Category: Nigerian Tribune

WHEN Governor Ahmed Aliyu assumed office in 2023 as the governor of Sokoto State, his administration rolled out a 9-point ‘smart agenda’ focusing on key developmental goals, security, youth empowerment, economic growth, water supply, education, environment, agriculture, religious affairs, and local government autonomy. Among these, security has emerged as the most pressing challenge and unarguably the most defining test of his leadership,because of the impact.

In recent years, Sokoto State has been caught in the crosshairs of banditry, rural violence, and growing insecurity, part of a broader national trend afflicting the North-West zone. While debates on the decentralization of Nigeria’s policing system specifically the establishment of state police-continue at the federal level, some state governments are not waiting for the constitutional amendments. Governor Aliyu stands among those that have taken proactive, localized steps to counter insecurity within existing legal frameworks. From the outset, Aliyu made it clear that tackling insecurity would be a priority. His administration has funded federal security agencies operating within the state and established supplementary structures, such as the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, which now operates with over 40 Hilux vans and 700 motorcycles. Over 170 patrol vehicles have equally been distributed to various security agencies, and allowances for personnel stationed in volatile areas have been increased.The governor has also invested in upgrading security infrastructure. The Department of State Services (DSS) now operates with upgraded 5G tracking systems. A new military base is under construction in Illela Local Government Area, and an Air Force base has been operationalized, a move intended to bolster surveillance and rapid response capabilities.

In a state where the rural communities have borne the brunt of violence, Governor Aliyu has made multiple condolence visits, notably to Silame, Wurno, Rabah, Tureta, and Dange/Shuni LGAs, which have seen recent spikes in bandit attacks. In Silame, where 33 people were killed in one such attack, his government distributed ?66 million and 165 bags of rice to affected families, an emergency humanitarian response meant to provide immediate relief.

Beyond material support, the governor has taken a tough rhetorical stance. He recently warned critics and commentators not to politicize security issues, labeling such discourse as harmful to the ongoing efforts. He has also instructed security agencies to treat informants aiding bandits ‘in the same way as the bandits themselves’, a statement that drew praise from various quarters. Aliyu’s administration has clearly signaled a zero-tolerance policy towards individuals who assist criminal groups, particularly informants within local communities. Speaking during visits to Wurno and Rabah local governments the governor encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior especially individuals living beyond their apparent means. He also announced plans to present a bill prescribing stiff penalties for those found to be aiding banditry. Religious leaders have also been enlisted in the fight. The governor has called on Imams of Jumu’at and daily prayer mosques to educate their congregations on the Islamic perspective regarding criminality and the consequences of abetting violence. While such initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach, as usual critics who while in power abdicated responsibility want the government not to adopt punitive measures. Because they are not aware of what the government is doing they continue to proffer solutions – addressing rural poverty, unemployment, and lack of education – which the government had already integrated as part of its strategy.

Significantly, the administration is not relying solely on military and enforcement strategies. In June, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, stated that the state government is open to dialogue with repentant bandits. ‘We will wholeheartedly welcome any development that promotes peace,’ he said, adding that many conflicts globally have ended through negotiation rather than force.

This dual approach- combining kinetic action with non-violent peace-building marks a notable shift from previous hardline strategies pursued by some northern states. The state government believes that some of the violence is being driven not only by criminal intent but also by inter-communal grievances, economic exclusion, and a lack of state presence in remote areas. As expected not everyone agrees with the idea of dialogue. Some civil society groups and victims of attacks argue that engaging with violent actors could embolden others and weaken trust in the justice system. Others, however, point to examples in Zamfara and Katsina States, where dialogue efforts, though imperfect, have at times reduced violence. The security crisis in Sokoto State has no doubt taken a heavy humanitarian toll. In August, renewed attacks in Tureta and Dange/Shuni LGAs displaced hundreds of families. Women and children have fled to bushes, open fields, and under trees, often without food, water, or shelter. ‘I have not entered my house in three months,’ said Halima, a mother of four from Tureta. ‘Every night, we sleep under a tree. We live in fear, not knowing if the next sound we hear will be the bandits.’

This level of displacement has disrupted farming activities, local economies, and school attendance, compounding the state’s development challenges. Insecurity in Sokoto mirrors a nationwide trend of deteriorating safety in rural areas. The impact is far-reaching, the closure of markets and schools, decline in food production, collapse of small businesses, and a halt in local governance. Because unless addressed comprehensively, these issues could deepen structural inequalities, increase radicalization risks among youth and affect investor confidence the government is more than determined to defeat the bandits.

Governor Aliyu’s strategy so far demonstrates a mix of enforcement, humanitarian intervention, and policy reform. His administration’s investment in security infrastructure and personnel has been widely acknowledged, and the creation of the Community Guard Corps represents a tangible effort to improve rural surveillance and rapid response. Still, questions remain, are the current investments sustainable without broader federal support or international partnerships? Experts believe that long-term success depends on integrated development planning, beyond emergency responses. Sokoto, like other conflict-affected states, needs a multi-sectoral recovery plan that includes education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and social cohesion efforts. Governor Aliyu’s handling of Sokoto’s security crisis has been marked by urgency, assertiveness, and a willingness to experiment with new models of subnational intervention. His administration’s readiness to engage both militarily and diplomatically suggests a shift toward more nuanced governance in a region long plagued by violence.

Still, the road ahead is steep. While immediate interventions patrol vehicles, military bases, humanitarian aid are necessary, long-term peace will hinge on building trust, addressing root causes, and empowering local communities. Sokoto’s security strategy, if it maintains its current trajectory, could serve as a blueprint for other states facing similar challenges. But for now, the people of Sokoto await tangible and lasting relief, hoping that the promises of their governor will translate into the peace and stability they so urgently need.

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Supporting Financial Inclusion Across Africa

The financial landscape in Africa shows significant disparities in access to essential services. Countries like South Africa and Kenya have made great strides in financial inclusion, while many others are still grappling with challenges that limit access to banking and financial services.

The AFIndex map highlights varying levels of financial inclusion across African countries, with some nations showing high service access, while others face significant gaps. Source: Research Gate

This uneven access is a critical issue for SMEs across the continent, many of which struggle to engage in cross-border trade. Unipesa is helping to address these gaps by providing businesses in underserved areas with tools to connect to the global economy. Through its API-based solutions, Unipesa enables access to a broad range of financial services, including mobile payments, digital wallets, and lending. These services empower SMEs to make payments more efficiently and open doors to new markets and expansion opportunities.

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The Future of Cross-Border Payments in Africa

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Unipesa continues to innovate, improving its infrastructure and expanding its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of SMEs across Africa. The company’s expertise in regional integration enables it to stay ahead of the curve, helping businesses navigate complex financial ecosystems and unlock new growth opportunities.

Conclusion: Simplifying Cross-Border Payments for African SMEs

Unipesa is transforming how African SMEs navigate cross-border payments by offering a seamless, scalable fintech platform. Designed to address the challenges of complex transactions, Unipesa streamlines the payment process, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently across the Middle East and Africa. With a keen understanding of regional markets, the platform empowers SMEs to expand their reach and compete globally.

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The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) on Tuesday, inducted 19 pioneer nursing graduates of the Wellspring University, Benin, Edo State into the profession.

The oath was administered by the Chief Executive Officer/Registrar of the Council, Ndagi Alhassan, represented by a member of the department of Planning, Research and Statistics of the NMCN, Ali Gorini, said

Delivering his address At the first oath-taking/induction at the university campus in Benin, Gorini, said with the ceremony, the graduands have become nurses who must strive for excellence in their chosen profession.

He admonished the new nurses to adhere to the rules of professional conduct which are a set of ethical guidelines binding on every nurse in Nigeria.

Gorini urged them to learn from their senior colleagues and ensure they minimise the incidents of error, as their patients rely on them for quality treatment.

He said: ‘Nursing is a profession that is tremendously demanding compassionate, kindness and attentiveness while dealing with patients.

‘As graduate nurse, you must be able to perform nursing skills in various healthcare settings, therapeutically assisting individuals, families, communities and diverse backgrounds.

‘In doing this, you must understand the psychosocial and physical factors in alleviation of offering, promotion, maintaining and restoration of health and be able to function independently and collaborate with other healthcare professionals in the course of our practice in any healthcare setting.

In his message to the inductees, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Isaac Ajayi, described the inductees as the trailblazer and the first fruit of the nursing programme at Wellspring University.

He said that nursing is not merely a career, but a calling to serve humanity with compassion, diligence and integrity.

‘Go forth and make your mark in hospitals, clinics and communities across the nation and beyond. Uphold the ethics of your profession and continue to learn, grow and contribute to improving healthcare delivery,’ he added.

Akayi also expressed appreciation to the NMCN for their steadfast support, guidance and encouragement throughout the development of our institution’s nursing programme.

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Nursing Science, Professor Ngozi Osunde, said the ceremony is memorable and represented a paradigm shift for the new nurses.

She enjoined the inductees to always remember that the profession is dynamic and evolving, hence they must be abreast with the dynamism

‘You have been trained not in the science and art of nursing but also in the values that define a true professional: empathy, integrity, competence and selfless service.

‘The health healthcare environment is constantly changing with new challenges such as emerging diseases, technological innovations and global health crisis, so you must be abreast of them to make an impact and remain relevant,’ she said

In his presentation, the guest lecturer, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, who tilted his lecture ‘The health of nursing’ emphasised the need for hard work on the part of the nurses in delivering quality healthcare services.

He welcomed the new members into the profession, adding that decision making is crucial in the nurses’ day to day activities.

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Chairmen has suspended the membership of Honourable Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State chapter), and that of Abia State, Honourable Amah Ibrahim Nnana, for allegedly plotting to derail the scheduled November 15 National Elective Convention of the PDP.

Nwachukwu, a former member of the House of Representatives, was until his suspension, the chairman of the Forum and also the Imo state chapter chairman of the body, while Nnana is the Abia state chairman.

The forum, which condemned the alleged plot, said the two worked with the backing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their bid to derail the convention.

‘Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention.

‘Their actions were unanimously described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve’, the forum said in a statement released on Wednesday following an emergency meeting it held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Forum named Mr Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the Edo state PDP, as its new chairman to replace Nwachukwu.

Recall that Nwachukwu and Nnana are among the plaintiffs in a suit filed before an Abuja Federal High Court, seeking to halt the party’s convention.

Hearing in the case resumes on Thursday, October 16.

The forum, which declared full support for the Ibadan convention, also expressed confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by Ambassador Umar Damagum.

Blaming the actions of the suspended members on the APC, the forum said, ‘The Forum strongly condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders-including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies-into defecting.

‘The Forum described these acts as an assault on democracy, warning that the ruling party’s conduct is a dangerous step toward establishing a de facto one-party state, which Nigerians must collectively resist.’

On the NWC, it said, ‘The forum passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party.

‘It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalising, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force.’

The meeting, said to have been attended by 25 out of the 36 state chairmen and the FCT, called on ‘all party members, supporters, and stakeholders across the country to remain calm, united and steadfast.’

It also ‘pledged continued cooperation with the party’s national leadership as it undertakes deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.’

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum across the country, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohamed Ndarani Mohammed, has called for the investigation of retired civil servants and former public office holders before they are allowed to contest elective positions.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndarani expressed concern over the growing trend of former public servants amassing unexplained wealth toward the end of their tenure in preparation for political ambitions.

According to him, while the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) mandates all public servants to declare their assets, there is often no follow-up investigation after they leave office, adding that, ‘After retirement or resignation, no one checks whether their post-service assets align with what they declared when they joined public service.

‘This lack of scrutiny allows many to plunder public funds with impunity’, the senior lawyer said and lamented that many public officials exploit their positions to divert public resources into private accounts, using such funds to finance expensive election campaigns.

He noted that despite the provisions of Section 88(2-7) of the Electoral Act 2022, which sets limits on campaign expenses, politicians continue to flout these laws without consequence.

The senior lawyer expressed worry that politicians are not being sanctioned for violating campaign finance limits, which he said explained why so many public servants, as their retirement nears, resort to corrupt practices in anticipation of their entry into politics.

Outlining several measures to curb this trend and promote transparency ahead of the 2027 polls, Ndarani said, retired civil servants and former political office holders should undergo a thorough investigation to determine the sources of their assets and income after leaving office.

‘Retired public servants should be barred from contesting elections for at least one year to allow anti-corruption agencies sufficient time to investigate them. Heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) who have retired or been relieved of their duties should also face financial investigations, regardless of whether they plan to contest elections’.

He called on Nigerians to play active roles in holding their leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance, and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should invoke Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to strengthen the fight against corruption.

Ndarani emphasized that Nigeria’s political class must begin to view public service as an avenue for nation-building, not personal enrichment.

‘Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and put the nation’s welfare above personal gain,’ he said, and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) to begin proactive investigations into potential political aspirants well ahead of the 2027 elections.

He appealed to President Tinubu to create an enabling platform that would prevent retired public officials from using ill-gotten wealth to contest for political offices, stressing that such reforms were vital to Nigeria’s progress and democratic integrity.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday directed management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) to remit the sum of N72 billion to Federal Government within 60 days, as part of its ongoing investigation into N2.6 trillion debts owed by electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to the Federation Account.

The resolution was passed during the investigative hearing held at the instance of House Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Rep. Bamidele Salam, following a review of the 2021 report of the Auditor-General of the Federation and documents submitted by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc.

According to NBET, Jos DisCo’s indebtedness as of 30th September 2020 stood at N161.7 billion.

However, the company admitted to owing N72 billion as at 30th May 2025.

NBET’s representative, however, told the committee that as of the same May 2025 date, the reconciled amount owed by Jos DisCo stood at N98.7 billion, leaving a disputed balance of N26.7 billion between the two parties.

Following deliberations, the committee resolved that the admitted N72 billion must be remitted to the federal government within 60 days and directed both NBET and Jos DisCo to reconcile the outstanding N26.7 billion within 21 days and report back to the committee.

Salam emphasised the importance of prompt remittances to the Federation Account, stating that the government could no longer tolerate non-compliance by operators in the power sector.

‘This is public money, and the federal government urgently needs these funds to fulfill its responsibilities. We expect full compliance and accountability,’ he said.

In a related development, the committee also mandated management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) to remit the sum of N40.7 billion, representing 50 percent of its verified debt of N81.5 billion, within 30 days.

Initially, NBET had listed KEDCO’s debt at N211.7 billion, but after a reconciliation process between both parties, the figure was reduced to N85.8 billion.

KEDCO, led by Engineer Hussani Sadiq, acknowledged a verified indebtedness of N81.5 billion, with N4.3 billion still under dispute.

The Committee directed KEDCO to submit evidence of payment of the N40.7 billion within the 30-day deadline and to reconcile the disputed N4.3 billion within 21 days.

Executive Director, Institute for National Transformation (INT), Mrs Bukola Femi-Ajala, said that Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME)’s make up 96 percent of business in Nigeria.

Femi-Ajala said that this contributes to 46-48 per cent in GDP.

She stated this at the University of Ibadan School of Business Students Association 2025 Week with the theme: ‘Transforming Realities Into Business Opportunities.’

She said that SME’s account for 84 to 88 per cent of employment in Nigeria.

’39 per cent of businesses are owned by women. This implies a 39 per cent female ownership rate in the country higher than 29 per cent of sub-sahara Africa and 34 per cent global average,’ she said.

She, however, urged the government to look at youths and see into what will make them thrive.

‘Looking at age, we have high youth population which inturn is innovation and energy.’

Similarly, Dr Olufunmi Adegbile, Managing Director, Royal Spices Planner and Managers, said that business is not about products or profits alone but the people.

Adegbile said that business is giving good customer service to people at all times.

‘Giving each job or service the utmost best at all times should be top tier, the quality of your service would determine how far you would go and what you will attain,’ she said.

Former Director of the University of Ibadan School of Business, Professor Adenike Osofisan, said that when establishing the school there was no school in the world that covered the syllabus they wanted to start with.

Osofisan said that other business schools were offering one of a few of what we wanted to start, non had all courses we were establishing.

‘We established this school with focus on what we depend on in Nigeria asides course that MBA is used to.

‘This school was the first to be accredited by National University Commission. We’re collaborating with IITA with respect to agriculture business, where students are going there for lectures and practical lessons,” she said.

TODAY, Chief (Mrs) Olaitan Victoria Abiodun, educationist, businesswoman and community leader, clocks 90. As the Book of Psalms proclaims, it is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight. As the day begins with songs of praise, Mama will lack the company of her husband of many years and praise and worship partner, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, fondly called Baba Teacher, but she will be surrounded by the love, warmth and presence of her dear children, including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (MFR, CON); her grandchildren, extended family members, friends and well wishers. In a country where life expectancy is just a little above 54 years, it is great, in fact glorious, to be 90, hale and hearty, basking in the grace of Almighty God: the celebrations have been fully deserved.

. The years have not been without challenges, obstacles, many of them daunting, but as the Holy Writ declares, there is a compassion from on high that is new every morning, and faithfulness that is great. It is too lofty to be properly captured in words. Mama at 90 is not about sagacity, design or intention: it is the sheer mercy and love of the Almighty: pure, boundless and unfeigned. To live to be 90 in a country plagued by many ills, and having fought so many battles, calls for precisely the thanksgiving that Mama and her family and friends are offering today. Let us all join Mama in her feast of thanksgiving.

Born on 15th of October,1935 to the family of Mr Raji Alli Balogun and Mrs Adijatu Kubura Alli Sobowale in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, Chief (Mrs) Olaitan Victoria Abiodun began her primary education at Bishop Oluwole Memorial Primary School Agege, Lagos, and later proceeded to St James. Anglican Primary School, Iperu, where she completed her primary education in 1955. In 1956, she started teaching at the African Church Primary School, Iperu, also known as Bethel. The desire to acquire more knowledge took her to the Teacher Training College, Iperu, where she obtained her Grade 3 certificate. It was time to be posted to St Paul’s Anglican Primary school, Ijokun Sagamu where she taught from 1958 to 1962.

In 1963, she got admission into the Teachers Training College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, for her Grade 2 certificate. Armed with that certificate, she worked at IJABCOL Grade 2 Teacher Training College and Modern School in Iperu, and in 1968 she moved with her husband to Ayetoro Egbado (now Yewa North). Her husband taught at the Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, while she was transferred to United Primary School, Ayetoro, where she taught till early 1971 when she moved to Ondo town with her husband who had just joined the staff of the prestigious Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, an institution affiliated to the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She taught at the Local Authority School (1) in Ondo, then in October 1972 she gained admission into Adeyemi, where she studied Home Economics. After her graduation, she was posted to Ondo High School, Ondo, where she was made the head of the Home Economics Department. And this was where she retired in1986, following which she took up trading and extended her frontiers far and wide.

At 90, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Olaitan Abiodun stands as a living testimony to grace, faith, and enduring values: her life reflects devotion to family, service, and community. As she says, ‘I feel deeply grateful to God. Ninety years is not a small journey. It’s been grace all through – grace that carried me through marriage, motherhood, teaching, and service to my community.’

Life as a child, she recalls, was modest but meaningful: ‘We valued hard work, honesty, and community. Education was our key to freedom, and that belief guided everything I did.’ Her marriage was great: ‘My late husband and I were both teachers. We both believed teaching was more than a job – it was a ministry. ‘Baba Teacher,’ as people called him, used to say that when you teach a child, you are shaping the world. We wanted to shape lives, and we gave our hearts to it. In those days, there was no social media – only purpose and prayer. We met through mutual friends in Ibadan, both of us teachers, and we shared the same values. We married in 1960, and it was the beginning of a long, blessed journey. I had 65 years of marriage, a rare blessing.’

The Ogun State Governor is her first born and the bond between mother and son is indeed cast in stone; unbreakable. As the American writer Sara Hale says, there is no influence so powerful as that of that of the mother. Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws, says the Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, essayist, and poet, Barbara Kingsolver; and that is why the great Abraham Lincoln crafted these unforgettable lines: ‘All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.’ For Dapo Abiodun, and in the words of the poet, Emily Dickinson, a mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled. Mama is her son’s unceasing fountain of support who trained him to be ready to dare, and to go against the norm to set new standards. During his 42nd birthday in Ikoyi, Lagos, she spoke glowingly about him, saying with pride: ‘ I am the one and only mother of Dapo Abiodun.’ She trained her children well, and her counsel combined with great vision has given the Gateway State a Governor turning barren land to construction sites. Go to the Gateway Airport and see wonders in architecture and engineering; go to Olumo Rock and see the power of renewal. Go to the MKO Stadium and see what it means to have a Governor imbued with strategic foresight.

Her pride in her son is not just because he’s Governor, but because he has remained humble and focused on service. Her word to him as he hits 90 cheers is to fear God, listen to advice, and never forget the poor: power should bring compassion, not arrogance. The key to success, she avers, is to work hard, respect elders, and build your future with integrity. Why? ‘The world is moving fast, but good character never goes out of fashion.’

Her words are indeed words on marble, and are fitting in closing this piece: ‘ I believe in quiet strength. You don’t have to shout to lead. I speak when it is necessary, and I stand by truth. That is how I was raised, and that is how I raised my children. I want women to see themselves as builders – of homes, of society. Women, support your husbands, raise your children well, and never stop learning. Women carry the soul of the nation. My greatest legacy is a good name. The Bible says a good name is better than riches.’

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for synergy and cordial relationship between the state government and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to make ports in Lagos better.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call during a courtesy visit by the NPA Board of Directors led by its Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, at the Lagos House, Marina.

The governor, while making the call, noted that ports play a vital role in Lagos and Nigeria’s economy, stressing the need for both the state government and NPA to work together to realise the aspirations and promises of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians.

This was just as Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration had done a lot to address the issue of traffic congestion in Apapa, attributing 60 per cent of the accidents on Lagos roads to carelessness of truck drivers loading goods from ports in the state.

‘We have significantly solved the Apapa gridlock problem. We have been part of the solution of the Apapa and Tin Can Port’s traffic congestion, knowing that it is in our collective interest to do so because they are national assets that generate revenue for the country.

‘We understand the vital role our ports play in Lagos and Nigeria’s economy because ports are critical assets. I believe we can do better if we work together.

‘We are willing to support. It is in our interest to work with NPA to ensure that all of the aspirations and promises of President Bola Tinubu are realisable. We are committed totally to supporting them,’ the governor stated.

Senator Adeyeye, in his earlier remark, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for solving the Apapa traffic gridlock and for maintaining a good relationship with NPA, assuring that the agency was ready to promote a good relationship with Lagos.

Adeyeye expressed delight with what was happening in Lagos, acknowledging the state as the best environment ‘in terms of community and government relations with the Nigeria Ports Authority.’

According to him, NPA enjoys a good relationship with its host community and the Lagos State Government, saying that the state remained one ‘with the least problems.’

‘We are happy with what is happening in Lagos because this is the best environment we have seen in terms of community and government relations with the Nigeria Ports Authority. NPA enjoys a good relationship with its host community and the Lagos State Government, and this is the state with the least problems,’ he said.

In a related development, Governor Sanwo-Olu has described small and medium businesses as the real drivers of the economy and stressed the need to strengthen the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The governor gave this position during a courtesy visit by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr. Charles Odii, at Lagos House, Marina.

Speaking during the visit, Odili, who praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to the promotion of SMEs in Lagos, called for continuous support from the state government for small and medium businesses.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Olúwa?eun Mayomi Faleye, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s social protection system to safeguard workers against the emerging risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological disruptions in the workplace.

Speaking at the 2025 Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) Workshop in Ibadan on Friday, Barrister Faleye said the nature of work is rapidly changing, and so are the risks that come with it. Presenting a paper titled Social Security and Protection for Nigerian Workers Amid AI Disruption, he warned that technological innovations are expanding the scope of work-related risks beyond traditional physical injuries.

‘Work-related risks are expanding. They are no longer only injuries sustained in factory floors; they now include technological displacement, income instability, and psychological stress caused by rapid workplace changes,’ he stated.

According to him, Nigeria’s social protection system must evolve to keep pace with the transformation happening across industries. ‘Social Protection must evolve. We must rethink coverage, redefine risk, and reimagine support. In the era of AI, social security must not only compensate, it must empower,’ he said, emphasizing the need for intentional policies and sustained investment in social security.

While acknowledging that AI brings innovation, efficiency, and productivity gains, the NSITF boss cautioned that it also threatens traditional job structures, leaving many workers vulnerable to displacement. ‘AI promised efficiency and productivity, but it also threatens traditional jobs from factory floors to administrative offices,’ he observed. ‘The real question now should be the protection of displaced workers.’

Faleye identified several factors hindering full social protection coverage in Nigeria, particularly the dominance of the informal sector, which constitutes over 80 percent of the economy yet remains largely outside existing safety nets. He also lamented the limited awareness among workers about their rights and the benefits available under the Employees’ Compensation Scheme operated by the NSITF.

Despite these challenges, the Managing Director expressed optimism that AI could also be harnessed to strengthen the country’s social protection framework. ‘AI itself offers tools to make social protection more efficient. From digital identity systems that verify workers, to predictive analytics that help detect fraud or anticipate workplace risks before they happen,’ he explained.

Faleye emphasized that Nigeria must prioritize expanding social security coverage, investing in digital literacy and reskilling for workers, leveraging AI for social security delivery, and fostering collaboration among government, labour, and employers to ensure continuous dialogue and action. He urged that ‘the Nigerian workers’ welfare must remain the centre of all innovation.’

Calling on journalists to play their part, the NSITF chief appealed to members of the media to help raise public awareness about social protection and the challenges of AI-driven workplace transformations.

He concluded his presentation on a note of reassurance, saying that with proactive policy reforms and adequate preparation, Nigerian workers can look to the future with hope. ‘With the right policy changes, preparations, adaptation, and adequate protection, the future would be bright, and no Nigerian workers would be left behind,’ he said.