Category: Nigerian Tribune

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the updated 2027 editions of key industry manuals for cargo and ground operations, which incorporate major changes and revisions to align with evolving global standards. IATA’s Senior Vice President of Products and Services, Frederic Leger said the revisions reflect advancements in technology, regulation, and customer needs.

‘Our 2027 manual revisions reflect advancements in technology, regulation, and customer needs. As our manuals are used in a more digitally connected environment, we are focusing on creating tools that integrate them into the critical processes and activities that underpin cargo and ground operations.

This is a major step toward advancing safer, more efficient airline operations, and is soon to be super-charged by the power of AI,’ Leger said.

Highlights of the revisions include: Dangerous Good Regulations (DGR) which guide instructions to improve clarity on DGR packaging requirements; restrictions and requirements for spare batteries and power banks, requirements for lithium battery-powered mobility aids including new operator obligations for devices exceeding 300Wh and updates to state and operator variations, include: new variations from 17 states.

On Battery Shipping Regulations (BSR), the review includes introduction of provisions for hybrid batteries containing both lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells; revisions to packing instructions, particularly related to sodium-ion and prototype batteries and also clarification on exclusions from the 4-cell/2-battery limit for certain battery shipments.

In addition is new requirement for battery marks to be displayed on the same package surface as other applicable hazard labels.

On Live Animals Regulations (LAR), there are additions of specific pathogen-free laboratory animals to species listing; standardised terminology and metric measurement across container requirements, updated aircraft cargo compartment cleaning and disinfection procedures, availability of a Portuguese version following Brazil’s adoption of LAR.

On the new Airport Handling Manual (AHM), there is new guidance for biometric handling in contactless travel, covering touchpoint processes and privacy/ethical considerations, just as there is now advanced provisions for autonomous ground service equipment activities near aircraft

As part of new digital tools, IATA looked at enhanced digital tools, which will increasingly leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), thereby linking IATA’s manuals more efficiently to the industry processes that they support, an important advancement as aviation continues its transition to more connected, automated and data-driven operations.

This also helps embed IATA standards into decision making and live operational environments.

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to dismantling harmful gender norms and strengthening adolescent health systems, calling for policies and funding that translate into tangible results for young Nigerians.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this at the 2026 Gender and Inclusion Summit and National Dialogue on Transforming Gender Norms for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, which was held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Salako said cultural expectations that promote inequality continue to limit adolescents’ choices and expose them to violence, early pregnancy and poor health outcomes.

According to the minister, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was already strengthening adolescent health through policy and partnerships which include the institutionalisation of adolescent and school health programmes and the establishment of a dedicated budget line for adolescent health in the national budget.

Salako added that the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy 2025-2030 will expand access to information and services such as family planning, STI/HIV prevention and counselling, as he also cited the national HPV vaccination campaign, which has reached over 14 million girls aged 9 to 14, and the Nigerian Survey on Gender Norms, Attitudes, Health and Wellbeing, aimed at generating data for policy and programming.

He urged stakeholders to adopt gender-transformative approaches, strengthen multi-sector partnerships, convert evidence into policies and budgets and build accountability structures that amplify youth voices.

‘Transforming gender norms therefore matters because it breaks down rigid rules that limit access to healthcare, safety, education and the ability to earn a decent living. Let this dialogue be more than a conversation. Let it be a catalyst for change,’ Salako said.

Also speaking, Deputy Director, Policy, Advocacy and Communications at the Gates Foundation Nigeria Country Office, Ekenem Isichei, said innovation must be measured by its impact at the last mile.

She said the last mile refers to individuals affected by gaps between policy, funding and service delivery, and called for increased investment in primary healthcare, grassroots ownership by communities and local governments and stronger referral systems.

Isichei added that strengthening level two facilities and moving innovations from pilot stage to government-funded programmes will help reduce maternal mortality and ensure adolescents get the services they need.

She also stated that the real measure of development should be its impact on people, especially women, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities, arguing that the last mile should no longer be seen only as a remote location but as the individual who cannot benefit from a policy despite its existence.

‘A woman who arrives at a primary healthcare centre only to find an absent health worker, an essential commodity out of stock or a dysfunctional referral system does not experience an ‘implementation bottleneck.’ She experiences the absence of a service. The true test of innovation is not that it exists. It is that people can use it, trust it and benefit from it,’ Isichei said.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has committed N6 billion to the establishment of ICT Experience Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to strengthen digital skills and human capital development in the country’s tertiary institutions.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday formally commissioned the South-East Zonal ICT Experience Centre located at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

The centre, which is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, is designed to provide students, lecturers and other beneficiaries with practical skills in digital literacy, software development, data science, multimedia, online learning, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Commissioning the facility, Mrs Tinubu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the project, praying for its continued impact on the institution and generations of beneficiaries.

‘I’m really honoured to do this and I pray that God continues to bless this community and generations ongoing. Amen,’ she said.

The First Lady described the facility as an important investment in the future of Nigerian youths.

The commissioning was held alongside the launch of the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East Zone.

Earlier, the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, said the Oko facility was part of a nationwide strategic intervention approved by the board to establish an ICT Experience Centre in each of the six geopolitical zones.

Masari said TETFund had approved N1 billion for each zone, bringing the total investment to N6 billion, with selected universities, polytechnics and colleges of education serving as beneficiaries.

He said the centres were designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics and software development.

‘The Board of Trustees recognised the need to align Nigeria’s education system with emerging global technological and industry standards,’ Masari said.

He said the ultimate objective was to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global technology-driven economy.

Masari urged the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, to ensure proper maintenance and security of the facility and regularly upgrade its equipment in line with technological advancements.

Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, described the facility as more than physical infrastructure, saying it represented an investment in people, possibilities and the future of Nigeria.

‘For us, the Centre represents much more than a physical facility. It is an investment in people; an investment in possibilities; and, ultimately, an investment in the future of Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, expanding access to digital learning, innovation and technology would enable young Nigerians to transform ideas into solutions, skills into livelihoods and aspirations into opportunities.

Echono said the intervention aligned with TETFund’s commitment to human capital development and the emergence of a knowledge-driven economy.

‘We are therefore honoured to partner with the Renewed Hope Initiative in advancing an agenda that recognises our youth as not merely beneficiaries of development, but as principal actors in shaping Nigeria’s future,’ he said.

He added that TETFund remained committed to ensuring that the ICT Experience Centres achieved their intended purpose of expanding digital inclusion, nurturing talent and opening new frontiers of opportunity for Nigerian youths.

Echono said both initiatives reflected the central objective of the Renewed Hope Agenda of putting people at the centre of development.

He described the food bank programme as a timely response to the needs of vulnerable Nigerians facing economic pressures, while the ICT centre addressed the growing need to equip young people with the knowledge and digital skills required to compete in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Chioma Irene Awuzie, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement for the institution and an affirmation of the First Lady’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through education, technology and innovation.

Awuzie said the ICT Experience Centre, alongside the Chemical Engineering Building and Students’ Examination Centre, demonstrated the impact of TETFund’s interventions in the polytechnic.

She said the centre would provide students with access to digital skills, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, educational resources, technology, innovation and networking.

According to her, the facility would also help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on technological experience, equipping students with the competencies required to thrive in the 21st-century economy.

‘The world is increasingly driven by technology, artificial intelligence, digital skills, innovation and knowledge. Our youths must therefore be equipped not merely to participate, but to excel and lead,’ she said.

Farmers in the Oluwa Forest Reserve, Ondo State, have petitioned Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the alleged assault of their members by forest guards and officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, which they claimed resulted in the death of a 55-year-old farmer, Nwafor Romanus.

The farmers, who reside in Temidire Camp 1, Odigbo Local Government Area, are demanding an independent investigation into the September 2 incident, alleging that Romanus died from injuries sustained during the confrontation.

The petition, filed through their lawyer, Tope Temokun Chambers, also alleged that several farmers were beaten and injured during the operation, which involved ministry officials, forest guards and other security personnel.

Chairman of the farmers, Rotimi Isileye Abayomi, said the government team arrived in about 11 Toyota Hilux vans and a Land Rover SUV and seized motorcycles belonging to some farmers.

He alleged that the ensuing confrontation led to forest guards beating some of the farmers, including Romanus, who reportedly fell during the assault but did not die at the scene.

Abayomi said he contacted the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Agriculture and Agribusiness, Rotimi Eemimo, who reportedly intervened over the seized motorcycles, but the officials allegedly left the forest with them.

He exonerated the soldiers and mobile policemen who were part of the team from the alleged assault.

The following morning, Abayomi said the camp leaders received a distress call from around Omi Ifon that Romanus had died.

The deceased’s daughters, Favour and Lilian Nwafor, alleged that their father suffered severe pain and could not sleep throughout the night after the incident. They said he was taken to the General Hospital, Ore, around 5am, where he was confirmed dead.

However, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry had earlier denied that Romanus died as a result of the confrontation, reportedly attributing his death to an accident.

Rejecting the position, the petitioners urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to constitute an independent inquiry into the operation and suspend the forest guards and other personnel allegedly involved pending the investigation.

They also demanded the release of operational orders and deployment records, an independent medical examination to establish the cause of death, and an investigation into an affidavit reportedly describing Romanus’ death as an accident.

The petitioners further sought interim assistance for the deceased’s family and injured farmers and asked that any official found culpable be prosecuted.

They maintained that the inquiry should examine not only the cause of Romanus’ death but also the legality of the operation, the conduct of the officials and the administrative oversight of the ministry.

More casualties have been recorded in Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, bringing the reported death toll to 30, while about 50 others are receiving treatment in various hospitals after allegedly consuming suspected locally produced alcoholic drinks or herbal concoctions.

The development has prompted an emergency response from the Ondo State Government, with health authorities investigating the incident to determine the cause of the deaths and whether a toxic substance was involved.

Deaths were initially reported in Odigbo town, Newtown, and Orita before similar reports emerged from Araromi-Obu, throwing the affected communities into mourning.

Speaking during an assessment visit and mobilization of a multidisciplinary medical team to the affected communities, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the government had yet to establish the exact cause of the deaths.

Ajaka said preliminary investigations had ruled out viral and bacterial infections, while information gathered from residents indicated that some of the victims might have consumed alcohol mixed with an unidentified substance or concoction before they fell ill.

He, however, stressed that the suspected substance had not been scientifically established as the cause of the deaths, adding that investigations were ongoing.

‘We have not confirmed the source of death,’ he said.

According to him, samples of the suspected substance had been collected for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples were being obtained from surviving patients to determine the presence of toxic substances or other indicators that could explain the deaths.

He added that post-mortem examinations would be conducted on some of the deceased as part of efforts to establish the medical cause of death.

Ajaka said the government was still collating information from the affected communities and health facilities, noting that the exact number of casualties had yet to be conclusively established.

When asked about the number of deaths, Ajaka said, ‘I can’t say precisely,’ stressing that a final figure would only be released after the verification and collation exercise.

The commissioner warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic mixtures, herbal preparations, and unidentified concoctions, noting that some could be potentially fatal.

He urged residents to avoid products whose contents and safety could not be established pending the outcome of the investigation.

Ajaka also appealed to the public to desist from drawing conclusions or spreading unverified claims about the cause of the deaths, saying laboratory analysis, medical examinations, and autopsies would provide the evidence needed to establish what happened.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Odigbo Local Government Council, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, said the alarm was raised after an unusual pattern of deaths was observed in some communities.

Adegoroye said he contacted the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday following reports of the deaths, after which a medical team was deployed to the affected areas on Sunday.

He said the team immediately commenced investigations and engaged residents as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As an immediate preventive measure, Adegoroye said the council ordered a halt to the sale of locally produced alcohol in the affected areas pending the outcome of the investigation.

He added that security agencies had been directed to enforce the order, while some suspected sellers had been arrested as investigators traced the source of the suspected drink.

According to him, hotels and other establishments where the product was reportedly sold had also been directed to suspend its sale.

Adegoroye disclosed that three bodies had been taken to the General Hospital for autopsy, while families of the deceased had been advised not to bury the bodies until the necessary examinations were completed.

He added that the council had approached the court for a coroner’s inquest into the deaths.

The chairman said the council had released N2 million to support the emergency medical response, while additional financial assistance had been requested because the incident was not anticipated in the council’s budget.

He appealed to residents to avoid the suspected alcoholic product while the investigation continued.

Receiving the medical team, the Ajobu of Araromi-Obu, HRM Oba Aderemi Adelola, commended the state government for its quick response to the development.

The monarch said measures had already been taken to prevent further consumption of suspected harmful substances in the community.

‘we have stopped the sale of concoctions and alcoholic drinks in the community,’ he said.

Oba Adelola appealed to the state government to upgrade the General Hospital, Araromi-Obu, through the provision of an ambulance, morgue, additional personnel, and a blood bank.

He assured the government of the community’s support for the hospital, disclosing that the community was renovating the staff quarters to improve service delivery.

The medical team visited the General Hospital, Araromi-Obu, and the Comprehensive Health Centre, where affected residents were receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, following reports of more deaths, the state government warned residents against consuming unapproved herbal drinks, concoctions, and other substances not certified safe for human consumption.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, in a statement on Thursday, urged residents to obtain medicines and consumables only from authorized outlets and seek professional medical advice.

The government also warned producers, sellers, and distributors of unapproved substances to desist or face sanctions, while cautioning youths against drug abuse.

It said the investigation was ongoing to determine the cause of the deaths and urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

The government also commended the Odigbo council chairman, Hon. Taiwo Adegboye, for his prompt intervention.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the reported deaths.

The command, in a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Abayomi Jimoh, said it was collaborating with the state government and relevant health authorities to determine the actual cause of the deaths.

The statement said police personnel, including officers from the Police Medical Services, were working with officials of the state Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government health authorities to collect relevant information and evidence.

It added that medical and toxicological examinations were being conducted to determine whether any substance was responsible for the fatalities.

The command cautioned residents against spreading unverified information or attributing the deaths to any particular substance before the conclusion of the investigation.

It said the actual number of casualties and precise cause of the deaths would be established through the ongoing investigation.

The police urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing useful information.

The command also advised residents to refrain from consuming unregulated or suspicious alcoholic and herbal preparations pending the outcome of the investigation.

The command assured residents that it would unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths and take appropriate action against anyone found culpable.

The Managing Director of Parts Central Limited, Henry Olaoluwa Onifade, has said Nigeria can turn the growing volume of plastic waste, water hyacinth and other marine litter clogging its waterways into economic wealth through recycling, biofuels and other value-added processes.

Onifade spoke in Lagos during activities marking his birthday. When he provided updates on Parts Central’s recently launched waterways clean-up initiative in partnership with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Declaring that ‘we don’t have waste anymore; waste is now wealth.’ Onifade said the initiative was designed not merely to remove waste from Nigeria’s waterways but to develop sustainable systems for converting recovered materials into useful products.

He explained that biodegradable materials collected during the clean-up would not simply be discarded, as they could be processed for various applications, including biofuels and other products.

He said the company is also examining technologies for sorting and processing plastic waste for recycling, stressing that the objective is to create an economically viable circular economy around Nigeria’s waterways.

Onifade said the rising interest from government agencies, ministries, associations and other stakeholders in cleaner waterways was an indication that the initiative was addressing a critical national challenge.

He noted that the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) was engaging stakeholders on reducing plastic pollution in waterways.

‘We are happy that we can even think of a possible pollution-free waterways and roll it out. Since we rolled it out, we’ve heard of different people, associations, organisations and states that are now talking about it, which is very good for us,’ he said.

‘Our goal is for us to have pollution-free waterways. By God’s grace, we will integrate everybody who has a very good and genuine mindset that pollution-free waterways is possible in Nigeria.’

Onifade disclosed that Parts Central was developing a technology-driven database covering ports, jetties, landing sites, riverbanks, dockyards and other locations connected to Nigeria’s inland waterways.

He said the database would enable the company and relevant government stakeholders to determine the volume of waste generated across different locations and deploy resources more effectively.

According to him, every jetty and landing port would be assessed to determine whether appropriate waste-management facilities were available, while boats and other watercraft would also be incorporated into the data-gathering process.

‘It’s not for us to have the data, because if you don’t have data of the people you want to cater for, you don’t know how to cater for them,’ he said.

Onifade explained that the company had spent considerable time testing different technologies and devices capable of tackling waterway pollution, adding that the exercise would eventually incorporate manufacturers and other stakeholders within the plastics and waste-management value chain.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has disclosed that insurance is far more than financial service ‘It is a strategic instrument for economic stability’.

Speaking at the 2026 Insurance Professionals Forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Omosehin said insurance is the institutional mechanism through which societies transform uncertainty into confidence and convert vulnerability into resilience.

‘Nigeria’s insurance industry stands at a historic inflection point. Through recent regulatory reforms, particularly the implementation of the Nigeria Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, the sector has entered a new phase of development marked by higher expectations, stronger institutions, enhanced regulatory oversight, and a renewed commitment to policyholder protection.

‘At its essence, risk represents uncertainty regarding future outcomes. Economics teaches us that uncertainty influences virtually every aspect of human behaviour, from investment decisions and consumption patterns to entrepreneurship and long-term planning.

‘Without effective risk management, economic actors become cautious. Investments decline. Innovation slows. Growth becomes constrained’

He stated that through pooling, diversification, and risk transfer, insurance enables individuals, businesses, and governments to undertake productive activities without bearing the full burden of uncertainty.

‘Consequently, the insurance industry occupies a uniquely strategic position within every economy. It mobilizes long-term savings, facilitates investment, supports financial stability, protects households, promotes entrepreneurship, encourages capital formation, and underwrites economic growth.

‘Agriculture cannot flourish without crop insurance. Infrastructure development cannot proceed sustainably without construction and engineering covers. Trade cannot expand without marine insurance. Credit markets cannot deepen without adequate protection mechanisms. Energy projects cannot attract investment without robust risk transfer structures.

‘Indeed, insurance is often described as the invisible infrastructure of economic development because its contribution, though frequently unnoticed, is indispensable’.

Omosehin noted that ‘perhaps the greatest economic opportunity before our industry lies in expanding insurance penetration across Nigeria. Millions of Nigerians remain uninsured or underinsured.

‘This protection gap represents a developmental challenge, but also an extraordinary opportunity. A truly inclusive insurance sector strengthens economic resilience at every level of society. It protects households from financial shocks. It enables small businesses to recover from losses. It supports agricultural productivity. It promotes financial inclusion. It contributes to poverty reduction and social stability.

‘The future therefore requires innovative solutions including microinsurance, agricultural insurance, inclusive health protection mechanisms, and technology-enabled distribution platforms designed to reach underserved populations.

‘Insurance products must become more affordable, more accessible, more understandable, and more responsive to the realities of Nigerian consumers’.

He reaffirmed that ‘building a resilient insurance industry is our collective responsibility. Insurers, reinsurers, brokers, loss adjusters, technology providers, policymakers, professional bodies, educational institutions, development partners, and consumers all have vital roles to play.

‘The challenges we face are too complex for isolated solutions. Whether addressing climate risks, cyber threats, catastrophe financing, infrastructure protection, financial inclusion, or operational resilience, collaboration will remain indispensable’ the Commissioner stated.

The Military Women Association of Nigeria (MIWA) has commended Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi for giving N500,000 each to 41 members of late soldiers affected by an eviction order by the authorities of 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Dukku Barracks in Birnin-Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State.

The intervention, totalling N20.5 million, was to enable the beneficiaries to secure alternative accommodation.

While distributing the gesture, the association’s Chairperson in the state, Hajiya Asma’u Umar-Kanoma, said the support was sought from the governor through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Dutsinmari.

‘We sought support from Gov. Nasir Idris through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs regarding the eviction order given to our members to leave Dukku Barracks.

‘There are about 41 affected members, and each beneficiary received N500,000 to help secure accommodation,’ she said.

Umar-Kanoma described the gesture as timely, saying it had brought relief to the affected members at a difficult period, adding that some of the 41 members have not been paid their husbands’ death benefits.

‘We appreciate the governor and thank him for what he has been doing for our members.

‘We assure him that we will pay him back with huge numbers of votes,’ she said.

A cross-section of the beneficiaries, when interviewed, said the assistance came at the right time.

They added that the eviction order had created uncertainty for members who suddenly faced the challenge of securing alternative accommodation.

They thanked the governor for his concern for military families and urged him to sustain the support for members of the association.

They said the intervention showed that the state government recognised the sacrifices of military personnel and their families in the service of the nation.

THE Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has threatened awardees of gas flare sites with the possible revocation of their awards if they fail to show progress in utilising the sites.

Commission’s Chief Executive (CCE), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, gave the warning when she visited the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, in Abuja.

Presenting an update on the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programme (NGFCP), Eyesan said the NUPRC would not only assess the performance of awardees one year after an award was granted, but that where insufficient progress was recorded, the Commission would take appropriate regulatory measures, including revocation of the award where necessary.

‘One year after an award has been granted, the Commission conducts an evaluation to determine whether there has been considerable progress,’ she said.

She stated that despite initial resistance from some operators, the gas flare commercialisation programme has continued to make significant progress, disclosing that 43 flare gas sites were originally identified for award, with 27 sites so far successfully awarded and implementation efforts ongoing.

According to her, Nigeria’s vast gas resources provides a strong foundation for power generation, industrialisation, exports and broader economic development, as the country currently has more than 215 trillion cubic feet TCF of proven gas reserves, with an estimated total reserve base of about 600 TCF.

While highlighting the progress in the implementation of the Host Community Development Trust framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act PIA, the CCE stated that the initiative was designed to address longstanding concerns in oil-producing communities and promote sustainable development through petroleum resources.

She said available data revealed that implementation of the Trust had contributed to significant reductions in oil theft and oil spills, while improving relations between operators and host communities. She added that 173 Host Community Development Trusts had so far been incorporated, 147 funded, with more than 1,001 projects ongoing and over 200 projects already commissioned across host communities.

The minister called for deliberate and aggressive implementation of the country’s gas commercialisation programme to enable Nigeria meet its 2030 target of eliminating routine gas flaring.

Ekpo said the objective should be to convert the country’s gas resources into critical products and services rather than allowing them to contribute to environmental pollution.

He said: ‘The core objective is to add value to our gas resources by converting them into critical products and services. We must move away from environmental pollution and toward productive resource utilization.’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disowned an election petition challenging the victory of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the 15 August 2026 governorship election, describing the petitioner as an impostor.

The party said it neither ‘instituted, sponsored, approved’ nor endorsed the petition before the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo.

The PDP’s position was conveyed during a news conference held at its Abuja National Secretariat on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Jungudo Haruna Mohammed.

Mohammed said the petition, marked EPT/OS/GOV/02/2026, ‘was not filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’ and did not have the blessing or support of the party.

He stressed, ‘We are here to tell you that the PDP did not authorise this petition, and it is not our case. The party neither instituted, sponsored, approved, nor endorsed the petition challenging the outcome of the 15th August 2026 Osun State governorship election.’

Adeleke, a former member of the PDP, defected to Accord ahead of the poll and won his re-election for a second term on the Accord platform.

The governor polled 511,067 votes to beat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 444,815 votes.

Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was third in line with 17,180 votes.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mohammed noted that only the National Legal Adviser of the PDP had the constitutional authority to file legal action on behalf of the party and nobody else, adding that in the extant case the legal adviser also did not delegate his authority to the said petitioner.

Mohammed identified one Ochai Jacob Otokpa as the lawyer purportedly responsible for filing the petition in the name of the PDP, challenging him to produce the mandate upon which he acted for the PDP.

‘We, therefore, challenge him to produce the authority, instruction, or mandate upon which he relied in assuming the locus to institute proceedings in the name of the Peoples Democratic Party,’ he added as he maintained that the PDP completely dissociated itself from the petition.

He further said the purported PDP candidate in the election had, in a television interview on 7 September, stated that he neither authorised anyone nor engaged a lawyer to file the petition on his behalf.

The Publicity Secretary further stated that the development raised questions about who instructed Otokpa to file the petition and where he obtained the purported mandate.

On what the party would take to remedy the issue, Mohammed explained that the PDP’s Legal Department would take immediate steps to ensure that the petition was withdrawn.

However, the spokesman called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the filing of the petition and take appropriate action against those found responsible.

He urged the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Accord Party, Governor Adeleke, the media and the general public to disregard the petition and its contents, adding that the party had already published a public disclaimer to make its position clear.

He spoke further, ‘The PDP is a creation of the law, and we have taken it upon ourselves that those days are gone where we tolerated such flagrant attitudes that tend to ridicule the party…

‘We have decided to use the sledgehammer to deal with any individual, no matter how highly placed, whenever we find out that statements or positions are taken on behalf of the party without the due authority of the legitimate leadership of the party.’