Category: Nigerian Tribune

The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has intensified efforts to reduce the cost of sugar production in Nigeria.

The Council said Nigerian factories pay between two and 10 times more than their competitors for power, credit and logistics.

According to a statement by the Council, discussions at the National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (NCITI) meeting held in Enugu showed that disciplined pricing of production inputs, as seen in Nigeria’s urea industry, can transform an importing nation into a top-10 global exporter.

The Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Mr Kamar Bakrin, said Nigeria must now choose between competing for the African market or conceding it to others.

He asked the Council to consider two factory managers – one in Aba and the other in Ho Chi Minh City – running the same machines, employing equally skilled workers and serving the same customers.

‘By the time their products reach the factory gate,’ he said, ‘the Nigerian manufacturer has paid between two and 10 times more for the three things every manufacturer in the world must buy: power, money and movement.

‘Industrial power costs a Vietnamese factory about 8 US cents per kilowatt-hour and a Chinese factory about 10 cents. The Nigerian factory pays about 15 cents on the grid, rising to nearly 30 cents once diesel generators take over.

‘Nigerian manufacturers spent an estimated ?1.34 trillion last year generating their own electricity. In Mr Bakrin’s words, ‘Every factory in Nigeria is running a second, unwanted business as a private power station.”

Bakrin noted that working capital costs between 27 and 35 per cent in Nigeria, compared to about 9 per cent in Vietnam and 3 per cent in China. He also said Nigeria ranks 88th out of 139 countries on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, compared to Vietnam’s 43rd and China’s 19th.

‘The result is that, in a country of 230 million consumers, with duty-free access to 1.4 billion more under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), manufacturing contributes barely 8 per cent of GDP, while capacity utilisation has dropped to 57.7 per cent.

‘None of this is a demand problem. Nobody on this continent needs persuading to buy what Nigeria makes,’ he said. ‘It is a cost-of-production problem, and that distinction matters because costs, unlike demand, are within our power to fix.’

The NSDC boss said the timing could not be more significant.

‘The government’s macroeconomic reforms have delivered greater stability, with inflation roughly halved from its peak and foreign reserves standing at $51 billion, the highest since 2009. This gives factories, for the first time in years, the confidence to plan and invest.

‘Global supply chains are being redrawn as companies diversify, and a factory established in another country this decade is unlikely to relocate. AfCFTA also cuts both ways: either our goods cross borders into other markets, or other countries’ goods flood ours. We are either going to compete or concede the market.’

He pointed to Nigeria’s urea industry, which expanded from a production capacity of 500,000 tonnes in 2005 to 6.5 million tonnes today, making Nigeria one of the world’s top 10 exporters of nitrogen fertiliser.

According to him, the transformation was driven by one key policy decision: pricing natural gas as an industrial input rather than treating it solely as a source of government revenue.

‘The whole lesson is in one sentence: when a country prices inputs as if it wants industry to thrive, industry thrives.’

Bakrin then presented four resolutions for the Council’s consideration. These include requiring every state to designate at least one industrial cluster for a dedicated power arrangement within 12 months; establishing a federal-state compact to harmonise levies and eliminate informal checkpoints along industrial corridors; introducing an annual State Industrial Competitiveness Index to publicly rank states on power, land, levies and logistics; and enforcing the Nigeria First procurement policy at both federal and state levels through quarterly compliance dashboards.

He added that all four proposals are built on one guiding principle.

‘Public support must be earned continuously and transparently. Every tax credit, every unit of subsidised power and every act of government patronage should be tied to measurable performance that is independently verified and publicly reported,’ the Executive Secretary said.

The National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment (NCITI) is Nigeria’s highest policy advisory body on industry, trade and investment. It brings together federal and state governments annually. Its 17th meeting was held in Enugu under the theme, ‘Enhancing Competitiveness in Industry, Trade and Investment for Inclusive Growth and Global Market Integration.’

Lawyers operating under the aegis of the Obident Lawyers Forum have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to order President Bola Tinubu to compel the police, Department of State Service (DSS), and others to give special protection to the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 election.

The legal practitioners informed the court that their appeal has become imperative so as not to make Peter Obi a victim of political assassination before and during the 2027 general electioneering process.

The request was contained in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1648/2016, instituted against Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General (DSS), and the Governor of Edo State.

Plaintiffs in the suits filed on Monday predicated their request on a statement credited to Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to the effect that Obi’s life and security would not be guaranteed in Edo State if he enters the state without getting approval from the governor.

The Obident lawyers represented by Barrister Okere Kingdom Nnamdi and Joseph Enemona Ameh instituted the fundamental rights suit on behalf of Peter Obi, in which they prayed the court to issue an order that Peter Obi has the fundamental right to freedom of movement without any hindrance.

Among other reliefs, they asked the court to declare Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental right to life and the right to live without any fear, discrimination, threat of assassination, intimidation or any form of harassment whatsoever, as guaranteed in section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

In addition, they urged the court to declare that Peter Obi must not be subjected to politically motivated coercion, threat to life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever by any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any authority, person, individual, or group agent/agency of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional state on the grounds of his political ideology, ethnicity, and religion; or for any reason whatsoever.

Others are ‘A declaration that Mr. Peter Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has the fundamental rights of free ingress and egress into any of the 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT, and can freely move around, enter, visit, stay, reside, inhabit and organize, attend and host his political campaign rallies, consultations, seminars, groups meetings and carryout his lawful activities in any part of Nigeria, without fear of assassination, threat to his life, bullying, harassment, assault, intimidation and victimization whatsoever, by any Arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or government of any sub-regional State, as guaranteed in sections 39, 40, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘A declaration that the threats by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr. Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile politicking, and power-drunkenness.

‘A declaration that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the constitutional mandate/responsibility to provide adequate security of life and property to the citizens, which is the fundamental reason/purpose/objective of every government; and the President has the constitutional responsibility as Commander in Chief to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Obi and all other presidential candidates’.

Plaintiffs further urged a declaration that the laws setting up the security agencies mandate and empower the 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents to provide adequate security to the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against all criminal activities aimed at depriving citizens of their properties or lives.

They asked the court to make an order ‘compelling, directing, and mandating the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to direct the 3th, 4th and 5th Respondents and Heads of all other Security Agencies in Nigeria to provide maximum security protection/intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and all other 2027 presidential candidates.

‘An order compelling, directing and mandating the 3th, 4th and 5 Respondents to immediately provide maximum security personnel to Physically Protect and Provide Security Intelligence to Mr Peter Gregory Obi, the NDC 2027 Presidential candidates’.

In an affidavit deposed in support of the suit, the plaintiffs stated that the application was brought on behalf of Mr Peter Obi, pursuant to Paragraph 3 (e) of the Preamble to the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.

‘That the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, said in a recent live podcast that ‘he may not be alive to contest next ‘year’s presidential election.’

While claiming that Obi has been subjected to serious psychological torture and trauma by the numerous threats to his life and this is detrimental to his constitutional rights, the deponent argued that no person or authority or any arm of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or any authority, person(s) individual or groups, agents/agencies of the Federal Government or Government of any sub-regional State, has the powers to restrict or refuse any citizen from entering and exiting any part of Nigeria to carry out his lawful activities as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘That the 6th Respondent, the Governor of Edo State of Nigeria, Senator Monday Okpebholo, threatened Mr Peter Gregory Obi not to enter Edo State without his permission and that Mr Peter Gregory Obi’s life and security is not guaranteed in Edo State. A computer-generated printout of the news report is herein pleaded and exhibited as Exhibit 3.

‘That the threats by the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, that Mr. Peter Obi’s life and security are not guaranteed in Edo State, and that Mr Peter Obi should not to step into Edo State without getting a clearance from him are empty, not backed by law, anti-democratic, illegal, unlawful and tantamount to executive rascality, infantile-politicking and power-drunkenness.

‘That the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, sued as 3rd, 4th and 5th respondents, have constitutional and statutory responsibilities to provide adequate security of life and properties of the citizens.

‘That the constitutional rights guaranteed in Chapter Four of the 1999 constitution are inalienable and cannot be taken away under any guise.’

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION) has called on the National Assembly to immediately withdraw the proposed NGO Regulation Bill, warning that the legislation could undermine civic freedoms and weaken the role of civil society in Nigeria’s democratic development.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group said it ‘rejects in its totality’ the proposed bill, arguing that rather than strengthening governance, it would impose unnecessary restrictions on the operations of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and shrink Nigeria’s civic space.

According to the organisation, civil society groups have for decades made significant contributions to national development through humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, climate action, women’s and youth empowerment, disaster response, human rights advocacy, electoral integrity, and the promotion of accountability and good governance.

MOTION expressed concern that the proposed legislation could create additional barriers to the registration, governance, funding, and advocacy activities of NGOs, discouraging citizen participation and weakening public oversight of government institutions.

‘The proposed bill risks eroding the independence that enables civil society to effectively serve the Nigerian people,’ the statement said, adding that restrictive regulations could undermine democratic governance and public accountability.

The organisation argued that Nigeria already has sufficient regulatory mechanisms governing civil society organisations, including registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), financial reporting obligations, tax compliance requirements, anti-money laundering regulations, and donor accountability standards.

It maintained that the effective enforcement of existing laws, rather than the introduction of new legislation, would better address concerns relating to transparency and accountability within the sector.

MOTION also cited constitutional and international legal protections for civic freedoms, noting that Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and association. It further referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The group urged the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and instead engage in broad and transparent consultations with civil society organisations, development partners, and citizens before considering any reforms affecting the sector.

Among its recommendations, MOTION called on lawmakers to protect constitutional guarantees of freedom of association, expression, and assembly; promote an enabling environment for civil society organisations to operate freely and responsibly; and strengthen existing regulatory frameworks instead of introducing new restrictions.

The organisation stressed that Nigeria’s development challenges require stronger collaboration between government and civil society, warning that measures perceived as restrictive could discourage local philanthropy, volunteerism, and community participation.

‘A vibrant civil society is a cornerstone of democracy and accountable governance,’ the statement said, adding that Nigeria’s development aspirations depend on creating an environment where citizens and organisations can operate freely, responsibly, and without undue interference.

ECOWAS Parliament has called for urgent policy reforms to unlock the growth potential of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), warning that millions of businesses across West Africa remain trapped in the informal sector with limited access to finance, markets and legal protection.

The call was made on Monday at the opening of a joint committee meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, where lawmakers said strengthening MSMEs is critical to achieving regional economic integration, job creation and poverty reduction.

Speaking on behalf of the Joint Committee on Industry and Private Sector, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research, Administration, Finance and Budget, and Public Accounts, the committee’s Co-Chairperson, Hon. Alhagie Darbo, said MSMEs remain the backbone of West African economies but continue to face structural barriers that hinder their growth.

‘Across our region, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises constitute the backbone of local economies. They generate employment, stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship, empower women and young people, and facilitate cross-border trade,’ Darbo said.

He noted that despite their enormous contribution to regional economies, a large proportion of MSMEs still operate informally, restricting their access to finance, technology, business support services and wider markets.

According to him, the informal sector accounts for nearly 90 per cent of economic activities and employs at least 60 per cent of the labour force across ECOWAS member states.

‘While this demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, it also highlights the urgent need to create enabling policies that encourage formalisation, improve productivity and integrate MSMEs into regional and continental value chains,’ he added.

Darbo urged lawmakers to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on practical policy recommendations capable of removing obstacles facing small businesses across the sub-region.

He said formalising and strengthening MSMEs was not only an economic necessity but also a pathway to sustainable development and poverty reduction.

He further linked the effort to the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050, saying the regional development blueprint requires stronger institutions and a more enabling business environment for enterprises to thrive.

‘Our discussions should focus on developing practical recommendations that will support harmonised policies, improve access to finance, enhance digital transformation, facilitate intra-regional trade, strengthen productive capacities and promote the participation of MSMEs in regional value chains under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area,’ he said.

Declaring the meeting open, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, represented by the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Adjaratou Traore Coulibaly, described MSMEs as a major driver of economic growth and development across the region.

She also linked the development of small businesses to improved security, noting that empowering women and young people through entrepreneurship would help address the root causes of insecurity confronting several ECOWAS member states.

According to her, creating economic opportunities through MSMEs would not only stimulate inclusive growth but also contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.

The lawmakers expressed optimism that recommendations from the meeting, if adopted by ECOWAS member states, would strengthen West Africa’s economies, improve regional competitiveness and accelerate the bloc’s economic integration agenda.

The Zamfara State Committee Chairman on Road Traffic and Related Offences, DCP Salihu Bello Fago, has explained why Governor Dauda Lawal constituted the committee, saying it was to enhance public safety in the state.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of transport unions in Gusau, Fago emphasised that the cooperation of transport associations is essential to the success of the committee.

‘This meeting of ours is to strengthen collaboration aimed at improving road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, with executives of various Road Transport Associations across the state.

‘The Zamfara State Road Traffic Violations and Other Related Offences Committee was constituted by Governor Dauda Lawal to reduce traffic violations, promote responsible road use, and enhance public safety throughout Zamfara State,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Committee briefed transport unions and stakeholders about the existence of the committee.

‘We noted that commercial drivers and transport operators play a critical role in ensuring discipline on the roads. We called on you to educate your members on the importance of obeying traffic laws and regulations,’ he stated.

The Chairman of the committee also appealed to transport union leaders to support ongoing efforts to curb reckless driving, overloading, illegal parking, use of unauthorised vehicle accessories, and other traffic-related offences that endanger the lives of road users.

‘A mobile court has been established by the state government to punish the offenders,’ he disclosed.

In their separate remarks, the leaders of the NUPENG, NURTW, NATO and AMDON Zamfara State commended the Zamfara State Government for establishing the committee and pledged their full support towards achieving safer roads across the state.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Security and Home Affairs, Yazid Attahir, and representatives of the Nigerian Army, State Security Service, VIO, Road Safety, NSCDC and the Ministry of Justice.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that there will be no slowdown in the execution of critical infrastructure projects in Abuja, insisting that the administration remains committed to fulfilling the promises made to residents before President Bola Tinubu’s first term ends.

Speaking after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects on Monday, Wike said the successful commissioning and flag-off of projects in the FCT did not mark the end of the administration’s infrastructure drive. He stressed that several strategic projects must be completed before January.

He said public confidence in the Tinubu administration must not be taken for granted, noting that the government will continue to monitor contractors to ensure projects are delivered on schedule.

‘Has the tenure of Mr. President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure has not ended. His first tenure will end precisely on May 29, 2027. If that is the case, it means the work has also not ended,’ Wike said.

While acknowledging that many expected the administration to take a break after weeks of project commissioning, the minister maintained that governance demands continuity.

‘We have made promises to the people during the commissioning and flag-off that certain key projects must be commissioned before the end of the year. We cannot afford to disappoint them.’

Expressing satisfaction with progress on the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road, Wike noted that the project, awarded in 2010, had suffered years of neglect before the current administration revived it.

He commended President Tinubu for providing the support that enabled the project to move forward and praised SCC Nigeria Limited for maintaining a high standard of work.

‘My happiness today is that the Apo-Karshi Road, which has been a major concern, is progressing very well. Streetlights are already being installed. I commend the contractor and the host communities for their cooperation.’

On the Bwari-Kubwa Road, the minister directed the contractor to maintain the agreed delivery schedule despite the difficult terrain, warning against unnecessary delays.

‘I told the contractor during the Dei-Dei commissioning that this road would be commissioned before the end of the year. I don’t want anybody shifting the goalposts. They have demonstrated commitment, and I believe they will hand over the project as scheduled.’

He assured the contractor that the FCT Administration would continue to release funds promptly to ensure work is not disrupted before the end of the dry season.

Wike disclosed that inspections of other projects recently flagged off would continue this week as part of efforts to sustain the administration’s ‘promise made, promise fulfilled’ agenda.

‘When people have confidence in you, don’t allow that confidence to erode. They have seen that we keep our promises, and we must sustain that confidence. We have about eight to 10 major projects that must be completed before January, and we are determined to deliver.’

Mr Patterson Ariemuduigho, has emerged the new chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Lagelu and District Society.

He was sworn-in during an investiture ceremony held on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Other members of the new executive inaugurated alongside Ariemuduigho, are: Dr Yemi Odebunmi, FCA (Vice-Chairman), Hezekiah Oyeyemi, FCA (General Secretary), Emmanuel Kuforiji, FCA (Treasurer), Mrs. Olukemi Oyewale, FCA (Financial Secretary), Mr. Sulaiman Eyitayo, FCA (Technical Secretary), Damilola Osuntubo, ACA (Membership Secretary), Alex Akinsola, ACA (Social/Publicity Secreatry), Mojisola Fashola, FCA (Assistant General Secretary), Moses Ogundele, FCA (Ex-Officio 1), Gbadamosi Ismaila , FCA (Ex-Officio 2), Victor Oguntade, FCA (Ex-Officio 3), Omokemi Oladipo, FCA (Immediate Past Chairman) and Folashade Ayo-Kumuyi, FCA (SWAN Rep).

In his acceptance speech, the new chairman said he is ready to lead with absolute transparency and to serve with humility, openness and unwavering dedication. ‘The plans are enormous, the targets are high, indeed, but God of mercy who brought us here will give us the capacity to ginish well. Let us rise as one indomitable force, let us connect, let us collaborate and let us take total ownership and let us show the world what it truly means to be the networking district.’

In his remarks, the chairman of the investiture planning committee, Dr Yemi Odebunmi, said:’Today marks a beautiful milestone in the journey of our young but remarkably vibrant district. As we witness the transition of leadership, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of excellence, integrity and professionalism that defines our great institute.’

Maintaining an active brand presence across professional networks like LinkedIn and fast-paced platforms like X (formerly Twitter) is a non-negotiable requirement for a growth-minded person. However, manually tweaking every post, reformatting hooks, tweaking character counts, and scheduling entries on multiple dashboards drains dozens of hours every month.

A single piece of industry insight shouldn’t require 45 minutes of manual copy-pasting.

By building a multi-channel No-Code automation engine; linking your curated content database in Google Sheets directly through Make.com, call the Gemini API for platform-native formatting, and trigger direct API posts to LinkedIn and X, you can build an automated cross-platform distribution engine that runs 24/7.

Why cross-platform automation requires AI context switching

Simply copying the same text across LinkedIn and X rarely delivers good results because each platform has different audience expectations.

LinkedIn rewards detailed, professional content with engaging introductions, structured paragraphs, bullet points and relevant hashtags that improve readability.

X, on the other hand, performs better with concise, attention-grabbing posts that stay within the platform’s character limit while encouraging engagement.

Using Gemini API as part of your automation workflow allows a single piece of content to be rewritten automatically for each platform without additional manual editing.

Manual posting vs automated publishing

Compared to manual publishing, an automated workflow offers significant advantages:

Faster execution: Posts can be generated and published in seconds instead of spending 35 to 50 minutes formatting content manually.

Platform-specific formatting: Gemini creates separate versions optimized for LinkedIn and X instead of duplicating the same copy.

Consistent publishing: Scheduled workflows ensure content is published regularly without human intervention.

Lower operating costs: Automation reduces repetitive work while keeping API costs relatively low. Step-by-step configuration: Zero-code multi-channel automation blueprint

To set up this scenario inside Make.com in under 25 minutes, follow this visual integration blueprint:

[Google Sheets / RSS Trigger] ? [Make.com Router] ? [Gemini API (LinkedIn Prompt)] ? [LinkedIn Module] ? [Gemini API (X Prompt)] ? [X (Twitter) Module]

Zero-code multi-channel automation blueprint

The workflow can be created in Make.com using the following sequence:

Google Sheets (or RSS Feed) ? Make.com Router ? Gemini API ? LinkedIn/X ? Google Sheets Update

This enables one content source to feed multiple social platforms simultaneously.

Step 1: Create your content trigger

Begin by connecting a Google Sheets – Watch Rows module inside Make.com.

Create columns such as:

Topic or Raw Content

Publishing Date

LinkedIn Status

X Status

Configure the workflow to trigger only when the content status is marked Ready.

Step 2: Connect Gemini API

Next, insert a Router module that splits the workflow into two separate branches.

For the LinkedIn branch, use an HTTP request to Gemini API with instructions similar to:

Rewrite the topic into an engaging LinkedIn post with four paragraphs, a strong opening hook, three bullet points and three professional hashtags. Return the response in JSON using the key linkedin_text.

For the X branch, use a different prompt instructing Gemini to produce a concise post under 240 characters and return the response using the key x_text.

This allows Gemini to tailor the same topic for each platform automatically.

Step 3: Publish automatically

Connect the LinkedIn branch to the Create a Text Post module and map the generated linkedin_text output.

On the X branch, connect the Create a Tweet module and map x_text.

Finally, update the corresponding Google Sheets row by changing the publishing status to Published to prevent duplicate posts.

Common troubleshooting and API edge cases

The biggest mistake teams make with social media automation is broadcasting raw, unformatted text across every platform.

Integrating an LLM like Gemini directly into an automated Make.com workflow acts as an intelligent context switch: the model reads the master topic once and automatically generates distinct, platform-optimised copy for both LinkedIn and X within a single execution cycle.

To ensure your automated publishing engine runs without breaking, keep these technical safeguards in mind:

Respect X character limits

Standard X API endpoints reject posts that exceed the character limit.

To reduce failures, instruct Gemini clearly to never generate posts longer than 240 characters, leaving room for links or hashtags.

Keep OAuth tokens active

LinkedIn API access relies on OAuth authentication.

Expired tokens can interrupt automated workflows, so review your Make.com connection regularly and reauthorize it when necessary.

Prevent duplicate publishing

Add a filter immediately after the trigger module to ensure previously published rows are ignored.

For example, configure the workflow to continue only when the LinkedIn or X status is not already marked Published.

Automating LinkedIn and X publishing with Gemini API and Make.com eliminates repetitive formatting, improves consistency and ensures each platform receives content tailored to its audience.

Rather than manually rewriting every post, creators and businesses can maintain an active online presence through a no-code workflow that operates continuously in the background, saving time while improving content quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you securely format the JSON payload when sending social copy prompts to the Gemini API?

To ensure Gemini returns clean JSON without formatting errors or unescaped quotes, specify ‘responseMimeType’: ‘application/json’ in the generationConfig block of your HTTP API request. Wrap raw topic text using Make.com’s stripHTML() formula to remove HTML tags or special characters before submitting the payload.

Can Make.com schedule posts to publish at specific optimal times for LinkedIn and X?

Yes. You can place a Sleep / Delay module before the social publishing nodes or use Make.com’s native scenario scheduling settings (e.g., set the scenario to run strictly at 09:00 AM EST on weekdays) to ensure your posts drop during peak user engagement hours.

What are the API rate limits for automated publishing on LinkedIn and X?

LinkedIn allows up to 150 posts per day per user account via their API, which is more than sufficient for brand automation. X (Twitter) API Free and Basic tiers enforce monthly tweet posting caps (e.g., 1,500 tweets/month on Basic), so ensure your Make.com run frequencies stay well within your tier limits.

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon announce another salary increase for personnel of the Armed Forces as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve troop welfare.

The minister made the disclosure on Monday while speaking at a one-day training and financial empowerment workshop for widows and wives of military personnel in Abuja.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces are adequately rewarded for the sacrifices they make in safeguarding the country.

‘I want to state here that a few weeks ago, I mentioned that soldiers are now receiving ?100,000, and I know that generated both positive and negative reactions.

‘When I was Chief of Defence Staff, soldiers were receiving ?49,000. About two years ago, I pushed for an increase to ?100,000, and that was achieved.

‘We are, however, making further efforts to increase it again. We know our President is a listening father who understands the sacrifices our troops are making and is committed to ensuring they are well remunerated.

‘So, I am confident that very soon Mr. President will announce another salary increase for our men,’ he said.

The workshop, themed ‘Renewed Hope for Families of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Through Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development,’ was organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

The minister said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the economic well-being of military families, particularly widows and spouses of non-commissioned officers serving in various operational theatres.

He noted that while military personnel continue to confront complex security challenges and spend extended periods away from their families, the government recognises the critical role played by their spouses and dependants in sustaining their morale and effectiveness.

‘Every day, our personnel confront complex security challenges in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of the lives and property of our citizens.

‘Many serve in difficult operational environments, separated from their families for extended periods and exposed to considerable risks. While their courage and sacrifice are rightly celebrated, we must equally recognise the invaluable role played by the families who stand firmly behind them.

‘To the spouses gathered here today, your resilience, patience and steadfast support give your loved ones the confidence to remain focused on their responsibilities.

‘To our widows whose husbands served Nigeria with honour and distinction, your strength and perseverance in the face of loss remain an enduring source of inspiration,’ he said.

The minister stressed that the government is determined to provide military families with the knowledge, skills and support required to build sustainable livelihoods, noting that a strong military depends not only on capable personnel and modern equipment but also on stable and economically secure families.

‘When military families are economically secure, they are better positioned to withstand the unique demands of military life. This gives service personnel the confidence that their loved ones are well supported, allowing them to concentrate fully on their operational responsibilities.

‘Strengthening the economic resilience of military families is therefore an important investment in the effectiveness of our Armed Forces and the security of our nation,’ he added.

He explained that the entrepreneurship programme was designed to equip participants with practical business and enterprise management skills to establish sustainable businesses, generate income and contribute to national economic development.

The minister also commended President Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to improving the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, disclosed that the agency disbursed ?25 million to 500 widows and wives of soldiers serving on the frontlines under the empowerment programme.

According to Odii, the intervention aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting small businesses and improving livelihoods through enterprise development.

He said the President had approved a ?200 billion intervention fund for businesses across the country, comprising a ?75 billion single-digit interest loan for manufacturers, another ?75 billion single-digit interest loan for small businesses, and ?50 billion in grants for nano-businesses.

He explained that beneficiaries of the military families’ empowerment programme fall under the grant component of the intervention.

Odii added that the grant is not a one-off intervention, assuring beneficiaries that those who invest the funds productively would qualify for additional financial support.

‘If you take the seed money we are giving you, invest it in your business, and the business grows, we will come back here in another year and double the amount we have given you,’ he said.

He noted that SMEDAN would monitor beneficiaries’ businesses to ensure proper utilisation of the funds and identify entrepreneurs eligible for further support.

Economic expert Olatunji Smith Balogun has commended the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, for triggering an infrastructure boom aimed at transforming the state into a prime destination for foreign investors.

Balogun, while speaking on the state’s economic evolution, noted that crucial projects such as the construction of the Ibadan Circular Road and the upgrading of Ibadan Airport to international standards were strategic masterstrokes.

He stressed that only a deeply visionary leader possessed the foresight to invest in capital projects that guaranteed long-term global economic benefits for Ibadan and Oyo State at large.

Drawing strength from history to validate Governor Makinde’s long-term governance approach, Balogun drew a profound historical parallel to his late father, Dr Ganiyu Kolawole Balogun (GKB), who served as the first pioneer chairman of the Ibadan Municipal Government (IMG) from 1976 to 1979.

‘When my late father started road construction across Labiran and Oke-Are, he faced heavy criticism and blame from short-sighted detractors. Decades later, those roads are still actively in use, serving the public and keeping our people happy. Today, Governor Makinde faces similar battles for thinking ahead. Ibadan residents and the people of Oyo State at large must be deeply grateful for a leader who builds for the future rather than just today.’