Category: PM News

The Lagos State Government on Thursday launched its Industrial Policy 20252030, a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the state into a leading manufacturing hub in Africa while driving investment, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Governor He noted that evolving supply chains, technological advancements and increasing demand for efficiency and innovation require bold policy direction to secure future competitiveness.

According to the governor, the policy is aligned with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda and the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, both of which envision a globally competitive megacity driven by productivity, innovation and industrial excellence.

He added that the government plans to expand industrial clusters, improve port efficiency–particularly through the Lekki Deep Sea Port and strengthen transport systems to reduce logistics costs and enhance productivity.

The governor also said the policy would support small and medium-scale enterprises to scale operations and integrate into regional and global value chains, while leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

A representative of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment described the policy as a practical model that aligns with Nigeria’s national industrial agenda, particularly in promoting job creation and poverty reduction.

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, characterised the initiative as a commitment between the government and residents, urging investors, financial institutions, academia and the diaspora to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

She said Lagos remains a high-yield industrial destination and called for stronger collaboration to translate policy into measurable economic outcomes.

A leadership educator with a growing international profile, Peter Adeleke, has been nominated in the Education category of the Calgary Awards, one of Canada’s most respected civic honours.

The 2026 edition of the awards recognises individuals whose work is shaping communities through meaningful and sustained contributions. Adeleke is listed among eight nominees in the education category, each representing diverse approaches to learning and development across the city.

Adeleke’s nomination reflects his growing influence as a leadership educator whose work spans community spaces, academic institutions and international platforms.

Known for his practical teaching style, he focuses on equipping learners with essential skills such as communication, decision-making and personal development.

He has consistently advocated for leadership to be taught as a structured discipline, comparable to subjects like mathematics, science and the arts.

According to him, embedding leadership education into formal curricula could better prepare individuals for real-world challenges and societal impact.

His global recognition gained momentum following his achievement of a Guinness World Record for the longest leadership lesson, a marathon session that attracted participants from multiple countries.

However, observers note that his current nomination reflects more than a single milestone, highlighting instead the consistency of his work and the breadth of his reach over time.

Established in 1994, the Calgary Awards represent the highest level of civic recognition in the city, celebrating individuals whose contributions have made a lasting difference.

Being shortlisted is widely regarded as a strong endorsement of impact and service.

For Adeleke, the nomination signals a broader shift in how leadership education is perceived globally. His teachings have also been compiled into a book structured as a practical curriculum for schools and higher institutions, further extending his influence within the education sector.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as Minister of Power, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The nomination has been transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Constitution.

The nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down from office to pursue elective office.

Mr Tegbe, from Oyo State, is a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

He is a former Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led wide-ranging initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, and governance. He has also advised key government institutions and private sector organisations on strategic reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment structuring.

He is at present the Director General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he is responsible for strengthening bilateral development cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

The NCSP also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders to advance economic and social development in line with FOCAC objectives.

Mr Tegbe’s experience includes significant engagements within the power sector, particularly in regulatory and institutional reform involving agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET).

His nomination is expected to strengthen further ongoing efforts to reform the power sector, enhance grid stability, and attract sustainable investment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President expects the Minister-Designate, upon confirmation, to bring his extensive expertise to bear to advance critical reforms and deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians in the power sector.

Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has officially endorsed Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections.

In a personal letter signed on Thursday, Ambode expressed his full support for Hamzat’s candidacy, praising his loyalty, hard work, and dedication to the party over the past two decades.

Ambode’s congratulatory message came shortly after Abdul-Azeez Adediran, widely known as Jandor, announced his withdrawal from the race to become the APC’s candidate for Lagos State Governor.

“I join my fellow members of the All Progressives Congress to congratulate my brother and friend, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, on his emergence as the Consensus Governorship Candidate of our great party, the APC,” Ambode said in the letter.

He highlighted Hamzat’s commitment to the party’s ideals and values of unity and progress, noting that the adoption of Hamzat as the APC’s candidate reflected his decades of service and loyalty to the party.

Ambode also expressed confidence in Hamzat’s leadership abilities, saying, “I am sure that our State will benefit immensely from your wealth of experience and skills.”

Ambode reiterated his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid, emphasizing the importance of backing the president’s leadership for the continued prosperity of Lagos and Nigeria.

“As I congratulate Dr. Hamzat on his adoption, I restate my unshakeable commitment to support the re-election of our leader, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR. I strongly believe that the greater prosperity of Lagos and indeed Nigeria is firmly tied to the continued governance of Mr. President,” Ambode said.

Ambode further pledged his commitment to helping deliver a landslide victory for the APC at both the state and federal levels, with a goal of securing at least 3 million votes for President Tinubu and ensuring the re-election of APC senators and representatives in the National Assembly

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Abia governor Alex Otti declared that Labour Party (LP) presidential ticket is open to all qualified members ahead of the 2027 general elections, while expressing confidence in its newly constituted National Working Committee (NWC).

Otti who is the National Leader of the party stated this on Thursday in Abuja after observing the inaugural meeting of the NWC.

Otti said the new leadership, which emerged from the party’s recent national convention, had the backing and capacity to reposition the party.

He congratulated the National Chairman, Sen. Nenadi Usman, and members of the 13-member committee, noting that the high physical attendance at the meeting reflected unity and commitment.

“I would like to congratulate the National Chairman and members of the National Working Committee for being found worthy to lead the party for the next four years. We have absolute confidence in her ability to lead,” he said.

Otti added that the party remained focused on strengthening its internal processes, including primaries and voting procedures, ahead of future elections.

On concerns about internal divisions, he said the outcome of the convention demonstrated broad participation, with more than 25 state chairmen; including some from previous leadership structures in attendance.

According to him, this signals that the party is gradually overcoming its challenges and consolidating unity.

Speaking on the 2027 presidential race, Otti said the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants.

“If you meet the requirements of the party and you want to run, we will give you a ticket. Democracy does not stop anybody who wants to contest. It is the people that will decide who leads them,” he said.

He outlined key conditions for aspirants, including party membership and financial standing, stressing that no qualified member would be excluded.

On speculations about political alignments, Otti dismissed claims of external influence, maintaining that all registered parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), would continue to operate within the democratic space.

“There is no substance to claims of any hidden hand. APC was there in 2023 and remains a political party. The same applies to other parties,” he said.

The national leader reiterated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and inclusiveness as it positions itself for the next electoral cycle.

Usman was elected National Chairman at the party’s national convention held in Umuahia, Abia, after serving as interim chairman since Sept. 4, 2024.

Her emergence makes her the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria. (NAN)

Authorities in the United Kingdom have launched an investigation following the discovery of a man and a woman, both believed to be in their 20s, dead in a hotel room in The bodies were found on Tuesday afternoon at a Premier Inn Ipswich Town Centre, prompting an emergency response to the scene.

Emergency services, including multiple police units and an ambulance, were dispatched to the premises, an 85-room facility spread across six floors, shortly before 2:30 p.m.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing at least five police cars and two police vans stationed outside the three-star hotel during the operation.

According to a statement from The police confirmed that the families of the deceased have been informed, adding that investigations are still at an early stage.

The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained, although authorities indicated that there are no immediate indications of suspicious circumstances.

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has declared that Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement has finally laid to rest all disputes over parallel leadership structures within the party

Wike said this while speaking at a press conference he called after the Supreme Court judgement that nullified the national convention conducted by a rival faction of the party led by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed in November 2025.

The FCT Minister whose faction conducted its own national convention some weeks ago said the PDP) has emerged united and free of internal factions following the Supreme Court judgment. The Minister claimed the apex court judgment affirmed the legitimacy of his faction’s national convention.

He dismissed insinuation that the Supreme Court affirmed the suspension of the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, saying there was no such issue for determination before the court.

“Today, the Supreme Court has brought to an end the so-called factions of the PDP.

“There is no more faction in the party. There is only one PDP,” he said.

The minister explained that the court dismissed appeals challenging earlier judgments from lower courts, thereby upholding the legitimacy of the party’s convention and its current leadership.

According to him, attempts by aggrieved groups to overturn the outcome of the convention failed at all judicial levels.

“The Supreme Court has validated our convention and set aside all claims to any parallel structure.

“What this means is that the PDP has come to stay as one united party,” Wike stated.

He stressed the need for political actors to operate strictly within the framework of the law, warning against actions capable of undermining party constitutions and electoral regulations.

“The fact that you are in a position does not mean you can act outside the law. There are rules guiding party activities, and those rules must be followed,” he added.

Wike also dismissed the relevance of some defectors who exited the party during the crisis, describing them as politically insignificant, while leaving the door open for others to return.

“Those who left are not electoral assets; they are liabilities. However, those who left out of uncertainty may reconsider and return now that the situation is clear,” he said.

On ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures, the minister ruled out participation in alliances that lack clear national interest or constructive engagement.

“We do not believe in opposition for opposition’s sake. Our approach is constructive, not destructive,” he said.

He further noted that recent judicial pronouncements in political matters reinforce the need for due process, urging aggrieved parties to always seek redress through the courts.

Wike maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s foremost opposition platform, expressing confidence in its readiness to provide credible alternatives in the country’s democratic process.

“The PDP is stable, united and ready to play its role effectively. What has happened today is a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy,” he said.(NAN)(

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said his many appearances before appellate courts as a litigant played a major role in shaping his legal career and strengthening his respect for the judiciary.

Wike spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Ukala’s Manual on Appellate Practice,” written by senior lawyer Emmanuel C. Ukala. The event was held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Garki.

According to Wike, his experience in prosecuting and defending several cases before appellate courts gave him a deeper understanding of the discipline and seriousness required at that level of legal practice.

“I am a direct beneficiary of the work done at the appellate level, having had the privilege, as a party in numerous disputes, to prosecute and defend cases before appellate courts. These experiences have deepened my appreciation of the discipline, rigour, and institutional value of appellate adjudication,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor, who is also a Life Bencher, said standing before the courts as a litigant rather than as counsel gave him a different and valuable perspective on the legal process.

He noted that appellate advocacy is not the same as trial advocacy, stressing that it demands precision, disciplined reasoning, proper structure, and strong command of both substantive and procedural law.

Wike described Ukala’s manual as a practical legal tool that would benefit both young lawyers and senior practitioners.

“This is not the kind of book that will sit quietly on a shelf. It is one that will be consulted often, especially in moments when a lawyer must get it right,” Wike said.

The minister also revealed his personal link with the author, saying he began his legal career at Ukala’s law firm, where he learnt values that have continued to influence his professional and public life.

He praised the book for covering key areas of appellate practice, including notices and grounds of appeal, compilation of records, interlocutory applications, briefs of argument, written and oral advocacy, and the original jurisdiction of appellate courts.

Wike urged young lawyers not to treat the book launch as a ceremonial event, but to study and apply the lessons in the manual to improve their legal practice.

“Do not just celebrate this book; use it. Let it challenge and refine you. Excellence in this profession is a deliberate pursuit,” he said.

The event was attended by leading figures in the legal profession, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, members of the Body of Benchers, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

By Isaiah Eka

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned his officers that any misuse of weapon or unlaWful killing will attract instant dismissal and prosecution.

Disu said this while warning that the era of recklessness and impunity in the Force is over nationwide during the passing-out of 1,068 retrained constables at Police Mobile Force Base 26, Uyo, on Thursday.

He said, “An unskilled officer with a gun is a danger, while a skilled, disciplined officer is a true guardian of the people.”

The I-G praised the Akwa Ibom command for retraining female officers in arms handling, stressing that gender is no barrier to competence.

He reminded officers that Force Order 237 remains binding, with firearms used only as a last resort, proportionately, and within the law.

“Impunity ends now. Any officer who misuses a weapon or kills unlawfully will be dismissed and prosecuted.

“Not transferred. Not queried. Not redeployed. No badge is a licence to kill. No uniform shields anyone from justice,” Disu said.

He also warned against extortion, drunkenness on duty, and reckless firearm use, noting offenders would face summary dismissal and prosecution.

Disu urged the retrained constables to carry weapons with restraint, wear uniforms with dignity, and treat citizens with respect.

“The real examination begins tomorrow, when you return to the streets,” he said.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, said some personnel were selected for the new Violent Crime Response Unit.

He said the unit was created on the I-G’s directive as a strategic force against violent crimes across the state.

Azare cited successes, including safe evacuation of explosives at Ikot Ekpene custodial centre and rescue of kidnap victims along CalabarOron waterways.

He reaffirmed commitment to community policing, urging residents to support the police with timely and credible information. (NAN)

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a 50-year national economic plan for Nigeria.

The bill, sponsored by Amobi Ogah, seeks to create a legal framework for a long-term economic plan covering 2026 to 2076.

It was debated during Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Leading the debate, Ogah said the proposed law was aimed at tackling Nigeria’s long-standing problem of policy inconsistency and short-term development planning.

According to him, successive administrations have introduced several development plans, including Vision 2010, Vision 20:2020 and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, but many of them failed due to poor implementation, policy reversals and lack of legal backing.

Ogah said the bill would provide a binding national framework to guide economic planning across different administrations.

He said: “A 50-year national economic plan for Nigeria 20262076 represents a bold and transformative legislative initiative aimed at addressing one of the country’s persistent development challenges — policy inconsistency and short-term economic planning.

“The proposed bill seeks to establish a legally binding, long-term economic framework that will guide national development across successive administrations.”

The lawmaker said Nigeria’s inability to sustain development plans had led to abandoned projects, weak institutional coordination and waste of public resources.

He added that the proposed plan would help promote macroeconomic stability, investor confidence and sustainable growth.

According to him, a long-term economic framework would reduce uncertainty, strengthen fiscal and monetary planning, and protect the economy from external shocks, especially fluctuations in global oil prices.

Ogah said the bill would also support economic diversification, strengthen coordination among government institutions and provide legal backing for implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

He added that the proposal was in line with global and continental development models, citing South Africa, Rwanda, Botswana and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as examples of long-term planning frameworks.

Supporting the bill, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere urged lawmakers to back the proposal, saying it would promote discipline in national planning.

“This is not even about the annual budget but a framework to reposition planning through discipline. This way, any party in power will not deviate from it,” Ihonvbere said.

The bill was subsequently passed for second reading.