Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has been named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 by Euromoney, one of the world’s most respected authorities on financial services and banking excellence.

The prestigious recognition affirms the bank’s sustained leadership in digital innovation, customer experience and financial inclusion, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading technology-driven financial institutions.

Presented annually, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence celebrate banks that are redefining financial services through innovation, measurable impact and outstanding customer value. In selecting Wema Bank for the award, Euromoney recognised the Bank’s successful digital transformation journey, its continuous innovation through ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank, and its unwavering commitment to delivering simpler, smarter and more accessible banking experiences for customers.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said: ‘This award is a strong validation of the deliberate investments we have made over the years to build a truly digital bank that puts customers at the centre of everything we do.

‘Innovation for us has never been about technology for its own sake. It has always been about creating solutions that make banking easier, faster, safer and more rewarding for every customer.

‘From pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank with ALAT to continuously evolving our digital capabilities, we have remained focused on anticipating customer needs and building experiences that create real value. We are honoured by this recognition from Euromoney and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation as we shape the future of banking in Nigeria.’

A key milestone in Wema Bank’s digital transformation has been the evolution and upgraded version of ALAT, which introduced next-generation capabilities including voice banking, tap-to-pay functionality, personalised financial services and integrated investment opportunities through strategic partnerships. Together with faster digital onboarding, AI-powered fraud monitoring, intelligent customer personalisation and an expanding agency banking network, these innovations continue to enhance customer experience while extending financial services to more Nigerians.

Euromoney also recognised Wema Bank’s ability to leverage technology to build deeper customer relationships through data-driven personalisation, enabling customers to receive tailored recommendations across savings, investments and credit products based on their financial needs and behaviour.

For over eight decades, Wema Bank has remained at the forefront of innovation in Nigeria’s financial services industry. As the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, the Bank continues to redefine banking by combining technology, customer insight and innovation to deliver seamless, secure and inclusive financial solutions for individuals, businesses and communities.

The Euromoney recognition further reinforces Wema Bank’s commitment to building the future of banking through continuous innovation, operational excellence and customer-centric solutions that create lasting value.

Financial expert Babatunde Ogunsipe has underscored the need for stronger data governance, cybersecurity resilience and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s expanding banking services, fintech innovation and digital financial services.

In a chat with The Nation, he said with cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and the cost of data breaches continuing to rise, investment in compliance, privacy governance and consumer protection is no longer simply a regulatory requirement but a critical business strategy for safeguarding institutional assets, customer trust and long-term financial stability.

According to him, financial mergers present heightened cybersecurity risks because customer databases, digital platforms and operational systems must be integrated without compromising sensitive information or disrupting essential services.

To address these risks, Ogunsipe stressed the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into mergers’ compliance framework, reinforcing ethical governance, transparency, privacy protection and consumer accountability. ‘Governance must be measurable. It cannot exist only at the policy level. Institutions have to demonstrate how accountability, privacy protection and ethical risk management operate in practice.

‘A merger is not only about combining operations; it is also about making sure governance systems remain strong enough to protect members, maintain accountability and preserve institutional trust during change,’ Ogunsipe said.

According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, financial institutions remain among the industries with the highest data breach costs globally, with governance failures, weak privacy controls and integration gaps identified as major contributors to security incidents during organisational transitions.

Ogunsipe stressed the need for compliance and privacy due diligence during mergers, adding that regulatory obligations, operational controls, disclosure systems and consumer protection measures should be effective.

Chinese President, Xi Jinping, has unveiled a five-year, 5,000 artificial intelligence (AI) training opportunities for developing nations.

Xi also announced that China would enable 30 countries to access its AI-powered meteorological warning system, MAZU, to improve disaster preparedness and protect vulnerable communities.

The Chinese leader said the initiative is part of the efforts to bridge the global AI governance between developed and developing countries.

Speaking on Friday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, Xi also announced plans to establish international AI application cooperation centres with the Association of

Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and BRICS.

Xi explained that the initiative would strengthen AI capacity in the Global South and promote equitable access to emerging technologies.

‘AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,’ Xi said.

He also announced that the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), first proposed by China last year, has officially been established in Shanghai, describing it as a major milestone in global AI governance and a response to calls from developing countries for a more inclusive international AI framework.

Xi outlined four principles for global AI governance, urging countries to promote open innovation, strengthen AI safety and security, encourage inclusiveness and cultural diversity, and improve multilateral governance under the United Nations.

He warned that while AI offers unprecedented opportunities for economic and social development, it also presents security, ethical and governance risks that require coordinated international action.

‘AI should be a trusted tool for humanity,’ Xi said, calling for stronger laws, regulatory frameworks, technological monitoring, early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure AI remains under human control.

At the same time, he cautioned against expanding national security restrictions in ways that hinder international AI cooperation.

Xi said China has made AI a key driver of its economic transformation, noting that the country’s core smart economy industries are now worth more than one trillion yuan and that AI applications are increasingly improving manufacturing, public services and daily life.

He added that China has continued to strengthen its AI regulatory framework, ethical standards and governance mechanisms to ensure the technology develops safely and responsibly.

Highlighting China’s international role, Xi said Beijing has promoted the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly resolution on AI capacity building, launched the AI.

Capacity Building Action Plan for Good and for All, and introduced the AI Plus International Cooperation Initiative.

He called on the international community to work together to ensure AI advances sustainable development rather than widening global inequalities.

‘As AI advances at a staggering speed, we must ensure its development is for the positive, for good and for humanity.

‘We should always guide AI development with human wisdom and international consensus so that AI can truly become a mighty force that increases the well-being of humanity and advances human civilisation,’ he said.

Congratulations on your graduation from ALX Software Engineering! How does it feel to achieve this milestone at such a young age?

Thank you! It feels incredible. When I began this journey, I never thought I would graduate in software engineering before turning 16. My initial dream was to pursue medicine, but circumstances led me to delve into software engineering. Now, I see it as a fortunate turn of events. I’ve had the chance to learn from esteemed experts globally, earning over 30 certifications in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This journey has expanded my horizons and inspired me to merge AI with medicine to tackle real-world healthcare issues.

You finished secondary school at just 12 years old, which is impressive. How did that happen?

I was fortunate to have an accelerated education, which enabled me to complete secondary school early. I’ve always had a strong passion for learning, especially in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. I took the JAMB exam in 2023 and scored 262, feeling confident about my chances of studying medicine. However, I was devastated to learn that I couldn’t gain admission due to Nigeria’s 16-year minimum age requirement for university enrollment.

That must have been difficult. How did you handle that setback?

It was really tough because becoming a medical doctor has been my dream since I was a child. My father always called me ‘Doctor Zainab’ and encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine, believing that there weren’t enough Muslim female doctors in our hospitals. When I found out I had to wait four years before I could start university, I felt completely lost.

But then my father suggested I look into software engineering while I waited. Initially, I wasn’t interested at all, but he explained how artificial intelligence is changing the field of medicine. He convinced me that if I could merge AI with medicine, I could help tackle some of the complex challenges in healthcare. That idea really resonated with me, and I decided to give it a shot.

You have earned over 30 certifications in software engineering, AI, and machine learning. Can you tell us more about your learning journey?

Of course! One of the most exciting parts of my journey has been learning from renowned experts around the world. My educational experience includes:

ALX Software Engineering Program – Focused on front-end development.

Techvinson Academy – Concentrated on back-end software engineering.

KemonAI – Specialized in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Udemy, RITA Africa, SheCodes, and GreatLearning – Completed various courses in AI, machine learning, web development, and other tech-related fields.

Through these platforms, I’ve established a strong foundation in programming languages such as C, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, and Python. I’ve also gained skills in frameworks and libraries like React and Bootstrap. My expertise extends to development tools like Git and GitHub, as well as preprocessor technologies like SASS. The variety of teaching methods and advanced topics I’ve encountered have helped me grow into a well-rounded software developer.

That’s impressive! What kind of projects have you worked on so far?

I’ve worked on several projects to put my skills into practice, including:

A Quote Generator – It creates random inspirational quotes.

. E-commerce website. Online store to sell and buy products

. Real Estate Company App. For real estate companies

. Portfolio website. This showcases my work, certificates and projects

A Poem Generator – This one uses AI to craft poetry.

Chatbots for Schools and Law Firms – These automate communication for various institutions.

Web and Mobile Applications – I developed these using modern technologies like React and Python.

These projects have provided me with valuable hands-on experience in problem-solving and innovation, which has prepared me for more significant challenges in the field.

Even with all these accomplishments in software engineering, you still want to study medicine. How do you plan to merge both fields?

Absolutely, my passion for medicine remains strong. However, I now envision a broader perspective-I don’t just want to be a doctor; I aspire to be a doctor who incorporates AI into the medical field. AI is already making significant strides in healthcare, from diagnosing diseases to enabling robotic surgeries and advancing medical research. My aim is to specialize in an area that leverages AI for medical innovations.

Currently, I’m exploring courses that blend AI with medicine. Unfortunately, I haven’t come across any programs in Nigeria that offer this combination. That’s why I’m considering international universities where I can study either Artificial Intelligence or a program that merges AI with medicine. If any university can offer me a spot, I would be thrilled to accept it.

You’re currently 14. Are you planning to wait until you turn 16 to apply for a university in Nigeria, or do you have other plans?

I still have two years until I turn 16, so I don’t want to just sit around. I’m eager to keep learning about AI and medicine. During this time, I plan to dive into more research, work on advanced projects, and look for scholarship opportunities abroad. If I get an offer from an international university, I would definitely accept it because I want to pursue both programming and medicine. My goal is to find a course that lets me combine these two passions.

You’re also pursuing an ND program at Transformation College of Business and Technology. How do you manage to balance all these commitments?

It really comes down to effective time management and having discipline. I make sure to organize my schedule thoughtfully and establish clear priorities. Some days can be quite tough, but I keep my motivation high because I have specific goals in mind. Having a solid support system, especially from my family, has been incredibly helpful.

Looking back, do you think not getting into university at 12 was actually a blessing in disguise?

Absolutely! Initially, it felt like a major setback, but now I view it differently. If I had jumped straight into medicine, I might never have explored software engineering and AI. Now, I have a unique perspective-I understand both the medical field and technology. This combination will enable me to make a meaningful impact in healthcare that goes beyond traditional practices. I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and my journey is preparing me for something greater.

Finally, what advice do you have for young people facing unexpected challenges in their career paths?

My advice is straightforward: Don’t view setbacks as failures. Instead, think of them as opportunities for redirection. If things don’t go as planned, keep your spirits up. Look for other possibilities and continue to learn. Often, the path you didn’t expect can lead to the greatest rewards. Stay curious, embrace new knowledge, and always hold on to your dreams.

Thank you, Zainab! Your story is incredibly inspiring. We can’t wait to see the amazing things you will achieve.

Thank you! I’m really looking forward to the future and am eager to make a difference.

OSOGBO capital of Osun State was agog on Saturday with presence of dignitaries from the country as the National Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru held 21days Fidau prayer for his late mother, Alhaja Sidikatu Basiru(Iya Suru).

The late matriarch died at the age of 96 after a brief illness and she was survived by the APC National scribe and his elder brother, Ismail.

Dignitaries at the event held at Fakunle/Unity School, include; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; and the Osun State APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

Others include Osun House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Egbedun; former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; the Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, immediate past Board Chairman of JAMB, Prof. Olu Aina, and APC governorship candidate in Oyo state, Sharafadeen Alli, Adeleke’s cabinet members, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, Islamic clerics and party leaders from across the country.

The governors of Delta, Lagos, Plateau and Kogi states were represented at the event.

The event was marked by a rare moment of political camaraderie as Governor Adeleke and the APC governorship candidate, Oyebamiji, warmly embraced each other and exchanged pleasantries despite belonging to opposing political parties ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.

In his sermon, the Mufasir of Osogbo, Sheikh Abdulateef Abajaoro, said every human being will die and advised good deeds.

He noted that every position, wealth, influence and authority will end after death and only three things will remain with the deceased in the grave, saying ‘only the knowledge impacted while alive, alms given that people are still benefiting and a good child that is praying for the deceased will remain beneficial for the dead.’

Basiru’s elder brother, Ismail said the family submits to the will of Allah, noting that the legacy of their mother lives on in every value she instilled in them.

The APC scribe recalled that her mother continuously prayed and fasted for his breakthrough in life.

On May 15, terrorists identified by security agents as members of the Ansaru group raided the Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, all in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire local government area of Oyo State, and abducted 46 persons. Some 44 victims survived the ordeal and were rescued on July 10, about 56 days later. Shortly after the rescue, however, scoffers and sceptics began inundating the media with stories portraying the abduction in various lights ranging from the outright ridiculous to the outright mendacious. This piece is not about the scoffers; it is about the tidbits of the abduction and the 56-day adventure the terrorists forced upon their victims.

Three sources stand out in the Oriire stories. The first is the principal of the Community Grammar School, Rachael Alamu, and at least one of the abducted male teachers. The second is the General Officer Commanding 2nd Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan, Chinedu Nnebeife, a major-general. He reportedly led the rescue operation. The third source involves a few retired operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS), perhaps privy to confidential briefings. If enterprising movie producers from Nollywood are paying attention, they should be commissioning scripts for a powerful and evocative documentary on the saga. Had the abduction occurred in the United States of America, Hollywood producers would by now be hard at work. It is not late, of course, and the incident, not to say the needless controversy over the abduction and rescue, is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians. Side bars on the simultaneous Mussa Town abduction in Borno State, during which some 42 schoolchildren were also taken by Boko Haram militants, can be added to lend the event potency, rating and vista.

Mrs Alamu and the four teachers who survived the ordeal, particularly Zacchaeus Olatunde, can be relied upon to provide a copious and bird’s-eye view of the Oriire attack. Yes, they were probably not in all the three schools at the same time when the abductions took place, but they can be trusted to recount the tale, blow-by-blow, after the abductees rendezvoused at a point in the forests of the Old Oyo National Park, and when motherhood over 39 children was thrust on Mrs Alamu’s laps. Nigeria was fortunate, and so too the terrorists, that a motherly figure like Mrs Alamu was among the abductees. The teachers, except two, who were mostly chained and blindfolded during the entire saga, have been silent. Perhaps the moviemakers will find out whether the Ansaru terrorists planned the abductions in such a way that a mother figure would be among the abductees. If the terrorists can’t be interviewed in custody, the planning stages of the abductions could be reasonably fictionalised. But, generally, the DSS should be of some help in that aspect, either by providing access to some of the detained militants or assisting the scriptwriters to scan through the interrogation notes.

The Army’s 2nd Division, already exasperated by tendentious reports from traditional and social media scoffers, will on their own be less inclined to veil their operations in the forest where the abductees were kept, constantly relocated, and tormented. They can be relied upon to give a comprehensive account of how they plotted the rescue of the 44, particularly how they spun the web around the terrorists thereby restricting their movements and cutting off their supply lines. Indeed, they have already produced a vignette of the rescue efforts and accompanied it with a short but inspiring video docudrama. Gen Nebeife is not reticent, and many of the officers and operatives who participated in the rescue, may be eager to talk. But they will not visit newsrooms to recount their story. They will wait for enterprising reporters and scriptwriters to show up, for there are still many loose ends in the stories already published.

Mrs Alamu has been generous in recounting what the children, whom the abductions brought under her care, went through. She has talked about the children who were tormented, teachers who were restrained, how the victims were fed and sheltered under rain, and has even psychoanalysed what the victims thought of their ordeal. She has not given a complete and revealing portrait of the terrorists; but she can be prodded to elaborate on their modus operandi. Movie scriptwriters should know how to spin the interludes. Gen Nebeife’s accounts are equally transfixing, what with the many stories of lethal skirmishes, ferrying of collaborators by helicopters to the action scenes to provide more insights into the great chase, the movement of additional troops from Operation Savannah Shield military personnel bivouacked in Kwara State in order to effectively lock the cordon, the interrogation of the terrorists’ family members from far and near, and the difficult air search during the effort to penetrate the thick forest canopies shielding the terrorists.

For movie makers, this is probably the first time since the civil war and the coup years that the military would put up such a show. It is also the first time Special Forces across the armed services got the chance to showcase their expertise in real time and real life, outside their training platforms and simulation exercises. Moviemakers and students of history should not let this opportunity to tell a great story elude them. They should lock their noses in the treasure trove of the Oriire abduction stories and give the country the whole account, even at the risk of slight embellishments in cases where they encounter blind spots. Whatever they do or do not do, they should never let this opportunity pass them by. It is time the stories were gleefully told, and proficiently too.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has given all large taxpayer companies until July 31, 2026, to fully comply with the Federal Government’s national e-invoicing and Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), warning that companies that fail to meet the deadline could face regulatory and enforcement actions under existing tax laws.

The agency disclosed that more than 1,000 large taxpayer companies had already complied with the directive as of the first quarter of 2026, but urged those yet to complete the process to do so before the deadline.

The reminder follows an earlier public notice issued by the NRS on February 17, 2026, which announced the implementation timetable for the mandatory adoption of the National E-Invoicing and Electronic Fiscal System, also known as the Merchant Buyer Solution (MBS).

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Dare Adekanmbi, the Executive Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, had personally signed the notice directing all affected companies to complete their onboarding, system integration, testing and commencement of invoice transmission to the NRS e-invoicing platform in line with the approved implementation framework.

The statement said the revenue agency had already begun monitoring compliance among large taxpayers to determine how well companies were implementing the new system.

It warned that companies that fail to comply with the directive could be sanctioned in line with relevant tax laws and regulations.

The statement said: ‘NRS has already commenced compliance monitoring activities in order to assess the level of adherence to the e-invoicing mandate among large taxpayers.

‘Consequently, any defaulting member may be subjected to appropriate regulatory and enforcement actions in accordance with the provisions of the relevant tax laws and regulations.

‘Affected taxpayers are, therefore, advised to urgently conclude all outstanding onboarding and integration activities and commence invoice transmission before the compliance deadline.

‘The NRS appreciates the cooperation of taxpayers and remains committed to providing the necessary support to ensure the successful implementation of the national e-invoicing regime.’

The NRS explained that large taxpayers are companies with an annual gross turnover of ?5 billion and above. It said that by the end of the first quarter of 2026, more than 1,000 companies within this category had already completed the required compliance process.

The agency said full compliance involves completing the onboarding process on the NRS Merchant Buyer Solution platform and successfully integrating company systems through approved Access Point Providers (APPs) or Systems Integrators (SIs).

It added that affected companies must also complete all required validation and testing procedures, begin transmitting invoices to the NRS e-invoicing platform in line with approved standards and guidelines, and ensure they receive only compliant electronic invoices carrying valid Invoice Reference Numbers (RINs) from their suppliers.

The NRS said it would continue to provide the necessary technical support to taxpayers to ensure the successful implementation of the national e-invoicing system while urging all affected companies to meet the July 31 deadline to avoid possible sanctions.

The residence of Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Katsina State, attracted prominent political figures on Friday as governors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attended his daughter’s wedding.

Among those present were Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; the Deputy Governor of Katsina State; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; and former Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

Speaking after the event, Inuwa, a former Secretary to the Katsina State Government, said the APC delegation visited on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima to formally seek the hand of one of his daughters in marriage for a relative of the Vice President.

According to him, the marriage proposal was accepted, and the wedding was conducted the same day.

‘They were sent by Vice President Kashim Shettima to seek the hand of one of my daughters in marriage. That was what brought them to my house. Even before then, we had known one another,’ he said.

The gathering comes at a time when political interest in Inuwa has increased following recent developments within the ADC in Katsina State.

Recent visits by political figures, including the Katsina State Deputy Governor, as well as reports of engagement by stakeholders from other political parties, have drawn attention to the former state government scribe’s political standing.

Political observers said the presence of senior APC figures at the event is likely to generate interest in the state’s political landscape, although no political discussions were officially disclosed.

The Director General, Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Dr Hafiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, has disclosed that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has ordered that N3.6 billion be set aside for artisans, especially the tailoring business, which is the largest group of artisans in the country.

Ogun disclosed this during the registration and screening of the third Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme in Abuja, stating that for this year alone, the organisation is incubating businesses for tailors only and looking at training at least 200,000 people.

He said, ‘SUPA is a pet project of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. The President is not happy that for as little as a plumbing job, Nigerians import skilled artisans from neighbouring countries; they even go as far as China, Bangladesh and far-off countries to bring in artisans, meanwhile there are able men and women crying for jobs in Nigeria.

‘This shows that the Nigerian informal sector has not been organised in years, which is why the President is doing all it takes to ensure the ITF organises the skill sector, and it is being done through the SUPA program.

‘The order is to ensure artisans are well trained and meet up to global standards. After their training, if they do well, they should be given both local and international certificates. Their jobs and crafts should be licensed and captured under national data.’

He added that all the senatorial districts in the country are going through this SUPA training; in some places, two to three training centres are in operation. There are three exits to super. One is talent export, stating that President Tinubu is not against people leaving the country, but his advice is for people leaving to acquire a good skill and get an authentic certificate such that wherever you are, people will sort after you.

The DG said ITF would help the graduates get jobs in industries; their names and what they do will be dropped in the ITF marketplace, where, if people do a name search, their details will pop up, all thanks to the database.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over the latest World Bank report indicating that about 139 million Nigerians, representing roughly 60 per cent of the population, live below the national poverty line, urging the Federal Government to adopt policies that directly improve citizens’ welfare.

In a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the figures reflected the need for a reassessment of the country’s economic direction.

The ADC argued that while the Federal Government has highlighted improvements in macroeconomic indicators such as revenue generation and foreign reserves, the benefits have yet to translate into improved living conditions for many Nigerians.

According to the party, economic reforms should be judged by their impact on households rather than by statistical gains alone.

It also criticised what it described as an overreliance on palliative programmes, maintaining that temporary interventions could not provide a lasting solution to poverty and hunger.

The ADC said sustainable progress would require structural reforms that increase food production, lower the cost of doing business and create employment opportunities.

The party outlined a four-point economic agenda, including improving security in farming communities to enable farmers to return to their lands, rehabilitating the country’s 264 abandoned dams to expand irrigation, strengthening agricultural value chains through regional production clusters, and increasing investment in education, healthcare and skills development.

It maintained that rebuilding the agricultural sector would help reduce food prices, improve rural incomes and enhance national food security.

The ADC said Nigeria’s economic success should ultimately be measured by improvements in the quality of life of its citizens, including reductions in poverty and hunger, rather than by macroeconomic indicators alone.