Category: Business Day

In a strategic bid to tackle the high rate of agricultural equipment downtime and scale up local productivity, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has graduated the pilot cohort of 250 participants under the National Agricultural Mechanisation Service Providers (NAMSP) Training Program.

The 10-day intensive program executed in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, AGCOMS, and key private-sector stakeholders serves as the opening phase of a broader federal initiative aimed at training 4,000 tractor drivers and mechanics nationwide.

The curriculum spanned tractor operation, equipment management, basic troubleshooting, enterprise development, and occupational safety, addressing critical technical capacity gaps that have historically undermined agricultural asset performance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Thursday, Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, represented by Ernest Ihedigbo, Fund’s General Manager, Technical, emphasised that sustainable mechanisation relies on long-term operational viability rather than mere asset acquisition.

Ibrahim said the programme was designed not only to train machinery operators and service providers but also to build the skills, systems and maintenance culture required to sustain agricultural productivity and strengthen Nigeria’s food and nutrition security.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for positioning agriculture as a key driver of food security, economic diversification, job creation and national prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for his leadership in advancing reforms and partnerships aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

According to him, the participants drawn from the six geopolitical zones underwent intensive training in agricultural mechanisation service delivery, machinery and equipment management, occupational safety, enterprise development, sustainable maintenance, environmental conservation and Environmental Sustainability.

‘Beyond technical skills, the programme has strengthened professionalism, enterprise mindset and operational discipline required to sustain an efficient mechanisation ecosystem,’ he said.

The NADF boss said the pilot cohort consisted of 250 trainees, adding that their certification by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) would qualify them for inclusion in a national database of proficient mechanisation service providers being developed by NADF.

He said the database would support long-term public and private-sector investments in agricultural machinery and implements and potentially enable certified service providers to be entrusted with multimillion-naira agricultural assets.

Ibrahim, however, stressed that sustainable mechanisation should not be measured by the number of tractors and other machines acquired but by the ability to keep them operational, productive and economically viable.

He noted that previous investments in agricultural mechanisation had sometimes failed to deliver their full value because of inadequate technical capacity, maintenance systems and accountability.

‘The future of agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria depends not only on acquiring machines, but on sustaining them through technical competence, accountability, and responsible asset and environmental stewardship,’ he said.

He said the NAMSP training was part of NADF’s broader interventions to address constraints across agricultural value chains, alongside the Farm Input Support Programme, which he said supports 109,000 smallholder farmers, and the Grassroots Digital Extension Corps initiative, which has trained 1,884 extension agents and food security specialists nationwide.

He added that NADF was also strengthening agricultural research institutions through investments in modern laboratories, digital extension infrastructure, biotechnology facilities, renewable energy systems, irrigation infrastructure and innovation platforms.

The NADF chief executive urged mechanisation associations and State Agricultural Development Projects to prioritise the recruitment and training of young people and women, particularly against the backdrop of rural-urban migration and the ageing farming population.

He said the graduates represented a new generation of skilled practitioners capable of improving machinery utilisation, reducing downtime, expanding access to mechanisation and protecting public and private investments in agricultural assets.

He called on the graduates to become ambassadors of professionalism, accountability and sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation ecosystem.

‘Let your work increase productivity, expand access to mechanisation, preserve national investments, and accelerate Nigeria’s agricultural prosperity,’ Ibrahim noted.

Also speaking, Abdullahi Mohammed, National President of the Tractor Owners and Hiring Facilities Association of Nigeria (TOHFAN), commended NADF for bringing together 250 participants from different parts of the country for the training.

Mohammed said tractor operators, mechanics and service providers required continuous training to ensure that machines deployed to farms remained productive and sustainable.

He said while machinery vendors and manufacturers often provide initial training, their presence could not be guaranteed in every location where tractors operate.

‘We need much of this training. The service provider wants training, the operator and the mechanic also need this type of training,’ he said.

He appealed for continued collaboration between NADF, machinery manufacturers, vendors and service providers, as well as government support to make agricultural machinery more affordable.

Mohammed also said the training had helped unite tractor operators from different organisations and parts of Nigeria under a common platform.

In his remarks,Hayatu Tambuwal, Director of Training at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), said the ITF was pleased with the outcome of the programme and had monitored the training from its commencement to the closing ceremony.

Tambuwal said the agency’s role was to evaluate the programme and provide certification, adding that its officials observed positive attitudes and evidence that learning had taken place among the participants.

He urged NADF to sustain its partnership with ITF and expand the training to other parts of the country, stressing that such programmes would require adequate funding and resources.

The education standard gap between Nigerian and United Kingdom universities may be reduced in the near future if Nigerian education system can be more practical.

This may help Nigeria attract back fleeing scholars who chase after globally recognised and career-enhancing academic qualifications.

This is as admissions officials in charge of West Africa for Middlesex University in the UK have commended the partnership between Aptech and Middlesex, saying Aptech has been very diligent while both parties have been much committed to the relationship over the years.

Favour Ugbaja, one of the senior admissions officers for Middlesex for West Africa, who spoke in Port Harcourt in the week, urged Nigerian universities to learn from Aptech because in the area of huge input practicality into their mode of teaching.

She spoke to BusinessDay at the end of the 2016 Career Quest by Aptech which featured the pathway from Aptech to Middlesex.

She said: ‘It’s not just the theoretical aspects of learning where Nigerian universities seem to do very well anywhere in the world. Aptech tries to focus on both, and that is actually why they can succeed in the UK. In the UK, education focuses more on the practical side so graduates can demonstrate what they learned with high degree of competence.’

Another important area of improvement in Nigerian universities, she stated, is equipment and modernization. ‘If you go to some of our universities, you would see that most of the facilities are outdated. It’s either they are outdated or they are not even in existence at all. So imagine that you’re learning a course as technical as IT-related programme for instance, and then you’re mainly learning the theoretical part. How would you compete when you graduate, or how do you excel? So first of all, we need to start really with facilities because that is going to aid in the practical aspect of the course.

‘That is why we are really impressed with Aptech and what they are doing and how they’ve kept up with their project and the partnership. Their cross policy and making sure that students stand out in the UK is very impressive.’

She said Nigerian students who passed through Aptech centres do very well in Middlesex, with some of them making First Class.

Ugbaja said Middlesex has had no major challenges but they have a very seamless process. ‘Most issues that students have are largely financial, especially with Nigeria’s foreign exchange volatility.’

The Middlesex official also praised Nigerian officials for fighting hard to get the best education for their children, saying Nigeria makes up 80% of the students going from West Africa to Middlesex (UK) every admission circle.

‘So you can imagine how hard it must be for those parents to put together such sums. There are some that had to wait for over five years after completion at Aptech to gather all the funds just because they want their children to have a better future. They believe that if their children can leave the country, get that global exposure, they can be better career-wise, employment otherwise. So that’s commendable.’

Relevance, Aptech’s success key:

In an interview, Kallol Mukherjee, executive vice president of Aptech and head, International Business, said Aptech has always believed to be relevant. ‘When we see the world changing in terms of the artificial intelligence uncertainty, Aptech has ensured that the future of my Port Harcourt students are in secure hands, and they will be taught the latest, and being future-proof for getting the relevant and desired job.

‘The motto of Aptech has always been employability. The competition that we have is only employability. Nothing else. So we address the competition called employability, my students, my youth are happy.’

On fears over AI, the tech management guru said its half knowledge that is the concern because, according to him, half knowledge is always detrimental. ‘We, at Aptech, we teach you what AI is and why it is not something that you can get scared of and you should get worried about. Computer age scared a lot of people but now, they can’t do without it. We used to think when computer comes, jobs will go, but when computers came, job market increased 10 fold.

‘So AI will not take out jobs. AI will only fine-tune the knowledge of the person. And we are fine-tuning that particular mind and knowledge so that my students are relevant in this AI world.’

He said India is an IT leading country and that India would play a leading role in the future of the IT world. In terms of laws and regulations, he said the way AI is being understood, or rather misunderstood, is being corrected. ‘We are doing everything within the framework of the law. That is why my courses are NYSC-compliant. I am an operating skill player for the last 27 years. So definitely we are with the organization and with the government of Nigeria, supporting their vision and their objective to make Nigeria the superpower.’

He spoke on how universities in Nigeria can regulate AI use by students to avoid excessive plagiarism. He faulted frequent or dramatic change of curriculum. ‘That is why Aptech comes into picture. That is why Aptech, which changes its curriculum or content every one year, is much more liked and much more time free or future free in terms of making students’ life perfect. That is why we are much more successful than the Nigerian university education system.

On regulation, he advised countries to make their local laws to regulate digital matters and AI use but must align with global regulations. ‘Every country’s ecosystem is very unique to the country. But with the digital world, with the way the world has got connected to each other, you need to also respect the global law. So the Nigerian law has to have a clarity of the global law and also respect the local law.’

To the Port Harcourt digital community, the Aptech international business head said: ‘Believe in yourself, and believe in Aptech. We have believed in Nigeria, that is why we have almost 70-odd network centres. Nigerians are very, very high in terms of their spirit, in terms of their energy, and they have a very good mind. So learn and learn. It’s the ultimate success mantra.’

Four Nigerian techies bag N40.4m study subsidy

Meanwhile, four Nigerian youth techies and scholars have bagged half scholarship packages worth N40.4m to subsidize their schooling in the United Kingdom. The subsidy also has a Nigerian component worth N8m out of the N40.4m booty.

The hunt for the subsidy ended Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Bougainvillea Hotel on Sani Abacha Road in the GRA section of Port Harcourt where Aptech’s Career Quest draws were held.

The exercise was witnessed by Ugbaja, Senior Admissions Officer at Middlesex University, West Africa office in Lagos; and Mukherjee, Aptech International Business Head and Executive Vice President. Others were Sajan Rohan Suvarna (COO Raptors Group) and Sumit Sharma (head of operations, Raptors Group), that manage the Aptech facility.

The lucky techies who bagged the UK half scholarship were Mmesoma Ifeoma Alozie and Eleazar Udo, who would proceed to Middlesex University at half of the 17,200 British Pounds for their degree courses or whatever course level they are eligible for.

The others were Olalusi Olayinka Divine and Akum Maiden Orusha. The four have been scholars and technophiles studying at the Port Harcourt Aptech Centre but with opportunity to finish in Middlesex (or in any of their other two international campuses), a scheme that seems to help subsidize cost of foreign education for young Nigerians.

The winners of the scholarship were chosen by hand-picked draws carried out by two parents on behalf of all the other parents.

The draws usually elicit huge excitement when names of the winners were called. The scheme seems to attract parents and scholars.

Most parents say the scheme reduces the cost of maintaining children abroad for education. They say it guarantees international-standard education and opportunity to end in any top country abroad. Yet, they say, careers for their wards are guaranteed, both abroad or back home in Nigeria.

Each of the awardees expressed profound gratitude to APTECH for the scholarship opportunity their wards won. They promised to acquire more insightful knowledge and impact same on upcoming generations.

They also appreciated their parents for the love and investment of quality education in them that propelled them to such new heights.

Speaking, Ugbaja said both Aptech and Middlesex have played strictly by the rules over the past 18 years. She said the gateway was the best route from Aptech to Middlesex.

In his opening remarks at the event, Suvarna thanked the parents for consistency in their quest for their wards’ top education. ‘We are part of the Raptors group and we are the largest franchise, the initial or the first franchise for Aptech in Nigeria. We’ve got 12 centers across Nigeria now, with 24 licenses.’

Aptech is said to have over 70 centres in Nigeria, all doing well, sending about 120 students to the UK every year.

In his key address, Aptech International Business Head and Executive Vice President, said Aptech worked with Middlesex for 20 years so far, saying they decided to reach out to every single Nigerian. He said japa without top skill was like jumping from fire to frying pan.

‘We will make them aware about this particular association and what it brings for them in terms of taking their career ahead, and we launched the event named Career Quest.

‘So, we have been into this field of education for the past 40 years, with almost close to 1,000-odd centres network, and with an alumni base of 7.5 million students.’

The outcome of the Osun 2026 governorship election may have been settled, but questions over the credibility and completeness of the process are far from over.

With voter turnout reported at 43.4%, the election recorded a level of participation that stands high by recent Nigerian standards. For some observers, that turnout offers a powerful lesson: when citizens turn out in large numbers, it becomes harder to manipulate the will of the electorate.

But attention is now shifting to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its results portal, IReV.

Conversely, Atedo Peterside, a highly celebrated Nigerian entrepreneur, investment banker, and economist, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to explain the prolonged delay in uploading the final results of the 2026 Osun State governorship election on its Results Viewing (IReV) portal.

Peterside’s concern centred on the pace of electronic transmission of polling-unit results, rather than the eventual declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as winner of the election.

On Saturday night, Peterside questioned why the upload of results on the IReV portal appeared to have stalled at 87.48 per cent, representing 3,292 polling-unit results, leaving 471 results yet to be uploaded.

Writing on the development, he asked why the outstanding results had not appeared on the portal despite the late hour, saying it was already past 10 p.m.

INEC subsequently resumed the uploading of results. By about 2 a.m. on Sunday, Peterside acknowledged that results from 3,612 polling units, representing about 95.99 per cent, had been uploaded.

However, he remained concerned about the pace at which the final batch was being uploaded.

He asked INEC to explain ‘why it took you longer to collate the last 13% of the results than it took to collate the first 87%,’ and questioned whether the delay was caused by a technical ‘glitch.’

The development came as INEC continued the collation and eventual declaration of the Osun governorship election result in the early hours of Sunday.

The electoral commission later declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate and incumbent governor, winner of the election with 511,067 votes. His closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, scored 444,815 votes.

Peterside has previously cited the 2022 Osun governorship election as an example of how electronic results transmission could enhance transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He had noted that in the 2022 election, voters and observers could identify the likely winner relatively early through results uploaded to IReV. INEC’s own records from that election period show that all 3,763 Osun polling units were eventually uploaded to the portal.

His latest intervention therefore reflects a broader concern about public confidence in the electronic results-management system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

For Peterside, the issue is not simply how quickly a winner is declared, but whether the process leading to that declaration is sufficiently transparent and verifiable.

The Osun election, which was closely watched as an important test of INEC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 elections, ultimately ended with Adeleke securing a second term after winning 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas.

Peterside’s questions now put the spotlight on INEC to clarify what caused the apparent slowdown in the final phase of IReV uploads and whether any technical difficulty affected the electronic transmission of results.

For stakeholders monitoring Nigeria’s electoral reforms, the explanation could be significant in determining whether the IReV system is functioning as intended and whether lessons from the Osun exercise should inform preparations for the 2027 polls.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has unveiled a compliance certificate portal, a payment system to boost efficiency and ensure global competitiveness in the country’s oil and gas industry.

The compliance certificate portal which is part of a broader move to align with the national vision for ease of doing business, digital transformation and accountability in contract administration.

Felix Ogbe, executive secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board gave the advice during stakeholders sensitisation programme in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital which also featured the unveiling of the Nigerian Content fund Compliance Certificate Portal that attracted stakeholders including contractors in the oil and gas industry from the state and beyond.

‘I encourage all stakeholders to embrace this platform, because its success depends not just on its design but on our collective adoption and engagement,’ the board stated.

‘The Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate is a vital requirement in our industry.

The Nigerian oil and gas industry content development Act specifies that the sum of one percent of every contract awarded to any operator, contractor, sub-contractor, alliance partner or any entity involved in any project, operation, activity, or transaction in the upstream of the Nigerian oil and gas industry shall be deducted at source and paid into the fund,’ he stated.

proof of compliance, ‘the key that unlocks access to the fund and assurance that obligations are being met in line with national development goals.’

Emmanuel Yusuf, the board’s fund manager, noted that over the years, the fund had been transformative adding that Nigerian content has risen to over 60 percent, an indication that more value, jobs and expertise now reside within the industry.

He explained that more than $400m has supported over 130 indigenous companies, addressing the critical access to finance and strategic initiatives in the oil industry.

According to him, in the past, compliance confirmation was handled manually adding that companies submitted physical documents, waited for verification and endured delays that often stretched into weeks thus slowing project approvals, creating uncertainty and limited transparency for regulators and investors.

He said that with the launch of the portal, compliance would become faster, simpler and more transparent as the portal would cut certificate processing time from week to days while allowing online applications without physical visits or paperwork.

Yusuf maintained that with the launch of the platform, Nigeria was ready with evolving systems with the oil and gas industry becoming more competitive on the global stage.

The forum provided a platform for questions and answers on the benefits of the portal, a panel discussion session and a demonstration of access to the Nigerian Content intervention fund.

Military authorities said up to 80% of soldiers have already been deployed to the many battle fronts against terrorists and bandits. Now, on oil company has decided to help at the home front with support to wives of soldiers.

This is said to be as a way of supporting men of the Nigerian Army in the constitutional role of protecting the nation. Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Limited (SEEPCO) has thus considered it a necessity to empower their wives to enable them hold the home front.

This is to strengthen their economic base and give succour to their home, while the soldiers continue to fight and protect the territorial integrity of the country, according to a statement from the corporate communications department of the company.

SEEPCO undertook the initiative in partnership with a Non-Governmental Organisaiton, the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) and the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 63 Brigade in Delta State.

About 110 women were subjected to an intense 6-day vocational and entrepreneurship enhancement training in Warri, to advance women’s economic empowerment, household resilience and Nigeria’s national priorities, in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objective.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke on their experience expressed gratitude to SEEPCO for the initiative and pledged to make the best of what they have been taught. For example, Aisha Mustapha said: ‘I am grateful for the leatherwork training. I have valuable insights to make my business better. I and many of my fellow army wives now have confidence to earn better with skills we have learnt.’

The Public Relations Officer of NAOWA Delta State chapter, known simply as Essor, who also spoke on the training noted that the ‘The programme is timely and practical. It strengthens household income and supports families within the military environment through skills and starter kits.’

Philip Ukemezia, VCDF’s Deputy National Programmes Manager, on his part, said: ”VCDF combines structured skills training with practical support to build sustainable household economic resilience. In 2026, VCDF has trained over 200 army wives across supported communities in Akwa Ibom and Delta States.”

The women are said to have got hands-on training in bread making, makeup and gele, leather works and adire (tie and dye). The training covered business planning, record keeping, pricing, customer relations and access to financial services and also strengthened the women’s ability to translate skills into sustainable livelihood.

It is expected that the soldiers would think less of financial issues and feeding the children back home and focus on the battle ahead.

Could it be said that Nigeria’s true identity today represents a country suffering and grappling with soaring inflation, mass unemployment, failing public infrastructure and multidimensional poverty despite almost three decades of enormous public revenue inflows? With the look of things, one question therefore deserves urgent national attention. Without missing any words, what exactly has government at all levels done with the trillions of naira shared through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC)?

One obvious fact is that since the return to democratic governance in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed a remarkable expansion in federal revenue sharing since the existence of this country.

Findings based on monthly allocations reported by FAAC and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that over the past 27 years, the FAAC has distributed an estimated N160 trillion among the Federal Government, the 36 states and the 774 local governments. The obvious here is that the figure represents one of the largest transfers of public resources in Nigeria’s history.

One would definitely assume that, since the removal of the fuel subsidy in June 2023, government revenues have risen dramatically. Not to miss out on other gains from crude oil earnings, statutory revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), exchange-rate adjustments, electronic money transfer levies, customs collections and other federally collected revenues, resulting in unprecedented monthly FAAC allocations.

In 10 years alone, FAAC distributed approximately N25.58 trillion to the three tiers of government, with states and the FCT receiving about N13.8 trillion during the period. One would also wonder that since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, more than N56 trillion has been distributed through FAAC.

Surprisingly, amidst it all, in just over three years, President Tinubu’s administration has presided over FAAC distributions amounting to approximately 35 percent of the estimated N160 trillion shared since the return to democracy in 1999. In other words, more than one in every three naira ever distributed through FAAC over 27 years has been shared under the current administration. But this recent figure represents only a fraction of the larger national story.

The more important question is not simply how much money has been shared. The question is what Nigeria has built with more than N160 trillion in public allocations over nearly three decades.

What is of concrete concern is that the sheer size of N160 trillion is difficult to comprehend until placed beside Nigeria’s major economic indicators.

Nigeria’s total public debt stood at approximately N149.39 trillion as of March 31, 2025. This means that the estimated FAAC allocations shared since 1999 are larger than the country’s entire current debt stock. While FAAC funds cannot directly be compared with debt because they serve different fiscal purposes, the comparison highlights a critical reality that shows that Nigeria has generated and distributed enormous financial resources, yet still carries one of Africa’s largest debt burdens.

The comparison with national budgets is equally revealing. Come to think of it, Nigeria’s proposed N58.18 trillion 2026 budget represents one of the largest annual spending plans in the country’s history, whilst the cumulative FAAC allocations since 1999 are equivalent to almost three times the size of Nigeria’s 2026 federal budget.

No doubt, the implication is profound. A country that has shared resources equivalent to several annual national budgets should reasonably demonstrate significant improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, electricity, industrialisation and citizens’ welfare. But the reality remains different.

One thing is obvious today and cannot be disputed by the political players, both past and present is that Nigeria continues to struggle with poor roads, unreliable electricity, inadequate healthcare facilities, overcrowded classrooms, high unemployment and widespread poverty.

The truth is that the comparison becomes even more striking when looking at specific sectors as this would provide a clearer picture. Considering that Nigeria’s recent proposed 2026 budget allocates approximately N3.52 trillion for education, N2.48 trillion for health and N3.56 trillion for infrastructure, bringing the combined allocation for these three critical sectors to about N9.56 trillion. While the estimated N160 trillion shared through FAAC since 1999 is more than 16 times the combined 2026 federal allocation for education, health and infrastructure.

This raises a fundamental question: if Nigeria has received resources sufficient to finance these strategic sectors multiple times over, why do citizens continue to experience declining social services?

The comparison with capital investment is also significant. Nigeria’s proposed 2026 capital expenditure of N26.08 trillion is only a fraction of the estimated FAAC allocations shared since 1999. Had a substantial portion of these revenues been consistently channelled into productive capital projects, Nigeria could have developed world-class transportation networks, reliable electricity systems, modern healthcare facilities, industrial clusters and globally competitive education infrastructure.

That is the scale of the opportunity Nigeria has had. Instead, millions of Nigerians continue asking a painful question: Where is the evidence?

Economic theory is straightforward. When governments receive large financial resources, citizens expect corresponding improvements in their standard of living. Public revenue exists to create public value, not merely to finance government administration. Imagine what N160 trillion could have achieved if strategically invested over 27 years.

Nigeria has an estimated housing deficit exceeding 28 million units. A sustained investment programme using only a fraction of FAAC resources could have delivered millions of affordable homes while creating massive employment opportunities across construction, cement, steel, furniture and logistics industries.

Strategic agricultural investment could have transformed Nigeria into a food-secure nation through irrigation systems, mechanised farming, storage facilities, rural roads and agro-processing industries.

Investment in healthcare could have ensured that every local government has functional primary healthcare centres equipped with trained personnel, essential medicines and modern facilities.

Education could have been completely transformed through improved teacher training, digital learning infrastructure, modern classrooms, research facilities and expanded access to quality education.

Nigeria’s electricity challenge could have received far greater attention through investments in transmission networks, renewable energy, gas-powered generation and embedded power solutions that would reduce the cost burden on businesses and households.

A significant portion of FAAC resources invested in small and medium-sized enterprises could have created millions of jobs, expanded local production and strengthened Nigeria’s private sector.

None of these ambitions were beyond Nigeria’s financial capacity. The resources existed. The challenge has been utilisation.

Across many states, FAAC has gradually become less of a development catalyst and more of a monthly survival mechanism. Salaries, recurrent expenditure, political appointments, administrative costs and government overheads consume substantial portions of public resources, while capital projects remain insufficient.

The dependence on FAAC has also discouraged many states from aggressively developing sustainable internally generated revenue. Many states still depend heavily on federal allocations, weakening fiscal innovation and reducing accountability. A system where governments wait monthly for federal transfers creates little incentive to build productive economies.

Ironically, decades of increased allocations have coincided with worsening economic realities. Food prices continue rising. Millions remain unemployed or underemployed. Hospitals struggle with inadequate equipment. Schools remain overcrowded. Roads continue deteriorating. Manufacturers battle high energy costs. Businesses continue closing. Families spend more of their income meeting basic needs.

This contradiction raises serious governance questions. In Nigeria’s case, painfully, revenue growth does not automatically create development. Development requires transparency, accountability, strategic planning and effective implementation.

Nigeria must therefore move beyond celebrating monthly FAAC figures and begin measuring the outcomes generated from those resources.

Every month Nigerians hear announcements of billions and trillions shared among governments. But rarely do they hear: How many hospitals were completed? How many schools were renovated? How many kilometres of roads were delivered? How many jobs were created? How many communities gained access to clean water? How many businesses were supported?

Revenue announcements must never replace performance reports. Every state and local government should publish transparent FAAC utilisation reports showing allocations received, projects funded, costs, locations and measurable outcomes.

Technology makes this possible. Open budgeting platforms, public expenditure dashboards and digital monitoring systems can ensure citizens know how their resources are being deployed.

Transparency should no longer be optional. The Federal Government equally has a responsibility.

Higher revenues must translate into improved national infrastructure, stronger institutions, better security, industrial growth and enhanced social protection.

Nigeria cannot continue borrowing heavily while simultaneously receiving record public revenues without demonstrating corresponding developmental outcomes.

Public finance is not simply about collecting money. It is about creating lasting value. Roads improve commerce. Electricity supports industries. Education increases productivity. Healthcare strengthens human capital. Agriculture reduces dependence on imports. Digital infrastructure enhances competitiveness. These are investments that create future prosperity.

When public revenue is consumed mainly by recurrent obligations, future generations inherit debts without corresponding assets.

Nigeria must strengthen accountability institutions, including auditors-general, public accounts committees, anti-corruption agencies and civil society organisations, to monitor how FAAC resources are utilised.

Citizens also have a responsibility. Public money belongs to the people. Communities must demand evidence of projects funded by government resources.

The tragedy of Nigeria is not simply a shortage of revenue. It is the failure to convert revenue into development. Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable ability to generate public income. What remains lacking is the political discipline and institutional capacity to transform that income into national prosperity.

The estimated N160 trillion shared through FAAC since 1999 represented a historic opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s economy and improve citizens’ lives.

Millions of jobs could have been created. Infrastructure could have been transformed. Poverty could have been reduced. Investor confidence could have strengthened. Living standards could have improved.

Instead, many Nigerians continue to experience economic hardship despite decades of enormous public revenue distribution.

History will not judge governments by how much FAAC they received. History will judge them by what those allocations built.

The real question is no longer whether Nigeria has enough money. The question is whether Nigeria has the leadership, accountability and political will to convert public wealth into public prosperity. Not to focus on using the FAAC as an electoral tool to weaponize the opposition. Until that happens, N160 trillion in FAAC allocations will remain a symbol of missed opportunity rather than a foundation for national transformation.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has pledged to complete the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Victor Attah International Airport while also assuring that Ibom Air will soon boost its fleet with a new Airbus 220-300.

The governor made the commitment during high-level meetings with SAMCO Group Europe and Airbus in Montreal, Canada, ahead of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.

The engagements focused on developing the technical and maintenance capabilities required to support Ibom Air’s expanding fleet and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position in the aviation industry.

Governor Eno first met with Constant Van Shani, Chief Executive Officer of SAMCO Group Europe, to explore a strategic partnership for the management and operation of the MRO facility.

He said the administration was seeking a practical partnership that would strengthen the State’s aviation infrastructure, enhance technical capabilities, create skilled employment and develop a sustainable local aviation workforce.

In a statement made available to the media, the Governor, who noted that his administration had made substantial financial investments in completing the MRO facility, was quoted to have stressed that the proposed relationship should go beyond conventional consultancy, with discussions covering maintenance and technical support for aircraft, particularly those in the Ibom Air fleet, as well as technical training, technology transfer and capacity building.

SAMCO also presented its experience working with African airlines and highlighted the importance of developing strong local technical capabilities.

Governor Eno said building indigenous aviation expertise would reduce dependence on overseas maintenance facilities, strengthen the MRO at Victor Attah International Airport and create opportunities for highly skilled aviation professionals in Akwa Ibom.

Responding, SAMCO CEO, Constant Van Shani, welcomed the Governor’s commitment to the proposed partnership, saying: ‘Governor, we are glad to know that you are willing to work with us. We are here to get it done beyond consulting.’

In a related development, Governor Eno met with Hadi Akoum, Vice President of Sales, Africa, Airbus, and expressed appreciation to the aircraft manufacturer for its partnership with Ibom Air and its efforts to facilitate the delivery of the new aircraft.

The Governor assured Airbus that the State Government remained fully committed to Ibom Air, describing the airline as a strategic economic asset to Akwa Ibom.

According to him, Ibom Air is central to the administration’s plans to expand tourism, connectivity, trade and investment, stressing that ‘it is a forex-denominated business, and airlines must be made to function.’

He said the State would continue to make the necessary strategic investments to ensure the airline remains commercially viable, operationally strong and capable of supporting the state’s wider economic ambitions.

Akoum described Ibom Air as a major Airbus customer in Africa and disclosed that Airbus currently produces about 14 aircraft monthly, with a production backlog of approximately 9,000 aircraft. He also highlighted the capabilities of the A220-300, noting its passenger capacity of about 120 and its cargo capability.

The discussions further reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between Airbus, Ibom Air and the Akwa Ibom State Government as the airline expands its fleet and network.

He said the new A220-300 would further strengthen the airline’s operations and expansion while supporting Akwa Ibom’s tourism, connectivity and broader economic development objectives.

Present at the meetings were the Ibom Air Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; and relevant officials of the airline.

Ibom Air Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi; members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council; and relevant officials of the airline.

Nsikan Patrick Umoh, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) and Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘B’, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has commended the Kwara Area Command for its professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty.

A statement signed by Sulaiman Sani Mohammed, Deputy Superintendent of Costume/Public Relation Officer, Umoh gave the commendation during an oversight visit to the command’s headquarters in Ilorin, as part of her ongoing tour of operational commands within Zone ‘B’.

Speaking to officers and men of the command, the zonal coordinator said the Kwara Area Command had maintained an impressive operational record, noting that her headquarters had not received any adverse report against the command since she assumed office.

She said the clean record was an indication of the high level of professionalism, integrity and discipline demonstrated by personnel in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Umoh, who conveyed the goodwill message of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, urged officers to maintain high professional standards and conduct themselves responsibly both on and off duty.

She warned personnel against involvement in illicit drugs and sharp practices, stressing the need for officers to uphold the core values of the Service and protect its reputation.

The ACG also encouraged the officers to promote unity and teamwork, describing them as members of one family working towards a common goal. She assured them of the continued support of the zonal and Service headquarters.

Earlier, N.A. Ogundeyi, Acting Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller in his welcome address, highlighted the command’s achievements, operational milestones and administrative progress under his leadership.

The oversight visit also featured an interactive session between the zonal coordinator and key stakeholders in the trading community, including representatives of freight forwarding associations, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and major excise factories such as ITC and SANICA.

During the engagement, Umoh commended the cordial relationship and strong synergy between the command and the business community.

She also addressed concerns raised by stakeholders on cargo clearance procedures, examination timelines and the competitiveness of regional trade, providing clarifications on the issues.

The stakeholders welcomed the engagement, which provided an opportunity for both the Service and the business community to discuss ways of improving trade facilitation and strengthening collaboration.

The visit ended with an inspection of the command’s facilities, including its administrative offices, warehouse and residential barracks.

Umoh expressed satisfaction with the level of orderliness, environmental cleanliness and discipline observed across the facilities.

Leaders and stakeholders of Alagbabiri Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to the state and Federal Governments to urgently intervene in the lingering boundary dispute between the community and neighbouring communities, alleging recurring attacks, abductions and encroachment on its territory.

The community leaders made the appeal during a media interaction, saying the disputes, which they claimed had persisted for years, had become more worrisome following an alleged attack and abduction of some Alagbabiri youths on August 3, 2026.

Alagbabiri is as a rural community in the Eghwu district of Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Ekpobimi Phili, the President-General of the community, said the community had historically maintained peaceful relations with neighbouring communities, including Oboro, Bomadi and Olota, with residents freely engaging in trade and other social activities.

The discovery of oil in Alagbabiri had changed the nature of relationships among the communities, with disputes over land, boundaries and economic benefits becoming increasingly contentious, he said.

He alleged that neighbouring communities had, on several occasions, crossed into Alagbabiri territory and attacked or abducted members of the community.

The PG recalled an incident in 1995 and alleged that people from Oboro entered Alagbabiri at night, killed residents and destroyed property, including houses worth millions of naira.

He said the situation eventually calmed down after security personnel were deployed to the community for more than a year, allowing residents to resume peaceful relations with neighbouring communities.

Philip said the latest incident involving the alleged abduction of Alagbabiri youths had renewed fears among residents.

‘On August 3, 2026, some Alagbabiri youths who had gone for legitimate business were intercepted by people from Oboro, who allegedly crossed the river separating the communities, captured them and took them away by boat,’ he said.

According to him, the community leadership immediately contacted the Delta State Commissioner of Police, who directed the Divisional Police Officer in Burutu to intervene.

‘They were taken away and detained by individuals from neighbouring communities rather than being handed over to government security agencies,’ he alleged.

Philip, however, acknowledged the interventions of the police, Department of State Services and other authorities, saying their efforts had helped prevent some of the disputes from escalating.

Narrating their ordeal, the two allegedly abducted youths who were taken away during the recent incident described their abduction as very unfortunate and devastating.

One of them, who identified himself as Napolite, said he and his brother had gone into the bush to carry out their normal activities when they were confronted by armed men from Oboro.

He alleged that their hands were tied behind their backs before they were taken away by boat.

According to him, they were subsequently transported to another location, where they were detained for about a day.

Tracing to the origin of the dispute, Captain Philippe Emubosa, a former President-General of the community, said the controversy could not be separated from the history of oil exploration in the area.

He said oil was discovered in the area in 1972, adding that documents available to the community contained historical references to the various communities associated with the disputed territory.

Emubosa alleged that Alagbabiri had been disadvantaged because many of its people were not educated when relevant decisions and arrangements concerning the area were being made.

He said the community had deliberately chosen dialogue instead of confrontation despite the seriousness of the dispute.

We are not troublemakers, and that is why we are bringing this matter in an amicable way so that government should know our pain, he said.

He appealed to the authorities to investigate the historical records and establish the rightful boundaries between the communities.

‘We are appealing to the authorities to investigate the historical records and determine the rightful boundaries of the communities and give us our boundaries,’ Emubosa said.

Moses Enyu Sergent, another community representative, said Alagbabiri had never sought conflict with its neighbours.

He said the River Niger and other waterways had historically separated the communities, adding that residents crossed the waterways for trading and other legitimate activities without necessarily claiming ownership of neighbouring territories.

‘We are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the government to intervene in the matter and establish the boundaries clearly,’ Sargent said.

‘We don’t want problem, we want peace, let everybody know his own boundary,’ he added.

The community leadership commended security agencies for their interventions, saying the swift response of the police had helped prevent the recent incident from degenerating.

‘As a community, we deliberately chose to seek government intervention rather than resort to self-help.

We are very peaceful people, that’s why we have come here to appeal to the government before this thing gets out of hand,’ Sargent said.

The Edo State Government has vowed to end land racketeering and multiple sales of government-acquired land, warning individuals and community groups against interfering with legitimate developers and investors.

The Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Innocent Bello, made the disclosure during a press briefing at Oke-Oroma on alleged multiple sales and encroachment on government-acquired land at Obagie-N’Evbuosa.

Bello, who spoke on behalf of the Edo State Government Land Restitution Committee, said the allocation, registration and administration of government-controlled land remained the exclusive responsibility of the state government and its designated institutions.

He said no individual, family, community, traditional group or self-appointed land committee had the authority to allocate or register government land, stressing that historical or traditional claims could not justify the sale or resale of land already acquired by government.

According to him, the government has subjected documents submitted by affected developers to due diligence and, where necessary, forensic examination to establish the authenticity and history of disputed transactions.

Bello said the Restitution Committee was established to resolve genuine grievances arising from land transactions and protect persons who may have acquired interests in land in good faith.

He alleged that some persons who previously sold portions of the disputed land were still attempting to resell the properties or interfere with developers who subsequently acquired legitimate interests.

‘The era of engaging in land racketeering, selling government-acquired land and using land sales as a means of survival is over in Edo State,’ Bello said, warning that the administration’s commitment to due process should not be mistaken for weakness.

He disclosed that Gaius Emokpae, the Okaighele, secretary and other persons linked to the alleged multiple sales had been invited before the committee to account for the transactions, including the dates, sums received and disposition of proceeds.

Bello warned against the harassment or intimidation of legitimate developers, government officials and members of the committee, saying such actions would be referred to security and law-enforcement authorities.

He urged persons with unresolved claims from previous restitution exercises to submit relevant documents to the committee, assuring legitimate investors that the government would protect their interests while safeguarding its land assets against fraudulent sales and encroachment.

Members of the Restitution Committee, developers and other stakeholders attended the briefing.