Category: Nigerian Tribune

Nigeria and Austria have committed to strengthening their bilateral economic relations.

This follows high-level meetings between a delegation led by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and senior Austrian government officials.

‘President Bola Tinubu’s bold reforms opening up the Nigerian economy for foreign and domestic investments, we are committed to long-term, strategic partnerships that create jobs, generate income, and promote prosperity,’ Bagudu told Austria’s Vice Minister of Finance, Mag. Andreas Reichhardt, during one of the meetings in Vienna, Austria.

The delegation engaged with senior Austrian officials, including the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management of the Republic of Austria, Mag. Norbert Totschnig; the State Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, Ms Elisabeth Zehetner; and the Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, Mr Peter Hanke.

Others were Director-General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Dr Michael Spindelegger, who was formerly minister for Foreign Affairs and Finance as well as Vice-Chancellor, and the CEO of the Vienna Stock Exchange, Mr Christoph Boschan.

The engagements with Austrian officials and business leaders in Vienna on Friday, as stated by the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Julie Okogie-Jacobs, on Wednesday, centred on establishing new partnerships in capital market development, investment, innovation and mobility, migration governance, agriculture and water management, and economic reform support.

She stated that some Austrian companies delivered presentations, proposing a technology transfer and local manufacturing partnership that would enable Nigeria to produce water filtration materials domestically, as well as expand the textile industry value chain to create skilled jobs, and improve water and food security through local capacity-building and training.

Along with signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will act as a strategic framework for their cooperation in Agriculture, Water Management, Rural Development, and Climate Resilience, the statement said both sides also agreed to accelerate negotiations on another MoU to strengthen their bilateral economic relations and formalise cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and tourism.

The memorandum on Agriculture, signed on Friday by Bagudu and Austria’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, Mag. Norbert Totschnig, is anticipated to support Nigeria’s efforts in enhancing food security, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and strengthening rural livelihoods.

‘This MoU is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s partnership with Austria that will promote sustainable agriculture, improve food security, and strengthen rural resilience against climate change,’ Bagudu said during the signing ceremony, which was attended by former Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance, and former Vice-President of EIB Mr Wilhelm Molterer, who reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.

Totschnig described the MoU as ‘a promising start to a long-term collaboration that can serve as a model for Africa-Europe agricultural partnerships.’

The MoU aims to enhance bilateral cooperation, promote sustainable food systems, improve water resource management, and increase resilience to climate change effects, in accordance with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

It also aims to utilise Austrian expertise, technologies, and private capital to support Nigeria’s priorities in sustainable agriculture, irrigation, environmental protection, and rural infrastructure.

Areas of cooperation include promoting agro-processing and value chain development, supporting soil and watershed management, developing efficient irrigation systems, enhancing rural economies, and expanding forestry and afforestation initiatives.

It also facilitates capacity building, research collaboration, and technical knowledge transfer between both parties to strengthen institutional and human resource capabilities.

The implementation of the MoU will build on existing Austria-supported initiatives in Nigeria, such as the European Business Park (EBP) and the Centre of Practical Skills (COPS) in Enugu, which provide platforms for rural innovation and skills development.

To ensure transparency and effective management of investment projects, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) – ESME Nigeria Limited, under MOFI, will coordinate and safeguard investments arising from this partnership.

During a meeting with the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism, Ms Elisabeth Zehetner, both countries also agreed to expedite another MoU to strengthen existing economic cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.

Zehetner stated, ‘Nigeria remains one of our most important trading partners in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we are keen to explore new dimensions of cooperation – especially in green technology, renewable energy, circular economy, and vocational training.’

Bagudu highlighted that Nigeria’s reform agenda is opening up new opportunities in infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism, and that Austria’s strong interest in collaborating with Nigeria through technology transfer, skills development, and sustainable investment is welcomed.

‘Our focus is to create mutually beneficial partnerships that translate into real value – for Austrian investors and for the Nigerian people,’ he said.

The delegation also met with the Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Dr Michael Spindelegger, emphasising the importance of strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and ICMPD in migration governance, skills development, and legal pathways for labour mobility, building on the organisation’s longstanding engagement in Nigeria.

‘We see migration not as a challenge but as an opportunity-one that can be harnessed for shared growth,’ the Minister said, explaining that President Bola Tinubu had emphasised the need for strategic partnerships that link migration to skills, innovation, and investment.

Expressing Nigeria’s eagerness to collaborate with ICMPD on developing a model that links training, certification, and employment within a legal migration framework, the minister acknowledged ICMPD’s consistent support and reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to establishing safe, legal, and productive migration systems that benefit both sending and receiving countries.

Responding, Spindelegger noted that ICMPD’s partnership with Nigeria has developed from technical cooperation to strategic collaboration, with active projects in border management, anti-trafficking, and labour migration.

‘We are proud of Nigeria’s progress. The Enugu Centre of Practical Skills and our collaborations with national institutions demonstrate the importance of long-term cooperation. We are now ready to develop this into a structured migration partnership that promotes skills development, legal migration pathways, and economic opportunities for youth,’ he said.

Dr. Spindelegger mentioned that a workshop with the City of Vienna is already scheduled to develop a broader concept that will enable Nigerians to receive vocational training in Nigeria and subsequently work in Austria.

The minister called for strengthening fiscal cooperation and encouraging innovative investment partnerships between the two countries during the delegation’s meeting with Austria’s Vice Minister of Finance, Mag. Andreas Reichhardt.

‘We are committed to long-term, strategic partnerships that create jobs, generate income, and promote prosperity. The ideas and technologies shared today align seamlessly with Nigeria’s development priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ Bagudu told Reichhardt.

He explained that the Tinubu administration had implemented bold fiscal and monetary reforms to unify exchange rates, rationalise subsidies, and rebuild investor confidence, noting that the economy had been opened up to private investment because government alone could not fund the nation’s development.

Reichhardt expressed delight at hosting the Nigerian delegation, reaffirming Austria’s commitment to establishing a strong partnership with Nigeria.

According to him, ‘We believe there is great potential for cooperation between our countries – in finance, technology, agriculture, and industrial development.

‘Austria is eager to exchange expertise, develop joint strategies, and support innovation-driven projects that promote sustainable growth in Nigeria.’

Bagudu, who returned to Nigeria over the weekend, also visited the Vienna Stock Exchange, where the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Christoph Boschan, welcomed him.

He highlighted the importance of strong governance and transparency in maintaining economic growth.

‘A modern financial system depends on the right balance between state interests and private sector transparency,’ he said, adding, ‘When the state plays a role in large-scale infrastructure or strategic industries, it must be matched with clear accountability and public governance. That is what ensures investor confidence and long-term value creation.’

Responding, Bagudu stated, ‘We are impressed by Austria’s financial market model-its stability, governance standards, and efficiency.

‘Nigeria is eager to learn from these experiences as we design frameworks that link public assets, infrastructure projects, and sustainable financing to the capital market.

‘Our goal is to create a transparent ecosystem that allows both state-owned entities and private firms to access financing while ensuring full public accountability.

‘Partnerships with institutions such as the Vienna Stock Exchange can help us attain this balance between growth, governance, and inclusivity.’

During the meeting with Federal Minister Hanke, who heads one of Austria’s largest ministries – responsible for Infrastructure, Mobility and Innovation – both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between Austria and Nigeria in the fields of transport infrastructure, mobility, and technological innovation.

The discussion focused on the transfer of Austrian expertise and best practices, particularly in railway and road infrastructure (ÖBB – Austrian Federal Railways, and ASFINAG – the state-owned motorway and expressway company), as well as in innovative mobility solutions.

A visit by Minister Hanke to Nigeria was agreed in principle to further advance these initiatives and explore concrete cooperation opportunities on the ground.

The minister finished his visit with a Business Reception hosted by Prosper Africa, attended by more than 130 high-ranking Austrian government officials, diplomats, and business leaders.

During the evening event, Minister Bagudu also met with Mr Bernhard Sagmeister, Director General of Austria Wirtschaftsservice (AWS), Austria’s state-owned development bank. AWS issues more than EUR 1 billion in guarantees each year to Austrian companies, including for investments abroad, and serves as a partner of the Austrian European Business Park (EBP) in Enugu. The discussion centred on deepening and expanding the cooperation.

In his keynote remarks, Bagudu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to attract investment and collaborate.

‘Nigeria is open for business. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are implementing bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence, and ensure private capital drives national development,’ he stated, concluding, ‘Our engagements in Vienna reaffirm that development is best achieved through collaboration.

‘By working with partners like Austria, we can unlock innovation, attract sustainable investment, and deliver inclusive growth in line with our National Development Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda.’

As part of effort to strengthen its industrial base, the Ogun State Government has signed an agreement with two leading renewable energy service companies (RESCOs) to generate about 1,100 MW of solar power in the state.

The companies are: Tranos Contracting Limited, which is to establish a 600MW solar panel manufacturing plant and battery pack in the state, and Vision Gas and Power Limited, which is also to establish a 500MW solar panel manufacturing plant with potential expansion to 1GW.

The partnership was sealed at the instance of the Vice-President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum(NREIF) 2025, held in Abuja.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, stated that the forum was convened under the Federal Ministry of Power and co-organised with the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) with Vice-President Kashim Shettima as Chairman for the year 2025.

With the theme: ‘Implementing the Nigeria first policy: Facilitating Local Content Development and Manufacturing in the Renewable Energy Ecosystem NREIF2025’, the forum, according to the statement, is Nigeria’s premier platform to shape the future of renewable energy manufacturing in Nigeria by bringing together global leaders, investors, and policy mas, among others.

‘These partnerships will ultimately spotlight Ogun state as a leader in innovation, industrial readiness, and inclusive growth, while affirming our state’s commitment to economic diversification and environmental sustainability.

‘This is in tandem with our vision to attract investments that drive a robust economic base, create jobs, and ensure that our State remains a model of innovation and sustainability.

‘By expanding local capacity for clean energy production, we are reducing dependence on imports and laying a foundation for inclusive industrial growth,’ the statement read.

The House of Representatives on Thursday unveiled plans to investigate the rationale behind the abandonment of $35 million Modular Refinery project in Brass, Bayelsa State, four years after payment of requisite financial commitment.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Billy Osawaru.

In his lead debate, Osawaru underscored the importance of increased revenue base for the nation with a view to reduce the ‘pressure on the foreign exchange regime and even lowers debt burden, especially as it relates to budget financing.

‘The House also notes that it was in the light of the above that the immediate past regime graciously embarked on the need to encourage the funding of modular refineries in the Niger Delta region.

‘The House is aware that under president Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, indigenous refining had been identified as a key driver of energy independence, job creation, and industrial revitalisation.

‘The House is also aware that the key objective of the present administration is to ensure energy security through improved oil production output in order to increase the Nation’s revenue base and that every available opportunity has been geared towards this objective.

‘The House is further aware that sometime in 2020 the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) invested the sum of $35 million in Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited – a modular refinery to be located in Brass, Bayelsa State.

‘But concerned that despite this huge investment of $35 million which is more than N50 billion and enough to fund fundamental components of the national budget, the proposed modular refinery that was to be known as Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited was never setup. Nothing is on ground to show that huge financial commitments had been made.

‘The House is concerned also that this Honorable House had initiated a patriotic love to unravel the mystery behind this wastage by mandating the relevant committee to investigate this monumental economic sabotage; and that despite this, nothing has been heard in respect of the subject matter.

‘The House appreciates that in May 2024, a stakeholder submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urging the anti-graft organization to probe the multi-million dollar investments made by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) among which was the Atlantic Refinery project; and that despite this noble move by the said stakeholder, nothing has been heard about this profound national waste almost a year ago.

‘The House is worried that the continued inactivity of this Brass modular refinery project raises significant questions about the management of public funds and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in Nigeria.’

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Petroleum Upstream, Downstream and Legislative Compliance to investigate the circumstances surrounding this huge financial commitments to the tune of $35 million with nothing on ground to suggest such huge investment and report back to the House within four weeks.

The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has pledged to partner with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to ensure improved soil health and sustainable agricultural production in Nigeria.

The research-based organisation made the promise on the sidelines of the official launch of the Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme (NFSHS) which was held on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

NFSHS is a comprehensive soil fertility programme designed to promote agricultural land and sustainable climate and regenerative practices. It also aimed to give farmers real-time insights into their soil conditions, helping them boost yields save costs and farm smarter.

Speaking with Tribune Online, head of station, IITA Abuja, Dr Beatrice Aighewi, said the Institute is working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to see how soil can be improved as she urged farmers to take full advantage of the initiative by visiting the laboratory and get information that would help in improving their yield.

‘IITA is a partner and is working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to see how soils can be improved. And fortunately, IITA is hosting the ECOWAS Center of Excellence known as the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel (RHFSH), based at the headquarters at Ibadan.

So, any work that they do there will also benefit the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the farmers of Nigeria at large. Because what they are trying to do there is to make sure that the soil in which the farmers are planting is healthy.

‘The message to the farmers is that with this launch that the Federal Government has done, they should take full advantage of it because if they know their soil, they will be able to produce better. So let them take advantage, visit the soil lab, get whatever information they can, and that would help them to improve their yield,’ Dr Aighewi told Tribune Online.

Also speaking, a visiting scientist at RHFSH Professor Vincent Aduramigba, pledged the support of the Hub to bring the expertise of IITA as a centre of excellence to assist Nigeria and especially the farmers by making the facilities available.

He said, ‘What the Hub does is to translate research in soil fertility and agronomy into productivity, empowering farmers and their living using science and good agronomy practitioners. We’re also bringing our expertise and making sure that we are looking at what is relevant for Nigeria.’

WITHIN the past week, several senior Nigerian government officials have openly reprimanded the U.S. senator for Texas, Ted Cruz, for posting on his X account that ‘Officials in Nigeria are ignoring and even facilitating the mass murder of Christians by Islamist Jihadists.’ The Republican senator, sponsor of a September 9, 2025, bill requiring the U.S. Secretary of State ‘to designate the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)’ and impose appropriate sanctions, added that ‘It’s time to hold those responsible accountable.’ The CPC tag is reserved for countries which have engaged in or tolerated ‘particularly severe violations of religious freedom.’

Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, opened the floodgate of remonstration when he described the legislation introduced by Sen. Cruz as ‘a mischaracterization of Nigeria’s complex security and religious freedom landscape’ and ‘based on incomplete and de-contextualized assessments.’ The Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, similarly suggested that the Cruz bill is ‘a deliberate attempt to damage the Nigerian image (sic).’ Insisting that ‘Nigeria is a very tolerant country,’ Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, flatly rejected the suggestion that any ‘Nigerian officials will willingly, deliberately indulge in the act of siding with violent extremists to target any particular religion’ in the country. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga was less diplomatic, demanding that Sen. Cruz stop his ‘malicious’ and ‘contrived lies’ (sic) against ‘my country.’ Last but not least, Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned against framing the crisis of insecurity in the country ‘along religious lines’ since ‘terrorists and bandits target Nigerians indiscriminately, regardless of faith.’

At issue in the face-off between Sen. Cruz and the aforesaid Nigerian government officials is the two-pronged question of whether, as Sen. Cruz insists, certain Nigerian officials are in cahoots with Boko Haram jihadists (the group was designated an Entity of Particular Concern (EPC) in December 2023), which would make the Nigerian government indirectly responsible for the ‘mass murder’ of Nigerian Christians; and second, how to characterize the current security situation the country: can an insurgency be described as religious when, to all intends and purposes and as various official spokespersons and not a few analysts have pointed out, its victims are Christians, Muslims, and everyone in between? Put differently, if Boko Haram has it in for Christians only, why kill Muslims as well?

As it happens, the accusation that highly placed politicians give moral, if not material, support to Boko Haram is not original to Sen. Cruz. On the contrary, it is a claim that has circulated among ordinary Nigerians and, in one important instance, pushed by no less a personage than a former president. Addressing the congregation at a Remembrance Day church service in January 2012, then-president Goodluck Jonathan lamented that his administration’s efforts to neutralize the Boko Haram threat were being undermined by the presence of Boko sympathizers ‘in his government and security agencies.’ Said Jonathan: ‘Some of them are in the executive arm of government, some of them are in the parliamentary/legislative arm of government, while some of them are even in the judiciary’. Furthermore, ‘Some are also in the armed forces, the police and other security agencies.’ If Sen. Cruz is guilty of anything, it is reading back to the Nigerian government an accusation that originated within Nigeria, and one that top Nigerian functionaries themselves once endorsed as the truth.

The same is true of the idea that Boko Haram is motivated by ethno-religious animus. Reacting to a wave of attacks believed to have been instigated by the group in 2012, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria at the time, insisted that the pattern of the killings suggested ‘systematic ethnic and religious cleansing.’ More recently, in May 2019, former president Olusegun Obasanjo made the following declaration about the Boko Haram insurgency: ‘It is no longer an issue of lack of education and lack of employment for our youths in Nigeria which it began as, it is now West African Fulanization, African Islamization, and global organized crimes of human trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, illegal mining, and regime change.’ The former president was promptly criticized by spokespersons for the then-Muhammadu Buhari administration for ‘imputing ethno-religious motive to Boko Haram and ISWAP.’

Based on his most recent remarks on the subject, we may safely deduce that the Nigerian statesman no longer believes what he believed back then. Speaking at a public event earlier this month, Mr. Obasanjo indicated as much: ‘I found, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But in short, they were looking for a better life. And any other thing attached to that is a better life for them.’ While it is important to note that the former president has had a change of heart in regard to the origins and motives of Boko Haram, the key takeaway, once again, is that his epiphany is recent. If anything, outside elite circles, Sen. Cruz’s suggestion that the atrocities of Boko Haram are directly targeted at Christians remains popular.

True, the popularity does not prove anything, but it at least shows that Sen. Cruz’s opinion is not a fringe one.

Which leaves us with the question of how to characterize the insurgency itself: Is it religious or not, and what does it mean for an armed rebellion to be ‘religious’?

Mr. Obasanjo has suggested that, rather than being guided by a religious motive, Boko Haram terrorists want nothing more than ‘a better life.’ In other words, Boko Haram is, as he now sees it, ‘driven by poverty, not politics.’ Other commentators agree. For example, in rejecting the idea that Christians are being singled out for persecution, political scientist Jibrin Ibrahim has sought to draw attention to ‘the challenges of inter-communal violence in Nigeria’; ‘the growing sense of injustice in the country from virtually all quarters’; and ‘the massive growth of poverty. over the past decade,’ making ‘peace building a very difficult enterprise.’

These arguments amount to nothing more than an attempt to explain away the atrocities of Boko Haram, to establish a false equivalence between Boko Haram and other instances of armed rebellion against the Nigerian state, and lastly, to attribute to the group political objectives that it has explicitly disavowed at every opportunity.

Now, given the level of poverty across northern Nigeria (according to the World Bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update report [PDF], ‘Poverty remains elevated in the north, where more than 7 in 10 Nigerians are poor, compared to about 3 in 10 in the south. The northeast zone has the highest incidence of over 80 percent, compared to 32 percent in the south-south.’), one should not be surprised to find economic malcontents within the rank and file of Boko Haram.

But that in no way justifies the lazy conclusion that Boko Haram is a product of poverty. Boko Haram is not interested in economic reform. If it were, we would not have to guess. Whenever its leaders have had the chance, they have made it abundantly clear that their project is religious and religious only. What Boko Haram seeks is the abolition of the Nigerian state and its replacement with a Sharia-based theocracy. Those, like Ibrahim, who advocate ‘building a more inclusive state’ as a way to tackle jihadism in northern Nigeria appear not to have been paying attention. Boko Haram does not seek inclusion; what it wants is a religiously exclusive state.

If that is the case, why does Boko Haram also target Muslims? The answer is simple: from Boko Haram’s perspective, there is no difference between mainstream Muslims and Christians: they are all ‘polytheists’ who suffer from a common affliction [PDF]: ‘unbelief.’ In other words, Boko Haram indiscriminately targets Christians and Muslims and destroys churches as well as mosques for the same religious reason.

In any event, it is puzzling that all of the government officials or commentators who have trooped out to challenge Sen. Cruz conveniently skipped over the multiple references in his bill to ‘Nigerian blasphemy laws,’ specifically ‘provisions in Nigeria’s criminal, penal, or Shari’a codes that criminalize expression, behavior, or belief perceived as insulting religion.’ The failure to address this extends the pattern of ignoble silence on blasphemy violence in northern Nigeria, a political act that, I have argued, ‘operates more or less as a license to kill.’ It is disheartening to watch the same people who have bitten their collective tongue as mobs have descended on innocent citizens accused of blasphemy promptly jump on an American senator for merely repeating claims that Nigerian leaders themselves have made and seeking justice for victims of jihadist violence.

According to a UN Development Program (UNDP) estimate, the Boko Haram insurgency had killed claimed 350,000 lives by 2021. In his new book on the group, former Chief of Defense Staff Lucky Irabor claims that ‘no fewer than 2,700 officers and soldiers were killed over 12 years in the battle against Boko Haram.’ Insisting, in the face of these grim statistics, that ‘We have religious harmony in Nigeria,’ as presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga does, is not only downright insensitive-it is insulting to the memory of Boko Haram’s victims, civilian, and military.

Nigeria’s insecurity crisis cannot be effectively confronted without the necessary clarity about the ultimate aims of Boko Haram. Unfortunately, the manner of the reaction to Sen. Cruz shows that, two decades on, the Nigerian elite is not ready to face the truth about this barbaric group.

Professor Obadare is a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (NB: This article was first published by the Council on Foreign Relations)

Immediate past Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), has argued that the solution to the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not for members to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, in a democracy, there must be opposition-the type the PDP is capable of leading in the current dispensation.

Dickson, who was reacting on Wednesday to the gale of defections hitting the once ‘largest party in Africa’, said party leaders must remain in the PDP to solve its problems because they were created by the leaders in the first place.

He noted, ‘We all know the PDP has issues, but those issues should be solved by its leaders. They are the ones who created them.

‘I remain standing in the PDP, the party that gave my people and the Niger Delta the opportunity to produce a Vice-President, an Acting President, and a President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This other party cannot do that.

‘If, however, we do not succeed in saving the PDP, then we will be part of a collective decision; but that should not be to join the ruling party.

‘I believe there must always be opposition. A democracy without opposition ceases to be democracy; it becomes dictatorship and totalitarianism.’

His comments come as the national headquarters of the party maintains silence over the latest defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

Findings by Nigerian Tribune showed that although the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party convened a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the body made no official reaction to the development.

Attempts by the newspaper to get the comments of the National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, did not yield results, although the NWC has consistently said it would not stop any governor from leaving since the PDP is ‘about the people and not individuals.’

Governor Diri defected barely 24 hours after the Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah, also dumped the party on Tuesday.

Incidentally, both governors played key roles in events leading to the 15 November Ibadan National Convention of the party.

While Diri chaired the committee which recommended the zoning of the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to the South, Mbah was the Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).

Speaking specifically on the defection of his successor on Wednesday, Senator Dickson admitted that although the governor consulted him on the matter several times, he was not convinced that the defection was necessary for a second-term governor.

Dickson also spoke on how he chose to lie low after leaving office by not trying to be a godfather or interfere with the decisions of the governor.

‘Since I left office, unlike others, I have not played godfather. I made no requests, no demands, no pressure. I have only been available for consultation and advice.

‘In this case, the governor consulted me several times, to his credit. I was not convinced because I saw no compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect,’ he added.

Dickson discountenanced the impression that being in the opposition meant fighting the government in power all the time, even when it took the right decision.

On that score, the former governor declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Professor Joash Omupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Dickson, a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, told Senate correspondents that having done his personal investigations, he was impressed by the academic credentials and rank of Omupitan in the legal profession and his ability to deliver credible polls.

‘I believe that a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, conscious of his standing in the academic and legal community, will have something to work for.

‘With everyone’s support, he should be able to introduce the reforms we need in our electoral system and within INEC itself. He should understand that elections are not just about cooking up figures and telling people to go to court.

‘A person of his calibre should understand that beyond the judgment of men and of the courts, there is also the judgment of God and of posterity. I believe he will do things differently. That is why I will be supporting his nomination,’ he added.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has said that Nigeria would need over $23 billion to expand energy access and connect millions of Nigerians who are still living in energy poverty.

Shettima, who spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during the flag-off of the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, organised by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Power, said Nigeria’s energy transition presents an investment opportunity of over $410bn between now and 2060.

Tribune Online reports that NREIF 2025 is an initiative designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators in the country’s clean energy sector.

He said, ‘This is an invitation to establish Nigeria as the hub for renewable energy manufacturing in Africa. Nigeria’s energy transition presents an investment opportunity of over $410 billion between now and 2060. Of this, more than $23 billion is required to expand energy access and connect the millions of Nigerians who still live in energy poverty.

‘But beyond access lies our grander ambition, which is to deliver a power system capable of 277 gigawatts of total installed capacity by 2060. This ambition demands more than investment. It demands innovation, local capacity and commitment.’

According to the vice president, Nigeria’s path to achieving a sustainable energy future must be driven not only by ambitious policies but also by the ability to transform ideas into practical solutions that guarantee availability, affordability and sustainability for every Nigerian. He assured investors, development partners and other stakeholders at the forum of President Tinubu’s commitment to consolidating policy foundations that would lead to a renewable energy market that is self-sustaining.

‘We are enhancing incentives for local manufacturing, streamlining regulatory frameworks and deepening collaboration with state governments, investors and development partners to de-risk private capital and accelerate the emergence of a self-sustaining renewable energy market,’ Shettima added.

The vice president also stated that over $400 million in new investment commitments had been mobilised into Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing value chain through engagements facilitated by the forum saying the investments would fund the establishment of solar panels, smart meters, battery storage and recycling facilities which will create over 1,500 direct jobs across multiple states.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, earlier in his remarks, described NREIF as a new chapter in Nigeria’s energy transformation pathway which showed the role of innovative partnership in targeting significant amount of local solar energy production capacity.

The minister described the Integrated National Electricity Policy as a comprehensive sector-wide policy framework aimed at strengthening gains recorded in the sector.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu, said the NREIF is a forum that connects policy and vision with research efforts as well as accelerate Nigeria’s aspirations to developing a sustainable green energy ecosystem adding that Africa cannot be left behind in the global energy transition.

Aliyu described NREIF as Nigeria’s bold and energetic step towards the actualisation of the country’s goals in global energy transition.

In Nigeria today, your ability to survive isn’t tied to certificates alone: it’s about what you can do. Making a living in Nigeria is not easy – maybe not generally difficult. With unemployment rates biting hard and the economy swinging like a pendulum, learning profitable skills has become a lifesaver.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria decreased to 4.3 percent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, from 5.3 percent recorded in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024. While informal employment is much higher. ‘Informal employment remains high at 93 per cent. The unemployment rate in Q2 was 4.3 per cent.’

Gone are the days when a university degree alone could guarantee a job. Today, practical skills are what put food on the table, which is the reason behind the high percentage of informal employment.

Meanwhile, Tribune Online looks for the best skills to earn a living in Nigeria, and below are the ten that stand out.

1. Digital Marketing

From social media ads to email campaigns, businesses can’t survive without digital visibility in recent times. Digital marketing tops the list of best skills to earn a living, as skilled marketers who understand and leverage Facebook Ads, SEO, Google Analytics, and content creation are cashing out big. With the current technological advancement, more companies are going online, and the demand for digital marketers is only rising.

2. Graphic Design

With the increase in social media platforms and engagement, every brand wants eye-catching flyers, logos, or social media posts. That’s where graphic designers shine and why graphic design is one of the best skills to earn a living. Tools like Canva, Photoshop, Pixel, and CorelDRAW are the weapons of choice for graphic designers who possess the know-how. By learning them well, you will never run out of clients.

3. Web Development

Everyone wants a website, whether it’s an e-commerce store, blog, or business page. Web developers skilled in WordPress, HTML, CSS, or JavaScript are highly sought after. It’s a skill that pays well, especially if you freelance for both local and international clients.

4. Fashion Designing

Fashion never goes out of style in Nigeria, which makes it one of the best skills to earn a living. Tailors and fashion designers who can craft trendy outfits for weddings, birthdays, or ‘owambes’ are making serious earnings. With the right creativity and customer service, this skill can build you a loyal client base.

5. Photography and Videography

Nigerians love parties, weddings, birthdays, and even baby showers. Every event needs a photographer or videographer. With quality equipment and editing skills, you can turn this passion into a thriving business.

6. Catering and Baking

Food is life, and Nigerians don’t joke with it. Caterers and bakers make a steady income from events, corporate gigs, and daily supplies. Whether it’s small chops, cakes, or traditional dishes, a good cook never runs out of customers.

7. Tech Skills (UI/UX, Data Analysis, Cybersecurity)

The tech space is booming as the world is becoming more digital. UI/UX designers help businesses improve user experience, data analysts turn raw data into insights, and cybersecurity experts protect systems. This is also the best skill to earn a living across the world. Tech skills are high-paying fields, with many opportunities for remote work.

8. Hairdressing and Makeup Artistry

Looking good is serious business in the world, not just in Nigeria. Makeup artists and hairstylists are always booked for weddings, birthdays, or photoshoots. With creativity and consistency, this skill alone can keep your pocket smiling.

9. Real Estate Agency

Land and property sales are hot in Nigeria’s urban centers. Having good networking and negotiation skills, becoming a real estate agent can fetch you high commissions. It is a skill to earn a living that many people have yet to learn. And it is not capital-intensive to start; what matters is trust and connections.

10. Content Writing

The internet runs on content, and blogs, websites, and brands need writers to tell stories, explain products, and sell services. Having a creative skill to write clearly and persuasively, you can earn from freelance platforms or directly from businesses.

These skills to earn a living don’t just pay bills; they can change lives. Start with one, practice till you’re great at it, and you’ll find out that the hustle can be rewarding after all.

Former leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has commended the Nigerian Army for its prompt response in restoring normalcy in Kirawa, Borno State.

Residents of the border town in the North-East state have recently fled into neighbouring Cameroon after Boko Haram militants seized the community.

The palace of the district head was equally burnt along with a military barracks, and several homes were set ablaze.

The insurgents were, however, pushed back after the military deployed reinforcements, while residents are returning home following deployments of military personnel.

The lawmaker representing Borno South in a statement on Wednesday commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt- General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their prompt response, particularly the deployment of 153 Task Force Battalion to the community.

Senator Ndume, who noted that the quick intervention of the military lessened the havoc that could have been wreaked on the community by the terror gang, further pleaded with the military authorities to make the presence of the military personnel permanent in the community, which he noted is a border town.

He also called for sustained collaboration between the Nigerian military and its Cameroonian counterpart in policing border towns.

He said:’ The courage displayed by our military and their resilience remains laudable. I have always acknowledged the fact that our military is overstretched, and I am impressed with their successes in the face of obvious challenges.’

The former Leader of the Senate further urged residents of the Kirawa town to be vigilant and always willing to cooperate with the military on the ground to guarantee the security of the community.

‘I sympathise with the people of Kirawa who are at the receiving end of the insurgents. My appeal to them is to always remain vigilant and be willing to share useful information with the military to secure their community. ‘

The lawmaker who applauded the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for his efforts in resettling the people and encouraging them to be resilient, further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing more than passing interest in restoring peace to the North-east states in the country.

‘Security of lives and property is the first and paramount responsibility of any government. The presentation administration has not failed in fulfilling this constitutional mandate to Nigerians.’

Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, has disclosed that the recent approval of $3 billion in funds for the completion of the Eastern rail project by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is a strategic move that will unlock a vital artery for national economic growth.

Speaking in Abuja at a transport and logistics leadership summit organised by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NTT), Zaria, he noted that ‘we are witnessing a quiet revolution in our rail transport sector.

‘In a monumental step, the Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion for the completion of the Eastern Rail Project ‘.

He explained that the project, when completed, would ease the movement of haulage through that corridor, thereby opening up the supply chain that encourages growth.

Alkali further stated that ‘we are upgrading our national pipeline transport network to ensure the efficient transport of oil and gas under the rail modernisation projects.

‘This initiative will strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on road-based haulage, and promote environmental sustainability by cutting emissions from heavy-duty trucks’.

Alkali noted that ‘the theme of this year’s summit – ‘Building Sustainable Transport and Logistics Infrastructure in Nigeria: Current Trends and Future Insights’ – is both timely and relevant in consolidating the ongoing land transport reform demonstrated by numerous rail modernisation projects, among others, in the country.

‘It is significant to note that our transport and logistics system remains the lifeblood of our economy in spite of challenges which this Summit is organised to discuss for sustainable solutions that will maximise the prospects of the sector as a gateway to the nation’s economy.

‘I am delighted to inform the participants of this Summit that under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, this administration is committed to transforming Nigeria’s transport and logistics landscape.’

He explained further that ‘through strategic investment, sound policy reform, and active collaboration with stakeholders, we are converting these challenges into historic opportunities.

‘Tangible progress is already being recorded across multiple fronts – rail, road, pipeline transportation and varied innovations that are designed to transform the sector towards more efficient service delivery consistent with international best practices’.

The Minister urged the participants to unite in the purpose of ensuring an effective transport sector in Nigeria. ‘Let us bring together our resources, innovation, and commitment to build a transport and logistics system that serves every Nigerian.

‘From our urban centres to our rural communities, let us deliver infrastructure that is reliable, equitable, and future-ready. The time for collective action is now. Together, we can and will build the foundation for a truly competitive and prosperous Nigeria through an effective and efficient transport system that connects urban and rural areas of Nigeria to enjoy its unity in diversity,’ he stated.

In his welcome address, the Director General of the NTT, Zaria, Dr Bayero Saluh Farah, said, ‘This summit provides a timely platform to bring together stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, investors, operators, and leaders of thought in the transport and logistics sector.

‘It is a forum to reflect on where we are, identify what must be done, and chart a clear path for the future of a sector that remains central to national development, regional integration, and global competitiveness.

‘Importantly, this event will feature keynote addresses, strategic panel sessions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities, bringing together participants from the road, rail, maritime, aviation, pipeline, logistics, and allied sectors.

‘It will also serve as a forum to discuss innovative solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and mobility challenges while highlighting opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth.

‘Furthermore, this summit is designed to stimulate dialogue and actions that will shape the future of transport and logistics in Nigeria. By bringing stakeholders under one roof, we aim to promote efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across the entire transport network,’ he stated.

The Summit was attended by stakeholders from both the aviation, land, pipeline and marine transport sectors of the country.