country needed ‘a smart immigration system that focuses on the needs of New Zealand employers, industry, and Kiwi workers, not policies that will lead to more immigration with no plan for our next generation.’

As New Zealand battles to retain talent and revive growth, the government’s new immigration pathways could prove pivotal, though political consensus on the country’s long-term migration strategy remains far from certain.

The jurisdiction of the Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT), which had previously been unclear to some stakeholders, has now been affirmed by legal experts and key players in the advertising, who recognise the tribunal as a coordinate court with the power to adjudicate advertising-related offences.

The tribunal was inaugurated in May 2023 by the Federal Government to deal with violations of the provisions of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON.

Some legal experts who spoke at the ‘The Nigerian Advertising Law: The role of the AOT’ at the Town-Hall meeting on Tuesday, in Lagos organized by ARCON in conjunction with Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Lawyers in the Media, NBA-LIM affirmed that AOT rulings carry the same judicial weight as those of other courts of equal status.

This clarification clears previous doubts in some circles about the tribunal’s authority to handle advertising-related disputes. The speakers said that the judgement of the tribunal are appealable to Court of Appeal.

Speaking at the forum, Charles Odenigbo, Director General of Centre for Media Law and Development who urged business people to take advantage of the provisions of the law, called for compliance of the provisions of the law.

‘It is very clear about the jurisdiction of the AOT under section 37, but every Nigerian must be conversant with section 34 that deals with the offences’.

According to him, the objective of the Town- Hall between lawyers and the advertising community was to bring lawyers in the media, entertainment, film production, creatives and advertisers together to create awareness about the AOT.

‘We cannot afford to leave lawyers out there doing their own things without bringing them back into this very critical area’ of understanding the AOT and implications of violations of the law.

In his keynote address, Akinlolu Kehinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN said the establishment of the AOT is not just a legal reform-it is a statement of national intent. ‘It signals that Nigeria will not leave its people at the mercy of deceptive adverts, unregulated influencers, or exploitative practices’.

Represented by Leke Kehinde, he said AOT plays a vital role in advertising ecosystem: it protects consumers, deters misconduct, regulates digital spaces, preserves industry integrity, and demonstrates constitutional innovation. It is a global first, but more importantly, it is a Nigerian solution to Nigerian challenges, he said.

Also speaking, Justice C.M.A. Olatoregun who is Chairman of Advertising Offences Tribunal, AOT said the tribunal had a total of 266 cases but has dispensed 201 while 65 cases are pending.

Describing AOT as a gatekeeper, Olatoregun promised that the tribunal will deliver on its mandate.

She said that the AOT represents a systemic evolution that is embedding truth and accountability into the very structure of Nigeria’s advertising environment.

She further called on lawyers in the media space to grow with the tribunal and grow the tribunal.

In his speech, Lekan Fadolapo said Nigeria practices preventive advertising regulation, which requires advertisement approval before exposure of the material. He also insisted that Advertising Standard Panel engages in message regulation and not media regulation.

Also, in the digital space ‘what we regulate in the digital media space is just the advertising element and what we do is ensure that there is sanity in that space’

Fadolapo recounted offensive advertisements by some organisations which ARCON stopped without which they would have caused social unrest.

For Lanre Adisa, Chairman of Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups, HASG, feels that the desire is for self-regulation so that practitioners do not need such regulations to operate. He said the fear is the feeling by people of being strangulated by too many laws. He however called for more awareness of the advertising laws to ensure compliance.

‘Awareness within our industry, and awareness even outside of here. A lot of people who are creating advertising online, in particular, don’t have enough knowledge of what is going on. In advertising, when I’m aware of something, I know what to do’, he said.

Lanre who commended ARCON moves to ensure sanity and ensure advertising decency said there must be a balance between regulation and the use of technology to ensure that there is efficiency. He said practitioners must feel that they are not been held back with regulation.

Investment

FG welcomes $2bn Shell new offshore final investment decision

The Federal Government has welcomed Shell Nigeria’s $2 billion Final Investment Decision (FID) for a new offshore project in Nigeria’s HI Field, located in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 144, approximately 50 kilometres offshore.

The significant investment was communicated to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, by the Country Chair of Shell Nigeria, Marno de Jong.

A statement by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister on Tuesday, said the development represented another major milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the energy sector and boost production.

The FID was taken out between Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Sunlink Energies Resources Limited.

It marks a strong demonstration of confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas investment climate and the government’s commitment to driving sustainable energy growth.

Lokpobiri described the development as a direct outcome of the bold reforms and transformative policies implemented by the federal government, which continued to enhance Investors’ confidence and attract substantial capital inflows into oil and gas industry.

‘This two billion dollars investment reaffirms Nigeria’s position as a preferred destination for energy investment and highlights the value of collaboration

‘We anticipate that more Final Investment Decisions from other investors will follow in the coming months as confidence in our sector continues to grow,’ he said.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to foster an enabling environment for investment, ensuring that the benefits of such strategic partnerships translate into increase national prosperity and sustainable energy development.

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical stocks are leading the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) this year, with Fidson Healthcare, Neimeth International, Mecure Industries, and May and Baker Nigeria delivering some of the market’s biggest year-to-date (YTD) gains on the back of strong earnings and local production growth.

As of October 13, Fidson has surged 181 percent, rising from N15.50 to N43.50. Neimeth has gained 162 percent from N2.29 to N6.01, while Mecure Industries is up 104 percent to N28.40. May and BakerNigeria has advanced 84 percent, from N9.40 to N17.30.

While the NGX All-Share Index has risen roughly 43 percent this year, several pharmaceutical stocks have outpaced the broader market by a wide margin. The divergence reflects how investors are rewarding firms showing real industrial expansion in an erratic macroeconomic environment.

Earnings and expansion driving sentiment

The rally has coincided with stronger corporate earnings across the sector. Fidson reported a 68 percent rise in revenue to N62.6 billion as at June 2025, from N37.2 billion in the same period of 2024. Profit after tax jumped nearly 300 percent to N6.02 billion, while earnings per share increased to N2.63 from N0.66. Neimeth also reported strong turnover growth, with revenue climbing to N2.91 billion in H1 2025 from N1.66 billion a year earlier.

May and Baker recorded N19.3 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, up from N14 billion in 2024, while net profit rose to N2.19 billion. Mecure Industries, a new entrant on the NGX – 7 November 2023 – has also benefited from strong turnover growth and expanding operations in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, posting N37.3 billion and a PAT of N2.7 billion in the first half of 2025.

Policy tailwinds support sector growth

Government measures aimed at reducing dependence on imported drugs have strengthened the industry’s prospects. Import duty waivers on raw materials and tighter regulation of imported finished medicines have encouraged local producers to scale output.

These developments have improved investor confidence, positioning pharmaceutical equities as a defensive but growth-oriented play in a volatile market environment.

Despite the upbeat performance, analysts and portfolio managers caution that the rally could moderate if cost pressures intensify or if valuations run ahead of fundamentals. The sector still depends on imported raw materials and energy, making it vulnerable to foreign exchange fluctuations and inflation.

Even so, the sector’s earnings trajectory and policy support suggest that the pharmaceutical industry could remain one of the few bright spots in Nigeria’s manufacturing landscape through 2025.

The Senate has called on the federal government to step up efforts toward the repatriation and rehabilitation of Nigerians stranded in Libya.

Lawmakers also urged the launch of a nationwide enlightenment campaign discouraging irregular migration, particularly to conflict-prone regions.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled ‘Urgent Need to Protect Nigerians from Trafficking, Slavery, and Human Rights Abuses in Libya,’ sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), during Tuesday’s plenary.

Bassey expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of Nigerians held in Libyan detention camps, revealing that over 1,000 citizens were repatriated in the first quarter of 2025-many of them survivors of torture, sexual assault, and organ harvesting.

He cited the case of Mercy Olugbenga, a young Nigerian woman who sold her family property and dropped out of school to seek greener pastures, but ended up detained in Libya for over a year. According to him, ‘her blood was repeatedly extracted against her will.’

Following deliberations, the Senate urged the federal government, through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and state governments, to establish a comprehensive reintegration programme for returnees.

The lawmakers said the initiative should include psychosocial support, vocational training, and start-up grants to help survivors rebuild their lives.

The upper chamber also tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Libyan authorities and collaborate with the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations to secure the release and safety of Nigerians still held in detention.

Supporting the motion, Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) described the recurring abuses as ‘a recurring decimal in our national life,’ calling for stronger institutional responses to human trafficking and exploitation.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) expressed sympathy for the victims but emphasised the need for mass sensitization.

‘We have a duty, through the National Orientation Agency or any other body, to educate our people. After Gaddafi’s fall, Libya is no longer what it used to be,’ Oshiomhole said.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) added an amendment urging the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service to collaborate with Libyan authorities in repatriating Nigerian women and children born in detention.

‘These women were victims twice over-first of traffickers, then of a broken system. Their children, born behind bars, must not suffer for crimes they did not commit,’ she said.

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) condemned the inhumane treatment of Nigerians across some African countries, calling it ‘a betrayal of Africa’s shared humanity.’ He urged the Federal Government and the AU to act decisively to protect citizens abroad.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio appealed to young Nigerians to resist the temptation of irregular migration.

‘Home is home. Let us build our nation together, for there is no greater pride than being safe and free in one’s homeland,’ he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, credibility, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s electoral process, pledging stronger collaboration with the media as the nation approaches the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.

May Agbamuche-Mbu, acting chairman of the Commission, made the pledge on Wednesday during the third quarterly consultative meeting with media executives held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

Welcoming participants, Agbamuche-Mbu commended journalists and media leaders for their consistent partnership with the Commission, noting that regular engagements help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

She paid tribute to Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past INEC chairman, who bowed out of office on October 7, describing him as ‘a visionary leader whose legacy of innovation and integrity has deepened democracy across Africa.’

Providing updates on the Commission’s activities, Agbamuche-Mbu said INEC has successfully conducted the August 16 bye-elections across 12 states covering two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, including two court-ordered reruns in Enugu and Kano States. Certificates of Return, she added, have been issued to all winners in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

On preparations for upcoming polls, she confirmed that the Commission has released and commenced implementation of the timetable and schedule of activities for the Anambra Governorship Election (November 8, 2025), the FCT Area Council Elections (February 21, 2026), the Ekiti Governorship Election (June 20, 2026), and the Osun Governorship Election (August 8, 2026).

She noted that INEC has completed 10 of the 13 key activities for the Anambra election, including delivery of non-sensitive materials and ongoing voter sensitisation. ‘The remaining activities-publication of the notice of poll, the last day of campaigns, and the election itself-will be strictly implemented,’ she assured.

Agbamuche-Mbu also disclosed that INEC’s media accreditation portal, opened on September 1, has so far received applications from 43 media organisations seeking accreditation for 363 personnel, with the deadline set for midnight on October 24. She urged journalists to complete their registration promptly, emphasising that accreditation tags will feature security codes to verify authenticity.

‘The media plays a vital role in combating fake news and misinformation during elections,’ she said. ‘INEC’s doors remain open for verification and clarification on all matters.’ Providing further updates, the Acting Chairman said the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began nationwide in August, has received massive turnout-reflecting citizens’ trust in the Commission’s reforms. The exercise will run until August 30, 2026, with weekly progress reports published on INEC’s website.

She added that out of 171 applications from political associations seeking registration, 14 have met constitutional and legal requirements to proceed to the next stage, as published on the Commission’s website.

Agbamuche-Mbu reaffirmed INEC’s resolve to deepen democracy through inclusive and credible elections, stating, ‘We are determined to uphold transparency and build an electoral process Nigerians can continue to trust.’

In his remarks, Comrade Yahya Alhassan, president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), lauded INEC for sustaining consistent engagement with the media, describing the partnership as ‘vital to the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.’

‘The media remains one of the most critical stakeholders in democracy-not only as observers but as facilitators of credible and peaceful elections,’ he said. ‘Our duty is to ensure citizens are well informed, political actors are accountable, and the process is reported with fairness and responsibility.’

He called for enhanced training for journalists covering electoral matters, stronger collaboration on fact-checking and combating misinformation, and timely access to information from the Commission.

As preparations intensify for the Anambra election, both INEC and media stakeholders pledged to sustain cooperation towards ensuring a transparent, peaceful, and credible electoral process.

The Senate will on Thursday, October 16, screen Joash Amupitan (SAN), the nominee of President Bola Tinubu, for the position of chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information at the National Assembly, on behalf of the Office of the Secretary, Research and Information.

According to the statement, the screening exercise will take place at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, with full media coverage expected.

‘The Office of the Secretary, Research and Information, wishes to notify members of the press and the general public that the Senate will, tomorrow, Thursday, 16th October, 2025, conduct the screening of the nominee of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),’ the statement read.

It added that members of the Senate Press Corps have been requested to provide comprehensive coverage, while television stations are expected to broadcast the proceedings live.

‘The Directorate appreciates your continued cooperation and professional coverage of National Assembly activities,’ the statement added. President Tinubu had, on Tuesday, transmitted Amupitan’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation, following the expiration of the tenure of Mahmood Yakubu, who served two terms as INEC chairman. Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and law professor at the University of Jos, is expected to bring legal depth and institutional experience to the electoral body as the country prepares for off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo, Osun and Anambra States, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His nomination has, however, drawn mixed reactions from civil society organisations and opposition parties, who have urged the Senate to ensure a transparent and non-partisan screening process.