Category: Daily Trust

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that over 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps would be deployed for the 2027 general election across the country.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, stated this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House, headquarters of the scheme in Abuja.

Amupitan described the NYSC as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic process, saying the electoral body could hardly conduct elections successfully without the participation of corps members.

According to him, corps members have remained the backbone of election operations since 1999, particularly as ad hoc staff deployed to polling units nationwide.

‘You provide the heartbeat of our field operations. When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of your corps members. They are the most dedicated, educated and patriotic election duty staff we have,’ he said.

The INEC chairman disclosed that the commission deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff for the 2023 general election, out of which over 70 per cent, representing nearly 850,000 personnel, were corps members and student volunteers.

He said for the 2027 general election, the commission would require 707,384 corps members for the presidential and National Assembly election scheduled for January 16, 2027, while another 707,384 would be deployed for the governorship and state assembly polls slated for February 6, 2027.

This, according to him, brings the total number of corps members needed for both elections to 1,414,768.

Amupitan added that INEC would also require 52,446 corps members for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as well as bye-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states.

He noted that corps members played key roles during the 2023 elections, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states.

‘These young Nigerians did not just facilitate voting; they protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across the most difficult terrains of this country,’ he said.

The INEC chairman also commended the corps members for their role in the deployment and operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System during recent off-cycle elections, including the Anambra governorship election and the FCT Area Council polls.

According to him, the digital proficiency of corps members contributed significantly to the seamless conduct of the elections.

He, however, acknowledged the risks often faced by corps members during election duties and assured that the commission was working with security agencies to strengthen safety measures.

‘We are constantly refining our insurance and welfare packages to reflect the value we place on their lives,’ he added.

Amupitan said the commission was already preparing for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections scheduled for June 20 and August 16 respectively, describing them as critical tests for innovations ahead of the 2027 general election.

He appealed for the continued support of the NYSC in the mobilisation and training of ad hoc staff for the elections.

Responding, the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Nafiu, reaffirmed the commitment of the scheme to supporting INEC in the conduct of credible elections.

He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations was first signed in 2011 and had been renewed periodically.

The NYSC DG described corps members as reliable and easily trainable manpower, noting that the emergence of Gen Z corps members with digital skills would further strengthen election management in the country.

He assured INEC of the scheme’s support not only for the 2027 general election but also for forthcoming off-cycle elections and bye-elections.

The appointment of Adeyinka Famadewa, a retired major-general, as Special Adviser on Homeland Security, has sparked debate over a new dynamic of Nigeria’s security architecture under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

Tinubu, who is currently outside the country, announced the appointment through a circular on Monday signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.

According to Akume, the appointment underscored the commitment of Tinubu’s administration to strengthening internal security coordination, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and deepening inter-agency collaboration in addressing emerging security threats across the country.

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria has in recent times witnessed growing security challenges with several soldiers, policemen and other security agents paying the supreme price while sophisticated security equipment was also burnt in the process.

While some Nigerians opined that the president’s decision was in the right direction, others said the appointment has a political undertone and could be a subtle move to whittle down the powers of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Two retired Generals gave different perspectives as to why President Tinubu created the office of the Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

‘I don’t think he will remove Ribadu. I believe he is trying to solidify the foundation for the state police. He will use him (the new adviser) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to decentralise the police,’ one of the Generals told Daily Trust.

The other General said, ‘Ribadu won’t go immediately. He coordinates the nation’s intelligence architecture and the General will handle internal security.

‘However, going by the tribal politics seen since the present administration came to power, I won’t be surprised if Ribadu is sidelined. Maybe for the votes of the North East, he might still be relevant. However, nobody should tell me that this appointment is based on merit. What merit, really?’

A security expert, who does not want to be named, said there might be a problem.

According to him, ‘There are overlapping functions, no doubt about that. In the United States, the two are separated – the NSA being an advisor, and the Homeland Security Secretary being our equivalent of a minister.

‘But for Ribadu and this man to be both advisers, something is really wrong somewhere. Ribadu may not be enjoying Tinubu’s trust and confidence anymore,’ he said. The source said the outlook was not in favour of Ribadu.

‘This was how Tinubu gradually frustrated Wale Edun, until his (Edun’s) exit. First, all of Edun’s important and sensitive duties were given to a minister of state…Edun felt more and more humiliated the longer he stayed. He was later sacked. Ribadu may hang on to give the impression that all is well. Or his entitlements may not be tampered with, but the real power may have departed elsewhere,’ he said.

Who is Famadewa?

Famadewa is a decorated retired major-general with over three decades of military and intelligence service spanning national security strategy, intelligence fusion, counter-terrorism operations, and international security diplomacy.

He served as Principal General Staff Officer to the former National Security Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno from 2015 to 2021.

During his time at ONSA, he spearheaded the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC), creating an integrated multi-agency intelligence platform that brought together the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces to improve national threat assessment and strategic response coordination.

Following his retirement from active military service, Famadewa served as Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, where he continued to provide strategic thought leadership on policing, civil-security cooperation, and national security reform.

His scholarly contributions include the widely acclaimed monograph titled ‘Policing and National Security in Nigeria,’ which offers practical frameworks for strengthening civil-security collaboration.

Ribadu, Famadewa can work together – Retired military officers

Meanwhile, in separate interviews with Daily Trust, Maj-Gen. Elvis Njoku (rtd) and Maj Bashir Galma (rtd) explained that even though there is a thin line between the duo’s responsibilities, they can still work together and get the desired results for the country and the President.

Gen. Njoku said, while the NSA advises the President in a wider capacity, Famadewa would advise him directly.

He said, ‘Homeland is the Ministry of Interior, you can check again. He is a Special Adviser to the President. That is what it is; there is no confusion about it.

‘National Security Adviser is different; this is a Special Adviser, just like other Special Advisers, directly to the President. Their functions could overlap. This one is advisory. He’s just advising the President, just like we have other Special Advisers. What are their jobs? The SAs are just making their work directly to the President, not to the world or to Nigeria.

‘NSA also advises the President in a wider capacity. This one is personal to the President.

‘For instance, I’m sure you know Bayo Onanuga is the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Does it mean that we don’t have the Minister of Information?

‘The appointment is just to add to the wealth of knowledge and clarity for the President. The President can reach quickly. I don’t think anybody is usurping another person’s power. There are new things everywhere. Change is constant. Things must not be done as they used to be. What happened in 1975 is not what is happening now; change is constant and we must be ready for change.

‘Absolutely, there will be no clash between the two of them; rather, it will be a beautiful mix of relationships. They will be working together. You know Famadewa worked with Monguno almost five, six years ago. He has a wealth of experience. Is it not good to have more people in this type of place?

‘The media should be campaigning for bringing more retired generals, the people that had given their best in nation-building through so many other means. So many Generals have a lot on their heads on what to do, but we just leave them like that; we must bring them on board. That’s why I say change is a constant thing.’

On his part, Maj. Galma said the NSA, being an officer from a paramilitary formation, needs both serving and retired soldiers around him.

He said, ‘This appointment made by President Tinubu is the right way to go, because I’m one of those who have been advocating for somebody with military experience who is going to be very close to the president to answer some professional questions regarding military operations.

‘General Famadewa is a good idea, but it depends on the assignment, which may clash. Though Ribadu came from a paramilitary formation, being a policeman before, he needs these military people around him.

‘But for somebody who is directly under the president, with military experience, with the rank of a major-general, I think it is a very good idea.’

Like US, like Nigeria?

Some Nigerians wondered why the Homeland Security Office was created when there is a Ministry of Interior, ONSA, among others, saying this is the first time such an office is being created.

They argued that if Nigeria must copy other countries, it must copy rightly.

Silas Omale, a retired officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in an interview with our correspondent, cautioned the federal government not to create another ‘conduit pipe’ for taxpayers’ commonwealth.

He said, ‘If at all we want to borrow some things from other countries, it is important we copy them rightly. I pray this is not another office that will ‘swallow’ more of the taxes we’re paying.’

Checks showed that homeland security in the U.S, formally known as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is saddled with the responsibility of protecting the country from internal threats. The DHS was created in 2002 after 9/11, a coordinated series of terrorist attacks perpetrated by al-Qaeda against the United States in 2001.

The DHS was broken into five main missions, which include counter-terrorism and security threats; border security and immigration; cybersecurity; disaster prevention and response, as well as enforcing trade and customs laws.

On the other hand, the National Security Adviser serves as the chief adviser to the US President on national security, foreign policy and military matters. The NSA, officially known as the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, serves on the National Security Council and is assisted by officials who produce research, briefings and intelligence reports.

The NSA plays a critical role in the US’ National Security Council, which advises and assists the President on national security and foreign policy issues. In May 2025, President Donald Trump removed Mike Waltz as NSA and assigned Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take over the role in the interim.

As cyberattacks continue to target Nigeria’s financial services and payment infrastructure, one recurring concern has emerged: many organisations are operating with security frameworks that were not designed for local conditions.

Industry experts note that while digital transformation has accelerated across Nigeria’s banking, fintech, and telecommunications sectors, cybersecurity maturity has not always kept pace. Recurring vulnerabilities include weak access controls, poor network segmentation, delayed threat detection, and reactive incident response structures.

Globally, cybercrime damages are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. Across Africa, ransomware attacks, credential theft, and infrastructure breaches are on the rise, and Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy remains a significant target.

In response to these challenges, SMSAM Systems Ltd., a Lagos-based cybersecurity firm, has unveiled Project SecureNaija – a flagship cybersecurity framework designed specifically for Nigerian institutional environments.

The framework integrates globally recognised standards, including NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and MITRE ATT and CK, while maintaining compliance mapping with Nigeria’s NDPR, CBN Cybersecurity Framework, and NCC guidelines.

Project SecureNaija is built on five strategic pillars:

Threat Intelligence – Continuous monitoring of Nigeria-specific cyber threats

Containment Architecture – Zero-trust principles designed to limit lateral movement during breaches

AI-Augmented Detection – Behavioural analytics tailored to local infrastructure

AI-Assisted Incident Response – Structured playbooks for rapid recovery

Regulatory Alignment – Governance mapping to reduce compliance exposure

According to SMSAM Systems, the framework goes beyond theoretical compliance by focusing on practical, containment-first resilience.

‘Cybersecurity strategies cannot be effective in Nigeria if they ignore the country’s operational, regulatory, infrastructure, and talent realities,’ the company said in a statement.

With Nigeria’s digital infrastructure becoming increasingly interconnected, experts believe that localised defence strategies will play a critical role in protecting public trust, regulatory confidence, and operational continuity.

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on all aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform to conduct themselves with ‘utmost discipline, maturity, and statesmanship’ ahead of forthcoming primaries or face severe sanctions.

Professor Yilwatda gave the charge in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy.

The message was directed at aspirants who recently underwent screening exercises conducted by various committees constituted by the party for the 2027 electoral process.

The APC National Chairman stressed that the party remains committed to transparent, peaceful, and credible primaries intended to strengthen internal democracy and consolidate the confidence Nigerians repose in the ruling party.

He warned that the party leadership would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the smooth conduct of the primaries.

He noted that any aspirant or supporter found instigating violence, sponsoring unrest, engaging in anti-party activities, or attempting to undermine the integrity of the process would face disciplinary measures, including immediate suspension.

According to him, the APC has painstakingly built a reputation as Nigeria’s most organized political platform, and no individual ambition would be allowed to override the collective interest of the party or the stability of the nation.

Professor Yilwatda reminded aspirants that such contests inevitably produce winners and losers, emphasizing that democracy thrives on healthy competition and the mutual respect of outcomes.

‘In every democratic contest, only one person will eventually emerge victorious. What is important is the spirit with which the process is approached,’ he stated.

The Chairman further urged all aspirants to see themselves as ambassadors of the party, noting that their conduct before, during, and after the primaries would reflect the core values and vision of the APC.

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Monday, threatened a showdown with the Federal Government over what it described as flawed and partial implementation of the December 2025 agreement reached.

It also listed issues of the withheld three-and-half month salaries, promotion arrears, shortfalls in salaries arising from the use of the IPPIS platform, unremitted third-party deductions, and arrears of 25-35 per cent wage award as some of the lingering issues causing uproar.

This was the outcome of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union that was held at the Modibbo Adama University, Yola.

Reading the communique to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Prof. Christopher Piwuna said ‘the increasing frustration occasioned by the seeming government’s disinterestedness in the welfare of Nigerian academics is brewing a pent-up anger which could erupt into a new wave of industrial unrest if not addressed.

‘The union appeals to all genuine patriots, well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of Nigeria to prevail on State and Federal governments to fully implement the new Agreement and resolve other outstanding issues in the interest of parents, students and the nation at large.

‘Our union’s doors remain open for working with the government to realise all our demands. At the same time, NEC directs an emergency meeting of NEC to be called in the next few weeks to review the situation and take appropriate action as may be necessary,’ he said.

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, under the eagis of PDP Survival Movement (PDPSM) have accused some leaders of the party of twisting the recent Supreme Court judgment to polarise the party.

Addressing a press conference on the state of the party in Abuja on Tuesday, Okoh Bartholomew, President of the Movement, said it has become necessary to address the misconception surrounding the suspension of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

Bartholomew said as people committed to the survival of PDP and democracy in Nigeria, ‘We cannot remain silent while judicial proceedings are twisted for factional propaganda and we certainly cannot allow political opportunists to mislead party faithful and Nigerians through selective interpretation of court processes.’

Bartholomew flanked by other members of the movement said some people have resorted to propaganda, saying, ‘Our position today is simple: facts must prevail over propaganda, constitutional order must prevail over political manipulation, and the rule of law must remain superior to factional interests.’

The PDP Survival Movement said it has found it necessary to address the nation because of the growing wave of ‘misinformation, half-truths, and politically motivated distortions being circulated against Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu and the leadership structure of our great party.

‘We cannot fold our arms while deliberate falsehoods are dressed up as legal facts.’

PDPSM also said after carefully reviewing the Certified True Copies (CTC) of the proceedings from the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. The facts are straightforward, ‘Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu. was not a party to the specific cross-appeal being referenced by those pushing this propaganda.

‘His name did not appear in the matter now being mischievously interpreted to mislead party members. We challenge anyone to produce a CTC where Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu, name was specific mentioned in the judgement.

‘The law is settled: no court can make binding pronouncements against an individual who was not a party before it in the specific proceedings being determined. You cannot bind a man to a judgment in a suit where he was not a party. The attempt to link his name to this case is a legal hallucination a legal intended to create a crisis where none exists.’

Referring to the suspension, the movement said ‘assuming, though not conceding, that a ‘suspension’ occurred, it is a matter of record contained in the very document being relied upon and the PDP Constitution that such an action was limited to 30 days only by those now pushing exaggerated political consequences.

‘During this 30-day window, Senator Anyanwu took no executive decisions that could have legally or administratively truncated the Abuja Convention, while the clock on the purported suspension ran out.’

Bartholomew also said no court nullified the convention discussions, adding that ‘No judicial order extinguished the authority of the subsisting NWC structure aligned with Senator Anyanwu. What then is the constitutional basis for the propaganda currently being circulated?’ He asked.

As organisations across Nigeria and wider Africa accelerate digital transformation in 2026, Softbridge Digital Solutions Limited is positioning itself as a key player helping businesses balance speed, security, and operational efficiency.

The technology consultancy, which operates across cloud, DevOps-as-a-Service, managed IT, secure VPS setup, and AI automation, is working with companies in sectors such as Fintech and BFSI to modernise infrastructure without exposing operations to risk.

In recent years, the push toward cloud adoption and automation has intensified, particularly among startups and financial institutions seeking scalability and compliance. However, many organisations still struggle with fragmented systems, security gaps, and limited in-house expertise. Softbridge Digital Solutions was founded to address this challenge, offering end-to-end support that spans strategy, deployment, and ongoing management of modern digital systems.

At the core of its offering is cloud engineering. The company provides architecture, migration, and security services across major platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Huawei Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud. By maintaining a platform-agnostic stance, Softbridge Digital Solutions ensures that businesses adopt solutions aligned with their cost structure, regulatory requirements, and operational goals rather than being tied to a single vendor ecosystem.

‘Our focus has always been on helping businesses move fast without breaking things,’ Ogunmola Samuel Opeyemi, Lead Solutions Architect said. ‘Cloud adoption is not just about migration; it is about building systems that are secure, resilient, and ready to support growth.’

Beyond cloud infrastructure, the company’s DevOps-as-a-Service offering has become a major driver of client engagement. By implementing CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and observability systems, Softbridge enables organisations to shorten release cycles while maintaining system stability. This has proven particularly valuable for Fintech and BFSI firms, where speed to market must be balanced with strict compliance and uptime requirements.

The company also provides managed IT services designed to give organisations full visibility and control over their technology environments. These services include Microsoft 365 management, endpoint security, SASE frameworks, and continuous monitoring. With a 24/7 operational model, Softbridge Digital Solutions aims to identify and resolve issues before they escalate into business disruptions.

‘Infrastructure does not operate on a nine-to-five schedule, and neither do we,’ he added. ‘Our managed IT approach ensures that businesses can operate with confidence, knowing their systems are being monitored and optimised around the clock.’

Security and performance remain central to its service delivery, particularly through its secure VPS setup solutions. These systems are designed to meet compliance standards while delivering reliable performance for businesses handling sensitive data, including those within Fintech and BFSI sectors.

Artificial intelligence is another growing area of focus. Through AI automation and enterprise AI solutions, Softbridge helps organisations eliminate repetitive tasks and unlock insights from their data. From workflow automation to custom large language model integrations, the company is working to embed intelligence directly into business processes.

‘We see AI automation not as a replacement for people, but as a tool that frees teams to focus on higher-value work,’ he explained. ‘When implemented correctly, it becomes a powerful driver of productivity and decision-making.’

Softbridge Digital Solutions attributes its growth to a combination of certified expertise and practical execution. Its engineering team holds certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect, AWS DevOps Professional, AWS Security Specialty, AWS Machine Learning Engineer, and AWS Data Engineer Associate, reflecting deep technical capability across cloud and AI systems.

Equally important is its partnership network, which includes major global providers such as AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud, and IBM. This ecosystem enables the company to deliver solutions that are tailored to each client’s specific environment rather than relying on generic frameworks.

Industry observers note that as digital transformation continues across Africa, the demand for integrated services spanning cloud, DevOps-as-a-Service, managed IT, secure VPS setup, and AI automation is expected to grow significantly. Companies that can deliver both speed and security are likely to play a central role in shaping the region’s technology landscape.

For Softbridge Digital Solutions, the goal remains clear: to help businesses turn technology into a practical advantage by building systems that are not only functional but dependable over time.

‘We see ourselves as part of our clients’ teams,’ Ogunmola Samuel Opeyemi said. ‘Our responsibility is to build systems they can trust and scale with, regardless of where they are in their journey.’

As demand for cloud, DevOps-as-a-Service, managed IT, secure VPS setup, and AI automation continues to grow across Africa, businesses that adopt secure and scalable infrastructure are better positioned to compete, improve efficiency, and support long-term growth.

Business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised alarm over what they described as multiple taxations and aggressive revenue enforcement by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), saying the trend is crippling operations and wiping out profits.

From small roadside operators to established firms, findings show that many businesses are subjected to overlapping levies, inconsistent charges and, in some cases, coercive collection methods.

A POS operator in Wuse area of the territory, John Praise, said he pays different levies to different bodies with little clarity or coordination.

‘I pay AMAC yearly, over N10,000, and they give receipts,’ he said. ‘But tax force people still come every week and collect N2, 000. Then FCTA came last month and collected N7,000.’

He added that the weekly collections alone significantly impact his earnings.

‘Every week they come, Friday and Saturday, and you must pay. If you don’t, they can seize your machine. That was why I paid when FCTA came, because they almost carried my POS.’

He noted that the cumulative burden is heavy.

‘When you calculate everything, I spend close to N200,000 yearly on these taxes. Sometimes you work the whole day and you will not even see your gain,’ he said.

Praise explained that most of the payments, aside from AMAC, come without documentation.

‘It is only AMAC that gives receipts. Others, no receipts at all.’

He added that the enforcement process often disrupts business.

An Abuja-based media organisation has also raised alarm over what it described as double taxation by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through the Public Health Department of Health and Human Services Secretariat.

The company’s legal adviser who spoke on the development, said the company recently received court processes served at a short notice by FCTA authorities demanding to pay same taxes which the company had earlier paid to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the body statutorily empowered to do so, thus, amounting to double taxation.

‘The process alleged non-compliance by the company with provisions of the National Environmental Health Practice Regulation, 2024 (NEHPR), including, failure to obtain a Health Status Report of the Company’s premises; failure to obtain a Certificate of Fitness for Use (CFU) or Certificate of Fitness for Continued Use (CFCU); failure to conduct mandatory pre-employment and periodic medical examinations for staff; failure to provide an Annual Occupational Health Audit Report; and failure to provide a Noise Pollution Assessment/Compliance Certificate.

‘Our complaint is that we have made the same payments to AMAC, who are statutorily empowered to collect levies and dues as the Area Council, therefore, paying the same to FCTA amounts to double taxation and intimidation through their acts of illegally sealing-off premises of companies causing embarrassment,’ he said.

Abuja Metro reports that both the FCTA and AMAC possess overlapping constitutional mandates for revenue collection, which has historically caused jurisdictional conflicts.

However, the legal consensus is that their mandates are delineated by specific types of taxes and the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act.

Under the 1999 Constitution (Fourth Schedule) and the Taxes and Levies Act, Area Councils (like AMAC) are constitutionally empowered to collect specific local taxes and rates, most notably tenement rates, market/trading licenses, and signage fees, among others.

On the other hand, the FCTA (acting through FCT-IRS or its Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage – DOAS) holds the power to collect taxes equivalent to state government taxes, such as personal income tax (PAYE), withholding tax, and corporate taxes.

Meanwhile, residents of the FCT have continued to face the heavy burden of double taxations from the FCTA and AMAC as officials from both authorities harass businesses and organisations to pay for the same levies and charges.

A POS operator, Abdulqoyum Amoo, said the lack of clarity around the charges by FCTA and AMAC remain a major concern.

‘AMAC collects annually, sometimes N12,000, N15,000 or N18,000, depending on what they bring. Then, another group comes monthly to collect about N2,000, but we don’t even know what the money is for.’

He added that enforcement teams often operate without coordination.

‘They will tell you they are different bodies. Even environmental people can come three times in a day and you will pay each time,’ he said.

Amoo noted that business owners are forced to comply to avoid disruption.

In Karu, an estate surveyor, Moses Oke, said the situation has escalated beyond small businesses, affecting larger operations with significant financial implications.

‘There are multiple taxations everywhere; the Abuja Municipal Area Council will charge you, then FCTA will come and duplicate the same charges.’

He added that some charges appear arbitrary and negotiable.

‘I was charged N800,000 for continuous use. After questioning it, it was reduced to N400,000. So how did they arrive at the initial amount?’

Oke noted that the lack of standardisation creates uncertainty for businesses.

‘They just give you bills at any time and you start negotiating. You cannot even say this is what you pay in a year.’

He explained that the pressure is forcing businesses to cut costs.

‘When revenue is not enough and the government keeps increasing charges, you have to reduce staff,’ he said. ‘You cannot keep people you cannot pay.’

Also speaking, Sunday Oguche, a manager at a car stand in Jahi, said recent demands from the FCT Inland Revenue Service have worsened the situation.

‘We pay AMAC annually, but now FCT is asking for our account statements for three years to calculate tax,’ he said. ‘Some people are paying up to N2 million.’

He added that the method of assessment is problematic.

‘They calculate based on total inflow into your account, not profit,’ he said. ‘That is not how business works.’

Oguche noted that the cumulative effect of taxes and levies is pushing businesses to the brink.

‘On estimate, we spend about N2.2 million yearly on taxes and levies,’ he said. ‘And you still have federal taxes on top of that.’

He explained that the burden is passed on to consumers.

‘You add everything to the price,’ he said. ‘If not, the business will suffer.’

He added that the pressure is forcing many operators out of the sector.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced 23 billion euros ($27 billion) of investment for Africa during a major summit on the future of the continent hosted by Kenya on Monday.

France has brought together dozens of heads of state and business leaders for the two-day Africa Forward summit in Nairobi, aimed at renewing France’s engagement with the continent after years of strained ties with its former colonies.

The investments Macron announced include 14 billion euros in private and public funds from French entities, and nine billion euros from African investors, focused on energy transition, digital and AI, the maritime economy and agriculture.

They would create 250,000 direct jobs in France and Africa, Macron said.

‘We are not simply here to come and invest on the African continent alongside you – we need the great African business leaders to come and invest in France,’ he told the audience at Nairobi’s convention centre.

‘And that too is what underpins this relationship, now entirely free of hang-ups,’ he added.

Ahead of the summit, Macron told The Africa Report that colonialism could no longer be blamed for all of Africa’s challenges.

‘We must not exonerate from all responsibility the seven decades that followed independence,’ he told the magazine, calling on African leaders to improve governance.

Europe’s former colonial powers were not ‘the predators of this century,’ he added.

In a speech at the summit, Macron also said that the process of returning African artworks looted during the colonial era had become ‘unstoppable’.

The French parliament last week passed a law paving the way for Macron to return looted African cultural artefacts.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, has strongly defended Air Peace against allegations that the airline abandoned passengers in London without accommodation following a flight disruption caused by a bird strike.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the NCAA boss dismissed viral claims that passengers were stranded in the United Kingdom, insisting that the airline acted responsibly and in full compliance with aviation safety protocols.

According to him, all affected passengers were promptly accommodated at the Hilton Hotel near Gatwick Airport after the operating aircraft suffered a bird strike that was discovered during post-landing inspection procedures.

‘There was no case of abandonment,’ the DG said emphatically. ‘The passengers were taken care of. In fact, my wife was on that flight and they were all accommodated by Air Peace.’

He explained that the aircraft had landed safely in London and passengers had already disembarked when the pilot conducted a routine ramp inspection and discovered evidence of a bird strike. Following the discovery, Air Peace immediately contacted aircraft manufacturer Boeing, which advised that the aircraft be grounded pending further checks.

The NCAA DG noted that the airline swiftly informed passengers of the development and provided several alternatives, including hotel accommodation and arrangements to move passengers on the next available Air Peace flight arriving from Abuja later that day.

‘Delays and cancellations happen to all airlines,’ he stated. ‘What happened to Air Peace was taken out of context, and it is unfair. No airline deliberately leaves its passengers stranded.’

An evidently displeased Najomo also criticised individuals posting viral videos about the incident, questioning what more the airline could reasonably have done under the circumstances.

‘At this point, what did you expect Air Peace to do?’ he asked. ‘I am not here to defend Air Peace. If they go wrong, I will criticise them. But the NCAA investigated this incident and found that Air Peace did the right thing and followed all necessary protocols.’

The aviation regulator further condemned what he described as efforts to ‘demarket’ Nigeria’s leading indigenous carrier, urging Nigerians to support local airlines rather than amplify negative narratives.

‘We should support our own,’ he said. ‘Incidents like this happen globally. It happened to Delta. It happened to British Airways. Nobody made noise about it or posted endless videos online. Why should Air Peace be treated differently?’

Delta Air Lines and British Airways were cited by the DG as examples of major international carriers that have also experienced operational disruptions resulting from unforeseen technical and environmental issues.

Najomo also linked recent disruptions in the aviation sector to the soaring global cost of aviation fuel, worsened by the ongoing Middle East crisis. According to him, airlines across the world are grappling with rising operational expenses and are implementing cost-cutting measures to survive.

He pointed out that several foreign carriers have reduced routes and cut inflight services in response to the economic pressure facing the industry.

The NCAA chief’s comments come amid increasing criticism of Air Peace by some celebrities and social media commentators, some of whom have called for a boycott of the airline over recent delays and cancellations.

However, industry observers note that Air Peace has consistently maintained that safety remains its highest priority, insisting that all operational decisions are guided by established international aviation standards aimed at protecting passengers, crew members, and equipment