Category: Business Day

Nigeria’s policymakers have reason for cautious optimism. Headline inflation has eased from a rebased 34.8 percent in December 2024 to 21.9 percent by July 2025. Foreign reserves stand at a three-year high of $40.1bn, while the IMF forecasts output growth of 3.4 percent this year. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is even more bullish at 4.2 percent. On paper, the economy appears to be stabilising. On the ground, however, the picture is far less reassuring.

The real debate is no longer about whether the economy is growing; it is about who feels it. For many Nigerians, the so-called recovery ends at the pages of economic reports. You can’t eat GDP, as the saying goes. When inflation falls on paper but bread doubles in price, the numbers begin to sound like another language.

‘The deeper question is why macroeconomic progress so rarely translates into welfare gains. Nigeria’s growth model rewards capital, not labour.’

The headline data suggest an economy recovering from the shocks of 2024. Yet the recovery is shallow and exclusionary. Growth is concentrated in oil, finance, and telecommunications, sectors that generate revenue but few jobs. While core inflation has moderated, food and transport still consume more than half of an average household’s income.

Per capita income continues to fall, from $877 in 2024 to $835 this year, underscoring how aggregate growth has failed to outpace population expansion. The much-heralded rise in reserves also masks fragility: net reserves, at about $23bn, barely cover a few months of imports. Meanwhile, debt servicing absorbs nearly half of federal revenue, leaving little room for investment in health, education, or infrastructure. Officials urge patience, arguing that reforms take time to yield results. Nigerians have heard this before. Two decades of ‘stabilisation first, welfare later’ have delivered neither. Structural weaknesses, fiscal inefficiency, overreliance on oil, and chronic underinvestment in power and manufacturing remain unaddressed. They continue to erode the social contract and widen the gulf between statistical stability and daily hardship.

Small businesses, which employ more than 80 percent of the workforce, are bearing the brunt. Interest rates above 25 percent, currency volatility, and unreliable electricity have forced thousands to close. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group estimates that nearly 30 percent of MSMEs will shut down between 2024 and 2025. The government’s ?4tn electricity refinancing plan must therefore translate into improved power supply, not merely accounting adjustments.

Food insecurity remains acute. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation projects that 33 million Nigerians will face high levels of hunger this year. While the CBN attributes falling inflation to tighter monetary policy, that discipline has come at a social cost: eroding real wages, higher unemployment, and diminished purchasing power. The deeper question is why macroeconomic progress so rarely translates into welfare gains. Nigeria’s growth model rewards capital, not labour. Unlike peers such as Kenya or Indonesia, which have paired fiscal discipline with SME credit and export diversification, Nigeria relies heavily on oil and financial flows to sustain output. The result is an economy that grows in spreadsheets but contracts in welfare.

To correct the course, the government must move from managing indicators to managing outcomes. Three priorities are clear. First, fiscal reform should be anchored in transparency and efficiency. Reducing debt servicing, broadening the non-oil tax base, and curbing leakages would free fiscal space for capital investment.

Second, credit and energy reforms must target productive sectors. MSMEs cannot thrive in a system that rewards speculation over production. Affordable financing and reliable electricity are the minimal conditions for inclusive growth. Third, social protection must move beyond ad hoc palliatives. A credible national safety net, linked to verifiable data and funded through fiscal discipline, is vital to cushion the poorest against inflationary shocks.

These are not novel ideas, but Nigeria’s policy challenge has always been consistency. Each administration announces reform, only to retreat under political pressure. True stability cannot be defined by a temporary easing of inflation; it must rest on the resilience of households and enterprises.

Policymakers will insist that ‘fundamentals are improving.’ Yet Nigerians cannot live on fundamentals. When a market trader pays triple for food while reading of falling inflation, she is justified in her scepticism. Economic stability must be measured not by PowerPoint metrics but by purchasing power, job creation, and social security.

If Nigeria’s leaders can align macroeconomic prudence with household welfare, 2025 could mark the beginning of a genuine recovery. If not, the country will remain trapped in a statistical mirage, growing on paper while its citizens fall further behind.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ngozi Olejeme, former Board Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over allegations of laundering public funds amounting to ?1 billion.

Olejeme appeared before Emeka Nwite (Justice) on Wednesday, where she faced an eight-count charge bordering on money laundering, conversion, transfer, and possession of proceeds of unlawful activity.

According to the EFCC, the offences were allegedly committed during her tenure as NSITF board chairman in 2012.

The commission alleged that Olejeme used her position to divert large sums of money belonging to the agency through companies linked to her.

One of the charges accused her of indirectly converting ?321.6 million, paid into the account of Adin Miles International Ltd with Sterling Bank Plc on February 9, 2012, knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

The EFCC maintained that the act contravenes Section 15(2)(b) and is punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended in 2012. In another count, the anti-graft agency alleged that Olejeme procured one Chuka C. Eze to convert $2 million into naira for payment to the same company, Adin Miles International Ltd, despite knowing that the funds were proceeds of an unlawful act.

Olejeme, however, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts when they were read to her in court.

Emenike Mgbemele, EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, requested the court to fix a date for trial, stating that the commission was ready to call 14 witnesses to testify against the defendant.

However, Emeka Ogboguo, defence counsel, drew the court’s attention to a pending bail application and prayed that his client be granted bail pending the commencement of trial.

Nwite subsequently released the defendant to her counsel and adjourned the case to November 17, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.

Olejeme, who chaired the NSITF during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has been under EFCC investigation for several years over alleged diversion of funds meant for the agency.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s risk management sector have opposed a bill before the House of Representatives seeking to establish the Chartered Institute of Enterprise Risk Management of Nigeria, describing it as unnecessary and a duplication of existing legislation.

In a memorandum submitted to the House Committee on Commerce, Victor Olannye, Registrar of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), said the proposed law overlaps with the functions of the already established Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria, created by Act No. 39 of 2022.

‘Upon careful review of the bill, we wish to draw the Committee’s attention to certain issues surrounding the proposed legislation, specifically its overlap with existing laws and its implications for the integrity of the legislative process,’ Olannye stated.

He noted that the 9th National Assembly had passed the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria Act in 2022, which was duly assented to by the President and gazetted, conferring full legal status on the institute.

‘The Act comprehensively governs and promotes the practice of risk management in Nigeria, including professional certification, regulation, and the advancement of the profession,’ he said. Olannye explained that the primary objective of the proposed Chartered Institute of Enterprise Risk Management of Nigeria-to control and promote the practice of risk management-is already fully covered by the 2022 Act. ‘As such, the proposed bill duplicates functions and responsibilities already legislated under the existing law,’ he added.

He warned that the legislature has consistently frowned upon the unnecessary proliferation of professional bodies, particularly where their mandates are already covered by existing legislation.

‘Creating overlapping institutions not only leads to inefficiency and confusion within the profession but also undermines the integrity of the legislative process,’ Olannye said.

The CRMI therefore urged the House Committee to drop the bill.

Responding, Ahmed Munir, Chairman of the House Committee on Commerce, reaffirmed the 10th Assembly’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and people-oriented legislation aimed at driving Nigeria’s economic growth and institutional reform.

Munir said the House remained focused on ensuring that every proposed law reflects the genuine needs of Nigerians.

Odumodublvck’s highly anticipated third album, Industry Machine, has made its mark building on the artist’s signature drill-rap style while seamlessly uniting elements from Afrobeats and featuring a diverse array of Nigerian and international artists.

Released on October 6, 2025, under Kalacious Entertainment, Native Records, and Def Jam Recordings, Industry Machine follows ‘The Machine is coming’ album released in March 2025, with standout songs like ‘Juju’, ‘Legolas’, and ‘Pity This Boy’.

The 23-track project builds on his drill-rap style from previous work, adding elements from Afrobeats artists Davido and Wizkid, Nigerian rappers across generations, and international guests. This mix creates a structured sound that blends local and global influences.

The cover art, designed by UK-based Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn, shows Odumodublvck in a metallic, transformed figure, echoing his prior album artwork but in a more complete human-machine form. Producers including P.Priime, Telz, FK, Decs, and Ucee handle the beats, which support drill patterns with features matched to each track’s rhythm.

As of October 8, 2025, Industry Machine has performed strongly in early metrics. On Apple Music, it reached No. 1 on the Nigeria Top Albums chart shortly after release. Globally, it debuted at No. 41 on the Worldwide Apple Music chart.

On Spotify, the album recorded 4.32 million streams in Nigeria on its first day. Globally, it earned about 5.59 million streams in the first full day and has now passed 13.9 million total streams. One of its leading tracks, ‘Grooving’ featuring Davido and Seun Kuti, debuted at No. 2 on Spotify with 481,460 streams. These numbers indicate a rapid uptake, especially in Nigeria, although worldwide figures remain modest compared to established Afrobeats releases this year.

Review

The album opens with the title track ‘Industry Machine,’ produced by Ucee, Odumodublvck’s long-time collaborator, who also handled ‘Candy Music’ on the same project. Here, Odumodublvck raps about how his music style faces misunderstanding but still draws large audiences. He directs a challenge to his peers in a direct tone.

During a UK trip, Odumodublvck linked with producer FK, who produced beats for ‘Unaware’ featuring British rapper Pa Salieu. FK also produced ‘If You Like Gym’, which pairs Odumodublvck with veteran Nigerian rapper Mode Nine, who both trade 16-bar verses. This song skips a chorus, letting both artists rap throughout. It started as a freestyle titled ‘2:02 pm in London.’

FK and Ucee teamed up for ‘Do Yanga,’ featuring Patoranking. The beat combines drill with dancehall edges, allowing Patoranking’s vocals to layer over Odumodublvck’s flows. ‘Baby Reindeer’, produced by Decs, shifts to a mid-tempo pace which Odumodublvck uses to describe a love partner in the lyrics. ‘Banza Boy’, handled by Kyle Van Riper, who also composed it, introduces a lighter drill variation, focusing on personal anecdotes.

Big Hitters

Several tracks stand out for their collaborations and higher engagement. ‘Grooving’, produced by Jaylon, Ucee, and Marvey Muzique, incorporates highlife elements. Odumodublvck raps over the rhythm, Davido handles the singing parts, while Seun Kuti does his sax solo. This structure has driven its early streams, placing it at No. 2 on Spotify.

Next, ‘Big Time’ brings in Afrobeats heavyweight Wizkid. Social media users have noted Wizkid’s verse for how it adapts the track to his Afrobeats delivery, even as a feature. Wizkid’s flow on the song makes the song feel like a ‘Made In Lagos’ B-side track. In an interview, Odumodublvck explained that Wizkid originally owned the song and passed it to him after he missed a spot on Wizkid’s Morayo album. He added that he did not pay for features from either Davido or Wizkid, calling them key figures in Afrobeats.

Odumodublvck continues naming tracks after European football players, a pattern from his past work. ‘Vinicius’ is a rap-focused song produced by Cross, referencing the Real Madrid winger. ‘Baggio’ features British rapper Giggs and rising Nigerian artist Prettyboy DO, paying tribute to Italian striker Roberto Baggio. Also produced by Cross, it maintains a heavy rap density. ‘Maradona’ nods to Diego Maradona, with contributions from Latin rapper Justin Quiles and US rapper Saweetie, with an 8-bar closer. These tracks use football references to frame personal boasts, tied to drill beats that emphasise rhythm over speed.

‘Pay Me’ takes a lighter approach, featuring British rapper Stormzy and Nigerian artist Zlatan Ibile. The playful lyrics match the upbeat production, creating a conversational flow between the three about unpaid features. ‘Bombastic Element’ stays in rap mode but adds humor, with Odumodublvck drawing parallels to US rapper 50 Cent, known for his witty online presence. The track’s energy comes from quick switches in delivery.

Other collaborations fill the mid-section. ‘Layi Wasabi’ includes Reminisce, a Nigerian rap veteran, on a beat that recalls street narratives. ‘EJOR’ pairs Odumodublvck with Ayo Maff and Smada, focusing on group dynamics in a trap-influenced drill setup. ‘My Angel’, a slower track with Chike, uses minimal production to highlight vocal interplay. The album closes with ‘Hallelujah’, a multi-artist track featuring Jeriq, Phyno, and US-Nigerian rapper Tobe Nwigwe, wrapping up with layered verses over a closing beat a chorus mirroring the Catholic Hallelujah theme.

Strengths and weaknesses

Some of its weak spots include OD still outsourcing most of his choruses, while song guests miss the flow. His Vocals on the hooks of ‘My Angel’ are flawed as they look too raw for a huge production. However, the strength of the album lies in the consistent energy across the 23 tracks, A-list chemistry with Davido and Wizkid. Tracks like ‘Grooving’ and ‘Big Time’ show how features can elevate the material, pulling in streams from broader audiences.

The football-themed songs add a cultural thread, tying Odumodublvck’s Nigerian roots to global icons.

UK, US, Latino markets are covered in this project with international features like Giggs, Stormzy, and Saweetie, and meme-ready lines and hits which equals free press for the album.

Overall, Industry Machine sticks to Odumodublvck’s core sound: drill rap with precise features and production that fit each guest. In context, Industry Machine positions Odumodublvck as a bridge between Nigerian drill and Afrobeats. For fans of Odumodublvck’s earlier singles like ‘Declan Rice,’ this delivers more of the same with upgrades in production scale. For the artists, The machine hums steadily, if not always innovatively.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed media reports suggesting that it disobeyed a judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Oshogbo, Osun State, which allegedly ordered the arrest of Mahmood Yakubu, the Commission’s immediate past Chairman.

In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, national commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC on Friday, described the reports as ‘misleading and mischievous,’ saying they omitted critical facts and wrongly portrayed a corporate legal issue as a personal one.

Olumekun explained that the Commission had, on 6th October 2025-within the court’s deadline-filed the necessary documents to demonstrate compliance with the judgment recognising the Action Alliance (AA) executives elected on 7th October 2023 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He noted that INEC even presented evidence from its website showing that the names had been uploaded.

However, he said the judgment creditors later filed a counter-affidavit, claiming partial compliance because the Commission did not list Rufai Omoaje as the party’s National Chairman. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed media reports suggesting that it disobeyed a judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Oshogbo, Osun State, which allegedly ordered the arrest of Mahmood Yakubu, the Commission’s immediate past Chairman.

In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, national commissioner and chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC on Friday, described the reports as ‘misleading and mischievous,’ saying they omitted critical facts and wrongly portrayed a corporate legal issue as a personal one.

Olumekun explained that the Commission had, on 6th October 2025-within the court’s deadline-filed the necessary documents to demonstrate compliance with the judgment recognising the Action Alliance (AA) executives elected on 7th October 2023 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He noted that INEC even presented evidence from its website showing that the names had been uploaded.

However, he said the judgment creditors later filed a counter-affidavit, claiming partial compliance because the Commission did not list Rufai Omoaje as the party’s National Chairman.

An expert in Tourism Diplomacy, Dahiru Bala says Nigeria can transform its tourism sector into a major economic driver, creating millions of job opportunities and generating revenue.

Bala also said that tourism can help showcase the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage to the world when fully developed.

Bala who is the Chairman, Cultural and Diplomacy Council spoke on the sidelines of the take-off of a continental tour to Ethiopia by the Director, International Society of Diplomats Tourism Directorate on Thursday in Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine via its tourism sector, brimming with untapped potentials that offer a wealth of opportunities for economic diversification and growth.

‘From hotels to restaurants, the benefits of a thriving tourism industry cut across various sectors, as the sector expands, construction, transportation, and even casual labour markets experience a positive boost,” he said.

According to him, ‘Once an entire economy is built on the process of tourism, even casual labourers and tour guides provide employment opportunities.

This, he said highlights the widespread economic impacts of a flourishing tourism sector.

He also lamented Nigeria’s currently underutilising its vast array of tourist sites due to lack of adequate infrastructure and security.

He said Nigeria is not investing enough in harnessing the tourism sectors.

‘Tourists prioritise safety and accessibility and without these fundamental elements, our potential remains untapped,” he said.

He pointed out the need to prioritise first-class infrastructure with well-maintained roads, state-of-the-art technology, integrating advanced tech to enhance the tourist experience and modern amenities to ensure ease of access.

He called on security agencies to ensure adequate security for the safety of tourists.

‘Global promotion, actively promoting Nigeria’s tourism potentials at international events and lastly, media investment, showcasing our sites through various media channels,” he said.

‘Consider the untapped potentials of the Yusufari desert in Yobe, which could rival the desert experiences of Dubai.”

He said by implementing these strategies, Nigeria can unbundle the strength in her potentials and unlock the boundless opportunities that await us as a nation.

The Project Director, Amb. Phil Roberts noted that the title of the project ‘Tourism Across Africa: Uniting Cultures, Connecting Destinations is borne out of the trans-African story aimed at exploring and promoting Africa’s untapped tourism potentials.

He explained that the 30-day journey from Abuja to Ethiopia is entirely by road and will be showcasing Africa’s interconnectivity and rich cultural corridor, with stop overs in local communities to spotlight hidden destinations and engage with tourism stakeholders.

The project will position Africa as a unified travel destination for both Africans and the global community, it’s not just going to cover distance and it will build bridges across cultures, promoting Africa’s diverse beauty while inspiring a new narrative of African-led tourism development.

‘Currently in Congo, heading towards Uganda, with strong interest from local media, hospitality businesses, and youth groups, i have been widely received as ‘Tourism Peace Envoy’ with calls for collaboration across borders.

‘We are creating a documented travel route from West to East Africa, demonstrating that Intra-African tourism beyond mainstream destinations is possible, but more importantly, that peaceful cross-border relations and partnerships are possible without walls,’ he said.

Futurex, a global leader in enterprise-grade data encryption solutions, has partnered with Spire Solutions, the Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) cybersecurity and value-added distributor, to deliver cutting-edge encryption and key management solutions tailored for the region’s banking and telecommunications sectors.

This collaboration aims to address the escalating demand for secure, scalable, and compliance-driven cybersecurity solutions in two of the region’s most critical industries. The partnership leverages Futurex’s advanced CryptoHub platform, a unified data protection solution that surpasses traditional Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) by offering cloud-ready, high-performance encryption and key management.

Combined with Spire Solutions’ deep regional expertise and extensive network, the tie-up is poised to empower banks and telecom operators to meet stringent compliance requirements, accelerate cloud adoption, and safeguard sensitive data against rising cyber threats.

The Middle East’s cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $16.75 billion in 2025 to $26.04 billion by 2030, fueled by rapid digital transformation in banking and telecom, alongside regional initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National Cybersecurity Strategy. These sectors face unique challenges, including compliance with frameworks such as Saudi Arabia’s SAMA Cybersecurity Framework and the UAE’s NESA guidelines, as well as the Kingdom’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL).

Additionally, the rise of FinTech and increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, including nation-state and financial threats, underscore the need for advanced encryption strategies.

Speaking on the new partnership, John Doley, VP sales, Middle East, Futurex said, ‘Futurex has made significant investments in building a local presence, partnerships, and data center availability in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

‘Teaming up with Spire Solutions gives us an added advantage, allowing our world-class encryption and key management solutions to reach Middle Eastern enterprises with the support of local expertise and extensive regional reach. With enterprises demanding faster, more scalable, and compliance-ready security solutions, we help organizations secure their data, accelerate cloud adoption, and thrive in one of the world’s fastest-growing cybersecurity markets.’

Futurex’s unified data protection platform, CryptoHub, is the fastest and most scalable solution in the world, designed to go beyond traditional HSMs. Unlike other industry offerings that cobble together multiple crypto functions via acquisitions, Futurex’s cloud-ready CryptoHub solutions removing complexity and cost while accelerating enterprise cloud adoption and compliance.

By bringing our cloud HSMs into the region, we enable customers to meet strict data sovereignty requirements, boost performance by reducing latency, and while reducing the cost and overhead of owning and maintaining standalone solutions, all while accelerating secure enterprise cloud adoption.

‘Digital transformation in the Middle East is accelerating, and enterprises can’t afford to compromise on security. We are proud of this partnership with Futurex which brings cutting-edge encryption and key management solutions to the region.

‘It not only meets today’s compliance and data sovereignty requirements but also prepares enterprises for future challenges, from post-quantum cryptography to accelerated cloud adoption. Together, we are strengthening the region’s cybersecurity ecosystem, empowering organizations to operate securely, confidently, and at scale while setting a new standard for protecting their valuable data,’ said Syed Quadri, Chief Operating Officer, Spire Solutions.

In today’s technology-driven world, semiconductors are the invisible engines powering everything from smartphones and data centers to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. As the global demand for these microchips skyrockets-expected to reach over $1.2 trillion by 2030-a fierce race is underway among nations to dominate the semiconductor industry, which is a race that Nigeria is now strategically entering.

Nigeria’s emergence as a semiconductor hub is not just a possibility; it’s crucial. The continent’s growing digital economy, expanding tech ecosystem, and youthful population demand homegrown solutions that reduce dependency on foreign imports and supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach $712 billion by 2050 with Nigeria as the largest contributor. Nigeria’s GDP is estimated at $243 billion in 2024, supported by a population exceeding 220 million, with over 60% under the age of 25. By establishing Nigeria as a centre for semiconductor innovation and manufacturing, we can fulfill a continental need and position Africa as a serious player in the global chip economy. We believe Nigeria has the potential to become Africa’s semiconductor hub, placing the country and the continent to compete with global tech powers. This is not just about manufacturing chips; it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem that drives innovation, economic growth, and technological sovereignty across Africa.

Why is this important? Currently, the semiconductor industry is concentrated in a few countries, leaving Africa heavily reliant on imports. Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States account for over 70% of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity. This dependency exposes the continent to supply chain disruptions and inflated costs, limiting access to critical technology. Nigeria, with its vast market, growing tech ecosystem, and young, talented workforce, is uniquely positioned to change this narrative.

Our vision is bold: to develop indigenous semiconductor capabilities that meet local and Africa’s needs while competing on the global stage. We have established at Amal Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, a fabless ecosystem along with our partners; we are pioneering the first assembly, testing and packaging (ATP) of various chips (QFN, QFP, CSP and many more types in the works). We are investing in research and development, talent cultivation, and strategic partnerships to build the first foundry in Africa that will be tailored for Africa’s unique challenges-such as energy efficiency, affordability, and durability in diverse environments.

Establishing Nigeria as a semiconductor hub requires more than technology; it demands collaboration among government, industry, academia, and investors. We are actively engaging policymakers to create an enabling environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, and encourages local manufacturing. At the same time, we are partnering with universities and technical institutions to nurture the next generation of engineers and designers who will drive this industry forward.

The benefits of a thriving semiconductor sector are transformative. Beyond technology, it will diversify Nigeria’s economy, create high-value jobs, strengthen supply chains, and boost exports. More importantly, it will empower Africa to take control of its digital future, reducing dependence on external suppliers and fostering resilience in the face of global uncertainties.

This vision aligns with a broader continental need, it is not just about building a Nigerian semiconductor, it’s about transforming Africa’s largest economy. It’s about sovereign technology and making Nigeria an exporter of technology-from dependent to self-sufficient. As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, the demand for chips will grow exponentially. Nigeria’s leadership in semiconductor innovation can serve as a catalyst for regional collaboration, integrating African markets and building a robust technology ecosystem that uplifts the entire continent.

Our journey reflects this ambition. From pioneering indigenous industrial equipment to advancing semiconductor research, we are committed to positioning Nigeria as a global player in the chip economy. The road ahead is challenging, but the opportunity is immense. With strategic focus, investment, and collaboration, Nigeria can claim its place among the world’s technology leaders.

The race for Silicon Africa is on. Nigeria is ready to lead.

The imbroglio between ARISE TV anchor Rufai Oseni and Works Minister Dave Umahi stemmed from a contentious live interview, which revealed a clash of personalities alongside deeper issues concerning a major infrastructure project.

Rufai Oseni challenged the minister on policy and personal titles. He alleged that the minister reported him to President Bola Tinubu. In response, David Umahi deemed the journalist ‘too small’ to report to the President and told him to ‘keep quiet.’

The dispute arose from Oseni’s persistent questioning about the transparency and details of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, including its cost per kilometre and loan aspects. Umahi responded defensively, dismissing Oseni’s claims and accusing him of lacking the technical expertise to discuss the project.

The Coastal Highway Project was under debate. Rufai questioned Umahi about the project’s costs. Umahi defended the transparency of the project and its variable costs, stating that oversubscription for the loan elements served as proof of sound budgeting.

Next, Rufai referenced ongoing court cases related to property demolitions for the project. He cited demolitions at Winhomes, a project by Nigerian diasporans. The minister clarified that some cases were dismissed, questioned Winhomes’ legitimacy, and emphasised the importance of protecting diaspora investments.

Oseni challenged Umahi’s self-proclaimed ‘professor in engineering’ title. However, Umahi clarified it was a professorship earned through practical experience, not academia.

Deeper Issues: The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The personal clash during the interview overshadowed the substantive policy issues related to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which were the intended topic of discussion.

Key points of the conflict

Emotional tensions escalated with dismissive and belittling remarks from Umahi, such as ‘You are too small’ and ‘You don’t understand anything.’

Oseni maintained a call for accountability despite the tension, emphasising the role of a free and courageous press.

Cost and Transparency: Oseni’s line of questioning addressed public concerns regarding the project’s cost. In his defence, Umahi argued that no two sections of a road project cost the same per kilometre and stated that the loan component for the project was oversubscribed by international banks, which he cited as validation of the project’s cost-effectiveness.

Property Demolitions and the Winhomes Dispute: The minister addressed the legal disputes surrounding the Winhomes development, questioning the legality of the land sale and the status of the so-called ‘diaspora investors’. He acknowledged ongoing court cases but stated that no court injunction had halted the project’s progress. Umahi emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting legitimate investments, saying the administration would not let the Winhomes issue ‘damage the Tinubu administration’s relations with diaspora investors’.

A Divided Public Reaction

The incident sparked significant debate on social media, with public opinion divided.

Some viewers criticised Umahi for what they perceived as an undignified and arrogant outburst, revealing the character of public officials.

Others blamed Oseni, claiming his interviewing style was disrespectful and counterproductive, hindering a meaningful discussion on a vital topic.

Another segment of commentators criticised both parties, feeling that the unprofessional exchange diverted attention from critical issues of public accountability.

Opinion: Oseni versus Umahi

The interview session between Oseni, the controversial Arise TV anchor, and the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has taken place, but the fallout persists. As expected, the interview was poor, as neither Oseni nor Umahi showed enough respect to each other.

Oseni is fiery, passionate, and self-opinionated, which isn’t quite a bad trait for a journalist hosting a morning show. Umahi is arrogant, petty, and delusional, which harms his role as a public officer.Both sides need to adjust. Oseni should realise that a journalist’s role is not to label someone as a fraud or a criminal, but to reveal if the person is untruthful, dishonest, or unqualified. He does this subtly by asking tough, sometimes misleading, questions. Oseni should balance passion with wisdom.

Minister Umahi needs a reminder that he is no longer the Governor of Ebonyi; he should not believe everything is within his control. No, sir. Nothing is under your authority now. You are a public servant. A minister has no inherent importance. A minister is an aide to someone the people elected (setting aside the specifics of the 2023 election for now), and that person is expected to be responsive and accountable. So, when you next appear at a public forum, present your best points, try to smile even when heckled, and trust that your look and body language convey a clear message.

Yes, sir, you are a big man. But you are still a public servant. And you are no longer a Governor, a Governor of a state you bestrode like a colossus.

Readers, you already know I am biased in this piece. I am prejudiced against official pomposity. I rejoice at a bit of deflation, even if it comes through a wave of unprofessionalism.

-Dr Sam Amadi

Spencer Umoren

Rufai is crude, rude, unprofessional and uncouth. Shameful

Guests can be whatever they want; the anchor needs to maintain decorum, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

Only barely educated and ignorant folks will say anything positive about Rufai’s conduct

Meanwhile, tell the self-obsessed little man, we have Alternative Phrases to his childish, overused ’empirical fact’. Just disgusting

1. Observed fact

2. Measured fact

3. Experimental fact.

4. Data-driven fact.

5. Evidence-based fact

OVERHEARD

Suppose the cost per kilometre is a challenging question. How, then, did they arrive at the total cost of the project, which served as the basis for Federal Executive Council approval?

Northwest Nigeria: Security, Humanitarian, Economic Crisis

The Northwest region of Nigeria is currently facing a complex and severe crisis, dominated by widespread violence from armed groups, a severe humanitarian situation, and significant economic challenges.

Principal actors are bandits and other armed groups. Their primary motivation is criminality and profit, including ransom, cattle rustling, and control of mineral resources. Often, these issues are driven by historical grievances and disputes over resources.

The common tactics and impact include mass kidnappings (e.g., hundreds of schoolchildren), violent raids on villages, and mass killings. An estimated 30,000 bandits operate in the region.

Then there are Jihadist factions. They are primarily motivated by ideological insurgency, aiming to impose Islamic law. They deploy targeted attacks on military, communities, and infrastructure. ISWAP was the most prolific Islamic State affiliate globally by mid-2025.

There is a convergence between bandits and jihadists. They form transactional alliances where jihadists provide training and ideology in exchange for bandits’ safe passage and access to resources. This blurs the line between crime and insurgency, enhances operational capabilities, and broadens extremist influence. The designated terrorist group Lakurawa is an example.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

The relentless violence has had a devastating impact on the population of Northwest Nigeria.

Mass Displacement and Casualties: By April 2024, over 1.3 million people were internally displaced in the North-central and Northwest regions due to violence. In the first half of 2025 alone, insurgent and bandit violence killed at least 2,266 people, a figure that surpassed the total for all of 2024.

Targeted Attacks on Education: Attacks on schools and mass kidnappings of students are frequent. In March 2024, nearly 400 people were reportedly kidnapped in Kaduna State, including 287 schoolchildren.

Crippled Essential Services: The insecurity severely disrupts basic services, such as healthcare. Volunteer vaccinators in Zamfara State risk their lives to reach children, navigating bandit attacks and flooded terrain to administer polio vaccines.

Economic Context and Challenges

The security crisis is set against a backdrop of significant economic hardship.

Deepening Poverty: Nationwide, Nigeria faces its worst cost-of-living crisis in 30 years. Soaring inflation, especially for food, is pushing millions further into poverty.

Resource-Fuelled Conflict: The violence is partly financed by the region’s abundant mineral resources (gold, copper, lithium), which armed groups exploit to fund their operations. While the federal government is implementing macroeconomic reforms, these improvements have yet to result in better living standards for most Nigerians.

The situation in Northwest Nigeria remains fluid and highly dangerous, characterised by a volatile mix of criminality, ideological insurgency, and deep-seated socio-economic problems.

In a move to contribute to sports development among the youth in Nigeria, over 8,000 students from secondary schools across Ondo State would be participating in an inter-school football competition, organised by Johnvents Foods Limited.

The agribusiness company, which has some of its factories in Ondo State, including Ile-Oluji Cocoa Processing Industry, launched the competition on Thursday at the Akungba Business School, Akure, Ondo State capital.

Tagged ‘Johnvents Apex League,’ the inter-school competition, according to the Managing Director of Johnvents Foods Limited, Mr. Ademola Aramide-Atolagbe, was designed to help young people in schools discover their potentials, build teamwork, and develop leadership skills through sports.

He explained that the football league would run for six months, attracting over 8,000 students of secondary schools.

Aramide-Atolagbe said: ‘The six-month tournament will bring together 16 secondary schools from across Ondo State, engaging more than 8,000 students through mentorship and sports-based learning.

‘The initiative builds on the company’s vision to use sports as a platform for youth empowerment, education, and community development, an extension of its brand philosophy, ‘Creating Unforgettable Food Moments.’

‘Our mission at Johnvents has always been to nourish lives and invest in the future of our communities.

‘Sports provide a unique opportunity to do both: shaping the minds, discipline, and character of young people who will lead tomorrow. ‘For us, Creating Unforgettable Food Moments goes beyond products; it’s about creating real impact that lasts.’

The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, who was present at the launch, commended Johnvents Foods Limited for the initiative.

He described the competition as a timely contribution to youth development and education in Ondo State.

Ajibefun emphasised that education goes beyond classroom learning, highlighting the importance of sports in building discipline, teamwork, and character among students.

He said: ‘Education goes beyond the classroom. What Johnvents Foods is doing connects learning, discipline, and passion in a way that develops well-rounded students.

‘By investing in these young minds, Johnvents is helping to raise future leaders who can excel both academically and personally.’

Moreover, the Managing Director of Johnvents Foods Limited explained that ‘As part of its commitment, Johnvents Foods will provide participating schools with sports kits, materials, and nutritional support to ensure that every stage of the competition benefits students both on and off the field.

‘The Johnvents Apex League is powered by Johnvents 3 in 1 Chocolate, the company’s flagship beverage brand known for its promise of ‘Instant Goodness.’