Category: Nigerian Tribune

In 1528, the sixteenth-century Italian writer Baldassare Castiglione published his classic, The Book of the Courtier (Il Libro del Cortegiano). One of the memorable words in that work is sprezzatura-his description of the art of making difficult things appear effortless. Oga Ray Ekpu invoked that word last week to describe Professor Ishaq Oloyede’s manner and his work.

I thank the legendary Ekpu for sending me back to Castiglione. In writing about the same man, however, I would rather use a string of simpler words: grace. Quiet strength. Emotional resilience garnished with uncommon candour. Succeeding where others fail is a gift; standing upright where others stumble is grace painted in theological colours.

Those are the words and phrases I choose for the man whose remarkable ten-year tenure as registrar and chief executive of JAMB now draws to a close. Professor Ishaq Oloyede has grit and grace, and the nation has watched them at work.

The Yoruba understand the limits of destiny. They say a benefactor may secure you a job, but he cannot do the work for you. Alág?m? may give birth to a child; whether that child dances well is entirely the child’s affair. Oloyede once told a gathering of editors that a former president recommended him to President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment. The man who mentioned his name may have opened the door; but the mentioning did not keep him inside. His staying power was the way he handled himself and the job. The strongest testimony to that performance and his emotional intelligence was that he kept his office, his head and his credibility even after the two presidents had fallen out.

‘When I was appointed registrar of JAMB ten years ago, it was strange to me. Did I need it? I was enjoying myself after serving as vice chancellor,’ he told a room full of media men and women, academics and the civil society who had gathered last week to send him off at the close of a tenure that stands almost alone in its worth and consequence.

He described the beginning as strange. For the public, the dominant reaction was cynicism. It was another appointment by a government that had become synonymous with the drab and the dour. So, when Oloyede arrived a decade ago, many Nigerians dismissed him as just another labalábá-a butterfly destined to flutter briefly before vanishing into our vast forest of the forgotten. To the surprise of the watcher, the man cut through turbulence and calm and completed his long-haul flight with his wings colours intact. Ernest Hemingway, in a 1926 letter to the author of ‘The Great Gatsby’, F. Scott Fitzgerald, coined the phrase ‘grace under pressure.’ That is an ideal which Oloyede spent ten years in JAMB turning into public administration.

Year after year, what others had treated as barren ground became, in his nimble hands, fertile soil for innovation, for integrity and measurable results.

Shakespeare wrote in ‘The Tempest’ that ‘What’s past is prologue.’ Oloyede seemed to read that line as a challenge: so, with him, every successful year became merely the introduction to a better one.

You look at the man and remember Aesop’s fable of the thirsty crow. Faced with a pitcher whose water lay beyond reach, Aesop’s crow did not lament the obstacle or curse its fate. It patiently dropped pebbles into the vessel until the water rose to meet its mouth. Others walked away from the same problem; the crow found a solution. That, more than brilliance, is the mark of transformative leadership: the patient intelligence that raises the level instead of complaining about it.

There are people in whose hands every assignment becomes impossible. They are the sort in whose mouths even àkàrà turns into a jaw-breaking bone. Then there are the rare few like the outgoing JAMB minder, for whom àkàrà remains àkàrà; persons in whose mortar old yam and new yam are pounded with the same ease and mastery. In such hands, difficult tasks lose their menace, for competence is second nature.

To the self-possessed pilot, turbulence is merely the sky clearing its throat. That is my further description of Ishaq Oloyede: unflappable. He remained steady-handed throughout the few difficult moments he had to grapple with managing JAMB and its combustible affairs. The pilot never allowed the severity of turbulence to dictate the course of his flight.

Wordsworth wrote that ‘the best portion of a good man’s life’ consists in ‘his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.’ Public service demands a wider canvas, but the principle is the same. The worth of a public officer lies not in speeches but in the quiet accumulation of honest, heroic deeds whose effects outlive applause.

The exiting man’s score is not a hundred percent, but it is certainly above seventy-nine. What he could not fix is what his successor has been appointed to fix. I wish the new man, 40-year-old Professor Segun Aina, an even more fruitful tenure. British statesman, novelist and two times Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, once observed that ‘almost everything that is great has been done by youth.’ We will watch closely to see whether the new registrar proves Disraeli right. I pray he does. Pray, I must. I have no other choice: his Otan Ayegbaju hometown is only a four-minute walk from my Eripa.

Seventy-one-year-old Professor Ishaq Oloyede is one of the reasons this democracy has not scored a big, fat zero, as round and vacant as a shark’s eye. As the man takes his leave of JAMB, one hopes that Nigeria, a desert of competent, trustworthy players, will not ask its striker to hang up his boots. The nation still has new fields to till, new frontiers to cross, and new medals to win.

Mrs Folasade Esther Akinwumi, a Nigerian food scientist, researcher, and food industry professional, was recently elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (FIFST), one of the highest professional honours awarded by the UK’s leading body for food science and technology. Originally from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, she spent more than a decade in Nigeria’s food manufacturing industry before earning a Master’s by Research in Food Science from the University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, where her research focused on protein and starch functionality and sustainable food systems.

In this interview with ADAM MOSADIOLUWA, she reflects on her journey from the factory floor to internationally recognised research, the significance of her Fellowship, the role of science in unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s indigenous crops, her globally recognised contributions to scientific peer review, and her advice to young Nigerians, particularly women, aspiring to careers in food science, research, and academia.

Congratulations on your election as a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (FIFST) in the United Kingdom. How did you receive the news, and what did the recognition mean to you personally?

I was especially delighted and humbled when I received the congratulatory email from the Membership Administrator of the Institute of Food Science and Technology. I was honoured because the Fellowship of the Institute of Food Science and Technology is a recognition by my professional peers of my contributions to the profession of food science. It made me pause and reflect on my professional journey, from my early years working in the food industry, through my recent pivot to research, to my efforts in communicating nutrition science to the public.

On a personal level, it was not simply about adding letters after my name or the prestige that came with the fellowship. It was a reminder that a commitment to improving people’s lives through food can have a meaningful impact. I also see the Fellowship as a responsibility to continue contributing to the profession.

The Fellowship is one of the highest professional honours in food science in the UK. Looking back on your career, what does attaining this milestone represent for you?

An IFST Fellowship represents much more than a professional milestone. It is the culmination of years of learning and a genuine passion for improving lives through food science. Looking back, my career has taken me through different areas of the profession. I was in the food manufacturing industry in Nigeria, then moved on to scientific research and nutrition education. Each of these experiences has come together to make me a recipient of one of the highest honours in food science. I also see it as recognition of the growing contribution that Nigerian professionals are making on the global stage. Exceptional talent and innovation are coming out of Africa, and I hope this achievement encourages more young scientists to believe that their work can have an international impact while remaining relevant to solving local challenges.

Can you take us through your journey from Ogbomoso to becoming an internationally recognised food scientist, highlighting the experiences that shaped your career?

I had part of my primary, all of my secondary and university education in Ogbomoso. I am a graduate of food science from the prestigious Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). After my service year, I was employed as a food QA supervisor in NASCO Foods, one of the FMCGs in Nigeria. Over the next decade, I rose through the ranks to a managerial position. Those years gave me invaluable practical experience in food production, quality management, product development and improvements, and the realities of feeding millions of consumers. As my career progressed, I reached a point where I needed a deeper understanding of the science behind many of the challenges I encountered in practice. I realised that while industry focuses on producing food at scale, research provides the evidence needed to create more sustainable foods. This led me to pursue a Master’s by research in Food Science at the University of Lincoln in the UK, where I researched starch and protein of underutilised legumes. Rather than seeing industry and research as separate paths, I saw them as complementary. My experience in industry helped me identify real-world problems, and research gave me the scientific tools to investigate and solve them.

Over the years, I have been privileged to join several professional organisations. I began as a student member of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), eager to learn from experienced professionals. As my career progressed, I became a professional member of NIFST, which reflected my growing experience and commitment to the profession. I also joined several international professional bodies, including the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in the United States. Last year, I was elected a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Professional Engineers and Scientists (NIPES). Each membership has exposed me to new ideas, collaborations, and global perspectives on food science and innovation. My recent election as a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) in the United Kingdom feels like a natural progression of that journey. When I look back, I see a career built not only on academic qualifications or professional achievements but on a commitment to lifelong learning, collaboration, and using science to improve public health.

Alongside research, I recognised the need to make nutrition science more accessible. Scientific knowledge is only valuable if people can understand and use it. That inspired me to establish AboutGuts, a nutrition awareness platform founded to provide simple explanations on gut health, digestion, and food choices. The resource offers articles and guides aimed at helping households understand how diet affects day-to-day wellbeing. The website hosts a tool known as Fibre Counter, which allows users to log their meals and instantly view their estimated daily fibre intake.

You earned your first degree in Food Science from LAUTECH about 18 years ago before spending more than a decade at NASCO Foods. What initially attracted you to food science, and what made you remain committed to the profession?

My interest in food science began with curiosity. I was always fascinated by how the same raw agricultural material could be transformed into completely different products simply by changing the processing method. For example, how cassava tubers can be processed into gari, fufu, or starch, depending on the processing method; how cereals can be processed into different textures and shelf-stable products; or how heat, fermentation, or drying can completely change the characteristics of food. I wanted to understand the science behind those transformations. Studying Food Science at LAUTECH gave me the scientific foundation, while my years at NASCO Foods allowed me to see these principles applied on an industrial scale. Every new product, every packaging material, every processing line presented an opportunity to learn something new. Working in industry also taught me that food manufacturing is a balance between science, technology, quality, safety, efficiency, and consumer expectations.

What has kept me committed to the profession is that I have never stopped being curious. Food science is constantly evolving. New ingredients, new preservation technologies, smarter packaging systems, and more sustainable processing methods continue to emerge. There is always another question to answer and another innovation to explore. That curiosity eventually led me into research, where I could investigate those questions more deeply while building on the practical experience I had gained in industry. Looking back over the past 18 years, I still find the profession as exciting as I did when I first started because there is always something new to discover. Food science is one of those rare fields where you never stop learning.

You spent over a decade in Nigeria’s food manufacturing industry before pursuing a Master’s by Research at the University of Lincoln. What motivated that transition from industry to academic research?

Throughout my years in manufacturing, I encountered numerous technical questions about ingredients, processing methods, product functionality, and shelf stability. We often relied on existing scientific evidence to make decisions, but I found myself wanting to understand the underlying mechanisms in greater depth. I wanted to know not just what works, but why it works. Research provided the environment to explore those questions systematically. It allowed me to investigate food systems at a much deeper level, design experiments, analyse data, and contribute new knowledge to the profession rather than simply applying existing knowledge.

My industrial experience also influenced the kind of research I wanted to pursue. Having worked with food products and manufacturing processes for many years, I was naturally drawn to practical research with real-world applications. I have always believed that the best research is inspired by genuine industry challenges and has the potential to inform future innovations. Looking back, I don’t see it as moving from industry to academia. I see it as building a bridge between the two. Industry taught me how food science is applied in practice, while research strengthened my ability to ask better questions, generate evidence, and contribute to the advancement of the profession. Today, I draw on both experiences, and I believe they complement each other.

Having worked extensively in both industry and academia, what would you say are the biggest differences between the two, and how has each influenced your perspective as a food scientist?

Having worked in both environments, I have come to appreciate that industry and academia are not competing worlds; they are complementary. They simply ask different questions and define success differently. In industry, the focus is on delivering solutions that are practical, efficient, consistent, and commercially viable. Decisions often have to be made within tight timelines. We have to balance product quality, processing efficiency, consumer expectations, regulatory requirements, and cost. It teaches you how to solve problems with the resources and constraints you have.

Academic research, on the other hand, allows you to slow down and ask deeper questions. Instead of asking, ‘Does this process work?’ you ask, ‘Why does it work?’ and ‘Can it be improved?’ Research encourages you to challenge assumptions, generate evidence, and contribute new knowledge that can influence future practices across the industry. My years in manufacturing gave me a practical mindset. They taught me to think about scalability, manufacturability, product consistency, packaging, shelf life, and the realities of producing food for consumers every day. Research has strengthened my analytical thinking and taught me to approach problems with greater scientific rigour, ensuring that conclusions are supported by evidence rather than experience alone. I believe my greatest strength today comes from combining both perspectives. When I look at a research question, I naturally think about how the findings could be applied in a manufacturing environment. Likewise, when I encounter an industrial challenge, I instinctively think about the scientific principles behind it and whether there is an opportunity to investigate it further. That ability to move comfortably between science and application has shaped my perspective as a food scientist.

Your research focuses on starch and protein functionality. For readers unfamiliar with these areas, why are they important, and how could they shape the future of food production?

The world’s population is projected to approach 10 billion people by 2050. At the same time, climate change, shrinking agricultural land, water scarcity, and increasing pressure on natural resources are making traditional food production more challenging. These realities mean we cannot rely solely on conventional approaches to feeding the world. We need to identify new ingredients, improve existing crops, and develop more efficient ways of producing nutritious foods. This is where research into starch and protein functionality becomes important. Many alternative protein sources, such as beans, peas, lentils, and other legumes, are naturally abundant and more environmentally sustainable than many conventional animal protein sources.

However, consumers will only accept these foods if they have the right texture, taste, stability, and cooking characteristics. My research focuses on understanding how these ingredients behave during processing so that they can be transformed into quality food products that people genuinely enjoy eating. By understanding how proteins and starches interact during food processing, we can develop products that make better use of locally available crops, reduce food waste, and expand the range of foods available to consumers.

One thing I always like to point out is that plant-based protein is not new to Nigerians. Long before it became a global trend, our diets already included protein-rich foods such as beans, cowpeas, bambara groundnuts, soybeans, and traditional soy products like awara or wara soya. What is changing is not the existence of these foods, but our scientific understanding of how to process them into a wider range of quality products that meet modern consumer needs while retaining their nutritional value.

Nigeria has an abundance of legumes and other indigenous crops with tremendous potential, yet many remain underexplored by both researchers and industry. Legumes can be used to produce plant-based milk, yoghurt alternatives, protein concentrates and isolates, gluten-free flours, meat alternatives, high-protein snacks, breakfast cereals, and ingredients for bakery products. They can also be incorporated into composite flours for bread, biscuits, noodles, and pasta, improving their nutritional profile while reducing reliance on imported wheat. Through food science, we can unlock new applications for these crops, creating opportunities for farmers, supporting local food manufacturers, reducing dependence on imported ingredients, and adding value to what we already produce.

During your time at the University of Lincoln, you worked on Project Pythagoras, which explored pea milk production. Can you tell us about that project and its significance for sustainable food systems?

Project Pythagoras was an exciting research initiative that explored the production of pea milk as a sustainable plant-based alternative to conventional dairy products. While the idea may sound simple, producing a plant-based milk of good quality involves much more than blending peas with water. One of the biggest scientific challenges is understanding how plant proteins behave during processing to achieve the right taste, texture, stability, appearance, and nutritional quality that consumers expect. My role in the project focused on understanding the functionality of pea proteins and how processing conditions influence the quality of the final product. This involved investigating how different processing techniques affect properties such as protein solubility, emulsification, stability, and sensory characteristics. These are important considerations because consumers expect plant-based milk to perform like dairy milk in appearance, mouthfeel, and shelf stability. The significance of the project extends far beyond pea milk itself.

As the global population continues to grow and climate change places increasing pressure on agricultural systems, there is an urgent need to diversify our sources of protein. Plant proteins generally require less land and water and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than many conventional animal protein sources. Developing high-quality foods from these crops is therefore an important part of building more sustainable food systems. What I found particularly interesting was that the principles behind Project Pythagoras are highly relevant to countries like Nigeria. Although peas are not a major crop in Nigeria, we have an abundance of protein-rich legumes. The same scientific principles we applied to pea proteins can be used to develop innovative products from these locally available crops.

You have also conducted research on runner bean starch and plant-based nutrition. Which of your research projects are you most proud of, and why?

Every research project has taught me something different, so it’s difficult to choose just one. However, if I had to pick, I would say my work on underutilised legumes has been the most rewarding because it sits at the intersection of food science, sustainability, agriculture, and innovation. I am proud of my research on runner bean starch because it demonstrated that ingredients from lesser-known crops can possess functional properties that make them valuable for food applications. That is particularly important for countries like Nigeria. We are richly blessed with agricultural resources, but there is still enormous scope to increase the value we derive from them through research, innovation, and food processing. I hope my work contributes, even in a small way, to showing how science can help transform local crops into products that are competitive, sustainable, and relevant to the food systems of the future.

You are one of only three people globally in the Nutrition category to receive the Cureus Laureate Award for peer review. How did you react to that recognition, and why is peer reviewing so important to scientific research?

I was genuinely surprised and deeply honoured. Recognition is always meaningful, but what made this award particularly special was knowing that it recognised a contribution that often happens behind the scenes. Peer reviewing is largely voluntary work. It is rarely visible to the public, yet it is one of the most important processes in maintaining the quality and credibility of scientific research. To learn that I was one of only three recipients globally in the Nutrition category made the recognition even more humbling. I saw it not just as a personal achievement but as a reflection of the importance of giving back to the scientific community.

Every researcher benefits from peer review at some point in their career, so contributing to that process is both a privilege and a responsibility. For readers who may not be familiar with it, peer review is essentially the quality assurance system of science. Before research is published, it is evaluated by independent experts who assess whether the methods are scientifically sound, whether the conclusions are supported by the evidence, whether the work is original, and whether it makes a meaningful contribution to existing knowledge. That process helps maintain public confidence in scientific publications and ensures that research meets high professional standards. I have always approached peer review as more than simply identifying weaknesses in a manuscript.

My aim is to provide constructive feedback that helps researchers strengthen their work. Behind every manuscript is a scientist who has invested considerable time and effort, so it is important to review fairly, objectively, and respectfully. Good peer review should improve research, not discourage researchers. The experience has also benefited me personally. Reviewing the work of researchers from different parts of the world exposes me to new ideas, emerging technologies, and different approaches to solving scientific problems. It continually challenges me to think critically and has undoubtedly made me a better researcher.

Throughout your career, you have worked in quality assurance, product development, research, teaching, and scientific publishing. Which of these roles has challenged you the most?

Looking back, I would say product development has been the most challenging role because it requires you to bring together almost every aspect of food science into a single product. Developing a successful food product is far more complex than many people realise. It is not enough for a product to be nutritious or scientifically sound. It also has to taste good, have the right texture, remain stable throughout its shelf life, comply with food regulations, be manufacturable on a commercial scale, meet consumer expectations, and remain economically viable. Finding the right balance between all of those factors is both a science and an art. A small change to an ingredient or processing condition can affect everything else, from flavour and appearance to packaging requirements, production efficiency, and shelf stability. That complexity is what makes product development both challenging and incredibly rewarding. At the same time, each of the other roles has influenced the way I think as a food scientist.

Quality assurance taught me discipline, consistency, and attention to detail. Research taught me to question assumptions and rely on evidence. Teaching reminded me that scientific knowledge only becomes valuable when it can be communicated clearly. Peer reviewing strengthened my critical thinking and reinforced the importance of scientific integrity. Food science is one profession, but it can be practised in many different ways. I’ve been fortunate to experience it from the factory floor, the laboratory, the classroom, and the scientific publishing desk.

The food manufacturing industry is often fast-paced and demanding. What are some of the biggest lessons you learned during your years at NASCO Foods that continue to influence your work today?

My time at NASCO Foods taught me lessons that no textbook or university laboratory could have taught. It was where I truly came to appreciate the responsibility that comes with producing food that millions of people trust every day. One of the most important lessons I learned was that small decisions can have very big consequences. A slight variation in an ingredient, or a processing parameter that falls outside specification, can affect product quality, consumer confidence, and even a company’s reputation. That experience taught me to respect precision, consistency, and attention to detail. I also learned that success in food manufacturing depends on people just as much as it depends on technology. You quickly realise that producing safe, high-quality food requires everyone, from machine operators and quality assurance personnel to engineers, procurement teams, and management, to work towards a common goal. It taught me the importance of communication, teamwork, and respecting the expertise that every individual brings to the production process.

Another lesson that has stayed with me is the importance of balancing innovation with practicality. It is easy to develop an exciting idea in a laboratory, but in industry that idea must also be affordable, scalable, compliant with regulations, and acceptable to consumers. That experience has influenced the way I conduct research today. I always ask myself, ‘Can this research solve a real problem? Can it eventually benefit industry, consumers, or society?’ Perhaps most importantly, NASCO taught me resilience. Manufacturing is a fast-paced environment where unexpected challenges are part of everyday life. Equipment can fail, raw materials can vary, customer demands can change, and production schedules can be extremely demanding. Learning to stay calm, analyse problems objectively, and make informed decisions under pressure has been invaluable throughout my career.

Looking back, NASCO gave me far more than technical experience. It gave me a practical mindset that continues to shape how I approach research, innovation, and leadership. Even today, I strive to ensure that the science I pursue has relevance beyond academic journals and can ultimately make a meaningful impact on the food industry and society.

Folasade Esther Akinwumi

As a woman who has built a successful career in food science, what challenges have you encountered, and what advice would you give to young women considering careers in science, technology, engineering, and research?

Building a career in food science has been both rewarding and demanding. Like many women in science, I have encountered situations where I had to work harder to prove my capabilities, particularly in environments where leadership and technical roles have traditionally been male-dominated. There were occasions when I had to overcome unconscious biases, balance multiple responsibilities, and remain focused despite setbacks.

At the same time, I believe it is equally important to acknowledge that being a woman has also opened doors to valuable opportunities designed to encourage greater female participation in science. One such opportunity was being awarded a support grant through Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG). That support not only contributed to my academic journey but also reinforced the importance of investing in women researchers and creating pathways for them to thrive. Programmes like these play a vital role in helping talented women reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to science and society. I have also been fortunate to learn from supportive mentors, collaborate with outstanding colleagues, and belong to professional organisations that value knowledge, innovation, and diversity. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that creating inclusive environments benefits not only individuals but also science itself.

My advice to young women considering careers in science, technology, engineering, and research is simply to not let stereotypes determine your ambitions. If you are curious, willing to work hard, and passionate about solving problems, there is a place for you in science. I encourage young women to seek mentors, build strong professional networks, ask questions with confidence, and embrace lifelong learning. Science is constantly evolving, and the most successful researchers are those who remain curious and open to new ideas, whether male or female. I hope that as more women enter leadership positions in research, academia, and industry, they will inspire the next generation to see science not as a field with barriers, but as a field of possibilities. Every young girl with a passion for discovery should know that she belongs in the laboratory, the classroom, the boardroom, and wherever scientific decisions are being made.

Nigerian researchers often speak about funding constraints and limited research infrastructure. Based on your experience in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, what changes would you like to see in Nigeria’s research ecosystem?

Having worked in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, I have come to appreciate that excellent research is not driven by funding alone. It is driven by an ecosystem that allows researchers to ask important questions, access the right facilities, collaborate effectively, and translate discoveries into real-world impact.

Funding is certainly an important part of that ecosystem. Researchers need sustainable investment to undertake ambitious projects, maintain modern laboratories, access specialised equipment, and attract talented students and early-career scientists. However, funding on its own is not enough. One of the biggest changes I would like to see in Nigeria is stronger collaboration between universities, research institutes, government, and industry. Too often, valuable research remains within academic journals without reaching the people and industries that could benefit from it. When researchers and industry work together from the beginning, research is more likely to address practical challenges and generate innovations that improve food production, create jobs, and strengthen the economy.

I would also like to see greater investment in shared research infrastructure. Not every university needs to own every piece of sophisticated equipment, but researchers across institutions should have reliable access to modern analytical facilities, pilot-scale processing equipment, and well-maintained laboratories. Shared facilities make better use of limited resources while encouraging collaboration across institutions. Another area that deserves attention is support for early-career researchers. Many talented young scientists have excellent ideas but struggle to secure funding, mentorship, or opportunities to develop independent research programmes. Competitive grants, structured mentoring, international exchange programmes, and stronger postgraduate support can help retain talented researchers and reduce the loss of skilled scientists to other countries. Finally, I believe we should place greater emphasis on research that builds on Nigeria’s own strengths.

We are blessed with a rich diversity of crops and indigenous food resources. By investing in research on local raw materials, value addition, food processing, and sustainable manufacturing, we can develop solutions that are not only scientifically innovative but also economically relevant and globally competitive.

Looking back over your career, were there moments when you doubted yourself or considered giving up? How did you overcome those periods?

Absolutely. I think anyone who says they have never experienced self-doubt is probably not being completely honest. Every meaningful career has moments of uncertainty, and mine has been no exception. There have been times when experiments did not produce the expected results, manuscripts required substantial revision, or career decisions involved significant uncertainty. Moving between industry and academia, adapting to new environments, and pursuing research in highly competitive settings all came with their own challenges.

During those periods, it was natural to question whether I was on the right path. What helped me was remembering why I chose this profession in the first place. My motivation has never been simply to collect qualifications or titles, but a desire to contribute through science. When I focused on that purpose rather than immediate outcomes, it became much easier to persevere through temporary setbacks. Another source of strength has been the support of mentors, colleagues, family, and friends. No one succeeds entirely on their own, and I have been fortunate to have people who believed in me, challenged me, and encouraged me to keep moving forward, even when progress seemed slow.

Outside research and professional commitments, how do you unwind, and what hobbies or interests help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Outside of research, I enjoy the simple things that help me switch off and recharge. I’m an avid movie lover, and I find that watching a good film is a great way to relax and take a break from the demands of research. Whether it’s a thought-provoking drama, a documentary, or a light-hearted comedy, I appreciate a good story. I also love cooking up a storm in my kitchen. While my professional work focuses on the science behind food, cooking at home allows me to experience food from a completely different perspective. It’s creative, relaxing, and gives me the freedom to experiment with flavours, ingredients, and recipes simply for the enjoyment of it. It’s a reminder that beyond all the science, food is ultimately about bringing people together and creating memorable experiences.

Spending time with family and friends is equally important to me. Those moments help me maintain perspective and remind me that success is measured not only by professional achievements but also by the relationships we nurture along the way. I have learned that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for creativity and productivity. Stepping away from research occasionally allows me to return with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a clearer perspective.

Having reached another important milestone in your career, what professional goals or research projects are you most excited to pursue in the coming years?

Being elected a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology is a significant milestone, but I see it as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the culmination of my career. It encourages me to think even more ambitiously about the impact I would like my research to have in the years ahead.

Scientifically, I am excited to continue exploring the functionality of plant proteins and underutilised crops, particularly how they can be transformed into high-quality, sustainable food ingredients and products. There is tremendous potential to unlock greater value from crops that are already familiar to many communities, and I believe food science has an important role to play in helping realise that potential. Beyond my own research, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Throughout my career, I have benefited from the guidance and encouragement of exceptional mentors, and I believe we have a responsibility to create similar opportunities for young researchers. Ultimately, my goal is not simply to publish more papers or receive more recognition. It is to conduct research that is scientifically rigorous, practically relevant, and capable of making a lasting contribution to the food sector and to society. If my work can inspire others, help solve real-world challenges, and contribute to a more sustainable and innovative food system, I will consider that a meaningful legacy.

Finally, what advice would you give to young Nigerians who dream of building successful careers in food science, whether in industry, research, or academia?

My advice to young Nigerians is to remain curious and never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, or explore new ideas, because that is where innovation begins. I would also encourage them to build a strong foundation in the fundamentals. Science evolves rapidly, and new technologies will continue to emerge, but a solid understanding of core scientific principles will always remain valuable. Invest in developing your technical skills, communication skills, and ability to think critically, because successful scientists must not only generate knowledge but also communicate it effectively and work collaboratively.

Whether you choose a career in industry, research, or academia, remember that each path is valuable and each contributes differently to society. Industry transforms scientific knowledge into products and processes that people use every day. Research expands our understanding of the world and creates new possibilities. Academia inspires and prepares the next generation of scientists. These careers are interconnected, and moving between them can enrich your perspective and broaden your impact.

I would also encourage young scientists to seek mentors, embrace collaboration, and take advantage of opportunities beyond their immediate environment. Scholarships, professional societies, conferences, internships, and international collaborations can broaden your horizons and open doors you may never have imagined.

Many of the opportunities that have shaped my own career began with a willingness to apply, learn, and step outside my comfort zone.

Most importantly, believe in your potential. Nigeria is home to exceptionally talented young people with the creativity, resilience, and determination to make meaningful contributions to science and innovation. The challenges we face today-from food security and sustainability to climate resilience and value addition-also present tremendous opportunities for those willing to develop solutions.

Whatever path you choose, pursue excellence with integrity, remain humble enough to keep learning, and remember that success is not measured only by the positions you hold or the awards you receive, but by the positive difference your work makes in the lives of others. If your knowledge can help solve problems, inspire people, and contribute to your community, then you have already begun to build a meaningful legacy.

Dream boldly, work diligently, stay curious, and never underestimate the impact that one committed scientist can have.

Nigeria requires an estimated $228 billion in electricity investments between now and 2045, to stabilise the grid and meet energy demands.

This represents an estimated $12 billion in annual electricity investments through 2045, a period of 19 years.

Speaking at Asharami Square 3.0 in Lagos, the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka, said that Nigeria potentially needed $12 billion in electricity investments annually through 2045 to fix power sector

The amount, he said could be compared with the roughly $1 billion currently invested in the sector each year.

‘Nigeria, potentially, needs $12 billion in electricity investments annually through 2045, versus $1 billion being spent currently,’ Wanka said.

According to him, closing the gap in electricity investment will require concerted efforts across policy and regulations, as well as a disciplined approach to investment attraction.

Breaking down the required funding across the sector, Wanka noted that significant capital must be injected into generation, transmission, and distribution to build a reliable national grid.

He said about $6.1 billion is required in the generation sub-sector; while around $2 billion is required in the transmission network, and about $2 billion – $4 billion to stabilise the distribution sub-sector between 2025 and 2045.

Irrespective of the funding gap, he explained to stakeholders that recent legislative reforms and state-level participation are already positioning the power sector for strong, decentralised growth.

According to him, increased liberalization ushered in by the Electricity Act 2023 hasstrengthened state participation, sector governance and introduced new licencee categories, he added that the regulatory oversight of electricity regulation transitioned to subnational regulators in 16 states.

Wanka also cited progress such as a $200 million PPP announced by the Imo State government for provision of electricity to all LGAs and another N50 billion equity investment by franchise State Governments in KEDCO for embedded energy, network improvements.

The special adviser said that crucial fiscal changes have begun reducing the financial burden on the central government, with sector policies actively transitioning toward cost-reflective tariffs.

He noted that ‘Band A’ customers have already transitioned, successfully ‘reducing subsidies by N1 trillion annually.’

He said the elimination of subsidies on white petroleum products has improved economics for alternative power sources relative to self-generation (now 1,700 MW of solar panels imported into Nigeria annually, adding that recent reforms in oil and gas have resulted in $10 billion in FID on important gas development projects.

To maintain the momentum, Wanka outlined several strategic government interventions underway to guarantee regular electricity supply.

He highlighted the ongoing Light Up Nigeria pilot in Agbara aimed at strengthening power supply to industrial customers, alongside provisions in the Electricity Act that now allow independent transmission network operators and private sector participation in transmission financing and operations.

He added that a Transmission Infrastructure Fund was instituted in Q3 2025 with an operationalisation target date of Q4 2026.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Power is collaborating with the Ministry of Water Resources to launch a fresh concession process for viable hydropower assets, while the World Bank-backed Sustainable Power and Irrigation Programme is actively developing a hydropower masterplan to support financing for medium to large hydropower projects across the country.

He said there was a need to strengthen the investment facilitation engine to mobilize financing towards grid investments, and accelerate progress in the sector to turbocharge programmatic investments.

He called for the launching of a power project development fund on financing, closing the electrification gap – which is estimated at $23 billion by 2030, citing an example of nominating a nodal financial institution for the power sector and establishing the Power Consumer Assistance Fund.

He called on investors to develop the ecosystem to drive the development of investment opportunities, crowding in global pools of capital.

The special adviser also enjoined development partners to support reforms and investment attraction and lead advocacy for a cohesive, Nigeria-led power sector plan.

Over 100 akara sellers in Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State have received cash support from Mr. Alli Ibraheem, Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibril.

The empowerment held at the Ayedire Local Government Secretariat in Ileogbo saw each beneficiary receive N10,000. Beneficiaries were drawn from Ileogbo, Oluponna, Kuta and Oke-Osun areas.

Present at the event were APC chieftains led by the Chairman of Ayedire LGA, Hon. Adejare Adigun, who joined Ibraheem to present the cash to the beneficiaries.

Commending the gesture, Hon. Adigun said the empowerment was done without political colouration and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds to grow their businesses.

Speaking on the motive, Ibraheem said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the financial status of petty traders, particularly akara sellers, while also mobilising support for the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 16, 2026 election.

‘I chose to empower akara sellers across Ayedire LGA to assist their businesses, canvass more votes for our party’s candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and make political heaven by lifting people in need through philanthropy,’ he said.

He described AMBO’s victory as ‘non-negotiable,’ adding that the political atmosphere in Osun favours the APC.

‘There is a dire need to remove the middle bottleneck frustrating full local government autonomy in Osun State. Osun must join the list of APC states with full identity. We have the federal, we have the local; the middle must be taken for full charge. By God’s grace, AMBO’s victory is non-negotiable,’ Ibraheem stated.

He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting local government autonomy and for efforts to curb political violence. He also lauded the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting petty traders nationwide.

Ibraheem praised the APC candidate’s wife, Dr. Sekinat Bola Oyebamiji, for her ‘outspokenness, confidence and agility’ in canvassing votes, saying ‘she will make one of the best First Ladies in the history of Osun State.’

He declared that the empowerment scheme would be extended to the Iwo Federal Constituency and Osun West Senatorial District.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday, expressed his commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

He emphasized the importance of removing regulatory bottlenecks, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

The Speaker made these remarks during a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Commerce in Abuja. He noted that the proposed bills are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s commercial and trade framework.

This includes the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Domestication Bill, which aims to position Nigeria to maximise opportunities within Africa’s single market.

Speaker Abbas highlighted that these proposed legislations are part of the 10th House’s economic reform agenda.

The Speaker, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Chief Whip, Rep Isiaka Ibrahim, described commerce as ‘one of the strongest pillars of our economy,’ stressing that the bills must undergo rigorous public scrutiny to ensure they respond to emerging realities and global best practices.

According to him, ‘the purpose of today’s hearing is to subject these Bills to rigorous public scrutiny, receive constructive input from stakeholders, identify areas that require refinement, and ensure that the legislation we eventually enact promotes enterprise, protects legitimate business interests, encourages fair competition and advances sustainable economic growth.’

The Speaker noted that the exercise aligns with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, which prioritises economic growth, institutional reforms, good governance and private sector development.

According to him, ‘since our inauguration, we have remained committed to enacting laws that improve the ease of doing business, support entrepreneurship, remove unnecessary regulatory barriers, attract investment and create opportunities for our people.’

He further said that the legislative initiative also supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by providing the legal framework required to drive economic reforms.

‘As the People’s House, we shall continue to provide the legislative framework and oversight necessary to translate that vision into measurable progress for businesses, investors and ordinary Nigerians,’ he said.

Speaking on the AfCFTA Domestication Bill, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, urged lawmakers to expedite its passage, describing it as crucial to Nigeria’s competitiveness in continental trade.

According to her, the African Continental Free Trade Area, which covers over 1.4 billion people with a combined Gross Domestic Product exceeding $3 trillion, offers enormous opportunities for Nigerian businesses to expand into new markets, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen regional value chains.

She said Nigeria has already made substantial progress since ratifying the agreement in 2020 by establishing implementation structures, submitting tariff concessions, launching digital trade initiatives and supporting local enterprises.

Oduwole disclosed that Nigeria became the first State Party to ratify the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and has launched air cargo corridors linking Nigerian businesses to East and Southern African markets.

She also noted that Nigeria recently hosted the AfCFTA Week, the 18th Meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for Trade, and the Digital Trade Forum, where the country assumed the Chairmanship of the Bureau of the Council of Ministers.

The Minister, however, stressed that effective implementation of the agreement requires a robust domestic legal framework.

According to her, ‘the Bill is not merely about implementing an international treaty. It is about positioning Nigeria to fully harness the opportunities of continental trade while safeguarding our national interests.’

She added that the legislation would provide legal certainty for businesses and investors while strengthening coordination among government institutions.

‘Its timely passage will consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in continental trade, provide certainty for our businesses and investors, and position our economy to fully harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area,’ Oduwole said.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ahmed Munir, disclosed that the committee was considering 13 strategic bills designed to modernise Nigeria’s commercial laws, strengthen professional standards and reposition the economy for global competitiveness.

According to him, the bills are grouped into three broad areas: expanding global trade and protecting local assets; modernising commerce and the digital economy; and strengthening professional regulation and institutional capacity.

He explained that key proposals include the AfCFTA Implementation Bill, amendments to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Act on Geographical Indications and NIMASA updates, amendments to the Sale of Goods Act and the Price Control Act, as well as bills establishing and strengthening several professional institutes.

He said the committee expects stakeholders to provide practical, data-driven recommendations to ensure the proposed laws effectively support economic growth.

According to him, ‘Our goal in the 10th House of Representatives is to ensure our laws actively foster economic expansion rather than obstruct it. The success of this legislative exercise depends heavily on your candid, expert feedback,’.

He urged participants from government, industry and civil society to make constructive contributions that would help the National Assembly produce legislation capable of driving investment, innovation, job creation and Nigeria’s competitiveness in both regional and global markets.

For Nigerians planning international trips, access to foreign exchange remains one of the biggest concerns when preparing for travel. Fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, changing exchange rates and increased demand for dollars during holiday periods often create uncertainty among travellers.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provides foreign exchange support for legitimate travel needs through Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA).

In this article, Tribune Online explains what Nigerians should know about travel allowance before August.

Understand PTA and BTA

Personal Travel Allowance is designed for individuals travelling abroad for personal reasons, while Business Travel Allowance supports eligible business-related trips.

According to CBN guidelines, travellers can access foreign exchange for travel purposes through authorised channels. The CBN has stated that eligible transactions, including PTA and BTA, are processed through authorised financial institutions.

Use authorised channels

One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is relying on unofficial sources when trying to obtain foreign currency. Legitimate foreign exchange transactions should go through authorised dealers.

Using unregulated channels can expose travellers to unnecessary risks, including fake currency, fraud and financial losses. The apex bank has continued reforms aimed at improving transparency in the foreign exchange market and ensuring that eligible transactions are handled through regulated institutions.

Prepare required travel documents early

Travellers should ensure that their documents are ready before making foreign exchange requests. Common requirements for travel-related foreign exchange transactions have included valid travel documents such as passports, visas where applicable and evidence of travel arrangements.

CBN guidelines have historically required documentation to confirm legitimate travel purposes.Having complete documentation helps avoid delays during processing.

Avoid last-minute requests

Waiting until a few days before departure can create unnecessary pressure. Foreign exchange availability can change due to market conditions and demand. Travellers who plan early are more likely to have enough time to complete required processes and resolve any documentation issues.

Understand payment options

The CBN has introduced approved payment arrangements for travel allowances. According to the apex bank’s FAQ on foreign exchange reforms, travellers can receive travel allowances through a combination of prepaid cards and cash, with restrictions on the amount that can be provided in cash.

Watch for official CBN updates

Foreign exchange policies can change as the CBN reviews its regulations.Travellers should rely on official announcements from the Central Bank of Nigeria and their banks rather than social media rumours or unverified information.

The CBN regularly publishes circulars and updates relating to foreign exchange operations on its official platforms.

The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to produce the self-acclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeyemi Adeniyi, before its investigative committee within 48 hours.

The order was issued on Monday during the resumed hearing of the House committee investigating the activities of the controversial council at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Representing the IGP, Assistant Commissioner of Police Bashir Abdullahi appeared before the committee and was directed to ensure Adeyemi is brought before lawmakers by noon on Wednesday.

The committee is investigating how the PFIPC, despite not being legally established, allegedly secured office space at Phase III of the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja and received a budget allocation of ?1.32 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The directive followed the Nigeria Police Force’s confirmation that it is investigating petitions from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, accusing Adeyemi of falsely presenting himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

Committee Chairman Yusuf Gagdi said Adeyemi’s appearance was necessary because of the seriousness of the allegations.

‘This committee clearly needs the suspected DG to appear before this committee. People’s names are involved. People’s integrity are involved. Institutional names are involved. Institutional integrity is involved.

‘It is not an option now. We will need him here to confirm some documents to us in such a way that will not undermine our investigation to enable us to submit our report on time,’ Gagdi said.

The committee then directed its clerk to formally notify the Inspector-General of Police.

‘The committee hereby resolves that the Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria do kindly present Mr Adeyemi on Wednesday by 12 noon. That is the ruling of the committee,’ Gagdi declared.

Earlier, ACP Abdullahi told lawmakers that although investigations were still ongoing, the police had already filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi before the Federal High Court.

‘The Nigerian Police Force investigated part of this case late last year and filed eight-count charges before a Federal High Court. The case is ongoing,’ he said.

He added that the suspect had been arrested and arraigned but warned against making statements that could affect the ongoing investigation or court proceedings.

‘We don’t want to say things that are under investigation. It is definitely going to prejudice the ongoing investigation and make people have opinions that may prejudge the outcome of an investigation or judicial decision,’ Abdullahi said.

The police also confirmed that the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned security agencies on October 17, 2025, over allegations against Adeyemi, leading to investigations and criminal charges bordering on conspiracy and fraud.

Investigators further confirmed receiving another petition alleging that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

According to the police, the petition alleged that Adeyemi used the claimed office to secure accommodation at the Federal Secretariat, sought approval to recruit about 300 personnel, attempted to obtain a $1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the non-existent agency, and planned to organise a World Investment Summit under the council.

During the hearing, the committee compared signatures on documents said to have come from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President with genuine official documents obtained by the police.

Asked whether the signatures matched, the police witness replied, ‘They are not the same.’

The committee said the difference raised further concerns that official State House documents may have been forged.

Gagdi said, ‘So, it is not only a letter that was suspected to be forged? We are dealing with documents that include what is said to be a forged Act of the National Assembly in an attempt to establish a fake agency.’

He disclosed that investigators had identified about 29 allegedly forged documents, including purported approvals from the State House, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance and several other government institutions.

According to him, representatives of many of the affected agencies had appeared before the committee and denied issuing the documents linked to their offices.

Gagdi said the committee had deliberately avoided asking the police to reveal information that could interfere with ongoing criminal investigations.

‘We are avoiding a situation whereby they will be pushed to make statements that will undermine their ongoing investigation,’ he said.

The Senate has clarified that its recent concurrent amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, No. 22, 2007 did not include a ban on street preaching by individuals or religious organisations as speculated in certain quarters.

It also noted that the proscription of hawking/preaching in commercial buses had been part of the law and not a new addition by the National Assembly.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, while making the clarification on Monday, explained that the new legislation merely altered the position of the provision of hawking/preaching in commercial buses from Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act to Item 49.

He added that the law remained what it had been -a ban on hawking/preaching in commercial buses- as against a ban on preaching in the streets by individuals or organisations as claimed.

‘The Senate has duly noticed public concerns on the purported proscription of preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle under the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, No. 22, 2007.

‘Pursuant to Section 10(4) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007 and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012, preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle are offences.

‘The offences have been part of the Act before the current amendment.

‘Entrenched as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle are not new provisions in our legal system. The provisions have been part of the Act as far back as 2007. However, it is now listed as Item 49, Second Schedule of the Act’, his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs said on Monday.

The leader stressed that the bill did not outlaw street preaching, adding that the whole essence of the proscription of hawking or preaching in commercial buses was for the safety of travellers.

‘The bill, therefore, does not outlaw preaching on the streets as some interests have claimed in different fora. It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space.

‘The bill is not an initiative of the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Rather, it is a concurrence bill first amended by the House of Representatives. As required by the 1999 Constitution, the bill requires the concurrence of the Senate before it can become effective’, his office stated.

However, Bamidele said the amendment process was ongoing and could still accommodate more views ‘in the spirit of democracy’, urging stakeholders to channel their concerns to the appropriate institutions before the completion of the process.

In the amended bill, which was passed on July 14, motorists are to pay fines up to N100,000 for traffic offences.

Stiffer penalties await disobedience to traffic lights, road signs and general markings, all of which now attract a fine of N100,000.

Similarly, driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances attracts a fine of N100,000 on conviction.

Motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials during roadside breath tests carried out on reasonable suspicion of intoxication can be liable to a ?50,000 fine, a six-month prison sentence, or both.

The proposed law also prohibits hawking inside commercial vehicles or making noise to disturb the peace of fellow passengers under the guise of trading or passing messages.

Offenders caught hawking or trading inside commercial buses will pay a fine of N50,000, according to the provisions of the bill.

The bill also targets speeding and dangerous driving. Under the extant law, speed limit violations attract modest fines, but the new bill jacks such offences up to a fine of ?100,000.

In the same vein, reckless driving will attract a ?100,000 fine, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, depending on the circumstances of the offence.

The bill was passed as part of measures to strengthen the operations of the FRSC and reduce accidents on the nation’s highways.

No fewer than 40 million Nigerians who place their reliance on airtime borrowing services may be confronted by another round of disruptions if the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) begins complete enforcement of its Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending (DEON) Regulations 2025 before the determination of a pending appeal.

The above warning is contained in an affidavit sworn to by the Chairman of WASPAN, Ayo Stuffman, in support of the association’s application for an injunction pending appeal following the July 20 judgment of the Federal High Court sitting at Ikoyi, Lagos, which upheld the FCCPC’s authority to issue and enforce the DEON regulations.

The suit, designated FHC/L/CS/760/2026, seeks to determine whether the FCCPC has the statutory authority to regulate telecommunications-based airtime lending services or whether such regulatory powers belong exclusively to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

Consequent to the judgment handed down by the Federal High Court, WASPAN initiated a Notice of Appeal on July 21, praying to the court to restrain the FCCPC from implementing the regulations until the Appellate Court determines the substantive issues.

The association, according to Stuffman, became alarmed after the FCCPC announced immediately after the judgment that enforcement of the DEON Regulations had resumed, declaring that the legal impediment responsible for the earlier suspension of implementation had been removed and that the regulations were now fully operational and enforceable.

Stuffman posited that enforcing the regulations before the appeal is heard could expose operators to regulatory sanctions, create uncertainty within the telecommunications industry and disrupt airtime borrowing services relied upon by millions of Nigerians.

Stuffman, in the affidavit, declared that ‘I know for a fact that unless restrained by the orders of this Honourable Court, the Defendant will proceed to enforce the said regulations against members of the Plaintiff.’

He equally contended that FCCPC’s actions would continue to subject WASPAN members to regulatory uncertainty, expose them to sanctions and interfere with their lawful business operations while the appeal remains pending.

WASPAN insisted that its members are already being constrained in exercising their operational responsibilities under the NCC, which it described as their primary regulator, through additional regulatory obligations imposed by the FCCPC, including partnership approvals and service agreement requirements.

Stuffman equally argued that allowing the regulations to be enforced before the appeal is determined would render the appellate proceedings ineffective by creating a fait accompli before the Court of Appeal has an opportunity to rule on the legality of the regulations.

In the affidavit, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Chukwudi Enebeli, who represented WASPAN, opined that the appeal raises substantial and arguable legal questions regarding the scope of the FCCPC’s regulatory authority over telecommunications services.

The legal opinion attached to the application further stated that there is a real likelihood that enforcement of the regulations could disrupt the operations of WASPAN members while the appeal is awaiting determination.

The association maintained that refusing its request for an injunction would undermine the purpose of the appeal and expose operators to irreversible consequences before the appellate court delivers its judgment.

It would be recalled that in the proceedings earlier, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had argued that airtime credit is not a traditional financial product but an essential telecommunications service that enables millions of Nigerians to remain connected, especially during emergencies.

In fact, the regulatory disagreement had previously resulted in the temporary suspension of airtime borrowing services by major mobile network operators before the Federal High Court granted interim relief allowing the services to resume pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The FCCPC, through its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, revealed that the FCCPC remains committed to the rule of law and would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities in line with the court’s judgment.

According to him, the Commission had always maintained that the rule of law is fundamental to effective regulation and good governance, adding that following the court’s affirmation of the DEON Regulations, the FCCPC would continue to implement its statutory mandate professionally and in accordance with the law.

Every election changes a government, but very few of them change an economy. This is one of the most important lessons in political economy, but it is often forgotten in public debate. Elections attract headlines, governments make appointments afterwards, and political parties celebrate victory or explain defeat. But once the excitement is over, the real question remains unanswered: Has anything changed that will make the economy more productive?

This question explains why some nations become prosperous while others remain trapped in the cycle of political competition without achieving lasting economic progress.

For many years, people believed that natural resources determined the wealth of nations, but experience has shown otherwise. Countries with few natural resources have become some of the richest in the world, while many resource-rich nations continue to struggle with unemployment, poverty and slow economic growth. The difference is rarely the resources beneath the ground. More often, it is the ideas that guide those who govern above the ground. And, this is where political economy becomes important.

Political economy begins with a simple truth that, every economic outcome is shaped by political choices. A government’s decision to protect property rights affects investment. Its tax policies influence business expansion. Its education policies affect the quality of future workers. Its infrastructure decisions determine how easily goods move from farms and factories to markets. Even the confidence investors have in an economy is influenced by the quality of public institutions.

In other words, politics creates incentives, and incentives define economic behaviour.

Businesses invest when they believe tomorrow will be more predictable than today. Farmers produce more when roads, storage facilities and markets reduce waste. Young people invest in education when they believe hard work will be rewarded. Investors commit capital where rules are stable and contracts are respected. Productivity does not grow by accident. It grows because political decisions encourage people to produce, invest, innovate and create value.

This is why I believe Nigeria’s political conversation needs a new standard of measurement.

For too long, we have measured politics by elections won, appointments secured and offices occupied. These are political outcomes, but they are not necessarily development outcomes. I propose a different measure, and I call it ‘The Prosperity Test.’

Every major political decision should answer these simple question:

Will this decision increase Nigeria’s productive capacity over the next five, ten or twenty years?

Will it encourage investment? Will it create jobs? Will it improve learning? Will it strengthen institutions? Will it help businesses grow? Will it increase agricultural and industrial production?

If the answer to these questions is largely no, then we should honestly ask whether the decision serves the country’s long-term interest. Because the purpose of politics is not simply to manage power, rather it is to organise society in a way that allows more people to become productive.

This is what I describe as the ‘Politics of Production.’ And a nation focused on it does not judge success by the number of political offices it creates. It judges success by the number of economic opportunities it creates. Its governments compete to attract investment, its states compete to improve education, its institutions compete to deliver better public services, and its policies reward enterprise instead of uncertainty.

History offers many examples. Countries such as Singapore, Vietnam and Botswana followed different political paths, but they shared one important characteristic. Their governments consistently made choices that encouraged production, investment and institutional stability over long periods. They understood that sustainable prosperity is built gradually through predictable policies and capable institutions, not through short-term political victories alone.

Nigeria possesses many of the ingredients required for similar progress. We have a youthful population, vast agricultural land, entrepreneurial talent and abundant natural resources. These advantages should be engines of national prosperity, but advantages alone do not produce development.

Resources create possibilities, institutions turn possibilities into productivity, and productivity creates prosperity. That is why institutions matter so much. Strong institutions reduce uncertainty. When uncertainty falls, investment becomes easier. As investment increases, businesses expand. Expanding businesses employ more people, produce more goods and pay more taxes. Those taxes allow governments to invest further in infrastructure, education and healthcare, creating another cycle of growth.

Prosperity is therefore the result of many good political decisions reinforcing one another over time. And this understanding should also change the way we judge leadership.

A successful leader should not be remembered simply for winning elections. Did more businesses open under them? Did more young people find meaningful work? Did farmers become more productive? Did exports increase? Did institutions become stronger? And, did citizens gain greater confidence in the future? These are the questions political economy encourages us to ask because they measure whether politics is creating lasting economic value.

Nigeria has an abundance of politics. What we need is more productive politics; politics that expands opportunity, rewards enterprise and strengthens institutions. Our national conversation should therefore move beyond personalities and focus more on productivity. Governments should compete not only for political support but also for economic results. And citizens should judge leaders not only by promises made but by opportunities created.

If politics becomes more productive, the economy will become more productive. If the economy becomes more productive, living standards will improve. And if living standards improve, politics itself will become healthier because hope grows where opportunity exists.

The future of Nigeria will not be determined only by who occupies public offices, but whether those in public office understand that political power is valuable only when it expands economic opportunity.

That is the central lesson of political economy.

And perhaps it is the conversation Nigeria needs most today.