Category: Business Day

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) partnered with the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Port Harcourt and District to train 180 female entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta.

The training took almost all of one-week last week and ended with a colourful graduation ceremony at the impressive Horlinks Event Centre in the Marine Base area of the Garden City.

Amaka Ekaba, a fellow of ICAN, who is the Rapporteur-General of SWAN, produced a report that was read and adopted at the closing ceremony with huge applause. The report recognized Chiedu Ebie, Chairman, NDDC Governing Board; Samuel Ogbuju, Managing Director/CEO, NDDC; Boma Iyaye, Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NDDC; Victor Antai, NDDC Executive Director, Projects; Ifedayo Agbegunde, Executive Director, Corporate Services, the entire NDDC management team; captains of industry; ICAN Chairmen; members of SWAN; and the distinguished lady entrepreneurs. Ekaba’s report said the workshop, held at the NDDC Event Centre, Port Harcourt from 22nd-25th September 2025, was attended by 180 Niger Delta Women Entrepreneurs, 20 SWAN members (including facilitators and organizers), NDDC Directors and 11 CID staff daily for quality assurance. ‘It was declared open by Ogbuku, (MD, NDDC), represented by Antai (ED Projects).

‘In their opening addresses, Ogbuku, Ehiorobo Friday (Director, CID), and Isioma Onwo (Chairperson, SWAN) emphasized the importance of financial literacy and capacity building for women entrepreneurs, affirming that empowering women translates to empowering families and the wider nation. Participants were urged to take the training seriously for business growth and sustainability.’

On the technical papers, Ekaba reported thus: ‘Seven technical sessions were held during the training. Paper one was: Introduction to Bank and Social Media Account Opening by Franca Ikhinwmin. Bank and social media accounts are vital for SME growth, providing credibility and market access. Participants were introduced to Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, and guided on leveraging these platforms to promote their businesses.

‘Paper two was on Introduction to Bookkeeping by the 29th Chairman of ICAN Port Harcourt and District, Helen Irobuisi. Bookkeeping involves systematic daily recording of financial transactions, including tracking income, expenses, and filing source documents. Participants were advised to open key books of accounts (Cash Book, Sales Book, Purchase Book, Stock Register, etc), pay themselves salaries, and separate personal finances from business finances.

‘Paper three was on Tax Awareness. Anchored by the Pioneer Chairman of ICAN Obio Akpor and District, Chioma Ojukwu.

Nigeria’s tax system and the 2025 Tax Act reforms were explained, highlighting new exemptions, levies, VAT changes, and mandatory e-invoicing. Participants were urged to record all business expenses for tax deductions, seek professional tax advice, and consider upgrading from enterprise to limited liability company.’

The report went on to state how Paper four reviewed Record Keeping and Filing by Eme Akpa. ‘Effective record keeping requires tools such as cloud storage, scanning apps, backups, and organized physical files. Participants were cautioned against poor practices such as reliance on memory, scattered files, and lack of proper backups.

‘Paper 5 – Introducing Accounting Applications: Excel and Quick Books by Victoria Adele. Participants were introduced to Excel and QuickBooks for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and preparation of statements. Both tools were emphasized as critical for improving speed, accuracy, and automation, while reducing manual errors.’

On Paper six, ‘Internal Controls was by Peace Wills. Internal controls, including segregation of duties, reconciliations, and safeguarding assets, are crucial for protecting resources, preventing fraud, and building trust. Participants were urged to adopt tools such as vouchers, approval limits, and receipts, and to avoid mixing personal and business finances, with the reminder: What you don’t control will control you.”

Her report said Paper seven dealt with Financial Literacy by Olabisi Bamisile. ‘Financial planning emphasized budgeting, saving, building emergency funds, avoiding debt traps, and teaching financial values. Participants were introduced to a few investment platforms, cooperative savings, and insurance for wealth creation and long-term resilience.

‘Finally, Fidelity Bank Plc also encouraged the women entrepreneurs to take advantage of various packages geared towards supporting their businesses such as the ‘FUNDHER’ package.’

Giving insight into the essence of the training, Onwo, the SWAN chairperson, said: ‘Through our research, we found out that a lot of small and medium sized businesses fail just because of lack of proper record keeping. SWAN PH thought it wise that women entrepreneurs be trained so they can do business more professionally and profitably. For instance, a lot of the participants told us they did not even know they were supposed to keep their personal finances separate from their business finances.’

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), is always in search of opportunities to businesses in the oil city. The City Chamber is fighting to create alternative businesses other than oil and gas, though not ignoring the hydrocarbon industry.

Since the days of Emi Membere-Otaji as president, the PHCCIMA has worked to reposition its focus to non-oil businesses especially by attracting foreign business partners to open doors to the business community in the Garden City.

Now, Chinyere Nwoga, the first female president, has revealed to members how best to queue into the wealth avenue of the Chambers. She urged members to dive into chamber programmes to unlock a wealth of business opportunities.

Speaking at the third-quarter General Forum at the PHCCIMA secretariat in Port Harcourt, she highlighted the importance of leveraging the chamber’s resources to fuel business success. Nwoga emphasized that active participation in chamber activities is key to reaping the full benefits of membership. The well-attended forum showcased strategic initiatives, including collaborations with the Lagos City chamber, trade group programmes, and member-engagement opportunities, all aimed at driving business growth.

The forum featured discussions on the upcoming 2025 Port Harcourt International Trade Fair with calls for innovative strategies to elevate its global stature and explore franchising opportunities. Trade group leaders delivered impactful presentations.

Fenibo Fubara, ICT Trade Group chairman, advocated for digitizing chamber processes to streamline resource access and attract new members.

Ofon Udofia, Export/Import Trade Group chairman, urged PHCCIMA to push for reduced bureaucratic hurdles at southern ports, addressing International Maritime Organization (IMO) policies causing rate disparities.

Jack Daboikiabo (SME/NGO Trade Group) and Chief Ernest Elochukwu (Membership Committee) shared their groups’ achievements and upcoming events.

The forum also celebrated the induction of 12 new member-companies, with oaths administered by past President Emeka Unachukwu, an engineer and doctorate degree holder in International Trade. Notable attendees included a past president (Vincent Furo), 1st deputy president Isaac Wonwu, Financial Secretary Emmanuel Ogbonda, and Welfare Secretary Florence Nwosibe, all offering valuable insights for chamber progress.

A highlight was the presentation by #StartupSouth organizers, inviting members to leverage their platform to expand markets, attract capital, and strengthen the Rivers State business ecosystem.

The Lagos State government has announced a two-day traffic diversion to facilitate the smooth hosting of the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship E1 Series event.

The championship, which is Africa’s first electric powerboat race set to take place on Lagos Inland Waterways of Victoria Island Lagoon, will begin on Friday, October 3, and end on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

For this reason, there will be a total road closure at First Lekki Junction inward Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island.

A statement from the state’s Ministry of Transportation enjoins motorists on this route to use alternative routes, which have been marked out for that purpose.

Motorists from Ajah heading to Lekki will make a U-turn at Lekki First Junction by the Pedestrian Bridge to link Yesufu Abiodun to Maroko Police Station to access City of David to Ligali Ayorinde to connect Ajose Adeogun straight to Eko Hotel Roundabout to Ahmadu Bello Way to Independence Bridge and McEwen/Onikan to continue their journeys.

Alternatively, motorists from Ajah inward CMS can go through Abraham Adesanya to link Ogombo Road to access Okun Ajah Road to connect Coastal Road to Ahmadu Bello Way to Independence Bridge and McEwen/Onikan to continue their journeys.

Additionally, motorists from Lekki and its environs, going to Ikoyi/Mainland could go through Admiralty Way to access Lekki Link Bridge to Alexander Road/Bourdillon Way to connect Gerrard Road and Osborne Road to continue their journeys.

Alternatively, motorists from Lekki and its environs going to CMS can connect Yesufu Abiodun to link Oniru Road to access Aboyade Cole Road to Ligali Ayorinde Street to Eko Hotel Roundabout and Ahmadu Bello Way to continue their journeys.

In the same vein, motorists on the other side (from CMS/Independence Bridge and Ozumba Mbadiwe inward Lekki-Epe Expressway) will have a thoroughfare to Ajah and its environs.

Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the state’s commissioner for transportation, assured motorists of adequate parking made available for the event at Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and Law School Premises, Victoria Island.

He also urged all participants to cooperate with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who will be strategically deployed along all event routes to ensure smooth traffic flow.

The commissioner assured further that during the period of the 2-day road diversion, the coastal road will be open to traffic.

He advised motorists to be patient as the diversion is part of the traffic management plans for the E1 Boat Race event to take place on the waterways at Victoria Island, Lagos.

Estate planning is the structured process of organizing and managing an individual’s assets during their lifetime and arranging for their efficient transfer upon death or incapacity. It encompasses the preparation of legal instruments, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, to ensure asset preservation, provide for dependents, and align asset distribution with the individual’s personal, financial, and philanthropic objectives, all in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Estate planning remains one of the most important but neglected areas of family life in Nigeria particularly for aging parents. Most families are often left in crisis situations when a parent, and in most cases the breadwinner, becomes incapacitated or dies suddenly with no plan in place as to how the surviving family members can have access to his assets or continue to manage his business. The consequence has been that the family becomes confused with hitherto hidden crisis suddenly resurrecting leading to court battles, strained family relationships, or even the loss of hard-earned property and investments.

This article aims to essentially provide a concise but thorough step-by-step overview of what estate planning entails for elderly parents in Nigeria, the key factors to be considered, and the ways in which families can begin the process in a culturally sensitive and legally correct manner.

Why Estate Planning?

Aging inevitably comes with higher risks to health and diminished abilities to manage one’s finances or be involved in the day-to-day management and negotiation of complicated property issues. Forward and thoughtful planning process gives aging parents the chance to make intelligent decisions regarding:

How their assets are carefully organised and eventually passed on to their beneficiaries.

Who acts on their behalf should they no longer be able to do so or be involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

How would their dependents, spouse, or children be taken care of financially.

How do they ensure that the family cohesion is maintained and that family conflicts are avoided when they pass on.

In many jurisdictions, including Nigeria, improperly constituted Estate Plan has resulted in numerous court cases involving land, cash, businesses, and pensions. In the absence of properly arranged and documented Estate plan, some members of the family or institutions forcefully takeover these assets which are neither documented nor legally transferred to them. All these could conveniently be avoided with proper Estate Plan.

Estate Plan for aging parents in Nigeria need not be complex, although it must be concise, thoughtful and purposeful. The overriding aim and principle should be to ensure the wishes of the parent are respected, and their beneficiaries are not left in confusion or disputes when the Settlor passes on.

One of the first and most important steps in estate planning is the preparation of a valid legal will. This is the most traditional way of giving assets to loved ones. A will is a short statement of the maker’s wishes regarding how his or her assets should be distributed upon death. Although not exhaustive, some of the most common assets that may be disposed of in a will include property, bank accounts, vehicles, investments, pensions, personal belongings and digital assets.

A properly written will provides protection from inheritance disputes and minimizes interference from customary, traditional, or statutory claims that may conflict with the deceased’s true intentions. It ensures that the distribution of assets is carried out according to the testator’s wishes, not left to chance or contested interpretations. Given the complex nature of wills, especially in a culturally diverse legal environment like Nigeria, it is strongly advised that Settlors seek legal counsel when preparing and executing a will. This ensures that the document carries the full force of law, is free from ambiguity and less likely to be challenged.

It is possible that some aging parents may not be disposed to writing a Will (often regarded as remembrance of death).

In which case, a Settlor could consider setting up a Trust especially where the estate is more complex say, with multiple spouses, young children, or vulnerable family members. A Trust allows assets to be held and managed on behalf of beneficiaries, typically through a licensed Trust company. In Nigeria, Trust Companies are registered and regulated by the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and have a legal obligation to administer the trust in good faith, ensuring the fulfillment of the terms as specified by the Settlor over the years. Trusts are particularly helpful when money disbursement, property administration, or wealth accumulation for the subsequent generation needs to be carried out professionally and gradually distributed.

Another significant part of the estate planning process is beneficiary naming on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, cooperative contributions, and other such financial instruments. Under the Nigerian Pension law, the named Next-of-Kin takes no benefit of the amounts standing to the credit of the deceased’s Retirement benefits. The Will must specifically name the beneficiaries in a formal Will. Parents should thus scrutinize and regularly update their estate plan to ensure that there are no lacunae that could be exploited by persons waiting to pounce on their assets once they pass on.

Apart from ensuring that assets are distributed to named beneficiaries either in the Will or Trust instruments, there is also the concern of decision-making in the event of sickness or incapability. A power of attorney can be utilized in appointing a person that is acceptable and trusteed by the Settlor to make legal, financial, or even medical decisions on behalf of the parent when the parent become incapacitated or is unable to manage his/her affairs. This instrument can become exceptionally useful in the management of day-to-day affairs such as accessing bank accounts, settling bills, or dealing with property, and needs to be balanced in terms of adopting a preventive approach versus an aftereffect one.

While relating with others, it is possible that a parent may have entered into contracts or agreements that either increased his/her assets or imposed liabilities on them or claims against their assets. It is therefore important that they are encouraged to document every asset that may have accrued from such relationships or liabilities that they may have been exposed to. Parents need to be encouraged to maintain an up-to-date list of all that they own: land, buildings, shares, pensions, cars and of any debts payable to or owed by them. That document, whether kept in paper form or electronically, helps family members and executors to ascertain whatever assets the deceased has, or liabilities owed when family members review his/her affairs. Having such clear and concise assets list would ultimately prevent disputes or conflicts from family members or those claiming against the estate.

Finally, although frequently overlooked and left to the discretion of family members, it is useful for parents to give guidance or direction either in the Will or Trust instrument regarding their funeral wishes, such as the nature of the funeral, where they wish to be buried, and what cultural or religious practices they would like their families to adopt, follow or outrightly avoid. Although intensely personal, providing the needed guidance or direction will not only help to soften the emotional trauma that the family is subjected to at that trying moment but also minimize the risk of argument as to how the deceased wants to be buried or the nature of the funeral celebrations.

The above, all ccollectively brought together in a brief, written plan are the basis of an empathetic estate planning process. They not only give comfort to elderly parents but also give their families the clarity and organization needed to manage the future with understanding, dignity and harmony.

Civil society organisations, opposition party figures, and economic experts have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as a landmark initiative that could transform Nigeria’s infrastructure and boost economic growth. The commendations came during a project inspection tour in Lagos, led by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, where stakeholders noted the quality of execution and urged Nigerians to rise above political divides in supporting developmental projects.

Umahi disclosed that the first section of the 750-kilometre coastal highway stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, to Eleko, Lagos would be completed by May 2026. He revealed that 35 kilometres had already been completed, leaving 12 kilometres to finish the initial segment. According to him, the first section covers 47 kilometres of the coastal highway, and work has also commenced on the second section from Eleko, Lagos, to Ode-Omi, Ogun State. He highlighted the government’s efforts in saving properties such as the Landmark Centre, clearing refuse up to a depth of 10 metres, and using concrete technology to ensure road durability. ‘Emerging economies like India have adopted concrete for enduring roads, and Nigeria must follow suit,’ he added.

Otunba Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and convener of The Alternative, stressed the need for national consensus around development. ‘You cannot develop a nation without a long-term plan. What I have seen so far today is commendable, I must tell you. Beyond our political ideological differences, we need to, as a nation, breathe in and out to explore how to achieve consensus to develop our nation,’ he said. Showunmi pointed to global examples: ‘When you look at countries like Singapore, India, and UAE, their achievements have come through building consensus for national development. A nation at 65 must be in a hurry to link its infrastructure to model after other globally competitive economies.’ He urged Nigerians to have ‘the courage to build the kind of things that will position it as a country to turn the corner and go full throttle in investing in legacy infrastructure projects that will transform the economy.’

Olufemi Awoyemi, Chairman of Proshare Group, described the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway as a ‘test case’ for financing large infrastructure projects. ‘This is an alternative, providing a primary route for cross-country connectivity, away from the current congestion, and a test case for big infrastructure projects and their financing,’ Awoyemi said. According to him, the project has the potential to open up trade routes and provide long-term relief to Nigeria’s congested transport systems, while stimulating investment in adjoining communities.

Leaders of over 20 civil society organisations (CSOs) were also part of the tour. Declan Ihekaire, one of the CSO representatives, welcomed the government’s decision to involve stakeholders in monitoring the project. ‘We, as CSOs, must not condemn every time. When we see where they are getting it right, we should talk so that we encourage them. Ultimately, the beneficiaries of good initiatives are the people,’ he said, adding that constant engagement between government and citizens would boost accountability and help sustain public confidence in national projects. Umahi also responded to concerns about properties and investments allegedly affected by the highway construction. He assured the public that due process would be followed. ‘We will unravel the issues around the WinHomes and allegations of about $200 million of diaspora investments in the real estate project. We will involve the EFCC and DSS to investigate the matter alongside civil society organisations,’ he stated. The Minister promised regular briefings with the media and stakeholders to provide progress reports and maintain transparency.

Beyond the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi outlined three other ‘legacy projects’ under Tinubu’s administration: the 477-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway traversing Calabar, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and the FCT; the 422-kilometre Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Expressway; and the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway. ‘We will continue to reiterate that roads and bridges are the infrastructure that build the GDP of every nation. And it is from this that the GDP of other sectors will grow,’ Umahi said. He linked Tinubu’s vision for the coastal highway to his record as Lagos governor. ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has this knowledge; he has demonstrated it when he was Governor of Lagos State and you can see that Lagos State is an economy within an economy. That is why we are doing everything possible to develop infrastructure according to his vision and mission.’

Stakeholders at the inspection agreed that Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges required collective action, not political rivalry. ‘Consensus is the key,’ Showunmi reiterated. ‘If we must compete with global economies, we cannot afford to politicise every national initiative. Nigerians must support projects that promise to unlock growth and prosperity.’

The Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, projected at 750 kilometres, is expected to be one of the most ambitious road projects in Africa. With sections already underway and a completion date for the first stretch set for 2026, stakeholders believe the project could redefine Nigeria’s transport network and unlock significant economic opportunities. For now, the project has managed to attract rare bipartisan praise, suggesting that infrastructure may be the bridge for consensus in a divided political landscape.

The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, has commended Nigerians for their resilience and steadfastness as the nation marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In his Independence Day message, Senator Abiru emphasized that Nigeria’s rich diversity must continue to serve as a source of unity and strength, rather than division. He urged citizens to reject divisive rhetoric, intolerance, and actions capable of undermining national cohesion, stressing that the country’s future rests on the collective resolve of its people to work together in peace and progress.

Abiru, who chairs both the Southern Senators’ Forum and the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, also called for increased support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He noted that the President’s bold reforms are gradually yielding the desired outcomes.

The Senator’s statement reads: ‘Today, as we mark the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved nation, I join millions of compatriots in celebrating Nigeria’s resilience and enduring spirit. Despite the economic, social, and political hurdles before us, our dear nation remains a beacon of hope on the African continent. ‘Our diversity – with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages – is our greatest asset. Under the green-and-white flag, we must continue to strengthen our unity, guard against actions that deepen our national fault lines, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building.

‘I equally appeal to all Nigerians to continue to stand solidly with our esteemed leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he provides bold and focused leadership that is clearly redirecting our country toward enduring sustainable development and economic growth.

‘The administration’s major policies have already begun to yield positive results. The harmonization of the foreign exchange market, among other laudable reforms, has helped to curb spiraling inflation, boost investor confidence, and lay the groundwork for a stable economic environment where enterprises can thrive – ultimately leading to shared prosperity.

‘This is not the time to give up on Nigeria. It is precisely at moments like this that our unity, resilience, and patriotism matter most. With determination and a shared sense of purpose, I am confident that we will emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation – not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.’

Electricity consumers and power distribution companies have been at loggerheads for years over appropriate bills. What seems to separate this dispute is prepaid meters, but this has been scarce.

Now, the management of Holley Metering Nigeria Limited says members of the pubic especially electricity users can now heave a sigh of relief. The group says it has commenced the sales of prepaid meters for customers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States.

Holley Metering Nigeria Limited is said to be a global leader in the metering industry and licensed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a Meter Asset Provider (MAP) to bridge the metering gap in Nigeria. According to a statement from its officials, the company said it has carved a niche in top quality smart prepayment meters, metering products and systems and has a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, (PHED).

Under the partnership arrangement, the statement further said, ‘Holley Metering has been providing/deploying different types to meter customers in PHED’s franchise area but not limited to installation as well.

‘Holley Meters comes with the benefit of meeting customer needs to control their electricity consumption, avoid estimated bills, unwarranted disconnection in addition to other ancillary advantages.’

The company gave the breakdown of costs of the meters which now range from N129, 454 to N216, 206 depending on the phase of the meter, with an installation period not exceeding 10 working days after payment.

Unlike previous prepaid meter schemes that had a lot of protocol and middlemen, the new scheme is said to be open to any interested person who are free to meet them at their headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to building a stronger and more united nation, even as he observed that the country’s economy has improved tremendously.

Oborevwori, in his Independence message signed by Festus Ahon, his chief press secretary (CPS), urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ as well as his administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’, which, he said, were designed to improve the living standards of the people.

He noted that his government was investing heavily in massive infrastructure upgrades across Delta State, advancing a power revolution through a renewable energy mix, and creating an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investments. The efforts, he explained, were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans and residents and significantly boosting the state’s economy. The governor also used the occasion to appeal to all ethnic groups in the state to embrace peace and remain united, stressing that peace was a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and pledged to continue working for the progress and prosperity of all Deltans.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on October 1st broadcast, called on citizens to embrace the culture of tax compliance as the nation works toward economic recovery and inclusive growth.

Delivering his address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Tinubu said that while the government is ‘plumbing of the economy,’ citizens must play their part by paying taxes and supporting homegrown enterprise.

‘Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,’ the president urged.

The call comes as the administration announced a rise in Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from below 10 percent to 13.5 percent in just over two years, with a new tax law expected to take effect in January 2026.

According to Tinubu, the law will not increase burdens on existing taxpayers but will expand the tax base and provide relief for low-income earners.

‘The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners,’ he said. The president highlighted a series of economic milestones his administration has achieved since May 2023, including N20 trillion in non-oil revenue mobilised by August 2025, a rebound in oil production to 1.68 million barrels per day, and foreign reserves climbing to $42.03 billion, the highest level since 2019.

But he cautioned that Nigeria’s economic transformation would not be sustained without a sense of civic responsibility from its citizens.

‘The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities,’ Tinubu said.

On the 65th anniversary of independence, Tinubu positioned tax compliance as central to the country’s long-term vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria.

‘With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,’ he concluded.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has raised the alarm over disturbing reports of rape, assault, and forced drugging of Nigerian girls allegedly held in deportation camps in New Delhi, India, describing the development as ‘heartbreaking and unacceptable.’

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, the Commission said it was deeply distressed by videos and testimonies circulating from some victims, which point to serious violations of human dignity and fundamental rights.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, condemned the alleged abuses in strong terms, stressing that Nigerian citizens, irrespective of their location, must not be treated ‘as less than human’ under the guise of immigration control.

‘The alleged acts of sexual violence, physical abuse, and intimidation are both heartbreaking and unacceptable.

‘Nigerian citizens, wherever they are in the world, must not be treated as less than human, nor should their vulnerability be exploited under immigration procedures,’ Dabiri-Erewa said.

The Commission expressed concern that corrupt middlemen and organised groups may be worsening the ordeal of the detainees through exploitation and extortion, warning that such practices, if proven, undermine justice and endanger lives. The Commission disclosed that it is already working with the Nigerian High Commission in India, relevant Indian authorities, and international human rights bodies to verify the claims, provide medical and psychological support to affected persons, and ensure perpetrators face justice.

It further called on the Indian government to urgently investigate the allegations, dismantle exploitative channels, and guarantee the safety and dignity of Nigerians within its borders.

‘Our hearts go out to the young women and men enduring such traumatic experiences. We stand in solidarity with them and affirm that Nigeria will never abandon its citizens in their time of need,’ the statement read.

NiDCOM said it would continue to monitor developments closely and press for justice until the dignity of every Nigerian affected is restored.