We can’t pay – Umuahia residents protest soaring electricity bills

Some electricity consumers in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State on Tuesday took to the streets in protest against what they described as ‘outrageous, unbearable and unjustified’ bills charged by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

Armed with placards with different inscriptions, such as ‘We cannot pay N50,000 bill’, ‘Return electricity bill back to status quo’, ‘Electricity bill now equal to minimum wage’, among others, the protesters decried sudden rise in their electricity bills as ‘outrageous, unbearable and unjustified.’

Led by one Mr. Chukwuemeka Ozugbo, the protesters, under the aegis of Concerned Umuahia Residents, marched from EEDC Umuahia Office on Bende Road to the Government House, on Akanu Ibiam Road.

Ozugbo said that they were peacefully expressing their frustration over the recent sharp increase in tariff in the city.

According to him, most households, which previously paid about N10,000 monthly, recently received between N50,000 and N70,000 without corresponding improvement in power supply.

He added that most residents were civil servants, who live on N70,000 minimum wage.

He questioned the rationale behind billing someone, who earns N70,000 monthly as much as N50,000 for electricity.

Ozugbo described the EEDC action as unfair, saying that it violated natural justice and equity.

He demanded that the company should revert to the previous billing rate of about ?10,000 per household.

A civil servant, Mr Nnamdi Okenwa, also lamented the sharp increase of the unit cost of energy on prepaid metering.

Okenwa said that he previously paid N3,000 monthly but now billed between N15,000 and N17,000, in spite limited usage of electricity in his house.

He complained that EEDC often supplied power briefly, particularly when it planned to embark on disconnection, and usually returned to load shedding after collecting payments from consumers.

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, who received the protesters at the Government House main gate, assured them that their grievances would be officially addressed and resolved through peaceful and structured engagement.

Monday commended them for their peaceful conduct, while expressing their demand for fair billing.

He pointed out that the sharp tariff hike in Umuahia from ?53 to ?200 per kilowatt-hour was occasioned by the upgrade of the feeder to Band A by the EEDC.

He advised affected residents to put up an official complaint letter for proper documentation.

Monday said that formal communication would enable the State Government to address the matter more effectively and transparently.

He emphasised that the present administration had made significant progress in improving power supply across communities, in spite of the existing infrastructural limitations.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to achieving complete metering across Abia.

He affirmed that the government would engage the EEDC and relevant agencies to understand the tariff issue thoroughly, promising a peaceful and transparent resolution for affected residents.

He said that the state’s Electricity Law was signed in March, establishing the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority to oversee electricity matters locally.

Monday further said that electricity regulation in Abia still remained under the National Electricity Regulatory Commission.

According to him, full control of electricity regulation by Abia’s regulatory authority would be transferred to the state by December, enhancing local accountability and efficiency for consumers.

He further disclosed that over 60,000 electricity meters had been deployed across Abia, a move aimed at ensuring accurate billing and efficient energy management for all electricity consumers.

In an interview with newsmen, the Head of Commercial, EEDC Abia, Mr Festus Iwuala, explained that the tariff increment resulted from the reclassification of the affected feeder to Band A by the NERC.

Iwuala said that the feeder had previously been categorised under Bands C and B, but as of Sept. 1, was approved for Band A billing, reflecting higher electricity supply standards.

He said the adjustments were only applicable when errors occurred and that the recent change was based on national regulatory approval, not arbitrarily by the distribution company.

He urged customers to understand the structure of the electricity tariff, saying that distribution companies operate strictly within approved policies

Iwuala said that they could not independently increase tariffs without necessary regulatory authorisation.

Why Nigeria is better for raising kids – M.I Abaga

Nigerian rapper and music executive, M.I Abaga, has revealed that he would prefer to raise his future children in Nigeria, citing the country’s rich communal values and strong family support system as key reasons.

In a recent interview, the award-winning rapper praised Nigeria’s family-oriented culture, describing it as an ideal environment for nurturing children.

He contrasted this with life in the United States, where relatives are often preoccupied with work, leaving parents with little external support.

‘There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system. There’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents abroad,’ he said.

M.I emphasized that the communal nature of Nigerian society allows parents to receive help from extended family members in child-rearing, something he believes is lacking in many Western countries.

‘You have enough people that can stay at home and support you. But it’s not easy abroad – everyone is a professional and busy,’ he added.

The rapper, who got married in 2022, explained that while raising children abroad has its advantages, Nigeria provides a strong cultural foundation for children’s early development.

He suggested a blended approach:

‘Maybe it’s a thing like early years here and then at a certain point, move abroad. There are some good things about Nigeria that make it ideal for the early days.’

Lagos inaugurates committee to curb sexual, domestic violence

The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has inaugurated the Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), aimed at curbing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, at the inauguration on Monday, said the initiative marked a significant step in strengthening grassroots mechanisms to combat SGBV.

Vivour-Adeniyi, who was represented by the Community Engagement Officer, DSVA, Ms Adetoun Odumbo, said the primary objective of the CDC was to reinforce community-level structures.

She said the community-level structures would identify, response, and ensure appropriate referral of SGBV cases.

According to her, this strategic approach aims to embed support systems within local communities, to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.

The inauguration event convened approximately 50 representatives from Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

She said the composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders, including respected traditional, community, and religious leaders

‘The composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders like representatives from women’s groups, designated youth leaders and advocates for survivors of SGBV.

‘They also include representatives from the health sector, education sector and ward-level representatives from the DSVA or Local Government Area (LGA) Gender Desk Officers,’ the executive secretary said.

Also speaking, the Head of Community Engagement, DSVA, Mr Damilare Adewusi, said the roles and responsibilities entrusted to the CDC members included facilitating community dialogues to raise awareness and address SGBV.

Adewusi said the role of the CDC also included offering immediate and confidential support to survivors, identifying potential cases of violence and ensuring their proper referral to relevant authorities.

He said committee’s role included maintaining accurate, confidential documentation of reported incidents and serving as official liaison officers between their respective communities and the DSVA.

The inaugurated members for Mushin LGA included Community Leader: Mr Femi Okuyemi; Women’s Group Representative: Mrs Adebisi; Youth Leader: Mr Kayode Famodu; Survivors’ Advocate: Ms Anu Okuyemi and Health and Education Representative: Ms Fasanya Omotoyosi.

The inaugurated members for Odi-Olowo LCDA included the Traditional Ruler: High Chief O.A. Oladunjoye Anibaba (Baale of Igbari Odi-Olowo); and Women’s Group Representative: Chief Mrs Mufuliat Adebunmi (Iyaloja of Odi-Olowo)

Also the Youth Leader: Mr Gbenga Falaye; Survivors’ Advocate: Mr Lanre Elegbeleye and the Health and Education Representative: Mrs Folashade Jonad

Participants at the inauguration expressed their profound appreciation to the DSVA for its sustained efforts in promoting a zero-tolerance stance against SGBV.

They further encouraged the agency to continue expanding its vital advocacy and intervention programmes across all communities within Lagos State.

WCQ: Online fever builds as Nigerians brace for Eagles-Benin battle

The stakes could not be higher in Uyo today as the Super Eagles lock horns with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that will determine who earns Africa’s last ticket to North America next summer.

Group leaders Benin, on 17 points, have destiny in their own hands, a draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will be enough to send them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup. But for Nigeria, there is no room for error. The Eagles sit third with 14 points, and only a convincing win coupled with a slip-up from South Africa against Rwanda in Nelspruit can secure them passage to the global showpiece.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has vowed that his side will ‘give everything’ to snatch victory and keep their World Cup hopes alive. ‘We know what’s at stake. This is about pride, history, and belief,’ Chelle said ahead of the clash.

Nigeria, who have not missed two consecutive World Cup finals since making their debut in 1994, enter today’s encounter with only one defeat in the qualifiers fewer than both Benin and South Africa.

Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr, the man who once led Nigeria’s dugout, now stands in their way. The Franco-German tactician, now in charge of Benin, insists his Cheetahs will not be intimidated by the Uyo crowd.

‘Yes, the atmosphere can be hostile, but we’ll stay calm and focused,’ Rohr told Goal. ‘We plan to keep possession, defend well, and use quick counterattacks. That’s our game plan for Uyo.’

Both sides face injury and suspension concerns. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Benin are missing Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida.

Captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, both World Cup veterans, are expected to start, alongside top scorer and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who is yet to appear on football’s biggest stage.

The Cheetahs, who have never reached a World Cup, are riding a wave of national pride, while Nigeria – six-time finalists at the continental level – carry the expectations of over 220 million fans.

Kick-off is 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

A two-goal win for Nigeria and a South African draw in Nelspruit could yet write a fairytale ending for the Eagles. Until then, all eyes – and hearts – are on Uyo.

What Nigerians Are Saying

Meanwhile, Nigerians have flooded social media with mixed emotions, prayers, and pointed criticism as the Super Eagles prepare to take on Benin Republic in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

On X, many fans expressed cautious optimism, urging unity behind the team despite a rocky qualifying campaign.

User @Letter_to_Jack wrote, ‘I want to believe that behind the veiled banters, we are all passionate Nigerians who want the Super Eagles to defeat Benin today and qualify for the World Cup.’

Another fan, @PoojaMedia, struck a similar tone of hope and humour, saying, ‘Deep inside us, we all want the Super Eagles to qualify. Banter and pray as well. Both works.’

But not everyone shares that sentiment. @AdetolaOkuwobi held nothing back, calling for a total overhaul of the team if failure comes: ‘You and who?? Not one bit. I prefer they lose and not qualify and the AFCON should even go wrong too if that’s what it will take for them to disband the whole team and the NFF. Let them start all over.’

In contrast, @FadaChristmas_ voiced a competitive Nigerian spirit mixed with a hint of rivalry, tweeting: ‘Dear Super Eagles, your only job today is to make sure South Africa doesn’t go to the World Cup, I don’t care how you do it. Make or break time!’

He added: ‘Super Eagles must win against Benin today to qualify. We get 14 points, dem get 17. No Lookman but Osimhen fit cause wahala! Historically, we don beat dem 13 times but dem shock us 2-1 for June. Which player go be hero today?’

Meanwhile, @chaxdawg_909 raised tactical concerns, recalling a previous encounter between both sides: ‘I remember the win by Benin against the Super Eagles in Côte d’Ivoire during the early stages of the qualifiers. Their skipper said they won because they got better part of Ekong. Chelle, please don’t start Ekong.’

UniJos speaks on nomination of Amupitan as INEC Chairman

The Management of the University of Jos, has described President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as reflection reflects the president’s commitment to ensuring credible elections in the country.

‘Amupitan’s exceptional pedigree as a beacon of excellence, honesty, and dedication, a man of unquestioned integrity and apolitical stance, reinforces our belief that his nomination is a testament to his revered reputation as one of the finest Legal minds and educators in our nation,’ Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor (V-C) of the university, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, of the university.

The National Council of State had also backed the nomination of Amupitan to serve as INEC boss.

‘President Tinubu’s well considered decision in nominating Amupitan reflects an astute understanding of the qualities essential for this vital role.

‘The unanimous support from the Council members underscores the universal respect and admiration he commands.

‘It is with immense joy and profound pride that, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff, Students, and the entire University of Jos community, extend our heartfelt appreciation to the president over this nomination,’ he said.

Ishaya said that Amupitan’s ascent to this role marked a historic milestone as the first from the North-Central Zone of the country to occupy this pivotal position.

According to V-C, the nomination of Amupitan not only highlights his individual achievements but also shines a spotlight on this treasured region, validating the profound contributions of North-Central to national tapestry.

Ishaya, therefore, pledged the university community’s support for Amupitan to succeed as he prepared to occupy his new office.

In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi, is a professor of Law at the University of Jos.

He is also an alumnus of the university.

Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.

Born on April 25, 1967, Amupitan became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation, Bauchi between 1988 and 1989.

He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, Plateau, member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council.

Others are; Member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), and member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law (2013) and Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

He is married and has four children.

Relief for Super Eagles as Rwanda vows to stop South Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a boost in their World Cup hopes as Rwanda’s national team, the Amavubi, have vowed to give their best performance against South Africa in their next qualifier.

The match will take place in Mpumalanga, South Africa, as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Group C qualifiers.

Rwanda, coached by German tactician Torsten Spittler, are looking to bounce back after losing 2-1 to Benin Republic. Earlier in the campaign, they made headlines with a shocking 2-0 victory over South Africa in the first leg.

Ahead of the clash, the Rwandan team trained in Mpumalanga and shared a message saying:

‘First training in Mpumalanga – not just drills, but redemption in motion. Amavubi rises for the pride and pulse of the nation.’

Rwanda’s players say they are determined to finish the qualifiers on a strong note, even though they are no longer in contention for a ticket.

For Nigeria, this match is crucial.

If Rwanda can stop South Africa from winning, and the Super Eagles defeat Benin Republic in Uyo, Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The final round of matches will be played on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with Nigeria’s game scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Defection: Mbah explains why he left PDP for APC

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the announcement during a press conference in Enugu, describing the move as a step toward greater development and national unity.

CHARTING A NEW COURSE: FROM PDP TO APC

Full Speech

I thank God and the people of Enugu (Ndi Enugu) for standing with me. Today marks an important moment – one of reflection and renewal.

I am here to announce a major decision that will shape our future my move from the PDP to the APC.

This is about our values, our future, and our commitment to serve our people better.

Over the past 28 months, we have achieved great things together.

You believed in me when many had lost faith in politicians. You embraced my ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ vision, and because of your trust, we have made real progress.

Let’s look at what that progress means:

New Smart Green Schools are almost ready.

Primary healthcare centers now exist in all 260 wards.

Crime has dropped by 80%, and health outcomes have greatly improved.

We have built a modern Command and Control Centre with AI-powered security systems and 150 patrol vehicles.

Water is flowing again, roads are being built, and revenue has increased by 600%.

The International Conference Centre is attracting visitors, and Enugu Air has started direct flights.

Tourism and eco-projects are growing fast.

We are building farm estates and improving transport with new CNG buses and terminals.

Old assets like Hotel Presidential and Nigergas are back to life.

Enugu has won national awards as

With his defection, Governor Mbah has not only altered the political landscape of Enugu but also signaled a potential realignment of forces in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, as observers say his move could inspire other regional leaders to follow suit in pursuit of stronger federal collaboration.

2026 FIFA WCQ: Super Eagles storm into Africa playoffs after win against Benin

A Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a sensational pile-driver by substitute Frank Onyeka that ensured a 4-0 win over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday evening was enough to send Nigeria to the Four-Team CAF Playoff Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

The three-time African champions knew before kickoff that they would qualify automatically from Group C if they defeated Benin Republic by any margin and South Africa failed to defeat Rwanda in Nelspruit.

However, Bafana Bafana raced to a 2-0 lead over the Amavubi at Mbombela, and not to be outdone, the Super Eagles also went into recess with two unreplied goals up on the Cheetahs at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Victor Osimhen wasted no time registering his name on the scoresheet, as he latched onto a brilliant pass by Samuel Chukwueze to put Nigeria ahead in the second minute, sending goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou the wrong way.

Stanley Nwabali saved brilliantly from Steve Mounié as the Cheetahs broke forward in the 12th minute, but Nigeria kept probing and the relentless Osimhen saw his header go a little too high in the 21st minute.

Table-toppers Benin Republic broke forward again in the 28th minute but Nwabali punched Tosin Aiyegun’s effort from close range.

Osimhen, unstoppable, rose above everyone to nod home Nigeria’s second in the 36th minute, from a cross by Chukwueze.

Nigeria, dogged and determined coming into the second half, and knowing that their only route would be the playoff as South Africa continued to pummel Rwanda in Nelspruit, did not put their feet off the pedal.

Osimhen was on hand again to score the third goal, as the ball rocked the crossbar from Simon Moses’ free-kick from the right.

It was Osimhen’s 29th goal in 44 matches for Nigeria – a remarkable tally that means he will overtake ‘Goalsfather’ Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) at the pinnacle of Nigeria’s goals’ haul with nine more strikes.

As Nigeria continued to pour forward, Simon Moses, earning his 85th cap, saw his snapshot pushed to corner by Dandjinou in the 53rd minute, and in the 75th minute, Osimhen’s wonderful chested-pass freed Alex Iwobi for a shot, which was charged down by David Kiki.

Two minutes later, Osimhen headed powerfully from a Moses’ cross but the ball was punched away.

With 90 minutes on the clock, substitute Frank Onyeka rifled home a cross by Moses to give Nigeria a 4-0 win and passage to the continental playoff, which will take place in Morocco, 13th – 16th November.

Gabon and Cameroon are the two countries ahead of Nigeria presently in the new table for second-placed teams across the nine groups, going CAF’s new method of calculating the second-placed teams following the withdrawal of Eritrea from the race. Nigeria bagged 15 points with a goals’ difference of plus seven, as against Burkina Faso’s 15 points and goals’ difference of plus six.

Only the group winners are automatically through to the finals in North America next summer.

Either Burkina Faso or the Democratic Republic of Congo (playing at home to Sudan on Tuesday night) will join the trio for the battles of Morocco next month.

The winner in Morocco will proceed to the Six-Team Intercontinental Playoff, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalaja and Monterrey in March next year, where two teams will emerge and qualify for the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico.

The winner from the African playoff will be joined by Bolivia, New Caledonia and two teams from Central America, and one from Asia.

Police nab 105 for drug peddling in Jigawa

Police operatives have arrested 105 suspects over alleged drug peddling in simultaneous conducted between Oct. 6 and Oct. 13, across the Jigawa State.

The spokesman for Jigawa Police Command, SP Shiisu Lawan, confirmed this on Tuesday in Dutse the Jigawa State capital.

He said operatives of the command nabbed the suspects following simultaneous raids between Oct. 6 and Oct. 13, across the state.

Lawan said the police recovered over 5,000 different illicit drugs, narcotic substances and cash from the suspects.

He listed the seized drugs to include 2,341 tablets of exol; 1,146 D-5 tablets, 270 tramadol tablets, a pecel and 1,042 wraps of marijuana, 10 tablets of Diazepam, 53 pieces of rubber solution, N92,460, among others.

The spokesman said the command had prosecuted 50 out of the 105 suspects, while the remaining would be charged to court on completion of investigations.

Tinubu to ECOWAS: Declare resource theft, illegal mining international crime

President Bola Tinubu has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to designate resource theft, illegal mining and mineral smuggling as international crimes that threatens regional stability.

Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, at the 7th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).

The theme of the 2025 meeting of the Assembly is ‘A United ECOWAS Against corruption: Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Asset Recovery and Exchange of Information’.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, said that the theme of the conference was apt.

The president emphasised the need for collective action to combat illicit financial flows and corruption in the region.

His proposal highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in tackling corruption and its manifestations.

He noted that no country could single-handedly win the battle against illicit flows, and NACIWA offered a platform for ECOWAS to harness regional efforts.

He emphasised that corruption, insecurity, and illicit financial flows were interconnected and must be addressed collectively.

Tinubu highlighted the devastating impact of corruption and resource theft on West Africa’s economic and political trajectory, saying that it fueled insecurity, violent crimes, and hindered development.

He stressed that under Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, significant progress had been made in tracing and recovering stolen assets.

He said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), led by Ola Olukoyede, had been instrumental in recovering stolen assets, with notable successes over the past two years.

He emphasised the need for a paradigm shift from rhetoric to taking deliberate measures to actualise the vision of ECOWAS founding fathers for collective prosperity and good governance across the region.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in his remarks also urged ECOWAS to unite against corruption, stressing that it was a moral, legal, and cultural imperative.

Fagbemi emphasised the need for collective action to combat corruption, which he said fueled poverty, instability, and undermined development in the region.

He urged West African nations to domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption, noting that this would ensure that corrupt officials find no safe haven within the sub region.

‘Let us domesticate the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption so that thieves find no hiding place.

‘The child who says his mother will not sleep will also not sleep; so the corrupt who disturbs the peace of nations must not find rest across borders.

Fagbemi also proposed the establishment of an ECOWAS Regional Task Force on Asset Recovery, to be supported by NACIWA, to coordinate investigations and intelligence sharing among member states.

He also emphasised the importance of independence and resources for anti-corruption institutions and engaging citizens, media, and civil society in the fight against corruption.

He further warned against under-funding anti-corruption agencies, noting that such could make them vulnerable to compromise.

‘The goat eats where it is tied; if we starve our institutions, they will be unable to resist corruption,’ said.

He proposed several other measures to strengthen regional collaboration and asset recovery efforts, including building trusted information channels, and equipping investigators, prosecutors, and judges with necessary skills.

The attorney general commended the leadership of NACIWA’s President, Ola Olukoyede, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a corruption-free region where justice, equity, and accountability form the bedrock of governance.

Olukoyede in his remarks said the fight against corruption in West Africa must be viewed within the broader context of political stability and social justice.

The NACIWA president who is also the Chairman of the EFCC, highlighted the challenges facing the network to include political transitions, security concerns, and governance challenges in some member states.

He emphasised the need for NACIWA to remain a stabilising moral force, championing transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity.

The EFCC chairman called on member institutions to reaffirm their commitment to NACIWA’s founding principles of solidarity, mutual assistance, and institutional integrity.

He urged the network to consolidate its achievements, address institutional and financial sustainability challenges, and ensure that cooperation transcends political cycles and national boundaries.

Present at the occasion were Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-corruption, and Financia Crimes, Sen Emmanuel Udende; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-corruption, and Financial Crimes, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, represented by a member of the committee,Nnamdi Eze

Others include EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautta Mignot, Vice President of ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, represented by an official, Princess Chifiero among others