Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in remand proceedings in Ondo State, warning that practices capable of undermining fundamental rights and personal liberty must be addressed.

The association also called for a comprehensive review of the state’s electronic filing system, describing its current operation as largely an electronic payment platform rather than a fully integrated digital filing process.

The concerns were contained in a communiqué signed by the branch Chairman, Oju Kekemeke, and Secretary, Oluwanike Omotayo. The lawyers expressed concern that despite the introduction of online payment and uploading of court processes, legal practitioners and litigants were still required to print and physically submit documents at court registries for assessment, stamping and other administrative procedures.

They said recurring network failures, system downtime and shortages of essential registry materials had further slowed the filing process, defeating the purpose of introducing electronic filing.

The branch consequently called for an end-to-end electronic filing system, insisting that lawyers and litigants should no longer be compelled to submit hard copies of documents already uploaded to the platform.

It maintained that where physical copies were required for court records or service, the registry should generate them from the uploaded documents.

The NBA also called for exemptions for urgent ex parte applications from mandatory electronic filing requirements, arguing that technical or administrative challenges should not frustrate applications requiring immediate judicial attention.

To address the challenges, the branch constituted a three-member committee chaired by Mr Banjo Ayenakin, with Mr Ibukun Fasanmi as secretary and Mr Adetiloye Victor Ajayi as a member.

The committee is expected to document specific operational deficiencies in the e-filing system and submit recommendations to the branch. Its mandate also includes examining delays in the processing of title documents.

On the administration of criminal justice, the lawyers expressed grave concern over reported remand practices which they said could undermine the safeguards provided under the Ondo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015.

They noted that applications for remand were not always subjected to adequate scrutiny regarding their legal and factual justification.

The branch also raised concerns over reports of remarks attributed to some judicial officers suggesting apprehension about possible administrative consequences when deciding whether to refuse remand applications.

It stressed that decisions affecting personal liberty must be based on the applicable law, evidence and materials before the court, as well as the independent exercise of judicial discretion, rather than fear of administrative displeasure.

The association resolved to engage the leadership of the state judiciary on the concerns and advocate strict compliance with statutory safeguards governing remand proceedings and the protection of personal liberty.

It further urged judicial officers to determine every remand application independently and on its merits, either granting or refusing it in accordance with the law and circumstances of each case.

As part of efforts to address the issues, the branch resolved to seek an audience with the Chief Judge of Ondo State, alongside elders of the Bar and former chairmen of the association.

The proposed meeting is expected to address delays in the assignment of newly filed cases, operational challenges associated with e-filing, concerns surrounding remand proceedings and judicial independence, as well as ways of improving cooperation between the Bar and the Bench.

The lawyers also called for the deployment of additional legal practitioners from the Ondo State Ministry of Justice to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.

According to the communiqué, the proposed secondment would strengthen legal scrutiny of charges and other court processes before cases are filed, ensure compliance with relevant legal requirements and protect the rights of persons involved.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, protection of fundamental rights and efficient administration of justice, calling for stronger collaboration among the judiciary, Ministry of Justice, security agencies and the Bar.

Kebbi State Government has said it will implement the ?70,000 transport allowance approved by the Federal Government for workers to cushion the effects of rising transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Governor Nasir Idris gave the assurance on Tuesday during an interview with journalists in Abuja, disclosing that his administration had already constituted a committee under the Head of Service to work out the implementation of the allowance.

The governor, a former labour leader, said Kebbi State would not hesitate to improve workers’ welfare, particularly in view of the declining purchasing power of their earnings amid prevailing economic challenges.

Asked whether his administration would implement the ?70,000 transport allowance approved for federal workers, Idris said the state was already taking steps towards its implementation.

He said, ‘I just came back from a journey, and, by God’s grace, I know what the Federal Government has decided to do for workers. You should also know that, being a labour leader, something must definitely be done for Kebbi State workers.

‘I have already set up a committee under the Head of Service, and they are working. I have said, time without number, that if the Federal Government increases workers’ salaries, Kebbi State will be among the first states to implement it.

‘The President has done well by approving the ?70,000 transport intervention. The President believes that the purchasing power of the existing ?70,000 national minimum wage has been affected by the economic situation. That is why he graciously approved the ?70,000 transport allowance before the new minimum wage will be negotiated.’

Recall that the Kebbi State Government had earlier approved a ?75,000 minimum wage for state workers, alongside an additional ?17,650 for teachers.

Beyond the proposed transport allowance, Idris highlighted other measures taken by his administration to improve workers’ welfare and strengthen industrial harmony.

He disclosed that the government had embarked on workers’ housing projects involving 155 houses and another 250 housing units, some of which are expected to be commissioned by December.

The governor also said his administration had regularised the employment of more than 1,700 casual workers inherited from the previous administration, while recruiting an additional 2,000 teachers and several health professionals, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

On workers’ entitlements, Idris maintained that his administration did not owe salaries, pensions, gratuities or other benefits, attributing the situation to prudent management of available resources and improved internally generated revenue.

He said the government had significantly increased revenue collection by blocking leakages, adding that its financial responsibilities had also expanded alongside the increase in federal allocations.

On infrastructure, the governor said his administration was collaborating with the Federal Government to execute major road projects, noting that completed roads had reduced travel time and improved movement across the state.

He also defended the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, urging Nigerians to endure the current economic difficulties in anticipation of long-term benefits.

Acne is one troubling skin problem that makes many Nigerians desperately look for quick solutions.

?Many young men and women run to local markets or online vendors to buy fast-action creams that promise to clear pimples in just three days.

?However, many of these miracle products do not have NAFDAC registration numbers.

?People buy them without knowing that these unapproved mixtures often contain harsh substances that can damage the skin and ruin overall health over time.

?In this article, Tribune Online examines the four dangerous chemicals commonly found in unregistered acne creams, why greedy manufacturers put them inside, and the severe health damages they cause.

?Mercury

?Mercury is a dangerous heavy metal that some illegal cream makers mix into acne and spot-clearing products.

?They add mercury because it stops the body from producing melanin, making dark pimple spots fade away very fast.

?However, mercury is toxic to the human body and is strictly prohibited in cosmetics.

?According to public alerts from health agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), long-term use of creams containing mercury can lead to severe skin discoloration, rashes, and blotching.

?Even worse, mercury gets absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, where it gradually damages vital internal organs like the kidneys and nervous system.

?Hydroquinone (in high doses)

?Hydroquinone is a chemical used in medical treatments to lighten dark patches on the skin.

?Unregistered acne cream sellers frequently add very high percentages of hydroquinone to their products so customers can see instant bleaching of their pimple scars.

?While small amounts are sometimes prescribed by doctors, uncontrolled usage is dangerous for the skin.

?NAFDAC warn consumers that using cosmetic creams containing more than 2 percent hydroquinone poses serious health risks.

?Using high doses of hydroquinone without medical guidance can lead to severe skin burning, redness, permanent dark patches known as ochronosis, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

?High-potency Corticosteroids (Steroids)

?Corticosteroids like Clobetasol propionate and Betamethasone are strong prescription drugs designed to clear skin swelling and severe eczema.

?Illicit skincare formulators secretly mix these strong steroids into unregistered acne creams because steroids quickly reduce pimple inflammation and make the skin look temporarily smooth.

?They do this to deceive buyers into believing the cream works like magic within a few days.

?Health authorities warn that using steroid creams continuously without a doctor’s prescription causes the skin to become extremely thin, fragile, and covered in stretch marks.

?Over time, steroids absorb into the body and can trigger high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and hormonal disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome.

?Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid)

?Tretinoin is a potent chemical derivative of Vitamin A used strictly in prescription medicines to clear severe acne and unclog blocked pores.

?Because it speeds up skin peeling, unregistered cosmetic sellers dump high doses of tretinoin into their acne creams so old skin peels off rapidly.

They add it to force quick results, ignoring the safety limits required for cosmetic products.

?Official regulatory alerts clearly state that tretinoin is a restricted medicinal ingredient and must never be used in over-the-counter skincare cosmetics without strict medical supervision.

?Applying unregistered creams with uncontrolled tretinoin levels causes extreme skin redness, painful peeling, severe dryness, and intense burning whenever you step out into the hot Nigerian sun.

?How to protect yourself

?Before buying any acne cream, always check the container for a valid NAFDAC registration number.

?Avoid buying ‘mixology’ creams sold in unlabeled jars or products promising instant results within 48 hours.

?If your acne persists, it is always best to visit a certified dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional rather than putting your health at risk with unapproved chemicals.

Properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed after a fire ravaged a feed mill factory in the Podo area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The fire incident affected a prefabricated building within the factory premises that was being used as a store, although no casualty was recorded.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Dr. Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday.

Akinwande said firefighters, upon arriving at the scene, discovered that the fire had severely affected the prefabricated store but were able to bring it under control and prevent it from spreading to other buildings and facilities within the factory.

He said preliminary investigations suggested that the fire might have been triggered by a spontaneous reaction involving materials used in the factory.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has said reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector have added 600,000 barrels per day to national crude oil production, raising output from about 1.2 million barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day and placing the country in a stronger position to attract international energy capital.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking at an Energy Talk titled ‘Nigeria’s Reform Agenda: Competing for Energy Capital’, moderated by John Defterios, Chairman, MENA, APCO, at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC), held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Ojulari attributed the increase in output to the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, an improved investment climate, better investment decisions and closer collaboration between NNPC Limited and its partners.

He said the company was working towards its target of producing two million barrels per day by 2027 through the maintenance of existing infrastructure, protection of base production, increased output from producing assets and the advancement of new projects expected to raise production.

‘The figure of 1.8 million barrels per day is a stage in a journey towards our objective. We are concentrating on the basics, which are maintaining our infrastructure, protecting base operations and executing the projects that will take production higher,’ Ojulari stated.

On the domestic market, the GCEO said the removal of the petrol subsidy had been accompanied by a major compressed natural gas (CNG) programme, with over 400 CNG conversion centres established and more than 1,000 trucks used to transport petroleum products now running on CNG.

He added that the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline was completed in August 2026, while the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline was expected to deliver gas to Abuja before the end of the year for power generation, data centres and industrial hubs.

Ojulari said NNPC Limited’s Board and management were working to meet the company’s projections as set out in the mandate given to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He explained that a baseline assessment of the company’s assets and infrastructure had given management a full understanding of its portfolio, including its strengths and areas requiring improvement.

‘Our track record will be judged by what is done and not by what is said,’ he stated.

On regional gas supply, the GCEO said all the countries involved in the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline had aligned and executed the necessary agreements, while Nigeria, Algeria and Niger had also aligned on the development of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline.

Ojulari said NNPC Limited was targeting national gas production of 10 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2027 and 12 Bcf/d by 2030, supported by the development of domestic and export markets for Nigerian gas.

On international interest in Nigeria, the GCEO cited major projects, including TotalEnergies’ Ubeta, Shell’s Bonga South-West and Eni’s Zabazaba developments, noting that commercial agreements covering about US$20 billion in investment had been concluded.

He added that NNPC Limited was building new relationships with partners, including ADNOC and Chinese investors in Nigeria’s refineries, while working with global service companies to expand service capacity in the country.

Ojulari reaffirmed the company’s commitment to execution excellence and transparency, citing two consecutive earnings calls held by NNPC Limited.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC, the 2026 ADIPEC brought together more than 239,000 participants from over 170 countries, including ministers, chief executives, investors and technology leaders, to discuss energy security, investment and supply.

Nigerian equities market recorded a marginal recovery on Wednesday, as gains in select heavyweight stocks lifted the benchmark NGX All-Share Index by 0.02 per cent to 254,289.35 points, despite continued selling pressure across a larger number of stocks.

The modest appreciation increased the market’s year-to-date return to 63.41 per cent, while market capitalisation rose by N28.66 billion to close at N165.11 trillion.

However, the positive index performance masked weak underlying market sentiment, as declining stocks significantly outnumbered gainers, reflecting investors’ cautious positioning and sustained profit-taking in several equities.

Market breadth closed negative at 0.6x, with 32 stocks recording losses against 19 advancers. Fortis Global Insurance, Vitafoam and UPDCREIT led the decliners, indicating that the marginal market recovery was concentrated in selected stocks rather than broad-based buying interest.

Sectoral performance was mixed, with four of the six sectoral indices closing in positive territory.

The Commodities index led the gainers, appreciating by 0.22 per cent, followed by Consumer Goods, which advanced 0.18 per cent.

The Banking index gained 0.03 per cent, while Oil and Gas edged up 0.02 per cent. In contrast, the Insurance index declined by 1.15 per cent, emerging as the worst-performing sector, while the Industrial index closed unchanged.

Trading activity presented a mixed picture, with the value and number of transactions declining despite a marginal increase in traded volume.

Market turnover fell by 52.38 per cent to ?22.61 billion, while the number of deals dropped by 27.65 per cent to 39,078 transactions. Volume, however, increased by 1.58 per cent, suggesting that the higher number of shares traded did not translate into stronger transaction value.

The combination of negative market breadth and declining turnover points to a market recovery that remains fragile, with investors yet to demonstrate broad-based conviction.

Analysts at Cowry noted that going forward, selective accumulation of fundamentally sound stocks could provide support for the market, although persistent selling pressure and weak investor sentiment may limit the scope for further gains in the near term.

The Sokoto State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening security partnerships and embracing modern defence technologies to tackle insecurity in the state and the wider North-West region.

The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Abdul Usman (retd.), stated this while representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026) in Lagos.

Usman described the exhibition as a strategic platform for promoting defence innovation, strengthening regional security cooperation and developing homegrown solutions to Africa’s security challenges.

He said the increasing threats of terrorism, banditry, transnational organised crime and other emerging security challenges made collaboration among governments, security institutions and technology providers imperative.

‘Africa must increasingly leverage indigenous research, local manufacturing capabilities and technological advancement to develop sustainable solutions to its security challenges rather than depend entirely on external sources for critical defence equipment and technologies,’ he said.

The security adviser stressed that tackling insecurity required more than the deployment of military personnel and equipment, noting that intelligence gathering, surveillance, modern communication systems and inter-agency cooperation were equally essential.

He said the Sokoto State Government, under Governor Ahmed Aliyu, recognised the importance of strategic partnerships and modern security solutions in addressing the threats confronting the state.

According to him, the government remained committed to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives and providing operational resources to complement Federal Government efforts towards restoring peace.

‘The state government remains committed to supporting security agencies, strengthening community-based security initiatives and providing operational resources to complement federal efforts towards restoring peace and protecting lives and property,’ he said.

Usman expressed optimism that AFRIDEX 2026 would facilitate partnerships between Nigeria’s defence industry and international technology providers in areas such as intelligence gathering, equipment manufacturing, border surveillance and unmanned systems.

He commended the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) for organising the exhibition, describing it as an important step towards positioning Nigeria as a major contributor to Africa’s defence and security industry.

The exhibition was officially declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the President of the Senate, who attended as the Special Guest of Honour.

The ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, ministers of defence, senior military officers, General Officers Commanding, Flag Officers Commanding, Air Officers Commanding and the President of the ECOWAS Commission.

AFRIDEX 2026, held from October 26 to 29 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, provided a platform for showcasing defence technologies, promoting indigenous industrial capacity and encouraging cooperation among African countries and international stakeholders.

The Sokoto State Government said it would continue to explore innovative security solutions and strategic partnerships to achieve lasting peace, stability and sustainable development.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has announced plans to establish six additional Agro Rangers operational bases across the state as part of efforts to curb farmer-herder clashes and strengthen security in farming communities.

The proposed expansion will increase the unit’s operational bases from six to 12, improving security coverage, surveillance and response to distress calls involving farmers and herders.

The State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, disclosed the plan while reviewing the activities of the Agro Rangers Unit, which resolved 397 farm-related disputes between January and October 2026.

The cases comprised 386 incidents of malicious destruction of farmlands and 11 cases of cattle poisoning, highlighting the persistent disputes threatening agricultural activities in the state.

Monthly records showed that the unit handled 64 cases in January, 53 in February, 45 in March, 31 in April, 17 in May, 26 in June, 32 in July, 32 in August, 50 in September and 47 in October.

The existing Agro Rangers bases are located in Oriire, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Lanlate, Igboora and Oyo.

The six additional bases, according to the command, are intended to extend security interventions to more farming communities and prevent disputes from escalating into violence.

Beyond its operational activities, the unit has reportedly continued to organise mediation and sensitisation programmes involving farmers, herders, agricultural merchants and transporters to promote peaceful coexistence and respect for one another’s economic activities.

Padonu said the command would sustain intelligence gathering, regular patrols, community engagement and collaboration with other security agencies to protect agricultural investments and maintain peace in rural communities.

He commended Agro Rangers personnel for their dedication and urged farmers, herders and community leaders to embrace dialogue, respect lawful boundaries and report suspicious activities promptly.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Samuel Opebiyi, in a statement on Monday, reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to strengthening agricultural security and supporting food production in Oyo State.

National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has intensified efforts to boost the automotive local content market through a proposed Bill that seeks to strengthen the capacity of the subsector as the most critical in the industry.

Speaking at a stakeholders engagement on Tuesday in Abuja, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Industry, Hon. Enitan Dolapi Badru said the Bill would expand the regulatory mandate of the NADDC, reposition the agency with the aim of improving enforcement and compliance with rules in the auto sector.

He said, ‘We have to take the initiative; the former act did not give the agency the wherewithal and the authority to enforce. It was voluntary, but with the act, they will have the power to enforce and make sure that things are done properly.

‘.So when you buy a brand new car and you use it for a while, then, you need some parts, the new mandate will ensure that you have those parts available here in the country,’ he stated.

Also speaking at the engagement, the Director General of the NADDC, Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, explained that the new mandate will boost investors’ confidence, improving growth opportunities for industry.

‘We are going to develop the component part, we are going to generate more foreign exchange, and then we will be able to build a robust and sustainable auto industry’.

He stated that it was important for Nigeria to build an auto industry that will rely on itself within the auto industry, and then be able to build its own secondhand market within the country.

‘As it is now, the second-hand market is currently coming from outside the country. But if you have a solid one, a sustainable one, that will solve one of the major challenge of the industry,’ he emphasized.

The DG said close to 70%, or even more than 70%, of the components of the automobile have been recycled. ‘And through circular economy, you see people bringing in different parts, so that is why we need this bill to address all these inadequacies, gaps and shortcomings in the automotive sector’.

Earlier in his address, the Director, Policy, Planning and Strategy, Mr. Umar Nura Sidi, noted that the Nigerian automotive sector has struggled for so many years, and part of the reason is because of policy somersaults.

‘We are gathered here to renew our act to make it better. We have studied where we have had challenges, and we have seen where we can actually overcome these challenges for a better Nigerian automotive sector’.

He assured stakeholders that their contributions were vital in growing the automotive industry in Nigeria.

NADDC hopes to get the bill passed by the National Assembly before the end of the current administration.

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has returned Nigeria to the global tourism marketplace with its participation in the ongoing World Travel Market (WTM) London.

The event, one of the world’s leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) shows, opened on November 3 at the ExCeL London Exhibition Centre in the United Kingdom.

The Director-General of the NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, who led the Nigerian delegation to London, shared the Nigeria Pavilion with the Tribune Tourism Editor at the opening of the MICE event. He said the participation fulfilled his promise to take Nigeria back to major global tourism fairs.

According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to be absent from global platforms where the future of the travel and tourism business is negotiated.

The Nigerian Pavilion at the ExCeL London is fully branded and equipped with promotional and marketing materials designed to showcase the country’s tourism assets to the world.

Materials on display include destination brochures, investment guides, cultural artefacts, video documentaries and digital screens projecting Nigeria’s diverse attractions.

Destinations such as Obudu Mountain Resort, Yankari Game Reserve, Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, Kano Durbar, Lagos beaches and the Calabar Carnival are among the attractions being showcased to investors and tourists at the event.

Awakan said the Authority’s presence at WTM London would provide an opportunity for business-to-business (B2B) meetings with global tour operators, airlines, investors and destination management companies.

He explained that the participation was aimed at driving inbound tourist traffic and attracting foreign direct investment into Nigeria’s tourism value chain.

He said, ‘This is a promise kept. We promised to take Nigeria back to the world and bring the world to Nigeria. WTM London is where the world gathers, and Nigeria must be present. Today, we are here proudly showcasing our country.’

Industry stakeholders have described Nigeria’s return to WTM London as a strategic and timely intervention that they believe will reposition the country in the global tourism market.

They noted that WTM London attracts over 40,000 travel professionals, 4,000 exhibitors and international media, with the potential to generate billions of dollars in travel deals.

For many practitioners, the current participation evokes memories of the vibrant attendance witnessed during the tenure of former Director-General, Otunba Segun Runsewe.

They observed that the period of aggressive destination marketing and a strong presence at global fairs, which characterised Runsewe’s administration, appeared to have returned under Awakan.

A Nigerian tour operator based in the United Kingdom, who spoke on the sidelines of the event, said other heads of agencies should emulate the NTDA chief.

He said, ‘What Otunba Runsewe started in terms of visibility is being consolidated by Awakan. This is how to market a destination. Other DGs should take a cue from him.’

It would be recalled that Awakan, upon assuming office, promised to reposition the NTDA and revive Nigeria’s bilateral tourism engagements.

Observers say the WTM London outing indicates that the Authority is following through on its commitment.

The NTDA Director-General added that the Pavilion would host cultural displays, investment pitches and media engagements throughout the three-day event.

The event, which runs from November 3 to 5, is expected to provide Nigeria with opportunities to secure partnerships and deals that could have a positive impact on job creation and economic growth.

Stakeholders have congratulated the NTDA Director-General, Mr Ola Awakan, on Nigeria’s return to WTM London, describing it as a new dawn for the nation’s tourism industry.

They expressed optimism that more positive developments would follow in the coming months.