Category: Daily Trust

The Federal Government’s National Communications Team on Tuesday toured key facilities of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Abuja, where it was presented with dozens of locally developed technologies and market-ready products aimed at reducing Nigeria’s import dependence and driving industrialisation.

The delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, included the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, alongside other members of the presidential communications team.

The visitors were taken round the NASENI Showroom, the NASENI-Troment Rapid Diagnostics Factory, the Centre of Excellence and other facilities, where they inspected products already developed for commercial deployment.

The products showcased included locally assembled electric vehicles and tricycles, PowerStoves, liquid fertilisers, solar-powered irrigation and water pumping systems, drones, agricultural processing equipment, solar street lights, diagnostic kits, defence technologies and aerospace innovations, among other indigenous technologies. NASENI said the agency now has more than 40 market-ready products under its commercialisation drive.

Speaking after the tour, Idris said many of the agency’s achievements remain unknown to Nigerians, stressing the need for greater public awareness of government innovations.

He said the communications team had expanded its engagement beyond political activities to ministries, departments and agencies to ensure Nigerians receive more information on government programmes and results.

‘We need to do more of this so that Nigerians can have so many things to talk about,’ the minister said.

He urged journalists to focus more attention on issues such as technology transfer and local manufacturing, rather than concentrating only on partisan politics.

The minister commended NASENI for opening its facilities to the media, saying such engagements would enable journalists to report government initiatives from firsthand experience.

According to him, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to repositioning Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation and local production.

‘Our journey towards prosperity that Mr President promised when he took office is upon us, and we are marching in that direction. Join us in believing in what we are doing because we are already seeing results,’ he said.

Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the media tour was designed to expose members of the presidential communications team to the agency’s transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda and provide them with firsthand knowledge of its industrialisation projects.

Halilu said NASENI had repositioned from a traditional research and development institution into a commercialisation-driven agency built on what he described as the ‘3Cs’ strategy of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.

He said the agency’s focus now spans local manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare innovation, technology transfer, strategic partnerships and commercialisation of indigenous technologies.

Among the flagship projects highlighted were the NASENI-Troment Factory for rapid diagnostic kits in Abuja, the 40-hectare Solar Industrial Park in Gora, Nasarawa State, electric vehicle assembly at the Abuja Technology Village, CNG conversion centres in Utako and Kubwa, and the Defence Equipment Reverse Engineering Centre in Bwari.

Halilu said the agency was implementing projects aligned with the Federal Government’s industrialisation agenda through local manufacturing, technology transfer and research commercialisation.

According to him, the strategy is expected to create jobs, reduce capital flight, boost exports and strengthen Nigeria’s technological capacity while moving innovations from laboratories to factories and the marketplace.

The immediate past President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Highrisen, Mrs Halimat Aferede, has advised the new president of the club to be more proactive and membership driven in order to enhance good service to humanity.

Aferede, gave the advise during the third club president and project fundraising ceremony of Rotorian Ishaku Maigida, which held at the National Defense College (NDC) Abuja, on Saturday.

She said the new club’s president must also ensure that he has a core- relationship with every member of the club as every member counts.

‘Although, we have our talents, treasure and time to spend. But that family aspect of it very important as every member should become a family member,’she said.

She, however, noted that the core values of the Rotary Club of Abuja, is service above self, saying ‘you serve humanity without pride as you are humble in yourself so that society will remember you even after you must have gone,’she said.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has disclosed that it paid the sum of N3 billion into the Federation Account between January and June 2026 making it N6 billion this year.

The agency said the feat was made possible due to diligence and leverage on the N500 billion investment into the agency before it was taken off the budgetary allocation platform of the federal government.

Managing Director of FHA, Hon Oyetunde Ojo made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday where he also revealed that he inherited the sum of 12 Billion deficit on assumption of office as outstanding salary arrears to staff.

He however stated that the agency applied carefully executed due diligence, hard work and discipline to clear off the deficit, cleared the backlog and restored confidence of workers.

He stated this when he received the award of Excellence from the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) for accountability, intentionality for growth and transparency in leadership.

‘As of July 2026, we have remitted about N3 billion already to the federation account and by December we should be able to add another N3 billion making it N6 billion, this is what we have been able to achieve due to transparency and accountability. This is in addition to clearing over N12 billion deficit and backlog that we met.

‘Two years ago when I assumed the responsibilities of Managing Director and Chief Executive, I met an agency that was in dire strait , an institution that is heavily endowed with all the resources it takes to be very great but remained underperforming . I met an organization with some of the best brains in the built industry but were heavily ill-motivated.

‘Today’s award confirms that those efforts are bearing fruit. We have seen a measurable reduction in incidents and allegations involving Anti-Corruption agencies and that encouraging trend reflects deliberate policy choices, systemic reforms and a culture change within the authority .’ he further explained.

Earlier, the Provost of the institution, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim said the FHA MD displayed executional leadership reformative qualities that prompted the award.

Professor Ghali said, ‘I would like to congratulate you the managing Director and CEO, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo because of your particular distinguished style of leadership that we are here today. I know him as a man of simplicity, and I know him as a great leader and administrator and that is why the changes and the dynamic ambience of what is unfolding in this particular institution today, from jostling to courts, making the environment that was like a market, to emptying this particular environment and sanitizing the environment, also curtailing the levels of litigations.

‘Secondly, we at the ICPC established within the framework of the ICPC Act 2000. The ICPC is mandated to carry out three major functions, and these functions are one to prevent corruption in the country. I am using this particular preventive tool, the ICPC carries out system studies and reviews in all government ministries, departments, and agencies,’ he said.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to vacate the order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.

In a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, the president said while he was not opposed to the EFCC’s exercise of its statutory powers, the timing of the action raised some concerns.

‘It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.’

‘I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action. This is so because every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to me, as the President, even when I may not have had any prior knowledge of the action.

‘Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference. I have therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency because I firmly believe that strong democratic institutions, operating within the confines of the law, are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law.

‘As President, I am committed to allowing institutions of State to function and take any action they consider necessary in the interest of proper governance without the need for any prior approval. Indeed, that is why institutions are set up by law with clearly defined powers.

‘While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious, and therefore I feel compelled to intervene.

‘Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election.

‘Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process.

‘Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard.’

Seven-time African champions, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, booked their place in the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship after yesterday’s dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over host nation Côte d’Ivoire.

The pulsating semi-final encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, making the penalty shootout inevitable.

The hosts, who started on the front foot and controlled the tempo from kickoff, came close to an early opener in both the 12th and 14th minutes.

However, Flying Eagles goalkeeper Clinton Lawani remained alert and kept Nigeria in the game.

The pressure eventually told in the 16th minute when Côte d’Ivoire’s Kaita slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

The Flying Eagles pushed for an equalizer before half-time with renewed urgency, but the Ivorian defense held firm to take their narrow advantage into the break.

The breakthrough for Nigeria finally arrived in the 67th minute when Captain Habila Simeon rose highest to nod in a cross, leveling the score at 1-1.

Despite several chances created by both sides, neither team could find a winner in regulation, sending the match into extra time.

Aliyu Abubakar put the Flying Eagles ahead 2-1 in the third minute of extra time, but Côte d’Ivoire responded immediately, leveling the tie at 2-2 before the end of the first period of extra time.

During the shootout, the Flying Eagles held their nerve from the spot to secure a 4-3 victory.

The hard-fought win sends Nigeria through to the final of the 2026 WAFU B U20 Championship, where they will aim to retain their trophy and secure qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The statement signed by Dr Ado Muhammad on behalf of its Steering Committee, indicated that the event would hold at the auditorium of the National Mosque in Abuja.

It added that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, would be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the foundation was established as a faith-inspired, non-profit platform.

It is also to harness the Zakat, Sadaqah, and other forms of Islamic philanthropy to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods and support vulnerable members of the society.

It seeks to strengthen the administration of Zakat through transparency, accountability, Sharia (Islamic law) compliance and the responsible use of technology.

At the heart of the vision is EasyZakat platform, a web and mobile application, designed to make the calculation, payment, collection, tracking and distribution of Zakat easier.

It is also expected to make the activity more transparent and accountable.

The platform connects givers, beneficiaries, administrators and relevant institutions through a secure digital interface.

It will also limit manual handling, human discretion and reduces the risk of interferences or manipulation.

The platform would provides digital records, beneficiary validation, auditable transaction trails, and real-time tracking of contributions from the giver to the intended beneficiary.

‘The platform is, therefore, not only a payment channel, but also a built-in accountability mechanism.’

‘It will enable givers to monitor their contributions, recall their giving history, view their dashboard, and obtain extractable records where required.

‘Effectively, it will strengthen donor confidence and ensure that every contribution can be transparently traced and responsibly accounted for,’ the statement explained.

It added that the inauguration of the BOT and the unveiling of the platform represented a major milestone in ‘building a credible, technology-driven and impactful institution dedicated to Islamic social finance, social justice, poverty reduction and inclusive community development across Nigeria’.(NAN)

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board has announced the restoration of potable water supply to Wuse 1, Wuse 2, Wuye and Maitama Districts, following the successful completion of emergency maintenance work on the main trunk line.

Abuja Metro reports that the affected districts have been without water for over three weeks, causing hardship to many residents.

Public Relations Officer of FCT Water Board, Umar Suleiman Ako, who announced this in a statement, said, the maintenance became necessary to prevent a major system failure and to guarantee sustainable water supply to the affected areas and the FCT at large.

‘The Board sincerely appreciates all our esteemed customers and the general public for your endurance, understanding and uncommon patience during the period of disruption. We recognise the inconveniences caused and thank you for your cooperation while our engineers worked to resolve the challenge.

‘With the completion of the repairs, the Board is fully committed to efficient and improved service delivery across the FCT. We will continue to prioritise prompt response to burst pipes, leakages, and other service-related issues.

‘In the spirit of shared responsibility, we kindly appeal to all customers to reciprocate this commitment by paying their water bills promptly and in full. Timely payment of bills enables the Board to sustain operations, carry out necessary maintenance, and ensure uninterrupted water supply to all residents.

‘For enquiries, complaints, or bill payment assistance, please visit the Customer Care Unit, FCT Water Board Headquarters, Garki Area 3, or contact our customer service lines’, the statement added.

President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has felicitated the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, on the occasion of his 66th birthday.

Professor Gwarzo described the renowned industrialist and philanthropist as a visionary leader whose remarkable contributions have continued to transform lives, strengthen industries, and promote economic growth across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

He noted that Rabiu’s unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship, job creation, infrastructure development, and philanthropy has earned him widespread respect as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders.

According to Professor Gwarzo, the BUA Chairman’s investments in critical sectors of the economy have not only contributed to national development but have also created opportunities for thousands of young people while supporting education, healthcare, and other humanitarian causes.

‘We are celebrating Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu as a leader who continues to shape lives, build industries, and unlock opportunities for millions of people. His achievements in business and philanthropy remain an inspiration to the younger generation and a testament to what visionary leadership can accomplish,’ Professor Gwarzo said.

On behalf of the management, staff, and students of the MAAUN Group of Universities, as well as his family, Professor Gwarzo wished Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu many more years of good health, wisdom, and continued success in his service to humanity.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the business mogul abundant blessings and strengthens him to continue making meaningful contributions to Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, three alleged gunrunners and six suspected counterfeit currency dealers, while recovering firearms, stolen property worth millions of naira, livestock and hard drugs during operations across the state over the past two weeks.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kaduna on Tuesday, saying the command also neutralised several notorious kidnappers in separate operations during the period.

He said the command recovered 10 firearms of different calibres, 190 solar inverters valued at about N69 million, one stolen vehicle, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma televisions, 410 cattle and 170 counterfeit United States dollar notes.

According to the commissioner, the successes were recorded through intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

‘Within the two weeks under review, the Kaduna State Police Command neutralised notorious kidnappers, arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, six suspects found in possession of 170 counterfeit US dollar notes, three suspected gunrunners and recovered 10 firearms of different calibres,’ he said.

Muhammad said operatives arrested a 20-year-old woman, Aisha Barau, in Ramin Kura village on July 21 after she was allegedly caught attempting to exchange suspected counterfeit US dollar notes for naira.

He said the suspect confessed that the fake currency had been given to her by Abdullahi Muhammad and Danbala Jibrin, leading to the arrest of other members of the alleged syndicate.

The commissioner also disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State, following credible intelligence.

The suspects, identified as Luka Samuel, John Paul and Musa Elisha, were allegedly found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols and reportedly confessed to supplying arms and ammunition to bandits.

In another operation, Muhammad said security operatives arrested Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as ‘Aala’, during a joint operation involving officers from the Anchau Division and members of the Yan Sa Kai vigilante group in Kargi village.

Police alleged that the suspect confessed to masterminding several kidnappings in Kuzuntu village, Ikara Local Government Area, and parts of Kano State, as well as participating in the killing of two Yan Sa Kai members last year.

Police said an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the investigation.

The commissioner further disclosed that detectives from the Anti-Car Theft Section recovered a stolen Toyota Sienna in Zaria shortly after it was stolen from the premises of a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi.

He said the arrest of one Mohammed Shehu led to another suspect, Zakari Abubakar, who allegedly specialised in producing duplicate vehicle keys for car thieves.

Muhammad also said police recovered 80 cattle and 10 sheep after engaging suspected cattle rustlers in a gun battle at Damanko village in Zaria Local Government Area.

He added that two livestock owners sustained gunshot injuries before police arrived and are receiving treatment at a hospital.

The commissioner also announced the recovery of 190 solar inverters and 10 lithium batteries from a store in Zaria, adding that investigators suspect the items were stolen from a container in transit.

Even in their states of moribund, billions of naira is spent on staff salary and wages. The Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri refinery companies, all under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), while been closed since 2020 continue to pay massive sums to their employees.

In 2020 alone, NNPC’s audited financial statements reveal that these three refineries spent N60.547 billion on salaries and wages. This wasteful and unproductive trend continued into 2021, with an additional N66.779 billion allocated to employee compensation, even though the facilities produced no refined crude oil during this period. The Port Harcourt Refinery Company, which has long been at the center of government promises for revitalization, expended N22.547 billion in 2020 and N32.023 billion in 2021 on salaries and benefits.

Similarly, the Warri Refinery Company, despite its inactivity, spent N12 billion in 2020 and N14 billion in 2021 on staff expenses. The Kaduna Refinery Company, which also remains non-functional, reported personnel costs of N26 billion in 2020 and N20 billion in 2021.

The situation is compounded by the fact that the Kaduna Refinery Company turned itself to lender of last resort, provided loans to its employees totaling N2.2 billion between 2020 and 2021, raising further questions about the financial management of these entities. This circle of waste, corruption and inefficiency continued unabated for decades.

Now, however, a new chapter beckons. Under the administrative ingenuity of Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has signed a fresh agreement with two Chinese firms to accelerate the long-delayed rehabilitation and commercial restart of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri, while opening a new window for technical equity partnerships.

This agreement which was executed in Jiaxing City, China, on April 30, 2026, by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside the Chairman of Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong, and the Chairman of Xingcheng Industrial Park, Bill Bi is clear evidence of the transformative initiative of NNPC Limited in repositioning itself as Africa’s leading energy generator.

Unlike in the past when turnaround maintenance contracts were influenced by politicians for local and inexperienced contractors; the Sanjiang Chemical is a reputable Chinese private chemical manufacturing company established in 2003 and headquartered in the Zhapu Economic Development Zone, Jiaxing Port Area, Zhejiang Province. It is a listed firm on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is recognised as one of China’s leading integrated petrochemical producers with verifiable asset and liability.

the company specialises in ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol production and operates one of the world’s largest single-unit chemical processing facilities. Its product portfolio includes petrochemicals such as ethylene, propylene, polypropylene, butadiene, hydrogen, methanol derivatives, surfactants, and industrial gases.

Sanjiang runs a large integrated refining and petrochemical complex anchored on a 1,000 KTA EO/EG unit and a 1,250 KTA light hydrocarbon utilisation unit, supported by multiple downstream plants, including polypropylene and surfactant facilities.

It plays a key role in China’s industrial strategy, focusing on high-end petrochemical integration, supply chain security, and export-oriented chemical production, while leveraging advanced logistics connectivity within the Yangtze River Delta industrial corridor.

The second company also has a reputation of global standard petrochemical identity. Xingcheng is an industrial park development and management company based in Guangdong Province, China, operating within the Xincheng Industrial Park in Xinxing County, Yunfu City.

Xingcheng provides a full industrial ecosystem support, including land development, utilities (gas, power, and wastewater systems), tax incentives, and investment services.

The firm’s core strength lies in industrial park operations, infrastructure-led investment attraction, and enabling large-scale manufacturing ecosystems within China’s broader regional development strategy. The reputations of these companies underscore Ojulari’s vision and transparency which are the hallmark of NNPC limited today.

One of the most interesting aspects of the MoU according to a statement issued few months ago by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Andy Odeh, is that it sets the stage for a potential Technical Equity Partnership aimed at completing outstanding work at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, as well as ensuring their long-term operational efficiency. Both facilities have a combined capacity of 335,000 barrels per day.

The vision with which this MoU was signed is commendable for a collaboration that would go beyond rehabilitation of the refineries, extending into full-scale operation and maintenance of the facilities to achieve ‘best-in-class, sustainable performance represent a great departure from the wasteful past.

This agreement is more than a technical contract; it is a statement of intent. For the first time in years, Nigerians can look beyond endless promises and see a pathway to genuine progress. The significance of this MoU lies in its potential to restore confidence in the nation’s energy sector. Functioning refineries mean reduced reliance on imported fuel, which in turn stabilises pump prices and shields citizens from the volatility of global markets and monopoly. For the ordinary Nigerian, this translates into cheaper transportation, lower costs of goods, and relief from the inflationary pressures that have long eroded household incomes.

Beyond fuel prices, the revival of these refineries carries immense promise for job creation. Thousands of skilled and semi skilled workers will be needed to operate, maintain, and support the facilities. Ancillary industries from logistics to petrochemicals will flourish, creating a ripple effect across the economy. This is how industrial revival becomes social transformation: by putting food on tables, restoring dignity through employment, and giving young Nigerians a reason to believe in their country’s future.

The MoU also signals Nigeria’s readiness to attract foreign direct investment. Investors are drawn to stability, efficiency, and vision. Ojulari’s courage to depart from the corruption ridden, wasteful approaches of the past has set a new tone. By insisting on transparency and efficiency, he has positioned NNPC as a credible partner in the global energy space. This credibility is the bedrock upon which broader economic improvement can be built – from increased revenue to stronger currency reserves.

Most importantly, the socio economic lives of ordinary Nigerians stand to benefit. Affordable fuel means more accessible healthcare and education, as families spend less on transport and energy. It means small businesses can thrive without being strangled by high operating costs. It means farmers can move produce to markets at reasonable rates, reducing waste and boosting food security.

Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari deserves commendation not just for his technical acumen but for his vision and courage. He has broken with a past defined by sabotage and waste, choosing instead a path of reform, partnership, and accountability. In doing so, he has rekindled hope that Nigeria’s refineries can finally serve the people rather than drain them.

The MoU is not merely about machines roaring back to life; it is about restoring faith in Nigeria’s ability to manage its resources wisely. It is about proving that leadership, when anchored in integrity and foresight, can turn failure into opportunity. And it is about ensuring that the benefits of oil wealth are felt not in boardrooms alone, but in the everyday lives of Nigerians.

The socio-economic impact cannot be overstated. Reliable access to fuel empowers small businesses, sustains livelihoods, and reduces the daily anxieties of ordinary Nigerians. It is the difference between a struggling economy and one that breathes with confidence.

All of this has been made possible by the courage and foresight of Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari. His willingness to depart from the corruption, waste, and sabotage that defined past approaches marks a turning point. By embracing transparency and efficiency, he has not only repositioned NNPC but also rekindled hope that Nigeria’s oil wealth can finally serve its people.

The MoU with the Chinese company is therefore more than a technical arrangement; it is a promise of renewal. It is a chance to prove that leadership anchored in vision can deliver tangible benefits; cheaper fuel, jobs, investment, and dignity. And it is a reminder that when Nigeria’s refineries roar back to life, so too will the aspirations of her people.