Category: Daily Trust

The NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, the Social Investment arm of NNPC Ltd., has trained over 11,000 farmers across five geopolitical zones to ensure national food security and rural development.

The Managing Director of NNPCL Foundation, Mrs Emmanuel Arukwe, stated this at the flag-off of the training of 900 farmers who come from Yobe, Bauchi and Borno states on modern agricultural techniques and market access strategies held in Potiskum, Yobe State.

The project was part of the company’s shared commitment to securing Nigeria’s food future and uplifting rural communities.

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She said the programme aims to equip vulnerable farmers, especially women and youths, with practical skills and market knowledge that would move households from subsistence to sustainable income and greater resilience. Represented by the Executive Director Programme Development, NNPCL Foundation, Dr Bala David, she explained that recently, empowerment and training programmes have been conducted in other geopolitical zones of the country for 11,000 farmers.

According to her, the modules covered included climate-smart agriculture, soil management, post-harvest handling, financial literacy, cooperative formation, and the use of digital tools for market access.

Indoor air pollution causes an estimated 3.2 million premature deaths annually worldwide, primarily due to the use of solid fuels for cooking in developing countries, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This largely preventable pollution contributes significantly to respiratory illnesses and other diseases.

In Nigeria, indoor air pollution is widespread, particularly in rural areas. The situation is worsened nationally by the use of generators for domestic electricity production, especially in residential areas, and cooking in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. These significantly increase indoor air pollutant concentrations, thus causing severe health issues.

Now, indoor air pollution refers to the contamination of air within buildings and structures and covers a wide range of harmful substances, including gases, particles, and biological contaminants, originating from various sources. Poor ventilation can worsen the issue by preventing the dilution and removal of these pollutants.

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When it comes to the primary sources of indoor air pollution, a major distinction is often drawn between developing countries, which frequently rely on biomass for cooking and heating, and industrialised nations, where building materials and household products are more prominent. Inefficient combustion of solid fuels like wood, charcoal, coal, and crop waste or kerosene in open fires and simple stoves contributes significantly to indoor air pollution. Also, both second-hand smoke from burning tobacco products and chemicals released from them are significant sources of indoor pollutants. In addition, formaldehyde from building materials, paints, and furniture, along with other volatile organic compounds, contributes to poor indoor air quality.

Cleaning products, pesticides, and artificial fragrances equally release harmful chemicals into the indoor environment. Also, biological pollutants, such as animal dander, mould, dust mites, pollen, bacteria, and viruses, are common in indoor environments. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can seep into homes from the ground and building materials.

Furthermore, inadequate ventilation, especially in combination with high temperatures and humidity, traps pollutants indoors and leads to higher concentrations. Incense and some mosquito repellents can also release pollutants into the air, while dust, cockroaches, and rodents can similarly act as sources of indoor air pollution.

The truth is that inhaling fine particulate matter, such as soot from burning solid fuels, can cause or worsen respiratory infections, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic exposure to pollutants from household sources is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Household air pollution can cause lung cancer, especially in non-smoking women and people who use solid fuels like wood or coal for heating and cooking. Moreover, maternal exposure to indoor air pollution is associated with low birth weight and preterm births. And household air pollution can contribute to conditions like tuberculosis and cataracts and potentially affect neurological development in children.

Children and the elderly are more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution. Women and children, however, often bear the greatest burden due to their role in cooking and spending more time indoors, thus increasing their exposure to harmful smoke. People with existing illnesses, especially lung conditions, are also at a higher risk, while low-income households are often excessively affected because they are more likely to use polluting fuels and technologies for cooking and heating.

Now, there are some things you can do to mitigate or prevent household air pollution. You can briefly open windows and doors daily, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, to replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outside. You can also turn on local exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to effectively remove moisture and pollutants generated by cooking and other activities.

It is equally important to reduce pollution at the source by choosing non-toxic products and opting for green cleaners and products with no or low volatile organic compounds, such as paints, finishes, and adhesives. Then avoid smoking indoors, as cigarette smoke contains numerous cancer-causing substances and so should not be smoked inside. And do not burn garbage, as this releases harmful pollutants into the air. When possible, use high-emitting products like paint, glue, incense, and candles outdoors, not indoors.

You can similarly use air purifiers with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove microscopic particles like dust, pet dander, mould spores, and tobacco smoke. In addition, ensure regular cleaning and drying of indoor spaces to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Although they are not a primary solution for severe pollution, certain houseplants can help refresh indoor air by metabolising pollutants. And when renovating or building, select ‘green’ building materials, which adhere to environmental and health-friendly principles.

Close your windows and doors to prevent the smoke and fine particles from entering your house if you are dealing with a less immediate threat, such as pollutants like smoke from high outdoor pollution events. You can open the windows to increase ventilation once the outside air quality improves. It is, however, essential to get anyone experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or confusion medical help immediately.

As a general rule, get everyone out of the building and into fresh air if you suspect a serious or widespread problem, such as a gas leak or carbon monoxide exposure, and call for help from appropriate quarters or agencies once you are in a safe location. Do not use lighters, matches, or any electrical device, including appliances, light switches, and phones, since these can create a spark that ignites a flammable gas.

In the end, our well-being is tied, not just to the government or the world outside our windows, but also to the air we breathe within our walls. By having a good knowledge of the sources of indoor air pollution, we can take control of our health and that of those around us. A well-placed air purifier, a commitment to natural cleaning products, and a simple habit of opening windows and doors can make all the difference by transforming our private spaces into true sanctuaries of clean, safe air.

The Pipeline Professionals’ Association of Nigeria (PLAN) is set to host the Nigeria International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference and Exhibition (NIPITECS) from November 11-12, 2025 in Abuja.

The event will bring together between 1,000 and 1,500 participants including engineers, regulators, investors, and indigenous service providers.

With the theme ‘Building Robust Pipeline Systems for the Decade of Gas and Beyond.’, Engr. Geoff Onuoha FNSE, Chairman of the PLAN Board of Trustees, said NIPITECS 2025 will spotlight innovation, investment, and security challenges in Nigeria’s midstream oil and gas sector.

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The two-day program will include peer-reviewed technical papers, a technology exhibition, policy panel discussions, and a high-level networking dinner and awards ceremony.

Confirmed speakers include Engr.Adeche Omotosho-Oboro,MD,

Umugini Pipeline Infrastructure Limited; Engr.Ngozi Adeleke-Pipeline Manager, Renaissance Africa Energy Company; Sir Emeka Okwuosa, Group GMD, Oilserv

Group of Companies, Engr. Eloho Amagada, CEO, Amelin Projects Ltd, Engr Usman Yusuf, NNPC Board member, Engr Saidu Mohammed (Energy Veteran and

Consultant), among other technical committee leaders and international experts.

‘NIPITECS stands apart as Nigeria’s only midstream-focused pipeline conference, offering practical solutions rooted in local expertise alongside global best practices,’ Onuoha said.

Many communities have been reportedly thrown into darkness as cable and transformers’ vandals continue to reign supreme in some area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Our reporter, who has been monitoring the activities of the vandals, reports that hardly will a day pass without incidence of cables, transformers or high-tension wire stolen in the most affected area councils.

Our reporter further observed that such incidences were high in Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Kuje area councils.

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Residents of the affected communities wondered why the activities of the vandals continue to thrive despite reported arrest of some of the culprits. Abuja Metro reports that barely a week after some suspected cable vandals were arrested in Kwali Area Council, another three suspects have been arrested with stolen cables in the same area council.

A police source, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the arrest of the three suspects to our reporter through the telephone on Wednesday.

He said the suspects were arrested after police intercepted their vehicle near Sheda village, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway on Tuesday, around 5:34 pm.

He said the suspects were conveying the stolen cables inside a Mazda car with registration number MBD 465 AH, when they were flagged down.

According to him, security operatives were already informed about stolen high-tension cables, and it was while searching the vehicle that the cables were discovered.

‘Actually, the suspects confessed to stealing the electricity high-tension cables along the Kwali-Abaji axis, and they will be transferred to the FCT police command after investigations,’ he said.

He said the suspects, who are currently in Kwali Police Division, will be transferred to the FCT police command upon conclusion of investigation.

It would be recalled that two weeks ago, suspected vandals were reported to have stolen electricity high-tension cables along Manderegi village near Abaji town.

Also on Saturday, a suspected vandal was arrested at Ashara village, along Yaba road, for possession of stolen high-tension cables in the area by members of the vigilante.

Earlier, vigilantes also arrested one Peters Shina for allegedly vandalizing electricity high-tension cables in the same Ashara village in the Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

A member of the vigilante, Yunusa Saidu, said the suspect was arrested on Thursday around 4:23 p.m. after some villagers saw the suspect and immediately raised an alarm.

He said the suspect boldly went to where some of the high-tension cables had fallen down and started cutting the cable. He added that the vigilantes quickly mobilized to the scene and arrested the suspect.

He said the suspect, who is a native from Kabba, Kogi State, but resides in Gwako village near Gwagwalada, confessed to the stealing of the cables.

Abuja Metro also reliably learnt that three suspected vandals were also apprehended with stolen high-tension cables near Piri village, also in Kwali Area Council.

A police source who preferred anonymity confirmed the arrest, saying the suspects were conveying a large quantity of high-tension cables inside a Golf car when they were arrested at a checkpoint near Piri village on Wednesday.

‘Actually, the policemen became suspicious when the driver, upon sighting the policemen at the checkpoint, parked by the roadside and fled into the bush, while three other occupants of the car also attempted to flee. However, when one of the police threatened to shoot, they could not escape,’ he said.

The source said the suspects were later taken to Kwali Division alongside the vehicle, and that investigation was ongoing to locate the driver.

Also some suspected hoodlums reportedly vandalized electricity high-tension cables between Manderegi village near Abaji town two weeks ago, which has thrown Abaji and its environs into darkness since then.

The FCT Police Commissioner, Saka Ajao Adewale, has recently ordered the Divisional Police Officers and the Area Commanders to raid hotspots in their areas and flush out the criminals, especially those link to the vandalization of the critical assets.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed six cannabis plantations weighing 66,078.57 kilograms (kg) in Edo State.

The NDLEA State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this during a chat with journalists in Benin City.

‘In a concerted effort to combat drug trafficking and abuse, the command has destroyed 66,078.57kg of skunk (cannabis),’ he stated.

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This, he said, is a proactive measure to curb cannabis cultivation in the state.

He noted that the six illicit plantations, spanning over 26.43 hectares, were destroyed at Ugbogui Forest, Ataroro Forest, and Ogu Forest across the Iguiben, Ovia South, and Owan West Local Government Areas of the state.

Ofoyeju added that the command’s efforts are yielding results and restated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within the state.

He, however, noted that the command faces challenges, particularly with the difficult terrain of cannabis cultivation, which requires stronger operational vehicles to effectively navigate the forests.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) working on democracy and elections have urged the Senate to ensure that the nominee for Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), demonstrates moral courage, integrity, and independence before his confirmation.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the coalition acknowledged Amupitan’s strong academic and professional background but stressed that Nigeria’s electoral process demands a resolute and impartial umpire capable of resisting political interference.

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‘The new INEC leadership must show unwavering commitment to credible elections and institutional independence,’ the groups stated, adding that the commission functions best when insulated from political manipulation.

The statement, endorsed by Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Centre, The Kukah Centre, Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign, followed Amupitan’s nomination by the Presidency after the expiration of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure. While noting that the Council of State reportedly gave unanimous approval to the nomination, the CSOs reminded that such endorsement does not replace the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to conduct a thorough and transparent confirmation process.

‘We reiterate our longstanding call for a transparent, inclusive, and citizens-centred appointment process consistent with the recommendations of key electoral reform reports, including the Justice Uwais Report, the Ken Nnamani Committee Report, and the Citizens’ Memorandum on Electoral Reforms,’ the statement added.

The coalition urged the Senate to make the confirmation hearings public and televised, with opportunities for citizens to submit memoranda, petitions, and other inputs.

It also called for a ‘rigorous examination’ of Amupitan’s competence, public record, and vision for electoral reform, including his strategies to strengthen INEC’s independence and uphold electoral integrity.

According to the groups, Nigerians expect a transparent process marked by full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, past service record, and plans to ensure elections free from political influence.

They further urged the Senate to probe Amupitan’s approach to resolving persistent electoral challenges such as voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC guidelines.

‘The credibility of Nigeria’s elections depends on the independence and integrity of its electoral umpire. Therefore, the Senate must ensure that the confirmation process inspires public trust,’ the CSOs said.

The Federal Government through the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has recorded a major reduction in crude oil theft from over 102,000 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 2025.

The Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe stated that this was achieved through collaboration with security agencies, private contractors and community stakeholders in implementing the Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation.

The result, he stated, was a reduction in theft by over 90 per cent in four years.

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He spoke in Lagos on Thursday during at the 2025 Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) conference in Lagos. Prior to Komolafe’s remark, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), had given an industry report on crude oil theft, disclosing that the Federal Government lost a total of 13.5 million barrels of crude oil worth $3.3 billion to theft and pipeline sabotage between 2023 and 2024.

He decried the lack of transparency and accountability that had bedeviled the oil and gas industry, saying there was the need for openness, transparency and innovation in driving the oil and gas value chain.

He spoke on the theme, ‘Nigeria’s Energy Future: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks for Sustainable Growth.’

Orji noted that the lost revenue could have supported a full year of the federal health budget or provided energy access to millions of households.

He further disclosed that that its 2021-2022 Oil and Gas Industry Reports indicated that Nigeria earned $23.04 billion in 2021 and $23.05 billion in 2022 from the sector.

In addition, it stated that N1.5 trillion were owed to the Federation by some companies and government agencies, saying the funds could have supported the provision of energy infrastructure and healthcare to the people.

This is why transparency and accountability are not optional but necessary conditions to guarantee a more sustainable energy future for Nigeria, he stated.

The ES stated that NEITI is committed to ensuring that every barrel of crude produced is duly accounted for, noting that the secrecy in the value chain remains a matter of concern.

According to him, there is the need for reliable data in the industry as ‘data build trust, trust drives investment, investment generates revenues and revenues deliver impact.’

He said, ‘Over the past decade, NEITI has evolved from an auditing agency to a governance reform institution.

‘We have institutionalised regular audits of oil, gas, and solid mineral sectors, tracking production, payments, and remediation; developed Nigeria’s Beneficial Ownership Register, unmasking the true owners of over 4,800 extractive assets, and helping the government combat corruption and illicit financial flows; and launched the NEITI Data Centre-a national open-data infrastructure that provides real-time public access to industry information.

‘We have also strengthened partnerships with NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NCDMB to promote transparency in licensing, metering, and host community trust management and introduced the Just Energy Transition and Climate Accountability Framework to ensure that Nigeria’s shift to cleaner energy is transparent, inclusive, and fair.

‘These are not ceremonial milestones. They are practical governance instruments designed to make transparency the DNA of Nigeria’s extractive sector.’

He stated that as Nigeria positions gas as its transition fuel and renewable energy as its future there was the need to adopt innovative approaches with data and open contracting in the value chain.

‘Our energy future must rest on verifiable data, open contracts, measurable emissions, and accountable institutions.

‘NEITI envisions a sector where every dollar is traceable, every contract is public, every decision is transparent, and every Nigerian citizen can see how natural resources translate into national prosperity.

EITI, we are committed to ensuring that every barrel produced, every cubic foot of gas commercialised, and every kobo earned contributes to national development-in full public view,’ he said.

2.7m barrels target on course – NUPRC

However, the NUPRC CCE represented by the Director, Lagos Office, Mr. Paul Osu stated that the commission had prioritized production optimization and recovery enhancement.

‘By reviewing field development plans, supporting brownfield optimization and enabling the re-entry of shut-in wells, the NUPRC has facilitated renewed activity across mature assets.

‘These interventions are projected to deliver incremental volumes exceeding one million barrels of oil per day, a key milestone toward achieving the national production target of 2.5 million BOPD by 2027,’ he stated.

‘Signature Bonus slashed from $100m to $10m’

The CCE also disclosed that the Federal Government has reduced the cost of the signature bonus from about $100 million to $10 million in its drive to actualise the 2.5 million barrels per day target in 2027.

Daily Trust reports that signature bonus is the non-refundable upfront payment made to the government for the exclusive rights to develop an oil block.

With the federal government targeting 2.5m barrels per day production by 2027, the reduction in signature bonus was a strategic decision to drive investment and encourage the development of more oil blocks.

According to Komolafe, the downward review of signature bonuses is among several strategic reforms introduced to reposition Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector for growth and competitiveness.

‘This single policy shift has enhanced investor confidence, enabled early field development, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s standing as a transparent investment destination,’ Komolafe stated.

He added that NUPRC has implemented a fully digital and transparent licensing framework to improve efficiency and reduce human interference during bid rounds.

According to him, the 2024 mini-bid round minimised human interface, ensuring maximum transparency and fairness in the licensing process.

Komolafe further revealed that the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) provisions as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) has been transformative.

He said the Commission has successfully inaugurated over 90 Trusts across the Niger Delta, ensuring that development funds flow directly to communities.

‘This model not only secures local ownership, but also guarantees peace, stability and continuity in production, key pillars for sustained energy security,’ he added.

He explained further that the NUPRC is ‘advancing Nigeria’s gas agenda as part of the ‘Decade of Gas’ and the nation’s energy transition pathway.’

‘Natural gas remains our most reliable transition fuel, a catalyst for industrialization, power generation and clean energy substitution. By promoting gas monetization, flare elimination and gas-based investments, the Commission is reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to a just and balanced energy transition.

‘Globally, the context reinforces this direction. The IEA projects that upstream investment will surpass $580 billion in 2025, marking a steady recovery from pandemic lows. While renewables will continue to grow, hydrocarbons will remain central to industrialization, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria,’ he added.

‘Energy, power reforms yet to achieve results’

The conference chairman and President, Masters Energy Group, Dr. Uche Ogah stated that the power and energy reforms recently implemented by the federal government must deliver tangible results.

He pointed at the PIA 2021, the fuel subsidy removal of 2023 and the Electricity Act which redefines how power is generated, transmitted and consumed with states now involved in the value chain.

Despite these, he stated that as observed by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) recently, the power reforms have not translated into achieving tangible improvement in supply with actual generation hovering around 5000 megawatts.

Ogah said, ‘Among factors responsible for the power inadequacy despite reforms are gas supply constraints, transmission bottlenecks and commercial inefficiency cutting across the entire electricity value chain.

‘So three major energy challenges remain daunting for Nigeria as of today. First is ensuring that the energy and power reforms deliver tangible results to justify the reforms. The second challenge is maximising the value of our hydrocarbon endowment before it declines and third is delivering universal, accessible and affordable energy to every Nigerian household.’

According to him, Nigeria’s energy future is not a choice between opportunities and risks but a challenge to navigate both dynamics together.

‘Success will demand the pragmatic, multi-pronged strategy that leverages our strength while confronting our vulnerabilities head-on,’ he added.

He stated that the oil and gas remains the backbone of the economy supporting millions of jobs but more value could be delivered if the nation acts decisively.

NDPHC lauds Tinubu for Approval of ?4trn Legacy Debt Defrayment

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, at the conference commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s power sector, following his recent approval of the defrayment of the ?4 trillion legacy debts owed to generation companies (GenCos).

Adighije described the President’s approval as a landmark decision that would go a long way in restoring the financial health of the sector.

‘With the funds available, we at NDPHC – given our unique mandate as the government’s intervention entity in the power sector – plan to deploy a significant portion of these recovered funds toward converting our power plants from open-cycle to combined-cycle operations,’ she said.

‘This will not only enhance efficiency but also diversify our generation mix, aligning with Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan,’ she added.

Adighije further noted that the power sector is currently undergoing a major transition, moving towards bilateral trading and the implementation of a cost-reflective tariff regime.

‘What this means for us is that we are beginning to see increased liquidity within the sector, which in turn is making it more bankable and attractive for investment,’ she explained.

‘For us in the power generation space, we understand that cash flow drives efficiency and sustainability. Improved liquidity ensures that generation companies are better positioned to reinvest in the power sector,’ Adighije said.

She reaffirmed NDPHC’s commitment to supporting ongoing reforms in the sector and called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure energy security and economic growth.

Meanwhile, the association conferred on the company, Power Company of the year Award.

First Bank of Nigeria has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre at Bayero University Kano (BUK) aimed at assisting students experience firsthand innovation through technology.

The newly launched centre, which operates round the clock, offers a wide range of automated banking services, including cash deposits, withdrawals through advanced Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and various payment transactions all without direct human assistance.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mrs. Abimbola Kulle Ajayi, Group Head of Branch Operations and Services, Lagos, said the centre, the second of its kind in Northern Nigeria, is designed to showcase the bank’s digital transformation and make banking more convenient and interactive for customers.

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‘Beyond traditional banking services, the Digital Experience Centre provides a friendly environment where customers can explore and perform transactions independently,’ she explained.

Ajayi revealed that during the commissioning, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the university successfully carried out a transfer using the machines, while the Students’ Union President instantly created an ATM card, highlighting the efficiency of the new facility.

Addressing concerns about occasional network disruptions, Mrs. Ajayi assured customers of improved connectivity, emphasizing that the BUK centre reflects First Bank’s commitment to reliable digital service delivery.

According to her, the location of the centre within Bayero University was strategic, given the tech-savvy nature of the academic community, whose feedback will help the bank refine its digital offerings.

Mrs. Ajayi further dismissed the notion that First Bank is an ‘old-fashioned’ institution, stressing that it remains a digitally driven and customer-focused brand committed to providing convenient and innovative banking solutions around the clock.

Venezuelan opposition leader and democracy advocate, María Corina Machado, has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering campaign to restore democratic governance and human rights in Venezuela.

Announcing the award on Friday in Oslo, the Norwegian Nobel Committee commended Machado for her ‘tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.’

The committee described her as ‘one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America,’ crediting her leadership with uniting a once-fractured political opposition.

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‘This is precisely what lies at the heart of democracy – our shared willingness to defend the principles of popular rule, even when we disagree,’ the committee stated. ‘At a time when democracy is under threat, it is more important than ever to defend this common ground.’ Machado, a prominent critic of President Nicolás Maduro, has been at the forefront of Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement for more than a decade.

Her activism intensified after years of political repression and economic collapse that have forced roughly eight million Venezuelans to flee the country since 2014, according to Human Rights Watch.

Barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election, Machado threw her support behind Edmundo González, an opposition figure from another party, who independent observers believe won by a wide margin.

Despite widespread allegations of fraud, Maduro declared victory, prompting protests and a violent crackdown known as ‘Operation Tun Tun,’ which involved arrests, killings, and suppression of dissent.

Machado has remained in hiding since the election but continues to speak out from within Venezuela.

The Nobel Committee said its decision to honour her ‘has inspired millions of people’ across the world who continue to fight for freedom and justice.

Trump’s Bid Falls Short

US President Donald Trump, who had publicly sought the Nobel Peace Prize, was among this year’s high-profile contenders.

Trump’s administration has been a vocal critic of Maduro, and in August, it doubled the reward for information leading to the Venezuelan leader’s arrest – now standing at $50 million – accusing him of large-scale narcotics trafficking.

Despite the campaign, the Nobel Committee chose Machado over Trump, recognising her peaceful struggle for democracy as a symbol of hope for oppressed people in Venezuela and beyond.

The President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Benedict Kanyip, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and others have called for a collective effort of all stakeholders to deepen the promotion of labour justice in the country.

Speaking at the 2025 annual lecture of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria with the theme: ‘Labour Justice and Labour Law Education’ on Thursday in Abuja, Justice Kanyip called for deeper skills in labour laws because of its significance to the economy.

The president of the court advocated for labour law education in the curriculum, which he said is not compulsory in the universities, while tax law education is optional.

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‘Labour law education equips workers to understand their rights and responsibilities, which empowers them to challenge violations, access justice mechanisms, and participate effectively in trade unions,’ he said. In his speech, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, bemoaned the struggle of workers to obtain speedy justice while the employers and the government easily obtain restraining injunctions to stop workers from exercising their rights under the law.

Ajaero also called on the executive arm to immediately transmit to the National Assembly the Reviewed Labour Administration Laws for passage into law.

In his keynote address, a professor of law at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Ademola Popoola, called for social justice for the working people and as paramount to the survival of any society through economic, political and social issues.

‘As we pursue the concept of labour justice, we should do so in the context of human security. The concept of human security is now actually in the forefront of the Constitution,’ Prof Popoola said.