Category: Business Day

Henry Temidayo Bolawale, the North-Central Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office, has accused the suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the State Commissioner for Mineral Resources of allegedly conducting unauthorised operations at mining sites, including arresting miners and seizing minerals.

Bolawale made the allegations while testifying before the nine-member Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Mohammed Mohammed, investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

He told the Commission that Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, had directed the withdrawal of the NSCDC Mining Marshal from enforcement operations at mining sites nationwide, but alleged that the directive was being disregarded in Niger State.

According to him, Alake had repeatedly directed Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the NSCDC Commandant-General, to withdraw the Mining Marshal from such operations, maintaining that the unit was authorised to operate only under the supervision of the corps’ national headquarters.

Bolawale further explained that upon assuming duty in Niger State, he paid courtesy visits to security agencies, including the state command of the NSCDC, to seek their cooperation in tackling illegal mining and sanitising mining activities.

He, however, alleged that the suspended state commandant and the head of the mining marshal in the state failed to cooperate with his office and continued to conduct operations at mining sites without notifying him.

The coordinator added that he also visited Mohammed Qasim Danjuuma, the State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, to seek the Ministry’s support in regulating mining activities and curbing illegal operations.

He accused the commissioner and the mining marshal of arresting miners and seizing gold and other mineral resources without accounting for the recovered materials to the appropriate authorities.

Bolawale cited the arrest of a Chinese national, whom he said held a valid mining licence, as an example of what he described as unlawful enforcement.

He alleged that officials under the commissioner seized minerals extracted by the Chinese national, adding that the incident subsequently prompted contact from the Minister’s Office in Abuja.

‘I met the commissioner to inform him that the arrest of the Chinese national was illegal, but he refused to listen,’ Bolawale told the Commission.

He further alleged that the commissioner continued to collaborate with the Mining Marshal despite being aware of the regulatory responsibilities of the Mining Cadastral Office.

According to the witness, the alleged operations were conducted at mining locations, including M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto, without the involvement or notification of his Office.

Bolawale described the situation as disturbing, stressing that the Mining Cadastral Office was responsible for regulating mineral titles and related activities within its jurisdiction.

He said his office had received several complaints about the activities of the NSCDC Mining Marshal at mining sites, insisting that the operations were unauthorised under the ministerial directive he cited.

The coordinator further told the commission that, under the arrangement he described, the Mining Marshal was permitted to operate through the NSCDC national headquarters under the supervision of its head, Assistant Commandant-General Onoja.

The allegations are expected to form part of the issues the Commission will consider as it examines the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody and the conduct of mining enforcement operations in Niger State.

The Enugu State House of Assembly has endorsed the establishment of state police, saying the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system would strengthen security and improve the protection of lives and property.

The lawmakers expressed their positions on the proposed constitutional amendment to establish the State Police Service and introduce related changes to the country’s policing structure during plenary held on November 20, 2026

Supporting the proposal, Chima Obieze, member representing Ezeagu Constituency, said that state police would bring security operations closer to the people and make policing more effective.

According to him, the establishment of state police would decentralise the country’s policing architecture and enhance the protection of lives and property across the state.

Similarly, Okey Mbah, member representing Nkanu East Constituency, said the proposed arrangement could help address persistent security challenges, including violence and attacks attributed to herders in different parts of Enugu State.

Mbah argued that allowing states to manage their policing systems would improve responses to security threats and strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

He further said that state police would help curtail recurring violence and attacks by herders in various parts of the state.

However, Harrison Ogara, member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, cautioned that the proposed system could be vulnerable to abuse by political officeholders without adequate safeguards.

Ogara warned that state police formations could be deployed to intimidate political opponents, stressing the need for effective oversight, accountability and professional standards to protect the institution from political interference.

He also called for transparent accountability mechanisms and sustainable funding arrangements to ensure that state police personnel perform their duties in the public interest.

The lawmaker maintained that strong institutional safeguards would be necessary to prevent the proposed security structure from becoming an instrument of political control.

Uche Ugwu, speaker of the House, also commented on the proposed changes to the country’s policing institutions, suggesting that the reorganisation could influence the orientation and attitudes of personnel.

The proposed constitutional amendment includes changing the name of the Nigeria Police Force to the Federal Police Service and establishing a State Police Service.

The debate comes amid growing calls for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture to enable subnational governments to respond more effectively to security threats within their jurisdictions.

Proponents of state police argue that the arrangement would enhance local intelligence gathering, improve response times and strengthen community-based security operations.

However, concerns remain over the potential for political interference, inadequate funding and the need for robust accountability mechanisms to ensure that state police formations operate professionally and independently.

The proposed amendment seeks to address the question of how policing powers should be distributed between the federal and state governments, with its eventual implementation dependent on the constitutional amendment process.

Sustainable Impact Development (SID) Initiative, together with its Gender Equality Fund (GEF) Champions, engaged the Adolescent and Youth Health Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health during an advocacy visit held on 17 September 2026 at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos state.

The visit gave the SID team an opportunity to share progress, impact, and highlight the experiences and contributions of the Adolescent girls and Young Women (AGYW) involved in the GEF Project.

During the meeting, the GEF Champions shared their experiences from recent advocacy activities, which include social media campaigns and radio sessions addressing HIV, tuberculosis, malaria (HTM) and sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

Through these engagements, the Champions have used their voices and lived experiences to communicate relevant health information and raise awareness among young people and wider community audiences.

The SID team also highlighted the ongoing development of a youth-led Communication Toolkit in collaboration with the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA).

The toolkit is being developed to strengthen health communication and support more effective, gender-responsive messaging around HTM and public health issues in the state.

Ayeni O.O., the Head, Gender Adolescent and School Health received the team and engaged with the Champions as they presented their experiences and the various activities undertaken under the GEF Project.

She also expressed the unit’s commitment to continued collaboration with SID and committed to reviewing the draft Communication Toolkit and providing technical feedback to strengthen its content and alignment with state health communication priorities.

Beyond strengthening engagement with the Ministry, the visit gave the GEF Champions practical institutional advocacy experience, particularly in communicating their work to government stakeholders and contributing to conversations on adolescent and young people’s health.

The GEF Project continues to support young women to take active roles in advocacy and health decision-making.

Through capacity building, community engagement, and strategic advocacy, the project equips young women with the knowledge and tools to identify and address structural barriers affecting their health and wellbeing.

The Gender Equality Fund Project is implemented by SID Initiative with support from Y+ Global.

Sustainable Impact Development (SID) Initiative is a youth-focused non-governmental organization committed to empowering young people, advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), promoting gender equality, and fostering sustainable community development through advocacy, capacity building, and youth-led solutions.

The Edo State Government has stepped up pressure on the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to resolve their lingering labour dispute and restore normal electricity supply, as the blackout threatens businesses, healthcare facilities and other essential services across the state.

Paul Usenbo, Edo State Commissioner for Power, made the appeal at a press conference in Benin City, urging both parties to put the public interest first and reach a peaceful settlement over disagreements bordering on staff welfare, salary harmonisation, consequential adjustments, promotions, personal protective equipment and overtime payments.

Usenbo said the prolonged industrial dispute was affecting electricity consumers and could further undermine economic activities if the parties failed to reach an agreement, stressing that businesses, hospitals and other essential service providers should not bear the brunt of the disagreement.

He disclosed that the dispute featured at a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, where the parties agreed on the immediate restoration of overtime payments and gave BEDC management three weeks to address other outstanding issues in consultation with the unions.

However, the planned suspension of the industrial action did not extend to Edo State, pending the resolution of issues specific to the state, leaving residents and businesses exposed to continued disruption while further negotiations are pursued.

The commissioner acknowledged the importance of electricity workers to the effective functioning of the power sector, saying their welfare, safety and professional development were essential to industrial harmony and the delivery of reliable electricity services.

He said the state government remained concerned about the impact of the dispute on residents, businesses and the wider economy, adding that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was committed to protecting electricity consumers, promoting investment and improving power supply across the state.

Usenbo assured residents that the government would continue to engage BEDC management, labour unions and relevant authorities to facilitate an amicable settlement that addresses workers’ grievances without prolonging the disruption to electricity supply.

He urged both parties to sustain dialogue, exercise restraint, and demonstrate a commitment to resolving their differences, warning against allowing the dispute to further disrupt economic activities and essential services across Edo State.

Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of nepotism and poor fiscal management, saying Nigeria needs a change in leadership to address its economic, security and governance challenges.

Makinde, who spoke at the APM South-West town hall meeting on Thursday, also criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s failure to provide clarity on budget implementation, contrasting it with his record in Oyo State, where he said budget performance had risen from between 28 and 30 per cent to more than 70 percent under his administration.

He said, ‘This is happening under an administration whose budget for Nigeria we cannot even identify. Is it the 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 budget? Yet, they are presenting the UN budget and saying, ‘Look, this is the UN budget.”

The governor said Oyo State had sustained a January-to-December budget cycle for more than seven years, with budgets usually presented between November and December, passed in early December and implemented from January 1.

‘This is not a one-year achievement. It is something we have sustained year after year,’ he said.

Makinde, who is seeking the presidency in 2027, also rejected the argument that the South-West should not produce another presidential candidate because Tinubu, who is from the region, currently occupies the office.

He cited the 1999 presidential election, when Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae, both from the South-West, contested the presidency.

‘In 1999, when the entire country ceded the presidency to the South-West, we had two of our fathers, Baba President Olusegun Obasanjo and Baba Olu Falae, contesting for the presidency. Both were from the South-West, and heaven did not fall,’ he said.

According to him, the region should allow Nigerians to choose among candidates rather than treat the presidency as the exclusive preserve of a particular zone.

He said, ‘We do not want turn-by-turn nepotism. We also do not want a situation where someone says, ‘I will execute projects in my zone because it is my turn.’

‘The projects will remain unfinished, and when it is someone else’s turn, they will do the same thing. Those projects will also remain unfinished. Ultimately, we will end up with a Nigeria that cannot derive value from its resources.’

The APM candidate said his Reset Nigeria agenda was designed to address insecurity, improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and create a political environment in which opposition parties could operate without interference.

On the economy, Makinde argued that the country needed to move away from dependence on federal allocations by expanding productive activities and creating alternative sources of revenue.

He said, ‘I mentioned the other day that the Federal Government has been spending the dividends from NLNG alone. They should remit whatever is due to the states and local governments. I am still repeating this, please. The reconciliation has been done.’

He added that his administration would prioritise productivity and prosperity rather than impose taxes on people already struggling economically.

‘When they are productive, they become prosperous. When they become prosperous, tax their prosperity. Do not tax poverty.

‘Therefore, the Reset Nigeria agenda is about taxing prosperity, not poverty,’ he said.

On democracy, Makinde questioned why a governing party with 31 governors and control of federal institutions would, in his view, seek to weaken opposition parties.

‘I do not understand how a party in power, with 31 governors and almost all the instruments of coercion at its disposal, can still be afraid of the opposition. It will not allow the opposition to thrive,’ he said.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure a more open political environment, adding, ‘There is no democracy in a one-party system.’

Makinde also said his administration would seek to reform Nigeria’s security architecture to allow economic activities to continue beyond the early evening hours.

He argued that improved security would help expand economic opportunities and address the concerns of young people and women.

The governor called on Nigerians, particularly those in the South-West, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support his presidential ambition.

He also said the APM would constitute a transitional government of national unity to reposition the country.

Bala Mohammed, the party’s national leader and Bauchi State Governor, defended Makinde’s candidacy, describing him as a tested politician with experience in managing a large state.

Mohammed said the party’s decision to present Makinde

‘He understands Nigeria’s problems, particularly in infrastructure and public services. He has demonstrated his capacity to deliver by reducing infrastructure gaps at the sub-national level in one of the largest states in the federation,’ he said.

Mohammed also described the APM as a growing opposition platform, saying it had two governors and a vision it intended to present to Nigerians.

He urged party members and supporters not to be intimidated by the challenges of opposition politics.

‘We are not afraid as opposition figures. He and I have always been in the opposition. We are not afraid of anybody, and you should not be afraid of anybody either,’ he said.

The party’s vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura, said the proposed administration would focus on easing Nigerians’ difficulties rather than introducing policies that would deepen their hardship.

Daura said the campaign was serious about its commitment to national renewal, warning party members against what he described as attempts by detractors to infiltrate their ranks and cause distractions.

He said the campaign had visited four other geopolitical zones before the South-West, which he described as the fifth, and claimed the turnout at the meeting indicated growing support for Makinde.

Daura added that the proposed administration would begin work immediately after its inauguration if elected.

‘After May 29, 2027, we will hit the ground running. We will not introduce more hardship, frighten the people or leave them confused. Instead, we will work to reduce their pain, alleviate their suffering and make them feel once again that they are truly citizens of Nigeria,’ he said.

Earlier, Yusuf Dantelle, the APM National Chairman, , called for a change in the country’s political and economic direction, citing the cost of petroleum products, insecurity and concerns about electoral processes.

Dantelle questioned the effectiveness of measures such as mandatory SIM registration in tackling insecurity, arguing that kidnappings and attacks on public officials had continued despite such interventions.

‘We have a National Assembly that does not appear to represent the people,’ he said.

Dantelle called on Nigerians to support the APM, arguing that the country’s challenges required a collective effort beyond religious, ethnic and party affiliations.

‘It is not about the religion we practise. It is not about our language. It is not about our political party. Parties will come and go, but Nigeria will remain,’ he said.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced a nationwide training programme for 10,000 officers on election security management ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, warned personnel against political bias, misconduct and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

The five-day training programme, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), was formally declared open on Thursday in Abuja.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of police personnel to manage security challenges associated with elections, including crowd control, conflict prevention, intelligence gathering, protection of human rights and lawful responses to electoral incidents.

It also seeks to equip officers with the skills required to maintain public order, protect electoral stakeholders and prevent violence before, during and after the 2027 elections. 28

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Disu stressed that the credibility of elections depended partly on the ability of security agencies to provide a safe environment in which voters could exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation, harassment or interference.

He charged officers to uphold neutrality, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities, warning that the police must not be seen as an instrument for advancing the political interests of any party or candidate.

According to him, officers deployed for election duties must be impartial in their dealings with political parties, candidates, supporters and members of the public, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The Inspector-General emphasised that the primary responsibility of the police during elections was to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders, as well as safeguard the electoral process against criminal interference.

He warned that any officer found compromising the neutrality of the Force or engaging in conduct capable of undermining public confidence would be held accountable.

Disu also directed police commands to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning and coordination with other security agencies to identify and address potential threats before they escalate into violence.

He noted that effective election security required adequate preparation, particularly in areas facing terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and communal violence, where existing security challenges could complicate the conduct of elections.

The training is expected to establish common operational standards among participating officers and improve their capacity to respond professionally to different security situations that may arise throughout the electoral cycle.

The first phase of the programme covers officers drawn from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with sessions taking place at designated training centres.

The phased arrangement is intended to ensure that personnel receive consistent instruction ahead of their deployment for election-related duties nationwide. The programme also covers rules of engagement and human rights protection, reflecting the need for security personnel to operate within the law while responding to electoral offences and public disturbances.

Disu warned against political violence, voter intimidation, ballot-box snatching, vote-buying and other electoral offences, stressing that those involved would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He urged officers to remain alert to attempts by political actors and their supporters to disrupt the electoral process, while ensuring that enforcement actions were guided by the law rather than personal interests or political considerations.

The police chief also highlighted accountability as a critical component of election security, announcing plans to establish a dedicated 24-hour complaints line through which members of the public could report misconduct by officers deployed for election duties.

The proposed channel would provide members of the public with an avenue to raise concerns about police conduct during the elections and strengthen oversight of personnel operating in politically sensitive environments.

The initiative comes as preparations for the 2027 General Elections require security agencies to develop operational strategies for managing political campaigns, rallies, voting, collation of results and other activities that could generate tension among competing political interests.

Disu further called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and refrain from actions capable of provoking violence or threatening public safety.

He urged political actors to respect the law and allow electoral activities to proceed without intimidation, noting the importance of cooperation among political stakeholders and security agencies in maintaining a peaceful electoral environment.

The Inspector-General also appealed to the media and civil society organisations to verify information before disseminating it, warning against the circulation of unverified reports that could heighten tension or trigger violence during the electoral process.

He said responsible information sharing was important to preventing misinformation and sustaining public confidence, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.

Mohammed Sheidu, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting police preparedness through training, operational equipment and mobility.

Sheidu said the collaboration was designed to produce disciplined, impartial and responsive police officers capable of managing the security demands associated with elections.

He underscored the importance of equipping personnel with the appropriate skills and operational support required to discharge their responsibilities effectively, particularly during major national exercises such as general elections.

The Nigeria Police Trust Fund has been working with the Force to strengthen its capacity through interventions intended to improve personnel development and operational readiness.

The police have reiterated their commitment to protecting the electoral process and ensuring that officers perform their duties professionally, without fear or favour, throughout the 2027 General Elections.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining a foothold in Nigerian classrooms as Airtel Africa, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the federal government expand access to digital learning, connecting nearly 2,000 schools and reaching about one million students across the country.

During visits to Government Senior College, Agege, and St George’s U.N.A. Primary School in Lagos, a joint delegation from Airtel Africa and UNICEF observed students and teachers using digital learning tools, including AI, to support classroom activities.

The visits, which also included youth programmes at Yaba College of Technology, highlighted efforts to extend digital education beyond traditional classroom learning to employability, entrepreneurship and access to livelihood opportunities.

The partnership has connected nearly 2,000 schools, reached about one million students and more than 20,000 teachers, while over 19,000 teachers have received digital literacy training.

The expansion comes as Nigeria seeks to improve education access and equip young people with digital skills, although reliable connectivity, teacher capacity, access to quality content and sustainable funding remain priorities for the programme.

Garreth Spillane, chief of staff to the chairman of Airtel Africa, who led the company’s delegation, said connectivity creates opportunities when it enables students to access quality digital learning and helps teachers use digital tools effectively.

‘Working with UNICEF and governments, we will continue to connect schools, remove data-cost barriers through zero-rated learning platforms and support teachers across the continent,’ Spillane said.

A central component of the initiative is the zero-rating of selected education platforms, allowing users to access them without incurring mobile data charges. These include the Nigeria Learning Passport, the Federal Ministry of Education’s Inspire and Ignite platforms, the Digital National Education Management Information System and the Youth Agency Marketplace, also known as YOMA.

The Nigeria Learning Passport alone has more than 2.5 million registered students and nearly 100,000 registered teachers, according to the partners.

The zero-rating arrangement is designed to reduce the cost of accessing digital education, particularly for learners and schools that face financial barriers to internet use. However, free access to selected platforms does not by itself resolve challenges involving devices, electricity, network reliability and the ability of teachers to integrate digital tools into lessons.

Rownak Khan, UNICEF deputy representative in Nigeria, said access to free digital learning could help bridge the digital divide while connecting children and young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to shape their futures.

She said the partnership was supporting teachers and creating pathways from learning to earning, adding that girls, children with disabilities and learners in underserved communities must be among the first to benefit.

In Abuja, the delegation met officials from the Office of the Vice President and the Federal Ministry of Education to discuss priorities for improving digital learning outcomes. These included reliable connectivity, quality educational content, teacher training, inclusive design, stronger data systems, child online safety and sustainable financing.

Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, minister of State for Education, said transforming education required partnerships aligned with government priorities and learners’ needs.

She emphasised the need to strengthen teachers’ capacity, expand access to quality digital content, protect children online and ensure that digital learning reaches children regardless of where they live.

The emphasis on teacher training and child protection is particularly important as schools introduce more digital tools, including AI. Effective use of such technologies requires teachers to understand how they work, assess the accuracy of their outputs and ensure that their use supports learning objectives and protects pupils.

The Nigerian programme forms part of a five-year Airtel Africa-UNICEF partnership operating across 13 African countries. The initiative has connected more than 3,000 schools, zero-rated over 60 learning platforms and reached more than 2.5 million children across the continent.

While the programme is expanding access to digital learning, its longer-term impact will depend on whether connectivity and digital tools translate into measurable improvements in teaching, learning outcomes and employment opportunities for young people.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has called for deliberate and sustained investment in human capital development as a critical requirement for unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and accelerating the growth of locally produced goods and services.

The Institute made the call at its second-half edition of the 2026 Advocacy Roundtable themed, ‘Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Critical Role of Human Capital in Driving ‘Made in Nigeria’ Growth.’

Speaking at the event, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, FCIPM, fnli, said Nigeria’s economic challenge is not a lack of natural resources or talent, but the nation’s inability to adequately develop and harness its human capital.

Drawing a comparison between Nigeria and Singapore, Mallam Gobir noted that while Nigeria is richly endowed with oil, gas, minerals, fertile land, and a youthful population, countries with fewer natural advantages have recorded significantly stronger economic outcomes by prioritising investments in people, skills, institutions, and enterprise.

‘Before we insist on what is Made in Nigeria, are we investing sufficiently in those who must make it?’ Mallam Gobir asked. ‘We cannot build a world-class economy with an underdeveloped workforce. Neither can we aspire to global competitiveness while treating human capital development as an afterthought,’ he added.

The CIPM President stressed that the future of Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda would be determined not merely by available resources but by the capabilities, productivity, and skills of the nation’s workforce.

He called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, academia, and professional institutions to bridge critical skills gaps, improve workforce productivity, and position indigenous enterprises for sustainable growth.

Representing the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chris Osa Isokpunwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said developing the right workforce capabilities remains central to achieving Nigeria’s ambition of reducing dependence on imported goods and strengthening local production.

According to him, the government is working to align skills development with the needs of manufacturers and key sectors of the economy, while also promoting investments in small and medium-sized enterprises through institutions such as the Industrial Training Fund and the Bank of Industry.

‘We need to develop the skills of our workforce to produce what we need. We must focus on agricultural processing, digital skills, and technical competencies that meet local demand and support manufacturing growth,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, Patrick Ajah,vthe MD/CEO of May and Baker Nigeria Plc, advocated stronger collaboration between industry and educational institutions to address the country’s skills deficit and improve workforce readiness.

He urged policymakers to ensure educational curricula are aligned with industry needs and called for increased exposure of students and lecturers to practical workplace experiences.

‘Large organisations must begin to partner with educational institutions because they have the facilities and equipment required to give students practical exposure and industry-relevant skills,’ he stated.

Ajah also stressed the importance of employee welfare, competitive remuneration, succession planning, and continuous workforce development in building sustainable organisations and boosting productivity.

On her part, Folake Oyemade, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sam and Sara Ventures Limited, said Nigerians have consistently demonstrated resilience, creativity, and enterprise whenever the right opportunities are provided.

She argued that the success of the Made-in-Nigeria campaign would largely depend on the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.

‘Nigerians will always gravitate towards Nigerian-made products once the quality is right and the products are competitively priced,’ she said.

Also contributing to the discussion, Ayuba Gadzama, General Manager HR and General Services, BUA Foods Plc, representing Dotun Adako, called for greater investment in technology, entrepreneurship, and workforce reskilling, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure Nigerian businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

He also advocated sustained public awareness campaigns and stronger collaboration among employers, educational institutions, and government to build consumer confidence in locally manufactured products.

The roundtable concluded with a strong consensus that Nigeria’s ambition to build a globally competitive Made-in-Nigeria economy will depend less on the resources beneath the ground and more on the knowledge, skills, productivity, and innovation of its people.

As stakeholders chart a path towards industrial growth and economic transformation, participants agreed that investing in human capital is no longer a policy option but a national imperative.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, on Wednesday, presented a proposed N987.8 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, christening it the ‘Budget of Consolidatation and Renewed Hope:’ and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable development, fiscal discipline and inclusive economic growth.

Presenting the estimates in Calabar, Cross River State Capital, Governor Otu described the budget as more than an aggregation of figures, characterising it as ‘a solemn and sacred pact laden with the trust, expectation and aspiration of the people for their improved livelihoods.’

He said its successful implementation would depend on prudent resource management, accountability and disciplined public expenditure, underscoring his administration’s determination to translate its social contract with the people into tangible improvements in their living conditions.

The proposed budget, valued at precisely N987,808,089,235.92, represents an increase of approximately 2.57% over the 2026 budget. Capital expenditure accounts for N708.43 billion, representing 71.72% of the total provision, while recurrent expenditure stands at N279.38 billion, or 28.28%. The substantial capital allocation, according to the governor, reflects the government’s determination to prioritise infrastructure, human capital development and productive investments capable of stimulating economic activity.

Governor Otu explained that the 2027-2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper provided the foundation for the estimates, adding that the budget would sustain ongoing programmes while opening new pathways for investment, employment creation and improved public services. ‘The imperative of this exercise underscores our collective resolve to chart a sustainable course for the growth and development of our dear State,’ he declared.

Addressing concerns surrounding the State’s debt profile, the governor maintained that his administration had refrained from obtaining fresh domestic and external loans since assuming office in 2023. Citing verifiable indices from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Debt Management Office, he said Cross River remained among the few states that had not contracted new loans during the period.

He attributed the State’s existing debt burden to obligations inherited from previous administrations, explaining that debt servicing had constrained the pace at which available resources could be deployed to development projects.

He further clarified that the naira value of external debt had been affected by currency devaluation and foreign-exchange liberalisation. ‘I cannot, and will never mortgage the future of our children with unsustainable loans,’ Otu declared, pledging to strengthen internally generated revenue, maximise federal allocations and attract development assistance and private-sector investment to finance the state’s development priorities.

Reviewing the performance of the 2026 budget, the governor acknowledged the pressures of exchange-rate volatility, rising operational costs, supply-chain disruptions and inherited debt obligations.

He disclosed that the administration had collaborated with the legislature to enact a supplementary budget, raising the spending framework to N963.07 billion to accommodate urgent interventions and counterpart-funding requirements. Among the achievements highlighted was the delivery of more than 608 kilometres of interconnected road projects across the three senatorial districts, including the Nsan-Oban Road in Akamkpa, the Adiabo-Ikoneto Road in Odukpani and the Yahe-Ebo-Wanakade Road in Yala.

The National Chairman of Kungiyar Hausa Nigeria, popularly known as Hausa Zallah, Abdullahi Abdullahi, has congratulated Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim following his court victory and the inclusion of his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) candidate platform as the Accord Party’s Presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The development adds to the growing public attention surrounding Hashim’s Presidential ambition, particularly amid increased online advocacy for his candidacy among Hausa-speaking activists.

In a congratulatory message shared on social media, Abdullahi described Hashim’s legal victory as more than a personal milestone, highlighting its significance for Nigeria’s democratic journey and reaffirming the importance of the rule of law.

‘I warmly congratulate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim on this significant court victory affirming his candidacy as the Presidential candidate of the Accord Party for the 2027Presidential election,’ Abdullahi stated.

He commended Hashim for remaining steadfast throughout the legal process and expressing confidence in the country’s judicial institutions. He also expressed hope that the victory would usher in a new chapter of unity, responsibility and constructive service to Nigeria.

The chairman’s message comes as political parties and prospective candidates position themselves ahead of the2027 Presidential election. Hashim’s reported appearance on INEC’s candidate platform following the court ruling has added another dimension to public discussion of his candidacy and Accord’s potential role in the forthcoming contest.

In a related development, Hausa Zallah leaders visited Hashim in Abuja recently, with the engagement subsequently shared on social media. Several Hausa-speaking activists have also continued to promote his candidacy online, increasing the visibility of his Presidential bid within sections of the Hausa-speaking digital community.

These engagements have drawn attention to the relationship between Hashim and prominent voices within that online community, although the extent of any organised political support remains undetermined.

It is, however, unclear whether Abdullahi’s congratulatory message represents a personal expression of support or an official endorsement by Hausa Zallah as an organisation. His statement did not explicitly announce the movement’s formal adoption of Hashim as its preferred presidential candidate.

It is however, noted that the congratulatory message, coming alongside the reported court victory, INEC listing and previous engagement between the candidate and Hausa Zallah leaders, adds to the political visibility surrounding Hashim’s 2027 presidential ambition.