Category: Daily Trust

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday called on African leaders to unite, join forces and push for the recognition of mineral resources theft from the continent as an international crime on the global stage.

He stressed that his call became imperative because such acts have become grave threats to regional peace, stability and development, adding that illegal mining and mineral smuggling are obvious international crimes.

Nigeria’s leader stated this at ECOWAS Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja when he declared the Annual General Meeting of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) open.

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Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, explained that such designation and proclamation would help affected countries to take drastic actions against the culprits.

Daily Trust reports that stakeholders in the security sector have attributed growing security challenges across the country with illegal mining activities going on particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and some States in the Northeast.

The President’s call came amid rising concerns about illegal mining and mineral smuggling across West Africa, particularly in gold-rich countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Mali.

Reports released by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) had shown that billions of dollars worth of minerals leave the region each year through unregulated channels, depriving governments of crucial revenue.

Speaking during the general meeting, the President lamented that despite decades of independence, the region’s economic and political progress continued to be undermined by corruption and the looting of mineral resources.

According to him, the proceeds of such thefts do not only deprive citizens of development and benefits but also fund insecurity, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, banditry and kidnapping across the region.

The President said, ‘West Africa’s post-independence economic and political trajectory is blighted by corruption, manifest in the theft and stashing of our commonwealth abroad by corrupt officials.

‘Even now, illicit outflows remain an odious miasma. Stealing of mineral resources is on the rise in the region, fuelling proliferation of small arms and light weapons, and other violent crimes such as kidnapping and banditry.

‘I believe that the time has come for us to designate resource theft, mining and stealing of minerals in the region as an international crime that threatens the stability of the region and galvanise the world against threats from stolen minerals from West Africa.’

He also urged NACIWA delegates to critically examine the extractive sector, financial intelligence sharing and anti-money laundering frameworks to strengthen accountability across West Africa.

‘I urge you all, in your deliberations, to examine critically the regional anti-money laundering frameworks, financial intelligence sharing mechanism, and accountability in the extractive sector across the region for a more prosperous and secure future,’ Tinubu added.

He further noted that no single country could win the battle against illicit financial flows, stressing that the challenge required a multi-state and multi-stakeholder platform to harmonise regional efforts against corruption and its manifestations.

Speaking on Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy under his watch, Tinubu said his administration had prioritised tracing and recovery of stolen assets, introducing new legal frameworks for asset recovery and management.

He also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led by Ola Olukoyede for what he described as ‘its prolific’ record in asset recovery, urging member countries to share lessons from such efforts.

The President maintained that his government was committed to using recovered funds as ‘instruments of social inclusion.’

He revealed that N100 billion recovered from crime proceeds had been injected into the Student Loan Scheme and Consumer Credit Scheme, describing both as legacy programmes aimed at improving access to education and easing financial pressure on citizens.

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS and regional anti-corruption cooperation, stressing that a united approach was essential to ending illicit financial flows and advancing good governance.

Also speaking, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, urged West African nations to domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption, saying this would ensure that corrupt officials find no safe haven within the subregion.

Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said, ‘Let us domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption so that thieves find no hiding place. The child who says his mother will not sleep will also not sleep, so also the corrupt who disturb the peace of nations must not find rest across borders.’

The minister proposed the establishment of an ECOWAS Regional Task Force on Asset Recovery, to be supported by NACIWA, to coordinate investigations and intelligence sharing among member states.

Fagbemi also stressed the need to guarantee the independence and adequate funding of anti-corruption institutions, warning that underfunded agencies were vulnerable to compromise.

‘The goat eats where it is tied. If we starve our institutions, they will be unable to resist corruption.’

Earlier, the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, who also serves as President of NACIWA, said the fight against corruption in West Africa must be viewed within the broader context of political stability and social justice.

‘Distinguished colleagues, we must acknowledge the evolving landscape in which our institutions operate. Political transitions, security concerns, and governance challenges across several member states underscore that our fight against corruption cannot be divorced from broader considerations of political stability, institutional integrity and social justice,’ he said.

The biological father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, who was murdered by his wife, Maryam Sanda, in 2017, has commended the pardon of his daughter-in-law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, he had been on a quiet quest to secure freedom for Maryam, who had been on death row since her sentencing for the murder of her husband.

Alhaji Ahmed Bello Isa, who made these revelations in a joint interview conducted on Tuesday in Abuja with Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, stated that his motivation was purely humanitarian, and that he wanted his daughter-in-law released so she could look after her two young children, and that executing her would not bring back his son.

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He explained that, ‘as a devout Muslim, I had long accepted the tragic incident which has been a subject of public discussion, choosing to forgive and leave judgment to Allah.

‘There is nothing more painful than for someone to lose a son in the way I lost my son, Bilyaminu. However, what gives me some measure of comfort is that he left behind two beautiful children, my granddaughter, Sa’adatu Bilyaminu, and my grandson, Bilyaminu Bilyaminu, named after his father.

‘I have forgiven Maryam who was found guilty of killing my son. Before the end of the trial, I made every effort to let both the Police and the Court know that I did not want her prosecuted, because I did not want a situation where my grandchildren, who had lost their father so tragically, would also lose their mother..

‘I have taken it as the will of Almighty Allah, what happened to my son, and I do not blame Maryam for it. However, now that she has been sentenced to death, I beg in the name of Almighty Allah for mercy. If she is killed, who will take care of her two children? They will grow up as orphans, without a father or a mother’s love,’ he said

Asked about the statement by the family who expressed concerns over the Presidential pardon, he said ‘Anyone has the freedom in his family to express himself but as the biological father, he has forgiven her,”

Also speaking, Alhaji Garba Sanda, father of Maryam, expressed deep gratitude to Alhaji Bello and his entire family for their rare act of compassion, describing it as ‘a true reflection of faith and forgiveness.’

He said: ‘Words cannot describe our appreciation to the Bello family for this gesture of mercy and reconciliation. We continue to pray that something positive may yet emerge from this regrettable tragedy, that our families may heal, and that these children will grow up knowing love from both sides of their family.’

The two families, stated that they have chosen forgiveness, compassion, and faith over pain, and have committed to working together to raise the children in an atmosphere of peace and love.

Day in, day out, scruffy-looking touts, known as ‘agbero’ in the local parlance, prowl the sides of major roads in the FCT, harassing and extorting motorists. Sometimes, their recklessness results in fatalities.

On Sept. 3, a man, his wife lost their lives in an accident at the Mabushi Bridge, Abuja, due to the activities of suspected roadside touts.

Accounts from eyewitnesses revealed that the man, driving a private vehicle with his family, had stopped to pick up another relative at the Berger Roundabout, an action the touts interpreted as a violation of their rules.

The FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said that preliminary investigations revealed that a grey Toyota Highlander, with registration number ABJ 206 EC, was forcefully taken over by three unidentified suspects near Berger Junction, Utako.

‘The vehicle, driven by one Emeka Ehekweme with his wife on board, reportedly lost control during a struggle for the steering wheel, veered off, and hit a parked Mazda that eventually somersaulted into a bridge pillar.

‘Ehekweme, his wife, and two of the suspected assailants were confirmed dead on arrival at the National Hospital, Abuja; a third suspect is said to be receiving treat-ment.

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‘The driver of the Mazda, identified as Suleman Mohammed, sustained no life-threatening injuries,’ the police said.

This sad story seems to be the trend in Abuja, envisioned as Nigeria’s model city – Orderly, and free from the chaos typical of unplanned urban centers.

Unfortunate-ly, this rising wave of touting and street harassment across major parks, markets, motor terminals, and junctions has become a threat to this vision.

From Berger to Area 1, Nyanya to Zuba, the activities of touts have become an everyday reality for residents and visitors. Their presence not only mars the aes-thetic order of the capital city but also undermines efforts by the FCT Administra-tion (FCTA) to maintain law, security, and sanity in public spaces.

Touting in Abuja manifests in many forms: at motor parks, commuters are har-assed by groups of young men forcefully dragging luggage, shouting destinations, and demanding illegal levies. Around markets and bus stops, self-appointed ‘ticket agents’ collect daily charges from commercial drivers and traders, often with threats and physical intimidation.

These individuals operate outside the law, yet their activities thrive due to weak enforcement, unemployment, and, in some cases, collusion with certain transport unions and local officials. What was once an isolated nuisance has become a sys-temic problem.

Recounting his ordeal, Mr. Mike Samson, a civil servant, said he had picked up his colleague from the office after work, going to Kubwa. He said that when he stopped for her to alight around Jahi Junction, some touts rushed his car and took his key.

‘Before I knew what was happening, the person that took my key crossed over and disappeared. They claimed I violated the FCT rules and had to pay some mon-ey. I kept dragging back and forth with them till I succumbed and negotiated to pay them N3,000 before they brought back my car keys,’ he said.

A resident of Zuba, Miss Favour Okibe, recounts her experience. ‘You cannot board a vehicle at Zuba or Nyanya without being harassed. Some touts demand ‘loading fees’ even from passengers; they claim they got the vehicle for you so you have to pay them. It is embarrassing that this is happening in the nation’s capital,’ she said.

Mr. Usman Zango, a trader residing in Lugbe, said one of his customers had asked him to deliver some items to her so she could pick them up by the road.

‘As soon as I got to the bus stop where she was to collect the items, some men rushed into my car, threatening to take me to their station for violating traffic rules. I told them ‘let’s go’, but they instantly began to prevail on me to just pay them off to save me from paying higher money when they take me to their office. I had to just give them some money to leave my car,’ he said.

It has been argued by some experts that the menace of touting is not merely a law enforcement issue but a symptom of deeper socioeconomic challenges. They say it is because many of the young men involved are unemployed, under-educated, and lack vocational skills. Driven by desperation and the need to survive, they re-sort to illegal ‘levy collection’ and street domination as a means of livelihood.

Mr. Emmanuel Oloniruha, a civil servant, offered some advice. ‘Those people are terrible; they attack you. Even when passengers are just alighting, they harass you. Sometimes, they even pretend to be passengers seeking help; as soon as you stop, they will rush you,’ he said.

Oloniruha said some touting activities are linked to transport unions that operate outside official frameworks.

He advised that the FCTA should ensure unions are registered, transparent, and accountable for their members’ conduct. Oloniruha also encouraged resisting ille-gal levies and reporting harassment.

Observers say campaigns promoting civic discipline, respect for public order, and dignity of labour are essential to restoring Abuja’s image as a model city.

The FCTA has, over the years, made several attempts to curb the menace by estab-lishing task forces to sanitize motor parks and remove illegal operators.

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), the Abuja Environmental Protec-tion Board (AEPB), and the Joint Task Force have occasionally raided parks and junctions, arresting touts and illegal revenue collectors.

However, these efforts have often been short-lived.

Once the enforcement teams retreat, the touts return – sometimes emboldened.

Critics say the government’s ‘fire-brigade’ approach has failed to produce lasting results.

Recently, the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, said that the FCTA was determined to end harassment of motorists and business people by touts who collect revenue for area councils. Wike said a committee would be formed with the area councils to harmonize ac-counts and end double taxation.

Looking ahead, some respondents have called for the need for a sustainable struc-ture to end touting in the FCT, not just raids. Enforcement must be followed by re-habilitation and reorientation.

Mr. Joshua Dauda, a resident of Nyanya, said to effectively curb touting in the FCT, a multidimensional strategy is required – combining law enforcement with social inclusion and institutional reform.

‘There is a need for the FCTA to identify those they have appointed to collect money for tickets by uniform and identity cards; and there should be a law that states that anyone without uniform or identity card should not engage in col-lecting money. There should also be some kind of social inclusion programmes for youths to take them out of the streets. The FCTA should sustain continuous en-forcement rather than sporadic raids.

Every motor park and loading point must be brought under the supervision of recognized authorities, with digital ticketing sys-tems to eliminate illegal fee collection,’ he said.

Mrs. Esther Moses, an FCT resident, said that many touts were victims of systemic neglect. Reacting to the increasing menace, Mr. Kingsley Madaki, the senior special assis-tant on media and public affairs to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, condemned the activities of touts.

He said that the hoodlums were not AMAC staff members or agents working for the council.

Madaki said that the council was taking immediate action to combat such criminal activities in the city centre.

Madaki also expressed concerns about other unauthorized groups impersonating officials from various agencies, including the FCTA Department of Outdoor Adver-tisement and Signage (DOAS) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

In all, stakeholders say to curb touting in the FCT, there must be a strong political will, while conscious efforts should be made to provide alternative means of liveli-hoods to the touts.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has backed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) proposed directive, which compels banks to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine transactions within 48 hours.

In a statement on Monday signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission described the CBN’s Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria as a timely and long-awaited intervention that aligns with ongoing efforts to protect consumers in the financial services sector.

The draft guideline, released last week, follows the FCCPC’s Consumer Complaints Data Report published in September 2025, which revealed that the banking and fintech industries accounted for the largest volume of consumer complaints nationwide.

The statement read, ‘The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission welcomes the Central Bank of Nigeria’s draft guidelines requiring all banks to refund customers for failed Automated Teller Machine transactions within 48 hours.

‘The exposure of the CBN’s Draft Guidelines on the Operations of Automated Teller Machines in Nigeria follows the FCCPC’s Consumer Complaints Data Report published in September 2025.’

‘3000 complaints against banks’

According to the report, more than 3,000 complaints were recorded against banks between March and August 2025, with the Commission facilitating the recovery of over N10bn for consumers across 30 sectors.

The findings highlighted recurring issues such as failed transactions, unauthorised deductions, and prolonged refund delays, the very challenges the new CBN policy seeks to resolve.

‘The report, which covered the period from March to August 2025, showed that the banking and fintech sectors accounted for the highest number of complaints nationwide, over 3,000 cases in banking alone, with about N10 billion recovered for customers across 30 sectors. The findings highlighted recurring issues such as failed transactions, unauthorised deductions, and delayed refunds, all of which the CBN draft guidelines seek to address,’ the statement added.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, hailed the CBN’s move as ‘a timely and long-awaited correction to a persistent consumer challenge.’

‘It is consistent with what the FCCPC has been advocating, given the volume of complaints we receive about failed transactions. We commend the CBN for this decisive step, which will ease the burden on consumers and rebuild trust in financial services,’ Bello said.

He added that the initiative demonstrates improved coordination among regulatory agencies committed to consumer welfare, even at the draft stage.

Nigeria’s electronic payments landscape has grown rapidly in recent years, with 200 million cardholders and rising reliance on digital banking, but network failures, poor infrastructure, and delayed reversals have continued to undermine confidence.

The fresh guidelines, coming eight months after a revision of ATM fees, are expected to streamline service delivery, enhance transaction security, and hold banks accountable.

Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback ahead of the final policy adoption, which could take effect before the end of the year.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has stated that the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) has risen to N373bn as of October 13, 2025 with 536 community projects ongoing simultaneously.

A statement by NUPRC’s Head, Media and Strategic Communications Eniola Akinkuotu, said the fund comprises N125bn and $168.9m.

Daily Trust reports that section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, mandates settlors (oil companies) to incorporate Host Community Development Trust for the benefit of host communities where they operate.

The HCDT requires oil companies to deposit 3% of their operating expenditures of the preceding financial year into a trust fund which will be housed in a bank with BBB rating.

The PIA further stipulates that the settlor shall for the purpose of setting up the trust, in consultation with the host communities, appoint a board of trustees which shall be registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission as a corporate body.

The oil company then undertakes a NEEDS assessment that will metamorphose into the community development plan for the purpose of determining the projects that will be executed.

The fund is often dedicated to community development projects spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

It gives communities a sense of ownership and is expected to reduce incidents of sabotage on oil facilities like pipeline vandalism, ensures the communities receive direct benefits from petroleum operations like social economic, educational development, empowerment of youth and overall reduction of restiveness in the Niger Delta region.

While the NUPRC does not have direct access to the funds, it monitors the fund through a dashboard known as HostComply. The Commission also monitors the implementation of the fund as mandated by the extant laws.

The statement added that the NUPRC last month facilitated the delivery of over 10 life-changing projects and the flag-off of more than 10 others under the Obagi Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in Rivers State, operated by TotalEnergies.

‘These projects were officially handed over to the communities hosting OML 58 during a two-day project commissioning and flag-off ceremony held from September 24-25, 2025, at Ogbogu Community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State,’ the NUPRC said.

It said the milestone marks a defining moment in the implementation of the HCDT provisions under Section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and stands as a testament to the NUPRC’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.

‘The projects delivered include demolition and construction of two-storey building classroom blocks with 18 fully furnished standard classrooms size of 56 square metres UBEC standard at Ogbogu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA; remodelled Ogbogu Cottage Hospital with 20 beds capacity and a new newly constructed diagnostic centre and revatalisation and infrastructure upgrade of 1200 capacity Ogbogu Ultra Modern Civic Centre in Ogbogu community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.’

‘Others are fully constructed 260 metres asphalt pavement at Obe Road, Oboburu Community, Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA and fully constructed 320 metres reinforced concrete pavement at SDA Road, Oboburu Community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni LGA.’

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment, and Community, Capt. John Roland Tonglagha, stated that the projects will address issues related to basic education, healthcare, employment, and more.

He encouraged host communities to take ownership of the infrastructure and collaborate with upstream operators to grow the oil industry and deliver national prosperity.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Oil and Gas Host Communities, Senator Benson Agadaga, noted that host communities are now reaping the dividends of the PIA’s successful implementation. He emphasised that peace in the Niger Delta would help the Commission meet its production target of over two million barrels per day.

He said, ‘This is a challenge to other HCDTs to do the same because the little peace we are seeing today in the Niger Delta is because of the achievements of the PIA, and the host communities are no longer as hostile as before.’

The Managing Director of TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, expressed pride in being the first to deliver on the HCDT mandate. He said the speed of the project delivery reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable economic development in host communities.

He said, ‘We are one of the first, if not the first, International Oil Companies to create and fund the Trust two years ago, which of course, is the Obagi HCDT. Within the community development plan, there are more than 500 projects currently identified, touching more than 60 communities.’

OPay, Nigeria’s leading financial technology company, has emerged as the only fintech to clinch three major awards at the 2025 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, reaffirming its industry leadership and innovation.

With this historic achievement, OPay stands tall as Nigeria’s most awarded fintech brand this year.

At the ceremony, BusinessDay recognized OPay’s record breaking performance, describing the company as ‘the powerhouse of daily fintech activity.’

Its security suite now includes advanced features like Large Transaction Shield, NightGuard, and multiple fail-safes for high-value transactions – reinforcing trust in every tap.’

For ‘seamlessly blending scale, safety, and features that empower both merchants and individuals,’ BusinessDay concluded, ‘OPay is the obvious pick for Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year, Business Solutions Provider of the Year, and Fintech Security Innovation of the Year’ Business day added.

The company clinched Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year, Business Solutions Provider of the Year, and Fintech Security Innovation of the Year – a powerful endorsement of its innovation, scale, and commitment to advanced and secure financial services.

For Mobile Payment Solutions Provider of the Year, OPay’s cutting-edge technology guarantees one of the most reliable networks in the country. Today, tens of millions of users transact with OPay every month, with tens of thousands joining organically through referrals from friends and family daily. A majority of online merchants also recommend OPay as a preferred payment method, allowing users to conveniently pay via the ‘Pay with OPay’ for their digital payment needs.

Also, as the Fintech Security Innovation of the Year, OPay has developed seven advanced security products – with additional features in development – designed to protect customers across different transaction scenarios.

This innovative approach to user safety has positioned OPay as one of the most secure and trusted financial institutions in Nigeria.

‘This recognition at the 2025 BAFI Awards is a reflection of our stand as a brand that goes beyond banking – combining innovation, security, and inclusion to power the financial lives of tens of millions. This is an encouragement for us to do more’ IK Odiase, Head of Partnerships, OPay said in a statement.

A soldier, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, has allegedly stabbed a young man simply identified as Ugo to death in Delta State.

It was learnt that the incident happened on Sunday at about 7pm, near the Plantation City Estate, close to Otokutu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State.

The victim said to be in his early thirties, was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The deceased’s younger brother, identified as Toshi, who was with him during the incident, said they were driving into an estate after Plantation City when security personnel stopped them at the gate for routine checks. ‘My brother was trying to call his friend in the estate to confirm his visit when the soldier accused him of trying to force his way inside.

He said that despite the deceased’s explanation that he was only calling his friend to come and identify him, the soldier started assaulting him.

Toshi said efforts by other visitors to calm the situation failed, as the soldier continued the assault before allegedly stabbing him several times.

‘The soldier stabbed him in the hand and the rib. It was a very deep cut. We rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead,’ he said.

He, however, appealed to the relevant authorities to ensure his brother’s killer is brought to justice.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, saying: ‘We received the complaint, that’s all I can say for now.’

In Nigeria, strikes have become familiar in the public university system – empty halls, locked laboratories, and displaced students every now and then.

For decades, ASUU has used strikes to demand better funding and welfare, but each action leaves behind frustration and academic disruption.

Today on Nigeria Daily, we ask: Have ASUU’s strikes truly achieved their purpose?

The European Union’s development cooperation with Nigeria has been strengthened by a N320.5 billion (EUR 190 million) credit line allocated to Nigerian commercial banks and financial institutions to broaden their lending to the agricultural sector.

Bolaji Adebiyi, media aide to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, in a statement, said the facility, which is being provided by the European Investment Bank, was announced at a meeting of the bank’s senior executives and a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, on the sidelines of the recently concluded Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Belgium.

Expressing the EU’s commitment to support Nigeria’s ambitions and initiatives for digital transformation, given its potential to catalyse growth in other sectors of the economy, the bank’s Director (International Partnerships), Ms Thourayya Tricki, said the credit facility was part of the EU’s commitment to the development of Nigeria’s agricultural value chains, particularly in cocoa and dairy. Tricki, who attended the bilateral meeting alongside the bank’s Head (Sub-Saharan Africa Relations), Mr Diedrick Zambon, stated that the Nigerian investment package for climate-smart agricultural production and processing is at an advanced stage, aimed at ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of agri-food products.

The package, she explained, includes credit lines and technical assistance to relevant Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and commercial banks in Nigeria to expand their lending portfolios to the agricultural subsector.

Nigeria already benefits from an EUR 18m Technical Assistance grant to strengthen the regulatory framework and capacity for vaccine manufacturing, as well as a EUR 50m facility to expand Nigeria’s credit portfolio for the pharmaceutical industry.

The Nigerian delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Minister, Mr Bolaji Onalaja, and the Focal Officer, EU Unit, Mr Benjamin Galadima, highlighted ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the forthcoming National Development Plan (2026-2030) as frameworks for attracting sustainable investments and strengthening community-level development through the Ward-Based Development Programme.

The Nigerian team also engaged in a series of high-level sessions and conducted bilateral meetings with key EU institutions, including officials from the Directorate of International Partnerships (INTPA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), among others.

It, on behalf of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, who was on another official assignment in Vienna, Austria, expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gauthier Mignot, for the excellent facilitation of Nigeria’s participation at the 2025 Global Gateway Forum.

The Global Gateway Forum acts as the main platform for turning the Global Gateway Investment Package into actionable partnerships and viable projects. It unites governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to coordinate priorities, mobilise resources, and speed up sustainable investments that enhance connectivity, green transition, digital transformation, and human capital development across partner regions.

In her keynote address, the President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to developing mutually beneficial partnerships based on trust, sustainability, and shared prosperity under the Global Gateway Strategy. She announced the expansion of the Global Gateway Investment Package to pound 400 billion and the creation of a dedicated Investment Hub to facilitate improved transactions and accelerate project delivery across partner regions, especially in Africa.

Nigeria’s World Cup dreams hang by a thread as the Super Eagles prepare to face Benin Republic on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, in their final Group C clash of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

After a campaign filled with missed chances and frustrating draws, the Super Eagles find themselves in an unfamiliar position – needing both victory and a helping hand from other results to stay in contention for a place at the global showpiece.

Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup has been rocky. Following their painful failure to qualify for the 2022 edition in Qatar – losing out to arch-rivals Ghana – few could have imagined the three-time African champions facing the possibility of missing out on consecutive tournaments for the first time since their World Cup debut in 1994.

Heading into this decisive fixture, Eric Chelle’s men sit third in Group C with 14 points from nine matches, having won three, drawn five, and lost one. They have scored 11 goals and conceded eight – a record that mirrors their inconsistency throughout the campaign.

Nigeria trail group leaders Benin Republic by three points and second-placed South Africa by one. To qualify automatically, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Even if South Africa win, a two-goal margin could still hand Nigeria a playoff spot on goal difference.

Chelle’s side approach this encounter boosted by a 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday, courtesy of goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams. However, the coach admits that their fate ‘is no longer entirely in their hands’ after a string of late lapses and wasted opportunities earlier in the campaign.

Meanwhile, Benin Republic are on the brink of making history. Under the guidance of former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs top Group C with 17 points from nine matches (five wins, two draws, and two defeats), scoring 12 goals and conceding seven. Their most recent 1-0 win over Rwanda, thanks to Tosin Aiyegun’s decisive strike, solidified their position as surprise leaders.

Rohr’s men have defied expectations throughout the qualifiers – and notably handed Nigeria their only defeat of the campaign, a 2-1 win in June 2024, marking Benin’s first-ever victory over their West African neighbours after seven previous meetings.

Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the 64th minute against Lesotho, triggering a one-match ban under CAF rules. Right-back Ola Aina also remains sidelined due to an injury sustained during the 1-1 draw with South Africa last month.

Despite these setbacks, Chelle has urged his team to stay positive.

‘The team remains focused and confident. Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, but we have enough quality to compete effectively. Every player must be ready to step up,’ he said.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi is expected to once again dictate play, while Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s top scorer in qualifying with three goals, will lead the attack alongside Tolu Arokodare. Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are set to operate from the wings, with Troost-Ekong partnering Calvin Bassey in central defence and Stanley Nwabali continuing in goal.

For Benin, Steve Mounie will spearhead the attack, supported by Jodel Dossou, while the back four of Tamimou Ouorou, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, and Yohan Roche remains unchanged. Marcel Dandjinou is expected to retain his place between the posts.

As both nations prepare for this decisive showdown, the stakes could not be higher. For Benin, it’s a chance to make history. For Nigeria, it’s a battle for redemption – and the desperate hope of keeping their World Cup dreams alive.