Category: Business Day

Currently, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. With its infrastructure currently estimated at just 30 to 35 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), which is far below the 70 percent benchmark typical of middle-income nations. The question is no longer if the infrastructure gap should be closed, but how fast and by what means.

Recent official estimates put Nigeria’s infrastructure shortfall at $2.3 trillion over the period through 2043 under the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan. Meanwhile, Nigeria has committed to raising its infrastructure stock from its present level of GDP to at least 70 per cent by 2043.

‘Despite these promising steps, serious obstacles remain. Much of the funds for large infrastructure projects still come from external loans or foreign development finance institutions (DFIs). While necessary, such financing increases Nigeria’s debt burden and exposes the country to currency fluctuation risk.’

These are staggering figures dwarfing many of the past assumptions about the scale of investment needed, and they imply that incremental progress will no longer suffice.

Several recent developments show that Nigeria is beginning to mobilise resources more aggressively. The African Development Bank has invested $1.44 billion to support projects in power, transport, water, and sanitation. A $652 million package from China’s Exim Bank has been approved to build a road corridor that will serve as an evacuation route for goods from the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Dangote Refinery.

The China Development Bank released around $255 million to help advance the standard-gauge rail project between Kano and Kaduna, a project valued at $973 million.

The Federal Executive Council has officially approved $11.17 billion for the Lagos-Calabar coastal rail line, part of a broader push to link up major coastal cities with modern rail infrastructure.

There are also commitments at the domestic level, as the Federal Government has disbursed N1.6 trillion to states (including FCT) between March 2024 and May 2025 for infrastructure and security-related projects.

Despite these promising steps, serious obstacles remain. Much of the funds for large infrastructure projects still come from external loans or foreign development finance institutions (DFIs). While necessary, such financing increases Nigeria’s debt burden and exposes the country to currency fluctuation risk.

Some ambitious proposals, like a proposed $60 billion/N100 trillion plan for 4,000 km of high-speed rail lines, have drawn sharp criticism concerning cost, timelines, technical feasibility, and whether they divert focus from already underway or critical infrastructure.

In 2024, only 20 percent of Nigeria’s budget spending was allocated to capital projects, despite the urgent need in transport, power, healthcare, and education. This reflects an imbalance between recurrent costs and long-term investment.

Large projects like the Lagos-Calabar rail line are being approved, but securing full funding, completing right-of-way acquisition, and coordinating across states remain huge tasks.

To close the infrastructure gap, Nigeria must move beyond good intentions and incrementalism, such as accelerating public-private partnerships. Given the scale of the gap (~$2.3trn), public funding alone will not suffice. The government must strengthen regulatory frameworks, de-risk projects, and make investments more attractive to private investors and institutional funds.

Prioritise projects based on impact. Instead of spreading resources thinly, focus must be on projects with high multiplier effects, major transport corridors, energy generation and transmission, water and sanitation. Resources should target projects that unlock commerce, reduce costs, improve trade, and enhance connectivity.

Boost domestic resource mobilisation. Beyond external borrowing, there is a need to raise internal revenues via better taxation and bond markets (including local-currency bonds) and encourage infrastructure finance from pension funds and domestic institutional investors.

Improve implementation capacity and governance. Many infrastructure failures stem not from lack of funds, but from delays, cost overruns, land acquisition challenges, and poor intergovernmental coordination. Strengthening capacity at the state level, streamlining approvals, and ensuring transparency will be key.

A balance between large mega projects and essential local infrastructure should be considered. While grand rail lines and coastal rail networks are critical, there should not be neglect of feeder roads, rural access routes, local grids, and basic infrastructure that directly impact citizens’ lives, commerce, health, and education.

Nigeria’s infrastructure gap is real, large, and costly, not just in dollars, but in lost opportunities: reduced economic growth, constrained trade, weakened global competitiveness, and lower quality of life. Recent commitments give cause for cautious optimism, but they also raise the bar, as much more will need to be done.

If Nigeria can sustain a disciplined, transparent, well-prioritised investment strategy, leverage PPPs, mobilise both domestic and international finance, and strengthen project execution, then the goal of raising infrastructure stock to 70 percent of GDP by 2043 may be within reach. Otherwise, the risk is that the country remains trapped in underdevelopment while its peers accelerate forward.

The challenge before us is immense, but the cost of failure is far higher.

Lucky Iraboro, the former chief of defence staff (CDS), has described the March 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train terrorist attack as the most difficult and emotionally draining experience of his military career.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, the retired general said the incident tested the limits of Nigeria’s security architecture and demanded the full weight of his experience as the nation’s top defence officer.

‘For me, during the time I was CDS, the security situation around the country was most troubling.

‘I think the most challenging was the incident involving the train abduction, which added to the dynamics of the challenges we were facing at the time. All the experiences one had prior to that time were deployed to ensure those who were abducted were rescued’, Irabor said.

The former defence chief recalled how the Defence Headquarters had to mobilise extensive resources, coordinate multiple security agencies, and devise complex rescue operations to secure the release of passengers kidnapped during the train attack.

Irabor said the experience not only tested the nation’s resolve but also deepened his appreciation for the courage of troops confronting insecurity in different parts of the country.

The March 28, 2022 attack shocked the nation when terrorists bombed the rail tracks and opened fire on passengers travelling from Abuja to Kaduna.

Dozens were killed, several others sustained injuries, and at least 61 passengers were abducted.

The victims were eventually released in batches, with the last group regaining freedom about seven months later.

Beyond the train attack, the retired general highlighted ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East and protection of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta as other major priorities during his tenure.

‘Beyond that, the North-East operation was deep in my mind. Having served a greater part of my career there, I felt a need to return to ensure that operations were conducted effectively without losing our teams,’ he said.

He also stressed that safeguarding oil production was vital to sustaining the country’s economic stability.

Reflecting on life after active service, Irabor said retirement has offered him the freedom to pursue personal passions and intellectual work.

He noted that his experiences in uniform inspired his book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, which explores the country’s prolonged struggle with terrorism.

The 2022 train attack triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger intelligence coordination and enhanced railway security.

Two years later, in January 2024, the Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of one Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known as ‘Mande,’ the alleged mastermind of the attack.

According to then police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Abdullahi was arrested by the anti-kidnapping unit of the Kadu Chna State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and confessed to leading a notorious kidnapping syndicate that had terrorised the Kaduna-Abuja highway.

Irabor served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from January 2021 to June 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared Senator Adams Oshiomhole ‘persona non grata’ following his criticism of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its nationwide strike in solidarity with 800 engineers sacked by Dangote Refinery.

In an October 3 interview with Arise TV, Oshiomhole called PENGASSAN’s industrial action ‘hasty and unfair’ to other workers.

NUPENG responded sharply in a statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, accusing the former labour leader of betraying core union principles.

‘In conclusion, the leadership of NUPENG hereby declares Senator Adams Oshiomhole persona non grata within the ranks of Nigerian Oil and Gas Workers,’ the union said.

The declaration means NUPENG will no longer participate in or endorse any labour-related event involving Oshiomhole. ‘The NLC, TUC and conscionable civil society organisations should kindly take notice,’ the statement added.

NUPENG described Oshiomhole’s remarks as a ‘betrayal of labour principles’ and a ‘distortion of established laws.’

‘We witness with utter disappointment a former labour leader now transformed into a vocal advocate for corporate oppression,’ the union said.

It stressed that PENGASSAN’s sympathy strike is protected under Section 31 of the Trade Unions Act and aligned with the global union tenet: ‘An injury to one is an injury to all.’

‘His attempts to rationalize the victimization of workers. are not only nauseating but represent a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian Labour Law and ILO Conventions,’ NUPENG stated.

The union accused Oshiomhole of ignoring the mass dismissal while condemning PENGASSAN’s response, calling his stance ‘an act of profound historical revisionism and political amnesia.’

NUPENG affirmed its full support for PENGASSAN and the dismissed workers, vowing to use all legal and industrial tools to seek justice.

It also urged Oshiomhole to step back from labour commentary, saying he has ‘irretrievably lost the moral right and legitimacy before Nigerian workers.’

The Kogi State Government, through the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and development partners, has officially flagged off the 2025 Integrated Measles-Rubella, Polio, and HPV Vaccination Campaign, a major public health intervention aimed at protecting children and adolescents across the state from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The ceremony, performed by Ahmed Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, underscored the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of every child and adolescent in the state. The campaign marks a significant step towards the elimination of vaccine-preventable diseases and the protection of young girls against cervical cancer through the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Speaking at the state flag-off ceremony held at the Old Market PHC, Lokoja, Governor Ododo described the vaccination campaign as a renewed commitment to saving lives and strengthening primary healthcare across the state, emphasising that it represents ‘a commitment to life, health, and the future of Kogi State.’

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build a healthy and productive Kogi, stressing that the vaccines are free, safe, and effective. He further urged that no child in Kogi should be left behind in the journey to a healthier life.

He called on parents, caregivers, traditional and religious leaders to support the campaign, assuring that the vaccines are completely free, safe and essential for every eligible child. He appreciated development partners and health workers for their continued support and dedication to improving the well-being of Kogi’s citizens.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, lauded the governor’s leadership and highlighted the growing community support for the revitalisation of Primary Health Centres across the state. He expressed gratitude to religious, traditional, and community leaders for their invaluable roles in advancing public health awareness and promotion.

Earlier in his address, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, announced that Kogi State was launching a vaccination campaign targeting 1.9 million children aged 9 months to 14 years against Measles and Rubella, with additional coverage for Polio and HPV.

He explained that the campaign, running from October 6th to 15th, was a coordinated, cost-effective, and evidence-based approach to protecting the state’s future generation.

Mu’azu expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their support and commended healthcare workers for their dedication, urging households and the media to ensure that all eligible children receive the life-saving vaccines.

In a goodwill message, Abdulrazaq Babatunde Ishola of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) praised Kogi State for achieving 100% immunisation coverage and commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to public health. He also called for the recruitment of additional frontline and auxiliary health workers to further strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The event underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering primary healthcare delivery and safeguarding women’s and children’s health. It also reflected the administration’s comprehensive approach to improving healthcare access, enhancing immunisation coverage, and reducing preventable diseases across Kogi State’s communities.

Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power has announced that the federal government, in the last two years secured over $2 billion to enhance Nigeria’s access to electricity.

Adelabu disclosed this at the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja. According to him, the Federal Government is leveraging bilateral funding and development finance to de-risk investments and attract private participation for access expansion across underserved and unserved communities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and government institutions.

A breakdown of the total fund showed that $750 million was from World Bank DARES program for off-grid and mini-grid expansion, $500 million NSIA RIPLE platform to unlock private capital for renewables, and the $190 million JICA fund to complement DARES.

He said, ‘In the past two years, over $2 billion has been mobilized through key facilities, including the $750 million World Bank DARES program for off-grid and mini-grid expansion. the $500 million NSIA RIPLE platform to unlock private capital for renewables, and the $190 million JICA fund to complement DARES.

‘Collectively, these interventions are accelerating renewable energy deployment and expanding reliable, affordable power across the country.’

He explained that in the area of infrastructure development, the Federal Government has introduced targeted national programs aimed at accelerating the viability, expansion, and modernization of the national grid.

The minister noted that under the phase zero of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), the transmission capacity has been enhanced to achieve grid stability, and overall system reliability, with over 700MW of additional transmission capacity already achieved.

He explained that under phase one of the PPI, contracts have been signed with Siemens Energy, CMEC, Elswedy Electric, and Power China with financing arrangements underway to support implementation.

Phase one is planned to add 7000MW operational capacity to the grid. ‘In parallel to the grid expansion, generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345MW, alongside the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.

‘Collectively, these interventions have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023.

‘Additionally, the Federal Government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) to close the national metering gap and improve sector viability. Already, N700 billion has been secured from FAAC to deploy 1.1 million meters by end of 2025, and 2 million annually over the next five years under the PMI.

‘This complements the 3.2 million meters being procured through the World Bank’s DISREP program, positioning Nigeria to close the metering gap within five years and strengthen transparency and revenue assurance across the value chain,’ he added.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector recorded steady growth during the 2025 wet season, with increased production across major food crops and a general decline in market prices, according to the latest Agricultural Performance Survey (APS) conducted by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The survey, released in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and 22 partner agencies, showed that rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava all posted higher outputs compared to 2024.

‘The 2025 APS confirms steady growth in Nigerian agriculture, driven by expanded cultivated areas, improved practices, and farmer resilience across major producing states’, said Yusuf Sani Ahmad, Executive Director, NAERLS.

The study also found that food prices fell sharply across all six geopolitical zones, with maize, rice, and sorghum prices dropping by more than 50 percent nationally, reflecting improved food availability.

However, the sector continues to face challenges from climate shocks, flooding, and rising input costs. Fertiliser prices rose by nearly 20% on average, while floods in Niger, Jigawa, and several Southern States destroyed crops and infrastructure.

Despite these setbacks, the report highlights improved mechanisation data, with over 1,600 functional tractors recorded nationwide and new datasets from a Farm Family Census and Tractor Census introduced to enhance planning.

The livestock and fisheries sub-sectors showed mixed performance. Poultry and pig farmers faced outbreaks of Newcastle Disease and African Swine Fever, while fish production fell in some northern zones due to insecurity and flooding.

In his remarks during the report presentation, Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the findings would help the government refine its policies to boost food and nutrition security.

‘This report provides the evidence base we need to plan smarter, support our farmers better, and achieve national food sufficiency’, the minister stated.

According to the minister, the 2025 APS recorded increased production of rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava compared to 2024 levels, alongside a ‘significant drop in food prices across all zones.’ He attributed the improvement to cumulative government efforts in boosting input supply, mechanisation, and farmer support systems, despite challenges such as erratic rainfall, flooding, and pest outbreaks.

Kyari, however, cautioned that rising input costs, particularly for fertiliser and fuel, as well as uneven mechanisation coverage and persistent postharvest losses, remain serious constraints to productivity.

He also highlighted livestock disease outbreaks and a decline in fisheries production in some regions as areas requiring urgent intervention.

‘The APS findings present both encouraging progress and critical challenges,’ the Minister said. ‘As a Ministry, we view these findings not merely as statistics but as a compass for future action.’

The report concluded with key recommendations, including the institutionalisation of a Dry Season Agricultural Survey, scaling up climate-smart agriculture, ensuring affordable farm inputs, expanding mechanisation, and strengthening extension and veterinary systems.

‘Nigeria’s farmers have shown remarkable resilience,’ Ahmad added. ‘Our task now is to build on these gains and make agriculture more adaptive, efficient, and data-driven.’

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to enhance workplace safety standards among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the State.

The agreement, part of a broader initiative to promote safer, healthier and more productive work environments, also coincided with the launch of the Safety First Campaign and the unveiling of the first-ever Occupational Safety Cadre in the Lagos State public service.

Sanwo-Olu, at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference held in the State with the theme, ‘Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a catalyst for nation Building,’ in Lagos, on Tuesday, reiterated his Administration’s commitment to promoting workplace safety, public health and environmental protection.

He described the new occupational safety cadre as a groundbreaking initiative and the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, noting that it would institutionalise safety as a professional discipline within the Lagos State civil service.

‘For the first time, safety will not just be treated as a hard-core responsibility but as a recognized career path, complete with its own structure, training, and expertise. These steps will ensure that generations of Lagosians benefit from a professional core dedicated solely to occupational safety and health,’ he said.

The State governor also highlighted the role of technology in driving modern safety standards, just as he announced the deployment of drones for surveillance, body cameras and thermal detection tools to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and emergency response.

Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, in his keynote address entitled, ‘Occupational Safety and Health as the Catalyst of Sustainable Nation Building,’ said there is overwhelming evidence that inadequate workplace safety continues to pose significant risks to workers globally.

Olusi cited studies that showed between 10% to 30% of industry workers suffer injuries, occupational diseases and health hazards on a yearly basis, which include physical accidents, exposure to harmful chemicals, long term respiratory complications, among other issues.

According to him, the consequences of work-related accidents and illnesses are profound and result in lost workdays, reduced productivity, and rising healthcare costs. He said while various African countries are ensuring safer work environment, Nigeria must position itself as a regional leader in embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) -driven safety practices across all sectors, from high-risk industries to MSMEs.

‘By integrating global standards, technology, and accountability, we can build workplaces that are safe, competitive, and resilient,’ he said..

Lanre Mojola, the Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), said the Agency realised enforcement action is reducing as compliance is increasing. He assured that the Agency would continue to increase inspection across the state as enforcement is returned.

Mojola also stated that the agency would ensure that Vertical Transportation Equipment are fully enforced to the letter as Lagos continues to move on. He reiterated that over 20,000 facilities already registered have GPIS with pictorial evidence.

Earlier, Olugbenga Oyerinde, Commissioner for Special Duties and lnter-Governmental Relations, stressed that occupational and general public safety remains a top priority to the State Government, saying, ‘every Lagosian, deserves to live, work, and move freely without any fear.’

Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, has said that Nigerians will start enjoying the benefits of the new tax laws beginning from January 2026.

Oyedele, who spoke at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja on Tuesday, said that about 98 per cent of Nigeria’s population will no longer pay the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.

President Bola Tinubu, in June 2025, signed the four (4) Tax Reform Bills into law. These laws include the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), the Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA) and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA).

The Acts comprehensively overhaul the Nigerian tax landscape to drive economic growth, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment and enhance effective tax administration across the different levels of government.

Oyedele emphasised that the new tax laws are not targeted at the low-income earners or those at the poverty line.

‘From January 2026, you will feel the impact. If you earn a salary, when you are paid your salary at the end of January 2026, for 97- 98 per cent of Nigerians, they will either no longer pay PAYE, or they’ll pay less PAYE.

‘That is about 33 percent of workers in the public and private sector combined, will no longer pay PAYE, because they will be exempted. The remaining 2 percent plus will pay more,’ he said.

He explained that the committee has established a poverty line, which can be determined through a household income and not individuals.

‘So if you look at the amount, you don’t know how many people depend on that amount. So we looked at the study that was done by the NBS, and the average household size in Nigeria is five. Based on the data on employment, gainfully employed people, you have a little over two out of the five who are employed.

‘We came up with a conclusion of between N100,000 and N120,000 a month. Two people would then earn around 230,000 to 240,000 to cater for five people so they don’t fall below the poverty line. Under the old laws, you earn 30,000 Naira a month, you’re paying tax. So this is significant improvement,’ he said.

Oyedele, speaking further, stressed that the laws are made to enhance businesses and reduce their risks. He also explained that the law, with the reduction in personal income tax to 25 percent, seeks to create incentives for business formalisation.

He said that the law also reduces the corporate tax rate from 30 to 25 per cent. He also stated that under the new law, if your annual turnover is 100 million Naira or less, as a company, your corporate tax rate is 0 per cent.

‘Low income, no tax. Upper income, a bit more. Now, in many countries around the world, what you will find is that the top rates for personal income tax is usually higher than the rate for corporate tax so that you can incentivise business formalisation.

‘So when you operate in the informal sector and you want to pay your taxes, your maximum income tax doesn’t even hit 20 percent. Same business, formalize it, register as a company, your tax burden goes to over 40 percent. And then we lament that the informal sector is too big. We were creating it, we created a disincentive to formalization. We are now trying to reverse it. It’s the reason why we have to take the top rates for personal income tax to 25 percent.’

Nigeria’s U20 side, the Flying Eagles, have booked their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in their final group game on Sunday.

The result means the seven-time African champions will face Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago on Wednesday, a repeat of the quarter-final encounter at the 2001 tournament hosted by Argentina, where Nigeria won 2-0 in San Juan.

Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was instrumental in keeping the Flying Eagles in the contest, pulling off key saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to deny Colombia an early lead.

Nigeria, however, looked the more adventurous side, striking the woodwork multiple times through Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani, who kept the South Americans under constant pressure.

Colombia took the lead six minutes after the restart when Kener Gonzalez finished off a clever assist from Neyser Villareal, but the Flying Eagles refused to be deterred, pressing relentlessly for an equaliser.

Defender Odinaka Okoro came close in the 76th minute, seeing his header saved after connecting with a Maigana cross. The breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted from the penalty spot after a Colombian defender handled Maigana’s goal-bound effort.

Nigeria nearly snatched victory late on, but Arierhi’s 89th-minute shot was blocked inside the box, ensuring the points were shared.

The Flying Eagles now shift their focus to a high-profile knockout showdown with Argentina.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has tasked the Board and Management of the Anambra-Imo River Basin Development Authority to work hard in order close the gaps that exist in water sector, agriculture, power, food security, livestock among others in the South-East and Nigeria, in the course of discharging their duties.

He gave the challenge when he received the Agency’s new team led by Emmanuel Anosike, the Chairman and a Senator on a courtesy visit at the Government House Owerri.

Governor Uzodinma urged the Board and Management to galvanise the Agency’s programmes to be able to address critical areas that exist in the areas within their mandate.

The governor, who congratulated members of the team on their appointments, advised them to avoid project duplication, but cooperate with State Government-owned agencies to harmonise their projects to get the SMEs, adding, ‘and call us for any possible assistance or support.’

He expressed confidence in the integrity of the new Board, given the background of the Chairman, Anosike, and the Managing Director of the Agency, Emeka Nduka whom, he said, ‘are very conversant with the original objectives for setting up that platform and the expectations of the people, and how the organisation will, in collaboration with other agencies, facilitate development in all sectors of the economy.’

Governor Uzodinma advised the Board to avoid project duplications and cooperate with State Governments to address the needs of the people. ”As you do that not only Imo State, the South East but Nigeria will be better for all of us,’ he stressed.

He further urged the Board to hit the ground running as Imo State is indeed happy to play host to the Agency and has them as partners.

‘If you desire more land, don’t hesitate to approach the government. We need to plant what we eat and eat what we plant,” Uzodinma noted.

Earlier, Anosike said that their visit was ‘to pay courtesy call on the host Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma after the inauguration of the Board in May, 2025.’

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for finding them worthy of the appointment and to Governor Uzodinma for his magnanimity, recommendation, and facilitating their appointments in November last year.